We drove into the city in Ava’s new car. The ride was smooth, and the bucket leather seat gripped my body as I sank into it. I could definitely get used to it.
Ava slowed the car. “Oh, wow. This apartment complex must be twenty stories. Daddy says she’s staying in the penthouse.”
I hurried around to the driver’s side door to help Ava out. She waited for me to open the door, and I got her wheelchair out for her, guiding her in.
“I can do it myself, you know,” she purred.
“Yes, but you want me to pamper you,” I replied. I felt her satisfaction, which stirred our bond.
She playfully nudged me. “I can get back in the car and turn us around.”
“We can visit our Sanctuary later.” I nipped playfully at her ear, and she giggled.
You two know I just had my breakfast. It’s too early for all this foreplay.Oberi jumped out of the back seat and followed behind us in husky form.
“Take good care of her,” Ava said to the valet as she tossed him the keys.
“I will, your highness,” he replied, before the engine revved and the driver took off.
Hey! Leave a scratch and you’re paying for it!Oberi barked, though the valet couldn’t hear him.
I patted Oberi’s head. “Let the poor guy have his fun. He’ll get the car back to us in one piece.”
Ava and I took the elevator to the top floor. The moment the doors opened, I heard a high-pitched squeal from across the penthouse.
“Ava, you’re here!” Maddie cried. She rushed toward us, and we barely stepped off the elevator before she squeezed Ava into a tight hug. “I’m so happy to finally see you!”
“Auntie, you’re suffocating me,” Ava rasped.
Her aunt pulled away. “Sorry. I just haven’t seen you in so long. And how are you, Charlie?”
I’d only met Maddie once, when she’d shown up at the Institute on the night of the Villain’s Ball… and it hadn’t gone very well. Though we’d spoken years ago, I was still rattled by what she’d told me in our first meeting.
I held out my hand, and she shook it. Maddie’s hands were soft, but when I touched her, I sensed magic within her I’d never felt before. My Elven magic could feel hernadereipowers— the abilities of a prophet. But there was something else about it… of all the powers I could ever take as an Elf, this was one I couldn’ttouch. No matter how strong I was, the ability to prophesy wasn’t one I could siphon.
“I’m fine. Nice to see you again,” I said, though I pulled away quickly. I hoped the meeting would be quick. Maddie seemed like a nice person, but she made me very uneasy, because I wasn’t sure what she would say.
Another pair of footsteps came through a door to our right. “Is that Ava-Marie that I hear?” a male asked.
“Uncle Drew!” Ava cried.
A creature followed alongside him. The way its paws hit the floor and the sound of panting made me think it was a dog, but I couldn’t be quite sure it wasn’t a magical creature of some sort.
The creature approached Oberi while Ava and Drew exchanged pleasantries. Oberi sniffed him, then huffed, like he wasn’t pleased.
“Don’t be rude,” I scolded, before turning to Drew. “Can I pet him?”
“Yes, of course,” he replied.
I bent to one knee and reached for the dog. He had soft fur, a long snout, and pointed ears. He thumped his tail on the ground happily, and his tongue rolled out of his mouth.
Ugh, helikesyou,Oberi complained.
“Well, I’ve always been a dog person,” I said. “Let me guess… a German shepherd?”
“Ace is a hellhound, actually,” Drew said. “He has a Fire form when he’s feeling protective.”
My eyebrows shot up. “His fur is so warm.”
