Chương 38: 038

Déjà vu slammed into me as my face met stone for the second time. Pain flared along the bridge of my nose, and I pushed myself upright, glaring at the carpet just inches from where I'd landed. It looked plush. Mockingly so. I rubbed my nose and muttered,"I could've done without round two of that…" Time's voice slid into my mind, smooth enough to make me flinch. I control time, not placement. Would you like me to rewind you so you can attempt it again? His tone was neutral, but amusement threaded through it.

That faint, almost teasing lilt was new. I leaned back against the wall and shot back lightly, "Are you feeling up to that, old man? You're sounding a little winded." Silence answered. It stretched long enough for my nerves to prickle. Shit. Did I actually offend him? Before I could walk it back, magic surged, and in the space of a blink, I wasn't on the floor anymore. I was falling. Again. The stone floor rushed up for a third time. I twisted at the last second, hitting the carpet face-first.

Softer, sure—but adrenaline ruined any satisfaction. My heart hammered as I lay there, breath sharp in my chest. Okay. I hadn't expected him to actually rewind time just to mess with me. I shoved myself upright and glared at empty air.

"What, are you sensitive about your age? I was joking." Time hummed, the sound rich with amusement now. Yes. And I am permitted to respond in kind. I could practically feel him shrug. As for sensitivity, I am the eldest of Nexus's spirits, firstborn of the old gods. There is very little that ruffles me. Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author's preferred platform and support their work! Holy shit.

It made sense that he'd be the oldest thing–spirit or otherwise–still alive, but only now was that truly sinking in. The oldest existing entity on this planet was in my head… and he'd just pranked me. My life was so weird now. Shaking that off, I pressed back against the wall and scanned the hallway. Silas had rounded the corner fast last time. If I wanted to keep that orc woman safe, if I wanted to keep anyone safe, I needed to end this quickly.

"Yeah," I muttered distractedly, "you're unflappable all right. Unless someone brings up Karma." Time's voice returned, measured but edged. Karma is my wife. It is only natural to be concerned when a stranger informs me she is unreachable. Defensive, wasn't he? I hummed soothingly without thinking.

"Easy, old timer. I never said it was a bad thing. Just…observational." Honestly, half the people on Earth could've taken notes from the two of them. My past foster placement especially. I shoved that thought aside before it could dig in and stretched my hearing toward the corridor. Nothing yet.

"She did mention your habit of fast-forwarding people who insult her," I added.

"Good on you." A pause. You are not uneasy with that? I snorted.

"I like her. I won't be talking shit." Then, grimacing, "Though you can probably blame someone from Earth for the whole 'Karma is a bitch' saying. Pretty sure that originated on my planet. Sorry." Still no Silas. Was time moving slower, or was I missing something? Before I could spiral, Time's irritation rolled through the bond like distant thunder. Wonderful. Should I discover who began that phrase, I will be certain to visit them…personally. Yeah. Rest in peace to that poor bastard.

"If it helps," I offered, "there's a newer version.

'Karma's only a bitch if you are.' I prefer that one." Time hummed, clearly approving. That is accurate. My wife is an excellent judge of character. She does not dislike without reason. I smiled faintly.

"She pegged the guy who stabbed me as an asshole on sight, so I'd say that tracks." Silence followed. Then confusion, sharp and genuine. Someone stabbed you? I sighed.

"Yeah, it was... a whole mess." Between the would-be assassin and the clinic with a grudge over me 'cutting into their profits,' it was too much to unpack right now. Remembering he could hear my thoughts, I added dryly, "What, not calling me a fool this time?" Instead of the blunt reprimand I half-expected, Time sighed. I did not say you were a fool. I said you were made a fool of. There is a difference. A pause. And what occurred on Earth is not something most would anticipate.

No, I will not call you a fool for that. Tension I hadn't realized I was carrying eased from my shoulders.

"Well," I muttered, scanning the hallway again, "thanks." Footsteps echoed from around the corner before I could say anything else, anything less awkward. Silas's voice rang out, sharp and commanding.

"Search the entire castle, leave no room unchecked. The otherworlder couldn't have gone far from the summoning site. We don't have long, the army will be at our doorstep soon." Finally. Time to get this show on the road.