#Chapter 298: Cigarettes & Whispers

Abby After wandering down a narrow, dimly lit hallway in search of Karl, I push out into an equally narrow alley. The cold night air bites at my skin, but I can hardly feel it thanks to the beer in my belly. Furrowing my brow, I look around; and then I spot him. I find him standing alone in the alley, a cigarette lit between his fingers. He’s leaning against the stone wall of the pub, and the dim light from a nearby streetlamp casts shadows across his face, revealing a contemplative expression. “Go to him,” my wolf says. I’m not entirely sure why she’s so insistent tonight, but I don’t resist. Maybe it’s just the alcohol, or maybe I secretly want to be closer to him, too. “Hey,” I murmur as I approach, pulling my sweater closer around my shoulders. “Thought I’d find you out here.” Karl looks up, the red ember of his cigarette hanging in the air as he glances at me. “What are you doing out here in the cold?” he asks. I shrug. “I could ask you the same question. And I c