Page 32 of A Wild Darkness

“River’s asking if I want to leave tonight.”

I lower to sit next to her on the edge of the bed. “I thought you were leaving tomorrow?”

“They’re expecting a big storm tomorrow, and since the weather is clear now, the pilot wants to stay ahead of it.”

I fall back into the dark, thick down comforter. “It’s always raining in Seattle.”

“Sorry.” She lies on her side next to me.

Letting out a heavy sigh, I turn to my sister. “I’ll be fine.”

“You will. And don’t forget to keep me updated!”

“Of course.”

Lux rolls off the bed and stands, placing a hand on her hip. “And I’m sure River will be in constant contact with Sebastian, too.”

“I’m sure.” I laugh, getting to my feet. “So, you’re leaving now?”

She nods. “Yeah, River is meeting me on the landing strip outside with our things any moment.”

“I’ll walk you out.” I link my arm through my sister’s. We both exit the room and head toward the main part of the house, stopping before we approach the elevators because the sound of heavy boots is quick behind us.

“Ready, Raven?” River uses his pet name for her as he slips his arm around Lux’s waist. I want to hate it, but can’t because of the poetic nature of it.

Lux leans into him. “Let’s go.”

Sebastian is right behind River, and we exchange a quick smile, acknowledging each other before the four of us step into the elevator.

“I can’t wait to drink wine and watch the sun go down over those beautiful French hills.” Lux stares up at River with lovey eyes.

Shoulder to shoulder, Sebastian and I keep our heads straight, facing the slit in the steel doors. Although the reflection is warped, I can tell he’s biting back laughter at the two behind us. The warmth of his body close to mine should be comforting, but the unknown leaves me with an awkward tension that settles between us which it’s just the two of us.

“It’s going to be amazing,” River responds to Lux, as if they’re the only two in here.

The cool summer night air whips past me as the doors slide open to the Thompsons’ private jet waiting a short walk away.

Lux turns to me with her eyes low. She’s conflicted about her choice, which I understand, but I have to reassure my sister I’ll be fine without her. “I’m going to miss you.”

“I’m gonna miss you, too.” We embrace each other in a big hug. “But I know I can do this.”

She pulls away to face me fully. “You can. The Levinson family was born to seek justice. It’s in our DNA.”

“I know,” I reply.

Then, after one more quick hug goodbye, Lux slides her hand into River’s.

“We’ll talk soon,” Sebastian tells River, giving him a quick hug before my sister and his cousin board the plane.

A gentle hand on my shoulder, he urges me to back up until we’re a safe distance away. Standing together, we watch the plane pick up speed down the short runway until it safely lifts and heads into the night sky.

“Just you and me, Stevie,” he remarks casually.

But the realization that I’ll be spending the next six weeks alone with Sebastian hits me like a freight train. It’s just me and him in this big freaking house. Sure, Mae will be here and some of the house staff, but no Lux or River. Spending time working together—alone.

Can we actually do this without them? I mean, I know Sebastian can, but can I? Naturally, I find myself nervous about taking on such a high-stakes task.

“I guess so.” I empty my lungs with a full exhale, hoping to push every nervous fiber out of me.