Unwanted tears crept into my eyes.
“I don’t have anything for you. I doubt cereal will impress a carnivore like you.”
The bird chirped.
The noise whipped through the room, sending my eyes darting to the door. I didn’t want to give any reason for Daniel to visit me. He’d done enough. He’d done too much.
Backing away, I shooed it. “Go on...get out of here.”
Instead of flying away, it hopped closer, once again targeting my hand.
“No, wait—”
It didn’t listen. With a single flap, it hopped off the sill and landed on the back of my knuckles. Its wings soared open for balance, its talons digging into my flesh for purchase.
My bicep clenched beneath its weight and I steeled myself against its uninvited presence. Its scaly legs shuffled, doing its best to remain in one place. Taking pity on it, I curled my fingers, creating a rudimentary perch. It chirped, wrapping its sharp talons around my skin. Its weight was surprisingly heavy, its plumage dense with feathers of coppers and brass. “Hi.”
It tilted its head sideways, chirping again.
A draft whistled through the gap in the open window. I moved to close it, but the bird nipped at my knuckle.
“Ouch.” I went to shake him off, but my eyes fell on its leg.
The hawk or kestrel flapped its wings, dispelling a rogue feather to flutter to the carpet. It somehow knew I’d seen its message.
My heart stopped beating as I looked through the window, squinting into the darkness. Who’d sent it? Were they still out there?
No shadows moved outside; no hint of midnight visitors.
“Who sent you?” I murmured as I glanced at the white parchment wrapped around its leg. Reaching for the red bow, I tugged it loose.
The bird screeched, bouncing up and down with impatience. Its sudden agitation forced me to yank harder. The roll of paper fell away, dropping to the sill.
With the heavy bird on one hand, I did my best to unroll the scroll and read.
However, the raptor didn’t wait. It had done its duty—it had delivered its message. Without a backward glance, it soared off my hand and slipped like a winged demon through the window crack and into the sky. Instantly, the camouflage of its feathers vanished against twinkling stars.
My heart steadily increased its tempo; my breathing turned erratic. Pinching the note, I smoothed it out until the finest, tantalizing, mostmiraculoussentence I’d ever seen imprinted on my brain.
Come to the stables.
My knees wobbled.
My heart grew wings.
Jethro.
He’s here.
He’s come back for me.
I am not forgotten.
Chapter Eighteen
Jethro
MY LIFE WASN’T mine anymore.
