A Bargain With The Shadow Prince (A Shadow's Bargain Book 1) by Genevieve Jack

Author:Genevieve Jack [Jack, Genevieve]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Carpe Luna, Ltd.
Published: 2024-06-17T00:00:00+00:00

24

Wrapped in Shadows

ELOISE

Eight hours later, I arrive back at Harcourt Manor, utterly exhausted. I'd forgotten how draining it is to teach art. From the sixth grader who was embarrassed when someone caught him painting his crush, to the twelfth grader who wanted my advice about majoring in graphic design, teaching is about far more than the subject itself. I like working with kids, and I’m proud of what I’ve done today. But I’m also tired as hell, and a small but insistent niggle at the back of my brain wonders what it would feel like to paint again. Paint like I used to before my parents died. Create from the depths of my soul rather than because I’m teaching someone else to paint.

I push the thought aside as I park my Jeep, check on Grams, then sink into one of the rockers on the wraparound porch out front with a hot cup of tea. October in Virginia carries in the scent of change, the air threatening a chill that doesn’t quite have teeth yet but will soon enough. As the sun sets, I appreciate it wrapped in a light but cozy blanket, sipping my chamomile. I think of nothing. Not the future. Not the past. Not when I have to go inside or what frozen casserole I’ll eat for dinner. Blissfully fatigued, I watch the shadows of the trees stretch toward me as the day melts into the river, leaving behind a blank canvas of darkness.

The moment the shadows reach the porch, Damien appears in the empty rocker beside me. I almost drop my teacup. “Damn it, Damien. I’m going to tie a bell around your neck! You scared me half to death. Again! Didn’t I tell you not to do that?”

He flashes a crooked grin. “You are far from half-dead, little bird. Your heart is fluttering as fast as always.” His smile fades, and he turns his head toward the door, his nostrils flaring like he smells something coming from the house, something that makes him grow somber. “How is your grandmother?”

I don’t like what I see pass behind his eyes. “She’s dying,” I say. “But she’s here now. Resting. And I think she’ll be here tomorrow.”

“It won’t be long now,” he says softly.

I glare at him but only find empathy where there once was cruelty. What I ask next comes out shaky. “How do you know?”

“I can smell it.” He looks toward the night sky. “It’s not a bad thing, death. At least, my people don’t believe it is. An honorable death brings comfort and freedom.”

I wonder at his words. So many people avoid talking about death. Even Maeve. It’s refreshing to have someone give it to me straight. I don’t know if I agree with his notion. Death certainly doesn’t bring comfort to those left behind. But I absolutely appreciate him not shying away from the topic.

“You haven’t eaten.” His brilliant silver eyes lock onto me again.

“I’m fine.”

“I can smell your hunger.” He frowns.

“I’ll eat later.”

“I won’t share what news I have with you if you don’t eat.

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