“Welcome, welcome,” Cal said jovially. He lifted his arms, his eyes sweeping over everyone. “Here are your room keys.” He handed them both to Rhyan, then looked again to the rest of our group. “We are so happy to have you all. Any friends of Rhyan’s are welcome at Auriel’s Flame at all times.” He paused. Suddenly, his mouth opened, his eyes falling on Jules. There was something dangerous in the way he stilled. He’d recognized her
I started forward on instinct, ready to defend her and fight Cal no matter how nice he was.
“By the Gods. Sweetheart.” He paled, like he’d seen a ghost. “You’re back. You’re all right.”
I stilled, looking back and forth between them.
Jules shrugged. “I guess. I’m alive. Hopefully I leave this time under different circumstances.”
Cal frowned. “I hope so, too. How is your fr—”
Jules shook her head. “No.” Her eyes darkened, and she walked away from Cal, her entire body turned toward the staircase. She didn’t look back.
I wanted to apologize. It was so unlike Jules to ever be rude or cruel or short with anyone. At least, it was so unlike the Jules I had known. I was beginning to understand that she would be different, that I would have to get to know her all over again after so much time apart—after she’d lived a life I knew nothing about. And I didn’t know how to feel about that. How to approach her.
Cal looked down at his desk. Not from embarrassment at being slighted by Jules, I realized. But because he was sad. There was a tear in his eye, and the emotion was pushing itself out of his aura. He reached for Rhyan’s arm and whispered, “When she’s ready to hear it, will you tell her I’m sorry for her loss.Bar Ka Mokan.”
Rhyan frowned, one eyebrow furrowed. “I will, Cal.” Rhyan looked at Jules, confused, then turned back to the old man. “We better get up into our rooms. Safer that way.”
Cal nodded. “Of course. Marisol will be up soon with food, so don’t be alarmed—it’s most likely us knocking.”
“Thank you, Cal,” I said. “We really appreciate it.”
The old man grinned. “It’s our pleasure.”
A few minutes later, we had all gathered into one room so we could decide how we’d split up.
I of course wanted to stay with Jules and Meera. I knew Tristan wanted to be with Galen, and Aiden and Dario would want to stay together. And there was no question, Rhyan was going to stay with me. Though it was tempting to do an even split of boys and girls, this was a natural four and four. And so, it was decided. Aiden and Tristan would continue caring for Galen while Dario stood guard.
As for us, Jules and Meera could rest, while Rhyan and I remained alert.
The boys, minus Rhyan, reluctantly shuffled out of what we’d decided would be our room, and they took the second key next door.
Then Rhyan and I were alone with Meera and Jules.
“I want to sleep by myself,” Jules said right away. “I can take the floor if it’s a problem.”
“There’s no need for that,” Rhyan said.
We had two beds. And only three of the four of us planned to sleep. At least I knew that was what Rhyan was thinking. He was going to sleep though at some point—whether he wanted to or not. He needed it.
“You can take the first bed, Jules, and Meera can have the other. Rhyan and I are staying up, and if we need to rest, we’re used to the floor.”
She folded her arms across her chest, eyeing the two matching beds.
I bit my lip.
“Jules, uh …” Rhyan started. “Are you … are you okay with me being here? I could … if it makes you more comfortable, stand guard outside.”
She turned around, a sudden look of panic on her face, as she looked at me and Meera. Her eyes flashed then she looked only at Rhyan. “Stay. I’m just going to sleep anyway.”
“Do you … do you want to get cleaned up?” I asked gently.
She scoffed. “Into what? I’m not putting this shit back on after showering. And I will not sleep naked.”
I swallowed roughly, and saw Meera’s eyes water.
“We’ll find new clothes for you,” Rhyan said. “As soon as the stores open.”
