The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and..

knowing the innerworkings of his heart, but I shared with
him what she’d said about the prophecy.
Casteel was still a bit doubtful as we walked back
toward the sitting area. “It’s not that I can’t believe in it,” he
said, his arm draped over my shoulders. “I just find it hard
to believe that if there is one that may be true, how can
there not be others? Ones we haven’t heard of?”
“I don’t know,” I said. “Maybe prophecies aren’t meant
to be known.”
“That sounds like something a Seer would say.”
I giggled. “It does.”
One dimple appeared as he smoothed a hand over my
cheek, tucking back a strand of wayward hair. “The food
should be here soon, and I know you’re probably tired and
have already been eyeing that shower. I know I have been,
but I wanted to talk to Kieran first. You up for that?”
“Of course.”
“Good. Because he’ll be down here in a few minutes,”
he said, and I laughed again. I saw it—the churning of vivid,
golden sparks in his eyes. His lips parted until the tips of his
fangs appeared. “I love that sound. I love how much more
you laugh now.”
“I do, too,” I admitted quietly. “And it’s because of you.”
His eyes closed briefly as he dipped his forehead to
mine, and a long moment passed with us just standing
there. “Before Kieran gets here, I wanted to ask you
something.”
“That sounds serious.”
“It kind of is.” He lifted his head. “Have you felt any
hunger?”
“For food?” I drew out the question.
His lips twitched. “Not the kind you’re thinking of.”
“Oh.” My eyes widened. “For blood?”
He grinned then. “You don’t have to whisper it.”
“I didn’t.”
“You totally did.”