She chuckles. “I’d tell you it gets easier, but I don’t like lying.”
I scowl. “Thanks for the pep talk.”
“Oh, if you wanted that you should’ve asked Gil or Miles. Rene will make you laugh, but you can’t take him seriously.”
Her rundown of our group makes me smile. “And yet, I wouldn’t trade any of them.”
“Look at you, getting all attached and acting the part of queen bee.”
“Technically, it’d be Queen L.”
“Already going to your head, huh?”
“How do you think it’s going in there?” I ask as we move closer to the moon garden, away from the keen hearing.
“You made a lasting impression. We respect power, and it’s clear you two possess a lot of it. I think it’ll make our allies nicer, and our enemies craftier or converts. It’s the same game we’ve always played, but now the odds are stacked more in our favor. It’s a good thing.”
I nod my head. I can feel the darkness retreating, but it’s not gone. It’s out there, hungry and waiting for a moment of weakness. We walk in silence. It’s peaceful out here. Luz tenses. A dark-haired man with sharp features and dark eyes appears in the circular entryway. There’s something about him that reminds me of Gary Oldman as Sirius Black, but he lacks the actor’s warmth.
“Easy, little warrior. I only wanted to get a look at her. It’s a rarity a witch who voluntarily spends time with our kind. Let alone allows herself to become attached to one.”
He has an accent I can’t place. I narrow my gaze.
“Please, Ms. Esçhete, do not allow yourself to be alarmed. I am Sergei.” He moves closer slowly.
Luz places her hand on my arm. “This is Vlad’s Emissary.”
I gasp. “Vlad, Vlad?” My face flames, but he chuckles.
“Yes,” Luz replies, “the very same. His reputation often proceeds him.”
“I can’t help but think you’re a long way from home, Mr. Sergei.”
“We make it our business to keep an eye on things. It wouldn’t do to stay completely out of the loop.”
“Every couple of years Sergei makes the trip out for equinox.”
“Yes, I’m glad I did not miss this one.” He studies me like a science project. I try not to squirm under his examination. “There were some interesting developments.”
“If you knew me you wouldn’t think I was all that interesting.”
“I very much doubt that.”
“Was the entertainment inside not to your liking, Sergei?” Cristobal appears with his hands behind his back.
“I wanted a moment with the lady without the press of a crowd around us.”
“And did you find what you expected?” Cristobal speeds to my side.
“Yes, the link you share is genuine. You never know when witches are involved. No offense intended.”
“None taken,” Cristobal replies, never taking his eyes from him.
“I will take my leave of you now. I’m sure we will be speaking again.” He gives a quick bow before disappearing.
“Is that normal?”
“Vlad’s people are thorough. The behavior is not alarming coming from him.” He kisses my forehead.