Page 33 of From Frost to Flame

In the past, she arrived in a burst of ice from his royal chamber walls. Tonight, she hid just out of the scope of his vision. He could sense her in his periphery, but every time he turned to search for her face, she was gone. His ears strained to listen for The Ravenous One over the constant trickling from fountains and the light crunch of footsteps on gravel and frosted grass.

“This place. It’s the Lovers’ Garden from the painting.” Lex’s eyes widened as he spoke. “During the war she froze it over. Hundreds of worshiping nymphs died mid-prayer. Yet this is it, recreated and leeched of color. It’s an unsettling facsimile of something that was once so wonderful.” He held himself and shook his head in disgust. “Why would The Ravenous One do such a thing?”

“She covets places that hurt nonhumans the most. Places that, when she destroyed them, fed her insatiable appetite and powers,” Silas said distantly.

“How could you know that?”

“A book. Read it ages ago,” Silas said automatically as he continued to run on high alert. “Can you come closer—Ah!”

A sharp pain stabbed his skull and forced him to stop in his tracks. He clutched his head as talons sank through his skull, straight to his thoughts.

“Did you miss our garden?”The Ravenous One whispered.“I added more roses just for you.”

Frantically, with wild eyes, Silas searched the garden for any sign of her. Beyond the rose hedges, in the middle of the frozen lawn, a lone magnolia tree stood tall. The patch of worn-down grass under its shade dredged up memories Silas didn’t want to revisit.

“We used to have so much fun here.”

Something light brushed the middle of his back, and he snatched at the air. “Get away from me!”

Lex’s yelp rang out into the night.

Guilt consumed him as he met Lex’s fearful eyes. He released his wrist immediately. “Are you okay? I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

“You always did break your toys,”The Ravenous One said with an amused laugh. Her voice grew louder.“The last time you lost control, your prey was barely recognizable. Does your vampire know he’s walking beside his future murderer?”

“I know you didn’t.” Lex pulled his hand closer to his chest and rubbed it. “Is something wrong?”

“How many accidents have I cleaned up for you now? I even had to fix that fae you left in an alleyway. His face was such a mess.”

“No. Everything is fine.” Silas looked over his shoulder, searching for The Ravenous One.Where are you?“Can you still hold my hand? I won’t grab you that hard, I promise.”

“Sure.” Lex laced his good hand into his. “Is your head okay?”

“What?” Silas could barely hear him over The Ravenous One’s taunting snickers.

“You seemed like you were in pain. Is this related to someone being in your head?”

“There was a sharp sound. It was likely nothing.” Lex stopped walking, and the resistance made him panic. “What is it? Do you see something?”

“It’s an open garden. I don’t think anything can get the jump on us.”

“The Ravenous One could. Like you said, she’s smart.” His eyes scanned the distant wall of magnolia trees with inky black leaves that bordered this stolen garden.

Maybe she’s on the edge of this place.

Lex’s fingertips touched his cheek, and he flinched. His bandaged hand trembled from how much effort it took for his fingers to brush Silas's face.

“Silas, you can talk to me. You know that, right? Whatever it is. I’m here for you.”

“You don’t need to worry about me.” An invisible tentacle wrapped around his throat and made his words come out dry. “My mind is just wandering tonight.”

Lex opened his mouth to speak, but the compass flashed brightly, interrupting him. “It’s pointing over there.” He swayed on his feet as he pointed to the northeast corner toward a pool with a fountain in the middle. Silas ignored The Ravenous One’s taunt and squeezed Lex’s hand. “Castor, grab the others and let’s go.” He pressed forward as if the pressure of talons sinking further into his skull wasn’t excruciating.

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