A sudden movement ahead caught my eye, and I shifted my gaze toward the side of the building that was just a few feet away.
Voidfire stood close to Ironwood, her posture taut as she looked up at him. Her short red bob gleamed under the fading light, and her sharp brown eyes were locked on Ironwood’s face with an intensity that hinted at confrontation—but about what?
Ironwood leaned casually against Reform Hall, his auburn curls framing his face. His brown eyes glinted with something unreadable, a mix of calculation and interest that made my skin crawl.
Voidfire turned and caught us staring, and she glowered at us both.
Jenni sniffled as she pulled back to look at where I was staring. She didn’t hesitate—she flipped Voidfire off and tugged me along behind her to continue walking.
I bit back a laugh as we walked on. Jenni’s grief momentarily gave way to her fire. I loved that about her.
Oddly, Ironwood’s gaze lingered on me, his expression shifting ever so slightly. There was something unsettling about the way his eyes tracked me.
I hated the feeling.
A shiver crept down my spine, and I quickened my pace, hoping to lose his interest. “He’s so weird,” I muttered, half to myself, half to Jenni.
“More likecreepy,” she corrected, sniffling as she straightened up. “Let’s keep moving. I don’t want to be around those two any longer than we have to.”
“Creepy is a good term,” I admitted.
“Seriously, heiscreepy. He was fucking Dreadful. Probably fucking Voidfire now, too.” She wrinkled her nose, snorting, before nearly bumping into Fester. “Oof! Fester?”
His face was blotchy, eyes red, and he bowed his head as tears fell. “Sorry. I wasn’t looking where I was going.”
He went to rush past us, but Jenni placed a hand on his arm. “Hey, wait.”
“Are you okay?” I asked, frowning.
He sniffled. “I know Nightwind was awful, but…he’smissing.”
A lump formed in my throat. “Fester…”
“He was my mate…a horrible one.” He chuckled weakly. “But...it feels like he’s dead. I don’t know how to explain, but not knowing is killing me. I feel crazy. It’s like Iknowhe’s dead, but everyone says no. He’s just missing.”
“What would you say if I told you that he is dead?” Jenni asked bluntly. “Would you be okay with that?”
His face paled, but he nodded slowly. “I think I would. You…you know that for sure?”
“We do,” I stated simply.
“How?” His voice cracked.
I hesitated, but his soul radiated nothing but frustration and confusion. No malice, no desire, and no hope.
“Nightwind attacked me, and my mates…” My gaze darted to the side as I remembered the way I was so unbothered by Nightwind pinning me against the wall when I was infected with dark magic. I brought my gaze back to him. “They did what was necessary.”
“Oh.”He almost turned green. “Oh, Fates. I’m so sorry, Gravesend. That’s…understandable. He deserved it, then.”
“He did,” Jenni agreed.
A man jogged up to us with concern plastered on his face, resting a steadying hand on Fester’s shoulder. “Cole, you okay?”
I’d seen him many times before with Fester, but now, the depth of their bond was obvious.
“Yeah, James, I’m fine.” Fester wiped at his tears. “Why did you follow me?”
“You needed me,” he told him.
