Page 5 of Sins of Winter
I’d seen the fountain more than a dozen times and still didn’t understand the symbolism of it. The center was a lifelike bronze statue of a hooded figure, one arm outstretched, holding an ornate lantern that, during the nighttime, glowed with an eerie, soft blue light. The face of the figure was always hidden, regardless of the angle or how light hit it.
Mara shot Lucian and Thorne a curious glance as we walked. “So, what really brought you two to Ravenswood?” she asked. Her voice held a playful note, but I could tell she genuinely wanted to know.
Thorne shared a knowing look with Lucian before answering. “Oh, just some unfinished business.”
Mara's forehead creased. “That sounds rather cryptic. Lucian, I can understand, but you aren’t from here.”
“Who said I wasn’t from here?”
She looked at me for confirmation.
“We never got the chance to meet,” Thorne answered before I could.
“Really? That’s surprising.”
“How so? You didn’t know Lucian until tonight.”
He made a valid point. Mara and I were both from around here and we had never crossed paths until our freshman orientation at high school.
Thorne gave her an appraising once-over. “Though it does feel like you and I have met before. Maybe in another life as something more than friends,” he mused.
Mara rolled her eyes. “Smooth.”
Lucian slowed down to walk beside me. “You've been pretty quiet. Everything okay?”
I looked up at him and was immediately pulled into the dark depths of his eyes. “Just processing. Seeing you here, all of this.”
His full lips curved into a faint smile, and he brushed a strand of hair from my face.
His touch lingered, falling away just as we reached our destination. The Evergreen stood tall with a touch of gothic architecture, its dark exterior and ornate carvings adding to the Halloween atmosphere. Even in its sophistication, the inn was decked out for the holiday with faux cobwebs and strategically placed jack-o-lanterns.
As we entered, warmth immediately chased away the evening chill. The lobby, grand in its decor with plush carpets and dark wood paneling, was adorned with more tastefully spooky decorations. Without waiting, Lucian led the way to the elevator, pressing the button for the second floor. The journey upwards was short, and soon we were walking down a softly lit hallway.
Lucian opened a door midway down to reveal a sumptuous one-bedroom suite. A lavish living area greeted us, complete with plush sofas and a state-of-the-art entertainment system.
The bedroom, visible through an open archway, boasted a large bed covered in deep red luxurious fabrics. The windows displayed the bustling Townsquare below.
Mara whistled softly. “You guys sure didn’t skimp on comfort.”
Thorne laughed. “Why would we when we’ll lay our heads here?”
Acutely aware that Lucian hadn’t taken his eyes off of me once since coming inside, I began to wander around the suite, taking in the details. The rich textures, the artwork on the walls, and the faint scent of cinnamon seemed to permeate the room. I had stayed at Evergreen before and so had my parents, but never in the suites.
From my peripheral, I saw Thorne saunter over to a corner table where a sleek Bluetooth speaker sat. After syncing his phone, the room filled with strains of a familiar indie song.
“Perfect,” he mouthed to himself before moving to the kitchenette. “How about some shots to kick off the next part of our night?”
Grabbing a bottle, he swiftly lined up four glasses and began pouring a dark, amber liquid. Mara and I exchanged a glance before we approached the counter, curiosity piqued. I accepted one shot and she another.
Lucian looked between the two of us, then at Thorne as he lifted his glass. “To promises of the future.”
The toast was as cryptic as their responses had been most of the night, leaving Mara and me slightly bemused. We clinked glasses, and I hesitated for just a moment before taking a sip. The liquid burned going down, a sweet yet smoky flavor that lingered on my palate.
Mara made a face, clearly not a fan. “What the hell is this?” she spluttered and coughed.
Thorne laughed and gently patted her back. “An acquired taste.”
“I can’t imagine growing used to this,” Mara quipped.