Aiden walked into the room, and Tate visibly tensed. He tried to sit up once more, but Aiden held out his hand.

"Please. Just rest," he said. "I'm not here to interrogate you, I promise. I just want to ask you a few questions."

Tate's eyes flitted from Lexie to Aiden, suspicion clouding his gaze.

"About what?"

"I already told him about the Chosen stuff and also about where we come from," Lexie admitted as Tate's eyes swept back to her, betrayal tainting his gaze. "Before you get mad, I only told him about a week ago, when you stopped answering my calls. I was worried."

"You had no right–"

"I had every right," Lexie cut him off. "As much as they're your secrets, they concern me too."

Tate's gaze grew cold, and Lexie wondered for a second if she had made a mistake by admitting to him that she'd told her dad the truth. Tate might not understand and might decide not to divulge any more of his secrets. Then, they would be screwed.

Regardless, she hadn't wanted to lie to Tate. That would make her no better than him, and there was already too much dishonesty in their alliance.

She had to be fair and let Tate decide what he would or would not disclose, understanding that at least some of that information would reach her father's ears.

In a way, it was relieving for Lexie too. This way, she didn't have to worry as much about what she could and couldn't tell Aiden. It would be up to Tate to reveal what he wanted.

Plus, wouldn't his association with Aiden increase his fate points? He said something about fate points increasing when you form a bond with someone influential in the story? Aiden, as one of the main villains, was an influential character.

"My daughter told me that you both come from the same dimension," Aiden started. "She said you were friends."

"We weren't friends," Tate cut him off, making Lexie roll her eyes.

"Really? That's the part you want to argue against?" she asked.

Tate ignored her.

"In any case," Aiden continued. "The two of you knew each other. And she died trying to save your life."

Tate gave Lexie a scorching look, blazing with anger, but he still nodded. "That's true."

Aiden took it with a simple nod and said, "Lexie, do you mind soundproofing this room just in case anyone passes by?"

"Sure." In hindsight, she should have done it earlier, but she'd been too distracted by their conversation. She activated the soundproofing card and nodded to her father after it was done.

"Lexie also told me that this world and the things that happen here are a video game from your world," he said. "Is that true?"

"Wow." Tate enunciated, his head falling back. "You even told him that much."

Lexie nodded.

Tate gave her an incredulous stare and chuckled. "Oh, you have no idea what you've just done."

His laugh exuded a darkness that immediately had anxiety trickling through Lexie. "What do you mean?"

"I thought I was pretty clear that you should never, ever tell anyone anything about what I told you," he said. "In fact, I specifically mentioned that telling people would introduce uncontrolled chaos into the program."

"Yes, but I'm not officially a member of the Chosen Program."

"It doesn't matter. All that means is that the ISTS itself can't punish you. It doesn't mean that the narrative won't try to correct your mistake to control the chaos."

Anxiety grew into fear, and Lexie had a sinking feeling she knew what Tate was getting at. His gaze all but confirmed it.

"Your fate points protect you," he murmured. "But they don't protect the people around you."

Lexie stared at the intensity in his eyes as the horrifying realization dawned on her. A shaking began from within, horror hitching her breath. She began to shake her head too, denying what he was saying.

"No," she said. "It can't…I didn't…" She didn't know. She didn't know this would be the result.

Oh God, what had she done?

She stared at her Dad, who was looking between the two of them, confused.

"What's this about?" he asked, but Lexie couldn't answer. She felt like she was hyperventilating.

She got up and walked out of the room, coming to a stop in the empty corridor. The lines of black and white on the walls began to blur together.

She heard the bodyguards having a conversation outside the entrance. She took deep breaths, closing her eyes, sound tunnelling around her.

"Lexie." She heard her father come out behind her. "What's wrong?"

"I made a mistake," she murmured.

"What mistake?"

"I…" She couldn't voice it out, the horrible implication that Tate had just made. She was too ashamed of what she'd done.

She should have thought about it more.

Lexie never should have told her dad about the game on the spur of the moment. She didn't even consider that she'd essentially told him on a whim, not taking days to think it through like she usually would. She'd misunderstood what Tate had told her long ago, about keeping this a secret, assuming she was doing it for his sake or hers.

It never even occurred to her that she would be putting her father in danger by telling him the truth.

What. Had. She. Done?

Strong hands lay on her shoulder, twisting her around. Her father's hazel eyes were soft with concern. "Lexie," he asked her. "What's wrong?"

"I made a mistake," she told him. "A huge one."

"Do you want to explain it to me?"

She nodded hollowly, and Aiden directed them back into the room so they could talk.

Tate was back to staring at the ceiling.

Before she started with her explanation, she asked Tate, "Does it matter now if I tell him more? Does it make a difference?"

Tate was quiet, and Lexie at first thought he was being petty, until he finally responded. "I don't know. My recommendation would be to err on the side of caution."

Lexie agreed.

Maybe if she only told her father the necessary things without revealing the future, then the narrative wouldn't have to take drastic measures to correct her error. Maybe it would just change up something else in the storyline, and she wouldn't have to lose her father.

She could only hope, because if anything happened and Aiden died because of her, like Uncle Max did…she didn't think she would ever be able to forgive herself.

"Dad, we can't tell you anything about the game and the future," Lexie said, turning to her father. "It…it wouldn't be safe for you. In fact, I think I already told you too much."

"I don't understand."

"The Chosen Program doesn't want uncontrolled chaos," Tate said, speaking in a flat tone. "The more she tells you, the more uncontrolled chaos is introduced to the timeline. The narrative will try to correct it."

It only took a second for awareness to glint in Aiden's gaze. "By getting rid of me."

"Maybe," Tate said. "Usually."

A flash of terror made Lexie choke, and her father turned to her. He didn't look panicked, despite his shock. He nodded, sounding almost accepting. "I see."

"I'm so sorry, Dad," Lexie whispered, breath like daggers in her throat.

"Oh, honeybee, it's not your fault," he said. "Besides, it's something that can be easily fixed."

"How?"

"If it's merely a corrective measure that the system is seeking, and not punitive, then I can just make myself forget everything you told me that put me at risk."

Some of the tightness eased in Lexie's chest. "You can do that?"

"Of course," he said. "Once the investigation is over, I'm sure I can take or do something to erase the memory from my brain. If not, I can ask Monty for help."

Lexie exhaled fully, relief dropping her shoulders.

She hadn't even thought about that. That was...that was good.

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Her father gave her an amused look, and she blushed at how hard she'd panicked.

"Sorry," she said, smiling from sheer relief. "I completely forgot about that option."

"Of course you did," Aiden ruffled her hair and turned back to Tate, who was eyeing the two of them like they were from a species he'd never encountered before.

"Will the correction be immediate?" he asked Tate.

Tate shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe, maybe not."

"I'll take the risk for now," Aiden said. "Now, young man, I won't ask you anything else about the game or its implications. I will, however, ask about the Alchemist. Lexie told me he's the one who was experimenting with your pathways."

Tate's lips formed a thin line, but he didn't deny it. His body was pressed against the wall, as though subconsciously trying to phase through it to escape the uncomfortable line of questioning.

"I'm not going to report you," Aiden assured him. "Neither do I judge you. System knows I'm the last person to judge anyone for indulging in illegal experimentation, and I've certainly gotten myself in sticky situations in the past as a result. So let me assure you that this is by no means a judgment of your participation in the experiments. Rather, I'm asking questions because I'm investigating the Alchemist, who is a direct threat to Lexie's life."

Tate ruffled his eyebrows, and Lexie continued, "We think the Alchemist might be working with a man we call the Pirate. He can see the future, and he's trying to kill me." She paused. "Remember when we went to Old Moulding? At that weapons shop, where I got spooked by a stranger? That was him."

Tate's irises sharpened as he put the details together. "You think…"

"Yeah. I think he's the guy you just mentioned. Vulcan."

"Vulcan?" Aiden asked.

"He's another of the Chosen, and Tate just told me he's been killing other Chosen to increase his...power level," Lexie said. "I think that's why he wants me dead. I'm not officially a Chosen, but somehow I'm still a part of this game."

"Okay…" Aiden's eyebrows knitted together, and he scratched his chin in thought. "So we have his motive. Do you know anything else about him, Tate?"

Tate nodded reluctantly. "You're right. He is working with the Alchemist. That's probably why you ran into him outside the weapons store, Lexie."

"What do you mean?"

"That's where I meet the Alchemist for our sessions."

Lexie's eyes widened. "At the weapons store?" The place had seemed so inconspicuous.

"Yes and no," he said. "The Alchemist has a way of creating these…I'm not sure what they are. Room within rooms? Places that don't exist anywhere else, but where he wants them to? Like stepping into a crack between the concrete and having it transform into an expansive room you've never seen before, and no one else is there but you and him?"

"An alternate reality portal," Aiden was shocked. "He's reality-bending."

"Yeah. So whenever I go to the weapons store, I head to the very back and knock on the brick three times. That's how I get access."

"I see," Aiden said. "So if I were to go to the weapons store right now…"

"You wouldn't be able to find him, unless he wants you to. He would have to give you access first."

Aiden nodded. "Alright. We'll go back to the weapons store and check it out anyway. Thank you for the information."

Tate shrugged. "No problem."

Silence rested in the room, and then Lexie held out her hand. "Can I get a feel of your pathways?"

"You can't help me, Lexie," Tate answered.

"Why do you think I can't? At least, let me try."

"Healers couldn't help me. I've been to a bunch of them, and they all said the same thing. Why do you think you'll have a different answer for me?"

"Because I'm a genius," Lexie said, but he only managed a quarter of a smile before he shifted his hand away from her.

"You've seen other healers?" Aiden asked softly.

"Yes. And every single one of them told me it was a hopeless case. "

"That's not what you told me before, though," Lexie pointed out. "You told me that you just needed enough money to get the cure."

"I lied," he said. "Surprise, surprise. There was something else from the dungeon that might have been able to save me, but I didn't think you would agree to go with me if I told you. You would have thought it was too dangerous. But that's moot now, isn't it? The dungeon's resolving tonight."

"Oh." So calling her out was a last-ditch, desperate attempt to get her to go with him. Remorse plagued Lexie's brain, but she pushed it aside. She probably would have made the same decision anyway.

A knock on the door sounded, and Mide walked in, glancing around the room.

"Sorry to interrupt," she said. "Aiden, Mane wanted to know if you'll be staying for dinner. Torin's returned from the dungeon, and they're having a celebratory thing."

"Oh. I wish I could, but I'm really tied up in school work, and Emma asked for my help with something this evening," he said.

"I understand. And what about you?" Mide asked Tate. "Should we get a room ready?"

"No," Tate said.

"No?"

"I'm not staying at the Firebringer mansion," Tate said.

"Are you sure?" Mide asked. "They have a lot of amenities over there that can help you. A home spa and hot tub that can help you with the pain, a team of medics on standby..."

"I'm not staying." The firmness of his tone brooked no refusal. It was clear there would be no changing his mind.

Mide gave Lexie a shrug like "I tried," which prompted Lexie to ask Tate, "Where will you be staying then?"

Tate mumbled something, but Lexie wasn't convinced.

From the appearance of his clothes and his stench when they'd picked him up, it didn't look like he had somewhere to stay. He'd probably rather die than admit it, though.

Lexie was wondering if it was Tate's pride that wouldn't let him ask for help, or if there was something else stopping him.

"He will be staying with me," Aiden suddenly spoke up in the silence.

"What?" Both Lexie and Tate turned to Aiden in shock.

"Of course. It's the best solution, unless you would rather stay at the Firebringer residence."

"No," Tate said. "But why would I stay with you?"

"Well, I have a comfortable home, an empty room. You don't look like you've eaten a hot meal in months, and I haven't had anyone to cook for. Hovelton would also be a good place to hide from whoever it is that gave you those bruises."

Tate's face heated up, but Aiden's expression remained pleasant and guileless. He did have that look in his eyes, though, that told Lexie that he would not be backing down on this. If Tate thought he was stubborn, he was about to meet his match in Aiden Sparrowfoot.

Tate was already shaking his head, and Lexie decided to help her dad out by appealing to Tate's emotions. She reached out and took his hand,

"Please," Lexie said. "At least do it for me. Tate, if you leave here, I know you're going to disappear, and I'm never going to hear from you again, and that would hurt like hell. You're upset, and you have a right to be, but please stay with my dad at least. I'll be worried sick if you don't. I was worried sick when you were gone for months, and that was before I knew you were dying. Don't make me go through that again."

Though it was an honest sentiment, Lexie laid it on extra thick to get her way. But once the words came out, her tone carried an emotional weight and intimacy that she hadn't quite intended.

Tate's eyes widened, his jaw slackened, and his face reddened. Lexie's face heated up, too.

She was suddenly acutely aware of her father and Mide staring at her, partly amused and partly surprised.

Lexe cleared her throat as she faced the adults. "Oh, um, sorry, but could you guys give us a minute? I want to talk to Tate alone."

"Sure," Aiden and Mide echoed, their voices too high-pitched to be normal.

"I'll be right outside, honeybee," Aiden said, and they left.

Lexie turned back to Tate.

"What's your problem with my dad?" she asked. "Why don't you want to live with him?"

"The fact that he's a world-ending villain isn't enough of a reason?"

"We both know that's not the real reason. And you're so adamant about not staying at the Firebringer's either. What gives?"

When he didn't answer, Lexie leaned in and whispered, "I thought you said that it would be a good thing for you to form bonds with some of the main players."

"It would only be a good thing if I were at an appropriate power level," he said. "But I'm not strong enough, and the way I am now, being close to them only puts a bigger target on my back."

Ah. That made sense. Having the fate points without the power to back it up meant the Vulcan guy would start targeting him, and he might be sacrificed as cannon fodder.

"But you're...dying anyway," Lexie mentioned quietly. "So it can't hurt to take the chance." And maybe my dad can help you. Maybe the proximity will give him an idea of how to cure your pathways problem.

"Gee, thanks," he said sarcastically, then sighed. "I suppose you're right. I'm not staying with the Firebringers, though."

"So it is personal."

"That's a story for another day."

"Okay, then it's decided. You'll go home with my dad. I'll be coming to Hovelton tomorrow anyway, so I'll see you then."

"Okay." He shrugged like he didn't care, but Lexie saw the act for what it was. She squeezed his hand.

"I'm sorry about telling my dad your secrets."

"It's okay," he sighed. "I'm sorry about keeping so many secrets. And lying to you."

"And being an ass to Boris."

"Yeah, that too."

"You still need to apologize to him, by the way."

"I don't think he wants an apology from me," he said.

"You'd be surprised. Look, he's probably already moved on, but an apology would go a long way to mending the friendship."

"That's what you don't get, I don't want the friendship mended. And if he were smart, he wouldn't want that either."

It was a lie. Lexie was starting to read Tate better, and she could sense that deep down, he did want to apologize, but his pride wouldn't let him.

Or maybe he didn't think he deserved forgiveness for whatever reason.

After Lexie made the arrangements with her dad for Tate to go to Hovelton, she left with Mide and Nathan back to the Firebringer Estate.

"So," Mide said to make conversation, though her tone was clearly fishing for something. "How long have you known this Tate kid? It seemed like the two of you were very close back there, and you're young, but I know how things get at this age."

Oh no, not this again.

"I don't like him like that. He's not my boyfriend."

"I didn't say he was," Mide said. "Nathan, did you hear me say that?'

"No, I didn't hear you say it at all," Nathan said, and Lexie rolled her eyes as they snickered.

Torin was at home. Lexie could hear his quiet murmur mixed in with the children's boisterous laughter in the living room, but she slipped past and headed upstairs instead. She would welcome him later. Right now, she needed time to decompress and calm down from all the crazy happenings of the day.

She lay on her bed and did breathing exercises, which almost relaxed her, until she was interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Hey," Torin said as he pushed the door open. "I heard you got attacked on the way home."

"Yeah." Lexie sat up in bed. "But it's fine. Everyone's fine."

Everyone except Tate, who was dying, and her father, who might also be in the crosshairs of fate.

"Everyone but the guy you brought back," Torin said.

"Yeah. He's a friend."

Torin approached the bed and sat beside her in his stiff-legged fashion. He didn't say anything, remaining silent for so long that Lexie started to feel awkward.

"How was the dungeon?" she asked, while thinking, Am I even supposed to ask that?

"It was fine," he said, and Lexie knew she should have been relieved he was home safe and sound. She was, kind of. She had been worried about him, but right now, there were simply too many things occupying her mind, and she'd reached the end of her emotional bandwidth.

"Thank you again for the card," he said.

"You didn't use it."

"I didn't need it, but I was happy it was there."

Lexie nodded. They had another bout of silence, during which Lexie was searching for a polite way to kick him out and tell him she needed a nap.

"Well, Torin, I'm glad you're home, but I really need a–"

"I found something," he blurted. "I'm not sure whether or not to give it to you."

"You found what?"

He took a deep breath. "I found it on the dungeon floor near the core. I picked it up and was gonna toss it back, but then I saw the initials on the bottom and thought…"

He pulled it out of his pocket, a small piece of black leather.

It was a very distinctive eyepatch with a blood stain on it.

Lexie caught her breath. "This…"

Yes," he said. "I think it might have belonged to your Uncle."

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