Page 320 of Sorrow & Strangers

Which could lead to him trying to broker another deal with me. She doesn’t have to say the words out loud. But she’s right. Even though I felt that Uncle Lu wanted me to choose Hell, he would still play his games. He couldn’t help himself. Normally, I find that endearing, but not when I am the target.

Mira disentangles from me, and I reluctantly set her back on her feet. “I’ll run by the headmaster’s office to pick it up,” she says.

Summer shakes her head. “I got it. Say your goodbyes.”

This should be my responsibility. I should take care of it, but I want every moment I can get with Mira.

“How much brimstone do you have?” Summer asks, pulling on her shoes.

“Enough for three weeks, Mira packed it for me,” I say, brushing a tender kiss against her smiling lips.

“Mira will be there in three and a half weeks, maybe four?” Summer asks.

I nod.

“It will only last three weeks, and that is if he uses it sparingly,” Mira adds, and I shoot Summer a guilty look for not thinking this through. Brimstone is an essential part of my diet right now. It helps me consume regular food, and it helps negate the cravings for other meat.

“I’ll be back in twenty,” Summer says, throwing me a glare before departing. I should feel bad, but the moment she is gone, I lose myself in Mira’s lips, determined to take advantage of every moment together.

Chapter One Hundred Thirty-Three

Summer

The campus is full of students saying their goodbyes, and they’re all crying and sniffling as they do it. The old Summer would have sneered at them, judging them for their display of emotions, but nowadays, I’ve gone soft. I relate to them because I already miss my family. I’m about to turn and head up the stairs into Manananggal Hall when I run into Max.

He smiles, though things are still pretty awkward between us. I might have to take the stranger up on his offer to train me next year.

“Hey, heading out?” Max asks, moving down the stairs to stand beside me.

“Nah, I think Mira and I will be here for a couple more days until Alice gets back from Drãculea, and then we’re going on a girls’ trip,” I say.

“Girls gone wild?”

“Something like that,” I say with an awkward laugh.

“I saw the news about Alice. How’s she holding up?”

“She’s doing really well. Thriving, actually.” She has taken to her new role like a duck to water, and I have never been more proud of her.

“And you? How are you doing?”

I nod. “I’m good. You?”

Max smiles. “I’m okay. Where are you headed?”

“The headmaster’s office. I need to get brimstone for Rafe. The bonehead didn’t consider that he would have to rely on the devil himself if he didn’t bring his own.”

Max nods. “Right, he’s leaving today.”

“He is.”

“You nervous?”

“Very, but Mira will be with him every few months, so that’ll keep him going.”

“Can I help?” Max asks, and I can hear the sincerity in his offer.

“With Rafe? You already do, Maxxy.”