Last of Her Kind (Book 1, Part 1, of the LAST series)

friendship of new

I looked around the small, rundown cottage Kaius had found, wrinkling my nose at the odd smell. Something was definitely rotting—or maybe something had already died. The place was old, and the furniture matched the state of decay, but I wasn’t in a position to be picky. At least it was secluded, tucked away in the middle of nowhere and surrounded by a dense forest. That was one positive.

The forest always had a calming effect on me. A small blue and green bird landed on the open windowsill, chirping a happy tune. I couldn’t help but smile, watching as it hopped around, carefree.

But its song was interrupted by a loud stomp, sending the bird flapping away in panic.

I turned, raising an eyebrow. Kaius was knocking on the walls and stomping on the floorboards, his movements deliberate.

"Uh, what are you doing?" I asked, confused.

"Making sure this place won’t collapse on us," he said, hands on his hips as he surveyed the cottage. After a pause, he shrugged. "It’ll work."

I smiled softly as I took a few careful steps around the house. My body was still sore, every movement a reminder of how much I was still recovering.

"No," Kaius scolded suddenly, startling me.

I turned to see one of his chaos creatures standing at the door with a large, brightly colored bird dangling from its mouth, blood dripping onto the floor. The chaos looked guilty, its glowing eyes downcast.

"No," Kaius repeated, waving his hand at it. "Take it outside. You’re making a mess. Bad."

The chaos let out a low whine but obeyed, its head drooping as it slunk back outside. I stifled a laugh. "They’re stubborn, aren’t they?"

Kaius sighed, shutting the door. "You have no idea." He turned back to me, all business. "Since there’s only one bedroom, you’ll take it. I’ll sleep out here. The bed is ready for you, and I’ll have chaos patrolling the perimeter."

"Thanks, Kaius." I gingerly lowered myself into a chair, still feeling the soreness in my muscles. "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"What’s it like... being one of the last? You know, a cursed child?" I hesitated on the word "cursed," but I needed to know.

Kaius chuckled, though the sound held a trace of bitterness. "Lonely. But I’m glad I found another."

I blinked, surprised. "How did you know I was one?"

He shrugged, leaning against the wall. "I don’t know. I had a feeling. Plus, your gold eyes—they’re rare. My golden hair is less so, so it’s easier for me to blend in."

I gave him a small smile. "How old are you? If you don’t mind me asking."

Kaius grinned. "I’m 28."

"Really?" I blurted, surprised.

He tilted his head, amused. "What? Do I not seem young and vibrant?"

I chuckled awkwardly. "It’s just... the way Azriel spoke of you, I thought you’d be much older."

He laughed. "Well, as long as I don’t look ancient, I’ll take it."