The Blessed and the Pure┃🖋

Chapter Ν

"Nikas- No, Nikas, listen. I'm fine, see?"

Hallie strode into the alley without a care in the world. Sure, her brain was screaming at her to stop and get out, get out, get out, but she could deal with that on her own. Nikas didn't need to worry.

"Hallie, please." Nikas walked closer. Perialla hovered at the edge of the alley, wringing her hands together and letting her eyes wander. "You just had a panic attack. It's okay if you're not okay."

"I know," Hallie said. "But I am okay. I promise."

Nikas hesitated, then looked down.

Satisfied in knowing he was done - for now, Hallie turned and found the doorknob to what Taryn told her to call their home base.

She opened the door and looked around. The room was empty; no Taryn and Kirphis bickering in a corner with Semele backing the former up with well-timed comments.

Hallie entered and took a seat. Nikas came in a second after, dragging his feet with concern and dejectedness.

A pang of guilt reverberated in Hallie's chest. She didn't mean to be too pushy; she wasn't used to someone caring that much. It wasn't what she knew how to deal with. Besides, she was fine.

"Miscenus is back," Perialla said, holding the door open for the gasping Sóma.

Miscenus halted his breath for a second to scan the room. He groaned. "Of course she went."

Nikas perked up. "Did you find food?"

"Yup. Got some for us, too. I figured we'd all need it by now."

He passed out chunks of bread and pieces of honey cubes. Hallie noted him giving her more than the rest. She didn't complain, though. Food was the one thing a Sóma couldn't complain about. It could cause a decade-long prison sentence.

She drew the line at Nikas not-so-discreetly sliding a honey cube her way.

There was a loud shriek before Semele threw herself into the room, falling on her stomach and rolling on her side at the foot of Miscenus's chair.

"Dang it," she said after spotting her brother.

Miscenus glared down at her. "I thought I told you to stay?"

"No one-" She winced. "I didn't die."

"I can see that." He sighed and averted his gaze. "Don't do that again."

Semele lit up. "No promises!"

"What happened?" Perialla got up and hugged her girlfriend. "You three look awful."

"Oh, nothing much." Taryn looked Perialla dead in the eye. "Just Laothoe killing someone."

Miscenus hacked on a honey cube, and Hallie felt her eyes go wide and her heart pump faster.

No, it's alright. Calm down. Four, seven, eight, Four, seven, eight.

"She did what!?" Miscenus got out of his chair and wrapped his arms around his sister.

Semele struggled against his firm grip. "Let go!" Her voice came out muffled.

"No."

"I'm fine! It's not like she killed me!"

She got an arm free and pushed Miscenus's face away. "Ha!"

Taryn sighed, and Hallie returned her attention to her. "What happened with Talaus?"

Nikas and Perialla's heads snapped toward Hallie.

"What, does she know him or something?" Taryn asked.