Page 32 of Hunger & Harmony

As quickly as it came, my courage withers under his harsh tone. No, the last thing he wants is my meddling, and he’s made that abundantly clear.

When I don’t answer, he starts to close the gap between us. Before he can reach me, I swiftly step back, right into the warmth of the sun.

The tips of my hair glow the color of copper as I stare at him. I don’t want to be cruel. I just have to breathe. His shadow stretches across the floor, but he doesn’t follow.

He can’t.

For the first time, the divide between us feels insurmountable. The mortal in light. The vampire in shadow.

I still don’t see it. As protestors chant just outside these walls, I can’t find a monster. Only a man stands before me, wrapped in shadow and burden. A crown of blood stains his dark hair, but does he want it? What would he do if he had the choice?

Why do I care so much?

I take in a shaky breath. Already, we’ve been here too long. Niko seems to recognize this, as he turns and heads for the door without another word. I’m left in shambles, picking up pieces I shouldn’t even touch.

My personal phone vibrates in my back pocket just as the door clicks shut, and a sad laugh escapes me. The timing of my life is starting to feel like a joke.

While I don’t have any time to spare, I dare to check it. Surprisingly, it’s neither of my parents, but Viola calling.

“Lala?” I answer immediately.

Not even the sun could warm me like her familiar voice.

“Cadie, hi,” she says, tone already strained.

Shit. Did my parents contact her?

“So, your mom called me a bunch of times. Left a few texts, too.”

My stomach can’t form any tighter knots.

“I’m sorry,” I say, eyes stinging with a swift wave of tears. “Wow, today is not my day . . .”

“Are you okay?” she asks, voice dropping to a whisper. “You’re not still in Gravemont, are you?”

“We’re loading up,” I tell her. “I should go, but . . .”

“Before you do, I want to say something.”

She’s not the type to say that lightly. The stale citrus of the hotel’s air refresher is nauseating as I wait with bated breath.

“You need to be careful. I mean it. I’m not trying to be like your parents, either.”

“I know you’re not,” I say, shifting the phone to my other ear. “Honestly, all the protestors and bad energy here have been terrifying. I can’t wait to⁠—”

“Cadence.”

She’s cutting me off with that tone again. The one that halts me in my tracks.

“I said to be careful. Not just with humans,” she says. “But vampires.”

Confusion has me pausing.

“The . . . vampires I work for?”

“Yes.” Her voice is earnest, but stern. “You don’t know them.”

“Well . . .” I’m almost at a loss for words. Isn’t she the one who got me this position under Arteria? “I do, actually. Sure, they’re not all perfect, but Ez is such a great guy, and I admire Selene so much, and the whole band is⁠—”