He nudges my hand with his nose, voice quiet. “Just remember, no matter what happens or what you learn, your mother loved you more than her own life, and as long as I’m still breathing, you’ll never be alone.”
I can’t hold back the tears any longer. I hold my best friend to my chest and sob like I’m five again. Nothing is held back in the privacy of my room with the one being I know understands me, maybe even more than I do.
His warmth soothes the heartache from deep within, and by the time I’m done, I actually feel better than I have in days, maybe even weeks.
“Thank you,” I tell him, stroking his little head with one finger. “I wouldn’t make it here without you.”
“We’re in this together,” he promises before wiggling out of my grasp. “Now, go meet Liz. I’m sure she can answer more questions for you as well.”
Reluctantly, I let him go, smiling as he curls back onto the bed. If only I could sleep most of the day away with him.
With one hand on the door, I glance back at Archie, who’s still watching me. “I love you.”
“I love you too, Rowan.” His little fangs poke out like he’s smiling, but it doesn’t last. “Don’t forget. No wandering alone outside the manor. Iris may have kicked everyone out, but that doesn’t mean people won’t stop by. If someone you haven’t been introduced to tries talking to you, don’t engage.”
My stomach twists. For a few hours, I thought my worst problems were going to be transitioning into a growling animal, but Archie’s words quickly remind me, I also have some sort of prophecy to contend with. One I should probably learn more about, sooner rather than later.
“Got it.” I nod, reaching for the door. “I’ll do my best not to get killed between here and meeting Liz.”
I’m mostly joking, but the ruffling of his coat tells me he doesn’t find this funny. Though if I can’t find a way to laugh about all this, I might actually lose my mind.
Heading downstairs, I’m relieved when I don’t see Iris or Cade. I don’t know what they did after breakfast, but the reprieve from their varying levels of crazy has been welcome today.
Let’s just hope Liz doesn’t send me spiraling with whatever “answers and opportunities” she has waiting for me.
She’s waiting at the bottom of the front steps, her dark auburn hair pulled up into a high ponytail that makes her look ten kinds of dangerous and cool. The type of woman who could rescue you from any sort of dire situation and then critique your posture afterward.
She’s dressed in black yoga pants tucked into scuffed combat boots, a cropped zip-up hoodie that reveals a glimpse of toned midriff, and sunglasses perched on her head like a crown she forgot she was wearing. Casual apocalypse-chic.
Yep. I’m glad she’s on my side.
Her smile brightens when she spots me, and without missing a beat, she throws an arm over my shoulder likewe’ve known each other forever. “I knew you’d come. Walk with me.”
My nose twitches at her scent—crisp, earthy, with a faint undertone of something…death-y. I’m still not used to this whole “smelling people” thing, and probably never will be.
And now it seems that I can’t stop from blurting out, “What are you?”
Smooth, Rowan. Real freaking smooth.
“I was waiting for you to ask.” She chuckles, the sound like wind chimes. “I’m a vampire.”
I freeze mid-step. “Seriously?”
She shrugs. “Don’t worry. I’m not a fan of your scent either. That wet dog smell most shifters have? It’s not exactly appetizing.”
I wrinkle my nose, but she continues before I can respond.
“Yours is sweeter, though. Less dog, more sunlight and firewood. That’s the Hollowborn in you.”
I blink at her. “This might be the weirdest conversation I’ve ever had.”
“You’ll get used to weird. Around here, weird is the unofficial love language.” Liz nudges me forward again. “But just know, your hybrid scent is rare. Most supernaturals won’t be able to place it, which is good. But for the ones who can, you need to stay on guard.” Her tone shifts, shadowed with something I don’t quite have a name for. “Attention in this world rarely comes without a cost.”
“Yeah, I picked up on that from the wholeexplodinginto flames while trying to deliver alcoholmoment,” I deadpan.
She grins. “Still bitter, huh?”
“Like black coffee and betrayal.”
