a's

place called "The Bluebird Cafe," known as neutral territory in the human world,

what to expect during the meeting with David. But my mind was

reat I couldn't comprehend. That foolish thought of using him was g

ecided," I told Chloe. "I'm giving this back to

his motives are, getting entangled wit

cing. How could I return it without walkin

bell above the

up casuall

ple black turtleneck and dark trousers. The look was less severe, more of a

, grabbing a menu and holding it up to cover my

loe asked, noticin

ered frantically. "Aiden

through a gap in my menu-shield

I asked, my voice

heading to the counter to

in place. My plan was simple: become invisible, wai

zed loudly on the table. It was David, the

clearly audible in the quiet cafe. "Yes, David, we'r

ew the attention of som

arp, penetrating gaze that loc

king certainty, th

ame time. She shot me an apologetic

er facing the gallows

inst the counter, a cup of black coffee in his hand. A s

floor to swal

ze, saw me, and then said som

the counter and started walk

eaped into

"You know, Elara, David said there are some papers I need to sign

rrying away with a final, "good-luck-you'

her, betrayed a

me. He pulled out the chair Chloe had just vacated and sat

feline purr that sent a shiver down my