Chapter 44
It was an incredibly satiating meal. Nina chewed slowly, each bite a tender kiss.
After dinner, she would choose to briefly walk outside, to get some fresh air, a moment of quiet contemplation.
She would stand for a moment outside The House gazing up at the pillars, the way its windows faced the street like watchful, vigilant eyes.
She would feel the tension leave her, the hunger that seemed so limitless and eternal finding rest for the time being, the magic or whatever it was that so readily absolved her of her body’s aches and pains now coursing steadily through her.
Making her someone worthy, someone protected, someone new.
But that was later. In the moments before Nina reached the front door, Tessa caught her by the elbow, holding her back for the briefest, quietest exchange. “I didn’t expect you to fight like that.” Her expression was laden with accusation, with meaning. “I didn’t think…”
“That I was like that?” Nina guessed.
Tessa’s mouth was a thin line of conflict. “I just thought—”
“The problem with Fawn is that she couldn’t pick a side,” said Nina. “But I can.”
Tessa’s eyes fixed on hers intently.
Then she nodded with understanding, or acceptance.
In the end, it didn’t matter which. Nina knew she’d come around.