Page 86 of Red Fire

Star stops walking and frowns. “Do humans eat rocks? I’ve never heard of that.”

I laugh. “No, Rocky Road is a type of ice cream. You do have ice cream, right? Please tell me you have ice cream. It is the only thing that works when I’m feeling down.”

“Oh!” Star laughs, too. “Yes, we have plenty of ice cream, and in all different flavors. You should try the peanut butter one. It is amazing. The honey, too. Our chefs make everything from scratch.”

“That sounds great.” We go up the staircase with the golden banister. I think it is the same one I saw when we were here yesterday.

Yesterday.

It feels like forever ago. So much has happened. So much has changed.

“I am sorry to hear that you are feeling down. If there is anything I can do to make you feel better, you only need to ask.”

“Actually…there is one thing.” I lift my brows. “Would I be able to call home? I would give anything to speak to my father. I want to let him know that I’m doing okay and that I’ll be home in less than a week.”

She looks at me skeptically. “Normally, I would have to ask permission. There would be all sorts of red tape.”

Normally. She’s considering it.

“Just one minute. I swear I wouldn’t tell him anything about what goes on here. I won’t divulge a thing.”

“You are going to have to fill in paperwork. Non-disclosure agreements and the like. You won’t be able to tell anyone about Mistveil, Draig, or about Sky Wardens and why humans aretaken as Tributes. Anyone who goes home after being on the island, or anyone who lives on the Mainland and works for us, has to sign the paperwork. You need to understand that the non-disclosure agreement will be enforced.” We reach a landing and start walking down a long hallway. The floors are carpeted. It’s pure opulence all around us.

“I understand.” I nod. “I swear I won’t tell him anything. I’ll sign the paperwork. I’m not interested in divulging any information. Besides, I doubt I would be believed if I did say anything. Not that I would,” I quickly add, putting my hand up. “I think it would only serve to worry my father. To cause him undue stress. I don’t want that. I just want to assure him that I’m fine.”

“I am very close to my father. I would also want him to know that I was safe.”

We reach a door, and Star takes a key out of her pocket. She unlocks the door, pushing it open. “After you,” she says.

I go inside, and my mouth falls open. Although we’re in the castle, this looks like a five-star penthouse suite in a hotel. It’s bright, modern, and comfortable. The walls are adorned with paintings, the furniture is opulent, and the drapes are thick and luxurious. The windows overlook a breathtaking view of the gardens.

There is an enormous bed in the center of the room; it is dressed in soft linens and plush pillows. The balcony doors are open, and a light breeze blows in, carrying the scent of blooming flowers.

On any other day, I would be super excited about staying in a suite like this. It’s bigger than my whole apartment and far more luxurious.

“I’m sure you will be quite comfortable,” Star says. “There is a minibar in there. You can have it stocked with whatever you need.”

“Don’t tempt me.” I could drown my sorrows in a bottle of something right about now…but I won’t. I’m not a fan of hangovers.

She looks me up and down. “You are very small.”

I love dragon shifters. I’ve just decided. “Thank you, that’s kind of you to say.”

She doesn’t look like she means it as a compliment. She’s frowning. “I’m not sure we have anything that will fit you perfectly. I will see what I can find.”

“I would appreciate that.”

Then she points at the phone on the side table by the bed. “You can use this to make calls within the castle. Dial one for reception and three for the kitchen. I’ll leave you my number in case you need me.” She writes it down on a small pad. I note that both pen and notepad have the Mistveil emblems on them. “I will take care of you while you are staying at the castle.” Then she picks up the phone. “Are you ready to call your father?”

“Yes!” I practically yell. I’ve never been more ready for anything.

She smiles. “Remember, not a word about the islands.”

I nod.

“Turn around, please. I will key in my code that gives you a line to the Mainland. Don’t make me regret this. I can get into big trouble. The call will be recorded.”

I do as she asks. “You can trust me, I swear.” I mean every word. I decide to try the landline at my dad’s house. I pray that he picks up.