“We’ll see you later,” Vanessa offered and entered her room a few doors down, probably eager to wash the crawler muck off her body. I couldn’t blame her.
Kissing my lips, Dante leaned into my ear. “I’ll only be two doors away, but I’ll leave my shadows connected to you. If you need me, just call me in your mind.”
Glancing at me like it physically hurt him to leave my side, he turned around and entered his room. D didn’t say a word, but we exchanged a glance before he followed the others, closing his door behind him.
When my attention returned to Bjørn and Isis, I found them sharing a gentle kiss. “I don’t have shadows to leave connected to you, my luv. But if you scream, I might hear you,” he teased Isis, making me chuckle while she rolled her eyes.
Winking at me, even as she pushed him away, he took the room right across from us. That left the two rooms behind us.
We entered the one on the right, the interior as soft, elegant, and stunning as the ground floor of the castle.
“Tasha,” Isis called when I placed the fancy teacup and plate on the dresser, I hadn’t even tasted it yet, but I turned to face her. “How did you do that? With the fire?” Concern clouded her voice as she reached for my hand.
“I don’t know.” I sighed, as concerned as she was. “I think it was Starlight trying to save me.”
“Starlight?”
“My wolf,” I confessed. “Dante introduced me to her through hisTwilightthis morning, and I know that’s her name now… I can hear her too. She speaks to me.”
Wonder and intrigue shone in her eyes. “Fascinating.”
“Is that normal for a Wolf Shifter?” I asked her but she shook her head.
“I’ve never heard of it before, but it doesn’t mean is not natural for the two of you.” Her words were meant to reassure me, but I could see the sliver of trepidation in her eyes. “Now, change your clothes so we can go meet the Viscountess. She must be anxious to see you.”
“Can I shower first?” I frowned, seeing Isis nervously rush to the closet, pulling out a beautiful white dress for me.
“I’m afraid there is no time.”
“What do you mean there is no time? I literally just survived inhuman creatures trying to kill me. I know she’s trying to help me, but the least she can do is give me time to take a shower!”
“Natasha don’t be rude,” she scolded. “I raised you better than that.”
“I’m sorry,” I sighed, “but I don’t even know who she is.” My gaze fell on the dress. “Can I at least wear pants and a sweater?”
Isis stopped for a moment, looking into my eyes, and guided me to sit on the bed with her.
“My sweet baby girl,” she began, cradling my cheek. “I’m truly sorry it’s all happening this way, but we are here now, and we must move forward. The Viscountess sent me into your life to watch over you all these years. That is my truth. I was nothing before she found me. Before she sent me to your side, and everything I have ever told you about you giving meaning to my life, and how much I love you it’s true. I love you like you were my own daughter, Natasha. Meeting you changed my life and I’m forever grateful.”
I pulled her into a hug, eyes glistening. “I love you too.”
Isis’ tearful smile reached me as she pulled away, and she caressed my hair tenderly. “After you finally meet the Viscountess, everything will become clear, and I swear I’ll answer any questions you have… She has waited a long time for this day to arrive, baby. Please give me this.”
Hugging her once more, I soaked in the familiar feeling of family she’d always given me. I could give her more than that.
Standing, I removed my slashed clothes, and cleaned myself, slipping into the next outfit she pulled for me—soft, wide-leg pants and a fitted turtleneck sweater, all in white.
What was it with everyone dressing me in white?
Her hands nervously brushed my hair again, making sure it was perfect before she took a deep breath, stepping back to look at me as a proud smile curved her lips. “Beautiful.”
“Thank you.” I reached for the teacup, taking the first sip just as a knock sounded at the door. Isis and I exchanged a glance. “I thought we were getting out of the room to meet her.”
She waved to me like it didn’t matter but I couldn’t help the swell of nerves that captured my being all of a sudden, making the teacup slightly tremble on its plate in my hold.
When Isis opened the door, a couple came into the room, confusing me.
“I’m sorry we haven’t given you enough time to rest after getting here, but someone was being a bit of anantsy pantsand wanted to meet you,” the man playfully offered, and the skin at the corners of his kind greyish-blue eyes wrinkled when he smiled.
