CHAPTER FORTY-SIX
Darius
The scorched earth outside is a reflection of what we harbor within.
Even confined in a basement, locked behind walls, she still draws from the living world. But the reach is limited, and exhaustion will follow.
This cannot last long.
Ruaidhrí steps out beside me, whistling low. "This is some intense stuff. Good thing she can't drain the life out of us."
"She can," I correct him. "But through blood."
I fold my arms, eyes tracing the blackened treeline. "You know the danger of staying here."
I think of Darlene. Of Johnny. Of others I trusted who are now gone.
He shrugs, a hint of a grin. "You've told me that already, boss, and I'm still here. Though I'll admit—it's something new, seeing you worried."
I offer only a brief nod and keep my gaze on the forest, watching for some sign, some shift in nature's rhythm that might speak to me. But she's silent. Even for one such as me, she keeps her counsel.
Ruaidhrí's tone lowers. "You think someone else will come for her?"
"Yes," I say, turning to him. "Eventually. And when they do, it will endanger everyone here. Including you."
He makes a small, careless motion, as if brushing away the warning. "I'm not easy to kill. And I'm less life-adjacent than you lot—nymphs, satyrs, fauns. Gives me a bit more margin."
"Then I won't bring it up again," I say. "You were warned."
"Copy that, boss." He starts toward the house, then glances back with a smirk. "I do expect a raise, though."
That earns the faintest smile from me. "Of course."
Then, quieter: "And Ru—"
He pauses.
"Thank you."
The look he gives me is serious this time. He understands what I meant.
Ru heads inside and crosses paths with Maeve, who's just stepping out. He bows with theatrical flair. "Druid."
She eyes him. "Trickster."
"At your service," he replies, then winks, and disappears into the house.
Maeve exhales, shaking her head before her attention turns to me, then to the forest beyond. Her posture is wary.
"You've come to ask for something," I say.
She frowns, then nods. "Yes. You read people well."
"A practice of centuries."
"I…" She hesitates. "Asher offered me a room here, but I can't stay. Not while thatthingis inside. I'm sorry, I know—"
I raise a hand to stop her. "I understand. You're sensitive to her energy. Stay at a hotel if you must. Ruaidhrí will take you. But you can't leave the town."
