Page 22 of Expose Me

I’d been here just a few months ago—when my life had been my own and not smashed to pieces by an annoying supernatural from some alien realm. I’d come here as an envoy on behalf of my House. Initially, we were supposed to try to entice the newly discovered phantoms to join Spirit and Sapphire, but that didn’t exactly go to plan. Between multiple shocking revelations and betrayals, and something that had caused me great personal pain, it had been an eventful visit.

The people of Braemar Castle had ended up establishing their own House. The House of Death and Diamond had come into existence under unusual circumstances, but I had nothing but respect for the leader who had made it happen. I’d left on good terms with Sabrina and Kieran, if still a bit formal. I had no idea if I could ask them to hide us or if they’d alert the other Houses immediately.

We were about to find out.

The heavy door set into the stone wall opened. We were still only halfway up the path when Sabrina herself stepped out.

“Sky! What a pleasant surprise!” Sabrina gave me a genuine smile. Her red hair was tied back, and she was wearing activewear and sneakers—like she was about to go for a run.

We met at the top of the path, and the phantom surprised me by tugging me into a hug. She was frowning when she pulled back, having taken in my disheveled appearance and the shoeless, dirty man who was with me.

“Yeah ...” I cringed. “You may not think it’s so pleasant when I tell you why I’m here.”

“Come inside.” She waved us in without hesitation. “I’ll have some tea made.”

I shook my head. “It’s better if no one knows we’re here.”

* * *

Zey sat in the plush armchair that was furthest from the fire. He was completely still yet somehow managed to look impatient.

Sabrina had led us up a different path to a cabin on her property. It was far enough from the castle that no one would notice us here, and it seemed to be under construction. There were tools and piles of leftover timber and paint cans in one corner of the small porch. It looked like the renovations were pretty much finished because there was furniture in the cabin that smelled faintly of paint, and artwork sat propped up on the floor, waiting to be put up.

We’d made small talk on the walk over and while Sabrina built a fire, so I got straight to the point once we were all seated. “Sabrina, I’m sorry in advance for putting you in this situation, but I’m hiding from the House of Spirit and Sapphire until I can prove something. I need a place to lay low for a night, two max.”

“You’re hiding from your House?” The genuine shock on her face was all the proof I needed that she genuinely didn’t know what was happening. That meant that the House of Spirit and Sapphire was keeping this whole situation quiet. It wouldn’t last long. They’d have to tell the other Houses a new portal had opened, and soon. And if they couldn’t find me pronto, they’d have to resort to naming me a high-priority fugitive. My face would be plastered all over the Houses’ official communication channels. The fact that I’d spent the past twelve years traveling all over the world on various assignments as a representative of the House of Spirit and Sapphire would not work in my favor.

“It’s not what I wanted, trust me,” I said, forcing myself not to glance in Zey’s direction.

“What is it you need to prove? Maybe we can help.”

“I promise you, no one can help with this. And the less you know of the details the better.”

Sabrina sighed, and I couldn’t tell whether she was irritated that I wouldn’t let her help or mad that I’d brought a diplomatic mess to her door when her newly formed House was so vulnerable.

“I’m assuming this has something to do with your friend here? Who is he?” she asked.

“He’s not my friend, and he’s not important,” I rushed out.

“I would argue that I’m the most important one in this situation, all things considered.”

“You would.” I rolled my eyes.

“Sky, I want to help you, but you have to give me something here,” Sabrina half pleaded, half admonished, her Scottish accent thickening with her frustration. “I’m sure you can appreciate the difficult position you’re putting me in.”

“Absolutely I can. And you can definitely say no. All I ask is that you give us a couple of hours head start before you report anything.” I went to stand up.

“Oh, sit down.” Sabrina rolled her eyes. “You’re so dramatic sometimes.”

“I am not!” I almost laughed. I didn’t think anyone had referred to me as dramatic before.

“I would have to agree with Sabrina, you can be dramatic,” Zey added.

“No one asked you, Zey,” I huffed. I was, despite my protests, acting a little dramatic with him. Even I had to admit that. But he’d frayed my last nerve, and I’d been surviving on protein bars and my stubborn refusal to give up all day. I was beyond hangry.

He ignored me and addressed Sabrina, leaning forward on his knees. “My name is Zey. I am the reason Sky finds herself in such a difficult situation. It was not my intention, but what’s done is done, and all I can do now is prove her innocence. And I would not feel comfortable taking advantage of your hospitality without being honest about the level of risk you’d be undertaking. As well as Sky’s House, my people are also in pursuit of us. But I assure you, I will know if they get close, and we will lead them away from your home. I implore you, humbly, please help us.”

Sabrina and I both blinked at him. Where the hell was this polite charm when he’d busted intomylife uninvited?

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