I don’t think I can fix this, and I’m not sure I should. Hell, the brief look I had of Gideon’s face outside of Callum’s room made that clear. I've been around ice cubes that were warmer.
In the living room, I perch on the edge of the couch while Gideon folds his massive body into a lounge chair. Callum the Oblivious slaps his thighs as takes a seat on the other end of the couch. He’s put several feet of space between us, so we’re all positioned in a rough triangle.
“I guess I'll kick things off,” Callum says, cutting into the tense silence. “Sheena, to start, can you tell us what we should do to avoid accidentally triggering your powers again? I don't want you to get hurt, or Gideon to end up floating off to space or something.” He’s making light of it, which is kind, I guess, but I can’t find any humor in the situation.
“It’s pretty simple,” I begin, staring at my hands. “No saying ‘I wish.’ That's the only catalyst I know of.” I look up, bracing myself. It’s the first time I’ve uttered that phrase out loud since I turned sixteen. I wait, terrified...
Callum just nods, meeting my eyes with a gentle look in his own. "From what I could tell, it hurt you when it activated. Was what happened yesterday a normal reaction?"
I blink in surprise.
He noticed that?My magic is excruciatingly painful, as if whatever compels me to grant wishes is peeled directly from my essence.
“Yes, it always hurts. Some times are worse than others, but it always leaves me weak,” I say, wringing my hands. I never thought I’d talk about this. I don't even like thinking about it.
“Are you some kind of mind-controlling demon?” Gideon demands, speaking for the first time. I cringe at the bite in his tone.
“I didn't control your mind,” I snap, allowing my anger to surface and protect me. “You’re the one who made the wish. It’s not like I had a choice.” I sit up straighter on the couch, daring him with a look to keep blaming this whole mess on me.
“So you're just going to act like you didn't run for the hills the second I told you how I felt?” He scoffs. It’s an ugly sound coming from his normally laughing mouth.
Unexpectedly, tears burn behind my eyes. I stand to leave.
“Of course. Things get hard and you run. Totally on brand,” Gideon says. He points behind him. “You might as well use the door this time. I’d hate to have to replace the gutter.”
Asshole.
Even if there’s an element of truth to his accusations, it’s not like I didn’t have reasons to leave. Before I can decide whether to fight back or run from the room, Callum steps in again.
“Cut the reactionary shit out—both of you. If you keep this up, we're not going to get anywhere.” Callum turns to me. “Sheena, why did you leave?”
I’m so on edge that I actually decide to answer. “I heard you yelling at Ciprian,” I say, meeting his stare. “I knew you were mad that I didn't tell you everything. Once you saw what I could do... It wasn't safe here anymore.” I look back and forth between the two of them. “Eventually, you’ll both get tired ofme, and then you’ll either sell me out or use my powers for your gain?—”
Before I can finish, Gideon explodes, knocking the heavy chair over as he jumps to his feet.
“That’s bullshit,” he roars. “You’re my mate. I’d rather sell my fucking soul than betray you. I told you exactly how I felt in that kitchen, poured my damn heart out at your feet, and youleft me.”
I flinch back from the force of his accusations, stunned speechless.
He stomps out of the room, angling his face away from me, but it isn’t fast enough to hide all the hurt I see hiding beneath his anger.
The silence that follows drags on until I'm desperate and can’t take it anymore. “Am I wrong?” I ask Callum, afraid I already know the answer.
“Honestly, we all messed up.” He rakes a hand over his face, some of his forced, positive mask falling away. “I understand why you don't trust this world; it's only ever hurt you. I also get why you didn't tell us you have some super rare wishing power.”
He slides across the couch cushions, erasing the space between us and reaching out to take one of my hands in both of his. “I was mad at first, that's true,” Callum says. “I felt like you didn't tell us because you were plotting something. Then, after I realized Ciprian was involved, I freaked out. He and I... We have some issues to work through, but that isn’t your fault.”
I nod, relieved he's explaining the anger I overheard in their conversation.
“I know Gideon is upset right now, but we still want you to stay. I promise you—we will figure this out together, but there has to be trust.” He pauses, looking deep into my eyes. “If you get scared again, that's okay. Talk to us. Gideon won't be able to handle it if you leave again, and neither will I.”
Callum’s words are his own—no magic, no coercion. Just sincerity. Unable to hold back, I launch myself into his lap, pressing my lips to his. It’s practically an attack, but if he's surprised, he doesn't show it. His soft lips immediately respond, dancing gracefully against mine. I sink my hands into his hair, and we leisurely make out on the couch like teenagers. When I finally pull away for breath a few minutes later, I know exactly what to say.
“I'm sorry, Callum,” I whisper.
“Me too.”
He presses one last kiss to my lips, then helps me stand. We both know I have another apology to make.
