Chapter 26: Glitch

Theo didn't answer immediately. Fireworks continued to go off outside the house, bathing the room in red and blue. Kate waited, her heart beating quicker in her chest. She held on to consciousness with a white-knuckled grip.

Theo still didn't break the silence.

"What are you?" she demanded more forcefully. "And don't lie to me."

Kate could feel him trying to build a wall through the bond to block her out. She pressed harder against his attempts at hiding and felt his anxiety and fear.

"Answer me."

Theo turned away, hiding his face in his hands. "Please don't make me."

"Why won't you answer the question?"

"Because," he replied. "This changes things."

"Things have already changed."

He looked pained. "The way you're looking at me right now..."

"What?"

"Like you don't trust me and you're...you're afraid of me."

"Then start talking," she insisted. "Tell me that I'm wrong about this."

There was a pause.

Kate waited.