The Mustang was still in the driveway, but the front door of the Mansion was open.
Jameson? Alexander? I called. But no one answered.
The house was eerily quiet.
I scaled the main staircase and passed a half dozen rooms until I came to Sebastians.
I tapped the door and it squeaked open.
The room was spotless. There were no signs that Alexanders best friend had even visited the Mansion. No coffin. No iPod, boxer shorts, or wallet. Not even a trace of Romanian dirt remained.
I felt as hollow as the empty room.
I ran throughout the Mansion. Alexander!
No response.
Jameson? I called.
The Creepy Man was nowhere in sight.
I entered the kitchen and found Alexanders best friend sitting alone at a rustic dinette, staring vapidly at a tiny plastic sword in his hand. His hair was unkempt, his eyelids droopy.
I stood for a moment. Sebastian wasnt talking. He didnt even acknowledge my presence.
I approached him tentatively.
Im sorry youre leaving, I finally said. Apart from the fact that you want to break up my best friend and her boyfriend, we actually got along pretty well.
Are you really? he asked, gazing up at me.
Sure. You brought light to the Mansionliterally, I teased.
But Sebastian didnt even smirk.
Ravenwhat have I done? How could I have been so recklessso selfish? A girl should never come between friends. Im sorry things didnt turn out better than this.
Alexanders still mad at you? I was hoping
Not only didnt I find true love, I lost my best friend.
It pained me to see Sebastian hurting. He wasnt as controlled as Alexander, or as menacing as Jagger. But like all the vampires Id met, he struggled with his place in the mortal worldjust as I struggled.
Ill talk to Alexander. Im sure youll be able to repair thingswith some time. When are you heading back to Romania?
Im not sure. I cant return like this. What do I say to my parents? To his? I thought I might stay nearby for a few more days.
Then youre not leaving town? I was happy at the thought.
Im not sure. I might just take a few days to think things through. And figure out how to make amends.
Does Alexander know?
We didnt talk much, he said with a nervous chuckle.
I pulled out a chair and sat by him. Where are you going to stay?
Im still not sure.