Chapter 5 A Step Too Late

When they reached home, Hayden was holding something in his hands. He moved to the couch and slid it under the cushion, pushing it deeper until it was completely hidden. Obviously, he didn't want anyone to notice it.

Lyn and Kingsley didn't. But Miracle did.

"How was your day, Miracle?" he asked with a gentle smile, though a flicker of worry lingered within it, as if he feared she might uncover his secret.

"It was fun, Hayden." She acted along. "Lyn and Kingsley helped me out a lot."

"Well, it's their job."

Only then did she see his muscles relax.

Lyn's expression turned incredulous at the mention of that. "Job? People get paid for their jobs. But we," she paused for a moment while untangling the ribbon on her uniform, "don't."

Pfft-Kingsley's muffled voice echoed from the kitchen island as he stifled a laugh, struggling to steady the jug to pour himself some water. His hand trembled even more when he caught Lyn's glare directed at him.

For once, Miracle felt envy.

'It must be nice to have an elder brother growing up together,' she thought.

Dragons might be experts when it came to fighting, but not when it came to relationships like love or family. They had been raised in such a way that relationships were nothing more than burdens.

"Family" was such a strange word.

Yes, it was true they had parents, and some might have siblings.

But not family.

"Having lunch, Miracle?" Hayden tilted his head slightly to the back as she climbed up the stairs.

"Later, Hayden." Her voice came through.

Miracle stayed in front of her room, making no attempts to enter. She pretended like she was up for a rest by deliberately clicking her door. Her instincts told her that something wasn't right with Hayden.

The house hung in silence for what felt like an eternity until Hayden's soft voice cut through the stillness, confirming her assumption. "We need to talk."

"Go ahead," Kingsley said.

"Not here. Somewhere else." He grabbed the keys and left the house.

The twins followed after him.

Miracle trailed quietly behind the Watsons under the blazing afternoon sun. Scattered clouds drifted lazily across the sky, but the air hung heavy and still. Hayden walked ahead, his gaze locked on the pavement, the earlier letter barely peeking out of his pocket. Sweat trickled down his neck, forming a patch on his blue T-shirt as it clung to his skin.

Hayden was disturbed.

Something serious had happened.

Soon, the TinXi came to a stop in front of La'Oceanies, a vintage café bathed in warm, yellow-toned lighting, with decorations cascading gracefully down the walls. Kingsley pressed the switch on the tinted glass door, and a soft tinkling bell chimed in greeting as the door slid open. The moment it did, a lively chorus of laughter and chatter spilled into the street, enveloping them in the café's vibrant atmosphere

Miracle settled into a seat three tables away from the Watsons, shaking her head when a waiter in a brown vest approached to take her order. Her focus remained fixed on the Watsons as she did whatever she could to eavesdrop on their conversation while remaining unnoticed.

"Good evening. What would you like to have?" The same waiter went over to them.

"Cappuccino, please." Lyn handed back the laminated single-sheet menu without giving it a thorough look.

"Make that two," Hayden said.

"No, no. Make that three. Thanks."

Just as the waiter was about to deliver their orders, Kingsley grabbed his arm.

"You look a little... familiar." He lowered his head to have a clearer view of the face hidden under the black cap. Suddenly, his eyes widened in shock. "P-Peter? You're working here? I thought you hated jobs like this, man!" he teased, a playful grin spreading across his face.

Glancing around to make sure there weren't any supervisions on him, Peter Mason forcefully pulled back his hand. "Shut up, Kings. Don't you dare talk about this in school!"

"What if I do?" he provoked.

"Then be careful with the cappuccino you'll be drinking later." He stuck his tongue out at him.

"That's so Peter-ish," Kingsley mumbled, watching his friend walk away.

Lyn faked a cough. "Serious, please."

Hayden began, "We're a step too late."

"What do you mean, Dad?" she asked, her breath ragged.

"This morning was already the third one. The victim's heart was gone."

Miracle gasped. 'Third one?'

"W-What? The third one?" Kingsley would have shot up from his chair if Hayden hadn't pressed him down.

"Yes." Hayden sounded calm, but there was an edge to his voice. "The third one."

"But aren't we supposed to let Miracle know as well?" Lyn frowned.

Hayden sighed. "She'll have to know. I called you guys out just to give you a heads-up that the cycle this time feels off. It's moving a little too fast."

Miracle tensed. The menu she used to block her face crumpled under her force.

Mynheex-the green-slimed creatures that served fallen angels. They munched on the hearts of mortals, particularly those of young and energetic teenagers, to survive in the world of immortals.

The more they ate, the stronger they became.

"Damn you," Kingsley cursed under his breath, drawing cracks to the ears as he pressed hard on the table. "Mynheex."