The campfire fluttered in the wind.
I looked down at my hands in my lap, sparks dancing between my fingers like fireflies.
Nate had dragged Ashley away to eat, before she went feral on me. It was nothing personal, only her way of showing her concerns, I knew that…
Lionel sat on the log across the fire, eyes never leaving me, waiting, either for me to break completely or do something incredibly dumb.
Eve came to check up on him, pacing, not sure what to do with herself. We weren’t close enough to check in with each other, but we weren’t distant enough to not worry.
I heard a grunt next to me and tried to ignore it, but when I saw something white in the corner of my eyes, I couldn’t hold back.
Jaden carried Malakai over, placing him next to me, before releasing an exhausted pant.
“There, happy?” he asked, looking at me.
The question itself burned deep.
Happy?
Would I ever be again?
Lionel noticed, nothing went past him. “Maybe rephrase that?”
Jaden cleared his throat. “Sorry, didn’t mean it like… Shit.” He scratched the back of his neck nervously, his black hair dancing over his eyes.
A single tear slid down my cheek.
Why?
Why did he look so damned peaceful, even in death?
Jaden placed himself on my other side, releasing a sigh. “Go eat, Lionel. I’ll keep watch in the meantime.”
Lionel’s jaw tensed. “Don’t make her cry… I won’t forgive you if you do.”
Jaden huffed quietly.
A few seconds passed, hesitation lingering in the air, before Lionel rose and went to eat with the others.
Jaden leaned in on his knees, watching me.
“What?” I asked low, feeling how his stare was burning at my skin as if waiting for me to ask.
“I was just thinking how lucky he is.”
My brow twitched, half-confused, half-irritated.
“What?”
“Having someone mourn him that deeply, having someone who love him despite his nature… I can almost see his arrogant satisfaction.”
I turned, staring at him. His face was blank, his eyes now on Malakai… The look in his eyes… He looked like he was envious of him.
“Look, Ethalyn…” Jaden’s eyes swept around, making sure no one eavesdropped. “Are you… going to get him back?”
My eyes widened, breath caught in my throat. “What?”
“Really? You haven’t even thought of it?” He looked annoyed now. His hand rose, before he flicked my forehead. “Dumbass. Where do demons go?”
