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My bird is back.
Jet and Silver guide us into the west barren ground of the estate and then to the forest. Pine trees decorate our way. Except for random bird cries and the Jaguars roars in the distance, silence falls heavy between us.
This is disturbingly similar to my strolls with Uncle.
I glance at Mae. She’s handling Silver with a veteran’s ease. There’s no resistance whatsoever in the mare’s movements. Mae’s head moves left and right, inspecting our surroundings. Her awed gaze gets lost now and then as we cut the miles.
“Is this whole place yours?” Her softly spoken words break the silence. She always finds a way to break the silence.
“It’s my family’s.”
“Humph. Talk about showing off.”
“You’re the one who asked, mouse.” I smile, not finding the energy to be infuriated at her sarcasm.
She smirks, half spinning to face me. “You’re the one who brought me out so you can show off.”
“I was thinking of getting you some fresh air.” I pull Jet’s reins to turn him. “Since you’re in no need for such courtesy, then we better head back.”
“No!” The wind blows Mae’s hair, sending rebellious strands to cover her face. She doesn’t seem affected. Instead, her gaze looms over the muddy narrow path. Sun penetrates the tall trees, drying their leaves. But yesterday’s rain left its entrails through the humid smell coming out of the grass. Autumn in winter. Grey in black.
“I like it here.” Her voice is above a murmur. “You’re so lucky to have this.”
“Such a place comes with its rules. There’s an exceptionally high price for the estate.”
She nods, her lips pout in apparent thoughtfulness. “I figure that an estate’s value is high. How much is it?”
“The soul of everyone living within its walls.”
She pulls Silver to an abrupt halt, and I coax Jet into stopping too. Mae tips her head to stare into my eyes. There’s blankness in them. Undecipherable lines cloak her features, forbidding me any access. When she speaks, her voice’s mischievous. “Including mine?”
My firm grip on the reins almost slips. What is that unprecedented tone? Is she playing with me? “Most likely,” I say, voice flat, playing along.
A wide grin animates her face, sending daggers into my chest. What is this version? Is she doing that on purpose?
“Does that mean you and I are the same?” She licks her lips. “You know, since we’re paying with our souls and such.”
Screw this game. “What are you plotting, Mae?” I snap.
“I was joking.” She releases an exasperated breath and focuses back on Silver. “You’re no fun.”
That’s it. I’m going to slip my knife into her neck. And for the gates of hell’s sake, people need to stop telling I’m not fun.
My phone vibrates, saving her.
An unknown number flashes on the screen. I answer. “Who is it?”
“Are you ready to meet our peers in hell?” Celeste’s excited voice causes an uncontrollable tensing in my limbs. “Your number wasn’t easy to get, Aaron, why are you this unsocial? I thought I taught you how to have fun. Remember that time in Hungary—”
“Get to the point, Celeste.” I cut her off.
Mae’s eyes widen, probably in recognition. I don’t know how much she watched of the surveillance camera but she must’ve caught Celeste’s name. Thankfully, she keeps her loud kitten’s mouth shut.
“How was the night after I left?” I can almost see the sadistic smile on Celeste’s face. She knew Hampton’s intentions and I’m sure she was the one to form the idea in his head. He was too dumb to plot such a plan on his own.
Celeste’s blood will have to pay for hurting Mae.
“Either cut to the chase or I will hang up,” I say in my calmest voice.
