It’s also a good way to get chased by a hellhound. Thank Charon, they only come out at night. There’s also a chance she won’t talk to me after last night, but I’m hoping to be invited inside her house. Then I’ll have a chance to look for evidence to support—or disprove—Natalie’s claim that Anora’s responsible for Vera’s disappearance.

“Oh.” Mom tries to hide her surprise, but she’s unsuccessful. At least she didn’t spit out her food. “And do what exactly?”

Make out, I think sarcastically. Though it’s not all that sarcastic. If the opportunity presents itself, I’ll kiss Anora. I’ve wanted to since this feeling in my chest began, just to see if it would ease.

Instead, I shrug. I never like talking about girls with my mom when they’re Valryn. I definitely don’t like talking about them when they’re human. “I don’t know. Just…hang out.”

“Is your father aware?”

I clamp my teeth together before saying, “He was there when Elite Cain appointed me and Nat to the case.”

Elite Cain never specified how Natalie and I should go about observing Anora. And I haven’t gotten in trouble yet. So long as I can continue to prove my actions are to benefit the Order, I’m safe. But I know Mom’s concerns. The fiasco with Lily is still fresh in everyone’s mind.

“I like Jayne well enough, and I’m sure Anora is just as charming.” Mom stands and starts clearing away the dishes, so I do the same. As she passes, she stops and looks up at me. “Just…be careful, Shy.”

I lean forward and kiss her cheek. “I’m always careful.”

* * *

As I approach Anora’s house, I find her outside, crouched low on the ground beneath one of the windows. I come to a stop in the driveway, and she straightens, twisting, hiding something behind her back.

“Shy.” Her voice is full of surprise. I’m sure I’m the last person she expected to see in her driveway on a Saturday morning. She’s wearing jeans, a gray shirt, and a black jacket. Her hair falls in a thick mass over her shoulder. “What are you doing here?”

“I thought I’d stop by, see if you were doing anything today,” I say as I approach her, hands in the pockets of my jacket. I grin at her, hoping she’ll smile back. I don’t like the disappointment I feel when she doesn’t.