Page 13 of Soul

“Ham, you don’t know what you’re talking about… ow.”

“Maci, you okay?” Hamilton asked with concern.

“A spasm,” Maci dismissed, but the agony in her voice was clear.

Strangely, that was the first time I’d heard pain mentioned.

“I’m sorry. I’m burned out at the moment,” Hamilton muttered sadly.

“It’s fine. I’ll manage,” Maci replied bravely.

“Give me a week, and I can block you again,” Hamilton murmured, and I sat up.

What had Ham just said?

“Shhh. He’s next door,” Maci hissed.

“Oops. Quick, move away,” Ham demanded, and I stood up and peered over. I saw the back of Hamilton pushing Maci towards the house.

Had that kid just stated what I thought he had? Could they possibly have powers? Shit, the odds of that happening were astronomical.

“I can tell when people lie,” I called before I realised my intentions.

Hamilton stopped and looked over his shoulder, frightened.

“Take me back, Ham, I want to talk,” Maci hissed.

“What’s that meant to mean, mister?” Hamilton asked.

“When people lie to me, I feel it,” I explained. Hell, I’d already opened my mouth.

“I don’t know what that means,” Hamilton replied and started pushing Maci away.

Maci began arguing with Hamilton, and he won because he pushed her towards the house.

“If you ever want to ask questions, I’ll be here,” I called out and felt cringey. Did that come out wrong? Probably.

“Can I help you?” someone asked, and I glanced up. The kids had reached the house, and I was still peering over the fence.

“Sorry,” I said and backed away. Bryony sent me a suspicious stare before heading inside. Shit, I didn’t want to consider what I’d looked like.

Two days later

“Hi, mister!” Maci exclaimed as she steered herself onto my yard. My jaw dropped open at the little intruder as Slasher, Priest, and I sat up. Priest had taken a nasty slash from a randy cougar while on a hike, and mine had been the closest place. I’d called Slasher when I had seen how bad it was.

“Maci! Is your mom aware you’re here?” I asked, jumping up.

I didn’t like Maci’s colour. Her skin looked grey, and there were lines around Maci’s face that no kid her age should have. She was also slumped in the wheelchair.

“Nope. Mom doesn’t know you’re like us. And they are, too!” Maci answered, turning to Slasher. “You glow like Ham. And you’re green.”

“I’m green?” Priest repeated, amused.

“Yeah. He’s gold, and you’re black,” Maci explained, pointing at me as she said black.

Was Maci seeing auras? But I thought she’d said she was like me.

“Maci, we better tell your mom. She’ll be worried,” I announced as Slasher and I exchanged glances.

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