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“Why?”

“What do you meanwhy?” I straighten, inexplicably flustered, and cram my letters into the pocket of Michal’s traveling cloak. “I hurt them. It’s the right thing to do—”

“According to whom?”

“According toeveryone, Odessa,” I snap. “I took a vote, andeveryoneagrees the polite response to tearing open your ex-fiancé’s throat is to apologize.”

“And yet,” she says, “you just said it doesn’t matter if they change their minds. If so, one might question the need to apologize at all—unless, of course, the apology is foryourbenefit instead of theirs.” She pauses as I blink at her, stunned. “Well? Do you truly think they wish to hear from you?”

“Must you always twist everything I say? It’sexhausting—”

“Just something to think about.” She shrugs and plucks a book from the shelf before stopping short, turning with a beleagueredsigh. “Though while we’re on such an uncomfortable subject... Imightneed to apologize for the role I played in all this.” She waves a hand toward my bloodstained nightgown, her garnet bracelets clinking around her wrist.

I wrap the cloak tighter around my waist. “You didn’t do anything, Odessa.”

“You’re right, of course, but alas, that is precisely the issue—I didn’tdoanything, and Michal tasked me with guiding you through your transition.” A pause. “He trusted me, and I allowed you to starve.”

“You didn’t—”

“I knew animal blood could never sustain you. I knew you’d eventually need to imbibe from the source. Everyone in that wretched house could see you withering away, yet we did nothing to stop it. I failed as your mentor—not that I asked for the job,” she adds, lifting her chin in a haughty, defensive sort of way. “I would’ve much preferred to stay in Requiem. Newborn vampires aren’t my particular cup of tea. Too impulsive, you know.”

I do know.Rather than tell her that, however, I finger the clasp of Michal’s cloak and stare fixedly at the basket of kittens. A cream-colored tabby blinks back at me. “Yes, well... I won’t be starving myself anymore, which means you’re officially relieved of your duties. I know better now.”

“Right.” She hesitates again, and I cannot help it—I glance up at her, frowning. She has the air of a woman preparing herself to do something extremely unpleasant. “Except... I’m not sure you do, darling—know better, that is.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well... have you learned about the birds and the bees?”

Spluttering, I nearly knock over the desk as I jolt forward. “What?”

“The birds and the bees.” Her hand grows more agitated, and she lowers her voice. “The analogy doesn’t apply to vampires, of course, as we cannot reproduce, but the mechanics remain the same—”

“Odessa.” Hissing her name, I glance at Yves, who remains deep in conversation about the benefits of using a True Lover’s Knot over a Double Dragon. “Whyare we talking about this?”

“Well, darling, I assume that lovely flush in your cheeks isn’t simple coincidence—not when you smell so thoroughly of Michal.”

Oh no.

“I smell of Michal?” I ask faintly.

“Yes,” she says slowly, placatingly, and if I hadn’t died in that grotto, I’d want to die all over again. The heat in my cheeks burns deeper as—unbidden—my eyes flick to the window. To Michal at the docks. He still speaks with the harbormaster, but at that precise second, his gaze snaps upward, finding mine. I turn sharply, and this time, Idoupset the desk. Its leg skids into the basket of kittens, who tumble out in a heap of orange and gray and black.Oh no no no—

Limbs blurring, I right the basket and scoop them inside before they touch the floor.

Odessa sighs again.

“Célie.” She looks as if she’d rather stick pins in her eyes than continue this conversation, and I agree. I wholly andthoroughlyagree. “You have nothing of which to be ashamed. If consensual, the act of blood sharing is completely acceptable between vampires. I only ask about your sexual expertise in case youfeltthingsduring the act—things you might not understand. Vampirism tends to amplify sensation, emotion... all of it, really.”

“Theact?” My voice rises to a squeak, and both Yves and his customer glance in our direction now. Odessa waves them away with a pained smile. “With Michal? But we didn’t— I’dnever—”

“There isn’t a word to describe how little I want to hear the rest of that sentence. I am simply ensuring you know how intercourse works if the opportunity presents itself.” She clears her throat delicately. “Youdoknow how it works, then?”

I stare at her, incredulous. Though I’ve never—well,performed the act, I’ve read more than enough books to understand the mechanics. I’d rather combust than tell her this, however, so I simply snap, “Yes, Odessa. I know how it works.”

“Excellent.” She lifts her chin, smoothing her bodice in palpable relief before adding, “That said, if you have any questions—”

“I don’t—”