CRAVED: Her Blood, Their War.

hina'

nt to g

ness of the parlor like a blade, sharp

. It's the only lead that hasn't burned to ash. Everything el

liquid in her crystal glass. "A confused one, from

rather I sit and wait for S

untouchable. Black silk robe, bare feet, and the same icy calm she wore the nigh

as if trying to remember who I us

Stiletto isn't some brothel or shadow market, sweetheart. It's older tha

n't shake. "If she's there, if t

e me when I was your age. Stupid and angry and

"Are you going t

, like a queen deciding who to feed to the lions. She pulled open a dr

able. "But once you go in, I can't pull you out. You'll hav

el like nobod

ook up. "Then you

elope. Her hand shot

on't trust anyone in that place. Not the women. Not the guards.

ze. "What do

old smile again, letti

*

n two abandoned textile factories. A single red neon light blinked abov

tt

e. If you knew what it was,

ough the rearview mirror

," I said, stepping out bef

whispered something into a hidden earpiece. Probably to warn wh

dn't

hing far more primal. The music was low and slow, a sultry beat that reverberated through

ound. Patrons lounged like royalty, sipping dark l

pproached. She didn't ask for ID. Just studied my fa

murmured. "You

me pause.

. Just turned and mot

s walls overlooking the floor below. Plush couches, lo

d a grey button-down, collar undone. His build was sharp, his p

good time,

I asked, not bo

watching the Moranos for a very long time

n't a

"Relax, Seraphina. You'

dn't

g into before she disappeared. But if you want answers, you'll need to play by t

ng. "Then let's not waste t

ormation in here for free. Not unless they w

g in me itched. Not from fear, so

been he

s tone changed, slower, deeper, almo

ved c

e looking for by asking questions,"

I'll find someone who a

d my wrist befo

rowled, trying to t

ou Morano girls thin

the wall, pinning m

agger from my thigh and sl

ade sh

red, staring at the br

omething flickered in his eyes.

you?" I

dn't

ed in

a

ed at my feet. A hole in his head a

everything insid

," I wh

holding the gun. Still looking at me

cold. But the way

how to

tightened. "What

dn't

st until he gave me a reason, any reason,for disappearing, for canc

couldn

er co

After everything... after you just..

flicked b

aw cl

he said, cocking