Chương 5: 005

Karma hummed, unimpressed. I'm real, brat. One of these days I'm going to prove it to you. Maybe I'll turn that Ma of yours into a cockroach. If she'd been from my world, I would've done it already… The image dragged a reluctant smile from me. She's rotting in a cell where she belongs. If she were a bug, someone would crush her and be done with it. This–slow, inevitable decay–feels more fitting. For all the children she'd stolen from their parents, she deserved far worse than a boot heel.

At least my friends were safe. Returned. Their parents didn't want contact with me–understandable, after everything–but knowing the kids were home was enough. I didn't need more than that. Kid, you're too nice for your own good. Karma's voice rumbled through my skull, all teeth and judgment. That wretch deserved to never see her human hands again. Hell, I'd take a crack at the Farens too. Abandoning a child like that… I scowled at the empty room. I'm almost sixteen, I shot back. Hardly a child.

And the Farens weren't bad people. They just… couldn't afford two kids. Sometimes life handed you garbage, and all you could do was deal with the smell. I knew that better than most. Karma exhaled, the sound heavy with something like restraint. Time as my witness, I'm going to teach you how to choose yourself one of these days. You deserve it. A lecture was coming. I could feel it gathering like a storm cloud, so I swerved hard for the only exit I had. Sure, sure. How's your husband? I asked lightly.

You haven't gushed about Time in, what? A whole day? Are you in withdrawal yet? She barked a laugh. Nice subject change. I'm feeling merciful, so I'll allow it. And because you want to gush about your husband, I added, sliding the loose board back into place and nudging the bed frame over it. That goes without saying, Karma sniffed. As for my adoring husband, he's fine. A bit cranky thanks to his brother, but that's normal. Chaos isn't happy unless he's driven Time insane at least once a week.

I stood, stretching until my spine cracked. Sounds like siblings to me. Not that I'd know firsthand. Don't try that with me, she cut in. I've seen you with the other kids. Reading to them. Patching them up. Standing watch. You're a brother, whether you claim it or not. Whatever you say, Karma. She laughed, warm and knowing. Have I ever mentioned how similar you and Time are? You even sounded like him just now. A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

I raised an eyebrow, even though she couldn't see it. The spirit of Time itself and I are alike? The cranky man you talk about, that Time? Hey now. Mild offense crept into her tone. Time may be cranky, but once you get past that prickly shell, he's the best man you'll ever meet. He pretends not to care, but he does. Deeply. Most people don't stick around long enough to notice. His temper does a fine job of chasing them off. Sometimes a little too well. I groaned, stretching my arms overhead.

And that's who I'm like? Great. You keep people at a distance too, she shot back. You just use different methods. She wasn't wrong. Alright, I muttered. I should focus… My gaze drifted to the empty bed, and the long, probably sleepless night waiting for me. Hey, Karma? After I talk to Lucy… can we talk more? Until I fall asleep? Her reply softened, warmth without pity. Of course, kid. Just call when you're ready. The connection faded. I drew in a slow breath, grounding myself with a hand on the doorknob.

I could fall apart later, when the halls were quiet. Right now, I had a little girl to make smile. The rest could wait. Besides, I wouldn't be alone with my thoughts tonight. That was more than enough. I shook off the heaviness and crossed the hall to the only other door, the girls' dormitory. Soft sniffles leaked through the wood. I didn't need to open it to know who they belonged to. The ache in my chest sharpened anyway. I knocked three times.

"I don't wanna see anyone," Lucy called.

"Go away." I'm right there with you, kid…

"Well," I drawled, "I was hoping to see my favorite little anklebiter, but if you don't want to-." The door flew open. Lucy's tear-streaked face filled the doorway.

"Nik! You're back!" Relief spilled from her in every syllable. I barely had time to kneel before she launched herself at me, thin arms locking around my neck. Her damp cheek pressed against my shoulder as I rubbed slow circles into her back.

"Yup," I murmured.

"Couldn't stay away." I pulled back just enough to see her.

"I know it's early for bed, but how about a story? Unless you're too old for those now." She shook her head so hard I worried she'd hurt herself.

"No! I'll never be too old for your stories. Please!" I scooped her up and settled onto the nearest bed, stretching out on the stiff mattress.

"Alright. What are we feeling tonight? Dragons and adventure? Or something cozy, maybe a magical bakery?" She propped her chin on her hand, thinking hard. The scar across her face shifted with the motion.

"Can it be both?" Her voice dropped to a whisper.

"And can there be a girl too? With scars?" Something inside me split clean down the middle. I pulled her closer and nodded, already shaping the tale.

"Of course. That's the best kind of heroine." I smiled gently.

"Now… let's start at the beginning. Once upon a time…" Lucy's eyes locked onto mine, wide and shining. Her tears faded, at least for now. They'd come back later, they always did, but in this moment, everything was alright. And her shaky, brilliant smile was more than enough for me.