Snow clings to my boots in a desperate attempt at one more chance of freedom. Imogen's small frame trudges along beside me as we slowly wind our way around Central Park.
"You were gone for over a week, Zi," Imogen says, studying me with her gray eyes. "Where'd you go?"
I shrug, "A lot of places."
Imogen gives me an annoyed look, "That's vague."
I shrug again.
"I heard about Ulfric."
We stop walking. Plenty of people are out and about. Joggers and tourists trail past us, kicking up snow in their wake. Imogen and I find a free seat to collapse in. A beautiful woman in a red coat stands out amongst the others as she strolls along the path. Brown hair spills from her Russian style fur cap, with matching fur lined gloves.
"Zi?" I glance back at Imogen. "Are you alright?"
"Oh, yeah. I just got distracted, sorry. How was winter break?"
"Fine. But I don't want to talk about that."
"Then what do you want to talk about?"
Imogen sighs. "I was asking if you were alright. You seem more troubled since you caught Owen and Ulfric's killer, not less. I'm really worried."
I flinch at Imogen's words. She put it so bluntly. I'm about to answer when the woman in the red coat stops in front of us. Her wide manic grin is partially hidden behind the fur collar.
"Oh, how delightful!" Aerona smiles even wider. "What a coincidence to run into you, Zivena!" She claps her gloved hands with glee.
"It's not a coincidence you're here, Aerona. What do you want?" I ask, tired.
"Come now, sweet Zivena. Can't I meet up with a friend on a chilly afternoon?" Aerona pouts.
"Vampires don't feel the cold," I say without thinking. Imogen stiffens beside me and I curse myself. Whoops.
"But you didn't say we weren't friends," Aerona taps her nose and winks. I stare at her blankly without saying a word.
Aerona's eyes flicker to Imogen and power surges through me without a single thought.
"My, oh my! Is that a human?" Aerona trills. "How fascinating! I would never have imagined that someone of your... stature would ever be seen with a human girl. This is truly a delightful outing, indeed!"
"What do you want, Aerona?" I growl this time.
"Fine, fine! I left my beautiful, warm apartment to brave this horrid weather to come seek out Life herself," Aerona's eyes flash wickedly. "I have a few delicious secrets to share with you, my dear."
YOU ARE READING
Life - Life & Death Book 1
Fantasy- WATTYS LONGLISTED 2018 - "As a child I was never scared of the dark or of the monsters that lurked under my bed. From a young age I have known exactly what wanders the streets at night; what preys on the ignorant. I know of the evil that plagues t...
