Page 267 of The Blairville Legacies

I remembered that Julian didn't live in the Copelands' territory.

“You live in the Quatura’s territory...”

Julian focused on the road.

“When my father left the pack back then, there was a special clause he negotiated with Amara. Unfortunately, not every Quatura is pleased by her decision, especially not the Councils.”

I nodded thoughtfully and looked out the window at the yellow, orange, and brown fall leaves decorating the trees and the forest path.

“You seem to know which territory is which,” Julian said, and I simply replied,“Larissa.”

“I don't want to worry you, but your adventurous friend should stay out of it.”

Julian sounded serious.

I nodded, even though I didn't know how to appeal to Larissa's sense. She wouldn't leave Blairville and I understood. She didn't know that there werea thousand reasonsfor it. And if I told her, Grace and Julie would probably find out and mess with her memory. I was already scared of this crapmyself, but what did I have to lose?

“I'll talk to her, but I can't promise anything. She can beverystubborn.”

“Just like you,” Julian laughed and parked the car at the side of the road.

I looked at him in surprise.Heseemed to study me closely now. His green eyes shone softly, but didn't turn yellow like Emely's did so often.

I couldn't avoid his gaze, and this time I felt the urge to touch the small scar on his temple. I wondered if it was as uneven as the one under my breast, or if you could feel it at all. I wonder where he got it from?

That was the moment when I realized that I didn't seem to be mentally clear and turned away from him.

How hard had I hit my head on the floor on Monday?

“Let's get out of the car. It's right up ahead.”

Whatever was supposed to beright up ahead, I got out and followed him across the dirt road.

The leaves rustled under my feet and were whirled into the air by the wind, flying around me as if they wanted to play with me.

I smiled and realized how eventhatwas draining my energy.

When I spotted the black raven hopping around in one of the piles of leaves, I paused for a second.

It's just a raven, Bay. Relax.

I ignored the animal and hurried after Julian.

As we came around the corner of the forest, my breath caught, and I had to stop to take in the view.

Julian and I had to be on a gigantic cliff somewhere. A cliff with a huge white lighthouse, decorated with features of Victorian architecture. But even if you weren't up there at the top, the view of the city, the harbor, and the roaring sea deep below us was breathtaking.

Julian whirled around to face me and threw his outstretched arms in the air. “May I introduce theCloud Castle of Blairville.”

Speechless, I watched Julian walk over to a noble Victorian iron railing and lean over it, sticking his head in the air andclosing his eyes. The wind greeted his curly hair, tossing it around. And there was something aesthetic about it, as if the wind was the artist and this man there was his work of art. For the first time, I noticed his prominent Adam's apple.

Julian opened his eyes and wheeled around to face me.

“You should see yourself standing there, Adams girl.” His dimples were now particularly obvious. “Like a scarecrow.”

“Shut up, Julian!” I laughed, snapping out of my stupor.

“Just look how beautiful this town can be when you look at it from above.”