I'm driving home, the city blurring past me as I replay the day's events.
Cecil's smile, Naomi's energy, and... Dylan's waiting for me. I sigh. I don't need this right now.
I pull into the driveway, cutting the engine. Dylan's leaning against the door, arms crossed. He pushes off as I step out. "Hey."
"Hey," I say, trying to brush past him.
He blocks my way. "We need to talk."
I rub my temples. "Dyl, I don't want to..."
Aethera's voice cuts in – in my head."Keith, I need to tell you something about Cecil."
My eyes glance at Dylan, but he's still waiting for my response. "Fine. What is it?"
Do I even want to talk to him right know? And what does Aethera mean by that? Is Cecil in some kind of danger?
I step inside, Dylan following close behind. I drop my keys on the table and turn around. My eyes lock with his but I don't say anything. If he wants to talk, he should start as well.
Dylan's eyes narrow. "What's going on with you?
I raise an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
"The way you are behaving right now... It's so different from the way you talked to me before you left to see Cecil."
I laugh, trying to brush it off. "There is no difference..."
Aethera's voice is back, sounding more urgent this time. "Keith, focus. Cecil isn't in danger but it isn't that far from that."
I turn away from Dylan, trying to process what mum just told me. There is something that's similar to danger... what could that mean?
Dylan's voice cuts through. "Keith? You okay?"
I turn back, forcing a smile. "Yeah, just... thinking."
Aethera's words are like a whisper in my head. "Promise me you won't tell Dylan."
I look at Dylan, who's watching me with concern. What does she mean by me not telling Dyl? Why can't I tell him?
"Hey, Dyl, I need a minute. Gonna grab a drink," I say, heading to the kitchen.
Dylan nods, but I know he's not buying it. I know him too well to notice even the slightest change in his expression.
I grab a glass, filling it with water. Aethera's words are stuck in my head. I need to talk to her. Right now.
Dylan steps into the kitchen. "Keith, seriously, what's going on?"
I turn, leaning against the counter. "Nothing, Dyl. Just... stuff with Cecil."
Dylan's eyes narrow. "Stuff? What kind of stuff?"
Aethera's warning echoes. "Don't tell Dylan." I push it aside. "Just... he's got some stuff he's dealing with. That's all."
Dylan's expression says he doesn't believe me. "You know you can trust me, right?"
I nod, trying to play it cool. "Yeah, I know. It's just... complicated."
"Keith, promise me." Aethera's voice is like a command.
I look at Dylan, who's watching me like a hawk. "I'll handle it, okay?"
Dylan frows. "You're not gonna do something reckless, are you?"
I laugh, trying to deflect. "Me? Reckless? Never."
Aethera's voice is back. __Keith, Cecil's safety depends on this.__
I push the thoughts aside. "Dyl, I gotta go... think some stuff through. Alone."
Dylan's expression says he doesn't like it, but he nods. "Fine. But we're talking later."
I nod, relieved. As he heads out, Aethera's words linger. Cecil's safety depends on this. What does she mean?
The door clicks shut behind Dylan, and I'm left with my thoughts. Aethera's words are like a puzzle I'm trying to solve. Cecil's got a part of him... What part? And why is Aethera keeping it from him?
I pull out my phone, typing out a quick text to Naomi. "Hey, how's it going?"
Naomi's reply is instant. "Good! Thinking about Saturday!"
I smirk. Saturday. Cecil's gonna be at my place, surrounded by people who care about him.
Aethera's voice cuts in again. Keith, focus. Cecil's safety is at risk if this gets out.
I frown. What does she mean? Is Cecil in danger?
My phone buzzes again – Naomi's sending a bunch of GIFs. I chuckle, trying to shake off the weird vibe.
The phone buzzes again, but this time it's Aethera. Keith, meet me at the old oak in the park. Now.
I glance around the empty house. Now? Aethera's not exactly one for casual meetups.
I type out a quick reply to Naomi. "Hey, gotta run. Catch up later."
Aethera's waiting. I grab my keys and head out.
I drive to the park, the old oak towering above the trees as I park nearby. Aethera's already there, leaning against the trunk. I step out, and she pushes off, her expression serious.
"Keith, thanks for coming."
I nod. "What's going on?"
Aethera's eyes narrow. "Cecil's got a... darkness. One he doesn't know about. If Dylan finds out... it could put Cecil in danger."
I frown. "What kind of darkness?"
Aethera's expression is tight. "One that'll make people want to use him. Or hurt him."
My mind's racing. "Use him? For what?"
Aethera's voice drops. "Power, Keith. Cecil's... more than he seems."
I think back to Cecil's abilities, his weird connection to... stuff. "More how?"
Aethera's gaze is intense. "Just trust me, Keith. Keep this quiet. For Cecil's sake."
I nod slowly. "I promise."
Aethera nods, a hint of relief in her eyes. "Good. I'll handle the rest."
I glance around the park, feeling like there's more she's not saying. "Aethera, what's really going on?"
Aethera's expression is a mask. "Just... protect Cecil, Keith. From everyone."