When I reach the bridge, I do not hesitate to take that first step. Keeping a hand on the rope railing in case any boards have been removed, I slowly make my way forward, searching the mist for signs of the man I hope to find.

The heaviness in the air grows thicker, until I can barely make out my next step. I stretch my foot ahead, feeling for the plank instead of assuming it’s there, continuing until my slipper meets solid wood.

The mist thins enough for me to see white bones scattered across the ground the way our gardens stretch in our front lawns, as if the bones have grown from the dirt. There is a path between them, and on that path stands Everett.

Was he this tall last night? He must’ve been, but saints above, he seems twice as large.

And twice as handsome.

I raise a hand in greeting, but he remains still.

Perhaps they don’t wave on this side of The Divide. Then again, I’ll not assume that is the case the same way I did about the non-existent language barrier.

I keep my head up, ignoring the harsh reminders of death that surround us. Despite his lack of a proper greeting, the way his dark gaze sweeps down my periwinkle dress leaves my heart ramming against my breastbone. When his eyes return to my face, they track a little higher, to the flower in my hair, and they widen ever so slightly.

His chest goes still, as if he’s holding his breath, and somehow, I already know the answer before the question falls from my lips. “You recognize it, don’t you?” I withdraw the stem from behind my ear, holding the silver bloom in the palm of my hand so there can be no mistake.

“It is a flower.”

That voice. The deep, delicious rumble bathes me in goosebumps. “Yes, but what kind of flower is it?”

“How should I know?”

“Because you’re the one who gave it to me.”

His weight shifts from one foot to the other, but he does not deny my accusation. I was right! Bloody Ronan.

Now that I know Everett brought me the first flower after I met him at the well, that still doesn’t explain how he knew where to leave it in the first place. “How did you know where I lived?”

They’re monsters…

Dangerous…

Perhaps his intentions aren’t so gallant after all. Just because I feel as if I know him doesn’t mean I do. “Are you stalking me?”

“No. That is not what…” His hands flex. “No. You and your friend were in the city on your own that first day. I only wanted to ensure that you made it back home safely.”