I’m not sure if it’s a mistake to reveal that. His smirk curls. “Oh? Not at all?”
“Correct. Now, I believe I offered a truth for a truth. I answered your question. Now it’s time to answer mine. Where’s your family?”
He chuckles to himself, his gaze drifting to Lucas’ door. “You guessed correctly. They’re not home.”
My heart hammers. “And when will they be back?”
Valen leans forward to whisper, “Isn’t that the question? Now run along into your room.” His voice purrs seductively. “If you’re a good girl, Astoria…” a shiver of want tingles down me, “I might be inclined to answer more of your questions.”
He doesn’t play fair. I search his face. “And the amulet?”
“I’ll come to you after I find it so we can…” his eyes flash and smile widens, “negotiate.”
My room, with its delicate pinks and golds that glow in the lights, has been untouched since the last time I was here sevenyears ago. On one side is a marble fireplace with two comfortable armchairs, on the other is the large bed. Its four posts whisper memories of all the wicked things Valen did to me in it, a siren’s call that should draw me back to those sweet memories of love and passion. But all I can hear, breathe, comprehend is a ticking. An endless, deafening ticking of a clock that doesn’t exist.Tick. Tick. Tick.
A weight that is too heavy to bear descends upon me and I lean against the closed door with a softthump. A sting of magic prickles up my spine in warning. Valen is not taking any chances with me. With a sigh, I push off the wood and slowly cross the room to the long wall of large, romantic windows.
Velvet drapes hang heavily from a brass rod, and I run a hand over the soft fabric as I gaze outwards. A sea of blackness greets me; not even a flicker of light from any of the estate’s rooms across the gardens can pierce Valen’s wards. My reflection stares back from the pristine glass. I half expect to see myself in a long dress, the sleeves opening at the elbow in eyelet lace. Instead, my haggard self in a ripped shirt and vest stares back. I drag the curtains closed until my phantom self disappears.
It’s well past midnight now and the bed calls to me, but I doubt my ability to sleep tonight. Too much adrenaline, too much… everything. My arms cross around my middle and I eye all the familiar objects. Even though my heart aches with the nostalgia of a life lost, a different pang rings in my chest like a bell. I miss my new life and my shop. I would do just about anything to curl into my own bed with Jinx stretched out on the adjacent pillow.
I sigh harshly, eyes lifting heavenward. Jinx is going to be so disappointed when she finds out that I let myself be locked in by Valen. Hopefully,The Arachnomiconis still trapped in the basement and not giving her any problems. I haven’t felt any vampiric draws on my magic from Jinx shifting, so I assume allis well. At least the book will assist in keeping my vault secure while I’m gone.
I allow myself one last breath before my spine straightens. Time to work. I stride over to the bed and tug off my boots quickly before crawling onto the overly plush bedding. My legs fold and I settle into a seated position with my hands gently resting in my lap. Casting the waves of exhaustion from me, I center myself.
With slow breath, my mind quiets and my magic hums to fill the void.Come to me.
My ears prick, my hearing heightened.Fwip. Fwip. Fwip.
Magic tingles in my fingertips. I extend them before me, eyes unfocused until something soft lands on the pad of my index finger. The moth studies me, fluffy antennae bobbing and furred feet circling. The little proboscis extends to graze my nail and it sips my magic offering.
I whisper to its wings, “Are you okay?”
My magic curls around the moth to form a shimmering veil of protection to keep it and my message safe against predators. It takes off, fluttering over to the heat vent in the old floors. It slides through the grates and disappears.
I practice my breathing, fingers gently interlaced in my lap. But I can’t slip into a meditative state with my long hair tickling my neck and face. If only I could afford to waste the magic to make it short again. But I can’t, not when I’m up against Valen.
Something delicate lands on my ear. Lucas’ voice whispers, “Yes. Pissed though.”
My lips twitch. He remembered the spell, even though he found it pointless at the time. It was tricky to figure out how to weave the magic with his threads, but it works.
I cup the moth in my hand, bringing it to my lips again. It takes me a moment to contemplate my message. “I’m next door. Safe.”
Lucas’ reply is prompt, like he’s sitting by the grate. “Plan? When do we esc…” But the message whispers to nothing, my conduit too small for much more.
I sigh, bringing the moth from my ear to my hand. It twines around my fingers in search of more magic. “Wait. I got this.”
Lucas’ voice takes a harsh edge. “Don’t trust him.”
I sigh. “Trust me.”
This time, the moth takes longer to return. I risk washing my face in the adjoining bathroom to keep awake. My reflection catches my attention. My eyes widen and I tilt my head to get a better look at my neck. Valen’s bite. So hard and sharp that it made pleasure flood my system, but left an impressive bruise. My fingers slide over the mark, lingering. A smile softens my lips.
Quickly drying off, I re-enter the bedroom to approach the large, ornate dresser that sits against the far wall. I yank open the elegantly carved doors. There, hanging in the tight space, are my old clothes. Emotions swell so quickly, I sway.
A screech almost tears from me when tiny bug feet land on the shell of my ear. “You’re biased. Want h…”
My heart fills in the rest of the sentence.Want him still…
