Page 12 of Kingdom of Chaos
“No, it’s okay. Yeah, it was a shock finding out I’m not a creature, learning I was adopted, but it’s not the end of the world. My parents are still my parents and I’m still me. Right now, finding Becks matters more than any of that.”
She reaches across the console and gives my hand a squeeze. “Yes, finding Becks is important, but this is huge too. I know you have to be feelingsomethingabout it. You shouldn’t feel like you have to bottle it up.”
“Honestly, I just don’t have the bandwidth to deal with it right now. I hear you, but there’ll be time for that later. Once Becks is back and safe, then I’ll unpack that whole can of worms.”
It’s the only way I can function—by pushing it all down. Falling apart isn’t an option.
Ensley’s gaze is full of concern, but she just nods. We turn off the main road and head down Titus’ driveway. His house is on the outskirts of town but still within the Nightlark Academy district.
I wonder why I never met him before Chaos. Maybe he’s a year or two older? Still, if he went to Nightlark, we would’ve crossed paths. Maybe he’s new to the area?
The driveway is long, winding through trees and brush, before finally opening up in front of a large stone manor. Green and red ivy climb the walls, and purple wisteria drips from the eaves. The front foliage looks a little wild, but with night fully fallen, it’s hard to make out the details. The only light comesfrom two gas lanterns on either side of the front door, casting a warm glow over a home that looks like it belongs in a fairy tale, ancient and achingly beautiful.
“Titus lives here?” I ask, surprised. I don’t know why, but I pictured a more modern place.
“This is the address he gave me.”
Before we even have a chance to get out of the car, the front door swings open and Titus comes bounding out with a black bag slung over his shoulder. Ensley pops the trunk and he tosses it in. I step out to let him into the seat behind me, and we quickly realize he’s not going to fit back there. With a sigh, I crawl into the back instead. Sometimes, it really sucks to be vertically challenged.
“What did your parents say when you told them you were leaving?” I ask as Ensley turns the car around and heads back toward the main road.
“Nothing,” he says.
I give him a look.
“I don’t live with my parents.”
My jaw drops. “You live out here all alone in that huge house?”
He shrugs. “It’s a family house.”
I twist around, trying to catch another glimpse of the manor through the rear windshield, but we’re already too far away. It’s not quite as massive as Ensley’s or Drake’s, but it’s still enormous. Especially for one person.
As we drive out of Everton and toward Grimbrooke, I start peppering Titus with questions.
“How old are you?”
“Nineteen.”
“Are you going to college?”
“No.”
“Where did you go to school?”
“I had in-home tutors.”
“How long have you lived in Everton?”
“Almost a year.”
“What brought you here?”
“Family obligations.”
And on and on it goes. I may not know much about Titus, but we’ve got hours ahead of us and I plan to use every one of them to figure him out.
Four
