Maya’s nerves were on edge as she followed Angelo and Dawson down the street, her mind racing with concern for Jason. She tried to push aside the gnawing feeling that Clarissa's presence was bringing her, but Jason’s safety was her priority. “They wouldn’t hurt him. I mean, as strange as they’ve been lately, Mr. and Mrs. Ross love Jason. They wouldn’t do anything to harm him. A lot of their weirdness is just them being overly protective.”
Angelo glanced at her from the driver's seat, a skeptical eyebrow raised. “Does running off and leaving everything behind sound like something a rational person would do?”
Maya’s silence was her only response. The car ride to Jason’s house was tense, her thumb anxiously chewing at her nail as she stared out the window, lost in thought.
Meanwhile, back at the Burns’ residence, Joseph Burns was a bundle of nerves. His pacing was relentless, the sound of his footsteps echoing in the quiet house. Frustrated, he tried calling Austen for what felt like the hundredth time since their last failed attempt to connect. The reports of a mysterious illness sweeping through seemingly unrelated groups had confirmed his fears—Austen was making his move, and the endgame was in motion.
Gabe had been raised in a world of duty and loyalty, bred to serve the James family. This obligation was the reason he could marry someone he didn’t love and still cherish Austen’s daughter. His family had always been in service to the James’s, not by magic but through their steadfast support. Gabe’s father had once rescued Austen’s family, and Gabe’s own role had been to protect and support, even when it meant enduring personal heartache.
When Austen had died, Gabe’s grief had been profound, but the birth of Maya had rekindled his hope. Her tiny hand clutching his finger had been his lifeline. Now, with Austen’s return and his ominous news, Gabe was paralyzed with dread. The shattered phone lay in pieces on the floor as he leaned against the wall, feeling the weight of impending disaster.
Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.
Today was Howard Allen’s first official day at the fertilizer plant, and Gabe knew he had to maintain appearances despite the turmoil.
At Jason’s house, Maya shivered as she surveyed the empty rooms. The Rosses’ sudden departure, leaving behind nearly everything, felt more like a desperate act than a planned escape. Maya’s unease deepened as she drew closer to Angelo and Dawson, her childhood memories of the Rosses clouded by their recent strange behavior. They had always been devout, but lately, their piety seemed to have taken on a frenzied edge.
Clarissa’s voice cut through the tension. “Sam, try using your Gift.”
Sam’s hands, still scarred from the burning incident, trembled slightly as he looked for something to focus on. He spotted a fallen angel ornament, its wing broken off, and picked it up. His concentration was palpable as he closed his eyes, gripping the angel tightly.
Maya, Dawson, Angelo, Harper, and Clarissa watched in silence, their breaths held in anticipation.
Sam’s eyes snapped open in frustration. “Nothing. I’m not seeing anything.”
Clarissa’s frustration mirrored Sam’s. “You’re not concentrating enough. This is important. Jason needs you to use your Gift.”
Sam’s face twisted in frustration, his eyes closing tightly once more. “It’s flickering away before I can even get a grasp on it.”
Harper, on the brink of tears, stepped closer. “Please, just try harder. I’m so scared for Jason.”
Sam clenched his jaw, trying to force his Gift into action. “I’m doing my best! It’s not like there’s a simple switch to turn it on or off!”
Harper’s voice broke as a tear rolled down her cheek. “I’m sorry. I just—” Her voice trailed off as her shoulders shook with silent sobs.
Dawson, overwhelmed by his own fear, kicked a nearby chair, the loud crash resonating through the room. His rage was a testament to the depth of his concern for Jason.
Angelo, observing the scene, spoke softly to Maya. “They’re putting too much pressure on Sam. It’s only going to make him block his ability further, even if it’s just subconsciously.”
Maya nodded, recognizing the truth in Angelo’s words. The room’s tense energy wasn’t helping anyone, especially not Sam.