Page 70 of Taste Me

He must sense my change in demeanor because he instantly backs away while keeping a hand on my shoulder. “Talk to me, my witchling.”

I force a swallow down my throat as I tighten my robe around my body. “Maybe I should tell my sister what’s going on.”

He sighs. “I’m not sure if that’s such a good idea. My brothers had a lot of concerning things to say, and if tensions progress, we’re going to be in the middle of a war with Gold and Garnet. Perhaps all the Houses, once they realize you’re here. Many of the dead are syndicate members.”

That didn’t sound good.

“Kaspian hates the syndicates,” I say, knowing that he’s right. After all of this, a war might be inevitable. Kornelius told Daithi’s cousin that the Houses are to blame. The Houses will know what happened in Lapland and pin all one thousand deaths on me.

They won’t let me live if they think I’m capable of death on that scale. Even if, technically, I am, I would never use my power like that.

“We’re going to have to brace ourselves,” Jasper says.

I reach up and grab his hand. “All the more reason to talk to Fallon.”

I don’t give myself another moment to doubt as I open up a channel to her.

Issy? Oh, Gods! You’re alive! Are you hurt? Where are you? I was so worried!

I swallow, guilt swelling up inside of me. Tears sting at the edges of my eyes when I hear the panic and relief in her voice. Of course Fallon would think the only reason I had walled myself off from her was because I was either spelled, or dead.

Hey,I begin.I’m safe. I just… I needed to figure things out on my own for a bit there.

A moment of silence makes my stomach churn.

You mean, you weren’t talking to me on purpose?

I expected the anger I hear in her voice, but not the crack of pain. That breaks me a little inside.I’m sorry,I say, knowing an apology isn’t enough.I knew that if I reached out to you, you would portal in and save the day like you always do.

And what the fuck is wrong with that?she snaps. Whatever worry she had has now been replaced with fury.I’m your sister, Issy. I’d do anything for you.

I know!I snap back.That’s the problem. That’s why I couldn’t talk to you, Fallon. I couldn’t risk your life, not again. Okay? You can’t just rescue me every time I’m in danger. That’s not fair to you.

I don’t give a fuck about fair. Gods, Issy. If something happened to you, I would lose my shit.

I know,I reply softly. I’ve seen what happens to Fallon when she can’t save me. It’s not something I want to put either of us through again, but this situation is different.

Now, I’m not alone.

You don’t have to save me, not this time,I tell her earnestly.I’m safe, like I said.

Okay,she says, the tension in her voice easing.But I still need to know where you are, Issy. I need to know what’s happening.

I swallow as I debate how to answer that.I’m home.

I don’t know what else to call it. I’m originally from New York, and even if I’m not in my father’s house, I recognize Staten Island from the window. It spans out, revealing all of the Outcast Coven’s territory through an array of town houses and well-kept buildings. The outskirts are easy enough to see, too.

No Man’s Land.

Home?she asks.You mean you’re still at the cottage? That place is a warzone! It’s all over the news. Kaspian is on another call with Khaos handling the fallout. Everyone is blaming you, Issy. I told them you didn’t do it, but I don’t have proof. If you’re at the cottage, Gods, please leave.

I’m not at the cottage,I say.I’m in New York.

Stunned silence lingers and I grip Jasper’s hand. He’s watching me through the mirror, and even though I know he can’t hear the conversation, he can read the expression on my face.

I can’t hide my feelings when I’m talking to my sister. She’s everything to me.

W-why are you there? How? I don’t understand.

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