Hæra often spoke of wanting Madeleine’s safety. Over the last month, she’d made Madeleine feel safer than anyone ever had—and less safe too. She was confident in her abilities to the point of arrogance, and she had a way of making everything seem under control. She was also no less alluring than she’d been when they met. Her lean figure was an increasing torment that never failed to make Madeleine’s heart pound. Each day, Madeleine’s self-control strained against an increasingly gossamer-like leash.

Her phone pinged with a text, and a hot, relieved breath rushed from her chest. A distraction. She looked at the screen.

Move-in day! Good luck!!

Becca’s text brought a welcome smile to Madeleine’s face. It wasn’t as good as seeing her friend’s face or hearing her voice, but the timing was perfect.

Thanks. What are you doing up so early?

Boostie needs the new shot every 5 hours for the next 2 days. It’s so much fun

There followed a picture of an enraged Booster, his golden eyes narrowed as he plotted revenge.

Poor baby. How is he?

Getting better. How are YOU?

Madeleine worried her lip and debated sending a picture of the living room. Maybe later. Becca would be horrified by the furniture.

Doing fine

Don’t me, what about H? Is she so excited you’re staying??

Madeleine had told Becca a little about what was going on. Emphasis on a little. She had omitted the tiny fact of Hæra’s supernatural origins. She’d said she was staying in Orkney longer to get more answers, with the help of “a friend” she’d made here—a woman.

After that, Becca hadn’t been able to rest until Madeleine’s “friend” had a name, and said it would be amazing for Madeleine to have a “friend,” and Becca wouldn’t be opposed to hearing if there were any further developments concerning this “friend.”

In other words, Becca had been extremely supportive. Maybe excessively so. She wouldn’t object to Madeleine having a relationship with a woman, that was clear, and Madeleine still didn’t know how she felt about that. Appreciative? Afraid? She’d go with confused.

That was partly because Madeleine couldn’t tell Becca the whole truth and see what kind of 180-degree turn her support would take. Either Becca wouldn’t believe her and would think she’d lost her mind—or, worse, Becca would believe her, and think she’d lost her mind even more.

Just then, the back door banged open again, signaling Hæra’s imminent return. Madeleine hastily typed a farewell text to Becca, saying yes, “H” was very excited, but now Madeleine had to go. She urged Becca to please get some sleep and ended with two heart emojis to make it nice.

She put her phone back in her pocket right before Hæra strode back into the room. “How’s the bolt?”