Chương 61: 061

Letting go of Time, I sank back down, my thoughts scrambling for something, anything, plausible. Something that wasn't the full truth. Time grimaced, frustration flashing across his face before he deliberately looked away from both of us. Alright. No help there. Maybe that was for the best. I couldn't reveal who he truly was, but I might still salvage this. If I could manage it without outright lying, I'd call that a win. Dominicus shifted, his hand settling on the hilt of his weapon, eyes narrowing.

"You lied to me. Why?" His voice was calm. Too calm. The kind that hid a blade beneath it. Dura noticed immediately. Her grip tightened on her axe, muscles coiling as she leaned forward.

"Careful, bat boy. You're an ally for now, but you draw that sword anywhere near the cleric and I'm taking your arm off at the shoulder." I flicked a glance at her, at the sheer, protective fury radiating from every line of her body, and felt a surprising warmth bloom in my chest. Well. I certainly wouldn't complain if she wanted to champion me. Shaking off that thought, and the tangled feeling that came with it, I raised both hands in surrender and spoke before this turned bloody.

"Easy, Dominicus. We didn't lie. Thomas and I are Chosens of Karma." In very different ways, but he didn't need that detail.

"Thomas here…" I hesitated, scrambling for something that made sense. Why would someone have foresight if they weren't tied to Time? Then it clicked. The same reason a Chosen of Fate could wield Death's power. Dominicus arched an eyebrow, unimpressed.

"Stop trying to communicate telepathically with your ally and speak." Dura scowled, her axe twitching.

"He isn't even looking at Thomas, you prick." She moved as if to stand, but I caught her arm, giving it a gentle squeeze.

"He wouldn't know that. He's blind." She grimaced, but her glare didn't fade.

"Doesn't excuse him for being an asshole." I tilted my head.

"Agreed. Still, I'm willing to cut him a little slack." Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. Turning fully to Dominicus, I drew in a steady breath.

"And you." My voice sharpened.

"Calm your tits. It's his secret, of course I'm not going to spill it without permission. I'd do the same for you if our positions were reversed." Time tensed beside me, concern tightening his expression, but he stayed silent. He probably thought I was about to tell the truth. And I was. Just…not all of it. Dominicus's scowl eased, though suspicion still clung stubbornly to his features.

"Admirable. But if we're traveling together, I need the truth. If he's chosen by Karma, how does he possess foresight?" There it was.

"For the same reason I have an ability that has nothing to do with my patron," I said evenly.

"Turning things to dust isn't exactly Karma's specialty. His… weird-ass power is foresight." The suspicion didn't vanish, only shifted.

"Then why didn't you simply say it was a special ability?" He was still glaring at Time, that open distrust grinding against my nerves like steel wool, especially considering he had a secret of his own.

"Because it's none of your fucking business," I snapped, patience gone. He stiffened, but I didn't let him interrupt.

"And since you're so eager to dissect everyone else's secrets," I continued coldly, "why don't we talk about yours?" He recoiled, surprise flashing across his face before his expression locked down.

"I have no idea what you're-." I scoffed.

"Don't. Silas mentioned it during his little monologue. Funny how your special ability has nothing to do with Fate's domain. Care to explain that, since you're so invested in honesty?" Dura's brow shot up, open interest replacing irritation.

"Wait, he's throwing a fit about Thomas having secrets when he's hiding something too?" Disbelief bled into her tone.

"And it's bad enough that he won't tell us?" Dominicus went still, so still he barely seemed to breathe. When he didn't respond, about his ability or Time's, I pressed on.

"That hesitation?" I said quietly.

"That's why we didn't tell you. We barely know each other. You don't get to demand information about our abilities. And unless you're ready to start spilling your own secrets, you'll back the fuck off my colleague." The clearing went taut with tension. Dominicus didn't move, clearly aware of Dura's readiness—and Time… Time watched me with something between surprise and quiet appreciation. I didn't let myself dwell on it. Dominicus's gaze locked onto me, heavy and searching.

The righteous suspicion from before was gone, replaced by something more cautious.

"You… know what my ability is?" he asked at last, his voice stripped bare in a way I hadn't heard before. I nodded.

"I do. So does Thomas. Silas mentioned it while we were present. We're not telling anyone," aside from Death,"because it's not our place." I held his gaze.

"So. Can you live with the fact that we have secrets? Or do Thomas and I need to leave your party now?" Dura perked up instantly.

"And me. Don't think you're losing me that easily." She shot Dominicus another glare.

"Cute kid or not, I'm not sticking around that asshole alone. Next thing you know, he'll take a swing at me, and I'll flatten him." The silence stretched, electric enough to make the hair on my arms stand on end. Well. If we were leaving their party, at least it'd be quick.