I nodded, a fond smile playing on my lips as I glanced at Rey. "Nah, it’s because he’s not boring. Even exiled in Dream he was fun." I paused, my expression turning serious. "But now it's time for me to face the formless ones head-on."
Edward leaned forward, curiosity plain in his face. "Rissa, I'm curious about the technical aspects of the spell to create this sticky barrier around the world. Could you elaborate on how it will work?"
I shot him a sharp glare, my green eyes narrowing with suspicion. Edward's question felt a bit too probing and specific to me. "That's not something you need to worry about."
My tone made it clear that I wouldn't tolerate any further questions on that matter.
Cathy got up and walked around the table, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Rissa, are you sure you can do this? It's not that I don't believe in you—you've never let us down before—but I don't want you to burn yourself out either."
I turned to face her, my expression softening at the genuine concern in her pale, freckled face. "I appreciate your worry, but I've got this. Once I have my full powers back, creating the barrier will be well within my capabilities."
Rey grinned, his hazel eyes sparkling with mischief. "Plus, she's got me to watch her back. We'll make an unstoppable team, just like old times."
I rolled my eyes at his antics but couldn't help the small smile that tugged at my lips. "Just try not to get in my way, Rey. I don't want to accidentally stick you to the barrier while I'm working."
Laughter erupted, even Martellus smiling briefly. But as the chuckles died down, a sense of determination settled over the group.
Roma fixed me with a considering gaze, obviously trying to hold onto the lighter mood a few moments longer. "You've been holding out on us. All this time back on earth, and you could have been making cat food commercials and making yourself rich and famous."
I nodded. "You're absolutely right. I’ll try to make up for the lost opportunity. Not."
Hugh spoke up. "I'm sorry, but why haven't you done this a long time ago?"
That question hit a little too close to home, made me wince. "I try not to interfere. Part because I’m trying to stay under the radar, part because it’s not always a great idea to interfere. The formless ones are a clear threat to the world. Once I'm exposed, I’m going to need to figure out what to do going forward."
My gaze flickered to Edward. While the others seemed to trust him, a part of me couldn't help but worry that he might use this information against me.
I pushed the thought aside and continued, "Short version, I truly try not to intervene unless it’s dire. And since it’s becoming dire, I'm intervening."
Rey clapped his hands, a wicked grin spreading across his face. "Well, what are we waiting for? Let's get this show on the road!"
The others began to file out of the room, their chatter fading as they disappeared down the hallway. I lingered for a moment, considering my course of action. I needed to go to the middle of an ocean, and I really hated sailing.
As I turned to leave, Rey materialized at my side, a knowing smirk playing on his lips. He leaned in close, his breath warm against my ear as he whispered, "I knew it. And I think I even know why you really kept it hidden."
I barely suppressed a groan, rolling my eyes skyward. Of course, Rey would choose this moment to be smug. It was just like him to pounce as soon as he could.
I shot him a withering glare, dusting off my very best sarcasm. “Enlighten me, oh trickster king. What deep insights have you gleaned from that brilliant mind of yours?"
Rey's hazel eyes danced with mischief as he took in my exasperated expression. "Come on, Rissa. It's me you're talking to. I know you better than anyone."
I huffed out a breath, crossing my arms over my chest. "You think you're so clever, don't you? Fine, let's hear it. Please, tell me my motives."
Rey's smile widened, and I braced myself for the inevitable barrage of smugness that was about to come my way.Sometimes, having a best friend who knew me better than I knew myself was more of a curse than a blessing.
Rey tapped his fingers against his chin, pretending to ponder the question deeply. "Well, for starters, you're not exactly the type to bask in the adoration of worshipers, are you? Listening to endless prayers and pleas?"
I scowled. That wasn’t a pleasant memory. "That's not?—"
"And secondly," he cut me off, holding up two fingers, "you've never been one to crave power or control. In fact, I practically had to drag you kicking and screaming to be my second in command."
I opened my mouth to protest, since I remembered differently, but the words died on my tongue. Damn him, he was right. The memory of being revered as a goddess almost gave me hives.
It was long ago, and I planned for it to not happen again.
Rey's expression softened, his tone growing more serious. "But most importantly, Rissa, you value your freedom above all else. Acting as a goddess... it ties you down, robs you of the chance to have the life you choose."
I twitched my shoulders. Rey's words hit uncomfortably close to home. A sudden urge to punch him hit me, to escape his knowing gaze.
