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“Thinking about it.”

“Show me,” he says, lifting his chin toward the cabin.

Reluctantly, I move to the house. I know he won’t give up. He’s been worried too. Perhaps it’s a good thing he came today. I’ve been isolated for weeks, and I need to rejoin the world.

Opening the front door, I wait for him to step inside before following. It’s simple, but it suits my needs. There's one bedroom and a bathroom. The living room is directly inside the door, and the kitchen is beyond it. I stop in front of the couch, sliding my hands in my pockets, and watch him wander around.

Rome opens the fridge and lifts a brow.

“I don’t need a lecture,” I grumble, knowing I haven’t been eating as I should.

“I remember many conversations with you before I met Mara.” He hums, shuts the door, and leans against the counter. “You kicked my ass about the neglect of my body and the changes with my tattoos.”

“Alright,” I sigh, waving my hand. “If it'll make you feel better, let's hear it.”

“You’ve been here isolated, in pain, and living off no food.” He crosses his arms. “I know what you go through when you use your power, but you didn’t ask me for support. You know I would have stayed with you. Cooked for you. You’re my brother. We're in this life together, and you did a great service for Mara and me. You shouldn’t have to go through it alone. At the very least, warn me, tell me where you are so that I can check on you. When you’re in the aftermath, anything can happen, and you wouldn’t be able to fight back.”

“I’m sorry.” I turn away, gripping my hair. “I didn’t want to take you away from Mara.” I drop my hands and face him. “You needed to bond, and I would have fucked that up.”

“Mara would have come with me,” he says softly. “Lace would have shut down the store to be by your side.”

“I didn’t want them to have to,” I say.

“Why? We’re all family,” he says, frowning.

“It’s not their responsibility.” I cross my arms, clenching my hands.

“Fuck that,” he snorts. “Tell me the real reason.”

I drop my arms. “I didn’t want them to see me like that,” I grit out, stepping forward. “I didn’t want them to see me at my weakest moment. Did you tell them what happened?”

“No,” he says, gripping the counter. “I didn’t want to betray your trust. It should be your choice. At first, I didn’t know you had seen Jerry.”

“If I have a choice, I never want them to know what happens to me, or the reason why,” I say, my voice rough.

“Brother, you shouldn’t feel any shame,” he whispers.

“I know,” I sigh, rubbing my forehead. “It’s easy to say that, yet harder to live.” I bend over the table, pressing my palms against the surface. “How do I explain to them?” I turn my head, meeting his gaze. “Oh, by the way, I can make anyone live within their nightmares, and usually they die shortly after,” I say, mocking my own words. “Perhaps I tell them I made my mom live in hers when my powers exploded, and I killed her. Maybe they won’t be scared to be around me then.” I smile sadly. “They would be thrilled to sit beside me while my body is trapped in my own nightmare. We both know that is my punishment for using my gift.”

“You aren’t being punished,” he says, walking toward me. “They would understand. You didn’t ask for your gifts, and your mom wasn’t your fault. You didn’t know how to control it. Mara has been through hell and would never judge you.” He stops beside me, bumping my shoulder. “Lace is your friend. She loves you.”

“I don’t want them to fear me,” I admit, clenching my teeth.

“They would never,” he says firmly. “Let me explain to them.”

“Fine.”

“And then you need to come back to us,” he insists.

“What? Leave all this glamor?” I stand straight.

“I know you love it. You’ve never needed anything extravagant. That’s me.” He smiles. “Would you like me to bring you one of my robes?”

I shake my head. “I’ll never wear a silk robe.” Our styles are definitely very different.

“Never say never,” he says with a laugh, and I can’t help but join him.

“It feels good to laugh.”