"Yes, although it will take several days as I'm beginning to believe you are more like your father than any of your other siblings."
Knowing it was time for her to explain, Cali still hedged as she settled back into the couch. "What makes you think that?"
Xanto studied Cali through narrowed eyes, taking in her relaxed position, but he was beginning to see it for what it was, her own type of morph. As a small, unassuming being that others readily overlooked. He knew he always had, but not anymore.
"Because you can heal and have been hiding that fact."
"My gift is my own," she told him, "to use or not use as I see fit."
"Agreed, but that's not the point I'm getting at."
"Then what are you getting at?" she snapped.
"That you have the most prized gift in the entire universe and have been able to conceal it from the Paramount your entire life span successfully." That made Xanto realize something else. "Which also means you have another powerful gift, that of blocking."
"All Zagreus have the ability to block," Cali reminded him.
"Not against the Paramount, and you've done it without him realizing it," Xanto's gaze sharpened on her. "Unless you're suggesting he does."
"I'm not."
"Then you need to convince me why I shouldn't inform him, because you are out in the universe, completely unprotected, and it is unacceptable."
"I don't need to be protected," Cali all but spat. "What I need is to be allowed to live my life span the way I wish, just like every other being does."
"But you're not like every other being, Cali," he gently reminded her. "You have the power not only to heal but to save beings."
"Which no one knows about but you," she reminded him.
"Cali, you have to know that your father needs to be informed."
"No, I don't know that. What I do know is that if my father learns of my gift, he will immediately take control of my life and use my gift the same way he does his, for his benefit and his benefit alone."
Xanto was shocked by the amount of scorn in Cali's voice by the time she finished speaking. Did she really think so little of her father?
"Don't look so shocked, Xanto." She could easily read his expression. "I know who my father is. I've seen the lengths he'll go to get want he wants, no matter what it costs others. I won't be one of those beings he uses."
"Cali?? Xanto whispered, a terrible thought suddenly entering his mind. "What did he do to you?"
"Not to me." She wouldn't allow Xanto to think that. "To my mom and dad."
There was clearly something going on in Cali's family dynamic that Xanto was unaware of. He'd come into the Paramount's service shortly after Caradoc had melded with Dakota and Paul. While he wasn't privy to what occurred within the triad, he'd always believed there was love and respect on all sides. At least that was the impression he'd gotten from Triz and the other male offspring they'd produced together. Now he wondered, and it had him rethinking the Paramount's need to know.
"I will remain silent on this matter on one condition," he finally said.
"And what's that?" Cali asked carefully.
"That you vow to start retaining more power than you currently do. You can use some of it to dim the visual effects it has while still being able to protect yourself if you need to."
As well as Cali could block her thoughts and hide her gifts, Xanto easily read every emotion that crossed her face. The distrust and suspicion he saw there hurt his hearts. Did she believe he'd intentionally harm her?
"Why?" Her soft question seemed to confirm that.
"Because I care about you, Cali. Not because you're the Paramount's datter or Triz's sestra, but because you are a truly kind but aggravating being. You genuinely care about those entering your orbit even though you know you'll grieve when you leave. You, of all beings, have the right to live your life span in whatever way makes you happiest."
Cali wasn't sure anyone had ever supported her the way Xanto just had. Oh, she knew her mom and dad would fight for her, but melded with the Paramount, she couldn't rely on them going against him. As for her broders, well, they were all trying to gain the Paramount's approval in one way or another. It's why she'd never confided in one of them or asked their advice.