Deza nodded approvingly and went straight for the cabinet. She poured two glasses as she started updating Lucy on everything.
“The business is thriving,” she said proudly. “People are finally falling into line. I mean, no one wants to lose these benefits, not with what you’re paying.”
Lucy laughed. “Fear and bonuses, the perfect combo.”
They chatted and finished the bottle together, the conversation loose and full of laughter. Eventually Lucy leaned back in her chair, cheeks warm. “You need to take the rest of the day off, Deza. I can’t have you working tipsy.”
Deza smirked. “I won’t argue with that. An early night, a good book, and maybe more wine, it’s exactly what I need.”
After Deza left, Lucy sat quietly for a moment, staring out the window. The faint buzz of the alcohol made her bold enough to practice her abilities.
She focused on Corey first. He was at Davina’s desk, rehearsing every line in his head before saying it aloud. He was nervous but trying to play it cool. Davina didn’t seem to notice, at least, not consciously. But when Lucy tuned in deeper, she caught something else.
A voice.
It wasn’t Davina’s.
When he finds out what you are, he won’t want you.
You’re a freak. No one will ever love you.You’re unwanted.
The words were sharp and cruel, hammering through Davina’s mind like they’d lived there for years. Lucy froze. Davina’s smile had faded, replaced by something small and fragile.
Then, as if jolted, Davina stood up abruptly. “I should go,” she said quickly, and left before anyone could stop her.
Corey, her voice echoing inside his head.Invite her for dinner tonight. Don’t take no for an answer.
He blinked.Are you serious?he responded
Yes. Just do it.She said firmly.
So, he did. Davina resisted at first, but Corey’s persistence won. Within an hour, the three of them were on their way back to the manor.
As they arrived, Lucy reached out telepathically to Byron.Listen to her, just listen to what’s going on inside her head.
And he did. The connection flared to life between them, and Lucy felt his shock through the link. The whispers were still there, slithering through Davina’s thoughts, cutting her down. Her face betrayed it, the smallest flinch, the tiniest frown every time the voice struck.
Lucy’s stomach twisted.
She led Davina into one of the downstairs studies, closing the door behind them.
“What’s wrong?” Lucy asked gently. “I can see something’s bothering you. What is it?”
Davina looked confused, even embarrassed. “Nothing’s wrong. I just… I’ve had a lot on at work this week, that’s all.”
Lucy nodded slowly, pretending to accept it. “Alright. Come on then, lets join the others for dinner.”
Davina smiled weakly and followed her back into the main room.
The rest of the family was already seated. Conversations were flowing beautifully until Barnaby started fidgeting. His eyes darted between Davina, his tablet, and Lucy. Back and forth,over and over. Then he started blinking rapidly, like some strange Morse code.
Lucy frowned. “What are you doing?” she muttered under her breath.
Barnaby tapped his lips, then his temple, his signal to talk privately.
Lucy sighed and opened her mind.
Lucy! Oh my god, can you hear me?!Barnaby yelled!
