Page 35 of Winterfall Destiny

It's imperative that I pierce Andrei's mind and open up what exists inside now. Are there new layers of thoughts and beliefs? What does he think about the First—and do they communicate? Hairs always lift on my arms whenever that possibility walks into the room with him.

Maeve insists he's 'her' Andrei, but they're not as close as they both want. Does he doubt her safety around him too? Andrei's childlike excitement around his new world both baffles and amuses me, because as readily as he quips and teases, he clamps up if anybody mentions how he's like he is.

We never leave Andrei alone, especially not at night, where our real fear that Andrei's desire for Maeve will send him straight for her. Maeve spent last night with Ash, and Jamie told me they're taking time together this evening. Maeve isn't stupid—we're obviously distracting and protecting her from a possible threat inside the house.

The greater reason I never leave Andrei alone long? I need to study him. I know the guy and his mannerisms well; I've faced his moods over the last couple of years, and watched when his anger flips. I'm aware when Andrei's hurting, always have been, even though he brushes me off. I saw the mess Ravenhold made of Andrei's mind when I collected him after his unnecessary time held there. Any longer at the place, and the Confederacy really would've started to mould Andrei into the shape they want. What else would they do to pull Oskar Petrescu's rebellious grandson into line?

Now Andrei's more than anybody realises.

Even us.

Ash and Jamie avoid prying in case they trigger something in his mind, scared the First left a time bomb, but I've avoided asking in case Andrei shuts down with complaints I don't trust him. We don't know how fragile Maeve could be around the new Andrei, which is why we resolve what we can before London. Once we arrive at the city, there'll be more pressure on us in an unfamiliar place.

Andrei's intensity around Maeve began months ago, the moment they spoke at the academy, something I'm well aware happened to me too, but the closer Maeve and Andrei became their energies melded in a way similar to a witch bond. Has that intensified on both sides now?

Andrei promises to hold back from Maeve without specifying what this means, but after another day watching Andrei's unwavering gaze on Maeve, I can't avoid the situation any longer.

I need to question him. Properly.

I've studied Andrei. Every change in his movement; his physique, skin, and face altered into perfection, his captivating voice, and how his emerald eyes now hold the star-like silver from the night we lost him. Sometimes, I've caught Andrei switched off, not engaging, alone and staring at the sky. This prompts the one worry I'm determined to resolve. Is the First inside Andrei's head, affecting his free will now that he's part of her? Because unless I've a clear answer, I'll never trust that Maeve's safe from Andrei.

I find Jamie in the lounge, and I sit with him to firm up more London plans. As I hoped, Andrei pokes his head around the door, holding the frame. "You seen Maeve?"

That's the other issue. Andrei borderline freaks out if there's any hint we don't know where Maeve is. After the third outburst earlier, I sat Andrei down to remind him how safe the Winterfall estate is, and that Maeve needs space. His face strained at my words, and I waited for the protest that he already gave her a week's space. But even Andrei knows how stupid that sounds.

We all need space. Which is why I'm guilty for not giving Andrei his.

"She's with Ash," say Jamie. "Walking."

The stone-like stillness grips Andrei's body again. "Off the estate?"

"They like to spend time in the hills. At the lakes," I say, dampening down my own preference that they stay behind the estate walls and runes. "Ash and Maeve always return happier. Energised."

Andrei chuckles. "Isn't that your job?"

"I sometimes worry," puts in Jamie. "Ash and Ethan aren't worried about his safety, but dragons aren't the only ones who want him."

"Gabriella won't take any of us again," I say softly. "That didn't work out for her and if she drags someone back to her hiding place, we'll follow."

Andrei huffs. "Fine. When's Maeve home? I want to see her."

His want almost sounds like need.

"I don't know. A few hours?" suggests Jamie.

Without replying, Andrei blinks and turns away. I exchange a look with Jamie.

"Andrei." He turns back as I speak. "Could you stay here?"

"Why?" he asks sharply.

Jamie rubs his nose as he looks between me and Andrei. I'd planned this tonight. Asked Jamie to sit with me, as much an observer of my plans as he is someone to intervene if anything untoward happens.

"There's something I need to do," I reply. "That you need to allow me to do."

"To me?"

"Yes."

---