“How far is the…castle?” I asked, still feeling awkward about that. We were heading into vampire territory according to Eyre, and it was to see the Lord of Vampires. It sounded ridiculous, even after all I’d seen.
“Not far,” Arick told me. “Once we’re out of the forest we only need to cross the moat, and we’ll be there.”
Of course there would be a moat. I didn’t reply, and it made him look back at me. He repeated, “Once we’re out of the forest we only need to cross the moat!”
“She heard you,” Eyre growled, swatting Arick on the back of the head.
Arick was baffled. “But she didn’t say anything.”
“Because she did not want to,” Azazel replied. “Liv Burnett does not speak often.”
I didn’t like this conversation much.
We continued to walk through the trees, the dirt path kicking up dust as we moved over it. It was a little pink, similar to the smoke that I’d seen on the airplane. It made me miss Luke even more.
Liv?
I stopped and turned towards the woods, wondering if I’d actually heard that. I could have sworn he called my name, in the real world and not just in my head.
When he called again I realized it was just in my head.
Liv, how are you here? Luke asked. It isn’t safe. Someone is—
I grunted and fell to my knees, holding my temples in hopes of stopping the pain. It had never hurt so much before to communicate with Luke—why did it now? I thought it might have to do with being in Shadeland, but that didn’t make complete sense to me.
“What’s wrong?” Arick asked, instantly in front of me. He kneeled down to my level and helped me up. It was hard to stand.
“Nothing,” I said, “just a headache.”
I glanced at Azazel and he nodded, as if knowing the truth. Eyre only pursed her lips; maybe she knew as well. How either of them could know I wasn’t so sure.
The pain began to subside, and I was able to stand up straight. I brushed off Arick’s hands, despite how determined he seemed to be. When I nodded again he took a step back.
“Is someone—”
“She isn’t a case,” Eyre said, “not anymore at least.”
“You don’t know for sure,” Arick sniped. “How do you—”
“She. Isn’t. A. Case,” Eyre said, her voice low. “Now let’s get to the castle so that I don’t have to bother with you or him anymore!” She crossed her arms, and Arick did the same. Their backs were to each other, and neither of them moved.
I stared, baffled. Siblings? I thought. They shared the same eyes and nose, hair colour too. I was a little surprised Agent Eyre had a brother, and by the looks of things a younger brother. I decided it isn’t something I’m going to ask about.
Reminders:
1. Glenbrook is still in progress and does not have a release date yet.
2. My novella With Cross & Charm comes out in a month! You can preorder on Smashwords, Apple iBooks, B&N, and Kobo!
3. Astral Bodies will be out around March, with some parts available for free :)
