My Third Eye

Chapter 15

 Ezra

Why is it that just when things finally start to take a positive turn, everything seems to unravel? It's like every time I think I'm making progress, the universe decides to throw a curveball my way.

"Do you have an answer or should I go on to the next one?" The host asks, his movement and speech stiff.

"Forget it, just go ahead and ask another one," I say with a huff.

"Hey, Cowgirl. I heard you had some trouble getting your friends in the back. What's going on? Haven't you been working with Nikί for, what, fifteen years?" A deeper voice calls out as the front doors swing open for him, his voice teasing as if they'd been friends forever.

"Remy, I swear, if you call me Cowgirl one more time I will cut off your tongue. And it's not even our fault! That stupid guy is asking questions only a third eye would know! So we can't even win the stupid trivia game to get back there," Louisa complains. I take that moment to glance at Marcus, who is sitting on the bench, wrapping his arms around himself and occasionally banging his head against the wall. I groan as I realize he's probably been sitting there knowing the answers the whole time while I embarrass myself. Not that he could say anything, though; it would be too suspicious for him to know. It looks like it's painful for him to stay quiet. This is so annoying! I should be able to know this, maybe figure it out from context clues.

"Question eleven: When an eye burns into the skin and a vision occurs while the person is still awake, what causes this phenomenon?" the host asks devoid of any emotion. I have no idea, Mark, however, jolts so fast in his seat he starts coughing.

"Sorry, I'm fine. It's just hard being an alive person. Know what I mean?" Mark comments, emphasizing select words. I snicker at his cover up and I raise my hand. Thank goodness for context clues and friends with abilities.

"Yes, Ezra. You would like to respond?" The challenger says.

"I actually do. When an eye burns into the skin and a vision occurs while the person is still awake it's because their sixth sense is interacting with a living person rather than in the dream realm. It's a complicated process, though, as only certain sixth senses can do this, and it typically depends on how their ability relates to humans," I reply effortlessly. The looks on the other contestants' faces is priceless and Mark and I almost burst out laughing.

The questioner smiles faintly and says, "You're the only one to answer correctly so far. If you get one more right, you'll earn yourself a tour."

"Hit me," I intertwine my fingers and flex them outwards obnoxiously. Mark snorts and shakes his head.

"Do you know about a person with a third eye?"

"I'm sorry?" I question, dumbfounded.

"Do you know anyone with a sixth sense?" the cold voice inquired brusquely. I lock eyes with Marcus and all humor has drained from his features. My stomach drops as I realize he still doesn't fully trust me. Fear has creeped into his eyes and the edges of his mouth are turned down in a begging manner. I would trust him with my life. Why doesn't he believe that he can trust me with his? All I need is to be there for him!

"No," I address the question firmly, "I don't."

"I see. Congratulations on winning the trivia. I'm sure Remy will be delighted to be your guide through the archive," the host says with a forcing glance at the guy next to Louisa.

"Impressive, and I'd be honored. Any friend of Cowgirl here is a friend of mine," he says smoothly, standing up from where he was leaning against the wall.

"You're lucky I don't have access to scissors," she mutters, turning to stride alone toward the tall, imposing doors. Remy retorts but I don't pay attention. Without hesitation, I approached Mark, but before I could even say a word, he began speaking.