“Yeah, I do.” I look at him, turning the tables back on his smart-ass remark.
“Speaking of pretending, care to share your antics this evening with Vix?” I ask, setting the tube and hoodie on the couch.
Zayne looks at both of us. “What antics?” he chimes in.
Knox steps all the way into the office, closing the door.
“Did you see what she came dressed in?” he protests, his voice slightly cracking. “She should never wear something like that.In fact, now that we’re bringing it up, Zayne,” he pleads. “I feel there should be a new policy that miniskirts should not be worn here. It makes it hard for our bouncers to keep the girls safe if men are constantly gawking over them and trying to hit on them.”
Zayne just rolls his eyes. “You know we aren’t going to do that. The ladies are allowed to wear whatever makes them feel comfortable. It's your job, regardless, to make sure they are safe. That’s why I pay you.”
“But,” Knox starts in protest, “Vix.”
“Vix is a grown woman,” I add, “and can take care of herself, thanks to you and what you have taught her. She can handle it, Knox.”
His shoulders fall in defeat. “Whatever.”
“What did you need, Myssa?” He takes a seat in the chair next to me.
Zayne plops himself down behind his desk. I pause, remembering the night they told me about Aetheriem. I didn’t tell them about Lily then, but now, after her warning, I feel like I don’t have a choice.
“I got pulled into Aetheriem during the concert,” I say, and they both look at me.
“I thought that’s what happened, but it was so quick, you were only still for a second, and when I went to look at your eyes, you were already back,” Zayne says.
“Did you go by mistake?” Knox asks.
I guess it’s now or never. Now that I know Zayne’s secret about Jonathan, maybe it’s only fair I tell him what’s going on with Lily. I know Knox swore vault, but I feel I owe it to them both to be truthful.
“No, this was different. It was like I was being summoned. I could feel the pull, and I closed my eyes for a second to ground myself, but the pull was too strong, and I ended back in an abandoned building.”
Both of them look at me with worried faces. This is too important now to turn back. We need to be prepared, we need to be ready. These are the two most important men in my life now, and I need to know they are safe, just as much as they want to protect me. So, if this little bit of information helps them, then it’s the least I can do.
“Was Jasper there?” Knox asks in concern.
“No, but there is something I haven’t told you. The first time I was in Aetheriem. I didn’t see Jasper, I saw someone else..” I pause not being able to meet their eyes, “There was a little girl.” But before I can continue, I’m interrupted by both of them.
“A what?” they both say in unison. Did they not hear what I said?
“Not a what, a who. I met this little girl and—” again, I’m cut off, this time by Knox. Frustrated, I just stare between the both of them. Why do they keep cutting me off?
“You must be mistaken, Myssa, there are no children on Aetheriem. Only immortals to help with souls. Even when children pass on this side, they enter as their adult self.”
I look at him and frown. I know I remember them saying something about no children, but clearly Lily is proof they weremisinformed. Just when I thought I was comfortable with my new reality, they’re making me question everything all over again. No, I know she is real. This wasn’t a figment of my imagination. I double down as I stare at Knox and point at him.
“And I’m telling you, there was a little girl. I’m not a fucking idiot, Knox.” This is bullshit. I finally tell them about Lily, and they’re trying to tell me what, that I’m lying? I’m delusional? Fuck that. I stand up, but Zayne lightly grabs my wrist, and I snap my gaze at him.
“We believe you, Myssa. What did she say?” His voice is calm, and he nods for me to sit back down. That small touch of reassurance is like a soothing blanket than extinguishes my anger in an instant. Zayne gives Knox a silent look that has him sitting back in his chair. His face softens as he nods in agreement. I sit back down in the chair, and Zayne lets go of my arm, taking a deep breath. Already missing the warmth of his touch, I answer.
“To warn us,” I say softly.
“Wait, she wanted to warn us? About what? Knox asks as I look at him.
“Jasper,” I say, as if the answer isn’t obvious.
“She said something is coming, that she could feel it,” I say.
“And you trust her?” Zayne questions.
