Page 31 of A Dream of Stars and Curses

‘Veiled like her are the reason for my request. Should we get separated for any reason, find Anton or Saif. They’ll look after you and guide you back to me.’

I swallow but nod again. I’ll be a clingy kitten all night, that’s for sure. Except I mustn’t let her—or any of them—intimidate me. So many of them are natural predators. Shit, maybe they all are. They’d smell my fear from a mile away, and I’m walking right into their midst. I know they’re not mindless animals, but I won’t pretend I’m not helpless before their vast amounts of varying powers.

Leverett grips the steering wheel for a second, then relaxes his grasp again.

‘I’d have told you sooner,’ he says, ‘but I only found out shortly before I left. She was one of the first to arrive, so hopefully she’ll be too preoccupied with old friends when we get there.’

My stomach twists uncomfortably. ‘Were you...’

I don’t know how to ask if they were ever a couple. Just the thought of someone else near him makes me angry, and yes, I’m very aware that I have no right to my jealousy. Besides, this could have been hundreds of years before I was ever born. I don’t expect him to not have a past; I don’t have a right to that, either. We’re not together. I need to get over it.

Leverett hesitates a second too long, and my heart drops. ‘No.’

I try not to let my relief show, and I hate myself for feeling relieved at all. I’m not a child—I expect he’s had partners over the centuries. Probably many of them. That doesn’t mean I want details.

‘I sense a but,’ I say.

‘She once pursued me, viciously so. She didn’t take my rejection well.’

‘How come you weren’t interested?’

It’s none of my business, but I feel like regular friends would ask. Like it would seem weirder if I didn’t show any interest.

‘We’ve never seen eye to eye,’ he says. ‘I haven’t always defended humanity, but we met after I started. As far as I know, she hasn’t moved on from what some might call our glory days. If she separates us tonight, if she gets you alone... You’d be in danger, Esta. Don’t let her trap you anywhere alone.’

I try to swallow again, but my throat has gone dry.

‘What would she do?’

I don’t really want details of this, either, but if the worst she’d do is have a go at me for existing, I’ll relax.

Leverett hesitates again, and that says enough.

But then he elaborates.

‘She wouldn’t just kill you. Chiara is someone who plays with her prey. You would suffer before she ended it. And you’ll be in more danger for arriving with me.’

Don’t leave Leverett’s side for anything—noted. I won’t even use the loo while we’re there. Honestly, I’ve always struggled to go in public anyway.

‘How long ago did she try to... date you?’

I’m not sure it’s the right word—do vampires date like humans do?—but it’s not so far removed that he won’t know what I mean.

‘Two centuries ago.’

Damn. Vampires can hold a grudge.

‘I haven’t kept up with her, but the last I heard, she has never really moved on. She plays with her partners for a while, then discards them.’

The way he says it makes me think that plays with means tortures, and discards means kills. I shiver in the warm car. I want to meet all the Veiled and other humans at this party, but I’m not convinced I’m ready for this.

‘And if we do get separated?’ I ask. ‘How do I find you?’

‘If you can’t find Anton or Saif, stay amongst people. There are many others who don’t get along with her and will come to your aid, if only to spare you from having to talk to her.’

So, basically, don’t be alone at all. For any reason.

No pressure.

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