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“Mmm, the leash looks good on him,” Merick murmured, drawing nearer. “I’d like to see him strung up by it.”
Haven ignored him, stepping past and pulling Cypress along and out of the quarters. He wasn’t unaware of the apologetic look Cypress gave to Merick’s pet on the way out. “Friend of yours?” he asked when they stood in the hallway.
Cypress raised a brow speculatively, his gaze flickering between Haven and Sirene, who hadn’t moved from her post. “I haven’t seen you in days.”
“I’ve been busy.”
“I can’t serve you if you’re too busy to see me.”
A rush of frustration flooded Haven’s mind. “It’s not your place to question my decisions. I don’t need nor desire yourservice.”
“Have you eaten?”
“Again, not your concern.”
“Then why are you here?”
Haven straightened, tugging on the leash as a reminder of the stark differences between them, the vast valley of privilege that separated them. “I told you. I’m taking you on a walk.” He yanked, and Cypress stumbled behind him, following like a dog as they trailed down the hall. Behind them, Sirene followed.
“Why?”
Haven’s hands clenched. Why did this human insist on testing him? “I’ve been advised that the fresh air will be good for your health.”
“But why do you care about that?”
Haven whirled on him, attempting to school his features. “Why are you challenging me?”
“Is it even safe for you to go outside during the day?”
Haven blinked. Was Cypressconcernedfor him? No, there had to be an ulterior motive. With humans, there always was. “The sun is too weak to kill.”
“Not always.”
Haven raised a brow at his strange assessment. “In New Avalon.”
“But it could still hurt you.”
“I’m taking precautions.”
Cypress smirked.“A parasol.”
“Are you mocking me?” Heat flared around Haven’s collar.
“I’d never dream of it.” Cypress lowered his gaze, his lips still curled though he tried to hide it. Was the human…teasing him?
Huffing, Haven turned his back to Cypress and continued onward, ignoring him once again. As they passed down the stairs and into the main hall, Haven led them toward the back veranda, once an expansive garden, now a large path through deadened trees. Large velvet curtains blocked out all light, but as long as Haven avoided direct sunlight, he’d be safe. He nodded, indicating for Cypress to pull back the curtain from the paned exterior doors. And as the human did so, Haven retrieved a parasol from the basket against the wall.
The exposed sky was gray and filled with smog.
“Open the door.”
As Cypress turned the knob and held the door open, a soft gust of wind ruffled Haven’s hair. It had been so long since he’d been outside. Since the first time he’d purposely walked into the sun only to find that the pins and needles sensation burned but didn’t kill. Thorne had severely punished him afterward, whipping him before applying salve to his burns.
That was the first time Haven had attempted suicide.
Now, he knew better than to try.
“Sirene, stay here,” he commanded. Though his guard’s jaw twitched, Sirene nodded curtly and assumed a protective position at the door.
