Revealed (Unbound, Book 5)

Chapter Fifty-One

Calin carried me from my bedroom to the upstairs living room. Before I had the chance to call Nancy, she texted to say she'd just got home to have a nap before returning g to Trevor—and I needed rest and to not come back until I had to.

I didn't realize the invite was made more from obligation—best friend and knowing she'd be upset I didn't think to—than want until relief that she wasn't coming burst through my veins. When she declined, I decided not to ask Julian. At least with Calin, I knew it was okay not to fill the time with the sound of unending and pointless conversation.

A full day alone with Calin would help me stay calm and feel better.

We huddled side by side under blankets and watched movies with the lights on. Rom-coms and comedy. No horror and a rule that no mention of Trevor was allowed until morning.

"Hey, Mom," Calin said, laughing at the movie when Islene appeared.

I pressed pause on the remote and set it in my lap. "Hey, Islene."

She stepped into the room completely and glanced at my bandages. "How are you feeling?"

"Better," I said, looking down. Every few minutes or hours, I would accidentally rub against the bandages, and I felt the throb of my wounds. Otherwise, it was like they didn't exist and I could pretend I'd never met Trevor, let alone been a hostage in his soundproof room.

"You're sure?" Islene asked, narrowing her eyes.

"Yes." I nodded, then swallowed. I said better, not okay. Was it weird I wasn't acting like a mess? In fact, I didn't feel much of anything. Only when Calin wasn't with me did the anxiety of what happened and could happen again creep in. Thankfully, he hadn't left my side.

"Good." She nodded. "Trevor hasn't woken up to talk yet, and the numbers on his phone are blocked."

"Shht." Calin held his hand. "Nora said we can't say his name until tomorrow."

Islene laughed, though it was subdued. "Okay, then let's focus on good news instead. Your test results returned."

"And?" My stomach flipped.

"It's negative," she said, not drawing it out. "You aren't related to Calin."

"Then how...?" I shook my head. "I thought only members of my family could pass through the barrier."

We aren't related.

Calin's hand found mine, and he entwined our fingers.

"I feel stupid for not realizing how he was able to get past the barriers," Islene continued, oblivious to the fact that Calin and I were staring at each other instead of her. It was like she was background noise. "It's so obvious."

I tore my gaze from Calin and turned to Islene, confused. "Not so much from my perspective. I have no clue what you mean."

"Me neither."

Islene sighed and looked between us. She sank into the armchair. "When you were children, Vavila and I brought you together."

"So?" Calin asked.

My heart rate increased, worried over Islene's apprehension. She looked up and met my stare.

"I had a vision that Calin met his soulmate," she said. "Since I couldn't see who it was, I knew it had to be Vavila's daughter."

"I'm sorry?" I blinked.

"You can't be tracked, Nora, which also means you can't be seen. It's a... gift of your family."

"But you had visions of my mom."

"Yes, but only after she told me her family secrets," she said. "I can't see you until you tell me too."