Page 257 of Midnights
I nod slowly, still trying to process where this conversation went. “Good to know,” I mutter, forcing out my best attempt at a laugh. “I’ll, uh… do my best to stay on her good side.”
My thoughts are a mess of questions, and because self-control clearly isn't my thing, I blurt— “Can everyone do that? Read minds?”
He shakes his head, leaning back against the counter and folding his arms like he needs the barrier between us.
“Not necessarily. Everyone’s gifts are…different,” he explains. “Some are more unique, some more rare, but everyone’s level of power is different. Some gifts are stronger than others." He shrugs, like it's no big deal. "Most of us inherit the basics—accelerated healing, sharper senses, enhanced speed, and heightened instincts. The usual. For us, it’s like breathing. It's second nature.”
The usual?I arch a brow. “So, you’re all basically magical superheroes.”
His lips twitch, and I can tell he's trying not to smile. “Not quite. And it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Magic comes with its own challenges.”
I stare at him while my brain short-circuits for a solid second before I shove the freak-out to the back of the list while I think aboutmagic.Yeah, poor you—how exhausting it must be to have literal superpowers while I can barely keep a fork in my hand.
“What canyoudo?”
“The only impressive one is shifting.” He laughs, saying it like we're discussing Netflix recommendations instead of actual magic.
“Shifting? Like… we're talking aboutturninginto something else?” My voice climbs, caught between disbelief and actual concern.
“Exactly.” He grins. “Animals, sure. People if I push. But animals don't hide who they are. That's what makes them easier.”
Holy shit. He's serious. And here I am, about to pick a fight with the guy who claims he can't read minds. Brilliant plan, Raven. “Prove it.”
His grin widens, and for a second, I’m excited and a little nervous. “Oh, you want a demonstration?” He steps closer, and I can see the heat in his stare. “Iwould, but… you’re not ready for that.”
I roll my eyes so hard they practically leave my skull. “Oh, come on. Youcannotjust casually drop that you canshapeshiftand not show me! That’s a total dick move. What the fuck.”
He laughs, holding up his hands. “Fine, maybe later.”
I open my mouth to argue but snap it shut, because I'm still trying to process the absolute insanity the last few days have been. I still have so many questions, and he seems to be answering some of them, so maybe I should test my luck.
“Who’s the most powerful one here?”
Something unreadable flashes across his face. “The king.” Huh. Interesting. He hesitates for a second, before adding. “The King’s abilities are… unmatched.”
I frown. “Why do you say it like that?”
He hesitates again. “It’s hard to explain. But… powers like that always have a cost.”
The air shifts, crawling over me in a way that makes my nerves spark and my stomach drop. “A cost?”
He nods, and the teasing edge in his voice is gone. “That’s why he’s both revered and feared. People respect him, but they also…” He tilts his head slightly, dropping his voice to a whisper. “Tread lightly.”
I chew on that for a second before asking the obvious. “So, does that mean he’sdangerous?”
Cam gives a small, humorless smile. “Anyone with that much power can be dangerous, Raven. It’s all about how they choose to wield it.”
I exhale slowly, because my brain's already lining up more questions. “And what are his powers, exactly?”
His smirk returns, but there's something different in his expression now. “Anything and everything.” He laughs, intentionally vague, yet again.Well, that wasn’t suspicious at all?But before I can press him further, he smoothly pivots.
“Why don’t we go for a walk? I'll show you around.”
I arch a brow at the subject change but decide to let it slide. For now. “A walk sounds nice.”
He looks at me for a beat, then starts walking down the hall, not waiting to see if I’ll follow him. “Look, until we know more about you, you’re safe here as long as you’re with someone. Especially in Nveri.” He watches me closely. “The people here won’t hurt you, but if you are who I think you are…” His voice fades, but the meaning lands anyway. “It’s better to play it safe.”
I nod, even though I’ve only gotten half answers all day, and I still have so many unanswered questions.And what the hell does that even mean? Who does he think I am? Ugh. I'm starting to get a headache just thinking about it.
