Colors of Immortality by J.M. Muller

Author:J.M. Muller [Muller, J.M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-11-30T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 12

The Pretty Boy and the Genius

Everyone stopped talking at once as our eyes all turned to the door. Camille started to fidget. She twisted the item in her hand while looking back at me multiple times. Outside, two male voices spliced the air: one gave orders while the other complained. Torti walked over to the front door and shouted at them both.

“Hello, boys! So nice of you to show up.” A muffled greeting drifted from outside. “We’re all having a nice little chat in here … we had some surprise visitors. Romeo, would you be a dear and check the perimeter?” Pieces of a response reached my ears. Torti shot her mom a quick look.

“I know, hun, I know,” she replied. “Are you saying you don’t trust me?” Torti paused as a faint, male voice drifted into the living room. “Then check the perimeter!” Torti shouted back. “I checked when I got here, but it’s been a while. You can read minds, Chanticlaim cannot; that makes you the best candidate. Honestly, Romeo, it’ll just take a moment.” She smiled then. Apparently, Romeo gave her the response she was looking for. “Thank you, dear!” she shouted.

Fantasia shuffled over to me and under her breath whispered, “You can trust Chanticlaim,” before drifting away. It happened so fast, I almost missed it.

Slight footsteps approached, and Torti stepped aside. In came a gangly fellow with disheveled, brown hair and intelligent, almond-shaped eyes. His olive-colored skin was flawless, and although more awkward than the girls, he, too, looked surreal and almost beautiful.

His presence wasn’t threatening. He seemed honest and good. Charlie tilted his head to the side, unsure of who this man was. The newcomer appeared equally surprised by the number of people present. He hid his surprise by displaying a large, welcoming grin. Turning to Torti, he asked for introductions.

Torti quickly made a pass through the room, naming off Eric, Charlie, and me. When she landed on my name, his face lit up. He crossed the room in three assured strides and reached his hand out. I grabbed it, and we shook as though we were lifelong buddies.

“I’m Chanticlaim,” he said. “It’s a pleasure meeting you. Polar’s grandson! What an honor.” His smile was genuine—almost infectious. Despite myself, I grinned.

“It’s nice to meet you, too,” I replied earnestly.

Chanticlaim turned to Eric and Charlie and greeted them with warmth as well. “Thank you so much for your service to us,” he said and bowed his head in respect. “Truly, we are in your debt.”

Uncle Charlie nearly smiled; he seemed to like this kid, despite his background. I tried to place where I’d heard the name Chanticlaim before. Then it struck me. This was the boy genius whom Fantasia had talked about.

“Ahem.” Torti cleared her throat, commanding the attention of Chanticlaim. “I think Daniel is on board to join our family.”

She was prompting him. “Oh, yes, yes,” Chanticlaim agreed. “Sorry, ladies. I got distracted! Do you have the medication I gave you, Torti?”

Torti smiled, and Camille stepped forward.

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