Bloodlines and Hearts

thing like anything Lydi

ng into a castle. Massive brick buildings that looked like they had been standing for centuri

ke they owned the plac

type of confident walk that screamed, "

dents did not even try to hide their stares. Those calculating eyes that seemed to measure her wo

nced at her.

ady sacrificed so much, and she did not deserve to worry any more than she already did. If tha

said. But fine was

awkwardly, feeling every single pair of eyes on her. The other

receptionist said, sliding Lydia's schedule

ks. The kind that said, "You have got

mumbled, sensing her mom

something Lydia could barely hear. "Remember who you are.

pulling away. Her eyes were

Lydia groaned. Bu

oward the map the receptionist had handed her. "Elysian Building," she muttered, tracing her

er jaw dropped. It was massive and wa

climbed the stairs, her fingers

e high ceilings, carved walls, and massive chandel

om

hedule, pushed the

a guy who seemed more than happy about it. They were so

ng room," Lydia mum

de hair was unkempt, her lipstick smeared

d," she said. "He

cket and nodded at Lydia on his w

to Lydia. "You must be Lydia," she said, leaning

ed. She walked over to the other bed in the room, the one that virtu

asked as she slumped onto her bed, sitti

?" she asked, her t

ve you been shifting? You know, since your first c

but she could feel her cheeks burn

Well, don't worry. This place is all about f

, hoping Vanessa would not ask more questions

coming to the party tonight? It's kind of a big deal-we

er head quickl

in and, uh, get famil

. You are really going for the who

avoiding Vanessa's eyes. "I jus

ttle! But hey, suit yourself. Just don't come crying to me when you are si

things. Vanessa shrugged and started scrolling through

e folded her last sweater and slid it into the small wardrobe provided when a sudden commotion echoed

n?" Lydia asked,

ling through her phone as if the ruckus

er head, her brow furrowing. "

ding up and stretching lazily. "The o

. Lydia stood and moved toward t

than and Riley Laurent. Pack royalty, practically. Ev

lty?" The phrase felt strange in her mou

er to follow. "C'mon, y