(Ean's POV)

We all piled out of the van at a run-down looking apartment building at the edge of town, and followed Betelgeuse inside. Circe waved goodbye to Mac as he pulled out of the parking lot and sped away.

"So, what are we doing here?" I asked Circe, a little on edge after the display of utter chaos and power that Betelgeuse had put on back there.

"This is a safe house. Melody said she'd meet us here."

"Oh. Okay."

I couldn't really keep up much of a conversation with her. Between the not telling me what was happening to me and her infuriating, knowing look, I didn't really have a desire to carry on much of a dialogue with her.

I was just ready for all this to be over, and to hopefully get some form of an explanation from my mother. Although knowing her, that would probably be easier said than done.

The house was dimly lit, but overall not uncomfortable. The walls stretched tall up to vaulted ceilings, and the architecture was a gothic/Victorian style. The rooms were cast in a warm glow from the many lanterns adorning the walls, their delicate arms and designs adding to the elegant ambience. 

I looked around me in wonder. Yes, the house was a tad bit on the creepy side, but overall, it seemed extremely out of place for what I had seen thus far in the Netherworld. 

The group came into a large sitting room, where a massive fireplace hosted a warm blaze, casting dancing shadows on the floor and walls. Logan, June, Sofia, and I huddled close to it. I didn't even realize how cold I was until I felt the contrast of warmth against my icy skin. 

"So this is a safe house?" June said softly, rubbing her hands together and glancing around her.

I shrugged. "That's what Circe told me, but at this point, I don't know that I trust what she says."

Logan arched an eyebrow at me. "What do you mean?"

"She hasn't given me one straight answer about anything, really. About my mom, who Betelgeuse is, my involvement in any of this..... I'm just losing patience with her and her secrets."

Sofia nodded. "Yeah, I guess you have a point."

"I just want to know what my mom has to do with any of this, and what we're even doing here."

June glanced back at the fire. "Yeah..."

"What're you guys whispering about over here?"

We all four jumped when we heard a voice right behind us, and turned to find Betelgeuse standing there, watching us curiously. June and Logan laughed a little, while I sighed. 

"Just... all of this. I don't really know what I'm doing here," I admitted, looking down at my hands. "I don't know what's happening to me. I'm not sure about these powers, and I have no idea how to even use them."

"Woah there, kid. That's a lot to unpack," he replied, chuckling a bit as he laid a hand on my shoulder. 

I looked up at him. 

"Listen, I might not know much about you or your background, but I do know a thing or two about the stuff happening to you. I could show you the ropes."

I blinked at him. "You could?"

He nodded. "Yeah! I mean, who do you think is the best when it comes to this sorta thing?" he replied, grinning smugly and straightening his tie. 

June snorted, and I glanced over at her. She met my gaze. "What?"

I shook my head, turning my attention back on the man in the striped suit in front of me. 

"I would definitely appreciate it if you could teach me a thing or two."

"Sure thing, kid!" he replied cheerily, clapping me on the back, causing me to stumble forward a couple steps.

That was when two people walked in, and all heads swiveled in their direction. 

They looked like Circe, except they both had both horns. I was guessing these were her parents. 

"Oh sweet satan it's really you!" the woman demon said, approaching and giving Betelgeuse a hug.

He laughed and hugged her back. "It's really me, Laia."

The man demon stepped forward, smiling and clasping Betelgeuse's hand as he let go of the woman demon. They patted each other on the back. 

"I'm glad you finally got out."

"Me too, man. It feels good to be out."

The pair seemed to notice us all for the first time, and after fawning over Circe, making sure she was okay, they turned their attention on June, Logan, Sofia, and me.

"And who might you be?"

"I'm Ean," I said, waving a small wave. 

"I'm June. It's nice to meet you."

"I'm Sofia."

"Logan."

They nodded, still seemingly a little confused as to why we were there. 

"They helped me bust Beej out. They're breathers."

Circe's parents turned back to us, obviously a little impressed, now. 

"Oh! Well, you three have done a very good thing today," the woman demon - Laia - said to us, smiling warmly. 

Her husband nodded beside her. "Yes, very much so. We all cannot thank you enough for what you've done."

We shared glances, not really understanding the praise being given to us, but rolling with it anyway. 

"It was the least we could do," June said, smiling at them. She was always so quick on her feet. 

Logan, Sofia, and I nodded in agreement, following June's lead. 

They turned back to Circe and began to talk to her, so the five of us - Betelgeuse, Sofia, Logan, June, and I - were left to ourselves. I sat down in a nearby armchair, staring into the fire and losing myself in my own thoughts and doubts. 

I felt a gentle hand on my shoulder, and looked to find June standing there, brow furrowed and eyes concerned. She came around and sat on the ottoman in front of me, resting her hand on my knee. 

"Hey, I know this all is a lot to process and take in. You okay?"

I looked back at the fire. "If I'm being honest, I don't know, June."

She looked at the fireplace, as well.

"We'll find out what's happening to you. I promise."

I looked back at her, and in that moment noticed the way some strands of her red hair, tucked up into a messy bun, fell in loose curls to frame her face. The light gave her skin a soft, warm glow, and made her freckles look like dark stars decorating her face. I peeled my eyes away, internally scolding myself for letting my mind wander. This was weird. And I didn't like the way those thoughts made me feel. It honestly scared me. 

"Ean, you good?"

My eyes snapped up to meet her icy blue ones. "Oh, uh, yeah. I'm fine. Just got a lot on my mind."

She smiled a small, understanding smile at me. "I know how you feel. Well, if you ever need to talk, I'm always here," she told me, standing up and giving me one last encouraging smile before leaving me to my own thoughts. 

I let out a breath that I hadn't realized I'd been holding, practically deflating in my chair. Logan looked over at me, arching an eyebrow and laughing slightly. 

"Dude, what was that?" he asked me, leaning forward and grinning.

"What are you talking about?"

"You were making goo-goo eyes at June, bro."

"I was not!"

"You so were!"

"Logan, I wasn't!"

"You've got the hots for June!"

"Logan oh my gosh, shut the heck up."

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*AUTHOR'S NOTE*

Hey, all! I sincerely apologize for the hiatus, but I recently moved to my college town and started classes, and am just now getting into a routine. I appreciate you guys sticking around for this long, and hope to update much more frequently, now! 

I hope that you guys enjoyed this chapter, and don't hesitate to let me know what you think in the comments, and also feel free to hit up my dms if you just wanna chat! 

Anyway, I've got a lot more juicy content coming your way, and I cannot wait to share it with you all! Thanks again for sticking around and reading! You guys are the best!

Ciao, bellas!

~Smol Emo