A Hybrid's Hunger

Chapter 54

Chapter 54

I watch from the dining table as snow drifts down in large flakes outside the windows. It's almost evening and the sky is turning darker with each passing second. In only a matter of a few minutes before the whole backyard will be covered in a thin layer of white.

"Feeling cold?" Estella asks me as she begins to place the plates of food on the table.

I look away from the windows and shrug. "A little."

"Do you want me to get a blanket?" She places the last plate and smiles at me.

"No, it's okay. Thank you."

I shift my attention to the food. It has been a while since I had eaten anything that didn't like bland, tasteless mush. It gets quiet in the dining room when Estella leaves to grab some glasses. I kick my feet under the table, waiting patiently for at least one of them to come.

"Aurora," I look up and find Martha entering the room. "You're doing better, I hope." She places her hand over my shoulders and says before stepping toward a seat and sitting down.

"Yes, thank you."

"Where is Zade?" She asks, glancing around the empty room.

"Oh, he's still getting dressed."

Her eyes hover over the windows and she notices the snowfall. "I hope it doesn't get too heavy. That would be terrible."

"I think it's beautiful."

Her attention turns back to me and she smiles while placing her elbows on the table and leaning forward. "Ah, I remember how you love the snow, you loved it so much that even your mother couldn't drag you back inside. It would be a trouble trying to get you away from the cold."

"I remember playing in snow, briefly," I tell her. "Did I come here often?"

She nods, but her smile fades a little. "Your mother and I went far back, we were very close friends. When your father passed away, she came here with you and lived with us for nearly two years. It was hard for her, losing the love of her life, and raising a child alone, but eventually, she got better. Then, she bought you here every winter."

"I had no idea."

"I know. But you had a wonderful childhood, Aurora. You were very happy, and maybe if things were a little different, I would have never taken your memories from you. I regret that, deeply, especially now seeing the woman you've become. So beautiful, and strong." She reaches out, placing her hand over mine and squeezing gently.

It seems strange knowing something about myself I can't even remember. It makes my heart ache. I wish I could remember, even if it's the tiniest thing.

Zade appears at the entrance, interrupting the silence that has fallen over the room. He's dressed warmly, but his hair appears wet like he had just gotten out of a shower. The fourth shower of his day.

I furrow my brows, wondering why he's taking so many showers, but I don't ask.

He steps closer, takes a seat across from me, and greets Martha.

"Let me go get Estella," Martha says, standing up. "I don't want her to miss dinner again."

She leaves the room and I lift my gaze to meet Zade. There's a smirk drawn on his lips. I quickly lean in close to him, narrowing my eyes in question. "Why are you taking so many showers?"

His hand slips under my chin, holding it, "You're the one to ask, I could smell you even from my room. How do you suppose I stay in control of myself if you're constantly tempting me?"