Page 51 of Hunger & Harmony

Nothing peeves me more than judging personal taste. Who cares if someone likes something you don’t? Lorelai seems to, as she crosses her arms and flicks her bangs out of her eyes.

“Not to mention you’re listening to that crap on Arteria’s tour bus.”

Crap?! My right eye twitches.

“Knock it off, Lo.”

Before I can launch into my rebuttal, Ezren’s voice slices through the bus. My wide gaze finds him across the couch, jaw tight and eyes closed. I didn’t even realize he was there.

Lorelai clicks her tongue.

“I’m just messing.”

I’m not feeling generous enough to believe that, but my attention is far from her. My brows slide together as I stare at Ezren.

How still he is rings every alarm bell. He wasn’t even this devoid of emotion in New Lure. When his eyes open, it’s like staring into fire. A shiver zips down my spine when I realize he’s not looking at me, but through me.

Before I can even open my mouth to ask what’s up, the bus slows to a stop. I peer out the window to see we’ve made it to rehearsal.

Redmare’s venue represents its city well. Dusty and menacing, the angular architecture reads more like a modern colosseum than a typical arena. Sleek sports cars whiz by without regard, and Arteria fans line up beyond where I can see. Despite the dry heat, heavy leather and aristocratic costumes adorn each eager attendee.

The desert doesn’t obey the rules of autumn like New Lure or Velhollow. It’s odd to be back in a t-shirt, especially with evening settling in.

“Alright, listen up.”

Niko’s voice has my heart forgetting a beat. When I face him, his gaze finds mine before anyone else, and a half-smile tugs at his lips. It’s a secret expression, only for a moment.

Only for me.

If I weren’t still floating from the other night, I’d be right back in these sparkly, pink clouds anyway.

I don’t want to get ahead of myself. These are early days, right? There’s still something undeniable humming between him and me. Thankfully, not wrong notes.

While I cling to this feeling, uneasiness hangs in this tour bus like a dense fog. Once everyone is paying attention, Niko’s expression darkens.

“We are in Hunter territory.”

My stomach drops. Ezren’s foot starts tapping, and his terse attitude makes sense. His siblings. His own life. All because of Hunters, and now we’re in their city. At their mercy, even?

“The Order of Ash has made it clear not to overstep.”

Ezren’s lips curl in a silent snarl, his fangs lengthening before my eyes. A flash of fear punches my gut, and I watch as the green of his irises dissolves into vermillion. His ivories sharpen, and my alarm doubles at how plainly dangerous he looks. Like a predator. Like a . . .

Shame washes over me, and I force my gaze to my shoes. What am I thinking? This is Ezren. My friend! A guy who has every right to feel how he does.

“They’re not human. They’re not like you.”

I squeeze my hands into fists. No, I won’t think like Viola. She can keep her prejudices to herself. I’ve just never seen him like that before. It doesn’t matter differing from Ezren. My eyes slowly rise to Niko, his mouth moving even if I don’t register a word.

It doesn’t matter differing from Niko, right?

Swallowing down my turmoil, I will myself to tune back in.

“So, let’s get going. Focus on the fans above all else,” Niko looks each of us in the eye, lingering on me as he says, “Focus on the good.”

It would be just my luck to get mixed up in Hunter territory.

I swear, Lorelai said it was just past the elevators and the door to the stairs. This arena might as well be a maze, though, and I think I’m looping in circles. The distant rumblings of cheering fans and sound check remind me that I’m at least not completely stranded in these winding hallways.