LUCILLE
with the help of Rune’s giant body, I explored my room and discovered a walk-in closet filled with all types of clothing. I fingered beautiful gowns, pant sets, workout clothes, and more. They were so… modern. I hadn’t expected that, even after the general had shown up in that too-tight button-up.
“What should I wear, Rune?” I asked, running my hands through her fascinating fur. She appeared to be half shadow and half soft fluff. The smooth wisps tickled my fingers, and I found solace in her warmth and steady weight.
She turned to me and tilted her head, looking as clueless as I felt.
Eventually, I picked out a soft pair of lavender leggings and a matching long-sleeve shirt. I grinned and undressed in front of my mirror. Then my grin dimmed.
My hand shook as I grazed a finger across every scar marking my body. The butcher’s room jolted back to life—cold metal pressed into my back, warmth seeping from my limbs. My echoing screams covered the dripping of my blood, but not the shrieking metal as he outlined my body with his dagger.
Michael’sgiftswere forever imprinted on my skin.
Feeling drained despite our nap—and incredibly hungry—I nearly sank to the floor. Using the wall for support, I put on the purple set, enjoying the soft insides even when they brushed over my tender scars. I eyed myself in the mirror and considered hiding and never coming out. My outfit might cover up the wounds, but it did little to conceal my malnourished body. Closing my eyes and breathing back tears, I pulled on an oversized hoodie, hoping it would hide my trauma and pain.
“Foolproof plan,” I whispered to my reflection.
Rune pressed into my side, offering support, and I gave her a small smile. Placing my hand on her spine, I steadied myself as we walked into another room.
A sitting area, I guessed, from the couches and chairs circling a table filled with mouthwatering snacks. I tripped over my feet, scurrying to them, while Rune tried to keep me from falling and eating carpet. She managed well enough, but I still ended up on the floor.
After shoving a few pieces of meat and cheese into my mouth, I snagged a chocolate truffle.
“Mmm, Rune,” I moaned. “You have to try this.”
That was purely the chocolate and exhaustion talking—she probably couldn’t have chocolate, nor did she look inclined to try. Shedid glance at the jerky a time or two, and who was I to deny such a good beastie the pleasure?
I flung a piece at her. She caught it at the same time her eyes illuminated.
The door to the sitting area jerked open.
“Don’t feed my Soulhound,” General Ronen snapped as he barged in without knocking.
“Don’t barge into places you’re unwanted,” I mumbled, ignoring him in favor of more chocolate. He didn’t get the pleasure of ruining my heavenly sugary escape yet.
Plopping two more in my mouth, I closed my eyes, pretending I was back in the forest with Aspen the day we threw pieces of this sugary goodness at each other in hopes of catching them. I smiled at the memory, happy to have it back.
“Is that all you’re going to eat?”
He wasn’t there. He wasn’t there.
“And is that what you’re wearing to meet your father?”
The dark chocolate with a caramel center was my new favorite.
“You can’t wear that.”
“It was in my closet. Not sure why I can’t.”
Actually, the one that tasted like roasted marshmallows with a sprinkle of salt was my favorite.
“Hellion! Open your damn eyes and stop ignoring me!”
I slowly opened my eyes, then swallowed all the chocolate in my mouth, nearly choking.
His ebony hair glistened with a wet sheen, like he’d just showered, and he wore a white button-up instead of black. He might as wellhave been shirtless—the fabric clung to his body, practically see-through. Did he know how to use a towel?
I couldn’t take my eyes off the dark artwork peeking through his shirt. Did they go lower, into his?—
