5

Jessica turns to me with a relieved smile. “Auryn,” She approaches me, her steps brisk. “I rushed over as soon as I heard about your attack.”

She pulls me in for a hug. I force a smile as she steps back, her eyes scanning my body. Then, she snaps her head in Killian's direction. “You shouldn't have let her out of your sight!” She snaps.

He rubs the back of his neck, a sheepish smile on his face. “I didn't expect it—” She cuts him off with a raised finger, before turning to me again. “You should stay here in the meantime. I'm sure you must be confused by all that has happened tonight, but I'll explain everything to you tomorrow. Alright?”

Her eyes flicks to my shoulder. “Although the healer restored your shoulder and got rid of the marks, you still need to rest.”

If kindness was a person, it'd be Jessica. But she's a Duskbane.

For that reason, I can't trust her, nor Killian. And I absolutely can't stay with them. “I wouldn't want to interrupt you both. You've already helped me enough, and I have a job to get to.” I say, picking up my bloody jacket from the side table.

“A job?” She blinks in confusion. “You nearly died tonight—”

“I still have to make a living. And thanks to your help, I'm almost healed.” I turn to Killian. “I’ll work really hard to make it up to you. And I appreciate your offer to live here, but I'll have to decline. I wouldn't want to inconvenience you, and your wife.”

Jessica bursts into laughter, and Killian tilts his head to the side. “My wife?” His eyes flick to Jessica who's literally rolling on the floor, and then back to me. “You mean my mother?”

“Yes, your— what!”

I must be hearing things. How can she be his mother?

Clear, spotless skin that I can only dream of. A smile that lights up the room, and the energy of a teenager. She looks no younger than twenty one, and he's calling her his mother?

If he said younger sister, I'd buy it. But mother? Come on.

“This is a joke, right?”

Why would she even work at the company if she's his mother?

“He’s my son,” Jessica states, her tone serious. “I can tell you have numerous questions but I'll answer them all tomorrow. For now, get some rest.”

I gently sit on the bed, shutting my eyes as I try to process all I've learnt tonight. There's so many questions, but I can always get the answers and find out more if I live with— No. The Duskbanes can't be trusted.

“I should go.” Without waiting for their permission, I storm towards the door but Killian blocks my path, his gaze cold.

“You're not leaving.” His tone is final, leaving no room for arguments, but he must be a joker if he thinks I'm staying.

Jessica stands between us, facing Killian. “We can't force her.” Turning to me, she says, “Auryn, you can't leave. If you were human or even one of us, then we wouldn't be so against this. But you're not—”

This again. If I'm not human, then what am I?

“—And I promise I'll explain everything in due time. But the moment you step out this door, you'll be attacked again. Not by one, but by several other Mystics. It's what those monsters are called.”

Monsters.

I need to leave. “I—”

“I killed off one siren before Liam. And while fighting him, I sensed three other mystics approaching.” He glances at the wall clock. “In exactly forty-two minutes, I'll turn in for the night. Within that period, I'll take you wherever you need to go. And then I'll bring you back.”

I let out a defeated sigh. I can't win in a fight against him, and if he really wants to keep me here, there's nothing I can do about it in my current state. “Why are you insistent on keeping me here? What does it matter if I live or die?”

Jessica places a gentle hand on my shoulder. “Everything will make sense tomorrow.” The softness in her voice wraps around me like a blanket.

I meet Killian's burning gaze. “Take me home. I need to get my things.”

He closes the gap between us in a split second, one arm wrapping around my waist in a firm hold and the other on my head. My face twists into a scowl, but I don't protest and stay still. I doubt he'll harm me, and he can't access my memories even if he tries. “Close your eyes, and think of your home.” I hear his voice in my mind.

I follow his instructions, and the moment I open my eyes, we're on my front porch. His arms are still around my waist, holding me steady.

“Most people aren’t fine when they first—” I stumble back before he can finish, breaking away from his grip. I stumbled towards the nearest bush before bending over, and throwing up.

Behind me, he laughs. “There it is.”

I shoot him a glare over my shoulder, wiping my mouth. He only smirks. “I’ll be waiting. You have just forty minutes.”

Heading inside, I slam the door in his face, cheeks flushed with embarrassment. He's always there at my worst moments, just watching, smug and unbothered.

“You're here.” A cold voice comes from behind me; one that fills me with rage, and hate. I spin on my heel, coming face-to-face to the bastard who's supposed to be protecting me.

“Why weren't you there?” The question comes out in a tremble, eyes brimming with tears as hurt racks my chest. “I was one second away from death. Because of you, my powers were sealed and I was reduced to a lowly human. Yet you don't do the one thing you promised to do.” I search his eyes, hoping to find concern, or remorse, but I'm met with a cold gaze.

“I’m crown prince to the mystics, not a mere bodyguard. And I knew Killian would help you. Since you're fine, I'll take my leave Princess.”

My heart cracks at the way he spits out Princess, like it tastes wrong in his mouth. I exhale slowly, willing the ache in my chest to settle. It's not the first time.

“You can't leave. Master claims we're not responsible for the deaths here, so why was I attacked one of ours? He sealed my powers so why can other supernaturals detect my power? And most importantly, mystics don't eat each other, so what about me attracts them? What are you all hiding from me?”

Before he can respond, a low hum cuts through the air. Then crack.

Killian materializes midstep, sword drawn, his expression bored, but razor-sharp. “So this is who you were waiting for.”