Page 39 of Thirst
I rested through most of the night. At least I was functional again, and I had the advantage of being awake while the rest of the monsters lay dormant until sunset.
The first task I did was write a note to Finn, which a human servant promised to deliver once the sun set. I paid extra to get him to deliver itnow, ignoring the nervous jitters that shook the letter in his hand before he turned away.
Within the hour, there was a knock at my door. I let in Finn, who came in carrying a new pitcher of blood as his cover for this early morning visit. A soft rustle brushed the hall, and an orange tabby trotted in after him as if it belonged here. As the cat brushed up against my leg, I bent down to pet it.
Finn’s red hair was hastily combed into place, and hints of dark half-moons darkened his under eyes. He offered mea tired smile, and something in my chest tightened. I kept my eyes on him, and he held my gaze with a heat that sent a surprised thrill down my spine.
The slump of his shoulders pulled a knot of worry tight inside me.Did you catch some rest?I signed.
Some,he signed back. He flashed his fangs in what was probably meant to be a reassuring smile.I will be okay. I learned a lot about the first trial last night.
I nodded and motioned for him to come sit, taking the pitcher and pouring him a glass of blood once he did. Mathias’s suggestion to enter the trial with a full stomach still haunted me. I glanced away as Finn took a big gulp, before having a seat beside him.
So, you used your animal spies?I signed, stifling a chuckle at the thought.
Yes. Nibs is still out there.The cat jumped onto his lap.And Butters just reported in.The cat claimed him with a firm headbutt to the ribs before kneading its claws into the dark fabric of his pants.
He didn’t flinch. He settled his hand on the tabby’s neck, fingers working through its thick ruff. As he traced the line of Butters’s spine, a low, steady purr filled the quiet between us.
And my own two eyes. The other vampires treat me like furniture, remember? I caught a conversation the regent had with a couple council members before dawn. They were discussing last-minute changes to the—He signed a word I didn’t know.
The what?
Maze,he clarified, then spelled out “labyrinth” for me by the individual letters.The Trial of the Labyrinth starts tomorrow at moonrise.
I swallowed thickly, and Finn elbowed me. I methis eye, and a pang of guilt twisted in my belly. He was about to risk himself because of me. Now we knew where we both might lose our lives, in the controlled environment of a labyrinth. I pictured death traps and monsters locked into the same corridors as we were with a shiver of fear.
Are you sure you want to come along with me?I signed, my expression growing serious.This will be dangerous. Very dangerous.
His smile faded, but his hands moved with firm resolve.I know. But you need me.He rested a hand on my shoulder for a moment before adding,You cannot do this alone.
If you are sure.
I am. Now, some things you should know…
He spent the better part of an hour with his hands flying through the information he’d gathered about the trial. We planned in a frenzy for the challenges to come.
I will befriend every animal down there, even if it is just the rats,he promised.
There were a few big blind spots that we couldn’t account for. The labyrinth was riddled with old snares and nasty surprises from the last time it was used, ages ago when Nemea competed for the throne. He’d seen Mathias mention having a scrying plate that could observe certain points in the labyrinth. I couldn’t let my guard down and expose my true face even for a moment.
You should rest while you can,I suggested while pushing a third glass of blood into Finn’s hand. His cheeks had the rosy glow of satiation, but I wanted him overfed. He placed it aside.
Worried about me?He flashed a cheeky smile.Soon as I leave your room, I am heading there. The rats know where the tunnels are under the estate.
I should not be surprised.The underground hostedbloodsuckers throughout the day, tucked in the safety of darkness. Wealthy vampires likely came and went at their leisure.Be careful.
His grin only grew.Oh, you A-R-E worried about me.
I nearly scoffed at him.Of course I am! Maybe we should play this straight rather than sneaking you into?—
Finn caught my fingers in his. Our gazes met, and the quiet affection in his eyes hit me harder than his grip. He squeezed my hands in reassurance. There wasn’t a hint of doubt in his expression. Before he drew back to sign, I knew what words his fingers would form.Do not doubt me, Sidney. I can do this.
You can do this,I echoed with my hands.
I am going to be the best devotee you ever had.
I never had?—
