An alchemist?
I raise an eyebrow. “That’s impressive. I can’t say I know much about science; alchemy is definitely not my best subject.”
“Well, if you ever have any questions, I’d be more than happy to help.” Caleb’s face lights up with a grin, youthful and carefree, like he hasn’t had the world kick him down yet. And for a moment, I envy that about him.
“Sounds like a plan,” I reply, giving him a smile of my own. “But, uh, isn’t it kind of pointless to keep fixing up these bikes?”
Caleb’s smile doesn’t fade, but there’s a subtle shift in his expression as he answers, “Not at all. We use them pretty often.”
Before I can respond, I feel the tension in the air shift. Looking over at Kai, I find him glaring at Caleb with such intensity that it makes me take a step back. A storm brewing behind his gaze, dark and dangerous. Looks like there’s something more to this than meets the eye, and I’m definitely curious to find out what.
“How? Aren’t they all short-circuited from passing the veil?” I ask, my voice skeptical.
“Not when you use my tech,” Caleb answers casually, like it's nothing special.
“What are you talking about?” I blink, confusion creeping in. Before Caleb can elaborate, Kai cuts through the conversation.
“Stop asking questions. This doesn’t concern you.” His tone is blunt, already fed up.
“Yes, it does, I’m stuck here, remember?” I shoot back, my patience wearing thin.
“From what I heard, that was your decision,” he snaps, his words biting.
“The only one who made a decision is your asshole of a father, and I’m not talking with you.” I throw the words at him, barely controlling my frustration. Turning back to Caleb, forcing a sweet tone I don’t quite feel. “Caleb, can you please explain that tech you were talking about?” Caleb’s pointed ears turn red, a flush spreading across his neck. He hesitates for a moment, his eyes darting between Kai and me.
“Uh…” he starts, clearly uncomfortable but caught between wanting to help and not wanting to get under Kai’s wrath. “Well… I created a device that can resist the electroshocks of the veil. It preserves the mechanisms of anything electric, as long as it’s got a battery.” He adds quickly, as if that’s enough. He pauses, looking guilty, then adds in a rushed breath, “Sorry, Kai, you know how I get under pressure.”
Wyll, still working on his bike, glances up and smirks, “ Yeah, not easy to keep it together when a pretty girl corners you.” Kai’s reaction is immediate, his jaw tightening and his eyes narrowing. If looks could kill, Wyll would be six feet under already. The backyard’s temperature drops by several degrees, making me shiver. The air could be cut with a knife, suffocating.
“You’re such aprick!” I snap, furious. “I swear you do it on purpose!” I’m so angry, I close the space between us, standing chest to chest with Kai. And yeah, he’s a hell of a lot taller than me. The way he towers over me makes the whole confrontation feel absurd, but I am too furious to care. Kai enjoys it, a dark smile curling onto his lips. The dimple that appears on his left cheek only adds to the frustration bubbling inside me.
“You’re quite the detective, aren’t you?” he murmurs, lowering his face to mine, his voice dipping into something dangerously smooth. I stare up at him, heart hammering. Then, without missing a beat, Kai shoots a glare at Wyll and Caleb, silently ordering them to leave. They don’t look back as they head up to the manor, and I’m left standing there with Kai,my chest heaving, and with no one around to save me from whatever game he’s playing now. They’re following orders like well-trained little dogs.
“Eyes on me, Princess.” His words hit me as a challenge, and I met his icy stare without flinching.
“So you kept this from me... Just to what? Spite me? Why?” At first, he only shrugs, as if I’m not worth the explanation. Then Kai refocuses his attention on me, and he speaks, voice unbothered.
“It’s military tech, and you didn’t strike as trustworthy. To be honest, I am still not sure…” His reasonable answer stings more than I want to admit. It pisses me off that I can’t argue with his logic.
Damn it.
Then his voice drops, low and menacing, almost intimate. “Or maybe it’s because I delight in watching you come alive. Letting that pretty brain of yours solve puzzles.” Kai’s warm breath grazes my ear, sending a shiver down my spine.
And I hate how it feels.
His words are thick as honey sliding down me, sweet and heavy. It makes me crave more. His hand brushes my hair back. Eyes landing on my lips, his thumb grazing the curve of my lip with such delicate precision, it steals my breath.
“What are you doing?” I whisper, barely a sound.
“Acting on my words,” Kai replies smoothly, then pulls back, stepping away with all the warmth, and showcasing that infuriating cocky grin. “Ruffling your feathers,Princess.” He winks, clearly savouring every second, only adding fuel to my bruised ego.
I turn sharply, stepping away from his shadow, my body stiff. But just as I reach the threshold, his voice halts me.
“I want a report every night on your progress.” The shift in his tone is like night and day; gone is the playful edge, replaced by indifference, even annoyance.
“I’m not doing that,” I snap, trying to regain control.
“Oh, but youare. I’m done with charity. As soon as I know you can fend for yourself, you’re back in the Institute.” His words hit me like an ice-cold bucket of water. The chill seeps through, washing away any traces of whatever I’d foolishly thought was there. I was fucking stupid to think for one instant there could be more.
