EMMA
"How long have you been able to hear people's thoughts?"
The question stopped me cold.
I froze mid-step, my boots sinking slightly into the damp soil as I turned. I had been so sure Xerxes was still at the far end of the field with the farmers, helping them figure out how the cattle got out. Finding him right behind me instead and asking that question knocked the air out of my lungs.
My brows furrowed. "What?"
Xerxes's gaze was sharp, unreadable, as though he'd already read the answer in my face.
"I heard the farmhand's thoughts too," he said, his voice low but firm. He glanced over his shoulder, jaw tightening, scanning for unwanted ears.
"He left the corral gates open. It was his fault the animals escaped. But that's not the point." His piercing stare pinned me in place. "How long have you had this ability? And why the hell haven't you told anyone?"
My heart thudded unevenly as his words sank in. Xerxes could hear thoughts too?
