I hesitated, searching his eyes. I knew this man. In his letters, he had admitted to being afraid of the dark for years and learning to overcome this fear. He’d spoke of having children with Moira. He told me his weaknesses and insecurities. This was a man I could trust; his eyes spoke the truth. I returned to my seat.
“Because of the experiences you’ve had in life,” Charlie began, “you’ve only been taught to fear and to hate. Do you think only negative emotions give you power?”
I glanced down, my gaze finding my worn brown loafers.
“There are other emotions you can use that aren’t dark,” he continued. “Emotions that don’t fill you with the anger you despise. You can feel hope, love, peace—all the feelings that are good in this world. These emotions are far more powerful than what you’re used to feeling, and they will give you the ability to use your gift in ways you never thought possible.”
“But will it change me?”
He smiled big, finally reminding of the man I first met in those woods so long ago. “Of course, but for the better. Love has a funny way of growing inside you to the point where you’re no longer aware of yourself, and you become consumed with the desire to help others.”
“I don’t think it’s possible for me to feel anything good,” I whispered.
“Nonsense. We’ll help you find love even in something as small as a flower.” He glanced at the roses sitting on the desk.
“Does anyone else here know about me or other supernaturals like vampires and demons?” I asked.
Charlie’s expression grew serious. “It is for you to tell who you want about yourself, and as for the real monsters of the world, well, we can’t tell just anyone. A few of us know the truth, but most people have to be eased into such things. Their sanity depends upon it.”
“What of the boy? How did he know about the necklace?”
“Derek?” Charlie clasped his hands together, pointer fingers up, and placed them under his chin in a thoughtful expression. “He has the ability to see the past and future and expresses it through art. We found him in an orphanage in England when he was nine and adopted him.”
I frowned. “The Deific adopted a boy?”
“No, no, of course not. It was Henry who adopted him.”
“Who’s Henry?”
“He is the founder of the Deific. He recognized Derek’s abilities right away and thought he’d be better off here. Derek lives upstairs in an apartment, and then works here after school doing odd jobs.”
“So Henry lives upstairs, too?”
Charlie cleared his throat. “No, Derek lives with a nanny, but Henry visits him often.”
“Why would he adopt a boy and then not take care of him?”
“It’s complicated. You’ll see soon enough. Henry is anxious to meet you when you’re ready.”
I was curious to meet the man who could start such an organization. I stopped suddenly and sat up straight. “Something’s not right, Charlie. You said Henry started the Deific, correct?”
“Yes.”
“But that’s impossible. You told me the Deific has been around for hundreds of years. If he’s the founder then he must be extremely old.” I shook my head, trying to understand. “He would be too old unless—” My head snapped up, and I stared at Charlie in disbelief.
He was shaking his head. “You weren’t supposed to find out like this. He wanted to be the one to tell you.”
A vampire. “How is it possible that a vampire could start something that does good in the world?”
“How is it impossible? Didn’t you say that a vampire once helped you?”
I hesitated, thinking of the vampire with the sorrow-filled eyes. He had helped me and not just by saving me from Alarica. Somehow he transferred light into me when we had touched, and it spotlighted all of the terrible things I’d done. I’m not sure I would’ve questioned Boaz had I not met the vampire in the park.
“We are all free to choose,” Charlie said.
I opened my mouth to speak, but he up his hand and stood. “You can ask Henry your questions when you meet him. He’s much better at explaining all of this than I am. Until then, you can stay in an apartment upstairs until you find your own place to live. Sarah will show you the way.”
I followed him to the door. “And what do I do with myself in the meantime?”
“Tomorrow Sarah will have you meet with one of our specialists to help you better understand your gift. It’s important that you learn to use magic the right way.”
“I will do this, but I want one thing in return.”
“Name it,” he said, his hand resting high on the door jam.
“I want your help finding someone.”
“Who?”
I took a deep breath, and on my exhale said, “The vampire who saved me from Alarica.”
Chapter 31
When Charlie didn’t say anything, I asked it again. “Please. I need to find this vampire.”
“Why is he so important to you?”
“I’m not sure, but I felt something with him, a connection somehow. I know that sounds weird, but for some reason, I feel it’s important that I find him.”
“Then we will help. I’ll speak to Henry about giving you access to our private database.”