“Put some clothes on. Before you catch a cold.”
* Cue:So Sweet I Could Dieby Lucia & The Best Boys
52
SERENA
Still mortified from Zadyn witnessing my sex dream, I skip breakfast.
I can’t believe I showed him.
Yes, that was rather brazen.Furi’s voice makes me jump.
Woah. You should really knock if you’re going to pop in unannounced and eavesdrop on my inner dialogue like that.
He didn’t seem to mind, though, she muses. Quite the opposite, in fact.
We are not. Discussing this.
Why not? He’s rather handsome. For a measly fae, of course.
That is really not the point.
And you’re well—you?—
Thanks? I think.
You both clearly enjoyed yourselves up against that building in Aeix. Such urges are only natural.
What circle of hell is this?
Please excuse me.
Where are you going?
To drink bleach.
I find the library empty. Plopping down in front of the fireplace, I begin to sift through the grimoire’s ancient pages, basking in thewarmth and solitude until my neck is stiff from reading. I stretch my arms above my head, flexing through my fingertips and toes. The book slides from my lap before I can catch it.
“Shit,” I mutter, bending to pick it up.
A folded piece of paper slips from the back cover. I pause to read it.
My dearest love,
I am so sorry. If you are reading this, then I am dead. Our star still burns bright. Two halves of a whole will always find each other. You know what you must do. Guard it with your heart and with your life. Together, you hold the key.
Find me in the After. I will be here waiting.
Yours forever,
Arden
A love letter. From Arden.
To who?
I comb through the records section, eventually coming across what I’m looking for. The witches and their lineage.
