Downfall - The Incorruptibles #1 (COMPLETE NOVEL)

Chapter 8: Divination

On Saturday the five of us made the decision to see a movie together. It was disorienting to be out in public with the group from Gaunt House. I found myself staring at their well-lit faces and constantly looking around to make sure no one recognised us. However, they seemed unfazed. Was it possible they used to go out together a lot before Jude brought me into the group? I wondered why that changed when I came along. We went to a bar after the film and a glass of wine gave me the courage to stand close and sneak my arm around Cain's hips. He kissed my cheek but the look in his eyes reflected the way I felt. Neither of us was comfortable doing stuff like that in front of the other three, let alone out in public. They seemed fine, chatting away, although I noticed Jude avoided looking at me or Cain.

When we got back to Gaunt House ruin it was late so everyone went home pretty much straight away. Not me. I wanted more of Cain ... and the story. I'd taken note of his habits. He always stayed behind after we left. I got into my car and sat there, pretending to write a message on my phone while Cain waved everyone off. I didn't want them to think about the fact that I was staying there with Cain—especially Jude. But as soon as they'd all departed I climbed back out of my car to stay behind with Cain.

He sure didn't have any reason to feel as shy of me as I did of him, yet something like confusion was plain in his face as we went down into the underground chamber. I mean, I'd already made my obsession with him humiliatingly obvious. He couldn't possibly have any doubts about how he made me feel. And he was so extraordinary. Wasn't he accustomed to people staring by now? But we stood down there in speechless discomfort, the quiet filling our ears. Finally he reached for my hand, saying, "Let's not talk about it tonight."

"Why not?"

He shrugged and sat, pulling me down beside him. Any other time that would have made me happy but tonight I had questions. Why didn't he want to talk? Was it because of our conversation from a couple of days before when I'd disappointed him by just not getting it? Maybe he was worried I wouldn't get it again. I chewed my lip nervously and Cain reached up to tuck a piece of my hair behind my ear.

"You're not going to let us not talk about it, are you?" he said.

I shook my head and he sighed. "I know you don't think I'll understand," I said, "but I'll try. I want to know why the others are here, too. Why did you choose them?"

"It's not that I don't think you'll understand. It's just that you might feel ..." He stopped.

"What?" I pressed.

Cain's lips closed and he didn't answer. I took his shoulders and tried to shake them, but was met with massive strength, warmth, and immovability. It was like trying to shake a horse. I pulled my hands away. I simply couldn't get used to that. But at least he was looking at my face again now.

"Come on," I pleaded. "Cain, tell me. I feel like I'm being left out."

"Ironic. That's why I didn't want to tell you. Because you might feel left out."

I frowned. "You thought I might feel left out if I knew why you chose them? Why? Is it something they know and I don't? Another secret? Something they know about you?"

He shook his head. "You've been told more than they have. I've hardly told them anything."

"Why not? Because they don't ask?"

Cain shrugged. "Because they don't need to be told."

"But I do?"

He grinned. "You keep asking. They don't."

I smiled sheepishly, but then it struck me. My mouth fell open. "They don't need to know because they already know?" I checked his face for confirmation. "Because they ... Liz, Owen and Jude ... have visions, too?"