They were all quiet. That hushed kind of quiet. It was the first time she'd ever vocalised the depth of her despair over losing Stellan. She knew they didn't understand. How could she possibly love a soul eater? Was this Darius' test? Had he decided her love for her brother made her unworthy?”
“Do you want vengeance for his death?”
“Yes!” she snapped, her eyes burning now. She glanced down at Noah who refused to look away.
His girlfriend, a Warrior of Neith called Romany, had killed Stellan. She knew now that Romany and Noah had split up. Valeria had cracked a joke about it on the plane just before they landed. An awkward ten minutes had followed as she realised mentioning Romany in any capacity was a bad idea. “I want vengeance.”
“Will you take that vengeance?”
Somehow, she knew this ancient warrior would know if she lied. Holding his gaze determinedly, the hunger mistook her meaning, roaring in triumph as she replied, “If I ever see her again, I will kill her.”
Darius nodded. His complete lack of expression was frustrating as all hell. Still trembling, Eden waited, aware of some kind of deliberation going on inside his head.
“Noah.” Darius didn't break eye contact with her. “Please take Eden out to the car. Cyrus and Valeria will join you soon.”
“Of course. It was a pleasure seeing you again, Darius.”
“And you as well.”
Completely dazed by her abrupt dismissal, Eden numbly followed Noah out of the motel room and down the corridor. She was so out of it, the proprietary touch of his hand on her back, leading her into the elevator, barely made a blip on her radar.
It wasn't until they were outside at the cars, drawing in the cool fresh air, that Noah stopped them.
He pressed her back against the car, holding her gaze, trying to nudge her out of her mind melt.
“Eden.”
She shook her head. “Go away.”
“Look, I know you don't want me to talk to you ever again, blah de blah blah blah,” he snapped,
“but let me at least put you at ease.” She found it highly doubtful he could ever do that and she made sure her expression said so. “The questions about Stellan…” he trailed off as she stiffened. He exhaled and turned, leaning against the car, the side of his body pressed against hers. “It wasn't about judging you. It was about determining the depth of your human emotions even with your soul eater half intact.”
Noah's words relaxed her a little. “You mean it was a good thing?”
“Yeah.”
“Oh.”
He nudged her again and she felt him grin. “But you know what? It wouldn't have mattered anyway what he thought. Cyrus is doing this with or without Darius' approval.”
“I find that hard to believe.”
“Don't.”
“But I thought Darius was Cyrus' superior?”
“He's older than him. And he's stronger. A lot stronger. But they're friends, not master and subordinate.”
“Oh.”
They were quiet a moment as a car pulled in next to them and a couple got out. Eden's ears rang with their musical accents, some words she totally understood, others well… But it wasn't the accent that got her. It was the strength of her need for their souls. The further they drew away from them, the hunger lessened. Eden swore under her breath.
“What?” Noah frowned, worry creasing his brows.
She scowled at his concern. “Darius woke up the beast. Do you think it's safe to take another dose?”
Noah shrugged. “I suppose not.”