“That’s what I said. And not many empaths can do that to me,” Superior Charles states.
Victor looks away as he ponders.
“What is it, young empath?”
“I can’t do this,” Victor says as he walks to the railing overlooking the bay.
“What can’t you do?” Superior Charles says sincerely as he looks down at Victor.
“All of this. It’s just so much pressure now,” Victor claims as he leans against the railing.
“What pressure are you talking about?” Superior Charles probes.
“Don’t do that.”
“Do what?”
Victor glances sideways at Superior Charles. “You know exactly what I’m talking about. I know you’re reading my feelings. I can sense it.”
Superior Charles places his hands on the railing and looks out at the water. “I want to hear it coming from you. What pressure are you talking about?”
“THIS!” Victor exclaims as he turns around with his arms open as if he’s expressing everything around him. “All of this. You! Them! Those goddamned invites you have in the inner breast pocket of your jacket.”
Superior Charles pulls out an envelope. “I’m surprised you knew I had these,” he says as he opens the envelope, filled with business cards of various shapes and colors. “Thank God we switched to business cards. We used to use gemstones back in the day. That shit gets heavy to carry around.”
Victor crosses his arms and leans back against the railing. “I could sense the emblems. They embody the superiors of each coven. I didn’t tell Leo this, but ever since what happened at the restaurant and after I took Derek to the astral plane, myempathic ability has grown. I haven’t been able to make heads nor tails of it, but it’s been causing me to sense more than just the feelings of those around me.”
Victor nods to a couple of surfers wading in the water at least 100 meters from the shore. “I can tell those two are enjoying their vacation.” He doesn’t look down during his following example. “The couple to the right, three floors down, sitting and trying to enjoy lunch. She isn’t happy that her friend didn’t invite her to the inauguration dinner of the new superior of her friend’s coven.”
Superior Charles looks over the railing and sees two witches eating in silence. He focuses on them, “My God.” He looks back at Victor. “You’re right. And I know the superior you’re talking about. Are you sure you’re not also a telepath?” Superior Charles’ humor does not amuse Victor. Superior Charles notices and places a consoling hand on Victor’s shoulder. “I know this pressure seems tough right now. But you’ll be amazing.”
“If I were a telepath, I would understand why you think I’ll be the first Grand Warlock,” Victor retorts. “So, tell me, Superior, why are you interested in me? A warlock that has just dived into the deep end, not knowing any of his family’s history. Not having any family member to help him understand what’s going on.”
“Why am I interested in you?” Superior Charles asks, trying to understand the question.
Victor looks up into Superior Charles’ eyes. “Yes. You were the first to show clear interest in me and invited me to your coven. Now, I have at least what, 30 more invites? Five are in Europe. But you, out of every superior, have more interest in me. Why?”
Superior Charles moves his jaw around, pondering his answer. “It’s what Jeanette showedme.”
“Explain.”
Superior Charles sighs as he takes out a cigar and lights it without even snapping hisfingers. “Normally, we are notsupposed to discuss strong premonitions.” He takes a deep puffbefore he continues. “But Jeanie is cautious about your ability as an empath. Additionally, I am one of the few empaths who are not in hiding and strong enough to guide you in the right direction. And everyone inside, including me, wants you to succeed.”
“Succeed to be the Grand Warlock,” Victor comments softly while looking out at the bay.
“For the most part, yes,” Superior Charles remarks.
“I just don’t understand why,” Victor states as he looks back at the Superior.
“Because it’s what else she saw.” Superior Charles goes quiet for a moment. “Something is coming. We don’t know who or what it is. But it scared her familiar as well. Unfortunately, no one was powerful enough to stop it.” He turns his attention back to Victor. “But you are. Your mother could have been; rest her soul. Even your grandmother would have been powerful enough. What wasn’t said is that Florence was your grandmother’s half-sister. If she is still alive, as Derek claimed, she has something planned—and you’re in her way.”
Victor pinches the bridge of his nose. “I swear to God, or Goddess, or whoever you pray to, if there is anything else you’re not telling me, I’m going to jump off this building.”
Superior Charles turns around to look at the door. “Well, then, I guess this is goodbye,” he says sarcastically.
Victor perks up at a familiar presence and spins around, seeing them stepping out onto the balcony.
“Lucas?”
