Yes, Barnaby. You don’t need to shout.Lucy said in the most monotone voice.
Listen, my device is going crazy. It’s picking something up from Davina. It’s like there’s two of her.
Lucy’s brow furrowed.Funny you say that. I’ve been hearing a voice all day tormenting her. She doesn’t even seem aware it’s there. We need to help her, but I don’t know how.
Maybe it’s time we loop in the others,Barnaby suggested.Can you interlink us all?
Lucy blinked.Interlink?
Yeah, like a hive mind.You could hear the excitement in Barnaby's voice.
I don’t know if I can,Lucy sighed.
Try!Barnaby pushed, impatient as ever.
Lucy focused. She felt her divine energy rise, warm and steady, but not strong enough for her eyes to glow.
Can you all hear me?
The entire table froze mid-bite.
Well, don’t all freeze up like that,Lucy said quickly.Davina will think we’re insane.
Corey groaned aloud,so this is what we’re doing now? Hijacking everyone’s mind?
Listen,Lucy snapped.Something’s wrong with Davina.
“What’s wrong with Davina?” Corey said out loud. His fork clattered to the floor.
Davina’s eyes widened. “I’m fine, Corey. Why would you ask that?”
Barnaby jumped in to cover, laughing awkwardly. “Yeah, man, what’s with you? Sit down, you’re embarrassing yourself.”
Byron’s voice cut through the link like steel.For fuck’s sake, Corey, take the hint. It’s supposed to be private.
Corey nodded stiffly and smiled at Davina.
Continue,Byron said.
Lucy explained everything she’d sensed, the dark voice, the energy Barnaby’s scanner picked up.
Barnaby chimed in.She’s not entirely human. I think.
Corey’s eyes flicked to Lucy.Then what is she?
Before Lucy could respond, a small voice broke through.
“I think she’s like me,” the girl said softly.
All eyes turned toward her.
Erin stood from her chair, crossed the room, and stopped in front of Davina. “Hello, Davina. I’m Erin. You’re like me.”
Davina frowned. “Like you? What do you mean?”
Erin smiled and, without hesitation, she spread her wings.
Davina gasped and stumbled back, her chair crashing behind her. “What the fuck are you?” she screamed.
