CHAPTER 16

I sat on the edge of my bed, a storm of thoughts swirling in my mind. I didn't like this—knowing so little about a potential enemy who seemed to know everything about me.

They say, know yourself, know your enemy, and… Wait, how did the rest of that saying go?

Ah, who cares.

What mattered was getting real intel on this Shadow guy. If the rumors were true—if he could control time—then I needed to prepare. I wasn't even sure what that meant yet, but "leveling up" a bit more wouldn't hurt.

I'd already tried hacking into the database of the secret government organization where Rymond belonged, but it was protected by an invisible force. I wasn't the only one with technopathy, it seemed.

Still, I could feel it—this other technopath was weaker. I could break in if I pushed hard enough. But I hesitated. If this was an organization with people like Shadow working for them, I needed to tread carefully.

I already had a ghost breathing down my neck; I didn't need to add a second Grim Reaper.

With a sigh, I picked up my phone and called Evelyn. As uncomfortable as she made me, I knew she might have information.

My gut screamed at me that I needed to prepare now. The phone barely rang before she picked up, her voice bursting with exaggerated enthusiasm.

"Oh, so you do miss me. Let me guess, you couldn't take it anymore and had to call?" she teased.

I didn't dignify her antics with a response. I already knew where she was the moment the call connected, so I teleported straight outside her mansion.

And a dozen of ghosts surrounded me instantly—this time in their true form: ghastly specters twisting in the air, their hollow eyes locked onto me. I couldn't help but wonder, What's next? Dragons?

"Am waiting outside," I said flatly into the phone. "Hurry, or your guards will eat me alive." Then I hung up.

The ghosts tightened their circle, their translucent faces contorted in suspicion. One of them, a middle-aged man in appearance, stepped forward.

"Who are you, and what business do you have here?" His voice was cold, unwavering.

I ignored him, my gaze drifting toward the mansion. It stood like a pearl beside the ocean, the view breathtakingly calm. For a moment, I let the waves pull me away from the tension—just a man standing outside a mansion guarded by ghosts. What a life.

The ghost leader took my silence as defiance. "This is your final warning. Leave now, or face the consequences."

I glanced at my wristwatch and sighed. "What's taking her so long?"

Inside, Evelyn had gone into full-blown panic. When she heard me say I was outside, her heart leaped—then her mind spiraled.

How had he found her house? Forget that—what should she wear? Her ghost form? Absolutely not. What if he didn't like ghosts?

She spent precious minutes pacing, pulling dresses from thin air, and panicking as the guards outside grew aggressive.

Finally, when the yelling reached her ears, she bolted from her room and into the night.

"Stop," her voice swept over the guards like a sudden breeze. "He's my guest."

The guards froze, exchanging bewildered glances. Some looked outright betrayed. Since when did the princess have human male friends?

The ghosts evaporated, leaving me alone with Evelyn, who looked at me like I was some kind of divine gift. Her eyes sparkled, lips slightly parted, frozen mid-thought—or mid-dream.

I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. If I had more time, I might have teased her, maybe even gotten her to yell my name.

The woman was gorgeous, no denying it, and her dramatic flair only added to the chaos. Weird that I found that hot.

But there were bigger problems on my plate.

I teleported to her, grabbed her hand, and whisked us inside the house in a blink. Evelyn squeaked in surprise, her face lighting up like fireworks.

She stared at me, practically vibrating with excitement. It was as if she wanted me to push her down right there and then.

Her expression said it all: Dinner is served, and I'm the dessert here for you to enjoy.

For a brief second, I almost let myself fall into it—her presence, her crazy energy. My mind wandered to dangerous places before the shadow of reality yanked me back. I remembered why I was here: the Grim Reaper lurking too close for comfort.

I stepped back quickly, breaking contact and taking a steadying breath. Evelyn pouted, clearly displeased.

"We were so close," she muttered.

I ignored her, getting straight to the point. "What do you know about Shadow?"

Her playful demeanor faltered. She tilted her head, genuinely puzzled. "Shadow? What kind?"

"The one who can control time."

Evelyn's expression shifted, her confusion replaced by understanding. "Oh. The assassin?" She sounded almost excited. "They say he's perfect—like a ghost himself. He'll pause time, sneak into your home, slit your throat, and leave before you know you're dead."

My stomach tightened. That wasn't the kind of intel I'd hoped for.

"His ability is called Time Manipulation," she continued. "It's a God-level power. We even tried recruiting him when he first awakened, but he chose the government. Can you believe that? We had offered more, than the government."

Her voice turned sharp. "Wait, why are you asking about him? How do you even—" Realization struck, and her face paled. "No. No, don't tell me… he's after you?"

I said nothing, but the truth must have been written all over my face. Her eyes filled with tears, and before I could react, she punched me—hard—for someone who should be semi-transparent.

"Tell me he's not onto you! Tell me you're not his target!" Her voice cracked. "I can't lose you, too. I can't! Why does everyone I care about leave me? Why?"

She collapsed into my chest, sobbing, her punches turning into weak, desperate taps. "Please don't leave me. Please."

Something snapped inside me as I looked down at her—this broken, fragile woman who carried so much pain. My eyes stung, my heart heavy.

I understood all too well the kind of loss she spoke of. I wrapped my arms around her and held her, offering quiet comfort as she cried.

"Don't worry, Eve," I murmured softly, patting her back. "I'm not going to die, okay? I just wanted to get information so I can prepare. That's all."

Her tear-streaked face tilted up to look at me, hope flickering in her red, puffy eyes. "Really?"

I nodded, forcing a smile I wasn't sure I believed. "Yeah. I'll be fine."

"Weird, for some strange reason, I believe you," she muttered confused.

She sighed, her shoulders relaxing as she wiped her tears and pulled away.

"You scared me, you idiot." Embarrassment flushed her cheeks as she sat down, smoothing her hair. "Sit," she said, regaining her composure. "We'll talk about Shadow."

I took a seat as she launched into everything she knew—rumors, strategies, weaknesses, and strengths.

Her words flowed effortlessly, the earlier moment tucked away like it hadn't happened. I listened carefully, hanging on to every detail, but at the same time, I couldn't help but admire her.

Underneath all the theatrics and vulnerability, Evelyn was a force to be reckoned with.

And I'd need every bit of what she shared if I had any hope of surviving what was coming.