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Oh no. Did she see me that day Kaleb and Davina met up? Was she here to reprimand me?

No way. It’d been a little over a week. If she’d noticed me, she wouldn’t have waited this long. I definitely wouldn’t. Not because I was a guardian who sought answers but because I was impatient. Just a little bit.

“Your presence has been requested. The Sephtis expect you in the gathering room in half an hour.” With that, she left, and relief eased my muscles.

The bright bathroom lights stung my eyes when I stepped in. It took a few seconds to adjust to them, my gaze falling on the mirror that reflectedher.

My pupils stretched to edged slits, parting the iris, the shade a deep green that grew darker the longer I focused on them. Crimson-red tears stained my cheeks as they ran down to my neck.

This washermark.Herneed to cement herself. To proveherexistence.

I knew why. But fuck did it irk my skin.

I was quick to reach the cold suitcase, the last bag perfectly resting. The hunger didn’t cave into my body like before, so I was able to hold off drinking the last one until we neared the Ball. I was going to need it. But the hunger throbbed against my bones. One that was slowly building up withherconsistent whispers.

You’re weak.

The coppery scent was faint as I swallowed it whole. The rush of electricity was instant. My body acted as if I hadn’t fed in years; each time, the intake stimulated my senses. I equally loved it and hated it. It sealedherwhispers away but amplified my dependency on feeding to feel normal. In control.

But something didn’t sit right in my stomach, and it wasn’t the blood.

I glanced at my phone and looked at the time. I’d think about that later. If I didn’t leave now, I’d be late. And while I would love to irk the guys, today wasn’t the day for that.

If Sonia came to me personally and not Tristan, whatever they were gathering for was important.

The living room was barren for a few minutes. The bright purple room grew brighter underneath the chandelier, the stillness complementing its beauty— until chaos personified arrived.

Each brother climbed down the stairs one by one, youngest to oldest. Raphael’s eyes were stuck on the ground as if counting his steps. Jacob was focused on what was ahead of him with a steady gaze. Jacque’s glare fell on me and then quickly diverted. Their scents were like strings of airy and zesty smells that tangled together, all of them tailored to each brother.

Alek followed, his flowery scent overpowering everyone else’s. After our time together in the garden, it was obvious why it was so strong. Sure, a person’s scents depended on their blood, but also their surroundings. But somehow, his always intensified when we were around each other. Since our first day meeting.

I liked it.

Kaleb strolled down the stairs once the four brothers took their seats, a grin edging across his face when he noticed me across the room. Noah slid along the rail, his feet perfectly landing on the ground. Christopher was the last to enter. The three together held a muddled scent, the underlying metal growing bitter. Humans had scents like that. At the hospital, they bled into each other like oil and water, never mixing but somehow churning my stomach as if I’d eaten their food.

It was disgusting just thinking about it, a wave of nausea creeping over me. The familiar fire didn’t rasp my throat, though. Weird. Had I taken my—

“I see we have a guest before us!” Noah said and clapped his hands, his eyes falling on me. “Your willing silence is new, little mouse.”

After my first horrible encounter with the Ambrogios, Tristan reviewed the protocol when it came to meetings: stay still, keep quiet, and hide in a corner. Felt like I was on time out more than anything, but I stuck to it.

Their gazes grew prickly against my skin.

“A pest should be alarming,” Kaleb muttered, his back to me. I noticed the way he stifled on the couch as he added, “Not intriguing.”

“You’re no fun!” Noah tilted his head toward Jacob and Jacque. “What do you two think?”

Jacob gave no response, but Jacque said through gritted teeth, “I agree with anything you say, dear brother.”

Noah waved a hand in the air with a teasing smile, his attention falling on Raphael, who sat at the other end of the room. “Littlest of brothers,youare our precious little mouse, but I think you might have competition.” He winked, and Raphael stiffened as his thighs grew closer together, a small, awkward grin hinting.

Then Noah looked over at Alek. His back was also to me, but he’d kept his head tilted to the side, his eyes glancing at where I stood. I’d definitely tease him about it when we meet for our lessons later.

“And you, Alekin. What do you think?” Noah asked, a grin decorating his face, openly showing his fangs. “Will she continue being a dangerous pest disguised as a little mouse or the barking dog we’ve all come to adore?”

I suddenly froze. What was I expecting? Alek never spoke in meetings, not that I’ve noticed. No way he’d talk now, especially for something this. . . dumb.

My heart still raced in my ears, almost blocking it as he cleared his throat and his voice deepened, “I think—”