Something inside me deflates. I’m a fugitive in my home.
“But I know another way.” Zev takes my hand, his soft touch jarring. “Come with me.”
I hesitate. Can I trust Zev? Do I have a choice? Noticing my reluctance, Zev meets my gaze. “Your brother saved my life. I owe him. I’m your friend.”
Friends are scarce these days. I nod, putting my life in Zev’s hands, and pray I haven’t just made a fatal mistake.
When we emergefrom the hidden tunnel beneath the Iron Parthenon, I’m engulfed by Equinox Park’s bustling energy. Witches spill out from the evening service of the Iron Parthenon, laughter and chatter grating on my ears. The tall towers reach the heavens.
No one pays much attention to the steady trickle of people entering and exiting Little Death beneath the Parthenon’s catacombs, a significant change from how things were before Leigh took the throne. But given Vyvyan’s need for control, and fear of the witches, I doubt our two species will coexist much longer.
“Thank you, Zev,” I tell my vampire companion. He shrugs, eyes glinting with sincerity. “Can I pass along a message for Maureen?”
“I didn’t help you to receive something in return,” Zev replies.
My spine bows. He risked severe punishment to help me.
“How did you know that tunnel led up here?” I had no idea another entrance existed within the park.
Zev smirks. “Vane showed me. He had a vision and said I might need it one day. Guess that day was today.”
Just when I think I’ve heard it all, Vane surprises me. Again.
Could he have anticipated my need for help? Cared enough to intervene? Yesterday, the thought would have been laughable. But after last night, and after what Vyvyan just told me. . .I’m not so sure anymore.
“Are you and Vane close?” I ask, but fail to keep my tone casual.
Zev laughs. “Jealous?”
I shake my head. Vane could be miles out at sea. Yet, his blood sings in my veins, clouding my judgment, whispering temptations to seek him out and demand his version of Vyvyan’s story.
Zev laughs again. “Relax, Desiree, Vane is all yours.”
“We aren’t . . . Vane and I . . .” The words catch in my throat. I don’t owe Zev an explanation. “Thank you again. I hope you don’t get into too much trouble.”
“It was the right thing to do.” Zev’s gaze softens. I turn away, but Zev catches my arm. “Right now, you may feel alone, but that will change. Misty will come around. She misses you.”
I disappear into the trees before more tears fall.
Alone, with nowhere to go, I wrap my arms around myself, as if to hold together the fragments of my pitiful life. Everything I thought I knew was a lie. The truth crashes over me like a tidal wave, dragging me under, threatening to drown me in despair. The Nest, the future I’d envisioned there, the foolish dream that once included Vane by my side . . . it all shimmers in the distance, like a mirage, taunting me with its impossibility.
I wish Wilder were here to tell me everything will be okay, but he’s thousands of miles away. Dads in prison, and Mom is the only person left in this city genetically programmed to give me the time of day. I desperately need guidance on what to do next. Where do I go from here? I need her to tell me. I need her.
?
The bustling atmosphere of Hebe Hospital engulfs me as I step through the main doors, bypassing the busy reception area. Suddenly, a hand grasps my arm. My breath catches, and I expect to face one of Vyvyan’s guards, but it’s a woman with curly black hair and ill-fitting scrubs.
“It’s Desiree, right?” she asks, glancing down the hall at the male security officer. He starts our way.
Fuck. I’m not here to make trouble. “No. Sorry,” I mutter, trying to step around her.
The witch slides in front of me. “You aren’t supposed to be here.”
I blink. “I’m visiting someone. Doctor Chiara Dunn.” I shoulder past her.
“I’m sorry, but Doctor Dunn ordered you be kept away,” she says, keeping pace with me.
My eyes bulge. My mom didwhat?
