Chapter 42

“I didn’t put his number on speed dial,” I said flatly, looking at Dan, confused and scared. Every time Tyson’s name comes up with Dan around, I don’t know, I get shaky for no reason. “I swear to god, I didn’t do it,” I said, intertwining my fingers in the cross motion.

“It’s your phone, isn’t it?” He asked, seeming stressed by this thing, Why is he intimidated by such small things? “Yes, it is, but I don’t know what happened,” I said, telling the truth. I don’t know how he ended up on my speed dial. “Then if it’s not you, who did it?” As soon as he asked that question, my mind raced to his mother.

I formed my lips into a thin line when I wanted to laugh out sarcastically at her game. She must’ve had my phone when I wasn’t feeling well. What is she trying to achieve? “I don’t know, I’m sorry. If you pass me my phone, I will remove it.”

“Why did he call you that day? Was he the reason you got sick? Did he say something to upset you?” I felt myself get a little annoyed that he was asking so many questions.  He can’t even let me breathe in peace. I just explained the thing about the phone, and now I have to explain this. “I don’t know, I don’t remember.” I snapped, immediately regretting it because I know I’m guilty, but the hormones are just making it hard to think.

“I’m sorry for lashing out, but can you please stop with the questions? Like, there’s a lot going on, I don’t need this.” I said, tears burning my eyes, I don’t know what was making me cry, the fact that I thought I lost my baby a few hours ago, or I’m just feeling guilty and can’t handle it. “You’ve done worse things to me, but stop assuming that I would do the same to you, too,” I said, sniffling, looking around for tissue; he had the box of tissue already in his hand.

“I didn’t say you were doing anything wrong.” I wanted to cuss out in irritation as he looked at me with this emotionless, determined look on his face. “Fine, if you don’t want to stop tormenting me, carry on,” I said, getting comfortable on the bed and turning to face the other direction, completely avoiding his presence. “I’m sorry that you feel this way. I didn’t mean to. I was just asking.” He said softly, but I continued ignoring him, giving him the cold shoulder.

The time to tell him the truth will come, but it will come in my own time. I don’t need him interrogating me while I’m healing from what happened. I barely had a moment to catch my breath when there was a soft knock at the door. My heart skipped, from the sudden thought of who it might be. “Who is it?” I called, still adjusting to being awake.

“Luca,” came the reply. Relief at the sound of his voice. He opened the door and walked, and he stood, casually leaning against the frame as if he belonged there. A small, almost guilty smile tugged at his lips. “Hey, Em. Heard you were not feeling well, but...” he said lightly, though something behind his eyes seemed heavier than his words.

“I… I’m fine,” I said, letting him in anyway, curious despite the flurry of emotions racing in my chest. “But this… wasn’t exactly the ideal time to visit.” He shrugged, stepping inside as if he had permission. “I figured this was exactly when you needed company the most. I thought I’d be a good distraction.”

I raised an eyebrow, arms crossed. “A distraction? Really? I already have one,” I said, glancing at Dan, who was quietly tidying up around the room, helping where he could without hovering.

Luca’s eyes followed mine, a flicker of something unreadable passing over his face. “Yeah, well… I didn’t just come for that,” he admitted, scratching the back of his neck. “I… need to talk to you about something important.” I gestured to the corner of the bed. “Sit. Now tell me, Luca… what’s really going on? Don’t tell me it’s about my pregnancy.”

His shoulders tensed, and he exhaled slowly. “It’s not,” he said finally.

“It’s about your old house… the one that burned down when you were visiting last.” My stomach dropped, and a shiver ran down my spine. Memories of the fire, the flames, the suffocating smell of smoke, and the emptiness that followed flashed through my mind. The shadow that burned my entire childhood with a match.

“What about it?” I asked cautiously, my voice barely above a whisper.

“There’s… energy there,” he said, lowering his voice. “It oozes power, and it’s attracting attention; someone might try to interfere with it. I came because I felt you should know. You’re the only one who can set it right.”

I frowned, confused. “Set it right? What do you mean? What kind of energy?"

He took a step closer, his tone urgent but careful. “Every fortnight, your house burns. It's like someone has set it on fire, and it's the same vibrant fire every time. If someone with the wrong intentions enters that space, they could manipulate it. I don’t know exactly what a witch could do, but I've heard rumours that they can eat off power if no one claims it, and I’ve felt its energy for months. You need to go there and fix it before anyone tries.”

I swallowed hard, the weight of responsibility pressing down. “So that’s why you’re here. Not because of the pregnancy, not because you’re worried about me, but the house.”

He nodded, almost sheepishly. “I lied about the first reason because I didn’t want to alarm you. I needed to see you in person.” I exhaled, my mind racing. The baby, the house, the energy, it was all colliding in my thoughts. “Fine. I’ll go,” I said finally, resolve settling in. “But I need time to prepare.”

“You’ll have it,” he said quickly. “Dan can help where needed, but I’ll be there to guide you. You’re the only one who can handle it. I have a feeling you have unfinished business with it.” Dan, who had been quietly listening while organizing my things, looked over with a concerned but supportive expression. “I’ll pack what you need, Em,” he said gently. “Whatever you need to do, I’ll make sure you can do it safely.”

I nodded, grateful for his steady presence. “Alright,” I murmured, a small spark of determination flaring inside me. “Let’s get this done. I need to make sure nothing or no one disturbs what’s left of my home.”

Luca gave a faint smile, relief flashing in his eyes. “Then let’s not waste time.”