What's something people don't know about their neighbors that could change everything? Mia's ordinary life was about to become anything but. Mia thought she left her past behind. But when her former colleagues walk into her workplace, everything cha...
A heavy silence followed Aaron's revelation, and tension hung in the air. The thought that the killer might have powers - just like us - raised the stakes.
"An unregistered person with abilities, here in the middle of nowhere?" Rem whispered, disbelief in his voice.
"We can't keep track of everyone," Aaron replied, his tone serious. "If someone's powers have manifested recently, it could be a teenager. But if there were no signs before... we're dealing with an outsider."
Jason nodded. "Like the circus performers."
I felt a shiver run down my spine. The possibility that the killer could be one of us meant we had to be on our guard at all times.
"We'll split into two groups," Aaron decided after a moment of silence. "Rem can copy Nick's ability, at least temporarily. So Rem, Jason and I will question the villagers and check the neighbouring towns for any strange occurrences. You two," he looked at Nick and me, "will infiltrate the circus. Find out if any of them have powers."
My stomach twisted. The idea of going undercover in a circus wasn't exactly thrilling, especially with people like Daniel and Cissy.
"And stay together. At all times," Aaron added firmly. "We'll keep in touch by phone."
Nick remained silent beside me, his expression unreadable. This was the first time we'd faced a potential enemy with powers like ours. And now Nick would block our abilities, leaving us vulnerable.
Once the plan was set, we all went our separate ways. Aaron, Rem and Jason left to begin their interrogation, while Nick and I stood at the inn, staring at the circus tent in the distance.
"How are we going to blend in?" Nick muttered, looking less than enthusiastic.
"We'll figure that out tomorrow," I sighed. "For now, let's just concentrate on dinner."
We found a quiet corner of the inn, away from the other guests. Despite the imminent danger, the food was a welcome distraction. But I couldn't help feeling Nick's eyes on me the whole time.
"We'll share a room tonight," he said suddenly, catching me off guard. "I'll keep watch while you shower."
I raised an eyebrow but didn't argue. "Fine. We're professionals, after all."
But that didn't stop me from feeling like an idiot all evening. I couldn't concentrate on anything but Nick, which was even more frustrating as his power made it impossible for me to use mine. This feeling of helplessness irritated me.
After dinner, I hurried upstairs, dragging my entire suitcase into the bathroom—because of course, I couldn't decide what to take. Nick laughed when he saw me.
"Seriously? The whole suitcase?" he asked, amused.
I glared at him. "Yes, because I need everything! Clothes, toiletries, hairbrush, you name it."
Nick raised his hands in surrender. "Okay, okay. I'll keep watch."
I gave him a teasing grin. "Just don't try peeking through the keyhole."
He rolled his eyes. "I'm not that kind of guy."
Once I was alone, I let out a sigh of relief. I stood under the shower for what seemed like an eternity, letting the hot water wash away the tension of the day. But when it came to choosing what to wear to bed, I hesitated again. I didn't want to wear anything too revealing, but I didn't want to look ridiculous either. I finally decided on jogging bottoms and a loose t-shirt. Practical. Comfortable.
When I emerged from the bathroom, Nick was sprawled out on the floor, looking thoroughly unimpressed.
"I was just going to check on you. Thought you might have drowned or something," he muttered.
"I'm fine," I said, brushing past him.
Nick took a quick shower, and when he came back, half dressed, I nearly choked on the juice I was sipping. I tried to act casual, but my heart raced as I watched him put on a shirt.
"I'll sleep on the floor," he said, starting to make his makeshift bed.
I frowned. "I know your back hurts. Just sleep in the bed with me."
Nick looked at me skeptically. "Are you sure about that?"
I crossed my arms and tried to sound more confident than I felt. "We're adults. It's just a bed. If you don't mind, neither do I."
Nick gave me a grin. "And you won't feel uncomfortable?"
"Not at all," I lied and settled into the bed, my heart still pounding.
Despite the tension, we both managed to get through the night without incident. But sleep wasn't easy for me. Every breath, every movement of Nick felt amplified in the silence of the night. My nerves were on edge and I wondered if I'd lost my mind.
The next morning, after three cups of coffee, I finally felt human again. I sat with Nick at breakfast and thought about the plan that had formed in my mind during the restless night. When I explained it to Nick, he wasn't impressed.
"It's dangerous," he said, lighting a cigarette outside the inn after we had eaten.
"This is what we signed up for," I shot back, rolling my eyes.
By the time we reached the circus tent, even I could feel the tension building. I'd have done anything to avoid Daniel and his arrogant smirk. Cissy wasn't much better, with her cold stares.
The tent was huge, its colorful designs telling stories of elephants, lions, and clowns. It was a beautiful piece of art.
When Daniel spotted us, his face broke into a wide grin. "I knew you couldn't stay away," he said, winking at me. "Glad you came to watch us rehearse. We've got a show this weekend, then we're off to travel the world."
He stepped closer and put his arm over my head, leaning against the wall of the tent as if to trap me. I felt cornered until Nick appeared at my side, his presence a welcome relief.
"Oh, so you're taken?" Daniel asked, his eyes shifting to Nick.
I cleared my throat. "None of your business. Besides, your little girlfriend's waiting for you," I said, nodding towards Cissy.
Nick and I took a seat in the audience area and watched them rehearse. Daniel and Cissy moved in perfect sync, as if they knew each other's every thought. They were an impressive couple, no doubt. The clown's act was less impressive, clearly designed to entertain children. As for the twins, I kept an eye on them, although they didn't seem particularly interesting.
"Now, lower the block," I whispered to Nick, leaning close to him.
He nodded, and although I physically felt nothing, I knew the block was gone. I tried to use my powers to test the waters. Daniel and Cissy were practicing a more dangerous stunt, combining fire with somersaults. It would only take one wrong move for disaster to strike.
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