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Even though I was supposed to be forgetting hi there opposite Anna, that brown-eyed va on my mind

Chapter 34: Rose

After our visit to Anna’s house, our parents went directly to the Great Do with their closest advisors They were to discuss Kiev, and what to do about protecting the island long-term from Annora

Ben and I walked alone in the woods back toward our penthouse We didn’t say much to each other as ent up the elevator We both retreated to our rooms I looked around my room for my mobile phone Then I went directly toboth into ain and hurried down to the forest ground

Anna’s revelation had told me to hold onto what I believed deep down to be true: that there was more to Caleb’s story than anyone realized

I felt too restless to stay in the penthouse now Hell, even walking around the island wasn’t enough to soothe the stor would solve my unease once and for all

There was only one person on this island who could help un to pour with rain Mud splashed and soaked h the forest, the he aside the damp hair from my face, uest houses north-east of the island where I’d overheard our guests were staying By the time I’d arrived, the entire botto

I looked around at a row of townhouses that had been built along the beach especially for e had extra visitors There were about twenty houses, all built in a row

Which one do I knock on first?

I figured that the first door to ood as any, so I knocked A tall vampire came to the door He had stubble on his face, and kind brown eyes Matteo Borgia "Rose Novak?"

I nodded and shook his hand "I’m sorry to trouble you," I said "But could you tell ?"

Matteo poked his head out of the door and looked to his right along the row of houses "Just two doors down," he said, indicating the correct house

"Thanks," I said, and backed out of the gate

He looked at me curiously before he finally shut the door

I stopped in front of Kiev’s door, breathing deeply, trying to steadyparched

Footsteps approached and then the door opened slowly

And there I was, standing in front of the dark legend that was Kiev Novalic It was the first time I’d been in his presence all alone

"Kiev," I said, feeling uneasy as he looked down atit would break the ice It only s even more ahen he didn’t take it I lowered my hand and cleared my throat "May I come inside?"

He frowned, then stepped back wordlessly and swung the door open for me to enter