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“Misty!” I practically sprint to open the door.
Misty in all of her midnight fur glory is sitting obediently before the doorway. I crouch to hold her face in my palms, ruffling her soft cheeks with doting affection.
“I thought you’d want her by your side tonight,” Kieran says as he emerges from the shadows.
“I’m sure you have a ton of questions,” he adds, giving Misty a light ruffle in her fur. She leans away from him and into my hand.
Despite the darkness of the hallway, Kieran’s presence is illuminating. The shadows seem to writhe and slither away as he situates himself against the threshold. I glance up, instantly flush with the idea of being on my knees while he towers above. I quickly shove the thought away. His gaze—those unwavering ocean eyes rimmed with fatigue—studies me.
“I am full of them. But I’m sure I won’t get the answers I really want.” Misty squeezes herself by my legs and runs to the bed, throwing herself among the blankets. I rise, meeting Kieran’s stare. His eyes quickly trail along my chest, and along the ridges and soft lines of my face, landing on the spot where I knew was nasty bruising.
“No more joyrides, okay?” he says, quietly.
“Am I in trouble with the Sheriff?” I don’t want to make any promises I can’t follow through on so I change the subject.
“Don’t ask me about the Sheriff, ask me the right questions and I’m all yours.” His eyes devour mine, and reflexively I wrap a hand around my neck. Did he jump into the water to save me?
His presence made me feel things. Things I don’t want to feel.
My heart quickens as he steps closer, the space between us thick with tension. I swallow, wracking my mind for something to say. Did I want to know about the strange creature? Would he tell me anything? What were the right questions? Was this another reality?
“Do you think the Sheriff will have any leads by this weekend?” I ask instead. Kieran averts his gaze, taking a slight step backward.
“I’m sure he will. Devil’s Bay is a small town. If anyone pushed you from the cliffs or purposely left you to die, he would have known. Would have told us already…” The last sentence is barely a whisper.
“So I’m guessing it means something that no one has said anything so far?”
He nods, taking another step backward.
The slow placement of distance between us annoys me and I vindictively step backward into the room.
“Will you join me for dinner again tomorrow?” Kieran asks, eyes lingering on my lips.
I feel the heat at the hollow of my throat. Could I say no? Did I want to say no? I think about it for a moment, tapping my finger against my lip for dramatic effect, hiding the fact that an electric thrum ran through my veins. Warning signs, maybe?
“I’d love to have dinner with you again in the creepy dining room.”
A laugh escapes his lips, deep and wholehearted.
And there it is again, the feeling that hums beneath my skin, the heat that rushes for my cheeks, and the prickles of attraction across my skin.
What is wrong with me?
TWENTY-SIX
“So below as above
What you bury,
the Earth will grow…”
— EXCERPT FROM THE SHERIFF’S LOG
Memory from a few hours ago is nonexistent. The last thing I can remember is the icy embrace of the sea. Right now, warm water gently laps at my body. I don’t know what I’m doing, laying here in this tub. I suppose facing my fears. Above, the intricate brocade lining the ceiling is delicate and dainty. I may be delicate right now but I never wanted to be dainty. Easily broken. I already suffered a major loss to my memories, whoever I transformed into, I hope that I am fearless in spite of my challenges.
The heat from the water infuses into my muscles, relieving any pain I felt minutes ago. I supplicate to the tub’s comfort for a few more moments, rinsing my worries down the drain before I gently exit from the water, reaching for the towel and drying as fast as I can. I pull the plug and watch the water swirl down the drain. Staring at it makes me feel uncomfortable. The thought spirals in my mind and I have to drag my gaze from the tub and force myself from the bathroom. I rummage through the clothing and find an appropriately warm outfit.
“Finally some comfort.” I tug the two-piece on, cloaking my chilled skin in the comfort of soft flannel and head to the library.
