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I spread my arms wide. “Here I am. I haven’t left.”
“Glad to see it.” He prowls to the archway and leans casually against the stone. “It went well tonight. Very well.”
I lift my shoulders in a shrug. Does he want to chat now as if we are friends? “Did it?”
He smirks at me. “That girl of yours is a rare find. I’m glad you suggested I audition her. I think I’ve had more comments about her solo than any other part of the production. I’ll have to have her in the lead role next time.”
I fold my arms across my chest with a grunt. Of course, Jessie is amazing. Of course, she should have the lead role. Only a small part of me tenses at the suggestion. How much more risk will there be when she’s on every poster and at the forefront of people’s minds. It’s what she wants though, and I’m happy for her. I’ll just have to work harder to keep her safe.
Eventually, he leaves me alone after he’s berated me again about the promise I made to keep his precious theater safe. As if I’d let it burn down when it represents all my princess’s dreams.
I gaze out into the dark night and wait for her to come back to me.
***
Her scent on the nightbreeze comes to me first. It’s deep and rich and sweet as ever. I spot her walking alone down a dark street between two smaller buildings and my wings twitch in frustration. She should have gotten a ride or walked with a friend. I don’t like her out late alone. I don’t like that she doesn’t have a way of contacting me. I would have come to get her if I had known.
A billboard advertising the show blocks my view of part of the street. As the real figure of Jessie slips behind her printed likeness, a shard of fear spikes my gut. Moments later, I realize why. Jessie’s scent changes from sweet to acrid.
I need no further motivation. I spread my wings and spring from the tower, cursing when I land on top of the billboard and still can’t spot her.
Then I glance down and see her running. She’s moved faster than I anticipated. Swooping from above, I land on the street beside her and catch her when she screams and stumbles. “William! You scared me!”
Hastily, I search the darkness, but find no threat. “What happened?”
Jessie looks behind her, but shakes her head. “I just... I thought I heard something. Stupid, right?” She’s breathing hard. Harder than the short run alone should warrant.
I growl. “Not stupid. Why were you walking alone?Thatwas stupid.”
She swats my chest. “It wasn’t far. Brittney walked me to the corner of Hart Row.”
“Hmph.” I don’t want to argue, though. So I stoop and gather her into my arms, then spread wide my wings and launch us into the air. Jessie throws her arms around my neck and buries her face against my shoulder. When I alight on the roof of the theater and go to set her down, she clings to me.
“Hold me a little longer?” She’s shivering and I suddenly realize it’s not the cold, but fear.
“What happened?” My growl is rougher than I’d like, but she only snuggles closer.
“I just got some nasty messages. That’s all. Then I thought there was someone following me, but when I looked around there was no one. It’s stupid. Just a dumb fear in the dark. You’re right. I should have taken the main street or taken a cab.”
I brush a large, clumsy hand over her hair, marveling at how smooth and soft it is. Jessie sighs. “Just shitty words, right?”
I frown, hating that something I didn’t see coming has her so shaken. “What words? What were the messages?”
She shrugs. “Just some asshole calling me names. Forget it, OK? I just want to forget it.”
I hold her against me as tight as I dare. “OK, princess. Whatever you want. We’ll forget it.”
