‘Shh.’
Hurt blooms, then I realise. We’re still close enough to home that I could be recognised. And there’s no way I’m going back. Behind me lies darkness and a weight of responsibility I don’t want. Ahead, my future. And Kyle is carrying me towards it.
We pass through Dark Haven into darkened countryside. After a while Kyle slows to a stop, setting me down. We’re on a road, plants pushing through the cracked tarmac, dark fields either side of us. Ahead is the glow of the Safe Zone, light pylons reaching high into the night sky.
‘What happens now?’ My voice shakes.
Kyle puts his arms around me, bringing me in for a kiss. ‘I promise, you’ll be fine,’ he says, his mouth close to mine. ‘We’re going to some friends, a safe house I know.’
‘Friends?’
‘Friends,’ he says, with another kiss. ‘Here. Take this.’ He presses a small roll of paper into my hand.
‘What is it?’
‘It’s money.’
‘It is?’
‘Yes. Human currency. They don’t carry gold like we do.’
I look at it, frowning. Despite his arms around me, I can’t quite relax. ‘Er, so what do you mean, a safe house?’
‘A house where vamps can rest during the day, with an internal room. I’ll stay there while they take you out for the day.’
‘O-out for the day?’
‘Yeah.’ Kyle grins. ‘This is the start of your human life. I thought you might like to see what you’re in for.’
‘But what if?—’
‘No one will recognise you. And we’re not staying long, anyway.’
‘We’re not?’
‘Emelia, my darling, you know they’ll be looking for us. We must keep moving.’
Okay. That makes sense. Moving on was always part of the plan. But the reality of it, and how little I know, is giving me pause. I wanted to leave my home, my life, and live as a human. But it’s starting to dawn on me what a big step this is.
‘Where will we go next? I always thought I’d go to another Safe Zone, or maybe even travel somewhere, another country. But I’m not sure how?—’
‘Don’t worry about that. We’ll figure it out together.’
‘And you know these people well?’
‘I’ve known them for years.’ He takes my face in his hands. ‘Trust me, my love. I would never put you in harm’s way.’
I cling to him, burying my face in his jacket and inhaling his violet scent, trying to relax. I have to trust him. I also know we can’t linger. I step back, running my hands through my hair. ‘Okay. Let’s go.’
We start walking. I’m not used to lights so bright and it feels odd, as though I’m on a stage rather than outside. The lights are on tall poles connected by wires, their globes so bright I can’t look at them directly. Kyle keeps to the shadows, while I walk through shimmering pools of silver and gold, fascinated. Then I notice a small square building up ahead. I stop. But everywhere else is fenced off and we can’t avoid passing it. Kyle takes my hand.
‘We’re about to go through the checkpoint,’ he murmurs. ‘You’re Emily Reynolds now. You cannot be Emelia Raven, not anymore.’
I try not to freak out. But as we near the building, a dark block against the grass, two vampires appear. Shit. Raven guards. I pray they don’t recognise me. I squeeze Kyle’s hand, my palm sweating.
‘Don’t worry, Emily,’ he says. ‘We just need to get you home.’
I know he’s saying this for the benefit of the guards, who are well within hearing range. They whoosh over to us.
