Page 26 of Veiled Yearning

“It was Jules,” I told her, feeling slightly ill. “They—” Then I cut myself off, not wanting to upset Chiara again.

“They took her?”

“Yes. But it hasn’t happened yet. I need to call Alex to warn him.”

A short phone call later, Alex and Jules were on their way to Lake Placid to stay with Roman and Grace. It’s a move I hope will prevent my vision from becoming a reality.

“Are you sure they’ll be safe in Lake Placid?” Chiara turns to me, her brows pulled into a little worried V. She’s been quiet ever since I got off the phone with Alex, alternating between staring into the crackling flames in the fireplace and checking the stones lined up on the coffee table. They’re meant to alert us if a vampire or human comes close to the house, sort of like a magical motion detector.

“I’m fairly sure,” I clarify, not wanting to deceive her. “For now, Lake Placid is outside the Veil. So that helps. Alex and Jules are very powerful together, and forewarned… They’ll be on high alert. Plus, with Roman and Grace’s mind control… I think any Custodian will think twice about trying to come after Jules.”

She huffs out a relieved sigh. “Okay. I just… I don’t want anything to happen to her. Jules. In the factory… She was so kind. So brave. And I could see how much Alex loves her. I would hate—”

The row of stones turns a bright, glowing yellow.

Chiara goes pale, and she scoots closer to me. “Gavril?” There’s a reedy note to her voice. “Is it Frederick? Or…”

Knight sounds like he’s next to me as he speaks telepathically, his voice tinged with humor. “We’re here. But we can’t see the house, so we’re standing out here in the snow, getting cold and looking foolish. Do you want to let us in?”

Since he can hear my thoughts—he only does it when he has to, never to be intrusive—I send a silent response. “You’re a vampire. A little cold won’t hurt you. I’ll come to the front door in a second.”

Clearly worried, Chiara repeats, “Gavril?”

“It’s fine. Knight was just letting me know he’s here. They can’t see the house, so they’re all standing out in the cold, waiting for me to let them in.”

“Oh. Good.” After a pause, she lets out a nervous laugh. “I mean, not good that they’re cold. But that they can’t see the house.” A beat, and then a small smile appears. “Although, they are vampires. And they’re complaining about the cold?”

A chuckle bursts out, and I smile back at her. “That’s what I said.”

Chiara laughs, and it’s like her entire face lights up along with it. Her eyes sparkling with amber and gold, her cheeks flushing a rosy pink, and there’s this aura about her…

I’m almost tempted to leave my friends outside a little longer.

But it’s not safe; they shouldn’t be out there, exposed. So I rise from the couch and give Chiara a little pat on the shoulder, instead. “I’m going to let them in. I’ll be right back.”

Her expression sobers, and she holds my gaze as she says, “Be careful.” Then she reaches into her pocket and pulls out a tiny totem. Holding it out to me, she explains, “I haven’t made very many of these. But if you use it, it’ll give off a huge burst of light. Enough to temporarily blind anyone looking at it.”

“I know,” she adds quietly. “Knight says it’s okay. But just in case…”

“Thank you.” I take the totem from her, more touched than I’ve been in a very long time. Her concern… it’s different from when the Sentinels all tell each other to be careful before battle. I can’t pinpoint exactly how or why, but it’s not the same. And I like it.

“I’ll be careful,” I promise. “I’ll be right back.”

And true to my promise—this time at least, not taking into account my failure on the road—I’m safely back in the living room less than a minute later, this time with Frederick, Cait, Larkin, and Knight accompanying me.

Chiara’s already standing, waiting for us, her body nearly vibrating with tension. As her eyes land on me, relief sweeps across her face. A small smile tugs at her lips when Cait says brightly, “Chiara! It’s good to see you!”

Cait darts forward and hugs Chiara, then pulls back and inspects her carefully. “Are you doing okay? After everything—”

“I’m fine.” Chiara’s smile freezes.

“Oh.” Cait’s cheeks go pink. “I’m sorry. Of course you don’t want to—” She glances over at Frederick, and they exchange a quick look. “Anyway. I’m so glad you’re here. I brought some new books for you. And wine. I know it’s Sentinel business, but if we can’t take a little time for wine…”

“I don’t know…” Chiara glances over at me, the worry clear in her eyes. “I have so much more to do…”

The Gavril of a few days ago would insist on working through the night, only taking breaks when absolutely necessary. I’d remind everyone that our mission takes precedence over everything.

But somehow I find myself saying, “Chiara, you’ve done more than enough for now. I think you’re entitled to a break.”

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