Page 118 of Balance

She shot him a narrowed-eyed look of disappointment. “There’s nothing wrong with being a girl.”

Miles flushed, moving his cup to cover his lower face. “That’s not what I meant. It’s just, the council…”

Kathleen made a sound of understanding, leaning back into her seat. “The prophecy.” She moved her hand to her chest as she twisted a silver chain in her fingers. Her gaze was distant, as if deep in recollection, and she didn’t seem to be aware of her actions.

“They’ll try to stop her,” Miles explained. “Because of that prophecy, Bianca was taken away from the Dubois family and hidden at birth. Abigail and Jonathan ended up adopting her—she grew up with them.”

She let out a soft laugh. At first, I wondered what was so funny. But then her small shoulders squared, and she sat forward, leveling a wizened and serious look at the two of us. “You’ll learn as I have, that youcan’tstop a prophecy from coming true. It seems that it doesn’t matter what precautionary measures you’ve put into place.”

“Damen doesn’t think it’s a real prophecy—” Miles began.

“It’s a real prophecy,” she interrupted. “Besides, you know he’ll never tell even if he was concerned. Huo is relentlessly optimistic, but he’s not stupid. Are you Titus’s mate?”

The last bit was directed to me, but I couldn’t answer—

Damen said the prophecy waswrong. He’d sounded so certain. But now Kathleen was saying he might be pretending to be unconcerned.

It said that we would have ababy.

I wasn’t sure about that. I could barely functionnow—romantic entanglements and babies only added more complexity.

Besides, it still might not be possible.

Miles answered for me. “She’s his mate.”

She made a tsking sound under her breath, but when she spoke her voice was clear. “Let me give you some advice. Onmyoji generally lack attention to detail. They are big picture personalities, with some exceptions. Whatever you do, don’t allow the fear of some prophecy to stop you from living. You create your own future and—when it comes to actual fulfillment—actual events are generally different than what’s been interpreted.”

Miles was leaning forward, excitement and tension radiating from him. “Do you have a lot of experience with prophecies?”

“Some.” Her reply was short, and eyes guarded. “Let’s just say, I’ve become somewhat of an expert in the last twenty-four hours. So how did Jonathan and Abigail end up with you?” she asked, once again trying to pull me into the conversation.

But my mouth went dry and I couldn’t answer.

What was wrong with me?

My heart was beating fast, and every time she turned her attention to me, I felt like a cornered animal. She was expecting something—I could see it in the tilt of her head, and the way her eyes lingered on me—more than just a reply.

Kathleen was reaching out, trying toconnectwith me. But why?

Why was I so nervous?

I glanced at Miles—he seemed about ready to speak on my behalf again.

But I couldn’t hide behind my mug forever. Especially if shewasa threat, which now I wasn’t so certain about.

So, although the last thing I wanted was to talk about my adoptive parents, I had to try. Information was information, and since they wouldn’t reach out to me, maybe I could learn something useful.

“They f-found me at my foster home,” I answered, inching closer to Miles.

“What made them decide to adopt?” Kathleen raised her eyebrow, and at my look, her expression softened. “Nothing againstyou. But Abigail is… sick. I’m actually shocked that Jonathan would allow it.”

Sick?

“Do you think they knew about me… who I am?” I had been wondering for a while; at what point did my adoptive parents know?

“Of course.” Kathleen shot me a strange look, mouth pressing into a line. “It’s not like officers lose their abilities after they retire. They are still both powerful witches.”

Miles, who had been sipping at his tea, froze beside me.