Page 81 of Stalk the Dark
He raised a hand in acknowledgment but didn’t stop.
Hemlock ambled out of the room and down the corridor. “I need a shower.”
Ordell moved in the opposite direction, toward my balcony doors. He stepped out into the rapidly fallingnight, and I followed. It was a spacious balcony, perfect for dragging a chair out and watching the sunset, but right now, it was overgrown with ivy, the stone barrier covered in moss. The upkeep of the house obviously didn’t extend to the exterior.
Ordell stood, hands on hips, looking down the side of the building. There was a trellis and more ivy, thick and knotted, climbing the wall. “I want you to lock those doors at night.”
“Why? You think Ezekiel’s going to sneak in for a midnight snack?” I kept my tone light and teasing.
“I don’t know what to think.” He sounded almost reflective. “Until I figure it out, please keep your doors locked.”
“Of course.” I went back into my room and across to the ensuite, a fully modernized bathroom with a huge claw foot tub. “Wow. I am so having a soak.”
Ordell wandered in and stared at the tub. He looked as if he wanted to say something but was holding back.
“What?”
He shook his head. “Nothing.”
Damn, he was being odd today. I wanted my easygoing buddy back. “We could explore the castle together after supper if you like.”
He opened and closed his mouth, the warmth in his eyes ebbing. “Honestly, I’m exhausted. I think I’m going to turn in. But enjoy your soak, and maybe stayin your rooms tonight. We can explore during the daylight hours.”
Disappointment formed a cold fist in my chest, but I smiled to cover it. “Sounds good. Get some rest.”
He left quickly, as if he couldn’t wait to get away from me. It was a far cry from his usual behavior. Had I done something to put him off? Why did I care? We could never be a thing anyway. It was better this way.
Easier this way.
I could totally live without his hugs.
Problem was, I didn’t want to.
Chapter 25
Supper arrived with a light knock on my door and a tray on the doorstep. No sign of who left it.
Ghosts.
It had to be.
Ghosts that delivered supper and cleaned castles? It reminded me of the stories that Babs would tell Nyx and me when we were kids. Tales of castles and princesses and ghosts, stuff I’d poopooed but Nyx had lapped up.
I made a point to ask Ezekiel about his spectral helpers when I saw him.
Supper consisted of cold cuts of meat, some kind of vegetable soup, and a bread roll, all washed down with a choice of wine or water. I missed Haiden’s cooking.
By the time I’d eaten, it was barely seven, and there was a whole night of nothing ahead of me. I’d expectedto speak to Ezekiel tonight or hang out with Ordell, but with those options off the table, it left me with Hemlock or Matthew, and neither was an appealing option.
Luckily, I’d become accustomed to my own company over the years and could entertain myself just fine. I shrugged on a jacket because it was chilly in the halls, grabbed a lantern, and headed out to explore what would be my new home for the next year.
I went back the way Matthew had brought us, to the main staircase, then the opposite way, up a flight of steps onto what had to be the third floor. There were no drapes on the windows here, and the panes were frosted and speckled with condensation. The damp air smelled of mildew. My breath plumed in front of me, and I held the lantern higher, hugging my jacket closer.
I should go back. It was dismal here. Lonely, forlorn, and lost. The words filtered through my mind along with a stab of unease and a dim warning bell urging me to turn around. I imagined the brush of fingers on my nape. A whisper of breath on my cheek.
No. Don’t.
My step slowed. Were those my thoughts? Had I heard a voice in my head?
