I shrugged."Normal is relative. But yeah, I guess I am. It's freeing, in a way."
Edward nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "I can understand that. The weight of expectations can be suffocating."
I glanced at him, surprised by his words. Maybe there was more to Edward than I'd initially thought.
As the drive continued, a strange sense of ease settled over me. It had been a while since I'd connected with someone outside work. I stayed guarded, but a part of me enjoyed the simple pleasure of good conversation.
As we neared my house, Edward's easy-going nature and genuine interest in our conversation had disarmed me more than I'd have liked to admit.
"You know," I said, breaking a brief silence, "I appreciate that you didn't help the Council. Even if you weren't ready to go scorched earth on them in the way they deserved."
Edward's lips quirked into a half-smile. "I'm not one for scorched earth tactics. But I meant what I said about not agreeing with their methods."
"They are the dangerous kind of fanatic, convinced they know what’s best for everyone. Even when it mysteriously all works out to their benefit."
"My people’s reputation is earned," he replied, his tone sober. "I’m trying to overcome it."
We pulled onto a hidden drive and spent the next minutes in silence as I navigated to my house, a modest two-story nestled among towering pines. It was worth every penny of the fortune it had cost to buy.
I cut the engine and gestured towards it.
"We’re here. It's not much, but it's home."
Edward paused by the SUV and took in the surroundings, his gaze lingering on the dense forest surrounding us. "It's beautiful. Peaceful."
I led him up the path, pulling out my keys. "Rey and Cathy live in the vicinity. This place used to be where Rey and I lived, right after we all passed the barrier again."
"Oh?" Edward's eyebrows raised slightly.
"Yeah, the torrid tales of our relationship are all true," I said, rolling my eyes as I pushed open the door. "He moved out when he found Cathy. Found out she likes the woods too."
I showed Edward to the guest room, a cozy space with a view of the backyard that had been Rey’s. I leaned against the doorframe, watching Edward settle in. He’d only brought a small duffel.
His movements were careful as he explored the room, almost hesitant, as if he was afraid of disturbing the tranquil atmosphere.
"Bathrooms down the hall," I said, gesturing with my thumb. "Towels in the closet. See you tomorrow."
Edward nodded, his blue eyes meeting mine with a mix of gratitude and something else I couldn't quite place. "Thanks. I really appreciate this."
I pointed a smile in his direction. I still felt a little uneasy, but I was a very light sleeper. "It's nothing. Get some rest. We can talk more in the morning."
As I turned to leave, Edward called out softly, "Rissa?"
I paused, looking back over my shoulder. "Yeah?"
"I meant what I said earlier. About wanting to help."
For a moment, I let the smile warm. "Goodnight, Edward."
I retreated to my room and headed for the shower. Part of me wanted to believe Edward, to trust in the sincerity I saw in his face. But centuries of caution and self-preservation weren't easily overcome. Time would tell.
Exhausted, I fell face first into my nice soft bed, and sleep came quickly.
Surfacing from that sleep, I wrinkled my nose. The place didn’t smell right at all. My eyes snapped open.
A strange room. The walls curved oddly, meeting at a circular top. No scent of pine, the air was oddly neutral, in fact.
I slid out of bed, taking in my surroundings. A king-sized bed. Comfortable chairs. A fully stocked bar. For a prison, it was surprisingly luxurious.
