Page 36 of Soul

“I like it. Straight to the point,” Storm mused. She opened her mouth, but Soul came through the back.

“Lila! You can’t go harassing my neighbours!” he declared.

Lila? His sister. I looked between them and didn’t see a single likeness.

“Why not? Bryony wanted to talk to you, and I noticed something odd,” Lila replied.

“Lila!” Soul growled.

“Bryony, please lie again,” Storm asked.

“I still think you are a hag, and I fully understand this situation,” I remarked easily. I’d no idea what was going on.

Lila watched Soul as she rubbed her arms, and her eyes widened.

“Bryony, more lies,” she demanded.

“You are all totally sane, not strange, and I would love you to stay forever,” I obliged.

“Holy crap,” Lila said as she winced. “Soul, you’re not reacting!”

“Well, no, you told her to lie, so she did. Lila, what are you playing at?” Soul sounded exasperated.

“Bryony’s lies aren’t hurting you!” Lila snapped and reached out and slapped his head hard. Soul rocked forward as he frowned and growled, and then his eyes widened.

“Lies, you’ve been lying to us,” Soul exclaimed.

“Yes, Storm told me to,” I replied.

“And I didn’t feel pain,” Soul mused.

“How would I know?” I asked, confused.

“No. That was a statement,” Soul stated, his eyes wide on me.

“Anyway. Thanks for not thinking I am a hag and butt ugly, I’m this guy’s big sister,” Lila announced.

“Yeah, Lila, I’m aware of you. Soul thinks you’re his hero, it’s nice to meet you,” I responded while keeping an eye on Soul, who looked dumbstruck. His eyes were locked firmly on me, and I’d no idea why.

“It appears baby bro has lost his tongue. You’ve got two talented children, I hear?” Lila asked.

“Yes, Soul told you?” I demanded, feeling betrayed.

“Because he was worried and wanted to help. He said your little boy is burning himself out trying to support Maci… is it?”

“Yeah.”

“Soul inquired if there were any tips I could offer,” Lila explained.

“Is there?” I questioned hopefully.

“Yes. I can help Maci, but not Hamilton. You’d need a healer for him, I’m afraid. But the Royal Bastards have Slasher, and he’s one of the best. Slasher should be able to coach him,” Lila replied.

“Can you tell me what’s going on? And do I call you Lila or Storm?” I asked, pointing between the two of them. Soul still looked dumbstruck, while Lila was looking amused.

“If we’re in public, it’s Storm. Alone like this? Lila is fine, and if you are referring to me when speaking to someone, it’s Storm always, unless it’s Soul you’re talking to,” Lila explained.

“Thanks.”

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