Page 91 of Malice

“It’s not dumb, Hudson. I get it, but he is dead. You have to find another way to get the closure you want and let Aster deal with the leftovers.”

“Yeah.” I nod. “You’re right.”

“Can you promise you’ll try with Aster? Even though it’s scary?”

“I’ve been so afraid to want this, but I know he’s special. I just didn’t know if it was something I’d get to keep in my life. Is it finally time for me to have a nice guy?”

“I think so. I can’t promise a life of roses, but I believe Source wants you to know that the connection between you is real.”

My stomach flutters with excitement. “Thanks, Joss.”

“Of course. I’ll check in tomorrow.”

“Sounds good.”

I end the call just as Aster walks in with Otto in his arms. He smiles brightly.

“Everything good?”

I nod, returning his smile. “Everything is good.”

I’m restless.

It’s impossible to relax knowing all that hangs in the balance. I’ve spent the last thirty minutes playing tug of war with Otto, but even the dog is getting sleepy. Aster fell asleep on the couch after hours of reading his invisible book to prepare for the next phase of all this, and the house is eerily quiet.

I scoop Otto up and lay him on the couch next to his owner, then I head to the kitchen for some water. The ceiling above me creaks slightly, as if someone is walking around up there, and curiosity pokes at my brain.

The potion Wilder gave us is sitting on the counter in a tiny black vial. Just sitting there. I pick it up, rolling it back and forth in my hand, and glance upward. I can’t stand waiting, but I don’t want to wake Aster. He needs to rest.

Leaving the kitchen, I tuck the vial into the front pocket of my jeans and creep quietly up the stairs. I haven’t released even a drop of the anger and resentment inside me since the Horror attacked me earlier, and even though I’m fully aware of how dangerous this is, I want to see what it looks like now.

Before I can make it to the attic steps, Crash appears in front of me, startling me. His brow is creased and he has his hands on his hips.

“Just where do you think you’re going, mister?”

“The attic. I want to see it.”

“No, I don’t think you do. Best to leave it alone.”

“Why?”

“It wants to kill you, remember?”

“Can it?”

Crash nods. “Sure. Remember what I said earlier? It wants to drag you to the Below where it’s a lot stronger.”

“I remember. I just want a quick peek. I can’t relax not knowing. You can come with me, right?”

He twists his lips. “I can, but I won’t be overly helpful if it comes at you again. I’d rather you wait for Aster.”

“He won’t let me.”

“Right. Because it’s not safe.”

“If it was stronger it would be doing something right now, wouldn’t it?”

His eyes flicker toward the ceiling then back at me. “Yes.”

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