ball field, not wanting to stick out. My whole face contorted in horror. I cursed under my breath.
Cyrus was staring like he’d never seen me before. “What’s the real story? Some sort of permanent indestructibility spell?”
I shook my head, defeated. “I was born like this.”
“You’re naturally indestructible, like Selena?” He shook his head. “So, only magic can hurt you. But that’s strange. I didn’t think people born with the ability to use magic ever got any extra powers. Like, magic’s more than enough for us. But I guess you got the nonaging thing as well, so why not this, too?” He was clearly trying to remain nonchalant while also looking like he was realizing what I was: something terrible and different than himself.
“This effect kicked in at the same time as my magical ability. When I was a child, I was once almost killed by a chariot. Now . . .” I shrugged. “No mortal weapon can hurt me.”
He frowned but then said, “ ‘Mortal’? What’s that supposed to mean? You think you’re a god?”
“I didn’t say anything like that!” I snapped. “You don’t live as long as I have and be as powerful as I am without learning a few things about Aphrodite’s family. I’ve even tangled with a few of them in the past. The gods have made weapons they use to fight and, on occasion, kill each other. If someone took one of those to me, yes, it would probably take me out. But I don’t go picking fights with gods, so I haven’t tested that theory.”
“Why didn’t you flaunt this?” Cyrus asked. “You’ve always seemed like you get off on your power kicks. The magic, this whole immortality thing . . .”
I turned away, just wanting out of the conversation. “Whatever.” I started walking away, leaving him and the unconscious would-be rapist behind.
“Why did you hide it?” Cyrus demanded, catching up with me. “Why’d you let us think those wards are what really protects you?”
I stopped walking and gave him a fierce look. He took a step backward. “Look, the not-aging thing makes me different enough. This was just too mind-bogglingly different.” I glanced back at him. “People can’t handle it. As evidenced by you backing away from me right now.”
He had the consideration to stop but he repeated, “I thought you like having everyone scared of you. Why would you care if we’re freaked?”
“I don’t know!” The tears from earlier had begun to brew again. In frustration, I crossed my arms over my chest and turned, shooting him my darkest glare. “What does it matter, anyway? What are you doing here, besides witnessing what kind of freak I am?”
“Looking for you,” he said.
“Wanted to save the damsel in distress?” I snorted. “Can’t handle myself out here on the mean streets? Can’t handle myself in this big bad world of—”
He shook his head. “I didn’t know you were in trouble until I stumbled upon all of that. I just wanted to talk to you.”
“Oh? What more did you want to tell me, Cyrus? I think you’ve said enough. You think I’m a horrible person who no one likes. You don’t have to beat me over the head with it. I get it.”
“It’s nothing to do with that,” he said. “You just looked really upset when you left. I . . . I’ve never seen you look like that.”
“And you thought it was something you said.”
“No.” He shook his head. “I figure it’s something the Old One said.”
I sighed. “I’m not going to cry on your shoulder, Cyrus. Nor am I going to confess any more deep, dark secrets. You’ve already learned way too much about me. If all this is just you wanting to satisfy your curiosity, we’re done. You’re barking up the wrong tree. You’ll have better luck getting Wesley to spill his secrets.”
“That’s fine. I don’t care to know,” he said. At my dubious look, he shrugged. “Okay, I’m dying to hear what upset the toughest woman I know like that, but I didn’t come all the way out here for it.”
“So, what did you come for?”
“I thought you needed a friend.”
I stared at him in shock. I think my mouth dropped open.
“Since your list of friends doesn’t seem very long, I figure I’m probably all you’ve got. Or at least that I’ll do. So, you don’t have to say anything, you don’t even have to do anything. Just . . . I’m here for you. Especially after what just happened. If you want