Page 65 of Tainted Souls
I frown, immediately suspicious. “I can’t accept this for free.”
“Then consider it payment for services rendered,” she says, true to her cryptic ways. “Or services yet to come.”
Before I can question her further, her attention turns to another customer, effectively dismissing me.
I stare at the pendant in my palm, unsure whether to keep it or put it back. Something about it feels significant, though I couldn’t explain why.
“What did you get?” Haden asks as he and Evan join me. Suddenly reluctant to show it to them, my fingers close around the pendant.
“Just a trinket,” I say, slipping it into my pocket. “Nothing special.”
Evan gives me a skeptical look but doesn’t press the issue. “Alright, madam mysterious.”
We continue exploring every whimsical corner of the market. Haden stocks on ingredients for some experimental cocktails he wants to try, while Evan accumulates an increasingly bizarre collection of items, from pills that claim to enhance all sorts of things—focus, senses, joy, and yes, stamina too—to a miniature drone that follows him around making sarcastic comments.
It’s basically a mini, artificial version of Haden and himself.
By the time we’ve circled back to the entrance, mytension from earlier has completely dissipated. I haven’t thought about Max, Cain, or the Ravens in hours. The weight of the pendant in my pocket is a small reminder, but even that doesn’t disturb the unexpected contentment I feel.
“Admit it,” Haden says as we re-enter the tunnel system. “You had fun.”
I stiffen, trying to maintain my stoic facade. “It was tolerable.”
“She had fun,” Evan stage-whispers to Haden. “I saw her smile at least three times.”
Haden nods solemnly, as if marking a historic event. “Three times, huh? A new record.”
“Why are you guys acting like I never smile?” I protest, but I’m not quite convinced of it myself. Am I so wrapped up in my own head, my own battles, that the moments when I actually relax are rare enough to be noteworthy?
“Because you don’t.” Evan shrugs like it is the simplest fact in the world. “You are always brooding. It’s kind of your default setting.”
My mouth flops open, but I’m unable to stifle a laugh. “It was fun. Happy now?”
“Ecstatic.” Evan throws his arm around my shoulders, grinning as if we’ve just conquered the world together. “And the day’s not over yet.”
I’m surprised to find myself curious rather than dreading whatever they have planned. “What’s next?”
“Hot Shot,” Haden announces as we emerge from the tunnels into the dusky evening air, all city lights on. “The others are waiting for us.”
I check the time—7:45 PM. A part of me wants to call it a day, to retreat to my apartment and prepare for Monday’s meeting with Lexa. But the other part, the part that’s been enjoying this brief respite from chaos, isn’t ready for it to end.
“Fine,” I concede, ignoring Evan’s victorious beam.
“Seraph!” A familiar figure approaches me, one hand up in the air, waving. “Didn’t expect to see you out and about tonight.”
“Faye.” I give her a hug. “You look ready for business.”
“Always,” she smirks, adjusting the frayed strap of her worn leather satchel. “I heard about what happened the other day. Are you okay? If I were there, I swear I would’ve taught those nasty bloodsuckers a lesson.” She flicks her fingers toward Evan and Haden. “No offense, by the way.”
Evan winks at her. “None taken.”
The corner of her mouth twitches, but she ignores him all the same.
I nod, biting back a snort and smothering it behind a laugh. “You’ll get them next time.”
Her hand moves to partially cover her mouth, as if to shield the guys from hearing. “Me and a few others are heading out soon. Heard about a rare lead that’s worth the trouble.”
I hesitate for a moment, then shake my head. “I’m sitting this one out. Taking a break today.”
