Page 18 of Kiss the Dawn (Order of Helsing #4)

EDWIN

T he night library is gloomy today, as if reflecting its librarian’s mood.

I’ve never seen Odi look so somber before. As if he’s about to send me off to my execution. Maybe he is. Maybe I won’t return. But if I don’t go, I’ll lose Padma. She tries to hide it, but I can see the infection spreading, black veins peeking out from her collar and cuff. This thing inside her won’t simply stop by itself. It won’t go away. Not unless we make it.

The answer could be in the vault. It could be her only chance.

“Are you sure you don’t have time for some tea?” Odi asks.

I wish I could, but the food will have been delivered by now, along with my note. Padma’s smart. She’ll work out where I’ve gone, and she’ll come after me.

“I can’t, Odi. Not today.”

“When you return, then?” He says it with conviction, and I’m grateful that despite his solemn expression, he’s hopeful that I’ll make it back.

“Yes. For sure.”

“Have you said your goodbyes?”

“Yes.”

“You’re a terrible liar.”

I give him my most charming smile. “But I’m so cute when I do it.”

“ Harmumph . This is no light matter. I hope for your return, but there is a possibility that hope may not be enough.”

“I know. I understand. But I have to do it.”

His orange eyes fill with understanding. “In that case, you may step through the door.”

“What doo—” There’s a wooden door in the wall on my side of the counter now. One that wasn’t there a moment ago.

“You will feel as if you are being torn asunder,” Odi says. “There will be some pain. But that is normal.”

I nod and exhale. “I’m ready.”

The door handle is warm against my palm and a shiver passes through me, and I don’t know why, but I get the impression that I’m holding hands with a live entity. As if it’s welcoming me. I twist and tug and stars fill my vision .

So beautiful.

So fucking beautiful…

“Edwin, no!”

“Padma?” I make to turn, but phantom hands grab hold of me and yank me into the unknown.

The final thing I hear before the stars swallow me is Padma’s desperate scream of horror.

But the stars…oh…wow…