Shelly PoV
We continued walking through the museum, stopping to look at each piece of art. Damien pointed out different things about each one, telling me what he liked or didn't like. He told me the emotions the artists were likely feeling when they painted them and his own feelings, too. It was interesting to hear his perspective on things, to see how his mind worked. I felt like I was getting to know him better, even though we were just looking at paintings.
After a while, I realized that Damien was a lot smarter than he let on. He was very observant, and he had a lot of insights into the world of art. It reminded me of how at times, he seemed to be able to read the minds of Toren and I. He always seemed to know what we were feeling or thinking, almost like he was in our heads. It was unnerving at first, but now I was starting to see it as a sign of his intelligence and empathy.
"Hey," he said, his voice light and teasing. "What are you thinking about?"
I looked at him and saw his eyes sparkling with mischief. He was a weirdo for sure. But he was also a pretty good friend. "I'm thinking that you're a lot more odd than you let on," I said, a small smile on my lips.
He laughed, throwing his head back. "That's not a bad thing. It just means I'm more interesting than the average person."
I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, yeah. You're a real weirdo, alright."
He grinned and poked my cheek. "Don't lie, I know you were admiring my brain and how I can analyze things. You were totally impressed by me."
I gulped and blushed, looking away. "Shut up, I was not."
He chuckled and grabbed my hand, leading me to another room. "Whatever you say, Shel. But I think you were."
I shook my head, but couldn't help smiling. He was right. I was totally impressed by him. He was a lot more than he appeared to be. Although, that still made him unnerving. A person who could figure you out was as impressive as it was intimidating. Those who knew what made people tick could manipulate them, too. But Damien had helped me and my brother out so far. I shouldn't be so quick to judge him. Just because some people used their talents for evil doesn't mean he would, too.
He snickered. "You know, when I was little, I did think of becoming a Phantom Thief. Just stealing priceless works of art. They'd have no idea who I was or what I wanted, just that I could outsmart and outmaneuver anyone who tried to catch me."
He could tell I was thinking of him being a villain, huh?
I gave him a look, raising an eyebrow. "Really? Why?"
"Well, I grew up reading books about heroic thieves who stole from the rich to give to the poor. I thought it was cool, and I liked the idea of helping people who needed it."
"But stealing is still wrong."
He smiled. "You were raised poor, right? Didn't you ever wish you could just steal what you needed to live?"
"I'd never do that," I said, frowning. "That would just make me a criminal. I'd rather work hard and earn money the right way."
Damien shrugged. "I guess that's true. But sometimes, life's not fair and you have to do what you can to survive. Sometimes, the law isn't enough."
I frowned. "That's a pretty dark way of thinking."
Damien shrugged. "I'm not saying I'd do it now, but I get why some people would. The world's a tough place."
I nodded. "Yeah, it is. But I still think stealing is wrong."
He smiled. "And yet, my family thinks of you as a thief."
I huffed. "Well, I'm not!"
"I know. That's why I admire you so much."
"Admire me? For not being a thief?"
"No, for not giving up. For being so strong. Even when life's tough, you still keep going. You don't let anything stop you. You're a fighter. Meanwhile, my family... a great part of it is like a nest of vipers. They're ruthless, cunning, and greedy. Always looking out for themselves and willing to do whatever it takes to get what they want. They have no morals, no conscience. They'll step on anyone they need to to get ahead. That's why it's so important for you to stay strong. Because if you give up, they'll win. And they'll do everything they can to make sure you never get back up again. Even kill you, if necessary."
I shuddered at the thought. "I know, Zara said they're dangerous. But I won't give up. I'll fight them until the end. Even if it kills me."
Damien smiled. "That's the spirit. But don't let them kill you. I want you to stay alive. You're too important to me."
I blushed and looked away. "Thanks. I'll do what I have to to protect Toren and myself. My brother is finally getting the education he deserves. I won't let those monsters take that away from him."
Damien nodded. "Good. Because if you die, I'll be very upset."
I chuckled. "You'll be upset if I die?"
"Yes. Very upset. I'll cry and everything."
"Okay, okay, I get it. I'll try my best to not die. Happy?"
He nodded. "Good. Although, if I must, I'll take them out like I did one of my aunts."
My eyes widened. "You killed one of your aunts?"
He sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah. I did. I didn't want to, but she hurt so many children. She acted nice and friendly, but it was a lie. She... did things. Unspeakable things. And when I found out, I couldn't let her continue. I had to stop her."
I gulped, shocked. "But why? Couldn't you have just told the police?"
He sighed. "I tried to, but my family is too powerful. They... shielded her. The law isn't always fair. Those with power are able to get away with stuff. Feeling like I had to do something, anything, I ended up taking matters to my own hands." He stared at his hands. His fingertips trembled. "It was the hardest thing I've ever done. She was my family, after all. But I had to do it. And I'd do it again, if I had to."
"I see."
He sighed. "It's a good thing she's not going to be a problem anymore, huh? You won't have to worry about her coming after Toren."
I nodded, still feeling a bit uncomfortable. "Yeah, I guess so."
He smiled. "Anyway, enough dark talk. Let's go see the next exhibit!"
I watched him as we kept walking. Whatever his reasons for killing his aunt, I was glad she was gone. The thought of someone hurting children made my skin crawl. But luring them with false kindness and then hurting them? That was even worse. Damien must have been through a lot. And to think he was so young when it happened. I couldn't imagine how he felt, killing someone he knew. It was probably better not to ask more questions about it.