Page 6 of Veiled Yearning

I don’t know Knight well, but he was a part of my rescue, and the thought of him suffering that same torture…

“He’s safe. But there are some… developments.”

“Like?” My skin prickles. Everything feels too small, too tight—my clothes, the walls, everything closing in around me. “Are they coming for me? Frederick? Do I need to leave?”

“No, no,” he hurries to answer. “But we thought it best to tell you about them in person.”

“Are you coming to visit, then?” That’s not too terrible. The last time Frederick came to pick up some talismans, Cait came with him, and we talked and drank blood-laced wine and for an evening, I didn’t feel broken.

“Not exactly.”

“Alex and Jules, then?” Not quite as good, but I’ve known Alex for decades, and his wife, Jules, is lovely.

“No.” A long pause. “Gavril is coming to see you.”

“Gavril?” Now I know what this is about. One of the oldest members of the Sentinels, he’s only coming to see me for one reason. And it’s not for a friendly visit. Gavril has one focus, and it’s serving the Sentinels. Which means he’s coming here to try to convince me to join them.

“It’s not that bad,” Frederick starts. “He’s just—”

“Why, Frederick? Why him? You know I don’t like visitors.” I jump up from the couch, nervous energy pulsing through me. “And I told you how I felt about the Sentinels. I don’t want to—”

“Just hear him out.” His voice pitches down, low and soothing. “It was safer to send Gavril. He’s just going to give you some information. That’s all. No pressure to do anything.”

“No.” Even though he can’t see me, I shake my head in refusal. “I don’t want to talk to him. And I can’t believe you told Gavril where I am.”

“Chiara, you know I wouldn’t tell just anyone. It’s Gavril. He’s not going to allow anyone to spot him getting close to your home. I would have come myself, but it’s just not safe to bring Cait with me right now, and I don’t want to leave her alone.”

“Fine,” I huff, scowling at the phone. “I’ll listen to him. But I’m not leaving Maine.”

“You don’t have to.” Frederick soothes. “Just listen to him, that’s all. Please?”

“I’ll listen.” I take a steadying breath. “When is he coming?”

“Well. That’s the other part of it. He’s already on the way. In fact…” He stops for a second. “Gavril just texted me. He’s nearly there.”

“Nearly?” My voice rises. “How close? Were you even going to give me a warning?”

“Of course. He wouldn’t come to your house until I spoke to you first.”

I can’t help feeling betrayed. Frederick just assumed that I’d talk to Gavril, despite making it clear I only allow a few trusted people into my home. Through gritted teeth, I say, “Can I trust you aren’t sending any other surprises my way?”

“I’m sorry, Chiara.” His tone is conciliatory. “If there was any other option…”

“There’s always an option,” I snap. Then I feel a little bad—he does sound sorry, and he’s been a good friend to me. More softly, I add, “I’ll talk to him. But that’s all.”

“Thank you.”

Five minutes later, my security alerts start going off, sending my pulse into the stratosphere. Bells chiming, lights glowing, alarms buzzing—all my homemade and store-bought systems going crazy.

I know it’s Gavril, but it still freaks me out. And I have to battle with myself not to run.

Finally, a rumbly voice filters through the door. “Chiara. It’s Gavril. I can’t see your front door, obviously, but this is where Frederick said your house would be. Can you let me in?” He pauses, then adds more gently, “Please?”

I could leave him out there. He can’t see my house; if I don’t open the door, he’ll have to fumble around until he feels a wall, try to open an invisible window to get in uninvited. And I can’t picture serious Gavril trying to sneak inside, regardless of what he wants to say to me.

But he’s here, and Frederick asked. Not to mention Gavril was another of the people who rescued me, so I owe him for that.

So I cross the living room to the front door, unlatch the three complicated locks, and yank the door open to greet him.

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