CACKLE- Book 1

Chapter Thirty-Two

Remi's breathing was rapid as she started at Huxley. His eyes were turned down as he stroked the back of her hand with his thumb. Remi couldn't, she wanted to sink into her bed, hide under the covers and never come out. There was no point in pretending anymore, she could feel the truth of Huxley's words in her bones.

He knew.

When it seemed as though Huxley would be forever content to stare at their hands in silence, she spoke up.

"How?"

"The guards posted outside of Theo's door that night, they told me what they saw Theo doing, at first. Then, once you arrived, they told me what they heard, what they felt- and after... when you collapsed, Anna tried to help you but there was nothing she could do. The guards carried you to your rooms. They told me what happened, Remi. They had their suspicions. I told them to never speak a word of it, to anyone, including the prince. They're good men, Remi. You can trust me when I tell you that they will not tell a soul." Hux was watching Remi's eyes now. She didn't say anything, so he continued.

"Anna didn't want me around while you were... sleeping, but I convinced her it was the best decision. I was on your side, no matter what. I saw the recovery Theo made, what you did for her. No one that would sacrifice themselves to save a child they barely knew.. Well, they can't be that bad." Hux leaned forward to touch Remi's face, wiping a tear from her cheek with his thumb.

"Don't be afraid of me. Never be afraid of me Remi. I knew you were good when I met you, I knew you were different... I sat next to you that night at dinner, when your fingers would flicker and spark under the table while you had a staring contestant with Ryker. I saw how you manipulated that arrow when we trained. I've suspected for a while, but what happened with Theo confirmed it. I've known witchcraft my entire life, I've watched Anna treat my grandmother. There is no way that you would be able to cure Theo, when Anna's been trying for so long without success. I knew, you had to be stronger, more powerful then she was." Hux took a deep breath. He spoke as though he was confessing something. Admitting a crime to her. His voice was full of empathy, it was like he felt.. Sorry.

Remi couldn't say anything, she just watched him.

"I confronted Anna. I made a vow to never tell another soul and she told me everything. About your abilities, about what she suspected you had saved Theo from and about your... travels." He hesitated before the last word could come out.

So, he really did know everything. Remi's face was hot, flushed with fear and shock. She felt completely exposed. While she had been trying so carefully to hide who she was from everyone, she couldn't hide from him. He saw her, the real her and he wasn't afraid. He wasn't angry. He wasn't going to reveal her to anyone. If Anna had let him live after finding out, she must trust him. That was all more than enough for Remi to trust him too.

She broke down, sobbing into his shoulder as he held her there. The weight of her secret no longer breaking her back but is now being shared. Huxley would shoulder this burden with her. They didn't speak for the rest of the night. Remi's body filled with relief as she drifted off in Huxley's arms.

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The next day she woke to the sound of dishes clinking. Huxley was placing a tray on the table next to Remi's bed. "Sorry." Hux winced.

"I told you it would wake her up." Anna said, her voice coming from the couch in Remi's room.

"And I told you that she had to have something to eat, It's late." He countered.

Anna made a 'huff' sound by way of response.

Remi smiled at Hux and his face lit up. They didn't have to say it outloud but they both knew, there was a trust between them now and they were both happier because of it.