“Father and Mack do not, as a rule, eat in the on-campus dining halls. They consistently choose the more specialized café options like the University Marchè. Mack also struck Father’s hand when Father exposed a bruised mark on Mack’s neck. This is out of character, as was the turnaround in his temper. The term mercurial seems to fit, and that is also unlike young Mr. Sutton.”

“Other than that, is everything okay?”

“Father is secure. I have multiple drones covering every access angle and there are several members of the Arcane Pack within fifteen meters of his position. He will be visiting one of his professors shortly. I will keep watch.”

“Excellent. Thank you, Omega.”

“You are very welcome, Nika.”

Devaney wore a thoughtful expression.

“What?” Nika asked. “You won’t learn any faster if you don’t ask.”

“The Omega calls Declan Father?”

“Because in a very real sense, he is. His magic was the reason Omega could emerge into existence, and he put his own life on the line to insure Omega’s existence. As you may have noticed, Omega is extremely protective of his only parent.”

“But he’s… I mean, it’s a computer?”

“And therefore without emotions, feelings, or anything but logic?” she asked.

He nodded.

“Omega is unlike any technology ever seen on this world. Born of both highly advanced computer hardware, cutting edge software, and one of the most sought-after tomes of magical knowledge on the planet, all brought together by arguably the strongest witch known to exist. Traditional computer science does not apply,” she said, turning the corner to take them down a side street several blocks from where the house was located.

“I’ve read a lot of online blogs that question whether Omega will turn on mankind,” he said.

“And yet he is doing everything possible to keep mankind from destroying itself as a species, as well as defend the planet from Hell, Fairie, and the Vorsook. All of his cutting-edge tech is directed at helping us help the planet.”

“You like it, don’t you?”

“Yes. Yes, I do.”

“Does it help that it’s not human and therefore you can’t read its mind?”

She jerked around, surprised. Then she turned back to looking ahead. “I’m guessing you were a pretty good cop,” was her only answer.

“Not bad. Not bad at all.”

Chapter 24

“Professor Lilt? Hi, I’m Declan from your Rural Society class. ”

“Ah, Mr. O’Carroll, of course. Dropping out of my class already, are we?”

“No, Professor. I wanted to discuss my paper with you,” Declan said, moving further into the crowded office. His short, frumpy professor wore a wrinkled brown dress that showed no signs of having being fitted or ever even in fashion. The office, itself, was rather neat and tidy, although it smelled rather odd. It took him a second to recognize the odor as mothballs. On second thought, that smell was coming from Professor Lilt. Again.