Page 120 of Dark Embers

She looks so much like Alice.

I withdrew Alice’s brooch from my pocket and brought it up to my lips, closing my eyes and kissing it softly.

Did Alice hate me for straying from her? For wanting this young witch so desperately? And what would she think if she knew I’d drank from her?

Putting it back, I grabbed onto Piper’s doorknob and pushed the door open. The hinges squealed like a shrieking gryphon, but to my surprise, Piper didn’t budge.

She was laying on a bed mounted to the wall by two chains that angled away. There was a bunk above her, also held by chains, and two other empty beds on the opposite wall. They looked far from comfortable. At least she was alone.

“Piper,” I whispered as I drew nearer to her.

Again, she didn’t stir. I could hear her heavy breathing. I had no idea how long she’d been asleep, but it sounded deep.

Do not wake her. Find her phone.It was Alice’s voice, guiding me once more, and my heart squeezed in relief that she hadn’t abandoned me.

I looked around the room. Surely it would be close to a power outlet to charge overnight.

A nearby dresser was empty on top, and I wasn’t keen on pawing through whatever belongings were in the drawers.

I heard a digitaldingchime, and I turned to see Piper stir. Sitting next to her hand on her bed was a screen, lit up from a text message.

Stepping lightly over to Piper, I reached past her slumbering form and grabbed the phone. I couldn’t help but read what it said.

Phil: Miss you. Hope your day went well.

Piper had never talked about her relationships during our assignment together, and part of me ached to tell her to step away from the track she was on. If this Phil was her boyfriend… Well, I knew firsthand what it was like to be turned by an old girlfriend.

I stashed her phone into my other pocket and walked as silently from her room as possible, cringing as the door creaked shut behind me.

Sprinting down the hall, I zipped through the common room and up the stairs, stepping out into the Great Hall.

I slowed my pace here, not wanting to draw unwanted attention from any vampires. But luck was not on my side. Marguerite happened to be sitting in one of the luxurious chairs off to the side.

“What’s the hurry, Julian?” she asked.

She wasn’t in her typical black jeans and hoodie, but in a form-fitting sleeveless dress that ran down to just above her knees. She applied an extra coat of black lipstick to her lips and stood up. She was taller, due to the dark high heels she wore. Her white-blonde hair rolled down on her shoulders, a stark contrast to the rest of her outfit.

I stopped in my tracks. She looked beautiful, and I realized I hadn’t thought that about her for averylong time. But just as soon as the thought came, I dashed it away, sticking a hand into my pocket and grasping Alice’s brooch again.

“I just need some fresh air,” I said, moving for the door again.

Quick as a flash, Marguerite appeared in front of me. The high heels did nothing to slow her down.

“Mind if I join you?” she asked, smiling at me and reaching for my free hand.

“I’m actually going to watch the sunrise,” I said, trying to move past her.

She grabbed my arm as I went by, stopping my progression again.

“I can stay with you while it’s dark,” she offered. “You look like you’ve got a lot on your mind. I’d love to help you sort it out.”

I looked into her icy blue eyes, injecting as much venom into my tone as possible. “No thank you.”

Marguerite held on for another moment, as if hoping I’d change my mind. But I stood firm.

At last, she released me, the rejection showing in her countenance.

Finally free, I ran out into the cold, wintry night, sprinting through the snow and whipping past trees. I didn’t have anywhere specific I wanted to go. I just needed to get far enough away to make an important phone call.

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