My legs moved before I could think.
The archway was only a few paces, and I slid in front of the stairs, but I heard his movements on my heel.
I made it halfway up the stairs. Then, a sharp pain in my ankle.
It was not possible that he gave me headway with how fast he caught up.
What a cheat!
A yelp slipped out as I reached for my hair stick. My body whipped around to face him as I fell. I slashed the needle at the man—thing—before me. His face was illuminated by the moonlight spilling from the circular window above the entrance.
There was a flash of angelic blond hair, and those pale, dead eyes narrowed on me. The last thing I saw was my needle slashing his cheek before the back of my head met the sharp step of the staircase.
6
THE CREATURE
“Well, what does she like?” the plump florist asked.
“I was actually hoping you could help me with that.” The healing cut on my cheek felt tight as I smiled. “I believe she is a regular of yours?”
“Oh! Of course, I would be happy to!” She beamed. “What’s the name?”
“Alina Lis,” I said. The name was almost too comfortable in my mouth. I could just salivate at the taste of it on my tongue.
“Ah yes, she is quite particular.” She nodded. “You’re lucky I know her taste all too well. Give me a minute to tidy up the back.”
I pressed my palms together and gave an exasperated sigh. “You are a godsend.”
The stout woman bustled to the back, and I let my smile fall once she disappeared.
The wound on my face was healing slower than usual, but healing nonetheless. At first, I was confused about why Alina would arm herself with just a mere needle. It was rather anticlimactic.It was only after the first few days that I realized she had attempted topoisonme.
Believe me when I say this woman gave me butterflies in my stomach. Though that might just be internal bleeding. Either way, she had charmed me.
“Mr. Forbes! Please follow me—I think it would be easier for you to pick yourself. I can’t bring them all out for safety purposes!” the woman called.
I raised a critical brow, but moved past the counter and around the corner to the back room.
“Everything on the left wall are new orders she placed before her return home. Please don’t touch them though—I will gather them once you choose. Give me a shout whenever you’re finished!” She gestured to the shelf in the room before attending to the ring of the shop bell.
When I saw the wall of flowers, everything started to make sense.
Every single plant on that wall could kill any average man with enough care and proper preparation.
Could she be the cause of all the sudden poisonings of men and Vipera? I was starting to think she had more up her sleeve than I initially assumed.
I plucked a stem of nightshade from the vase, spinning it between my fingers. Looking back, it did make sense. A botanist, deadly exotic imports, the apothecary, and the poison needles. She had a purpose and a small fortune to carry it through. The scales were starting to even out, which was not a problem for me. It just meant I was allowed to be a little rougher in my approach.
I chuckled to myself and brushed the bloom of nightshade across the cut on my cheek mindlessly. She probably thought she killed me! Imagining her relief after that night was amusing. Itwould be even better when I saw her again. Witnessing her confusion and cutting down her ego would be delicious. She might even think herself a poor poisoner when she sees that the venom did not take.
This was the most fun I had ever had on a hunt.
“Sir! I told you not to touch it! The poor girl already ignores my pleas—you’ll irritate your skin!” the shop lady scolded, plucking the plant from my hand.
“Apologies. I wanted a closer look,” I said. “You seem to know what she likes more than I do. There is too much to pick from. Would it be possible for you to make a few arrangements?”
“Yes, of course! Just let me know how many?—”
