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When it turned into an adult tooth, it grew a little crooked. And got more crooked as she got older.
She always wanted braces, but I dreaded it because to me it was perfect. It was her.
She wore white on our wedding day, and I wore navy blue with a bright blue tie. She told me it brought out the colour of my eyes, even though I pointed out my eyes weren’t really any colour at all. Just some murky shade that’s half way between blue and brown and green.
No veil.
No frills or lace or long train.
Just a simple, beautiful dress.
And the blond curls.
I don’t think I’ve ever been as happy as I was that day.
And now I’ve betrayed her.
It was the right thing to do; I had to tell Nova the truth because she’s a good person and Kaitlin would have wanted me to. But now I will never find the demon that killed her.
Never.
I hear footsteps quickening in the tunnels, but don’t stand up. If they’re coming for me, they’ll have to drag me out of here kicking and screaming.
Adjusting my glasses, which Kole managed to fix back together with a bandaid from the first aid box, I stand wearily.
My skin feels tight, and stings with movement.
The burns aren’t deep, but they are raw and the little bit of first aid we were able to administer hasn’t helped much.
When the door creaks open, light blooms into the room.
I squint into it.
It is warm, and orange. Not warm… hot.
A shape materializes. Wings. Fiery wings, and red hair, and curves.
“Kim…” Nova’s soft American twang fills the room above the crackle of her fire wings. “It’s time to go.”
I lean against the wall like a swimmer preparing to push off from the side of the pool. The air is thick with heat. The witch – Miranda – stands behind Nova, side by side with Kole.
“How?” My mouth drops open as the question settles on my lips.
“No time.” Nova gestures for me to hurry. “All you need to know is we’re getting out of here.”
Finally, my feet pay attention and carry me forward.
I expect to hear shouts, commotion, the vamps of the nest rallying under Zephyra’s cries.
“She’s dead,” Kole says, meeting my eyes. “I’m sorry. I know that means you won’t get your answer.”
I screw my eyes shut and inhale sharply. When I open them, I shake my head. “It’s okay. Maybe it’s time to let go.”
Kole holds my gaze. For the first time, I see the kindness that I feel when I’m around him. Big and scary as he is, he’s got a good heart. They all have. Which is why I couldn’t betray them when it came down to it.
“This way.” Miranda walks ahead, lighting the way with a small illumination spell.
We have rounded a corner and are approaching a ladder that looks like it leads to a drain cover when a breeze blows through the tunnel. Like the air on the underground when a train is approaching.
