Chapter 42

VALERIA. Am I dreaming? Because all of this just seems too good to be true. Okay, I know Auric didn’t really insist on giving up the investigations. In fact, he offered to help me before. But Stefano? I remember him not ever wanting to go back. So I don’t say anything to his proposal. Celeste must have sensed the tension because she clears her throat and beams at everyone. “Well, is everyone ready to go to our lake house?” Auric raises his can for a toast while Stefano sinks in his seat, also apparently feeling the tension. I still don’t say anything. I just stare out the window looking at the view while the car starts to move. I still can’t believe I’m here. As I watch the School and the Society shrink smaller and smaller as we get farther away, I can’t help but wonder what’s really going on. What secrets are being hidden there? The night wears on. The car moves faster. Celeste falls asleep. Her head is resting against my shoulder, her blond hair all over my face. Auric is also