"A–alright," I start, clearing my throat. My voice comes out rough, like I've just swallowed a spoonful of sand.
God, I hate being center stage.
"So, to recap… apparently, I might potentially be able to exorcise demons with this… awakening power that manifested since that time."
Diamante nods brightly, perched on the edge of her armchair. Oscar, beside her, gives me an encouraging smile. Nicodemo and Zuan, on the other hand, look like two bank clerks deciding whether to approve your loan or kick you out on the street.
"Thing is, I have no idea how to activate it," I add, pacing back and forth to burn off some tension. "And from what I gather, without the Heptameron, you guys don't know much either. Am I wrong?"
The light fades from Diamante's face. She already knows where I'm going with this.
"Which is why… I don't really see how you could support me, honestly," I say, eyes down. The pressure feels suffocating.
Fiore clicks his tongue, triumphant, wearing that serves you right look.
"Nevertheless," I continue, locking eyes with Nicodemo this time, "I think any help could still be valuable. So… I don't know how yet, but if I can, I'll help you."
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Fiore's face change instantly—he tenses, almost stricken.
"Milo, thank you," Nicodemo says calmly. "We, the Dark Brethren, are at your service."
"Thanks, but… I'll do it my own way."
Diamante leans even further forward in her seat, fingers clutching the armrests. "What does that mean, Milo?"
"It means I'll find a way to tap into this power myself. Without any… involvement between me and the Council. And without any hidden agendas from your side."
Zuan bursts out in a scornful, booming laugh that echoes through the lounge.
"Yeah, right! Who'd believe this kid?"
I glare at the hulking orc. Kid, huh?
"You're free to think whatever you want. If I can help you, I will. It's just that…"
I really want to tell him I don't trust them, but instead I settle for the diplomatic version: "…to do that, I have to do it my own way."
"What a waste of time!" Zuan bellows, stomping toward the exit. Each step makes the floor tremble, and he slams the door behind him with all the subtlety of an earthquake.
The Massariol, who hasn't said a word the whole time, pierces me for an instant with his beady eyes, then hops as usual after him.
Nicodemo rises, adjusting his dreads with an elegant flick of the hand.
"Milo, we respect your decision. Our doors remain open to those who know when to knock. Until then, farewell."
And with that, all the Darks and the Luminous ones leave the room, carrying a strange silence out with them.
Only Diamante and Oscar stay behind. She sinks deeper into her armchair, her icy gaze fixed on the floor, visibly furious. Can't blame her — I just put the brakes on her queen-of-all-queens master plan. But there's nothing I can do. Sitting around waiting for the Lodge to maybe figure something out… that's not an option.
Not now, not in a million years.
"Milo, I'm sorry about the commotion," Oscar says softly. "I have to admit, I hoped you'd stay with us. That way we could've talked a bit… reconnected. There's so much I want to tell you, to explain… but don't worry. I understand how you feel."
He walks me to the door with a gentle gesture, and I follow him out with Romina, Uncle Bruno, and Fiore.
I cast one last tense glance toward Diamante; she doesn't even look back.
Oscar catches my look, senses my unease, and smiles calmly.
"Don't worry about Grandma. I'll talk to her later."
Then he gives my shoulder a warm squeeze and ends the conversation with: "We weren't there for you before, that's true. But if we can support you now, we won't hesitate. So… until next time, Milo. Take care out there."
And the door closes behind us.
We're left standing in the corridor, a bit dazed.
What a morning. My hands are still shaking, and I can't tell if it's from the overload of information and tension, or because my body's doing a dress rehearsal for a nervous breakdown.
Still, despite the fear and confusion, I'm… weirdly glad I managed to speak my mind. It really feels like the start of a new chapter. The old "before" is dead and buried; now we're officially in the "after."
Forget extra coffee—what I need is an XXL chamomile tea. Preferably IV-drip.
"You sure about this?" Fiore asks, worried. "You don't owe anyone anything."
"I know…" I reply, taking a few steps forward. "But if I can help… I'll try."
Fiore comes closer, brushing a stray lock of hair off my forehead. "I know. That's just how you are… and it's what I like most about you."
My stomach twists, and my cheeks burst into flames. I stare at his perfectly sculpted face—damn it, he's unreal.
Milo, remember: it's just his job.
Just his job. I have to let it go. But… what if it's not just that? What if there's even a spark of… something else?
No. Let it go.
"I mean, Milo…" Romina's voice tears me out of my delirium. Her eyes are wide with wonder. "Do you even realize what just happened? Everyone was like 'Waaa waaa, chaos, disaster!' and you went full 'I will take the Ring to Mordor!' Like—absolute madness, babe!"
I blink, then burst out laughing. "Romie, get your thoughts in order!"
"How am I supposed to? You're insane!" she mutters, shaking her head. "And I'm even worse for following you. So what now?"
I sigh and take a deep breath. What now, indeed?
"Milo, I'll stay here," Uncle Bruno says. "I'll let you know if anything… unusual happens in the Council." His eyes narrow toward Diamante's office door.
"Thanks," I say, pulling him into a tight hug.
A weight lifts from my chest. At least he'll be safe from demons here.
Fiore speaks up, once again wearing that cheeky look only he can pull off.
"Well, I'd say our next move is to plan from a new base. You can come stay at my place from now on."
The memory of his "house" in the middle of the woods flashes in my mind.
"Wait… do you have room for three people in that red-light set you call a house?" I ask, sharply.
"We'll just squeeze in tight, and it'll be fine," he shoots back, stepping a little too close.
"Back off, pal… shoo!" I say, exasperated, waving him off with a hand. "But… yeah, I suppose it's a good idea for now. Thanks."
Romina beams, cheerful.
"Then let's go! And I can't wait to see your 'house,' Fiore… I hope it's not exactly like Milo described!"
"Oh, it's like that… and more, Romina," he replies, that mischievous grin already promising trouble. "And I've got some… very interesting toys. To try together."
I stare at him. Is this really a good idea?