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I’m curious to know why Callum and Raithe don’t get along. I don’t recall Sloane saying much about Riven’s brother, now that I think about it. The only things I remember are that he works at a nightclub as a bartender and has a pretty big social media following for being a “fuck boy.” Sloane’s exact words.

That didn’t strike me as unusual, though. There are a ton of fuck boys in Hollowcrest. Plus, every band has at least one of them, right? Callum’s phone rings, the call alert flashing across the screen to my left. It’s Raithe.

“Yes?” Callum answers, his tension climbing with each second that passes.

“I’m driving Kai to Arcadia. I have some errands to run out that way after. Meet us there,” Raithe says across the receiver, his voice rigid and detached.

“Whatever, fine,” Callum responds, pressing a button on the steering wheel to end the call at once.

“It’s Been Awhile” by Staind resumes playing softly in the background as Callum’s grip on my hand loosens a bit, drawing my attention downward. I glance up at him, noticing the way his jaw still flexes every few seconds. He’s always so stressed out, even more so after that phone call. Maybe he’s the one who needs the healing retreat. The thought makes me giggle out loud.

“What’s so funny?” he asks, glancing my way.

“I was imagining how hilarious it would be if you were sitting cross-legged around a fire, baring your soul to a group of like-minded strangers,” I say, repeating his words from earlier to him. “Oh my gosh, imagine you with one of those flimsy hospital gowns. I doubt it would even fit around you. Your ass would be hanging out for the whole world to see. How funny would that be? I actually would pay good money to see that.”

He starts laughing, the remainder of his tension melting away. He glances my way, shaking his head at my absurdity. I could get used to seeing him like this. The moments are so few and fleeting that I wish I could pocket this very version of him as a keepsake.

“It’s a retreat, not a hospital. They won’t be wearing hospital gowns,” he says, training his lips into a firm line. And just like that, he returns to his usual grumpy, joke-hating self.

“Yeah, but that’s so not the point. I mean, come on, you have to admit that you’d make those gowns look damn good if nothing else,” I say, pressing the issue in hopes of lifting the mood.

He smirks, glancing over at me. “Is that one of your dirty little fantasies, love?” he asks. “Me naked in a hospital gown? I mean, if that’s what you’re into, I’ll drive straight to the hospital right now,” he jokes. “I’ll even steal one of those big poles and give you a striptease if you want.”

I laugh, knowing how absolutely ridiculous that would look. It doesn’t matter, though, because he relaxes, and his mood is instantly lighter.

“Nah,” I say. “I think I prefer you just the way you are.”

He smiles at my response, and it’s one of the genuine ones he rarely chooses to show. It makes me realize that I’ve seen it several times in the last couple of days. The thought brings a smile to my face as I lean my head back against the seat.

Callum veers right, passing a large sign that reads ‘Arcadia Grove.’ I sit up as the car winds through the dirt path carved between the large trees surrounding it. When the retreat finally comes into view, both of us stare ahead in awe.

“Wow, it’s beautiful,” I say, taking in the view of the grounds.

“It’s fucking massive,” Callum grunts, driving up to a parking area off to the left. “Who the fuck has the money to build something like this?”

The very massive thing is more like an estate than a building. The property is wrapped in towering ancient oaks, giving it a secluded, tucked-away feeling. We step out of the car, and the scents of cedar and incense waft through the air around us. I hear footsteps approaching from close by, and I turn to watch as Kai and Raithe walk up beside us.

“Callum,” Raithe says, shoving both of his hands into his pockets.

Though I met Raithe briefly the night Callum brought me to Moonvale, I hardly know him. The vibes I get from him this time around are eerie. There’s something oddly familiar about him that I can’t quite place. It’s probably his striking resemblance to Riven, and knowing they are nothing alike. Raithe glances my way, instantly averting his gaze elsewhere. I don’t recall him being so rude. It makes me want to hex him, and maybe I will.

“Raithe,” Callum says in return, looking like he’d rather be anywhere else than standing in front of Riven’s brother right now.

“You two really need to kiss and make up,” Kai says, walking up to throw his arm over Callum for a hug. I smile as Kai releases Callum and immediately pulls me into a hug next.

“Lydia,” Kai says. “It’s nice to see you again. I can’t believe you’ve actually managed to grab hold of this grumpy ass and make him fucking smile for once.” Kai slaps a hand over Callum’s shoulder, and Callum huffs beside me.

“It’s nice to see you again as well, Malakai,” I say, immediately questioning my use of his full name when he visibly winces like I’ve punched him in the gut.

“You can call me Kai,” he says, brushing it off as quickly as it came.

Kai hasn’t changed since I saw him last. His energy is so bright and full of life that it makes me wonder what darkness lives beneath the surface. What kind of gloom could drive a man like Kai to want to numb his existence with drugs? I know that it’s none of my business, but being an empath often comes with genuine curiosity. I can physically see that Kai is full of life and love, but I also sense something devoid of light creeping around the edges.

“Guys.” Callum pauses, clearing his throat and shifting nervously. My eyes widen as I stare up at him. Are we doing this now? “Lydia is my … we are—”

“Dating,” I interrupt, grabbing hold of Callum’s forearm and squeezing lightly for reassurance, leaning into him to show support.

Raithe glances down from me to Callum, clearly bemused by the entire situation. The emotion is gone before I have time to question it.