117

SUNDAY

Isighed and turned the page of the book I’d been trying to read for the last half hour. Kingston had been gone for most of the day, and I’d somehow avoided interacting with his sisters.

Thank God.

The scents of roasting turkey and herbs filled the air, making my mouth water despite the stress of knowing his sisters hated me. My phone let off a soft chime, and I couldn’t seem to pull it out of my pocket fast enough. I was praying it was Kingston letting me know he was on his way back.

In the months since being at Ravenscroft, I’d forgotten how much I hated solitude. After years spent on my own, companionship was something my soul craved. Being mostly ignored for the better part of a day had brought all those old feelings of abandonment roaring back to the surface.

My heart lurched the instant I glanced at the screen.

Noah.

Noah: Come outside, dove. Please?

Me: Where? I’m not at Ravenscroft.

Noah: I know that. Come outside.