Page 46 of Midnight Whispers

“I don’t know that I want to be alone.”

“Okay, then come with me.”

The walk down the stairs is quiet, bordering on awkward. I’m unsure where I can find Asher in the house, but I imagine he’s either in his office or the television room. He’s a sucker for reality television.

The door to his office is open, revealing an empty desk. With Flora still trailing behind me, I go toward the direction of the other option. My assumption is confirmed when I hear him yelling at the show he’s currently fixated on.

“Don’t giveherthe rose! She does not deserve it.”

Flora turns to face me, her eyes wide with surprise. “Is he watching dating shows?”

“He’s a hopeless romantic,” I scoff.

The back of the extra-large sectional couch facesthe entrance of the room, so all we can see is Asher’s naturally silver hair. This space is not my favorite, but I do enjoy the atmosphere of it. He has kept it decorated with paintings we have collected over our lifetime together.

“Oh shit,” Flora says beneath her breath, low enough to where mortals would not be able to hear it.

“Finnian, darling, you’re just in time for the rose ceremony,” Asher says without turning around. He inhales deeply and turns around quickly, his eyes landing on Flora. “Kitten, what are you doing here?”

“Kitten?” I look back and forth between the two of them. “So, you two, like,reallyknow one another?”

What the fuck is happening?

“Kind of,” Flora replies, her cheeks igniting crimson.

“Don’t be modest. She and I have shared many beautiful moments together.” I stare between the two of them in both shock and awe.Moments.As in plural? Asher almost never seeks companionship with the same person more than once, especially not mortals.

“Hey Ash. It’s nice to see you again.”

“Have you not been receiving my phone calls or text messages?”

“I have.”

“Do they not please you?”

“They’re… fine, Asher.”

“Okay. Can you two talk about this later? We have more pressing things to talk about,” I snap, needing this moment to stop.

“Of course. What’s wrong, Finnian?” Asher replies, not taking his eyes off Flora.

“Lillia’s beentaken,” Flora chokes on a sob.

“As in…”

“Exactly.” I interrupt.

“And you are going to seek her out.”

“Yes.”

“If you fail.”

“I won’t.”

“What is your plan?” The worry in his voice is thick.

“I’m going to kill Cedar.”