But it could be another vampire who knows about my past with Lucien, trying to intimidate me into giving over Sanctus to the Conclave by threatening Arabella…
Maybe it’s this same member of staff who has been robbing me.
“She doesn’t want you to know about it. Please don’t let on thatI told you,” Celeste begs. “And don’t worry about Arabella. We’ll make sure she’s safe.”
Her eyes flash with venom, and I believe her. Celeste Lucas may be a sweet, apple-cheeked baker, but there’s always been something about her. She has an odd smell – not vampiric, not magical like Dora, but kind of earthy and wild. The scent of someone who will goferalto protect her friends. And she does have an impressive collection of kitchen knives.
I hold Maisie back as the others run off to check on Arabella. “Maisie, I’m so sorry, but I’m not going to be able to help with the variety show.”
She stops in her tracks. “What? Why not?”
“You heard Arabella tonight. She doesn’t want anything to do with me.” My shoulders slump. “I’ve already crossed her boundaries, and there’s a whole history between us. I have to respect what she wants.”
And if this is someone connected to Lucien, and they’re trying to get to me through her, then she’s safer if I’m nowhere near her.
“Arabella says things she doesn’t mean all the time. The other week, she told Isis that the reason everything goes wrong in her life is because her shower singing angers the gods. But she still shows up to book club every week. Without fail. If Arabella didn’t want you in her life, she’d be drinking her coffee from your skull right now, not demanding you help her direct a variety show. She cares about you in her own caustic, Arabella way.”
“Vampires can’t drink coffee.”
“How do you survive eternity without coffee? Coffee islife.You have to do the variety show.” Maisie lowers her voice. “In case you haven’t noticed, the village is a little wary of this brand-new development filled with rich toffs, especially with the recent spate of murders. I think the variety show will bring the community together, and Sanctus Estate should be part of it.”
“Can’t I just clip tickets or something?” I brighten. “I’ll know. I’ll pull a rabbit out of a hat. I’d need to find a rabbit. And a hat…”
“Ineedyou to do this. Please, Gideon.”
If I’m close to Arabella, I can protect her. Even if she hates me for it.
I sigh. “Okay, fine. But only if Arabella is okay with it. Because if I show up and she doesn’t want me there, she’ll kill me, and then you, and then me again. And you know how much she hates getting blood on her shoes.”
“I’ll manage Arabella, I promise.” Maisie hugs me. “You’re the best.”
No. I’m not.
But I’m trying. Maybe Maisie’s right. Arabella is helping me with the Sanctus finances. And she hasn’t tried to kill me again.
If someone is trying to hurt her at Sanctus, Iwillpresent their skull to her as a trophy.
And if Édouard finds her necklace and I get it back, like in Dora’s vision, then she’ll have to forgive me.
Right?
The Nevermore Murder Club and Smutty Book Coven Group Chat
Celeste:You should tell Gideon what happened.
Arabella:No.
Maisie:She’s right, O Magnificent One. Gideon should know that someone is leaving dead birds on your door.
Komal:He could step up security around your house.
Arabella:I’m not having Gideon’s goons vamp-sit me because some ex-client thinks I owe them favours.
Celeste:Then maybe we could help. One of us could stay with you at all times.
Arabella:Hard no.
Celeste:Arabella, this is serious! We’ve been thinking the two huskings were connected to Sanctus Estate, but what if they’re aboutyou?
