Page 65 of Heritage of Fire

I leave the office early tonight, telling myself I need a night to relax after all we’ve been through the past couple of weeks.The closer I get to the warehouse, the more Luna occupies my thoughts.

Luna and I crossing this line is a bad idea, but it’s an idea festering on repeat over and over in my mind.

When I pull up to the building, I notice one of the vehicles is missing, and on my way up the stairs, the sinking feeling I’ll be walking into an empty apartment settles in my gut.

The door is locked, which is pretty much all the confirmation I need. Resigned, I enter and look around. Everything is exactly as it should be—except, there’s no trace of Luna. Not even a book left out.

I trail a finger across the cool island countertops. No plates in the sink, dishwasher empty. The wildflowers she usually keeps near the sink are gone.

I pad into the bedroom, and sigh in relief. Her clothes are still hanging in the closet, and I find her toothbrush propped in the acrylic holder in the bathroom.

Choked by my tie, I loosen it, tossing it onto the bed.

Leave it alone. You don’t need to know.

But my heart pounds faster each minute I don’t know where she is.

Damn it.

I grab my keys and jog back down the stairs to find Frank sitting next to one of the crates, inhaling a cigarette and scrolling his phone.

“Enjoying yourself?” I ask, eyes narrowing on the device in his hand.

“Uh, Mr. Balakin—so sorry, just taking a smoke break since Luna isn’t here.”

I want to shake him.

Noshitshe isn’t here.

“What’s her location?” My words come out clipped.

“Lev drove her to the library, sir.” Frank winces at my growl.

Lev.

I need to get him replaced. He’s taken too keen of an interest in my … inLuna.

“Get back to work, Frank.”

I dart out the door, back to my car, and stay fixated on Luna being with Lev the whole way into town. Images of Lev walking her to the doors, laughing with her, inundate my mind, and the realization that I’ve made it to my destination doesn’t even hit me until I’ve parked and I’m stalking through the double doors.

I’ve always hated the library. The way the hushed elitists despise you if you’re too loud. Teachers told me I needed to revere this sanctuary of knowledge. All bull. I could never be quiet when we went to the library.

As I move through the building, the combined scent of aged books and musty aisles mingles in the air. Whispers and shuffling papers cut through the silence. I spot Lev sitting at a long wooden table. Feet propped up, scrolling through his phone. He doesn’t look up until I slap my hand on the table, the sound punctuating my smirk.

“Lev. Where is she?”

He takes a deep breath. His face is too calm, and irritation hums through my bloodstream.

“Upstairs.” He sits up, placing his phone face down. For the first time, I notice the U-shaped scar on the side of his neck. That, and a flicker of—jealousy?

Good.

I pursue the second floor, squinting through each book-lined shelf for her. There are a few tables on this level, each with a vintage-looking lamp affixed to them. An evil librarian glares at me over her book cart as I wander, and I offer her a friendly wink.

Finally, I spot her. She’s sitting on the floor between two shelves in a loose t-shirt and jeans, books scattered all aroundher. Her hair is in a loose ponytail that’s pulled over one shoulder, exposing the soft skin of her neck. I slip my hands into my suit pants pockets and stride up behind her.

“Ah, Moonbeam. Enjoying the floor?” I almost smirk at the way she jumps at my voice, turning around with wide eyes that narrow.

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