The Angel of Death

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Eight

I didn't leave. I couldn't, after what Tim said. He was right, I do run away from my problems. I've run from camp, my father, my friends, even before I was a demigod. I hated that it took me getting yelled at by Tim to realise that. I didn't even think Tim liked me that much, he's always been the most distant towards me compared to the others. I still don't know if he likes me, but I'm thankful to him (somewhat) for opening my eyes.

I can't keep running. I have to face whatever mess I've created, and deal with the consequences instead of expecting Percy or Bianca or my father or Chiron to sweep in and take care of it for me. I've always thought that it was best that I leave everything and everyone behind, since I'm shit at fixing messes, but apparently amazing at getting myself into them.

So what that Dick took off? So what if he hates me, if I get thrown out? I never really belonged here anyways, I'm not a part of this family. The adoption hasn't even been finalised yet! I'd been living here for only two months, they wouldn't miss me, and I wouldn't miss them. I was used to leaving people, to people leaving me, this would be no different. It won't be any different.

My hands, which had begun packing my bag again, hesitated. I was a shit liar. I didn't know how, but this stupid family had managed to carve themselves a place in my life in a way very few people ever had before, and I knew I could handle leaving, but I didn't know if I could handle being kicked out. I continued packing.

The decision was ultimately up to Bruce. I needed to explain things to him, and he could do what he wanted with the information, whether that be kicking me out or arresting me or...letting me stay. I hated to hope, it never brought anything except disappointment and heartbreak, but Gods, was I hoping. Maybe he would be as accepting as Jason was, and tell me that it didn't matter what I could do or who's child I was, that he would keep me here, that I could finally have a normal life and a real family again.

But maybe he would react like everyone else. He would look at me with disgust and fear and tell me I was an abomination and a danger to everyone around me. If I lost control, even for a split second, I could kill someone. I was dangerous, and Bruce would be wise to protect his family.

I set my bag by the door. Everything I owned was safely packed inside. I left all the clothes and things Bruce had bought me over my short stay behind. They weren't mine, afterall. I had changed back into the clothes I wore when I first arrived. I took a breath, steeling my nerves for the conversation I was about to have and stepped out of the room.

I could hear Bruce down in the foyer, talking with a woman. He sounded agitated. I made my way down the staircase, thumb twisting at the skull ring resting on my finger. "This is ridiculous, on what grounds are you able to–"

"I apologise for the lack of warning, it came as a surprise for all of us as well. But as Nico's file has not been found, he isn't truly your son yet. Mr. Di Angelo has every right to collect him."

"What's going on?" I asked, no longer able to pretend I wasn't eavesdropping after I heard my name. Bruce looked startled to see me, his eyes holding nothing but confused concern as he looked me over for any signs of the injuries I'd received last night, then ghosting over my shoulders- probably looking for a sign of the wings I'd displayed before as well. A woman I didn't recognise stood in the doorway, dressed in a casual business suit, and behind her a man I vaguely recognised stood. As he met my eyes, he smiled in a way that seemed harmless and even slightly nervous, but sent shivers down my spine all the same.

"Nico," Bruce said, regaining his composure. "This is Mrs. Heathe. She's been appointed to your...case." Mrs. Heathe nodded at me in a very formal way, and I returned the gesture, shifting a little closer to Bruce as I felt the man's eyes on me.