21
Trouble
ELOISE
On the morning of November 29, I wake to the alarm I set and throw on joggers and a sweatshirt. It’s still dark. I only finished training with Cassius two hours ago, but I force myself to move. I grab the heavy wool blanket I now keep on the bench near the door and hold the door open for Phantom, who silently falls in beside me as we exit the front of the house and cross the yard to the cliffs that overlook the river.
I’m exhausted, but I refuse to miss one of only two sunrises I have left before I leave for Night Haven. No one in their right mind would feel ready to face the vampire queen, especially after only a month of training. Still, a part of me is eager for whatever lies ahead. The ache in my chest that reminds me of my bond with Damien has changed over time from a breath-stealing pain to more of a dull ache. I don’t know if that means he’s nearing death or his situation has improved. Cassius tells me that most vampires don’t know what a dragon smells or tastes like. Tobias’s true nature is a secret that has remained contained to the Lamia coven. He doubts, although he can’t promise, that anyone in Night Haven will place my scent. As for the taste of my blood, we have no idea how the vampires will react. He’s made sure though that I can defend myself if one gets out of hand.
My chances of survival aren’t stellar. I’ve never had a mind for math, and I couldn’t begin to guess the odds, but I know they aren’t good. I accept that. I’d rather do my best and die trying than spend my life wondering what if.
Damien is worth the risk.
I sit cross-legged at the edge of the cliff, wrap the blanket around myself, and watch the sunrise. Phantom sits down beside me, eyes twinkling in the light.
“Don’t look so glum, Eloise,” the fox says in my grandmother’s voice.
I learned a few nights ago that only I can hear it. To everyone else, Phantom is making animal sounds. Also, just because the fox has my grandmother’s voice doesn’t mean my grandmother is speaking. The fox contains all my ancestors. I think the fox and my Grams must have had a connection, because when the creature speaks, they always sound like her.
“You have a better chance of surviving this than you think, darling. You are the key. Anything one of us can do, you can channel.”
“I’m glad I have all of you. I just wish I knew for sure that I was strong enough to win.”
“You’re strong enough,” Phantom says. “You’re a Harcourt. We’re made of tough stuff.”
I hold up a corner of the blanket, and the fox crawls under and leans against my side. I wrap both of us up with only our faces showing as light spills over the horizon and color sweeps across the sky like spilled paint. I sigh.
“Do you know what happened to the original Phantom?”
“He’s here with us,” Phantom says. “He lived a long life. It was his time.”
That makes me feel better. “If something goes wrong, I guess I’ll be with you too.”
Phantom doesn’t answer. He’s fixated on a scent in the air. Their little leathery nose lifts and wiggles. “I smell trouble.”
I look over my shoulder, back toward the house. A fog has formed over the front yard, but I make out a figure walking toward me. As the person draws closer, I see it’s a man and then grow certain it’s Jared Denardi.
My heart thunders in my throat. I look down at Phantom. “It would be better if he didn’t see you.” I only mean that the fox should scurry away while I distract Jared, but to my amazement, Phantom blinks out of sight. “Damn. I had no idea you could do that, but it’s definitely going to come in handy.”
I stagger to my feet, the blanket still over my shoulders, and turn in Jared’s direction. Fuck, with everything going on, I forgot about his promise to kill me if I didn’t accept the money. It’s been weeks since he threatened me, weeks since Maeve refused the money on my behalf. Considering I haven’t had a visit from Fuller either, the FBI must be investigating them. Killing me now only complicates things for them, right? But when I see the gun in his hand, I know that’s exactly what he intends.
I blink hard, remembering what Cassius taught me about keeping my thoughts from spiraling. I force my breaths to slow. I spread my feet. Find my balance.
“Come with me. We’re going for a ride,” Jared says from behind the gun.
I raise my hands, a wave of nausea rolling through my gut. All that work, all that training, and one twitch of his finger and I’ll be gone, along with the last chance to free Damien. “You don’t want to do this, Jared. My lawyer knows who you are. You’ll be the prime suspect if something happens to me. It doesn’t change anything for your family at all.”
He snorts and shakes his head. “You don’t know who you’re dealing with, do you? You know too much, Eloise. The Denardis don’t leave loose ends.” The rumble of his voice is laced with arsenic and malice. “Be thankful Fuller’s investigation was as thorough as it was or I’d have come around weeks ago. Happy to say, he couldn’t make anything stick. I plan to keep it that way.”
He takes a step closer.
Beside me, I hear Phantom whisper, “Now would be a great time to practice some of that training, Eloise.”
Jared squints. “What the hell was that noise?”
I feel the web between Phantom and me snap into place. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I wish I had the daggers Cassius gave me, but I don’t. I’m not even dressed. All I have is a blanket.
“You have the elements,” Phantom whispers.
