My Inherited House Might be Haunted

Thirteen

Calix

Rhett appeared stunned enough by this realization that I knew he had to sit with it a minute, maybe sleep on it, before anything started making sense. I basically took charge in cleaning us both up and getting clothes on, then took him downstairs to the kitchen. Food was best for a body in shock. I put him on a barstool at the island and made him a cup of tea, then pushed it into his hands.

It was like the warmth of the ceramic jolted him a little, and he finally started asking questions.

“How can you possibly know?”

I shrugged. “For one thing, I felt your power building before you climaxed. I didn’t expect it to go that direction, mind you. For another, it reached directly for the electricity in the room. It didn’t do anything else. The path it took tells me you must be a technomage, as any other magician’s power would have reached for a different medium.”

He nodded slowly, and I could tell his quick mind was busy absorbing this information and slotting it in somehow. Rhett took a slow sip of the tea before setting it back down on the granite.

“Why now and not before? I’ve been around technology my whole life.”

“And likely have been using your power your entire life. You have to understand, outbursts like this aren’t the norm. It’s not like I have a fireworks show going on when I’m doing magic in my apartment. When I work, my magic comes through at a steady, even pace, and it’s channeled through directions I control. Your power has likely done the same. It’s why everything tech you touch is so easy for you to fix.”

His eyes lifted to mine, studying me. “So Robbie isn’t an idiot?”

“Oh, Robbie’s an idiot. You’re just very gifted.”

“Heh.” Rhett took another sip of tea. “Chamomile?”

“Good for relaxing and calming the body.”

“You are such a kitchen witch.”

“Guilty. Feeling better?”

“Yeah. I mean, I need to sleep on this, but…yeah.” Rhett’s eyes searched mine again. “You were surprised earlier. Because my magic exploded?”

“Hmm, well yes. Also to have my wild theory confirmed. Technomages are not common. I’ve only ever heard of them. I suspected with you because of your profession and the fact you have two familiars, but seeing it with my own eyes was something of a shock to the system.”

Speaking of, here came both familiars now. They were certainly quick on the uptake. Lucy hopped onto the bar and made herself comfortable between Rhett’s arms, her paws resting on his forearms as if she had every right to be there. Myst tucked himself against Rhett’s side, head on his thigh. I could see Rhett visibly settle with both of them there.

Good familiars were worth their weight in gold. I sent a quick intent into the universe—if I could have my familiar soon, that’d be lovely.

Rhett groaned, head dropping so it rested on Lucy’s fur. “What am I supposed to do with this information?”

“Well, I’d sleep on it first. After we get all the glass off your bed. Cutie, understand that this is amazing, but at the same time, it doesn’t really change much of your life. It just means you’re aware of it. That you can hone your magic to better suit your purposes. We’ll put up a few safeguards so you don’t break more bulbs, practice with your magic so you’re better attuned to it, and go on with life.”

He lifted his head to look at me, and I could see a spark of something. Excitement. “So there is a way to control this consciously?”

“Of course. Magic is all about intent. We’ll need to do some research, perhaps get in contact with the coven to see if they can help, because I honestly don’t know much about your type of magic. I can only give you some basics that all magic users do.”

“I…yeah. Yeah, talking with some experts would definitely make me feel better about things.”

“Then we’ll do that tomorrow.”

He’d already had so many surprises tonight, so I didn’t have the heart to tell him that his Aunt Ruth had likely been a medium as well. No one had a good relationship with this many ghosts without being one. That was a revelation for later. I had a strong suspicion magic ran in the family, hence why she’d left the house specifically to Rhett. Why she didn’t tell him he was magical himself was anyone’s guess. Perhaps she’d been waiting for him to grow properly into it before breaking the news.

At any rate, he wasn’t alone. I was here to help him start this journey. Well, myself, Lucy, and Myst.

Rhett looked down at Lucy, stroking her back, eyes narrowed with suspicion. “You were already in the house when I inherited it. Did Aunt Ruth send you to me?”

The cat gave a slow, lazy blink of the eyes and started purring at him.

“Why am I not surprised?”

If that was true, then…Ruth had apparently had a plan on how to tell Rhett about himself and introduce him to his own magical heritage. She’d called a familiar from beyond the grave, which was insane.

Damn. Just how strong did magic run in this family?