Lucid

CHAPTER 16 - IN A HEARTBEAT

"What do you mean the Knights are here?"

Mom had been through a lot. I'd seen her stressed, I'd seen her upset—but this? This was different. She wasn't just worried. She was terrified. And that terrified me.

She ran a shaking hand through her hair, letting out a heavy sigh. "Ayden, this is why I tell you to keep me informed when you leave the house. Imagine if Isabel wasn't there? Do you have any idea what could have—" She cut herself off, closing her eyes. "What were you even doing out there?"

I couldn't tell her. Not yet.

"I was out for a jog."

Her eyes narrowed. "Did you shift?"

"No, Mom. Just out with a friend."

Her expression hardened. "Were you with Ethan?"

I blinked. "Yeah, Mom. I was with Ethan. Why?"

The way she looked at me made my stomach sink. Like she knew something. Like she expected this. Her lips parted slightly, as if she wanted to say something, but the words never came. Instead, she just exhaled slowly, her whole body trembling with it.

Without another word, she turned away, walking into the kitchen. I heard the rustling of keys, the scrape of a bag against the floor.

Something was wrong.

"Mom?" I stepped forward as she pulled a duffel from the dining room, struggling to lift it. By the time I reached her, her hands were visibly shaking.

"Mom, are you okay?"

She shook her head. "I'll be fine. Just—just help me get this to the car."

I grabbed the bag, but I didn't move. "What's going on? Where are you going?"

She didn't answer. Just walked outside, started the car, and gripped the steering wheel like it was the only thing holding her together. I followed, watching as she dropped her head, her breath coming in ragged shudders.

She was crying.

"Mom, please talk to me."

She stepped out, her face pale and streaked with tears. And then she did something I wasn't expecting. She pulled me into a tight hug, clinging to me like she was afraid to let go.

"Be strong for me, okay?" Her voice cracked. "Be strong."

I barely had time to respond before she let go, got in the car, and drove off.

I stood there, watching her disappear down the road.

She was gone.

My hands were shaking as I pulled out my phone. I didn't even think—I just called the first person who came to mind.

Celine.

It rang.

"Come on, come on..."

Finally, she picked up—but before I could even say anything, she spoke first.

"Spears, I'm nearly there. Meet me at my house. Few minutes." Then she hung up.

That was it. No explanation. No Are you okay?

Something was wrong.

I needed to talk to Ethan. I needed something solid right now, something real.

I dialled.

"Ethan?"

"Yeah?"

I swallowed hard. "Can you meet me at the bridge later today?"