Growing up I hadn’t had any friends because I had been too dangerous. I’d put my little sisters life in danger more than once. I’d run away and caused my family a lot of grief. I’d even stolen from the man who had brought me to Frost Arch. Hawthorne … who was currently missing because I had lashed out and hurt him physically and emotionally. Then there was Noah, the first man I had ever harboured feelings for, who had taken advantage of me, and caused me to lose the use of my Power. Seth Swaggart, who predicted my impending demise, and now I had destroyed Master Sebastian’s prized possessions, and broken his nose, resulting in him wanting to find, and to hurt me severely. All these things had led me to where I currently was. I was a scared, lonely little girl, hiding from everyone and everything. My best bet now was to go back to my family and suffer their wrath. At least they wouldn’t kill me. But I couldn’t go anywhere without finding Hawthorne first.
So my first plan of action was to lie low for the night, and tomorrow I would search for my beloved boy with Jack. The thought of going home and leaving Jack did hurt me greatly, but he had a life here and it would be selfish of me to take him away from that.
A new thought crossed my mind. What if Sebastian Forsythe sent people to look for me for days, weeks, until I was caught? The thought made me feel physically ill. Surely he would assume that I had left the city? I hoped he would.
I gave a huge yawn and realised that I was absolutely dead on my feet. Without bothering to change out of my uniform, I kicked my boots off and hid under the blankets. It was lovely, seeing as I had only used those itchy sheets from the manor for the last few months. Within a matter of minutes I was fast asleep. My dreams were laden with horrible images and I woke up shaking and sweating many times during the night.
Finally the next time I woke the sun was starting to rise on the horizon. Looking out my window I found that it was snowing heavily. I would have a hard time locating Hawthorne in this weather, yet it didn’t dampen my determination. I wondered when Jack would come back. I had asked him the night before not to keep me waiting. From my window I could look down at the street below and see the early birds bustling about doing their daily things, shielding themselves from the heavy snow. A bird swooped past my window as I gazed out of it lazily.
When the sun had fully risen and I had dressed in more suitable clothes I heard a knock upon the door.
“Who is it?” I said cautiously.
“It’s Jack.” The familiar voice spoke.
With a sigh a relief I opened the door and let Jack slip inside.
“I could have been anyone.” He said shaking his head at me, “You can’t be so trusting.”
I folded my arms, “I’d recognise your voice anywhere.” I said defensively.
Jack waved a hand, pushing the matter aside, “That’s not important now anyway, I have news for you.”
Jack sat down upon my unmade bed and frowned at me, “Well, Master Forsythe isn’t very happy at all. I healed him up when I got back to the manor, and got away from him quick smart. He started asking me questions about you, and well, I couldn’t really lie, could I?”
“Why not?” I fired up.
“Sebastian Forsythe’s has the Power to uncover lies.” Jack reminded me. Noah had told me this weeks ago.
“So what did you say?” I asked.
“I just shrugged most of the time, and told him to stay still while I fixed his nose. You shattered it pretty good.” He smirked, “But I don’t think he can get anything if I’m mostly unresponsive.”
I nodded, “I hope not.”
“But that’s not all.” Jack said with a frown, “He’s very determined to find you, and he’s hired people to put up fliers, and to go looking for you.”
I gaped at him, “Search Parties? Fliers?”
Jack nodded, “With drawings of you. Skilled artist too.” He mused.
“Jack!” I groaned, “My face will be all over Frost Arch!”
Jack nodded sadly, “I think they will be putting them up tomorrow. They’re still making them.”
“Right, so that gives us all day to look for Hawthorne.” I said clapping my hands together.
Jack shook his head, “I think there are still people looking for you around the city.” He said quietly.
“So I disguise myself.” I folded my arms.
Jack sighed and thought about it for a few moments, “It’s dangerous, Ava.”
“Jack, if I ever plan on leaving this bloody city, I need Hawthorne. We have to find him soon, before I get caught. How long do you think it will take for Samuel Bludvok to realise I’m wanted by one of the most important men in the city?”
“Bludvok won’t care, I already told you.” Jack sighed.
I groaned and tugged at Jack’s clothes, “Please, we have to find him.”
Jack looked at me and rolled his eyes, “If you get taken away by a guard, it’s your own fault.”
“Okay, so where should we look first?” I asked quickly.
Jack pinched the bridge of his nose and scrunched his eyes up, “I’d suggest the forest again, but it’s too close to the manor. You’d risk getting caught, and if they find out that I’m helping you …” He trailed off.
“Don’t worry.” I said grabbing my coat and shoes, “We’ll be in the trees, no one will see us. We’ll just walk through the slums again then start looking.”
Jack bit his lip, “You’re supposed to be the scared one. Not me.”
“What are you afraid of? Being caught with me?” I asked, slipping my shoes on.
“No.” Jack scoffed, “I’m scared of losing you. Silly girl.”
I smiled and punched Jack playfully on the arm, “C’mon. Let’s go.”