Page 188 of The Midnight Order
My stomach twists, unease spreading like a nest of spiders broken open. My worries scatter like the aftermath, and I swallow over a burning in my throat.
“Keep checking and let me know what happens. Jasper,”—Lowell turns his attention toward the male who snaps toattention, awaiting his orders—“Do you still have a way to contact Styx?”
Jasper laughs awkwardly. “Sure, but he’s still as fucking insane as the last time we saw him. You can’t be thinking about having him try to help with this!”
Jasper’s disbelief has piqued my intrigue. “Who is Styx?”
Lowell only smirks as Jasper sighs, and Asher hides a laugh with a cough.
The smirk on Lowell’s face has me transfixed.
“He’s a male witch we met in New Orleans when we lived there.” Corvin’s voice pulls my eyes toward him.
“You lived in New Orleans?”
“We’ve lived a thousand lives,” Asher jokes.
It only makes sadness waver in my stomach. I might be the same soon, and I still don’t know if that’s the fate I want. But I’ve been suspended in this state for so long that I wonder if this existence that I live will ever end, or if I’ll live in this limbo forever. Never knowing who I truly am seems like a grim future.
“Styx is… What’s the word?” Jasper asks, rubbing along his jawline with his index finger and thumb.
“Insane,” Asher says. “Too insane to have his magic anywhere near Silver.”
“He’s trustworthy, though.” Lowell’s command is braided into the look he gives the room.
Jasper’s shoulders sag. “I’ll call him.”
I can’t deny that I’m happy they have someone other than Ossana to call because, from what I know about her, I don’t want her anywhere near Lowell or any of them, if I’m honest.
Lowell straightens. “Alright, you have your orders.”
We all disperse, Lowell being the first to exit outside before Jasper turns for his study.
Corvin heads toward the lab with the box.
“Well,” Asher says, turning toward me and tugging me close, “We’re the last ones standing.”
“Seems we are, which is perfect, actually.”
“Because you want to know about what happened last night to Corvin.”
I nod. “I do. Very astute of you.”
“I’m not just a pretty face, you know?”
I giggle. “Oh, you’re not?”
He pokes my sides, and my laugh carries through the house. “I don’t know if Lowell wants you to know about it just yet.”
“Was it Valentina again? Is she back? Her ghost?”
“Corvin thinks it was her, but I can’t say anything. You’re going to have to ask Lowell.”
“He’s not my keeper.” My hands perch on my hips, and I hope I don’t look as bratty as I think I do when I stamp my foot.
Asher’s laugh makes my stomachache. “No, but he’s my keeper, Sweet Silver. You can get away with a lot more than I can.”
I bite the inside of my cheek as he steps closer. My breathing quickens.
