Page 52 of A House of Fangs & Deceit

I squeezed my eyes shut. I hoped it was the former, and if not, then that their death had at least been quick.

It felt horrible to wish such a thing, but the alternative was that they spent their final moments in terror before getting ripped apart.

“We burned the bodies,” Vail said quietly.

I jumped and slid to the side, turning to face him. He didn’t comment on how badly he’d just scared me. Instead, his eyes were staring at the doll, and I didn’t think he’d done it on purpose this time. Rangers survived by being able to move silently through the wilds just as much as being able to fight off attacks. It probably took more effort to make noise while he moved.

“Given the lack of smell, I figured that was the case.” My words came out even but toneless.

Those who had died wouldn’t even have a grave to remember them by. There were two gravestones in a small cemetery just outside House Harker that were supposed to mark my parents’ final resting place.

But it was a lie. The graves were empty.

The wraiths and other monsters had ripped their bodies to shreds along with everyone else in that caravan.

Maybe burning the remains was better.

I shook my head slightly, trying to get my mind back on track. “You said the guards were attacked where they stood, but everyone else was killed while sleeping?”

Steel-grey eyes fell on me, and I fought the urge to shudder. “Yes.”

I studied the houses that lined this street and then walked back to the main street. Something was bothering me about the buildings.

Vail trailed after me, a terrifying shadow in my wake, as I went to the other side of the village where more houses were packed in. They’d started adding second stories to some of the houses, but they were clearly outgrowing this outpost.

Alaric emerged from one of the houses with Emil. The crease between his brows had only deepened, and his movements were stiff. Some of that was likely from riding for the last two days, but I suspected more of it was a reaction to this place.

A few weeks ago, over two hundred people had lived here. Now, it was a solemn reminder of how quickly we could be wiped away.

“Have you looked in that one?” I pointed towards the cottage that sat at the end of the road.

Its door was closed, and there was no visible damage to theexterior that I could see. Cheerful yellow flowers with long, delicate petals bloomed from boxes beneath the windows.

“Not yet. That’s the last one.” Alaric studied the house. His usually bright, sharp eyes looked haunted. “It’s the last one on this side. We should check it out, just to be thorough.”

Vail and Emil took the lead and entered the house first while Alaric and I waited until Emil whistled the all-clear.

I headed inside when Alaric hesitated and quickly took stock of the home. Similar to all the other ones, this one was simple but well-kept. A small, sturdy table was set against one wall with a couple rows of dried herbs hanging above it.

I reached out and gently brushed the lavender. Alaric and Vail explored the other rooms while Emil poked through the small cooking area and the cupboards above it.

“Pantry?” I waved my hand towards the door in the far corner.

Emil glanced over his shoulder. “Yes. I checked it out and didn’t see anything, but help yourself.”

Leaving the herbs behind, I went to investigate the pantry. I wasn’t exactly sure what I was looking for, but I was determined to leave no stone unturned while we were here. Maybe the locals had found something strange in the area and didn’t realize what it was or that it was dangerous, so they tossed it somewhere for storage.

Before the thought even finished forming, I dismissed it. I let out a sigh that turned into a bloodcurdling shriek as I opened the door and was knocked off my feet by snarling beast.

“Shit!” In an instant, Emil was there pulling the creature off me.

I scrambled backwards until strong hands grabbed me and yanked me off the floor. Vail thrusted me at Alaric before going to help Emil.

“Strigoi,” I rasped. Not that there was any need. We all knew what it was.

Emil grunted as he was slammed back into a wall. The Strigoi slipped from his grasp and darted towards the front door only to be blocked by Vail. The monster that up until recently had been a young Moroi male let out a low hiss and backed away.

Its deep green eyes took each of us in, looking for a weakness as it flexed claws dripping with Emil’s blood at its sides.

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