Fey

Clairvoyance—the ability to perceive things beyond normal sensory contact, or even glimpse the future. I sense things I’m not supposed to, and much more I still don’t understand. Because of this, I’ve lived a stressful, dangerous life.

I’ve been alone for as long as I can remember. An orphan, shuffled from one institution to the next until I turned sixteen. That’s when I finally ran away—I couldn’t take it anymore. For eight years, I heard every single one of their thoughts. Sad little kid. He’ll never find a home. What are we supposed to do with him? He’ll probably be alone forever.

I tried everything to make it stop, but I failed. Again and again. I thought about running away much earlier, but I was scared. I didn’t know where I’d go. But by sixteen, that didn’t seem to matter anymore.

I’ve led a lonely life because of this ability. People think hearing thoughts would be an advantage, but mostly, it’s just... ugly. Negative. Some people act on those thoughts; others push them down. I’ve come to realize that being a good person isn’t about being free of darkness—it’s about choosing not to follow it.

I hear it all. Constantly. Just by walking near someone. It’s taken a toll. I reached a point where I couldn’t bear to be around anyone. I couldn’t stand people. I even tried dating, hoping a partner might ease the pain—but her thoughts were just as bad as the rest. Worse, even. Because it hurts more when it comes from someone close. That’s why I choose to be alone.

My mind can do things others couldn’t fathom—things even I don’t fully understand. I tried shutting it out, but I let it in instead. I let it take over. And that’s why I’m here now—trying to calm my mind among those who’ve learned to control theirs. People are so practiced and disciplined here that even their loudest thoughts are just mere whispers.

It’s quiet. I’m glad I found this place. But I didn’t come solely by choice. I came because I had nowhere else to go. I had to run away.

To be honest, things got messy. The people here have no idea what I’ve done. I made sure no one could trace me. Technically, Colton Alrod doesn’t exist anymore. It’s been two years since my mind completely unraveled. The thoughts grew louder, more aggressive, until I finally snapped. I caused chaos. Panic. And then I disappeared.

Before this, I searched for a place—somewhere deserted. A place where I could be alone, away from all the noise, the thoughts. I couldn’t escape it. But then I found this monastery, and for the first time in years, I felt… at ease.

“Master Youchen,” I said, looking out the window as he entered my room.

“Impossible,” he replied. “Were my thoughts that loud?”

“Your footsteps were.”

“It’s a beautiful day. Do you have anything planned for it?”

“The usual,” I said, rising from my bed. “Meditation, relaxation, rehabilitation.”

“You seem tense. Is it the Seekers?” he asked.

The Seekers—new arrivals, still learning to quiet their minds. It takes time before their mental noise settles down. Usually a few months, but I can take it.

“A little, yeah. One of them is practically screaming in there. He might be as troubled as I was when I arrived.”

Master Youchen invited me to meditate with him. I agreed. He has a calming presence that quiets everything down. Even around the Seekers, his energy helps me block it all out. I don’t know if it’s his aura or just experience, but watching him meditate… there’s strength in his stillness. He focuses on nothing, simply clears his mind. And when I try to listen in—there’s absolutely nothing. Silence.

After a few hours of stretching and meditation, Master Youchen asked to be left alone. He also suggested I don’t do the same.

“How come you get to be alone?” I asked.

“I rarely have a moment to myself. Especially with new Seekers here. You, on the other hand, have avoided nearly every student in the monastery for the past year. It’s time to change that, Colton. Have lunch with David and Zhizhen. Or welcome the newcomers—show them around.”

“Fine, I’ll—” I cut myself off, suddenly turning my head toward the door.

“Colton?” Master Youchen asked.

“Someone’s coming… A girl. She’s looking for—me?” I frowned, uncertain.

“Do you know her?”

“No,” I said, more to myself than to him.

“Do you know why she’s looking for you?”

“No. It’s not on her mind. She’s tired, worn out. She’s been searching for a long time. She doesn’t know my name, but… I think she knows what I look like. She’s alone, so I doubt she’s with the government.” That’s all I could get. But it didn’t make me feel safe.

“How long until she gets here?” Master Youchen asked.

“Not long. Her thoughts are getting louder by the minute.”

“Hide,” he said. “I’ll speak with her. Try to learn what she wants. And Colton—take my advice. Stay near people. Blend in. It’s better than standing out.” He was worried. The only one here who knew everything about me. The only one who knew what I’d done.

I wanted to listen to him—I did—but paranoia had already gripped me. I couldn’t handle the added stress of a crowd. I went to my room while Master Youchen made his way to the cloister to intercept her. He arrived before she did and settled into meditation as he waited.

“Hello?” the young woman called out, fifteen minutes later.

He opened his eyes and stood.

“Hello, young traveler. You look like you’ve come a long way.”

“I have, actually,” she said, her voice worn but steady.

Master Youchen stood with his hands tucked into his sleeves. “Then I hope I can help you find what you’re looking for,” he said calmly.

“How do you know I’m looking for something?”

“Everyone who journeys here is in search of something. So tell me—what is it you seek?”

“Well, I’m a student at New York University, and I’m writing a paper. I came here in hopes of living among you and your people for a few days—to look around, understand your ways, and maybe even experience it firsthand to help with my writing,” the young woman explained.

But Master Youchen knew she was lying… I felt it too.

“What is your name?” he asked.

“Audrey. Audrey Simmons.”

“Why are you afraid to tell me the truth, Audrey? How can you find what you’re looking for if you don’t trust me to help you?”

“What makes you so sure I’m lying?” Audrey asked, her tone sharp, clearly offended.

“We are secular monks, but we’ve heard of the internet,” he said dryly. “In other words, that can’t be the reason you came.”

“Secular monks?” she asked, clearly confused about where she had found herself.

“You didn’t even know that, the more reason to believe you are not telling the truth, Audrey. But yes. We’re not bound by religious beliefs. We’re here to master the mind, elevate the spirit, and embrace the Earth’s offerings in their purest form.”

“The mind, huh?”

I sensed her skepticism from my room. Her thoughts echoed loudly, as if she were standing right next to me, talking into my ear.

She’s here for me—but I don’t know why. I can’t even tell who she is.

Master Youchen was trying. He asked the right questions, hoping I’d hear something useful in her thoughts, even if she didn’t speak it aloud. But her mind was guarded. Unclear. Maybe she really was a student. Maybe she wanted to write about the monastery... or maybe she was here to write about me… a journalism major looking for a strong story. I couldn’t be sure.

Master Youchen couldn’t turn her away without raising more suspicion. She was already skeptical—refusing her entry would only confirm we had something to hide. I hoped he realized that. Fortunately, he let her in and offered to show her around.

Blending in with the rest of the students seemed like the best plan for now. But I worried she’d notice my anxiety. Between her thoughts and the Seekers’, it was obvious I was a bit agitated. Unnaturally so. Maybe I should’ve stayed in my quarters.

It’s been a few hours since Audrey arrived, and I feel like I’m losing my mind. I hadn’t felt this unhinged in a long time. Before the Seekers and Audrey showed up, I’d gone two months without hearing a single thought that wasn’t spoken aloud.

Now? It’s almost like I’m back in the city.

I tried to meditate, but it was useless. My thoughts were too clouded, too pulled toward the unknown. She and Master Youchen were in the library, surrounded by books about the mind, the body, and the Earth. Fascinating material—under normal circumstances.

Curiosity got the better of me. I stepped out of my room, and instantly, the noise surged.

More thoughts. More minds. More pressure.

“Oh dear God,” I muttered—and then I ran.

“Master Youchen!”

“It’s him,” Audrey whispered, her eyes wide and locked on mine.

“It’s the CIA—they’re closing in. I have to go, Master Youchen. Staying here puts you and everyone else in danger.”

For the first time, I saw a flicker of fear in his eyes. He knew the risk. He also knew this might be goodbye for good.

Audrey looked shaken, too—but there was something else in her expression. Guilt? Shock? “You just ruined my life by being here, you know that?” I snapped. “Why the hell are you looking for me? And more importantly—how did you find me?”

“Colton, there’s no time,” Master Youchen said urgently. “What are you going to do? Where will you go?”

“I don’t know… But don’t worry about me. I’ll find my way back. It might take time, but I will.”

“I hope so…” he said, eyes locked on mine. “Let go of your fear, Colton. It’s only holding you back.” Then, with a glance at Audrey, he added, “Take her with you.”

“What?! No. Why would I take her? She led them here!” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

“Yeah, I’m not going anywhere with him. I just wanted a story, not to be chased by the goddamn CIA,” Audrey said, backing away.

“Miss Simmons,” Master Youchen said calmly, “whether you found him like they did, or accidentally led them here, it no longer matters… They’ll see you as an asset. Resourceful, useful.”

“I don’t believe that.”

“They’ve been after Colton for almost two years. How long have you been searching for him?”

He was right. And we didn’t have time to argue.

Master Youchen had always wanted me to have a friend. I’d always just wanted to be left alone. Now I was being forced to leave with someone I didn’t trust—someone who, as far as I knew, brought this whole mess down on us.

“If they’re coming the same way Miss Simmons did,” he added, “you’ll need to head south.”

I could hear them—moving in, scheming, hoping to catch me here. They were looking for her, too, though I still didn’t know why. Nothing about who she is. Maybe she really had led them here by accident.

Her thoughts were strange—not as loud or chaotic as people from the city. I’d figure her out eventually. But not now.

I said my goodbyes to Master Youchen and thanked him for everything he’d done over the past year and a half. I didn’t know if I’d ever return. As much as I hoped otherwise, this could be the last time I’d see him. He was my teacher. He didn’t know everything about me, but he knew what mattered. I considered him a friend more than a teacher.

“Come on. We have to go,” Audrey said.

“Goodbye, Master Youchen.”

We headed south into the woods, moving fast before they could catch up. I didn’t want to get too far—I was worried about what they might do to Master Youchen. I could feel it in the thoughts of the man leading them. He wasn’t just another agent—this one was intense, relentless. Like he’d been chasing me for years and wouldn’t stop until he caught me.

That makes him dangerous.

Audrey worried me too. Fear practically radiated off her the moment he stepped into our view. I could sense it—stronger than my own. She was terrified of the CIA, more than she let on. I was growing more skeptical that they were even after her... and if they weren’t, then why was she so scared? What was she hiding?

We stopped in the middle of the woods, far enough from the monastery but close enough that I could still sense what was happening. I sat down, feeling the ground with my palms.

“I’m gonna need you to stay quiet until I say so. No sudden movements, no sounds, and for God’s sake, try to shut your mind.”

“What? Why? What are you doing?” Audrey asked.

“All you need to know is that I need to focus. So please.”

I shut my eyes and took a deep breath.

Master Youchen, I’m here. Far, but close enough to connect with you and listen in on what’s going on.

They’re coming… around fifteen men, Master Youchen responded, his thoughts reaching mine.

I know. Just keep calm. And remember—they don’t know my name, and unless someone’s seen me before—which I highly doubt—they don’t know what I look like either.

The agents arrived at the monastery. Master Youchen was at the cloister with the new arrivals, guiding them as he normally would, calm and collected. The CIA operatives approached and asked for the person in charge. They said they were looking for someone whose last known location was here.

Master Youchen stepped forward, asking for identification from the agent in charge. He was trying to give me information—trying to help.

The man showed his ID: Daniel Gray.

Is that the one after us? I asked.

He’s the leader of the task force, Master Youchen confirmed.

Agent Gray asked if anyone “strange” had passed through in the last two years, or if there had been anything out of the ordinary.

Master Youchen replied vaguely, telling him that everyone who finds their way here is “strange” in their own way—lost, until they arrive.

I could feel Daniel’s frustration. He was trying to get information without giving away too much himself. He had a lot riding on this—I could feel that too. I didn’t know the full story, but I suspected it had to do with his job, maybe even his career. Two years chasing someone with no records, no photos, no online presence? That could make you look crazy.

“I want you to round up anyone who’s been here for eighteen months or less,” Agent Gray commanded.

To avoid raising suspicion, Master Youchen complied. In a matter of minutes, he gathered everyone who had joined the monastery in the past year and a half.

“Are you sure there isn’t anybody else?” Agent Gray asked.

“Our most recent seekers are right here—Jack, Willow, Mark, Daisy, and Casper. They’ve been here a week. Raul, Eric, Johnny, and Vanessa have been here for six months. Barbara and Molina, ten months. Mohamed and Sara, twelve months. Vince, Gary, Jessica, and Lori, eighteen months. We haven’t seen anyone else from outside the monastery since, the rest of the students have been here for more than two years. The teachers, a lot more than that.”

He’s skeptical, Master Youchen. You need to make him trust you.

“You and your men are welcome to search the premises if you’d like,” Master Youchen said, taking my advice.

It was getting harder to focus. To control the voices.

Even though I could tune into Master Youchen when he allowed it, I was still being hit from all sides—fourteen CIA operatives, Agent Gray, Audrey, the Seekers... and my own relentless thoughts. Each and every one is different from the other. So many voices. So many minds.

Some were anxious, some lonely, others strange or blank. Only a few thought about important stuff like family, jobs, or home. Each one different. Each one loud in its own way.

Taking it all in at once was wearing me down.

“You don’t look so good,” Audrey said bluntly. “Are you okay? Can you tell me what you’re doing?”

“I just need to concentrate for a few more minutes,” I managed to say. My face was red, my vision dimming. And then—darkness.

About an hour later, I came to.

“You’re awake. Good,” Audrey said.

“Where the hell are we?” I asked, groaning as I clutched my head. The pain was sharp and pulsing.

“Somewhere in the woods. Far from the monastery. It got too dangerous—I had to drag your ass for miles… You’re welcome.”

“Welcome? I didn’t ask for this! What happened to Master Youchen and the others?!”

As my voice rose and the anger took over, Audrey stared at me—confused, a little afraid.

“I-I don’t know,” she stammered, then quickly got defensive. “You were unconscious. They would’ve gotten what they wanted if I hadn’t dragged you out of there.”

All I could think about was how we’d abandoned them. How they were in trouble because of me—because of us.

My mind was spinning. She was right. She had no other choice. I was defenseless, too weak to control my powers. Too scared to take control.

I realized that—and apologized.

“I’m sorry,” I said.

“What were you trying to do back there, anyway?” she asked.

“I don’t want to talk about it. We need to figure out a plan. But before we do, I need to know I can trust you.”

“I just saved your life!” Audrey snapped, still trying to defend herself.

“It didn’t need any saving until you showed up… For some reason, you’re hard to read. So we’re gonna have to do this the old-fashioned way—where you simply open up. I can’t read you, but I will be able to tell if you’re lying.”

“What do you wanna know?” she asked.

I was too hungry to get into deep conversations. I suggested we find something to eat first. Gathering food from the woods would take a lot of time, dedication, and effort—the easiest option was to find the nearest point of civilization and hope for a diner or gas station.

We walked for miles. Since there wasn’t much else to do, we talked as we moved along. I got to know a bit about her—just not enough to make me trust her. Where she was from, a few likes and dislikes. I wanted to dig deeper, but before I could, we were interrupted.

For the first time in my life, I was happy to hear people’s thoughts—it meant we were close to civilization, and closer to getting a cooked meal. I’d burned through all my energy staying connected to Youchen, and with the miles we’d walked, there was nothing I needed more than food.

Fifteen minutes later, we reached the edge of the woods and stepped out onto a highway. Just across the road, there was a diner filled with travelers and people passing through.

“They have pie,” I said, before we headed inside.

Hunger had taken over me. For a moment, I forgot where I was or what I was doing—walking into a diner like I’d been living free all this time. It had been nearly two years since I’d allowed myself to be around this many people. The monastery had been different... it was quiet.

Now, my mind was bombarded—signals from everyone around me, coming and going.

Suddenly, I wasn’t hungry anymore. I started to panic. I shut my eyes and pressed my hands to my head. I couldn’t see, but I knew people were staring. Some of them even called me a weirdo... a freak. Encouraging others to look and laugh.

I hated it. But then—I felt her. Audrey. Her empathy. Her concern. Not just worry, but a genuine desire to help me. The only other person who ever gave me that was Master Youchen.

“Colton! Colton, listen to me. Focus on my voice… Can you hear me?”

I couldn’t speak. My body was drained, and my powers were spiraling. My teeth were clenched, my jaw locked. But I tried. I reached out—mentally—and tried to let her know that I could hear her.

It took everything I had, but after an entire minute, she heard me.

“Okay, let’s get out of here. Come on.”

Audrey held me tightly and helped me out of the diner, further away from the people and their thoughts. As we got further, the pain began to fade, and my mind slowly eased.

“You stay here,” she said gently. “I’ll get us something to eat. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

And a few minutes later, she returned. “I got you some pie… I can’t read minds, but I felt like you were craving a slice.”

“Thanks, Audrey,” I said softly, feeling embarrassed.

“I hope you don’t mind me asking,” she said, sitting down beside me, “but what the hell was that? I didn’t see you panic back at the monastery.”

I looked down at the pie, seated on the sidewalk. “It’s been two years. I haven’t felt that many thoughts in a long time. I forgot how it felt—the noise, the pain, the complete lack of control.”

I looked up at her. “I’m sorry.” And that’s when I saw it in her eyes—empathy. I didn’t need to read her mind to see it, which only made me trust her more.

She helped me move further away from civilization, back into the woods. Audrey wanted to lay low for a while, but I was eager to return to the monastery.

“Trust me, that’s not a good idea,” she warned. “They probably left by now, sure—but I’m certain they’ve got someone monitoring the area, waiting for you to make that stupid mistake.”

“You don’t understand… I have to go back,” I argued, even though I didn’t fully disagree.

“Then help me understand, Colton. Tell me why you’re willing to risk your life just to get back to that place.”

I paused for a while. I couldn’t look her in the face just as much as I couldn’t get myself to tell her something about me. I was always closed off, always keeping my guards up, making sure I let nobody in.

But for some reason we’re stuck together and I still want to know why. “Are you not going to answer me,” She breaks the silence, and my shields.

“Because it’s the only place in the world I’ve ever been able to call home.”

I paused, feeling something stir inside me as I opened up to her in a way that I hadn’t since Master Youchen.

“Ever since I got these godforsaken abilities, my life’s been different—lonelier than it already was. It started when I was just a kid. Alone in an orphanage, waiting for a happy couple to walk in and adopt me. Of course, that never happened.

“But unlike the other kids, I didn’t even get the luxury of hoping... because I knew exactly what everybody thought as soon as they looked at me.

“I spent twelve years in those homes, without a shred of hope. I knew I was going to be alone. When I was sixteen, I left—but life didn’t get better. Out in the city, people’s thoughts... They disgusted me. They hurt me. They scared me. And then I found Master Youchen.

“He gave me a place of peace. A place where I could take time to myself and just breathe. It might not seem like much to you, but with what I go through everyday… It meant I could finally live. And now they’re in trouble because of me. And I need to make sure they’re okay.”

Audrey was quiet for a moment, taking it all in.

“Is that why you hate people? Why it’s so hard for you to trust me?”

“Over the years, I’ve learned that there’s no such thing as a ‘good person.’ They just don’t exist. I hear what everyone thinks. Terrible thoughts. Not everyone acts on them, sure—but that’s the truth. A good person isn’t someone without bad thoughts... it’s someone who doesn’t let them win. And who knows? With many battles, they are bound to lose one day.”

“That’s a bit harsh, don’t you think?” she asked. “You’ve never had a bad thought cross your mind?”

“I never said I was a good person. I’ve crossed the line before—even when I didn’t mean to. Who’s to say others won’t? Sometimes all it takes is rage, or fear, or pain… just a little push and then you’re there. Whether you realize it or not.”

Our conversation drifted away from the monastery. I tried to bring it back, but Audrey ignored the topic completely.

“Seems like you’ve been living your whole life in fear—not just of people, but of yourself. Of what you can do. I think that’s what’s stopping you from gaining control over your abilities.”

She looked at me seriously.

“You need to accept them.”

I tried not to take offense, she didn’t know me well enough to come to that conclusion. But I knew Audrey was right. Master Youchen said the same many times before. It was even the last thing he said. She gave me a lot to think about—not just my past, but my future. I’d let the fear of my abilities control me for too long. Instead of learning to master them, I’d let them master me.

I didn’t know how to fix it... but I knew something had to change.

After a few more hours of arguing and going back and forth, Audrey finally convinced me to stay hidden in the woods for a few more days. She was sure going back now wouldn’t be safe. She even offered to pay for a motel where we could stay out of sight, but the farther I was from society, the less agitated I felt. It was better for everyone if I stayed in the woods.

By the third day of being alone, we had grown quite fond of each other. That was the day she started to let me in on what I’ve been dying to know. She told me there was something she’d been hiding from me—something she’d been meaning to share. She’d been hesitant, but after these past few days, her mind had finally settled. She knew I wasn’t the threat the CIA had made me out to be—not to them, and definitely not to the public.

Turns out she wasn’t just caught in the middle of all this—she was on the run, hiding just like I was. Agent Daniel Gray was after her too.

Before she could even explain why, I didn’t take the news well. But I didn’t want to overreact. I’ve done that too many times. Audrey had been helping me. I didn’t think that had changed. I just needed to know what happened.

“I take it you’re not a student at NYU, huh?”

“No, I’m not. I am sorry though… but I had no choice but to lie. You wouldn’t have talked to me—let alone spent all this time with me—if you knew who I really am, or what I used to do.”

“Are you planning on telling me?” I asked, keeping it short. Trying to keep my cool.

“No. You’re going to find that out for yourself. I’ve been keeping my shields up—storing all my secrets deep inside my mind, trying to keep them away from your reach. But we both know the only thing keeping you out… is you. Because no matter how deep I bury them, you’re still capable of accessing my mind.”

“We both know I can’t control it.” My voice was low. Doubtful. Like always. That doubt… It’s been my shadow for as long as I can remember. It’s one of the worst things you can carry—giving up before you even try.

Audrey wasn’t having it.

“You have to try, Colton. You can’t live like this forever. Close your eyes. Calm yourself. Clear your mind. Focus on what you want to hear—what you want to learn and understand. I imagine it should be as easy for you as listening through your ears. Think of the monastery. The peace it gave you. Everything you were able to do there. Like Youchen… and eventually me… you need to accept who you are and accept your abilities. They’re one and the same. You can’t escape them, and you can’t change them… but you can control them. You have to control them.”

She was right. My fear was the thing holding me back. Even now, I realized I couldn’t read her because I was afraid of what I might find. Afraid it would shatter the trust I had in her. But like she said—I can’t live like this forever.

I calmed myself and searched for what I needed. It didn’t take long. I stared at her for a moment, then looked down at the ground in disappointment.

“You were one of them. A CIA operative…”

“That’s not it, Colton,” she said softly. “Look deeper. You’ll see my story. All of it.”

I did as she said—and I saw everything. Her whole life unfolded like pages from a book.

Audrey wasn’t just a CIA operative—she worked directly under Daniel Gray. A data analyst on the very taskforce assigned to find me. She was the one who located me right before the incident. Back then, she thought their mission was to recruit me.

But after the incident, everything changed. Gray changed.

He no longer saw me as an asset to nurture—he saw me as a specimen to control. He wanted to capture me, examine me… experiment on me like some kind of lab rat. All to exploit my abilities for the CIA’s benefit.

But she saw me that day—really saw me. Saw the fear in my eyes. Saw that I just wanted to be left alone.

With Gray’s twisted plans laid bare, she saw no option but to run. She came to find me herself—not to hurt me, but to understand me. To see that I truly wasn’t the threat everyone claimed I was.

And she did. She saw it when we were at the diner.

“I… uh… I don’t really know what to say,” I mumbled.

“Do you trust me?” she asked, her voice steady. That question—do you trust me—was all she seemed to care about.

“I do.”

We talked about Gray after that. I wanted to know more about him. From what I’d seen in her memories, she’d been close to him on several occasions. Apparently, no one knows how he came onto the idea of me having these strange abilities. He still has no proof. Daniel Gray was the only agent to ever see my face. With no evidence of my existence—no witnesses, no photos, no confirmed intel—he’d become a laughingstock. Chasing after ghost stories of telepathy and telekinesis.

That made him loathe me. Obsess over me. He continued the taskforce in secret, keeping it off the books, hoping my capture would rewrite his legacy. He believed with my abilities, the CIA could become the most powerful intelligence agency in the world. And he wanted to be the man to put it there.

“Do you think now’s a good time to go back?” I asked, still eager to check on Master Youchen. Having more control over my abilities gave me more confidence—I wanted to go back, no matter what.

“I’m not so sure,” Audrey replied. “I expect Gray still has someone watching the place. We’re not that far, by the way… maybe now’s a good chance to test the range on that head of yours.”

She wanted me to try reaching Youchen before we made any moves.

I doubted myself, but this time, I wasn’t going to give up without trying. Not again.

I focused. Reached out. Tried and tried—but I couldn’t find him.

Then an idea hit me—what if I tried a weaker mind? One of the seekers.

Luckily, it worked.

Suddenly I saw everything—through the eyes of our youngest seeker. But what surprised me most wasn’t just the seeing—I had control. Like he was a puppet. A passenger in his own body.

I narrated everything I saw back to Audrey to keep her in the loop. Through the seeker’s body, I moved through the monastery until I reached Master Youchen’s chambers.

He was lying ill.

I saw bruises, a split in his lower lip. He looked too weak to move—even if he wanted to. They’d roughed him up. Because of me.

Audrey could tell I was sinking into that familiar place where guilt thrives. She knew how much he meant to me. She pulled me out of it, told me we’d go back. That broke my connection with the seeker.

She still thought there might be a trap, but I looked for anything suspicious. I neither saw nor sensed anything that posed a threat.

Audrey agreed to go—but made it clear.

“We’re going,” she said, “but we are not underestimating Agent Gray. We stay sharp. We stay ready.”

It took us a few hours, but we finally made it back. Not everyone was happy to see us, and they had every right to be. I knew I would’ve felt the same. But now wasn’t the time to make amends. We rushed straight into Master Youchen’s chamber.

He was asleep when we arrived, but I needed to know what had happened. Being back here gave me a sense of confidence. This was where I usually had little control over my powers—now it should be easier. With renewed determination, I approached Master Youchen and placed my hand on his forehead. Moments later, I was inside his mind, reliving his memories.

Unlike with Audrey, this time I experienced everything—the pain, the fear, the torture. Daniel Gray and his men had interrogated him relentlessly, trying to find me or Audrey. Gray knew she was here, and he suspected she was close to finding me. Master Youchen was tortured for hours before they finally let him go, thinking that perhaps he really had nothing to tell.

I couldn’t believe he had endured all that for me. He had nothing to gain from keeping me safe and nothing to lose from handing me over. He simply did what he believed was right. I knew he was pure, but not like that… It made me rethink my entire perception of people. Maybe I’d been wrong. Even if I only saw it in him—there must be others.

As I sifted through Youchen’s memories, I felt a sudden surge of urgency. An agent was calling in for backup—just as Audrey had expected. We needed to move. I didn’t want to put anyone else’s life in danger. Our plan was risky, but there was no other way.

The thought of splitting up ate at me. I didn’t want to leave Audrey alone—not with that monster. She insisted, though, and once again, there was no other choice.

She stood alone at the center of the monastery, waiting for Agent Daniel Gray and his operatives to arrive. The sound of 4x4s echoed through the woods as they closed in on her. The operatives formed a line, weapons raised. Gray walked through the line and stopped right in front of her. His voice was cold, direct.

“Where is he?” He cut straight to the chase.

“Who?” Audrey’s voice was sharp, biting. She tried to strike a nerve—and it worked.

“Agent Simmons,” Gray’s voice grew darker. “If you don’t start complying right now, I swear to God I’ll make you regret what you pulled almost a year ago! So I’m going to ask you one last time—where is he?”

“Tell him,” I whispered in her mind, letting her know I was in position, waiting for them in the woods.

Gray grabbed Audrey by the jacket, shoving her forward, guiding her toward the woods. The operatives fell in line behind them, weapons still drawn. As they crossed the border between the monastery and the woods, Gray pulled out his pistol, keeping it locked and loaded. With his other hand, he gripped Audrey’s jacket tightly once more.

“Don’t try anything stupid,” he warned. “You’re a good analyst, and he’d be a great asset. It would be a shame if anyone had to die today.”

The sun began to set as they moved deeper into the woods. After a few miles, they spotted me. I ran as fast as I could, not wanting to get caught just yet.

“The target is on the move!” Agent Gray yelled. “We need him alive!” He shouted orders, but his eyes never left Audrey, still holding her tightly. He couldn’t trust her, so he couldn’t let her go—he knew she wasn’t loyal to him anymore.

I ran until I reached the edge of the woods—right in front of a cliff. I paused, glancing over my shoulder. The operatives emerged from the trees, guns drawn, closing in. Gray followed behind them, still dragging Audrey with him.

I had nowhere to hide. Nowhere to run.

Gray’s satisfaction washed over me. He couldn’t believe it. It was like he’d finally achieved what he’d been after all this time.

“You’re surrounded!” Gray yelled, his voice triumphant. “I wouldn’t make any sudden moves if I were you.” He gave Audrey a rough shove, kicking her in the back of the leg, causing her to fall to her knees. “We wouldn’t want anyone to get hurt, would we?”

I didn’t respond to his threat. Instead, I stood still, my gaze fixed on him.

“You shouldn’t be afraid,” Gray continued, voice dripping with false sincerity. “We merely want you to join our cause. Serve your country. Become part of the greatest intelligence agency in the world. With your abilities, you’ll be a hero. A legend.”

I could feel the lies in his words. I could hear his true intentions—vengeful, manipulative, cruel.

Then, without warning, two of the operatives dropped to the ground. The others turned in confusion. For a moment, there was chaos—fear. But I didn’t take my eyes off Gray.

“Don’t be alarmed,” I said, a smile curling on my lips. “They’re just having a little nap.”

I paused, watching them struggle to comprehend what had happened.

“I recently discovered the true power of my mind,” I continued, voice steady and cold. “And if I’m being honest, you don’t stand a chance. I can hear all your thoughts. That alone keeps me a few steps ahead. I just took down two of your agents with a mere thought. You probably know that your mind sends signals to your body for movement. I could easily block those signals, render you paralyzed for as long as I want…”

As I spoke, four more agents crumpled to the ground.

“Or,” I added, “I could just keep putting you to sleep until there’s no one left.”

Gray stood frozen, fear rippling through him. Only he and the last operative remained standing.

“You’re not leaving here with me in your custody,” I said, taking a few slow steps forward, sensing the tension rising in their minds. “So why don’t we all just go home?”

I took another step.

The last operative fired his weapon. Three bullets sped toward me, striking my body.

“No!” Audrey cried out, horror in her voice.

Gray’s emotions—fear, rage—flooded me. He felt a mixture of terror and anger. With my remaining strength, I paralyzed him and the last operative.

Audrey rushed to unarm both men, keeping Gray’s gun in her grip. She looked at me, her eyes filled with regret.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered, just before my legs gave way beneath me, sending me tumbling over the edge of the cliff.

Agent Gray turned to the remaining operative, fury in his eyes.

“You idiot! What the fuck did you just do?!” He screamed. His frustration, his failure—it all came crashing down. Everything he had worked for, all his plans to redeem himself in the CIA—had fallen off the cliff with me.

Audrey leveled the gun at him, her grip steady. She cocked it to grab his attention, her eyes cold and resolute. It was clear he had given up. But Audrey needed a more assuring confirmation.

“He’s gone… there’s no need to run anymore,” Agent Gray said, his voice heavy, tinged with defeat.

“Then there’s no need to come after me. I’m still not coming back,” Audrey replied, her tone firm. “And if you try to reach me again, I’ll be more than happy to inform the director about everything that happened off the books over the past two years. Of course, I’ll be leaving all that ‘fake’ supernatural bullshit out of the story. You’d be dishonorably discharged within the hour.”

“No need to threaten me, Audrey. It’s no use,” Gray muttered, his voice weak. “I’ll let you be… But before you go—at least tell me his name?” His final attempt to extract any information felt desperate, almost pitiful.

“I never knew his real name,” Audrey said softly, almost as if speaking to herself. “But I called him Fey.”

She left him with a name of folk tales and stories. One that tied in well with the unnatural mysteries of my abilities.

With that, she disappeared back into the woods, slipping away as effortlessly as she had come, making her way back to the city. Back to New York.

THREE MONTHS LATER

Peace had been restored at the monastery, and so had Master Youchen’s health. A fresh group of seekers had found their way to his teachings, and, as always, he welcomed them with an open heart and mind. But for now, he sat in his chamber, sipping tea with an old student.

“Are you sure you’re safe now?” Master Youchen asked, his voice tinged with concern.

“They all think I’m dead,” I replied, a small smile tugging at my lips. “I was able to project an image of myself in their minds. I was never even near the cliff. They all just think they saw me there—think I got shot three times and fell to my death. It’s a simple trick, really.”

Master Youchen’s face lit up with relief. “I’m glad to see you, Colton. And I’m proud of you. You’ve taken control of your abilities both of us never knew you could. It caused you to finally change your perspective on life.”

“What about Audrey?” Master Youchen asked, his gaze softening.

“Yeah, she knew,” I said, nodding. “And she’s back in New York now. I know you may find this hard to believe, considering the countless times you tried to convince me to make friends or open up to someone… but we’re living together. We’re happy. Living a normal life.”

Master Youchen’s smile was warm and knowing. “I always knew things would turn around for you. I’m glad you found your way on your own—facing the weight of your fears and realizing how much easier life can be once you let them go.”

We sat in comfortable silence for a while, watching the sun set over the green fields of the monastery. I’d watched this sunset countless times before, sitting beside Master Youchen, but this time it felt different. In the past, I was always too grim to appreciate the beauty in the world. But now… now things have changed. Now I have changed.