Page 30 of My Silent Demon

“When technology started becoming popular? But that was...”

I opened my eyes and looked at N.

Her eyes were wide. “How old are you?”

I swallowed my food and smirked.

Too old. If I tell you, you’re going to think I’m an old man.

Shock crossed N’s face. That wasn’t my intent. I frowned and watched her.

“The comment Onyx made about knowing someone named Magdalene. He stopped himself but he was about to say ‘the original,’ wasn’t he? He knew the original Mary Magdalene?”

I nodded.They had a rivalry. She wasn’t that bad. But Onyx can be competitive.

Her mouth fell open.

Surely, she had questions. I put my sandwich down to face the inquisition.

N closed her mouth, then she asked, “Your Ten Commandments joke?”

I shrugged.Yeah, that wasn’t a joke. I was a naughty child.

N was quiet for a moment, then she said, “That was so long ago. You’ve lived... I mean...” Her gaze met mine. “I probably only have 80 more years. That’s nothing to you. Why are you with me?”

My eyebrows furrowed. Whoa. That took an unexpected turn.

You’re my fated,I answered simply.

She scoffed. “What bad luck is that? You get a small blip of time with me, a few seconds of your extended existence, then you get to be alone forever. I hope you get more than one fated because it sounds like a miserable life otherwise.”

I reached for her hand, but she pulled it away.

She asked, “What if I reject it? Will that release you?”

My hand went to my chest in physical pain as the words stabbed through the heart. I didn’t want her to reject our bond. I loved her.

My eyes widened. I loved her.

I thought,N, you don’t understand.

Tears filled her eyes. “Sure I understand. You’re fated to have me for a temporary lover. A short fling. I get it.”

I launched out of my chair and rounded the table.

“I’m sorry you’re stuck with me,” she sniffled. “Tell me what to do to make this easier for you and I’ll do it.” Her gaze fell to the floor. I tried to meet her eyes, but she wouldn’t look at me.

How heartbreaking. I dropped to my knees and took her hands in mine.Have you talked to anyone about what it means to be fated? Onyx, Wynn?

She shook her head. A tear rolled down her cheek.

Look at me.

She shook her head.

N. Magdalene. Look at me.

Tentatively, she raised her gaze from the floor. She met my eyes. Another tear slipped down her cheek.

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