Page 173 of The Midnight Order
It does nothing for the hunger.
As the seconds tick by, I notice even Asher wavering at the scent bathing the room.
“Go,” Jasper says, flicking a hand toward the door to open it.
“Lowell,” Silver whispers, and it finally clears my vision and gets my feet moving as I turn and dart out of the basement, finding solace in the woods surrounding Thorngray.
Before
Ossana tugs my hand, leading me further into the woods. The palace walls loom behind us, casting a shadow even this far in.
Leaves crunch under my boots as she pulls on my hand, smiling at me over her shoulder.
Her light hair bounces, the ribbon she has it tied back with looks looser with each step.
“Where are we going?” I ask, unable to help the grin on my face and the light feeling in my chest each time she casts a glance at me over her shoulder.
“It’s a surprise. Don’t be such a stick in the mud.”
“I’m not. I just want to be prepared if you’re leading me to my death.”
“Please. As if you can be killed.” Her tone has an edge as her human heart beats a touch faster.
Her envy isn’t something new.
She’s expressed her wish for me to turn her more than once.
If I were found out for turning an unsanctioned human, especially one under the King’s employ, I’d be fated for the dungeons. And living in squalor beneath King Strixx’s palace isn’t where I want to spend my eternal life.
“Ossana, we’ve talked about this…”
“Shh,”—she turns on me—“don’t worry. I said I wouldn’t ask again, and I won’t. I just found something that I wanted to show you.”
“Fine. But I must return soon. The king will notice my absence. I can’t risk us being found out. For your sake.”
“Just a little further,” she says, wholly entranced by whatever mission she’s on, and I dutifully fall into step with her as I allow her to lead me through the thick forest.
Nearly thirty more minutes pass before we’re standing before a cave opening.
“You wanted to show me a cave?”
“Not just any cave. It’s magical. What I want to show you is inside.”
“Ossana, I don’t have time for games. I must return…”
She grumbles, turning on me and pressing her chest against mine. “Will you just humor me?”
I eye the opening as her breathing changes at our proximity to one another, and part of me wonders if she’s trying to lureme inside so she can have her wicked, carnal way with me. Which I’m not opposed to.
“Fine. Lead the way.” I sigh heavily as she squeals.
“You won’t regret it.”
I shake away from the memory as I stare at Silver’s house absently. It’s the blood.
The scent permeated my brain and dragged up awful memories.
I would come to regret stepping into that cave every day after I did so.
