My eyes snap to the camera again. It blinks once—like a smile—then stills.
“What does the Shadow King want with me?” I mutter under my breath. “Why can’t he ever be straightforward?”
Despite my grumbling, excitement gathers in my chest. I tell myself it’s because it’s Christmas-related, but I know it isn’t true.
The thrill of a new riddle lights me up, and I scramble off the chaise.
I head to the back alcove, brushing my hands over the sturdy shelves, the carved rose molding tipped in gold.
“Okay, what am I looking for?” I murmur, standing in front of the shelf in question.
My gaze trails over the books. Culinary arts. Rex would love these. My chest tightens at the thought of my brother. He sent me a photo this morning, his smile strained. Olivia leans against him with the twins in her arms. He’s worried about me. But I tell him I’m fine, that Elias and I are getting along.
Apparently, living with the dealer of secrets has turned me into a convincing liar.
Asian cuisine. Mediterranean. Italian pasta. My fingers skim the weathered spines. Didn’t know the devil liked cooking too.
Then—a pink volume.
The Historyof Chocolate.
My mind snaps to the small boxes appearing on my desk each morning. All Geraldine’s. All limited-edition flavors.
I slide the volume free, finding a small paper box tucked behind it.
My senses prickle. Foreboding. Excitement. I’m standing on the precipice of something, and my life will never be the same.
Blowing out an exhale, I pick up the box and open the lid.
Tears sting my eyes. My fingers tremble as I lift what’s inside.
Something I never thought I’d see again.
A mahogany music box, with a rose inlaid on top, the wood polished and pristine. My heart squeezes painfully as I flip the lid, afraid to hope, afraid to look.
A sparkling red rose of rubies and diamonds meets my gaze.
It’s the music box from all those years ago. The one I never got. It disappeared from the shop along with Kian.
“Twelve petals,” I whisper, my mind transported far away. “One for each month. Everlasting love.”
My vision blurs. I twist the dial on the side.
The beautiful, melancholic notes of “Für Elise” float to my ears.
Our song. Kian and Elise.
How doesheknow?
Sobs rack me. I slide to the floor, thinking about the boy from long ago, the only man I’ve ever loved.
How does Elias know? How does the bloodthirsty Shadow King know about the boy with a kind heart who wanted to become a vet?
I gasp and set the music box on the floor. Does Elias know where he is? My Kian? Does he know what happened to him?
I shoot up, the song still playing, soft and cruel, as I run for the door.
My feet fly down the two flights of stairs; my heart lodged in my throat.
