And the people. So many people. Every supernatural race, every age, every social status—whatever that even meant in a place like Midnight.
I couldn’t stop staring.
The air smelled like roasted nuts and raw meat and garbage and fire and so many different things I could scarcely separate them all. There were no cars in the streets, no modern transportation, but I spotted a few wagons drawn by demonic-looking horses, along with some rickety old bicycles and a few rickshaws for rent. It seemed that most of the city’s residents got by on foot.
Everywhere I looked, magick and firelight flickered in the windows, bright eyes in a face of shadow and rock. The same light burned in the streetlamps that lined the alleys.
My own magick surged, tingling along my arms and legs, making my heart race.
Amaranth City was filthy and cramped and louder than a concert, but it was easily the most breathtaking place I’d ever seen.
And when a familiar face finally stepped out from the pub and into the flickering torchlight of the streetlamp above me, Amaranth City started to feel, inexplicably, like home.
“Elian,” I breathed, my knees nearly buckling with relief.
“Glad you finally made it, sparrow. Welcome to the Hollow.”
His eyes were glassy, his smile too wide.
My heart sank.
I glanced over at Jax, who’d just exited the pub behind Elian. His jaw was tight. He gave me a quick shake of his head.
Fucking Devil’s Dream.
I had no idea whether Elian had brought a stash with him or scored one the minute he got to Amaranth City, but obviously, he’d found a way to get his fix.
Was this why he’d left camp? Not for blood, but for pills?
I blew out a deep sigh, trying not to let my disappointment—or my worry—fester.
IhatedElian for what he’d done to me all those years ago.
But more than that, I hated him for what he’d done to himself. For what he’d done—wasstilldoing—to the man I once loved.
“So, what happens now?” I asked, if only to take my mind off everything else.
Elian flashed his cocky, crooked smirk.That, at least, hadn’t changed. “Now, little sparrow, we go home.”
* * *
The third-floor apartment was located inside a modern, plain black building about a block from the pub. It was a no-frills kind of place, but it was a lot more spacious than I’d expected. It looked like dozens of other apartments I’d seen in Blackmoon Bay, with plain wood flooring and white walls, minimal decor, and appliances just a little smaller than average. The entrance was off the kitchen, which opened into a common area with two fold-out couches and a small bathroom off to the side. Down a hallway at the back of the apartment, I spotted a large bedroom with its own private bathroom.
“What she lacks in elegance she makes up for in hot water, indoor plumbing, and electricity,” Elian said, showing me around. “Gem managed to scrounge up some shampoo and conditioner for you—luxury items in these parts.”
“Hot water?” I gasped. “Conditioner?” All my exhaustion drained away in an instant at the prospect of a real shower.
Jax let out a low whistle. “You must know people in high places, Saint.”
“Once a deal-maker, always a deal-maker.” Elian held Jax’s gaze for a beat, a million unsaid words passing between them.
I had no idea how he’d managed to score such a place either, but right then, I didn’t care.
“Work it out, boys.” I claimed the bedroom as mine, dropped my pack on the bed, and headed right for that hot shower.
* * *
As much as I wanted to luxuriate in all my sudsy glory for the next three to five days, I also knew we had work to do. I wrapped it up quickly, then changed into a fresh set of clothes from my pack.
