Page 38 of Hunger & Harmony

Lorelai was strict about who could come with. It’s just me, her, and Arteria tonight. She didn’t mention yesterday, but maybe because this is more important.

“Quit looking at everything,” Lorelai hisses quietly as I do a spin, eyes full of fashion and traffic lights.

Security is less dense, though the small group of well-dressed guards is still intense as Arteria is stopped right before entering. I remain to the side as the band entertains a few questions and photos from the paparazzi.

“King Niklaus! You haven’t been to New Lure in so long! Are you here to celebrate the tour’s success and your indisputable reign as the Vampire King of Rock?”

The typical back-and-forth is accompanied by flashing cameras. I would be more invested if the air wasn’t so biting.

At least I have Niko’s leather jacket. No, I didn't ask if I could keep it. I just don’t have as sturdy a jacket as his! What else could I pair with this little black dress and heeled loafers? Being so far north, I’m sure he understands. Not that we talked about it. Or at all since last night.

The most I’m getting is his eyes steady on mine. I’ve been anticipating the return of his phantom touch, too, but it’s been sadly empty on my hips and neck. That leads to sillier hopes, like his cool fingers burning into my skin for real. Is he thinking about it as much as I am? Surely I’m not misreading his heated stares . . .

Fingers suddenly snap in front of my face.

“What? Huh?”

I gasp when I see everyone filing into the building. My focus moves to the pastel pink impatience in front of me. Lorelai frowns, gesturing for me to follow.

“Earth to Cadie! Do you want to be left out here?”

Wow. Fantasizing about my boss so hard that I’m about to lose my job.

“Coming!” I say, rushing to catch up.

For a bustling building, the lights sure are dim in here. By the time I catch up with everyone in the lobby, I have to squint and let my eyes adjust. It’s hard to make out anyone’s faces. Or their intentions.

“Everyone, stay together,” Niko says, voice sharp.

It’s not just for the cameras. Paparazzi are long gone as he gestures for security to tighten. His authority is natural, the characteristics of a king shining as he takes the front with Selene at his side. Even Ezren is well-behaved when I file behind him. Despite the low lighting, I can tell he’s even more tense than Niko. My mind returns to what he shared before, and how he was turned in New Lure. Hunters devastated his family here, too. I’m sure this city haunts him, no matter how much time has passed.

“Welcome!” a woman greets us as she approaches, fangs gleaming in what little light there is. “On behalf of V-Lur, I extend our sincerest excitement to have Arteria here tonight.”

Her voice grates like nails on a chalkboard, jarringly chipper for the overall mood of this lobby. I can hardly hear her sincerity.

“Of course,” Niko says, his flat response not deterring her fussing.

“Queen—ah, I mean, Archduchess Imara is waiting,” she says.

Is it just me, or is that a really big no-no? If anyone else is uneasy to hear that snide comment, they don’t show it. The walk to the elevators is uneventful.

The only crack in Arteria’s perfect calm is Ezren’s foot tapping like the beat of a drum. Nothing the elevator’s soft music can drown out, that’s for sure. I’m sandwiched between him and Selene, so I place a gentle hand on his wrist. He stiffens, only relaxing when our eyes meet a moment later. I give him an encouraging nod, and he returns my smile weakly. While I can’t do much, I can be a supportive friend. Only an outsider has that privilege right now.

It feels like walking onto a battlefield when the doors slide open.

This floor has more lighting than the lobby, only a few pockets of darkness shrouding who knows what as we pass through an open-concept office. Once the path narrows into a hallway with sporadic doors, my stomach churns harder. The air is thick with a metallic scent, and I suppress a cough not to draw attention.

“Your assistants may wait here,” the woman says, and I can actually make out how strained her smile is.

She gestures to the small waiting area. I exchange a glance with Lorelai before following her to my spot beside a magazine rack and a window. The blinds are tightly shut.

The last thing I catch is Niko’s eyes glowing crimson in my direction. Before I can react, he and the rest of Arteria are closed into a room, the black door audibly locking.

I’m not given a single moment to process that as another woman approaches us. Her demeanor is much friendlier. Pouches like the ones in our fridges rest upon a golden platter in her hand.

“What type, Miss?”

Does she think Lorelai is a vampire? I suppose her bubblegum goth style does lean more into Arteria’s styling.