Page 100 of You’re So Vein

That’s the thing about this woman. She fills me with foolish hope. If we can change the Conclave’s mind on this one thing, then maybe we can change their mind about Hannah…

If only I could change her mind about me.

38Augustin

Argleton Weather Watch: Brace yourself, Thor’s working through some feelings. That god needs a therapist.

THE LAST RAYS OF SUN are falling below the horizon, but I lie in my coffin, tossing and turning as this impossible situation races in my mind.

Even though Komal has shown me that she’ll fight for Hannah, I need to win the election.

If Kael knows about Hannah, I need any leverage I can get to keep him away from her.

The vampires obviously think the vote is swinging Komal’s way. And she needs to win just as much as me, for her father. I understand. I would do anything for my family.

And then there is the way I feel about her…

“Augie, are you awake yet? Come visit my new shop!”

Groaning, I shove off the coffin lid and stretch my aching shoulders. Hannah’s in the doorway, bouncing impatiently on her heels. I know that I can’t give up. I’m doing this for her.

After an hour of browsing Hannah’s “candle emporium”, we sit down to make some new campaign posters specifically for Sanctus Estate. Hannah comes up with some great slogans, including “VOTE AUGUSTIN: THE ONLY POLITICIAN TO FREELY ADMIT HE’S A MONSTER”.

“I don’t understand why you and Komal can’t just be mayors together. And then you can tell her you love her, right?”

Oh, sweetie, if it were that simple, Komal would already be in my arms.

I already told her I loved her. And she’s not ready to admit she has feelings for me.

I swipe paint over the lettering on our next poster. “Unfortunately, we can’t both be mayor. That’s not how it works.”

“What about telling her you love her?”

“What about we get these posters ready?”

We start photocopying one poster design, but halfway through the second copy, the printer runs out of ink. Frustrated, I rip the printer out of the wall. “You wait here. Draw me more cartoons of Komal, and I’ll be back shortly.”

Every time I leave the house, it’s a battle between whether it’s safer to take Hannah with me or leave her behind. If Kael knows about her, I have to assume he’s watching the house. And I assume Komal’s friends still are, too. I’ve used some of my vines to create a “security system” of sorts. They’ll alert me if anyone crosses the boundary around our home. But I still feel trepidation as I leave the cottage and lock the door behind me.

I tuck the printer under my arm and head down the path at vampire speed until I reach the village, where I slow to a more respectable stroll. Just a man and his printer, out for a late-night walk.

A large pothole has appeared at the top of Butcher Street, near Nevermore Bookshop. That will need to be filled in. Perhaps the Gorilla Gardener will make an appearance.

Annoyingly, when I reach the green, I discover that the stationery store hasn’t adjusted to the new nocturnal schedule that was supposed to start last week. A “VOTE KOMAL” sign hangs in the window.

I glance around the green. In fact, apart from the pub and Zen and Tonic, none of the shops are open. And they’re all displaying Komal’s campaign posters, many with a distinctive Alaric flair. Komal is winning over the village.

The futility of it weighs heavily in my arms. Or maybe that’s the printer.

No, it’s definitely the futility.

How could I have ever thought I’d stand a chance against Komal? Komal, who can brighten anyone’s day with a smile. Who pushes me away and acts like she hates me, but then passes up the chance to get me out of the race because it’s the right thing to do. Who loves Hannah and has sworn to protect her—

Wait, what’s that?

My ears pick up a tinkling, musical sound that makes my stomach churn.

I’d know that laugh anywhere.