Midnight

by Christi J. Whitney

  I closed my eyes, so I wouldn’t have to look at Katie’s half-believing, questioning expression. Immediately, my mind conjured up an image of Sebastian – the firelight glinting off his fierce teeth as he spoke, his silver eyes gleaming. ‘Yes and no.’

  ‘So it’s really that bad.’ I heard the doubt in Katie’s voice.

  ‘No, that’s not what I meant. It wasn’t his change I couldn’t deal with. It was my guilt. Maybe it wasn’t directly my fault, but I was convinced I’d ruined his life by somehow making it happen.’ I pressed the heel of my hand against my chest, trying to ease the hurt. ‘I still feel like that, sometimes. But I’m learning to deal with it.’

  ‘Go on,’ Katie pressed. Not demanding, but insistent.

  ‘The bond we have doesn’t scare me anymore. That stopped the moment he came to live at the Circe. It’s the only thing that feels right, honestly. I can sense his emotions. I understand the way he thinks. I know when he’s near.’ My gaze drifted back to the pendant. ‘He’s become closer to me than anyone else in the world. We’re connected in a way I can’t really put into words.’

  ‘Well, whatever you want to call it, it’s obvious Sebastian loves you,’ said Katie. A slow smile spread over Katie’s features, lighting up her eyes. ‘And now you feel the same way about him, don’t you?’

  I stood up quickly. The action made my head pound. I crossed the room and opened the closet door. Inside were several stacks of plush bath towels. I grabbed a pastel yellow one from the top of the pile.

  ‘Look Katie, I can’t think about that, okay? You know the seriousness of my relationship with Quentin. This guardian and charge thing has put a giant strain on us, and I can’t mess that up.’

  ‘Yeah, why not?’ she asked.

  My eyes widened. ‘Excuse me?’

  Katie held her hands up defensively. ‘Hey, you know I’ve been totally supportive of you and Quentin, and yeah, pretty much jealous, too. I mean, hello … the guy’s basically perfection on a platter.’

  ‘Aren’t you dating Mitchell?’

  ‘We aren’t exclusive, and nothing says I can’t enjoy the scenery, right?’ Katie shrugged. ‘Anyway, that’s beside the point. We’re talking about you right now. So the question boils down to this: hotness and charm factor aside, is Quentin really the guy you want?’

  ‘It’s complicated.’

  ‘I swear, Josie, I’m going to jump out of this window right now. It’s not complicated, it’s simple facts. Do you love Quentin?’

  ‘Yes,’ I said slowly. ‘Or, at least, some part of me does. Quentin and I are … I don’t know what we are right now. It’s been so difficult lately. He’s been part of my life for so long, and he loves me. It’s always been understood we’d get married. It’s something I accepted a long time ago.’ I twisted my fingers in my lap and looked away from her. ‘It’s our way, Katie. I’m not going to try and explain that to you, I just hope you understand.’

  ‘I do,’ she said. ‘But don’t you—’

  ‘Look, I know I owe Quentin the truth. I just don’t know what that is, yet.’

  Katie frowned. ‘Okay, maybe it is a little complicated.’

  ‘None of that matters now,’ I said. ‘What matters is getting Sebastian out of this trial, one way or another.’

  Katie nodded with a yawn. ‘Alright, fair enough. Lucky for you, I’m too tired to think straight anymore.’ She curled up with one of the oversized pillows. ‘I’ve gotta take a power nap, or I won’t survive tomorrow.’

  ‘Then I’ll leave you to it,’ I said with a smile, glad to be done with the conversation, at least for now. I plugged in my phone and set an alarm. ‘I’m going to take a shower.’

  *

  Katie was sprawled sideways on the bed when I returned, snoring loudly. I tiptoed across the groaning floorboards as best I could. As I placed my old clothes in my bag, my fingers brushed against the small book I’d hidden inside.

  I retrieved it and quietly stepped outside. There was a tiny nook at the end of the narrow hallway arranged as a reading area. All the bedroom doors were closed, and the predawn silence permeated the upstairs. I settled into the chair, gathered my legs underneath me, and opened Markus Corsi’s book.

  The pages crackled as I picked a place, somewhere in the middle. I stared hard at the flowing, handwritten script. Ezzie had said that only Gypsies could read these kinds of books. Some words I could make out, but most were in a Roma dialect I’d never seen before. How could this book be useful if I couldn’t even read a full sentence? I narrowed my eyes, desperately willing the words to make sense.

  ‘Josephine.’

  I jumped so hard I nearly toppled my seat.

  ‘Ms Lucian!’

  She stood a few paces away, leaning against the wall. She wore a long jacket, despite the warm summer night, and her hair fell loose around her face. It was impossible to tell how old she was. At least Hugo’s age, definitely, but something about her seemed older – her eyes, and the way fine lines appeared around her forehead and mouth when she frowned – like she was doing at that very moment.

  ‘Josephine, why are you not sleeping?’

  I set my feet on the floor. ‘I could ask you the same thing.’

  A hint of a smirk danced across her lips. Her gaze traveled to the book in my hands. Emotion flickered briefly behind her hazel eyes – a sort of calloused pain. She’d said little of her past when she brought Sebastian and I to her home under the bridge, and I didn’t know her well enough to pry. Not too much, anyway.

  ‘I have been out,’ she finally replied.

  ‘Where?’

  ‘That is my business, for now.’ She drew her jacket tighter. ‘It will be time for breakfast soon. You should think about getting some rest.’

  ‘You’re an original guardian,’ I said quickly. Esmeralda paused at my words, and I ploughed ahead before she could leave. ‘There were so many bedtime stories I heard as a child, so many legends passed down through our clan, about how the guardians fought against the Old Clans and helped us break free.’

  ‘Who I once was no longer matters, Josephine Romany.’ Her entire body tensed, and her face turned dark. ‘This is who I am now.’

  I closed the book. ‘Do you … miss it?’

  The fire in her eyes dwindled. Her hand drifted to her neck, to the small, faded tattoo. ‘With all that I am.’

  8. Josephine

  Breakfast was served in the parlor, precisely at seven, as promised. Paizi and Ferka made the rounds with cups and saucers as the Corsis gathered in the room. I sipped my tea, fighting exhaustion and a growing sense of apprehension. Beside me, Katie nibbled on a pastry.

  ‘Are you okay?’ I asked over the rim of my cup.

  ‘Am I supposed to be here?’ she whispered. ‘I mean, I feel like they’re about to go over some top-secret files or something, and I’m literally the only person in the room who isn’t a Gypsy. It’s seriously uncomfortable.’

  I hid my smile. Katie was her old self again, freak-out and all. I felt selfish for thinking it, but I was glad to have her back. The Corsis may have been Roma, but they weren’t my clan.

  ‘If it makes you feel any better,’ I said, ‘I feel out of place, too.’

  ‘It does a tiny bit, yeah.’

  Sunlight filtered through the lace curtains, illuminating tiny particles of dust in the air. James propped himself against the doorframe, as though he didn’t trust the structural integrity of the antique furniture. Kris and Vincent sat in two parlor chairs near the kitchen, heads bowed as they talked in low voices. Esmeralda had found a chair in a shadowy corner of the room. I wondered if gravitating towards dim-lit spaces was a habit left over from her days as a gargoyle.

  Sebastian had a knack for it as well. During evening hours, it was sometimes almost impossible to spot him, unless he blinked. Or, on those rare occasions, when he gave me one of his full, unhindered grins that brightened his entire face. But even when I couldn’t see him, I always knew he was there.

 
The constant, heavy knot in my chest would never go away. Not until he was safe and near me again. I’d avoided dealing with my frustration and worry, but now that we were in Savannah, fear took root inside me. Real fear. Not only did I feel responsible for Sebastian’s acquittal, but now I also had Katie to think about. I stole a quick glance in her direction.

  She was licking the frosting off a cinnamon roll and trying hard not to stare at everyone around her. Katie was more than capable of taking care of herself, but my world was way more complex than she knew.

  My phone buzzed in my pocket. It was a text from Quentin.

  How was opening night?

  Everyone was still busy eating and having their own conversations. I tapped out a quick reply.

  Good crowd. Everything went fine.

  I held my phone in my hand, debating. Then I added another text.

  Spending the weekend at Katie’s.

  Be back on Sunday. See you then?

  I felt Katie’s shoulder press into mine. She looked at me with her brows raised questioningly. I tilted my phone so she could see, just as another text from Quentin came through.

  I’m staying in Savannah.

  Your father wants me here to represent the clan.

  Just until he arrives for Gathering on Monday.

  The remnants of breakfast turned sour on my tongue. Quentin was staying in Savannah. I hadn’t even considered this. I’d just assumed he would discharge his duty to escort Sebastian and Augustine to the city and then come back home.

  I hurried to type out my next question.

  How was the trip? Augustine?

  Quentin’s response came in waves.

  Uneventful.

  He wasn’t allowed inside. He left pissed.

  I’m staying in the Court of Shadows.

  I glanced up at Katie. She was reading along, her brow furrowed deep in thought. I swallowed hard, and typed again.

  Is Sebastian okay?

  I stared nervously at the blank screen. Quentin had to know I’d ask. Sebastian had been my guardian for weeks, and Quentin had dealt with it, even if he was only doing so because of my father.

  Haven’t seen him.

  I blinked at his reply, unsure of what to believe. Quentin was a Marksman, which meant he’d have access to Sebastian, as well as the upcoming trial. He was convinced Sebastian was a killer. Would he really let him out of his sight?

  As if reading my mind, Katie said, ‘Hey, you told me he’s totally not a fan of Sebastian’s. If I were Quentin, the last thing I’d want to do is hang around anywhere near him. Besides, don’t they have lots of Marksmen protecting this Court of Shadows place?’

  I nodded. ‘Yes.’

  ‘It sounds to me like the only reason Quentin’s still there is because he’s following orders from your dad.’

  ‘Yeah,’ I said, pocketing my phone. ‘Maybe you’re right.’

  I didn’t have a chance to think anymore about it. Just as I picked up a blueberry muffin, Hugo Corsi entered the parlor room, wearing the same jeans and t-shirt he’d had on when we arrived. It didn’t look as though he’d slept either. He poured himself a mug of coffee. We waited expectantly. Even Paizi and Ferka ceased their bustling over platters and saucers.

  ‘I went to the Court of Shadows this morning,’ Hugo said after several sips. ‘Our suspicions were correct. They’re keeping a real tight lid on the trial. No one I talked to knew anything about it. Until I ran into Donani Marks.’

  ‘The head of the Queen’s Marksmen guard,’ I said.

  Hugo nodded and wiped his mouth against his sleeve. ‘Yeah, that’s him. After going ’round with him for a bit, he finally admitted the trial would happen first thing on Monday, before the monthly High Council meeting. Only Marksmen and Council members will be admitted.’

  ‘That’s ridiculous,’ growled James. ‘If the Council is holding a Kris Romani, then we can be there. High Court trials are open to any Gypsy who wants to attend. It’s the law.’

  ‘In Roma matters, perhaps,’ said Esmeralda from her shadowy corner. ‘But Sebastian is not Roma, and therefore those laws do not apply.’

  ‘That’s exactly what Donani said.’ Hugo scowled into his coffee. ‘But I wasn’t about to let it go at that. Shadow creature or not, Sebastian is my brother and I’m also his bandoleer. And as leader, it’s my right to see him.’

  James rubbed his knuckles like he was ready for a fight. ‘And what did he say to that?’

  ‘That I’m allowed one visitation before the trial,’ Hugo replied. ‘So I’m going to see Sebastian today.’

  At the mention of seeing him, my heart sped up. ‘I’m going with you.’

  ‘I thought you wished to keep your presence here a secret,’ said Esmeralda from the corner. Heads swiveled in her direction. ‘A public appearance in the Court of Shadows wouldn’t be prudent in that regard.’

  ‘I have to see my aunt. She needs to hear the truth.’

  ‘According to Donani, the Queen isn’t even here,’ said Hugo. ‘He said she’s been out of town for a few days but expects to return tomorrow evening, in preparation for the Summer Gathering.’

  It was as though someone had set a heavy weight on my chest. I’d been counting on getting to the Queen, on putting an end to this whole thing before it even began. I’d convinced myself that I’d be able to rescue Sebastian. And now—

  My phone vibrated again with another text. I peered at it quickly, and the weight in my chest doubled.

  Love you Josie

  I stared at the three words Quentin had said to me countless times before. They blurred in front of me. I heard Hugo say my name, but it sounded faint and far away.

  ‘Josephine.’

  Quentin took my hands in his. His fingers were long and slender, scarred with years of Marksmen work. They were just about the only thing that wasn’t perfect about him, physically. He rubbed my knuckles gently as he spoke. ‘I’m sorry you had to go through this. I know you had a connection with the creature that you couldn’t control.’

  ‘He has a name,’ I replied.

  Quentin nodded. ‘Of course he does. But that doesn’t make him human. I know you wanted him to be. So did your father. But shadowen will never be anything other than what they were created.’

  I looked past Quentin to the gates of the Fairgrounds. Augustine stood outside the truck and trailer, waiting for him. I felt sick to my stomach.

  ‘Sebastian is innocent,’ I said.

  ‘I know what you believe,’ he replied, his voice smooth and gentle. ‘But the facts can’t be ignored. Karl’s death must be answered for. The gargoyle’s fate is out of our hands, Josie. It’s out of your hands. You have to accept that.’

  ‘And what if I can’t?’

  ‘My duty is to your father and this clan. I will ensure that the gargoyle arrives safely in Savannah and that he is given his chance for a fair trial with the High Council. You have a duty to this clan as well. Everyone looks to your family. The Romanys must present a unified front. Whatever your personal feelings for this gargoyle, are they really more important than the welfare of the entire clan?’

  Quentin shouldered his bag and leaned down, pressing his lips to mine. I felt myself tense before I could stop the reaction. Quentin’s lips immediately tightened, and he pulled back, searching my face.

  ‘I’ll be back soon, Josephine.’

  Katie nudged me in the side. Hugo was looking at me with an expectant expression on his face, waiting, for my answer. I ran over my options in my head. Going to the Court of Shadows meant I would risk running into Quentin. If he discovered I was here, then so would my father. And, if I was being honest, I wasn’t ready to face Quentin.

  I’d find an opportunity to speak to the Queen when she returned. I could be patient. I could wait. And, if for some reason she refused to hear me out, then I would make absolutely sure that I was there at the Kris Romani to testify on Sebastian’s behalf.

  No matter what.

  ‘You’re right,’ I sa
id. ‘I don’t want to jeopardize anything right now.’

  ‘Good,’ said Hugo, setting his mug aside and sweeping his gaze around the parlor. ‘In the meantime, the rest of you are free to head into the city while I’m gone, but I want everyone back to the inn before sunset.’

  ‘You gotta be kidding me,’ growled James. He peeled himself from the wall. ‘We’ve got a curfew now?’

  ‘In case you’ve forgotten, we had two groties on our tail last night. If they were willing to risk being out in the open, then who’s to say it won’t happen again? Plus, the more Outcasts there are, the more groties come out to play.’

  I nodded in agreement. Summer and Autumn Gatherings always brought more shadowen around, since those were the only times large numbers of our kumpania assembled together in one place. Then, a realization suddenly hit me. ‘Your clan has no Marksmen.’

  ‘Never needed them,’ said Kris.

  Vincent huffed. ‘We can take care of ourselves.’

  ‘In the past, maybe,’ said Hugo. But I’m not so sure anymore. So don’t do anything stupid while I’m gone, understood?’

  The others mumbled their agreement.

  *

  ‘We’re in Savannah,’ said Katie, pressing her face against the bay window overlooking the street. ‘And this city is gorgeous. Why do you want to stick around here?’

  I swept aside the lace curtain and joined her in admiring the view. Rows of historic homes of varying designs and levels nestled neatly along the thick hardwoods on either side of the quiet road. Several people sat outside a cute little coffee shop the next block down. ‘I don’t feel like going anywhere right now. Not with Sebastian—’

  Katie grabbed my hand and pulled us away from the window. ‘Hey, you heard Hugo. There’s literally nothing you can do for him right now. Hugo’s going to take care of him. I mean, Sebastian’s his brother.’

  ‘I know.’ It hadn’t taken much to convince Katie, but I wasn’t so sure. ‘But anyway, I also don’t want to risk anyone recognizing me, since I’m not supposed to be here.’

  ‘It’s a really big city, Josie. Are you telling me you’re that much of a celebrity in your world that you can’t leave this house?’