I can’t say I didn’t deserve it.
Violet frowned at me, her brows knitting together in question. I gave a small shake of my head. No point telling her I slept with one of Caden’s girlfriends, and that was probably the reason he hated me.
Good times.
Aeris turned toward us, gesturing to one of the two armchairs. “As you’ve already interrupted my meeting, you may as well take a seat while I make you tea.” She smiled, the motion pulling at the split in her lip until she winced.
“Are you okay?” Violet asked, closing the distance between them. “Did he hurt you?”
“Oh, Caden? No, he’d never.” Aeris waved off the concern with a soft laugh. “I’m fine. What I’d really like to knowis why you’ve barged into my office. My time isn’t cheap.” Her eyes narrowed.
She turned toward the wooden shelving unit that spanned the wall, lifting a teapot and pouring three small cups with deliberate calm. The shelves looked handmade, carved from driftwood, with each ledge uniquely uneven. They were cluttered with crystals, strange trinkets, and even a single decorative fork that somehow didn’t look out of place amongst the rest.
I waited until Violet settled into the armchair before taking my place behind her. Aeris set three teacups on the small table between them as sweet steam billowed, untouched by any of us.
“So, how can I help you?” Aeris asked smoothly, her dark red hair draped around her shoulders. I’d never seen her this covered before, the purple crop top and jeans almost modest compared to what she usually wore on stage.
“I need to hire your services.”
Aeris shifted in her chair, purposely highlighting her curves. “What’s your flavour?” she all but purred, her voice a seductive tenor.
Seriously, there was a reason she was popular.
“I’m here for yourotherservices.” Aeris may be the Mistress of Atlantis, but those that dabbed in the underworld like I did knew that she was more. She also traded secrets and rumours, but only if you could pay her price.
“My other services start at 50k.”
Fuck. Well, that wasn’t happening.
“Okay, someadvicethen.” I glanced at Violet, who carefully placed the photographs onto the table.
“Get out.” Aeris’s voice was sharp, her entire body going rigid. “I don’t deal in anything like that.”
“Anything like what?” Violet asked, leaning forwardover the table, desperation sharpening her tone. “Please, we just need help.”
Aeris reached for one of the photographs, studying it for a long moment before flipping it over to reveal the faint pencil sketch on the back. “A rose,” she murmured.
Setting the picture down, she traced the delicate lines with her finger.
“They’re all like that,” Violet said quietly, flipping each photo to show the drawings hidden beneath. “My mum made them. We found them tucked away with old newspaper clippings. Some of the articles match these girls, but they’re decades old.
“From what we’ve pieced together, all of them came from vulnerable situations. Abusive parents, addicts… some of the girls were addicts themselves.This one,”—Violet tapped a girl no older than fifteen—“was in the system, on her third foster home before she simply vanished.”
“You recognise them?” I asked Aeris carefully.
She shook her head, lips pursed. “No.”
“Then why the strong reaction?” I pressed, noting the tension along her shoulders. “Because I’m willing to bet you’re thinking exactly what I am.”
Aeris’s gaze snapped to mine, her blue eyes darkening.
“Thinking what?” Violet whispered. “Please… my mum’s in trouble. Anything you know, please tell us. It might save her life.”
Aeris didn’t look at her. “If we’re thinking the same thing,” she said coolly, “why ask for my opinion at all?”
“Because this is your… speciality,” I said, choosing the word specifically to rile her up. “You know, the sex trade. I’m sure you can clear the details up for me.”
Aeris’s polished expression cracked for a second, anger flaring at the accusation before she smoothed it away. She looked back down at the sketches, taking a moment beforeshe finally spoke. “A rose. A sunflower. A tulip. A daisy. A lily… and a dahlia.” She hesitated. “I’ve never seen anything exactly like this, but there are… rumours.”
