Nightwalker

Thirty Five

Soren

I'm deeply anticipating the day Riordan discovers astral projection.

Astral projection is a psychic ability that takes very little time to master, and from watching Marvallia do it, it seemed incredibly interesting.

If Riordan really is an A'chaid like Marvallia predicts, then she's going to have to learn about soul crying.

It was something Marvallia did often, a form of astral projection where she can see exactly what you are doing within the present moment.

She sat comfortable on the floor of her library, legs crossed and eyes closed.

''They're almost at her place. Neither of them have said a word to each other the whole drive.''

I desperately wanted to see what Marvallia was seeing, so I held her hand, giving me her sight.

They were finally in Aires, driving down an affluent neighborhood.

Aires was beautiful; cherry trees littering the area and long winding roads for miles.

''They're mad at each other.'' Blake quips from Marvallia' s reading couch, buried in a book.

I let go of Marv and stand up, making my way over to sit beside her.

Once she'd heard about Riordan losing her memory, she'd messaged me like a madwoman on steroids. Blake demanded I take her to Marvallia so she could understand more about what was going on.

Of course Marvallia and I couldn't tell her everything about the Demark Gene, but we reassured her the best we could as soon she walked through the door.

''Why do you say that?''

''They're not talking to each other. That's out of character for those two. They could talk for hours if left alone.''

''Weird.''

''Not as weird as you both keeping secrets.''

Marvallia withdraws from her astral projection, taking a deep, long breath as her soul returns into her body.

''Withholding information for the time being isn't a crime. And from already knowing you Blake, you'll run your mouth to Riordan as soon as she's back from her trip.''

Blake scoffs at Marvallia as if she didn't know what she was talking about.

''And what's the harm in that? Maybe she deserves to know whatever it is you're keeping from her.''

''It's not the time, Martie.'' I say, trying to appease her.

''And when will that be? Seconds before she's in trouble?''

Marvallia lets out a frustrated exhale.

''Imagine this: you're minutes away from taking the biggest test for your career, but at the same time, someone needs to tell you that your dog has died. Would you rather they tell you before your test, or after?''

''I dunno, probably after?''

''Then you've answered your own question.''

''It isn't as simple as that--''

''Knowing right now may cause more harm than good. Time is of the essence.''

Marv stands up, and walks over to us, seizing the book she had in her hand.

''Hey! I was reading that!''

''I don't want you to conflate us protecting Riordan with us being reticent. She's new to all this and as I told Soren a day or two ago, she needs as much of her normal life to stay normal until she starts getting an inkling that it's about to change.''