Chapter 14
Lucy was excited to step back into the office again. It had been a while, and though there were no updates from Davina or Deza, making an appearance was exactly what she needed. A little normalcy.
She arrived with Corey, both dressed sharper than usual. “Corey, you combed your hair?” she teased.
He frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Lucy laughed. “No, but really—you look fresh today. I wonder if it’s because we might be seeing Davina?”
Corey shot her a look, half-smirk tugging at his lips. “What makes you think I haven’t seen Davina?”
Lucy’s jaw dropped. “You didn’t—”
But he just walked ahead, smooth as ever, stepping into the Morgan Group building like he owned the place. His contented grin gave everything away.
As they entered, Lucy noticed how well things were running. The staff looked busy and confident; the atmosphere was lighter than before. There were still a few faces that carried that “I hate change” expression, but that was fine. You can’t please everyone, she thought.
When they reached her office, Davina was already there waiting with a tall glass of iced chai.
“Mmmm, exactly how I like it,” Lucy said, taking the drink. “Thank you.”
Davina smiled. “It’s good to see you, Lucy. We’ve missed you around here.”
Lucy moved past her to enter the office but noticed Corey hanging back by the doorway. He was acting… shy. Slowly, he walked up to Davina. She reached out, lifted his chin with her hand, and kissed him softly.
Lucy couldn’t help but grin as Corey sat on the edge of her desk whispering something that made Davina blush. It was so strange seeing her brother who was normally all macho and guarded, acting so soft. Gentle, even. Completely the opposite of Byron. Rough, through and through.
She huffed out a laugh under her breath.
Lucy sank into her chair and pulled out her phone. I’m here if you want to catch up, she texted Deza, but before she could hit send, the office door burst open.
“Lucy!” Deza beamed. “Whatever happened to our brunch or was it supposed to be a liquid lunch?”
Lucy laughed. “Soon, soon. But I do have a bottle of something in the fridge. How about we have a cheeky drink now while you fill me in?”
Deza nodded approvingly and went straight for the cabinet. She poured two glasses as she started updating Lucy on everything.
“The business is thriving,” she said proudly. “People are finally falling into line. I mean, no one wants to lose these benefits, not with what you’re paying.”
Lucy laughed. “Fear and bonuses, the perfect combo.”
They chatted and finished the bottle together, the conversation loose and full of laughter. Eventually Lucy leaned back in her chair, cheeks warm. “You need to take the rest of the day off, Deza. I can’t have you working tipsy.”
Deza smirked. “I won’t argue with that. An early night, a good book, and maybe more wine, it’s exactly what I need.”
After Deza left, Lucy sat quietly for a moment, staring out the window. The faint buzz of the alcohol made her bold enough to practice her abilities.
She focused on Corey first. He was at Davina’s desk, rehearsing every line in his head before saying it aloud. He was nervous but trying to play it cool. Davina didn’t seem to notice, at least, not consciously. But when Lucy tuned in deeper, she caught something else.
A voice.
It wasn’t Davina’s.
When he finds out what you are, he won’t want you.
You’re a freak. No one will ever love you. You’re unwanted.
The words were sharp and cruel, hammering through Davina’s mind like they’d lived there for years. Lucy froze. Davina’s smile had faded, replaced by something small and fragile.
Then, as if jolted, Davina stood up abruptly. “I should go,” she said quickly, and left before anyone could stop her.
Corey, her voice echoing inside his head. Invite her for dinner tonight. Don’t take no for an answer.
He blinked. Are you serious? he responded
Yes. Just do it. She said firmly.
So, he did. Davina resisted at first, but Corey’s persistence won. Within an hour, the three of them were on their way back to the manor.
As they arrived, Lucy reached out telepathically to Byron. Listen to her, just listen to what’s going on inside her head.
And he did. The connection flared to life between them, and Lucy felt his shock through the link. The whispers were still there, slithering through Davina’s thoughts, cutting her down. Her face betrayed it, the smallest flinch, the tiniest frown every time the voice struck.
Lucy’s stomach twisted.
She led Davina into one of the downstairs studies, closing the door behind them.
“What’s wrong?” Lucy asked gently. “I can see something’s bothering you. What is it?”
Davina looked confused, even embarrassed. “Nothing’s wrong. I just… I’ve had a lot on at work this week, that’s all.”
Lucy nodded slowly, pretending to accept it. “Alright. Come on then, lets join the others for dinner.”
Davina smiled weakly and followed her back into the main room.
The rest of the family was already seated. Conversations were flowing beautifully until Barnaby started fidgeting. His eyes darted between Davina, his tablet, and Lucy. Back and forth, over and over. Then he started blinking rapidly, like some strange Morse code.
Lucy frowned. “What are you doing?” she muttered under her breath.
Barnaby tapped his lips, then his temple, his signal to talk privately.
Lucy sighed and opened her mind.
Lucy! Oh my god, can you hear me?! Barnaby yelled!
Yes, Barnaby. You don’t need to shout. Lucy said in the most monotone voice.
Listen, my device is going crazy. It’s picking something up from Davina. It’s like there’s two of her.
Lucy’s brow furrowed. Funny you say that. I’ve been hearing a voice all day tormenting her. She doesn’t even seem aware it’s there. We need to help her, but I don’t know how.
Maybe it’s time we loop in the others, Barnaby suggested. Can you interlink us all?
Lucy blinked. Interlink?
Yeah, like a hive mind. You could hear the excitement in Barnaby's voice.
I don’t know if I can, Lucy sighed.
Try! Barnaby pushed, impatient as ever.
Lucy focused. She felt her divine energy rise, warm and steady, but not strong enough for her eyes to glow.
Can you all hear me?
The entire table froze mid-bite.
Well, don’t all freeze up like that, Lucy said quickly. Davina will think we’re insane.
Corey groaned aloud, so this is what we’re doing now? Hijacking everyone’s mind?
Listen, Lucy snapped. Something’s wrong with Davina.
“What’s wrong with Davina?” Corey said out loud. His fork clattered to the floor.
Davina’s eyes widened. “I’m fine, Corey. Why would you ask that?”
Barnaby jumped in to cover, laughing awkwardly. “Yeah, man, what’s with you? Sit down, you’re embarrassing yourself.”
Byron’s voice cut through the link like steel. For fuck’s sake, Corey, take the hint. It’s supposed to be private.
Corey nodded stiffly and smiled at Davina.
Continue, Byron said.
Lucy explained everything she’d sensed, the dark voice, the energy Barnaby’s scanner picked up.
Barnaby chimed in. She’s not entirely human. I think.
Corey’s eyes flicked to Lucy. Then what is she?
Before Lucy could respond, a small voice broke through.
“I think she’s like me,” the girl said softly.
All eyes turned toward her.
Erin stood from her chair, crossed the room, and stopped in front of Davina. “Hello, Davina. I’m Erin. You’re like me.”
Davina frowned. “Like you? What do you mean?”
Erin smiled and, without hesitation, she spread her wings.
Davina gasped and stumbled back, her chair crashing behind her. “What the fuck are you?” she screamed.
Erin’s wings folded instantly, and she hid behind Mandy.
Davina backed against the wall, shaking. “What's happening to me, Corey” she yelled and before anyone could move, her eyes turned pitch black, and she collapsed to the floor.
The room was thick with unease. Davina lay unconscious on the couch, her breathing shallow, her skin pale as ash. No one spoke for a while each trying to process what they’d just witnessed.
Byron finally broke the silence. “Whatever that was,” he said, “it wasn’t human.”
Sam crossed her arms, still pacing. “You think?” she muttered under her breath.
Mary stood beside Davina, watching her carefully. “It was like watching two beings trapped in one body.”
Lucy’s arms were folded, her mind spinning. “So, what do we do now?”
No one answered.
Byron turned to Barnaby. “Anything in your notes?”
Barnaby shook his head. “Not yet. I’ll need time to cross-reference what I picked up. Feels like some form of possession.”
“Let’s regroup in the other room,” Byron said finally. “She needs space. And we need answers.”
Everyone followed him out reluctantly, leaving Davina resting under Mary’s careful watch. They gathered in the sitting room, Lucy leaned against the fireplace, staring into the flames. “We can’t just ignore this.”
“We don’t even know what she is,” Sam said flatly. “Maybe she’s dangerous.”
“Maybe,” Lucy replied, “but she’s also my friend.” A small voice whispered. “She’s like me.”
Everyone turned. Erin was standing in the doorway, half-hidden behind Mandy. Her tone was quiet but certain.
Lucy crouched slightly to meet her eye. “What do you mean, sweetheart?”
Erin fidgeted with her sleeve. “She’s a fairy. But…different.”
Mandy’s hand came to rest on her daughter’s shoulder.
Lucy frowned. “Dark one?”
Erin nodded. “Not evil. They don’t hurt people. They just use a different kind of power, and they’re naughty, my daddy used to tell me stories about them.”
Barnaby tilted his head, curiosity flickering.
“Wait, that tracks with something I read once.” He started tapping rapidly on his screen.
“There’s an old Fae legend about binding dark fairies.
Something to do with clipping their wings and locking their memory behind a seal.
Makes them forget who they are which makes them easier to control. ”