Let It Burn

Chapter 10

Crimson Pass is a picturesque town. Its Autumn-kissed foilage is eye candy for anyone who appreciates nature, and surviving a horrible encounter makes you treasure it all the more.

Houses line the streets. Gran's house stands out like a sore thumb against the rest. The orange and purple act as a beacon to anyone who knows her and what she does, what my family does. I wonder how many people know.

Holden and I haven't said a word since we left. I want to know what's on his mind, but I'm not brave enough to ask. Instead, I attempt to make small talk.

"Do you think Eddie has stopped laughing yet?"

Holden glances at me, then turns his eyes to something in the distance. "I don't know. I've never seen him like that."

It is like he's different now that we're away from the house.

"Is that what has you so melancholy?" I study his expression, waiting for a response. When he doesn't respond, I gently nudge him. "You can tell me."

"I don't know. Since I came here, things have turned upside down. The whole time we were in that mansion, I was petrified I wouldn't make it out, that none of us would see the sunrise." He pauses and meets my eyes. He looks so tired. "And now that everything seems to be okay, I guess I'm just relieved. And a little tired. I didn't sleep much last night worrying about Eddie."

"Oh, I see. I was scared, too, you know."

"Was that before or after you tore Isaac and Eddie's shackles off with your bare hands?" Holden chuckles nervously.

Does my enhanced strength bother him? What if Holden never looks at me the same way?

"Before, during, and after," I say. "I don't know what's happening to me. That's the scariest part of all of this."

"The vampires don't scare you?"

Sheepishly, I avert his eyes. "Of course, they do. But I feel better knowing this cross around my neck keeps them from biting me."

"It was weird that Isaac was bitten and didn't turn. That means I don't have to worry about you becoming a vampire."

Yes, but I have to worry about you. I keep that thought to myself. I don't want to make Holden feel any worse.

"We were supposed to be getting answers today," he continues. "Instead, we got more questions. At least I have more questions."

"There has to be a library around here somewhere. We could look there for answers. There's bound to be a volume or two on vampires in this town. Let's see if we can find it." I pull out my phone. "We still have a few hours before we have to be at the house. Let's use them."

Holden's spirits lift a little, and a smile graces his lips. "That's the best idea I've heard today. Iris, let's find us a library." He gives my hand an affectionate squeeze. "There has to be someone who can give us directions."

My eyes dart to the houses around us. It dawns on me that we haven't seen anyone since we got to Crimson Pass, except vampires and family. How did I miss that? Where is everyone else?

No one is stirring. There should be people outside raking leaves or children playing in their yards. But blinds and curtains remain shut. There's no traffic to crowd the streets.

It's like the town is devoid of life.

My feet come to a screeching halt. I was so wrapped up in my own issues I didn't realize it.

"Iris, what is it?" Holden asks.

"No one is out." Why didn't I notice sooner? "We haven't seen a single person since we got here."