Page 21 of Vervain

“Mire.” I pick at the skin around my fingernails. Serun watches the nervous movement as I say, “There’s a Prayer Sanctuary near it. They could have gone there, or even to the settlement.”

Tut, tut, tut, Reyes clicks his tongue. Avianna glances at him, then at the exit with a roll of her eyes, while Reyes says, “Well, let us hope there is something in Darkovish with a lingering scent. Underwear would be best, to my dismay.”

“I don’t know about that. The Bleeders made us wash every day. But there might be used sheets or pillowcases. They cared little for washing them.”

Serun gives a pained look. “Serun’s Law forbids making Feeders sleep on filth.”

“No one cares for your law topside,” I mutter.

“Then I will have to rectify that.”

Reyes clears his throat and lifts his hand to Avianna, who takes hold. Her smile seems strained compared to his adoring look. As Reyes stands, Avianna’s smile folds. Distant, dead eyes settle on me, and she says, “It is nice to meet you, Serun’s consort.”

“Sure…”

“Come, sweet,” Reyes says as he guides Avianna to the door. His focus turns to Serun once more. “We will wait by the entrance while you find your consort something suitable to wear on our evening stroll.”

They exit the room, leaving only Serun watching me with his curious glinting eyes, and I wrap my arms around myself in a feeble attempt to conceal my sleepwear.

“My mum told me you were all soulless creatures, and that I needed to avoid your kind at all costs.” I pinch my flesh. “I’m left wondering if the only reason she said that is because she was afraid I’d learn the truth.”

He steps closer, his shadows rippling. “Indulge me, kamai.”

I look at Serun. Truly look at him and those crimson eyes that mirror mine. “You’re like me. Or, I suppose, I am a lot like you.”

“All nightwalkers have souls, but most don’t know where to find them. My family are trustworthy, but don’t expect others to have the same grace—especially those topside. Some will only be looking to exploit you.”

“Story of my life…”

He laughs, soft and gravelly, as if he doesn’t want anyone else to hear it. “Fair point. I doubt I’d have to worry.”

We are silent on the way to my bedroom. Serun’s steps make no sound. He could vanish and I wouldn’t notice.

Shadows drench him, creating a cloak dripping with black cinders. With it, I’m reminded of the night he bit me. Ribbons of twilight and moonlight woven together seamlessly—a mating call for snakes.

Part of me wants to ask him if he saw the same thing that night. But then, what if he didn’t? What if it was a figment of my imagination?

As we pass Serun’s room with the sunset ceiling, I ask, “Is that always where you stay when you are here?”

“Yes. It is our room, but I doubt you would entertain the idea of sleeping in a coffin with me.”

“Not in this lifetime.”

“Then perhaps the next, kamai.” A crooked smile reaches the corner of his mouth, and his eyes curve into crescent moons. “For someone who became my consort a little over twenty-four hours ago, you are handling this surprisingly well. You’ve only tried to kill me twice.”

“Because I have to play nice. In all honesty, I doubt I could find Cole on my own. I’d likely get myself killed.”

“We can train with your vegodian powers—and I am well-versed in swordplay.”

I watch him from the corner of my eye. “But you have your shadows.”

He waves his hand airily. “I enjoy slow torture. Making my sword materialise, as you can, usually means I’m bored with my prey.”

“You are a fucking problem.”

Serun huffs a laugh. “And you are not, consort? I saw your memories. Felt the thrill when you saw the blood of your attackers sprinkle like petals when you tore them apart.”

“They deserved it.”