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Chapter Forty-Nine

LUNA

As I touch the front door, I take one last turn and wave to Carmine.

He folds into a raven with feathers so black they put the night to shame.

He really is the most beautiful, majestic bit of winged glory I have ever seen.

He may not be able to recognize me with those eyes, and he may not be able to love me in that form, but I smile to him just before he disappears into the night.

“Well, there he goes.” Mom shakes her head.

“What were you guys talking about?” I try to sound casual.

“Ancient fucking history.”

I walk her into the lobby, where Alex waits for us with huge, fluffy white towels. They lay one over Mom’s shoulders.

“Have you met my mother? Mom, this is Alex. They take care of the guests.”

“Call me Giulia.”

“Of course. Let’s get you upstairs where it’s warm.”

In the elevator, Mom whispers, “I raised you to drop subtler hints than that.”

“You raised me to think I had a chip in my head.”

“Just one?” She harumph s. “You obviously weren’t listening.”

The elevator doors open.