22. Genevieve

My vision replayed, just the same as every night. Nikolai approaches a shaggy brown-haired woman with a wide, crazed smile. There looked to be floorboards but that was about it. There was so little to go off. I didn’t know if this woman was an enemy or friend. Even a lover. Although Priya growled so sharply at that sleepy thought that I woke up with a start, squinting at the sunlight with a groan.

“Good timing, we’re here. Freshen up in this village then we’re on foot.”

Skye was just as tense as yesterday, except now he had dark circles under his eyes from driving all night. His skin was goose pimpled with cold from the morning air as I unfurled myself like a cat from underneath a blanket.

“Morning, how are you?”

“Ready to head home.”

He remained as chatty as ever. “Look, Luna Helena picked you, she said to ask for you so there must be a reason.”

When he said nothing again, I couldn’t help muttering, “must have been for the thrilling conversations she knew we’d have.”

He slammed his h