16

~Vaela

Hale’s bedroom door being slightly ajar is enough of an invitation for me to enter, seeking the Immortal out.

He rests against his wooden headboard, flicking through a book.

He doesn’t even glance up. "For someone who is so concerned about seeing me naked again, you have a proclivity for walking rather confidently into my private space."

"You should have told me Larsen was coming,” I snap.

Exhaling softly, he closes his book, dragging his attention to me. There is something painfully intimate about standing in his room. The large bed swallows have the space, making it impossible to be aware of anything else.

"How could I, when even I didn't know?" He kicks his legs out so he's sitting on the edge of the bed, resting the book on his bedside table.

I fold my arms over my chest, fingers drumming against my ribs. "Who is he?"

"A Noble, from a far away land. I wouldn't worry yourself, he will not be here for very long," Hale muses dismissively. My eyes narrow.

"Can he kill me?" I as