The room was tallest in the center, the tarped ceiling opening at a point to let the smoke from the fire drift to the skies. Embers smoldered in a brick fire pit, crackling and popping, whispering secrets. We would have to start a better fire before night swept in, chasing away any lingering warmth, but for now it was bearable.
I knelt and placed Hex’s jar on the ground, close enough to the fire pit to feel the warmth but not close enough to burn. It didn’t matter where I placed the jar, really. Hex would simply escape and find a new place to settle. I tried not to think about that too closely.
Hex still made me nervous. Scary, magical bitch. Er, familiar.
“I still can’t believe your slime friend is just… traveling with us,” Tandor mused as he tucked his bag into the chest in the corner and tightened his cloak across his throat.
My eyes caught the movement of his hands, fumbling with the cloak’s clasp. His fingers were strong and sure, but he struggled with the fabric, being too hasty with it. Too hurried.
My own cloak was tied securely over my shoulders over top of my thickest layers of clothing. The hood was even yanked up to protect my ears—my ears were always more susceptible to the cold.
I shrugged. “I couldn’t just leave them behind.” I glanced at the jar of sludge with a strange surge of affection. “Believe me, I tried.”
He hummed in contemplation. “I believe you. I wouldn’t want to be on the bad side of the magical concoction.”
Hex simmered at that. I couldn’t tell if that was a bad reaction… or a pleased one. I had the strange sense that they were feeling prideful. Glad to be feared.
My stomach growled, the sound echoing through the quiet room. I patted at it. Embarrassing.
The corner of Tandor’s mouth lifted. “I think it’s about time we wander out into the cold and find something to eat. What do you say?”
I grimaced and tugged my hood tighter around my face. “Are you sure you don’t want to just let me curl up by the fire? You can bring me back something.” I cracked my sweetest smile.
He barked out a laugh. “Not a chance. We’re in this together, princess.” He nodded to the jar on the floor. “Bring Hex too. I think it’s about time you tell me some of your stories.”
I groaned. “Fine. But you’re paying.”
CHAPTER 26
Tandor
Amassive fireplace crackled in the corner of the brick building, casting a warm orange glow over the dining patrons. Large sconces were dotted along the walls, with more fires dancing in invisible winds. The flames were not enough to overpower the intense darkness, and shadows crept along the floors. Instead of being eerie, the effect was cozy. Snug. It made the room feel protected and private.
Dim light danced over the skin of Kizzi’s face, creating shadows. Under her eye, below her cheek. Carving out the shape of her bones. I ached to reach a hand out and run my fingers over her smooth skin. To see if I could feel the shadows, if they would cling to my skin the way they slipped over hers.
She was art, this little witch. A beauty that made my stomach ache.
If she noticed me staring, she did nothing to stop me.
Her eyes flitted around the room. She took in every detail, never lingering long in one place before glancing to the next folk, the next movement. She was easily distractible. It amused me—watching her be herself. Watching her sit and relax and observe a room.
When her gaze finally made it back to mine, she startled slightly, as though she had forgotten I was there. A blush crept into her cheeks and a shy smile tugged at her mouth, but she held my eyes. We stared at each other for long moments, and even my own face began to feel warm.
“Another mulled wine?” a voice interrupted our moment.
Reluctantly, I dragged my eyes away from the witch and toward the vampire woman that had spoken. “Yes, please. Extra cinnamon.”
She nodded politely. “And you?” she asked Kizzi with a warm smile.
“What? Oh, more wine, sure. Yes. Please.” She cleared her throat and sat up straighter in her chair.
I quirked an eyebrow at her as the vampire flitted off toward the kitchen. “Is the wine getting to you, little witch?” I tsked. “You usually hold your alcohol much better than this.” I raised the nearly empty mug to my mouth and took a sip, draining it to its dregs. Bits of cinnamon followed the wine as it dripped into my mouth, and I held it there to catch every morsel. The perfect spice to counteract the rich fruity taste. The drink was no longer hot, having cooled to a mild warmth, but it was still delicious.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Kizzi mumbled. She picked up a piece of bread and tore a chunk off. She didn’t eat it—she merely squished it between her fingers.
“Sure,” I laughed under my breath. “I can always carry you home, if you’re too unsteady on your feet.”
The blush that crept to her ears was extremely satisfying. I couldn’t fight the smile that forced its way onto my face.
