7. Lark

Chapter 7

Lark

The sun shines brightly when I open my eyes. I have no idea how long I've been latched to the pole on Flutter's roof. Could be since sunrise could be for the last three days.

"You're awake," Ava says from the bistro table across from me. "Thank goodness." She pours water into a glass and sets it down on the open spot beside her. "You had me really worried, Tricksy."

I push to stretch from the makeshift nest. There aren't as many pillows as I like, but it's comfortable. "Sorry. I didn't mean…"

"I know. It's not your fault. Drake needs to take better care of you. He can't keep pushing you to the brink and expecting you to bounce back." She waves to the glass of water. "Drink. Slowly."

"Thank you."

"I have some strawberries for you, too." She leans in close to me. "That demon, Pike, has his eyes set on you."

I swallow and nod. "Weird, right?" I can't tell her I summoned a crossroads demon, and it was him.

"Very, but I wouldn't mind being in his sights. He's a looker."

I snort into my glass as I take another drink. "He's stunning."

"Understatement of the decade. He's coming back today at noon. He wants to work with Drake." Ava shakes her head as she opens the cooler at her feet. "I don't get it, but I'm not questioning him." She passes me a container of strawberries and my mouth waters. "Slow, Trick."

"You're the best, Ava."

"I know, sweetie." She pats my hand as she watches me eat. I offer her the container. "I already ate my fill earlier. Eat up. I don't know what Drake has planned for you today."

The idea has my stomach churning.

"I don't think it'll be too grueling, not if he wants you back in tiptop shape quickly. I think you passing out scared him, too."

"Because he can't use me as entertainment if I'm unconscious."

"True. Don't worry too much. Just eat for now. Eat and bask in the sun." Ava turns her face to the light. There are a few clouds, but otherwise it's a blue sky morning. Perfect, if only I weren't bound to the roof with an iron chain and my wings weren't pressed against me in the binder.

"I brought blankets incase you want to lie out."

"I think I'd like that." I shove the last strawberry in my mouth.

Thank goodness there isn't too much wind on the roof. We get the blankets laid out quickly. I reach for her hand and she lets me have it.

"You're very sweet, you know that, Trick?"

"That's not what Drake says."

"Drake is a fool that doesn't know what he has in you. Or maybe he does." She squeezes my hand. "Don't let him turn you bitter. Not ever. You're going to get away from him and when you do…" She goes so quiet, I have to wonder if she lost her train of thought. When I look at her, tears trail down the side of her face.

"I can't leave without you, Ava. I won't."

"That's sweet to say, but?—"

"No buts. If I'm free, so are you. We'll get out of this together ."

Another squeeze and we're silent in our own thoughts. My own head runs so fast I almost miss the crunch of gravel beneath us. I already know from past experience that my iron chain is too short to let me to the edge, so I hold my breath as Pike's voice lifts on the wind when he tells Harold, the doorman, he's here to see Drake.

Ava grins and whispers, "told you so."

Maybe, just maybe, Pike can be trusted.