7. Florence

Chapter seven

Florence

"Florence, are you awake? It is almost dawn and I would prefer for us to be off soon." Adelbert's clipped greeting comes through the door and I open it, already dressed for our mission this morning.

"Sure. All set." I offer a small smile to the handsome male and get a minor twitch of his lips in return as he assesses my embroidered jeans, white top, and canvas shoes.

He's not radiating disdain so I'll take it as approval.

"Come," Adelbert grunts and it sounds just enough like a command that I wordlessly follow him as he turns on his heel and heads to the front door.

Adelbert and I arrived at his home in the heart of the Black Forest late last night. He helped carry my bag into the house and showed me to my room, which just so happened to be on the opposite side of the house from his, but still within the magical bond's limit that we're forced to remain within.

There was no time to explore or ask questions, only a sense of urgency for morning to come so we could head to Alberad School for the Supernatural's library for him to start his extensive research and find the reason—and solution—to the bond.

Adelbert had valiantly tried to find answers while we were in the Caribbean, scouring the estate library's limited resources. Unfortunately, he couldn't find any concrete answers, so the following morning I said goodbye to Dede as she headed off to Las Vegas with Everett, while I had to join Adelbert on the first plane back to Germany.

It's a little intimidating traveling to the other side of the world with someone you met two days ago, just after finding out monsters are real, but I remind myself that no one chose to be in this situation. The fates had intervened—for reasons yet to be known—and bonded us together.

Adelbert steps through the front door, body rigid as he holds it open for me with one elegant hand braced against the heavy wood, careful not to accidentally touch me. I incline my head in thanks as I pass him, but my feet freeze to the spot when I cross the threshold.

"Wow," I breathe as the view steals the air from me. My lungs inflate again with the fresh forest scent caressing my senses, goose bumps skittering across my arms in the brisk morning air. In front of me is a sight I'm committing to memory, my hands itching with the need to capture it with thread.

From on top of the mountain, a valley stretches out before me, the undulating slopes painted in charcoal and onyx as the first glimmer of light starts to peek over the horizon. Early morning mist hugs the treetops down below and wispy tendrils reach into the hazy sky alight with hues of dark lavender, antique mauve, and light plum.

"It's magnificent," I whisper more to myself than Adelbert, awe wrapping around my words as I bask in the beauty of the predawn sky.

"Yes, I suppose it is," Adelbert mutters, lifting his head briefly to take in the view before trudging past me.

I don't take offense to his brusque nature, it rather seems to be an inherent part of him, and it's most probably only exacerbated by everyone relying on him to solve a problem he had no part in creating.

Adelbert is equally as blameless as I am, yet I can see that he holds himself responsible for everything that transpired on the island. I can't imagine the immense pressure he is putting on himself, but I will try my best to help him and ease his burdens however I can.

Like a beacon in the dim light, Adelbert's perfectly styled platinum-blond hair beckons me to follow him down the path leading into the thick forest.

"Time is of the essence, Florence."

"Of course. Sorry." I give my head a small shake, feeling selfish for taking precious time, and hurry after him into the waking forest.

The gentle call of birds, the trickling of a small stream, and the serene whooshing of wind through the tall branches accompany my low humming as we follow the trail between the giant fir and pine trees.

"I messaged Sadie last night. Her view of the Vegas Strip from Everett's penthouse suite is so pretty. She sounds happy and like she's already enjoying herself. Have you talked to Everett yet?" I try to make small talk with Adelbert while keeping up with his brutally long strides, his long limbs eating up the distance between his home and the school.

Scarcely glancing back at me over his shoulder, his frown is firmly in place before he faces forward again.

"Nothing about anyone's status has changed since we last saw them. I will contact him when there is a reason to."

My lips press into a thin line and I give an internal sigh, mentally noting that small talk with Adelbert is fruitless. Or perhaps it's just the early morning that has him grouchy. I'll try again when the sun has properly crested the horizon.

I look up and squint my eyes at the dark branches high above to find a particular bird with a beautifully melodious song. My foot snags on an exposed root and I miss my next step. My heart drops into my stomach as I stumble, but before falling down completely, I manage to right myself, pressing a hand to my chest in the hopes that it will calm my racing heart.

"Could you please be more careful? You know I am unable to physically assist you should you injure yourself." Adelbert's tone is as stern as his face, his brows scrunched together.

My eyes catch on his fingers splayed open on either side of his hips as if reaching toward me, but he quickly curls them into fists, the veins on the back of his hands popping against his pale ivory skin.

My eyes round. "Sorry, I got distracted." My voice comes out smaller than I intended and I tuck some hair behind my ear. I don't know if I feel embarrassed for almost falling, or for drooling over his hands when there are much bigger issues to focus on.

Adelbert's scowl softens a fraction and he huffs, "For fates' sake, please don't apologize. Just… watch your step." He turns forward again and, this time, proceeds at a marginally slower pace.

I know Adelbert's not especially pleased with having a stranger in his home, but unfortunately, neither of us had much say in the situation. And despite his harsh tone, I've seen glimpses of his kindness underneath the prickly demeanor.

With that in mind, I try to break the tension with a corny joke.

"What did the horse say after it had tripped?"

Adelbert gives me a sidelong glance but doesn't reply, so I forge ahead.

"Help! I've fallen and I can't giddy up."

A laugh bubbles up in my throat, and the twitch at the corner of his mouth doesn't escape me. I don't call him out on it, though. Instead, I silently plot which joke will finally crack through his icy demeanor and have him rolling on the floor with laughter.

After covering some distance in semi-companionable silence, Adelbert is the first to speak. "I intend to find the proper resources in the library today so this… ‘bond' can be resolved as soon as possible. I will gather as many books as we are able to carry back to the house and continue research in my personal study."

I trace one of the flowers I embroidered on the pocket of my jeans, and ask, "Wouldn't it be more comfortable and convenient to remain in the school's main library, though?"

"Of course it would," Adelbert answers with a bite in his tone. "But it would be difficult to explain the presence of a human on Alberad's premises."

My hands fall to my sides and a warm flush crawls across my cheeks. Naturally, Adelbert would've thought about all the angles.

Adelbert comes to a stop and turns around to look at me. "Florence," he sighs out. "There is no record of a human ever crossing Alberad's wards. Though I am still young at twenty-eight, I have studied the history of my people extensively. As the sole heir to Alberad School for the Supernatural, it is my responsibility to understand the magic of the land. Yet, you seem to defy every rule and law known to me."

My shoulders climb up to my ears. "I—"

"Please do not apologize again." Adelbert's silver eyes widen. "I am aware that you did not deliberately appear within the wards, however, it does not negate the effects."

I bristle because he can't be sure that I was going to apologize. Could he? Instead of letting any hurt show in my expression, I fix a polite smile on my face.

"You're right. Nothing about this has been deliberate. But since I'm here"—I spread my arms and gesture to the surrounding woods, the soft gilded rays of the rising sun streaking through the towering trees—"let me know if there is any way I can help you or, if you prefer, I'll leave you in peace to focus on your research in solitude."

"Thank you. I shall inform you if there is any specific thing I require," Adelbert says, not unkindly.

I remind myself that we're essentially strangers and don't owe each other anything. Living with him is temporary, and I'll most likely be back in Kentucky by the end of the week.

Why does that make me feel lonely?

While Adelbert is holed up in his study, I'll explore the forest surrounding his house—within the bond's parameters—and make the most of my first time in Europe. I wish I had my embroidery supplies to pass the time, though. I didn't pack any on my week away with Dede, since it was meant to be filled with only relaxation and sisterly bonding time.

Now, the two of us are living on opposite sides of the world for a yet-to-be-determined amount of time and my heart is longing to recreate some of the spectacular sights I've seen.

My bigger embroidery pieces sell to special collectors and it's how I make a living. A modest living, but a happy one nonetheless. But I wonder if I'll have the same level of difficulty parting with the Black Forest pieces I want to create, just like I've not been able to part from the meadow piece.

I resolve to ask Adelbert about where to buy thread if my stay extends beyond a week, but for the time being, I'll find other ways to keep busy.

A new thought occurs to me and, after a quick pep talk to myself to not be shy and to speak up, I pierce the silence with my question.

"Will I be able to enter the library or is there somewhere I should wait for you?"

A muscle ticks in Adelbert's sharp jaw.

"It would not be wise to enter the library with me. Though I am usually the only one there this early in the morning, there is a chance that staff members could be about. It would be best to have you wait outside the building at a safe distance. I know the section I want to gather resources from, so it shouldn't take too long."

I nod as I process that he's hiding me like a dirty secret. I might not like it, but his logic makes sense.

Aiming for a gentler tone, but back still rigidly straight, Adelbert continues, "I shall keep within one hundred yards so we do not upset the distance bond. Also, since I am able to sense people within certain parameters, I shall hasten to you should there be a chance of being discovered. Do you have any other questions?"

I wonder what it's like to be so goal-oriented that you forget about your emotions. Not once has Adelbert complained. He has kept a neutral mask in place since I met him and he is singularly focused on helping everyone without any assistance.

Adelbert is only two years older than me, but it feels like he has lived more lives with all the hats he wears and the responsibilities he carries.

Determined not to add to his very full plate, I straighten my spine and say cheerfully, "Nope. No questions. I'll follow your lead."

Adelbert studies me with a perceptive gaze, his silver eyes brimming with an unidentifiable emotion, then jerks his head sharply.

"We are almost to the boundary. Please stay close."