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“Yeah it did,” I muttered under my breath.
“That’s great since safety matters,” Shiloh said. “How expensive is apartment living—if you don’t mind me asking?”
“It varies a lot depending on the type of apartment,” I said. “My studio is pretty cheap, but my sister, Joy, has a two bedroom in the same place with a walkout patio, and it’s way more expensive, but reasonable considering the size. The closer to downtown you go the more expensive it will get, though.”
Shiloh nodded slowly, her expression still less than her usually bright and bubbly self.
She’s alone—both of her parents died. I assumed her dad must have left her more than the house, but maybe the finances are becoming a strain?
I offered her the most reassuring smile I had in my arsenal. “Magiford has shockingly affordable rent. If you want to try an apartment, this is the city to do it in.”
“It’s the supernaturals,” Noctus said. “Although they make up a large portion of the city’s population, very few of them would be willing to live in an apartment, so there’s not much of a demand.”
“Really?” Shiloh asked.
Noctus nodded. “Werewolves would feel too cramped, and vampires are too snobby. Wizards would, but by nature they live in Houses, so that leaves fae. The big fae Courts all live on their sovereign’s land, so they wouldn’t be competing for housing either.”
“Mmm, but what about that supernatural apartment complex that’s newly opened?” I asked.
“That’s different. Those apartments are designed with supernaturals in mind, and it’s specifically for the outcasts of society.” Noctus’s expression wasn’twatchfulexactly as he studied Shiloh, but he was definitely catching on to whatever I was feeling, too. “Is everything alright, Shiloh?”
“Oh, yeah.” Shiloh laughed. “Everything is as sharp as sharp cheddar! I’m just curious.”
“You know you can ask me for help,” Noctus said. “Anykind of help, yes?”
“Yep.” Shiloh grinned as she started to back toward the sidewalk. “I know, Mr. Shade. Dad told me you were one of the good ones.”
“I’ve told you before to call me Noctus,” Noctus called after her.
Shiloh laughed. “Not gonna happen, Mr. Shade. I’m hedging my bets that Chloe doesn’t have any young relatives, so I’ll get to be the flower girl at your wedding if I act young enough!”
“Thewhat?” Noctus said, his forehead wrinkling with confusion.
“Ask Chloe about it,” Shiloh advised as she crossed the street.
“Please don’t,” I said.
“Then ask Charon,” Shiloh yelled back to us.
“Definitely not that, either!” I yelped.
Shiloh laughed. “Have a great night, you two!” She grabbed the mail from her mailbox before heading inside.
Noctus and I waved to the uncles before heading into the garage.
I waited until we got into the car and I was buckled in before asking. “Do you think Shiloh is doing okay?”
“No.” Noctus braced his arm on my seat so he could look through the back window as he backed the vehicle up. “And it frustrates me that she won’t tell me why.”
I tapped my feet on the rubber car mat—it seemed Charon had switched the mats out in preparation for the incoming winter weather—puzzling it over.
While Noctus has been concerned for humans in the past, it’s more in a detached sort of way as it usually comes from his concern for his people living amongst the humans. He’s protective of his entire neighborhood, but he seems to treat Shiloh with the same care he treats one of his people…
“So,” Noctus prompted me. “What is a flower girl?”
I slumped in my seat in defeat. “Oh boy.”
* * *
