VIVI
ISLE OF ISOLATION, STRIGOI KINGDOM
Ciprian?I whisper, feeling a strange sort of aloneness. It reminds me of how I felt when I entered this realm, how I realized quickly that I was no longer in the forest outside of Negru Castle, but somewhere else entirely.
I… I couldn’t feel Ciprian.
And I can’t seem to sense him now, either.
I didn’t even grasp how connected we were until I experienced the severance in our link. Which is how I know something is very wrong now.
But I don’t think I’ve traversed to another realm again.
I’m rather certain I’m still in the Strigoi Kingdom. Although, the log cabin in front of me reminds me of something I might have found in the Hocking Hills back home.
There are a lot of windows overlooking the woods, as well as what appear to be two floors.
And the door is wide open.
My lips twist.Why does this feel like the beginning of a horror movie?
Gaby would probably tell me to run and hide. Wait for Ciprian to come swooping in with his wings and rescue me. Become the damsel in a fairy tale.
Except, no.
That’s… that’s not the kind of book she would read.
She likes her heroines kick-ass and strong.
I arch a brow.How ironic.
I don’t feel all thatkick-assorstrongright now. But it’s pretty clear that running and hiding isn’t an option.
And as for waiting for Ciprian, well…
I close my eyes.
This is obviously a trial. Or I’m in the midst of one, anyway.
So much for having a week to prepare.
Acceptance was never a topic for negotiation. Ciprian chose me. And I’m pretty sure I chose him, too.
The obsession is mutual. The why of it doesn’t matter. I’m here. He’s somehow cut off from me. So I need to do this on my own.
Pass the trial.
Win the Strigoi King.
Yeah. Okay. Just a walk in the park.
Or, I guess, a walk into the log cabin.
I close my eyes and blow out a breath. “Sure. Yep. Creepy cabin. Entering now.” What other choice do I have? Do I run back out into the woods? Pretty certain that would be an instant failure.
They might throw me into an ocean, force me to tread water for eternity or something. That would absolutely suck after the run I’ve just completed.
I shake my head and open my eyes once more.
