Page 140 of Reflections of Peonies
Miles lingered through the doorway, and he glanced at me. His brow was furrowed, and he seemed lost in thought. For a moment, our eyes met, and his expression lightened.
“I won’t be long,” he said suddenly, closing the distance between us. He kissed my forehead then, grasping my hand, touched his lips to my fingertips. “Just wait for me.”
I wanted to ask what he meant, but he looked so determined I could only nod.
And with that, he dropped my hand and left the room.
I stared after him, a strange mix of unease settling in my chest. Why would he say such a thing, and why did it feel like a goodbye?
The room suddenly felt much larger and colder as the door closed behind them. I wrapped my arms around myself, feeling exposed without Damen’s warmth beside me.
Detective Kohler stood near the door, pulling at his earlobe, while Dr. Stephens put a bag on my vanity and began to root through it.
She turned to them, narrowing her eyes. “I’m also talking to you two.”
“No, I don’t think so,” Detective Kohler said.
At the same time, Dr. Stephens also replied, “I think not.”
“Why the hell not?” Dr. Reed threw her hands into the air. “You two may be Elders, but Bianca is still my patient.”
“And our responsibility,” Dr. Stephens replied calmly. “The girl’s awakening has implications beyond just her health.”
Detective Kohler nodded, his expression serious. “Trinity, you should have come to us from the very beginning.”
“Yes, indeed,” Dr. Stephens added, shooting her a bored look. “She’s my charge.”
“Not anymore, she’s not.” Dr. Reed squared her shoulders. “Haven’t you heard she’s a married woman? Bryce is in charge of her now.”
“You shouldn’t judge them.” Detective Kohler frowned. “Fae can be strange—”
“That has nothing to do with being fae!” Dr. Stephens’s blasé façade finally faded as he scowled at them. “And don’t even remind me of that stupidity!”
“Be reminded,” Dr. Reed replied. “You can’t imagine the trouble it’s caused me. Besides, I know this is somehow your fault.” She looked toward her father and added. “And yours! Why can’t you two behave respectably?”
“We’re Elders.” Detective Kohler looked at her, disapproving. “We’re already respectable.”
She scoffed.
“Is that why you didn’t consult with us?” Dr. Stephens asked. “You think we let Kieran take her fromWhisperwind?”
She glared at him, stepping closer to me. “Youtrained him, and you were there. There’s no way he acted without orders.”
“Well,” Dr. Stephens said, his tone carefully neutral. “Yes, I suppose it’s true. But it’s more complicated than you think.”
Detective Kohler stepped forward. “We had our reasons. Sometimes, the bigger picture must be considered.”
Dr. Reed’s eyes narrowed. “That’s not good enough.”
I shifted uncomfortably in the bed. “D-don’t I get a say?”
They all turned to look at me, seeming surprised.
“Why?” I asked Dr. Stephens. “Wa-was it because of the prophecy?”
Dr. Stephens cleared his throat, his face a mask of professional detachment. “As Elders, it’s our duty to oversee your development and ensure your safety. This is especially true considering that prophecy. So, yes, that was a major contention.”
I nodded.
