Page 30 of Poison Sun

It’s more like lustberry. At least, that’s what Damien jokingly called it. The fae queen calls it adorfruit, but I appreciated Damien’s attempt at humor around the situation.

I can’t believe I’m doing this again, I think, half-amused, half-wary at the thought of consuming another magical fruit. But this time, I know what I’m getting in to—or so I hope.

And so, taking a deep breath, I bring it to my lips and pop it into my mouth.

Its burst of flavors dances on my tongue, sweet and tart and somehow sparkling, as if I’m consuming the essence of the fae realm itself. In seconds, a warm buzz travels through my body as its magic rushes through my veins. A whirlwind of excitement, hope, and nerves—like when you have a major crush on someone and are praying they feel the same.

Excitement thrums in my veins, the berry’s magic making me feel more alive, more daring. Ready to face Lucas and give him exactly what he wants.

Me.

With no time to waste, I step through the arch and into Washington Square Park, alone but aware of the hidden eyes of my allies.

They have my back.

Our plan is solid.

It’s going to be okay.

I gaze around the park, which is bustling with life. Musicians playing lively tunes, children chasing pigeons, couples lounging on blankets. To any onlooker, I’m just another visitor enjoying the day.

Little do they know, they’re hanging out in one of the few neutral territories for the city’s supernatural community.

Now, if only I knew what I was looking for.

Unsure what else to do, I make some laps around the park. There are eccentric characters hanging out in it, but I don’t spot Lucas amongst them. Everything feels like a normal summer day.

By my third lap, a huge crowd has gathered around the center of the park. They’re clapping and cheering, and as I make my way closer, it doesn’t take long to see the object of their attention.

A skateboarder with floppy brown hair who looks to be in his twenties is center stage on a sunken area of concrete, pulling off a series of nearly impossible moves. He flips and spins, his board glued to his feet as he does an actual loop through the air and glides back down with a grace no human should be able to manage. It’s like the wind is behind him, guiding him, keeping him safe.

Air magic.

It has to be.

Which would mean he’s a vampire.

“Pretty cool, huh?” a guy beside me in an NYU t-shirt says.

“Amazing,” I respond, my eyes not leaving the skateboarder. “It’s like he’s defying gravity.”

He lands another impossible jump, and the crowd erupts into applause and cheers. He acknowledges them with a grin, skating in a small circle before setting up for another trick.

This time, as he launches into the air and reaches for his board, his sleeves move up, revealing his wrists.

Broken shackles are tattooed around them.

Tattoos identical to the ones inked on the wrists of Lucas and his clan members.

Amber

The skateboarder skids to a smooth stop, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.

“Show’s over.” He kicks up his skateboard, catches it, and pulls it close to his side.

The crowd claps and cheers for more.

Instead of indulging them, the skateboarder looks around and glares at them, silencing them with his sharp gaze.

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