The idea was to keep the people safe. If we were all together, we could all look out for one another, so he made the town believe. The truth, however, held more selfish intentions. Anyone could look around and see not a Norse Woods member in sight. Nor a single Heathen. Augustine played the role of the caring father of Weeping Hollow to the people who had the loudest voices. He wanted people to remember the night he stepped up, opened his doors, catered, soothed, and fought.
Fable and Ivy stayed at the cottage with Dad. Because of Mom’s condition, I was sure Augustine had pardoned them, and for that, I was thankful. The last few hours were spent helping others get situated, bring in dinner, and move furniture to make more room. I’d kept my backpack close, never parting with it. Inside was the spell book, candles, my dagger, and the witherbane. Cyrus had asked numerous times to take it off my shoulders and that he’d keep it safe, and each time I’d refused.
This was not how I imagined the night of the eclipse would be.
The clock on the far wall had lost its power, both hands frozen at twelve, but I knew it was close to the witching hour. Outside the window, the super blue moon lit a haze in the sky, an eclipse on the brink.
My only goal since news of the lockdown was trying to find a way to get Kane alone, and then coerce him into drinking the witherbane. Prying eyes surrounded me, including an attentive fiancé, who hadn’t left my side since I’d blacked out. My only hope was outside in the dark. All of Town Square would be empty.
Kane was in the corner of the room with Cyrus.
The two were smiling, amusement on their faces, trapped in a conversation that made their eyes light up. Cyrus had an authentic smile. One that was handsome, contagious, and made him look even more beautiful than he was already. Kane’s smile was cunning, sexy, and brought the deepest shade of green to his eyes.
That dreadful night came rushing back, and anger rose from the dead. It was always there, a shadow inside me. And after what I’d done to Ocean, it was clear the rage was only getting more intense. Each time I doubted if I was doing the right thing, images of my mother’s daily torment while she lay there thrashed in my mind to remind me.
My fingers wrapped around the strap of my bag as Stone’s voice haunted me.“I’m scared that this will one day take you away from me.”
But Stone wouldn’t know anything about family, and Stone and I could never be together, so what was the point of doing nothing? All that I had to lose I’d already lost.
And then my feet were moving in Cyrus’s direction.
He looked up at me when I approached. “Everything all right?”
I shook my head, and he popped up from his chair, laid his fingers under my elbow and stepped us off to the side. He scanned my face, waiting for an explanation.
“I need to go back to the manor. There’s a lady matter I need to take care of.” I didn’t start my period for another week, but I knew Cyrus would say—
“No, you stay here, I’ll go.” He was looking down at me, whispering as though it were something I was ashamed of. “I should check on the house anyway; make sure everything’s locked up. Just tell me what you need.”
Always a gentleman.
After I told him, Cyrus stepped off, only to spin back around. “But we’re getting married in two days.”
I shrugged, unsure of where he was heading.
“We will have an audience. I don’t care if you’re on your cycle, but I don’t want you to feel embarrassed with people watching during the bedding ceremony.” Words were tangled up in my throat. I’d forgotten. He sighed. “We’ll talk later. I’ll be back soon.” He pointed at Kane. “Look after her.”
Kane’s knee bounced. He was struggling with withdrawals.
I watched Cyrus leave before sliding into a chair beside him.
“You okay?” I asked as I looked around the room. Everyone was busy settling in.
Kane let off his knees and fell back into his chair, wiping his palms down the front of his slacks as he stretched out his legs. “Just tired.”
“Right.” I laughed lightly. “I may have something that’ll wake you up.”
Adora, what are you doing? You don’t have anything that will wake him up.
Kane raised a perfectly shaped brown brow. “Now?” He looked around. “If you’re talking about what I’m thinking, I must be passed out right now. You wouldn’t touch MB even if it came gift wrapped in crocodile leather.”
But I’d touch it if it meant luring him away. “Why do you think I got Cyrus out of here?” I said in a whisper, and the corner of Kane’s mouth twitched into a big dumb grin. “We could go to the gazebo.”
He darted a glare at his father, who was talking to other members of the Order. “You want us to freeze to death?”
“Oh, you big baby, I’ll keep you warm,” I shoved his knee. “Besides, when have you ever turned down a good time?”
“Are you trying to go all out before you dick down with Cantini or something?” I blinked in disbelief, but Kane outstared me. “I’m not judging, Sullivan, but I’m letting you know right now, I can’t do that to Cyrus. So if that’s what this is about—”
