Page 14 of Soul

Maci’s breathing seemed troubled. “No! I want you to admit you’re special!” Maci demanded.

“What do you mean?” Slasher inquired gently. I saw his fingers twitch and guessed he was picking up on Maci’s ill health.

Before Maci could answer, Bryony called out from next door. “Maci? Where are you?”

“She’s here,” I shouted back.

“What?” Bryony exclaimed, and her head appeared over the fence. “I’m coming over!” There was a clear threat in Bryony’s voice. One I could appreciate. Moments later, Bryony entered and headed straight for Maci.

“What are you doing?” Bryony hissed.

Maci struggled to fold her arms as she winced in pain, and Slasher stepped forward. I held out a hand and stopped him.

“Mom, they’re like me. All of them,” Maci announced.

Bryony snapped upright and gazed at us as she grabbed Maci’s wheelchair handles. “Sorry for Maci bothering you, she has a vivid imagination.”

“Lie,” I boomed. I hadn’t experienced pain, but Bryony was lying.

“What?” Bryony gasped.

“That was a lie. I felt it,” I replied.

“Lie,” Maci stated, and I laughed.

“Ditto, kid!”

“I don’t understand what you’re talking about,” Bryony responded as she began backing away.

“Lie!”

“Stop that!” Bryony snapped.

“I have powers. I sense when people are lying to me. Slasher can heal, and Priest talks to animals,” I offered, trying to give Bryony something to work with.

Bryony’s eyes narrowed. “Do you think you’re funny? Maci is a little girl. You shouldn’t be bullying and teasing her like that. She’ll think you’re serious.”

“We are, Bryony. Can I call you that? We have… for the lack of a better word… psychic abilities. Half of my MC does. But Maci and I share one, the ability to sense lies,” I replied.

“You’re loathsome!” Bryony hissed. “People like you, who tease and make fun of her, have made their lives a misery. Leave us alone. Maci has a fanciful imagination, and there’s nothing wrong with that!”

“Slasher,” I said, and he nodded.

“Can I approach Maci, ma’am? Maci’s pain is grating on my skin, and I’ll take it away from her,” Slasher asked softly.

“No!” Bryony exclaimed, and I saw the panic in her face. Shit, what had this family been through? Somehow, I guessed the kids had slipped up a lot when younger, and they’d paid the price.

“Look at me. You don’t know me. That’s fine. But Slasher can help block Maci’s pain and even try healing her if we understand what’s wrong with her,” I said.

“Liar!” Bryony hissed, but Maci let out a soft cry and twisted her body.

Slasher stepped forward, ignored gaining permission, and put a hand on Maci’s head. Slasher closed his eyes as Bryony moved to intercept him.

I stopped Bryony.

“Let Slasher work,” I murmured.

“Are you getting off on this?” Bryony accused in a low voice.

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