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“I don’t know.” I figure that’s all I’m going to get out of her, but then she says, “You have to be brave, sweetheart. Use your gifts. Don’t let Will’s doubt convince you it’s hopeless. He doesn’t remember how to hope. You have to remind him.”
The wind plays with our hair.
“You know what’s coming,” I say. “Tell me.”
“Will already told you.” She pets my cheek with sadness in her eyes. “Happy birthday, baby. I’ll see you soon—”
Knocking. Loud and swift.
I open my eyes to the dimly lit room. The horizon out my open window is peachy pink. It’s a perfectly crisp October evening. At first, I’m not sure whether I’m asleep or awake. Then the knocking resumes. I roll out of bed and rub the sleep from my eyes, then open the door and wish I could close it again.
“I hope you know the only reason I let you nap all afternoon is because it’s your birthday,” Chastity says, her expression pinched. After the incident with the smoothie, she and I have successfully been avoiding each other, until now. “Dinner’s going to be served in the conservatory. It’s your special night, so dress accordingly.”
I thank her curtly and shut the door, wishing I could crawl back into bed. I hate that I have to share this place with my father’s family. If I could sleep forever and live out the rest of my life in the spirit realm, I’d do it in a heartbeat.
I shower quickly and slip into Edward’s birthday gift to me, a red, beaded-lace dress. He surprised me with it this morning after breakfast, with a card that read,A special occasion deserves a special dress. Happy Birthday.
As I enter the conservatory, I’m met by the warmth of hundreds of twinkling lights strung around the room. Even some of the plants have been wrapped in string lights. I’m surprised to see Lilliana seated at the table, back from school on a weeknight. She eyes my dress with tepid interest.
“Happy birthday, Mariah,” Edward says, as he enters the conservatory. He takes my hand and spins me so he can see the full effect of the dress he bought. “I knew red was your color. You look absolutely stunning.”
“Thanks,” I say. He pulls out my chair for me, and I sit down. The skin on the back of my neck prickles. I stroke my nape. Something doesn’t feel right, or maybe it’s me that doesn’t feel right. Either way, I wish Will were here right now.
A moment later, we’re joined by Christopher and Chastity. Edward pulls the cork from an unlabeled bottle of wine and pours me a glass. I watch the deep red liquid swish around the bowl, and my throat tightens.
“The birthday girl gets a special vintage,” Edward says.
I smile tightly, remembering what Will said about there being blood in the wine.
Edward stands at the head of the table and raises his glass. I brace myself for what I’m sure will be another uncomfortable toast.
“I can’t tell you how much joy it brings me to have my whole family here tonight,” Edward says. “This place wouldn’t be the same without all of your efforts.”
I keep my smile pasted on as Edward rambles on about legacy and things we leave behind. Glancing around the table, I catch three sets of eyes staring back at me. I feel like a clue under a microscope, like the key to something bigger than me.
“Mariah,” Edward says, “getting to know you has been a privilege. I’m sorry you had to come under such tragic circumstances, but I hope the beauty and splendor of this place has helped ease the pain of your loss. You’re eighteen now and your old house is now in your name. While I’m certain Baltimore is ripe with fond memories for you, I think Isabella would want you to stay. Personally, I hope to have you with us for a very long time,” he says. I shiver. “Cheers.”
We lift our glasses. As soon as the wine touches my tongue, I taste it.
Copper. Iron. Blood.
Will’s blood.
I drop my glass.
Chastity shrieks. “My tablecloth!”
Red sweeps across the white fabric like time-lapsed clouds rolling over a town. A bit of it even soaks into my dress. Edward’s gaze follows the stain as it approaches him.
“I’m sorry,” I say, my voice trembling. “It just slipped out of my hand.”
“That’s all right,” Edward says. “I’ll get you a fresh glass.”
“Actually, I’ll just have a soda.”
“Of course.” His smile is taut as he pushes back from the table.
Chastity stands. “I’ll get it for her. I need to grab about five gallons of club soda while I’m at it.”
