Page 31 of A Song in the Night

Some of it I recognize from when we chased Leo—the piles of trash and living structures, most of which look as though a strong wind could wipe them out entirely. But when they lead us to what I imagine is the middle of the plot of land the Barrens exists on, I’m surprised to find a tunnel built from a particularly massive garbage pile. It’s a gaping hole that leads into darkness, and I have absolutely no desire to venture into it.

“This way,” one of the male shapeshifters says, walking into the tunnel without looking back to see if we’re following.

“If we die in here,” I mutter to Noah, “I’m going to be really pissed.”

He chuckles, but it holds little amusement. “You and me both, Travesty.”

We follow the small group through the dark tunnels, lit by what looks like oil lamps every few feet. Water drips around us, making the space damp and earthy. We walk for what seems like forever, but finally we come to a stop outside a set of makeshift plywood doors.

“If you want to survive this, don’t make any sudden movements, bounty hunters,” the female growls before brushing past us, pushing the doors open and walking inside.

I don’t have a chance to react to her calling me a bounty hunter, because we’re walking into a large, open room. There are figures who I assume to be guards spaced out around the outside, standing straight against the packed dirt walls, but I barely notice them.

I lift my gaze and immediately spot the figure standing at the far end of the room. Judging from the deep crow’s feet extending from the corners of his eyes, and the harsh lines on either side of his mouth, the Barrens King is entirely human.Julian, the water nymph had called him. The name fits.

Unlike so many others, his mortality doesn’t detract from the power emanating from his being. Julian is massive—maybe the biggest human I’ve ever seen—and as his lavender eyes land on me, my stomach quakes instinctively. His thighs are like two tree trunks. His arms, though they’re hidden beneath a rough-looking coat, bulge with muscle. His hair is thick and brown, peppered with gray, and his square jaw is covered with stubble. The jeans he wears are torn and stained. He wears fingerless gloves, revealing nails that are, surprisingly, trimmed and clean.

He steps off the makeshift dais and approaches, his eyes locked on me as if Noah doesn’t exist. His voice is deep but not unkind as he asks, “What business do the bounty hunters have in the Barrens?”

When I say nothing, he looks at Noah. “He followed me,” I say quickly. “I was looking for a water nymph called Ratha, and his only business was to protect me.”

Julian’s gaze shifts back to my face. “Oh? Then I should warn you, young Lavender, that bounty hunters are not good company to keep. Especially not this one.”

I frown at the king, surprised that he knows of Noah, though I’m not sure why. I also note the fact that he called me a Lavender, but there was none of the disgust or disdain that’s usually associated with the word. I swallow past the dryness in my throat and say, “I appreciate the warning, but I really need—”

“Where did you get that?” the king cuts me off, jabbing his finger toward the necklace at my throat.

Panic rushes to the surface, and I grab the chain again, dropping it underneath my shirt to conceal the ring. “It belonged to a friend,” I answer.

“Belonged? Past tense?” Julian pries.

My jaw clenches, and I nod. “He was killed by someone who lived here, actually.”

I fight back a shiver at how cold and detached my voice comes out. Julian frowns. “I’m very sorry to hear that.”

I ignore his response. “As I said, we’re here because of a water nymph named Ratha. Do you know her?”

“I can’t say that I do. If you’ve traveled here hoping for answers, I’m afraid you’ve wasted your time.” He waves at the guards who led us in here. “Please show our guests out.”

“Wait—” I stop myself. I almost tell him about the conch, but something in my chest tightens the moment I consider it, urging me to keep the shell in my possession. Who’s to say what the Barrens King would do with it? I’m not prepared to risk finding out. Julian’s hands are clasped in front of him as he stares at me expectantly. Eventually I say, “Never mind.”

“Be safe, Charlie,” the king says before turning his back and walking toward the dais, effectively dismissing us as several of his guards approach him.

Noah and I walk back to the street in silence. I can’t shake the feeling that I’m missing something again. “Noah—”

“He lied,” the vampire says in a low voice as we make the trek to the train station.

“What are you talking about?”

“Julian lied about knowing who Ratha was.”

My stomach plummets. “How do you know?”

He slows to a stop and faces me. “He’s a good liar, but he had some tells. I don’t trust him.”

I arch a brow. “You’re not just saying that because he called you out for being a bad influence, are you?”

“No, Charlie, I’m not.” Noah’s voice is flat, which wipes the tiny smirk clear off my face.

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