Letting go of Time, I sat down again, my mind racing for a plausible excuse–something that wasn’t the full truth. Time grimaced, frustration flickering across his face before he glanced away from both Dominicus and me.

Alright, no help from him, but maybe that was for the best.

I couldn’t reveal that he was Time, but I might still salvage this. If I could spin the story without outright lying, I’d call it a win.

Dominicus shifted, his hand resting on his weapon, eyes narrowing. “You lied to me. Why?” His voice was calm, but a dangerous edge lurked beneath it.

I raised my hands in surrender, my tone light. “Easy, Dominicus. We didn’t lie. Thomas and I are chosen by Karma.” In very different ways, but he didn’t need that detail. “Thomas here…” I searched for a believable explanation. Why would someone possess a powerful ability like foresight if they weren’t related to Time?

Then it hit me.

The same reason a chosen of Fate could wield Death’s powers. An anomaly. Maybe I could even use this to learn why Dominicus had that power.

Dominicus arched an eyebrow, unimpressed. “Stop trying to communicate telepathically with your ally and speak.”

I hadn’t even been looking at Time, but he’d have no way of knowing that, would he?

Facing Dominicus fully, I took a steady breath and spoke with as much confidence as I could muster. “Would you calm your tits? It’s his secret, so of course I’m not going to just go spilling it without permission. I’d do the same for you if the positions were reversed.”

Time tensed, his expression tight with concern, but he stayed silent. He probably thought I was going to tell Dominicus the truth, and I was… just not all of it.

Dominicus’s scowl eased, though suspicion lingered. “Admirable. But if we’re to travel together, I need the truth. If he’s chosen by Karma, how does he have the gift of foresight?”

Finally, the opening I needed.

“For the same reason I have an ability unrelated to my patron. You’ve seen what I can do–turning things to dust is definitely not a Karma specialty. His weird ass power is foresight. We haven’t known you long, and trust isn’t exactly instant. We weren’t hiding it maliciously.” I crossed my arms, injecting just enough irritation to sell the point. “We’ve only known each other for a day.”

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Dominicus scrutinized me, his gaze drilling into mine. The silence stretched, tension thick in the air. At last, his hand slipped from his sword, and he sighed. “My apologies, I’ve been… on edge since Silas took me hostage. I forget that special abilities are commonplace in Nexus.” The tension bled from his posture, and I exhaled quietly, relieved to have dodged that bullet.

Time’s expression froze, his face taking on the distinctive look of someone who wanted to smack themselves for not thinking of something. He caught my eye and gave a subtle wave, silently promising to revisit this later.

Weird, but whatever…

“I’m not the one you should apologize to,” I said, keeping the act going. “Sorry, Thomas. I know you wanted this kept quiet, but there really wasn’t a way around it after that.”

Time nodded, his lips pressing into a thin line, as if he could will himself to not say anything else damning just by forcing his mouth shut. “Since I nearly revealed it myself, the fault lies with me.”

Dominicus met his gaze, his hand now resting at his side. “My apologies as well. I understand… difficult special abilities better than most.”

Yeah, raising a corpse minion would be something hard to explain, especially with Fate as your patron instead of Death.

Time offered a rueful smile, shaking his head. “As I told Nikolas, I need to be more cautious. Still, I appreciate your understanding.” His eyes glinted with curiosity. “If I may ask, what special ability do you have that makes you understand?”

Dominicus grimaced and turned his gaze aside. “One that would cause panic if discovered. I’m truly sorry for my reaction and my hypocrisy now, but I prefer not to speak of it.”

Time opened his mouth, but I cut him off. “Fair enough. No judgment here. If you ever want to talk, though, I’m around.”

Given that Time really wasn’t in high standing with Dominicus, it was probably better to not offer that for him.

Time scowled at me and I resisted the urge to flip him off. Dominicus didn’t owe us that answer and pushing would only make him wary again.

Dominicus offered a faint smile, nodding. “I’ll keep that in mind, thank you. It’s nice to have someone else here from Earth.”

I couldn’t help it, I laughed. “I never said I was from Earth. What gave it away?”

He shrugged, the corners of his lips twitching upward in amusement. “Calm your tits.”

Ah, yeah. That’d do it.

I snorted, the sound bubbling up before I could stop it. “I get the feeling I’m going to be bringing plenty of colorful new phrases to Nexus in the near future.” I shook my head. “So, you’re from Earth too?”

He nodded, the humor fading from his face. “Indeed. I lived in several countries. I planned to settle down, but… I got caught in the middle of a robbery. I’m sure you can guess how it went.”

I winced, connecting the dots. “Sure can.” Before I pivot the conversation to safer waters, Dominicus looked to Time.

“And you? What heroic, stupid deed landed you in Karma’s favor?”

Ah, this…could go badly depending on how Time responded.