Page 19 of Hunger & Harmony

DISCORD

Glitter is officially a permanent fixture in my hair. I’ve come to accept that no amount of shampoo will get rid of it, even if it’s been over twenty-four hours since opening night. I was woefully unprepared for the stray glitter bomb coming from who knows where when we left the venue.

The kickoff was successful, despite every bump in the road. It was a blur just getting back to the company building. Exhaustion hit me like a tour bus, and thankfully, we didn’t have to get onto one until tonight.

Lorelai said it’d be my first and final “break” until the tour’s end. I spent the whole time sleeping and dozing in bliss. Even though I wanted to go over opening night, Viola was too busy for my word vomit. Until she’s available, I’ll have to hold it all by myself.

Tonight, we leave for Gravemont. Eleven hours north means goodbye to coastal warmth. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be stopping in each region of Aurea. Sure, I’ve never thought to visit Gravemont, but I won’t say no to any adventure.

A sparkle catches my attention as I approach the meeting room, and I cross my eyes to locate where yet another fleck spawned onto my hair. I even took precious time to do a loose braid today, just so it’d be out of my way!

I’m pulling the invasive species out of my bangs when my body suddenly meets resistance. It sends me and the glitter to the carpet tiles.

“Oww,” I whine, immediately rubbing my poor butt and hip.

Only to pause when I spot the long legs in front of me.

Today, Niko is all clean lines and casual luxury. Even someone with as little fashion sense as myself can recognize how expensive that brand of joggers and the watch on his wrist are. Instead of black, he opted for a white tee. Seems dangerous for a blood drinker.

I gawk up at him. Not that he’s acting like he even noticed me. The only indicator he has is immediately turning his back when I pick myself up.

“Are you—” I start, not getting any further when he cuts me off.

“It’d be good to not be late.”

My brows furrow.

“Uh . . .yeah. Kind of why I got here five minutes early.”

“Then why’re you still standing there?”

Have I gone nuts? Or is he seriously standing in my way and acting like I’m the nuisance?

“Maybe because you’re blocking the way?”

Silence. There’s no way he isn’t noticing the very door we’re both going to directly in front of him.

I cross my arms, willing my mouth to stop twisting in amusement. It’s just us in this hallway. The usual office buzz hasn’t started yet, given it’s still before noon. It’s like starting at three in the morning at a human company.

“Niko . . .”

“Address me as ‘Your Majesty’.”

He’s not asking, and his tone prickles like a sunburn.

Pausing, I blink at his broad back. So, he’s gonna play it that way? I haven’t even seen him since the concert.

“Oh, right,” I deadpan, already tired of this. “Can we go in?”

It’s unfair how my body zings when his muscles ripple in annoyance. Too bad about his pretty face, because I’m having a hard time enjoying it with his sour attitude.

“Aren’t you forgetting something?”

I glance around, wondering if the charcoal, paneled walls or the vintage art prints have any clues for why he asked that.

“Huh?”

“What did I just say?”