Page 167 of The Cannibal

“Finally making your way back to Buffalo?” I tipped my head.

“I’ve overstayed to begin with.” She pulled her white gloves tight, the rim of her hat hiding her eyes.

“You’re always welcome back,” I said gently. “There will always be a room for you.”

“Are you sure?” Her eyes were reluctant to meet mine.

“Why not?”

“I just figured⁠—”

“I understand,” I said, “but let bygones be bygones. You have important work to do, anyway. Those girls need you back at home.”

She nodded, shrugging her shoulders before letting them relax. “Thank you.”

“I will see you again.” I brought her into a hug. She tensed before her arms wrapped around me to return it.

“I’m sorry.”

“Hush,” I teased her. “Take care of my horse.”

“I will.” It earned a small smile from her before she picked up her trunk, stepping out into the quickly cooling air.

“Alina!” Silas called from out the door. He was already in a rig, waving me over.

“The luggage!” I pointed to the pile.

“Leave it!” He slid over in his seat, patting the spot beside him.

I stared at the pile and then back at him, eventually giving in and abandoning it on my way out.

I tripped over a cobblestone.

“Please do better at guiding me.” I pulled at his hands, covering my eyes as he walked me forward.

His hands fell from my face, my vision taking several hard blinks to focus.

Two men were installing lettering on a small storefront.

LIS & CO. PHARMACEUTICALS

I pushed out a breath of air, turning to him in disbelief.

“You hate it?” He pouted.

There was no hiding my smile, even when I grabbed his face to kiss him, our teeth clicking together because I just simply couldn’t hide my excitement.

“It’ll be waiting for you, cleaned and primed, when we get back.” He wrapped his arms around my neck as I hugged his waist.

“It’s perfect.” I glanced back at it over my shoulder.

“Are your bags packed?” He kissed my head.

“In a neat pile by the door.” I tipped my head up. “And yours?”

“A single trunk is more than enough for me,” he mumbled.

“Did you hear from the other Nests?”