Page 201 of Plug and Drain

Part of the puzzle was here, in her mind and linked to this room. She wasn’t sure if she could solve it. But maybe, simply by trying, the memory of Henrikk’s assault wouldn’t follow her to the next place she went. Maybe she could leave the bones of the problem here.

If her application to become a Residential Advisor was successful, she would be given a slightly larger room at the end of one of the floors. That would be nice. Could she stay here that long? There were approximately eight months left until the summer holidays. It was a reference point in her future, and she could use it to plan how she would untangle the mess Henrikk had left behind.

It would take time. And she knew, on some level, he would haunt her forever. But she would make him fade. She would make him unimportant.

Eight months. And if she couldn’t handle being here, she would move.

She had Arken now.

“Susie?” he asked.

She’d hardly noticed that she’d been standing frozen in the doorway, or that he was close behind, his hand rubbing circles on the small of her back.

Her gaze lingered on the dry, wilted roses in the vase, some of the petals fallen onto the desk.

“I never said thank you for the flowers,” she began, turning to him.

He winced. “You do not have to thank me for those. I probably shouldn’t have sent them, given the circumstan—”

“I liked them, though.”

Arken’s shoulders relaxed, a hint of relief crossing his features. “Well, in that case, I think I could make a habit of giving you flowers.”

“I’d like that,” Susie smiled, though the expression faltered as she studied her bedroom again, hesitant to enter.

“Thank you for saving me,” Arken murmured near her ear. She tensed. “When you found me collapsed on the steps. I know it was you.”

“Nathaniel told you?”

“No. I recognised the taste of your blood.”

Of course. Why didn’t I think of that?

“So you knew it was me…all this time?” she whispered, not daring to turn her head to face him.

“Yes. And I appreciate how difficult it must have been for you to offer me your blood after I’d just attacked you.”

“It wasn’t exactly an attack—”

“I bit you.”

The memory jolted through her: Arken, weak and hungry, transforming from a well-mannered gentleman to a dark creature with eyes glowing red with bloodlust as he lunged for her neck. She resisted the urge to touch the spot where his fangs had sunk into her.

Arken opened his mouth, and she sensed another apology coming.

“Yes, you bit me, and you’ll probably do so again,” she teased, trying to lighten the mood.

“I bit you without warning,” he clarified, his voice troubled. “I’m trying to apologise for that.”

“You’re trying to tell me you don’t deserve to be saved.” This time, she glanced at Arken. His startled expression confirmed that she was right. “But you do deserve it, Arken. Despite all you’ve had to do and the role you have to play, you’re a good person.”

Arken’s lip twitched with amusement, igniting a warmth that made her insides flush.

“Thank you for the key,” she said, shutting the door without entering. “But I won’t go in now. I have everything I need for the time being. I’ll just come back later, perhaps after school.”

Arken’s concerned eyes searched hers. He nodded. “Is there anything I can do?”

“Maybe.” She turned to face him, an idea sparking. “Yes, actually,” she said brightly, pocketing the key and slipping her hands around his neck. “Help me take my mind off things?”