Page 25 of A Rift in the House of Bruin

“It’s not what I wanted to hear,” Mic said softly, “but I appreciate your honesty, Lucius. Can you please continue to be honest with me? All of you?”

“Whatever you want to know, just ask,” Nico promised, his voice like a warm blanket, peaceful and calm. I felt the tension drain from my body and realized he was using his gift onus. I wanted to be pissed at him for swaying my mind into submission, but he was too strong to resist.

“Tell me about your gifts,” Mic insisted. She was still defiant, but the crease in her brow had softened, and I knew she was feeling the influence of Nico’s magic.

“For starters,” I said, “Nico can reshape your thoughts, emotions, perceptions—make you feel whatever he wants. Like right now. I bet you were angry that he’s kept so much from you, and suddenly it all melted away just like that.” I snapped my fingers for effect. “Replaced by a sense of peace and optimism.”

Her eyes widened. “Are you serious? Nico, are you manipulating me right now?” He was going to have to pour it on thick if he was going to weasel his way out of this one. He had the good sense to look ashamed.

“I’m sorry, Mic. It’s a habit. I didn’t mean to offend you. My intentions were pure. I don’t like seeing you worry so much,” Nico admitted.

“What other powers have you been using against me?” she snapped. “Did I even come here of my own free will?”

“None of them had access to their gifts in Neverland,” I cut in before Nico could fumble his way through a response.

“And you? What’s your secret power? The art of being a complete asshole to everyone around you?” she shot back.

I deserved that. No one had ever accused me of being a bastion of politeness, but still, her words stung more than I liked.

“I don’t have a gift,” I growled, refusing to lie but hating the taste of inadequacy on my tongue.

“At least not that we know of yet,” Nico added quickly, trying to sound supportive.

“I’m the only one who doesn’t,” I muttered. “At least you can rest easy knowing that even if I wanted to, I can’t influence you against your will.”

“And what about the others?” she asked.

“Finn can hear your thoughts and feel your emotions. Jase can project spectral shadows that do his bidding. And Gunner—well I guess that doesn’t matter now…” Nico trailed off.

“Tell me anyway.”

“He was a marksman,” Luca said. “Perfect aim. No matter the weapon, no matter the distance, he never missed. The ultimate warrior.”

The mood shifted quickly. Nico was clearly holding his gift in check for Michaela’s sake, and grief threaded through the silence.

The door burst open. Fallon strode in without looking at any of us, making a beeline for Mic. Her expression was unreadable, mask firmly back in place and a purpose in her step. Two females from the Raven’s Hand followed behind, each carrying buckets of steaming water.

“The tub is in the adjoining washroom,” Fallon instructed them before pushing Luca aside and reclaiming her perch at the edge of Mic’s bed. “It’s about time you got some color in your cheeks. Death isn’t a good look on you.”

She had officially let Mic in. A bond was forming between them, something quiet but strong. “I’ve arranged for you to have a bath. The pump is down, so these ladies agreed to help. I’ll get Luca to make it hot enough to melt the last few days right off you. You’ll be good as new.”

“Thank you, Fallon. That’s exactly what I need right now.”

“Yes, well, it seems like a much better option than… whatever interrogation was going on in here,” she said, shooting all of us an exasperated look.

“I could use a human moment to collect myself,” Mic admitted. “But this conversation isn’t over. I know you’re still keeping things from me.”

“You heard the lady,” Fallon said briskly. “Now is not the time for a heart-to-heart. Get out! All of you.”

We hesitated.

“Out! Out! Out!” she barked when we didn’t move fast enough. I’d forgotten how bossy my sister could be.

We filed out and I paused in the doorway, casting one longing look back at Mic. I hated leaving her. She looked so damn fragile, but I had to force myself to give her some space. After she had time to process, I’d find a moment to talk, just the two of us. Maybe then, I could stop screwing everything up.

“Lucius?” Fallon’s voice caught me just outside the door. She closed it behind her and stepped into the hall, catching me before I could disappear. “I know there hasn’t been time.” She paused for a moment before throwing herself at me, wrapping me in a smothering embrace. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered against my shoulder.

“You’ve got nothing to apologize for.”

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