I open my mouth to speak, but he spins, putting his back to me and making his way down the dark hallway.
I nod—feeling beaten once again in our war of words—and close my eyes, thinking of the black house on the cliff. I imagine the front door, the windows, and the smoking chimney that I saw when we arrived, and a calmness rushes over me.
I think of Silas—mySilas.
My magic tingles in my fingers and flows through my body like a warm breeze. I notice Larkin glance over his shoulder one last time, making sure I’m following his instructions.
I become a shadow, but not before I send a rude gesture Larkin’s way, using both hands for emphasis. His face twists, and I let my pride carry me all the way to the person who matters most to me in this world.
The house before me is silent, dark, and lackluster. I exhale sharply; just the knowledge that Silas is nearby puts me at immediate ease. A candle flickers in the small frontwindow as I step onto the old wooden porch. The large black door in front of me features an ornate gold handle among many serpents of all colors. As I reach for the handle, it unlocks with a crack, welcoming me home.
I enter the small sitting room and look around. The scent of worn leather mixed with the sea breeze greets me. A large staircase at the back of the room catches my eye, and I make my way across the hardwood floor to stand at its top. Darkness looms down the narrow stairs, and I hesitate out of habit, but push myself to descend the stairs that are built into the massive cliff.
You are safe.
Just follow your instinct.
As I descend the staircase, darkness envelops me, and I narrow my eyes, attempting to see in the dim light. My feet reach the final step, and my jaw drops.
The house opens up to the sea, as if it were built in unison. Wide double doors are flung open to a large balcony, making you feel as if you are inside the cliff itself. The sea breeze sends my hair dancing around my body, and the slapping waves awaken all my senses. I’m awestruck.
Black stone walls mix with the beautifully crafted Gothic furniture. An iron candlelit chandelier sways gently in the open air over a long wooden table. Remnants of dinner clutter the table, and guilt travels through me.
I wasn’t here.
I glance left toward an intimate sitting area, followed by a long, narrow hallway—likely heading to the bedrooms where my friends sleep peacefully after a night together. A single tear falls from my eye, and I tiptoe to the balcony.
The crisp night air tingles against my face, and I press my hands against the rail, gripping tightly. The expansive balcony extends far from the cliff—as though I am soaring miles abovethe world—and the vast sea stretches endlessly before me. I take a deep breath and gaze at the stars, which I’ve never seen so bright, like thousands of shimmering diamonds flickering in the sky above me.
“You’re here,” a deep, pained voice whispers behind me.
I spin around, completely startled, thinking I was alone.
Silas stands behind me, shirtless, with his pants dipping low on his hips, eyes still heavy with sleep. The glowing moon illuminates his strong chest as he tussles his messy hair. He walks onto the balcony and joins me, elbows resting on the rough railing as he gazes across the dark sea.
I watch him. I memorize his profile for the hundredth time and let a tear fall down my cheek.
“I’m sorry,” I whisper.
He doesn’t look at me but nods, acknowledging my words.
“I’m so sorry,” I say again. “I shouldn’t have pushed you away, Silas. I…”
He cuts me off, “Briar.”
I freeze, waiting for harsh words to follow.
He gazes at me, and his piercing green eyes glow under the full moon’s light. “I’m mad at you.”
I shake my head. “I know. I’m an idiot.”
“I’ve been thinking about what you said in the dining room,” he replies.
“What?”
His bright green eyes find mine, and he nods, his lips forming a thin line.
“What are you talking about?”
