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ten

LUCA

It’s been forever since I’ve seen Eissa. Since I’ve felt him.

The absence is making me feel like I’m going crazy. My mind and body have been trying to conjure up things to do to keep myself occupied. I work out like it’s my job. I bake like I’ve never baked before. My apartment’s freezer is filled to the brim with dick cookies and a few experimental breakfast bars that I haven’t been brave enough to offer to any of my friends.

It doesn’t help that amidst all of this, Dante had a terrible flare and scared us all half to death. Cielo included.

It sent my anxiety spiraling out of control.

I’m a fucking wreck, which is probably one of the reasons I’ve become so fixated on Zane. I tell myself to let it go, that this is all just in my head, but something feels off. I caught him looking through Cielo’s bag the other day at the gym, and while he tried to play it off like he was confused and in the wrong locker, I didn’t believe him.

It’s only gotten worse since then, which is why I’m watching him now. Or stalking, though that seems like such a strong word.

I’m not exactly well-equipped to be a stalker. I understand the concept of sound. I can hear some things if they’re the right pitch, but I don’t really understand how sound travels. And far too often I forget that some things make noise. But I can’t let this go.

Something in my gut says that Zane is up to something, and it’s about to threaten the people I care about. He’s been hanging around Dante’s lately because of the opossum Cielo has apparently adopted, and while, on the surface, it looks innocent, I see more than most people. I see the deception in his smiles, and in the way he moves.

I tried to mention it to Dante, but he brushed me off. He thinks that because Zane is Everest’s best friend, his intentions can’t be bad.

I love my brother for his innocence and his willingness to see the best in people, but he’s also been hurt because of it. I don’t want that to happen again. He’s finally starting to find some happiness in his life, and I’ll be damned if I let anyone take that from him.

That is why I’m at the gym. It’s why I’m smiling at Quilliyn as he’s attempting to mess with his espresso machine, though it’s clear he has no real idea what he’s doing.

He doesn’t notice me at first, which is what I want because Zane is across the hall. I can see him through the windows on all fours, working out his core. If he weren’t such a red flag trying to mess with the people I love, he might be attractive.

I can see why Quilliyn keeps stealing glances at him.

Which is exactly how he notices me.

“Oh, Aelvorn!” I see the words form on his lips. It’s getting easier for me to read what Vyastil are saying, even with their fangs. He lifts a hand and circles his fist over his chest. ‘Sorry. I didn’t see you.’

I wave him off. His ASL is better than most humans but not nearly as good as Eissa’s or Cielo’s. They have put so much time into refining it.

‘You’re fine.’

Quilliyn nods and smiles, but I can see his gaze shift over to the window again, almost like he’s being drawn in. Like Zane is tethered to him in some way. I know the feeling a little too well. Any time Eissa is anywhere near me, I can’t seem to stay away. No matter how hard I try.

He blinks rapidly after a second, then turns his full attention to me. ‘No coffee today. It’s still broken.’

‘Don’t want coffee.’ Rocking back on my heels, I peer out of my periphery. Zane’s on his back now, doing crunches. ‘How long have you known Zane?’

Quilliyn cocks his head. ‘Several months. He comes in often.’

I see his ears flutter and I frown. ‘I’m worried about him.’

Quilliyn’s brow furrows. ‘Worried? Do you think he’s in trouble? Sick?’

‘Dangerous.’

His eyes go wide, and he starts to shake his head, then he stops. ‘Why do you think that?’

‘He wants to be friends with Cielo. Suspicious.’ I emphasize that sign with my expression. ‘He hates Vyastil.’

Quilliyn’s shoulders sag. ‘Maybe he’s learning. Cielo is nice. He can be friends with anyone.’

Quilliyn’s not wrong. If anyone can change someone’s mind, it’s the sweet monster in the pink jacket whose tongue is most definitely licking the bottom of a latte cup right now. But people like Zane don’t change easily. And they don’t change just because someone is nice to them.