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“I’ve missed you.” I matched his smile, then took a step back. “How’s work been?”
“It’s been hectic at the guild. Security’s high.” Under the yellow light in the hallway, I noticed his bronzed skin looked darker than the last time I’d seen him. He’d probably been training outside more.
“I know. Mom told me about the attacks.”
His eyes widened, and he leaned against the hallway wall. “I’m surprised she said anything to you.”
“I only found out tonight. I don’t suppose you’ll tell me anything more?” I arched an eyebrow, and he gave me a look.
“She asked me not to.”
“Some friend you are,” I teased and turned, heading toward the kitchen, our usual gathering spot. The bright lights flickered on, showing off the long marble island, black stools, and stainless-steel appliances. Sometimes it felt more like living in a showroom than a home, but this was all my mom’s taste. I preferred cozy, with warmer colors and wood furniture.
Draven paused in the doorway as I drank a glass of water, looking down at his feet. “I’m sorry I didn’t come sooner. I’ve missed you too.”
“It’s not your fault,” I said, and his nostrils flared. He had to follow orders, and the guild probably didn’t let him leave, especially with all the attacks. “I understand.”
“I wanted to come. I should have.”
My chest somehow felt heavier. “It’s okay.”
“It’s not.”
I licked my dry lips. “Draven—”
“I’m sorry.” He paused. “Really, I am. It doesn’t matter how I felt about Astor. He didn’t deserve to die.” He pulled out a stool and propped his elbows up against the island as he sat. “I should have come to the funeral, but I had to work.”
I believed him. Even though their rivalry went back to when they both started the academy, there was an unspoken bond between protectors at the guild. A brotherhood of sorts, even amongst those who didn’t like each other. “It was horrible, and in a way, I’m glad you didn’t come.” The memory of the funeral threaded through my mind, of watching Astor’s mom falling to her knees in front of an empty casket. The same twinge of shock and desperation she’d emitted on that day pinched through me, and I placed my hand on my chest.
“How have you been doing?” He shoved his hands in his pockets, taking me away from the dark memory. “I mean, apart from the obvious. I’m sorry, I don’t know what to say.”
“It’s okay. We don’t have to talk about it.”
I inhaled deeply. I needed a distraction from the constant pity coming from my mom. “Not right now. I’m just glad you’re here.”
He ran his hand through his honey-brown curls, which stopped at the tip of his ears. “Me too.”
“So these vampire attacks are crazy, right?” I tilted my head at him.
“Come on, Olivia.”
“Don’t be like her. I’m tired of being treated like some naïve kid. We’re both nineteen. Just tell me something.”
He chewed on the inside of his cheek. “How about this? I’ll tell you more, but only after we both eat. I’m starving.”
I ran numb. Mom must have told him I wasn’t eating.
“Grilled cheese?” he asked but didn’t wait for an answer before moving toward the fridge.
I leaned over the counter, propping my chin against my fists. “Sounds great,” I lied. “So don’t keep me in anticipation. What’s really happening with the attacks?”
“It’s the sangaree.” He caught my eye, his mouth tugging into a grimace. “They’re getting braver, flying in from Sanmorte. I assume their food supply is low if they’re coming so far inland.”
My nose crinkled. The vampires usually snatched a few of us from the eastern towns, but we were in the southwest. It was unusual, but I supposed that’s why the guild had a branch here, in case these things happened. “Is that what my mom’s doing? Hunting them?”
“She’s leading a team out to the last sighting of one.”
Bile climbed my throat. I should have hugged her goodbye.
