Veil of Secrets

Chapter Thirty-Six - Unwanted Powers

Later that night, after the gathering had started to wind down, I found myself alone outside with Damian. The faint light from the house illuminated the backyard, casting long shadows as we picked up cups and leftover items used during our earlier power channeling attempts. The air was cool and crisp, and I glanced around, searching for one of my guard dogs, but they were nowhere in sight.

Damian caught my eye and did a double take, then smiled softly.

"You know, you really are doing good. It can't be easy," he said, continuing to gather trash from the ground.

"Thank you," I replied, feeling the weight of his words settle in. An uncomfortable silence fell between us, but thankfully, Damian broke it again.

"You know, before, I thought they would try to use you to get to your powers, and now I know that wasn't an excuse. I had no right to act that way. But... I knew what potential you possessed, and I was trying to protect you. I wish someone had done the same for me when I was developing. I guess I just saw myself in you and wanted to protect what reminded me of me. I went about it the wrong way, but you're so much stronger than I ever realized. I understand if you never forgive me, but I'm truly sorry about everything."

His sincerity hit me like a wave, and I stared at him for a second, processing his words. "Thank you," I finally said again, this time more heartfelt. He smiled at me, and as he continued picking up the trash, I turned and walked inside the house, leaving him to his thoughts.

As I stepped into the warmth of my home, Emma's excited voice reached me. "Hey! Babe! We were just talking to your brother about witches and hellhounds!"

I looked at Alex, who seemed both thrilled and horrified.

"So you're an actual witch, like... abracadabra?" he asked, pointing at Clara. "And you're a... hellhound? What is that exactly?"

Clara looked offended. "I have never once said the words 'abracadabra' in my life," she scoffed, which made me laugh out loud. I caught Lucas watching me with a smile, momentarily easing the tension between us.

"A hellhound is a... dog," Ryan said, struggling to explain. "That basically watches over hell and makes sure everyone stays on the side they're supposed to be on."

"Woaahhh," Alex gasped, his jaw dropping. "So you're dead?" he asked, staring at Ryan in disbelief.

"Yup. A ghost," Ryan replied, his tone serious before jumping up and yelling to try and scare Alex.

Alex jumped in his chair and screamed like he was in a horror movie, and laughter erupted around the room.

Just then, Damian appeared out of thin air. I stared at him, jaw on the ground.

"Vampire," he said, winking at me with a smirk.

I laughed, and my gaze met Sebastian's, who was watching me and Damian with a look of disgust.

"Wait, you're the vampire?" Alex asked, pointing at Damian. "I thought that was him." He pointed at Lucas, who looked annoyed.

"No. He wishes he was this awesome," Damian replied, a cocky grin plastered on his face. Lucas snarled slightly, rolling his eyes. "He's just a cranky dog," Damian added, and before Lucas could retaliate, Damian vanished and reappeared on my other side. "Too slow," he teased.

Lucas moved to hit Damian again, but I shouted, "Stop!" The tension in the room shifted as both Damian and Lucas turned to me, expressions of regret on their faces.

"Sorry," they both said in unison.

"I wish I had that kind of power over men," Emma murmured, grinning.

"You have that kind of power over me," Ryan said, looking up at Emma with a warm smile.

Emma blushed, her excitement radiating through the room, and I felt a twinge of envy mixed with happiness for my friends. They had something real, a connection that seemed so effortless compared to the chaos that often surrounded me.

"Okay, enough about that," I said, trying to steer the conversation in a different direction. "What else did you guys talk about?"

"Just how Ryan got his hellhound powers and how he keeps them in check," Alex said, clearly still fascinated.

"Yeah, that part was wild," Emma chimed in. "You should have seen the look on your face when Ryan explained how hellhounds protect the underworld. You looked like you were about to pass out!"

"Yeah, it's a lot to take in," I admitted, glancing at Ryan. "But it's kind of cool, right? Having all these powers around?"

"Absolutely," Ryan said, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "And you're just getting started, Aria. You'll have so much more control soon."

"Control is key," Clara added, her expression serious. "We don't know what's coming, and you'll need to be ready."

The gravity of her words sank in, and I nodded, knowing this journey was just beginning. As the laughter and chatter continued around me, I felt a sense of unity with my friends, but also the weight of the unknown pressing down on us. Whatever challenges lay ahead, we'd face them together.

But in the back of my mind, I couldn't shake the feeling that this newfound power and the people surrounding me might not be enough to keep us safe. And as much as I tried to ignore it, a storm was brewing on the horizon.