Percy scowled at the body bag before turning back to face Hazel. "I want her handcuffed and blindfolded immediately," he commanded.
Leo stiffened next to her, "I'll blindfold her, but handcuffs aren't necessary.” When Percy did not move, Leo lowered his tone, "I'll take personal responsibility for her. Hold me accountable if anything happens."
Hazel clutched Snow's coat closer as if she could disappear beneath its folds.
Percy's eyes narrowed, and after a moment, he relented with a terse "Okay." He leaned in toward Leo, his tone hard. "Don't think I won't.”
With a final, lingering glare, Percy nodded to Leo and Senator Snow and stalked trudged toward Dr. Gaul. He threw himself into a seat beside her, and it was clear that Dr. Gaul was delivering a stern lecture. Percy, unusually subdued, hardly put up any resistance.
Senator Snow, breaking her train of thought, turned to her with a reassuring nod. "You are in good hands," his eyes flickered to Leo.
Festus waved a long finger, "Careful with my tribute, Leo."
Festus and Snow then found seats with Dr. Gaul and Percy. Leo exhaled a deep, weary sigh as he tended to Hazel's wounds. Hazel’s attention was repeatedly drawn to the body bag lying on the floor. The reality of its contents – a mentor, no less – weighed on her consciousness. She had sensed something was off with Ian but never imagined it would escalate to such a horrific outcome. Was it any wonder the people of the Capitol hated those from the districts? She stared at the unmoving body bag. Can I really blame them?
Leo's gloved fingers navigated her marred, sensitive skin. "Alright, I need to put this on you." Hazel knew he was referring to the blindfold without needing to look.
"It's okay; go ahead," she sighed. It wasn’t like she could object. Leo said nothing as he wrapped the cloth around her eyes and tied it behind her head.
"I'm going to use some glue and bandages," he informed her. "We don't have sutures on board."
Hazel inhaled sharply, her nerves on edge. "Okay," she agreed. "I guess being glued back together in a moving helicopter is better than being stitched up anyway."
"We'll see. A word of warning: the glue might sting a bit.”
She nodded in understanding, bracing herself for the sensation. As Leo applied the glue, a warm sensation escalated to full-blown burning. She clenched her teeth and tightened her grip on Snow's jacket, drawing it closer to her face. The faint aroma of roses emanating from the fabric was oddly comforting. Leo worked his way from her neck to her shoulder, down her back, and along her upper arm.
"You know, I never would have guessed he was your brother," Hazel commented, hoping to distract herself from the unsettling jerking of the helicopter and the burning of her skin.
Leo paused in his task. "I get that a lot.”
"I can relate.”
"I can imagine you do," the sound of the rotors muffled Leo's voice.
"But you know I definitely like you better," she responded.
He let out a dry laugh, "Yeah, I also get that a lot."
"Ahh, that's where we differ. Everyone loves Silus," Hazel let a faint smile form.
Leo hummed in response and continued to his work.
"That was a brave thing you did today. Most tributes wouldn't have risked themselves like that. They would have just let them be crushed."
A knot formed in her throat. "I just did what felt right."
“You would make a solid peacekeeper.”
Hazel couldn’t help the barking laugh that escaped her. Her senses were immediately flooded with pain and embarrassment. She couldn’t see, but she could hear several conversations pause; they were probably staring back at her.
“Sorry, I’m sure it is an interesting job.” Hazel started.
She could practically hear the stern smile in his tone, “Somedays more than others.”
She swallowed down a response.
"I know you and Silus were telling the truth about the suture kit." Leo’s voice was softer now. Hazel was sort of thankful for the blindfold at this point. It was easier conversing in the dark. She didn't answer him. His breath lingered on the back of her neck as he leaned closer, commenting so only she could hear, "I'm sorry about earlier."
He started applying bandages over the three most significant areas. She eventually whispered a soft "Thank you."
After several more minutes, he had finished. In a low tone, he whispered, “All done.”
She merely nodded as he helped her pull her shirt sleeve back on. She clutched Snow's jacket over her and leaned back, careful not to bump the freshly bandaged wounds.
Leo moved away, packing up supplies and bagging up the bloodied gauze in silence.
The journey back to the Capitol stretched on. Each moment in the air felt longer and more drawn out than the last. It seemed to take twice as long to return than it did to get to the arena.
As they neared their destination, Leo removed Hazel's blindfold, studying her for a brief moment but saying nothing.
Upon their landing at the field where their day had begun, Hazel's gaze followed a solemn procession as Iris Overstreet's body was lifted from the floor of the helicopter. Peacekeepers said nothing, heads bowed as they reverently loaded Iris Overstreet into a sleek, black vehicle. Hazel swallowed down nausea as the doors slid shut with a solid click.
Notably absent were the buses that had earlier transported them, having already returned the other tributes to the manor. How am I getting back?
As Senator Snow and Festus approached, Festus declared as if he had read her mind, "I will escort Miss Marlowe back to the manor in my vehicle."
Leo shook his head. "I can't permit that. I am responsible for her safe return, per Commander Drayton's orders."
Undeterred, Festus retorted, "I never said you couldn't accompany us, Leo. Besides, as her mentor, it's only fitting I escort her."
Leo paused to weigh his options, eventually conceding with a nod. "I'll check in with Percy before we leave," he stated, then turned and made his way toward Commander Percy, leaving Hazel momentarily in the company of Snow and Festus.
She handed the jacket back to Snow. "Thank you for this," she mumbled. She was more than ready to be back with Silus and for this horrid day to be over.
Senator Snow's scrutiny lingered on Hazel as he took the garment. His long fingers brushed hers. "How are you feeling?"
Her stomach was curling in on itself, and she willed herself to focus on the sharp pain along her left side as she met his gaze, "I've been better, but I don't think there's any permanent damage.”
A small, almost invisible smile flickered across Senator Snow's lips. "I will be escorting Miss Marlowe back to the manor.”
Hazel’s heart rate spiked as she sent him a confused look. What?
Festus coughed, shaking his head. "You heard Leo; Commander Drayton will likely not approve of that for your own safety."
Senator Snow scoffed, his confidence unwavering. "I can handle myself," he assured them, offering Hazel a reassuring smile. "She should have let that tree sandwich as if she was going to harm me. Should there be any issue, Commander Drayton can discuss it with me."
Approaching Festus, Snow leaned down to whisper something in his ear. Hazel strained to hear but couldn't make it out. Festus nodded in acquiescence and stepped aside.
Hazel hesitated for a moment, uncertainty flickering in her eyes. "Shouldn't we wait for Leo to return?"
"Leo and Percy have a lot to do, and that paperwork after what happened today will probably be extensive. I'm just helping them out." Snow extended a reassuring hand, palm resting on her uninjured shoulder. His touch was light yet firm, guiding her forward. She continued to hesitate and looked over at Festus, who gestured for her to follow Snow. "Come on, I don't bite," he whispered.
Senator Snow led Hazel to a sleek, modern silver vehicle waiting nearby. The sound of the engine was muted and barely audible. Its polished surface gleamed in the light, and the doors slid open as they approached, revealing plush leather seats inside. Snow gestured for her to enter first. She hesitated, staring at the vehicle like she was asked to have stepped into a snake pit.
“It is alright.” He murmured in her ear.
She cast a glance back at the helicopter and the peacekeepers. Festus was watching them with his arms crossed and face unreadable. She sighed and crawled in. Once she was settled, the door slid closed behind her. She chewed on her lip and tried to find a comfortable position. It was so different from the lumber trucks she rode in. The seats were made of a soft, leathery material, and the entire interior was a cream color. A driver was behind the wheel, clad in a cool black uniform. He was silent and focused straight ahead.
As Snow slid into the seat beside her, the car's atmosphere was even more foreign. The doors shut with a soft thud, encapsulating them in a quiet bubble of luxury. Snow leaned forward and instructed the driver, "Head to the lab." His voice was calm and assertive.
Hazel turned to Snow, a puzzled look on her face. "I thought we were going back to the manor?"
"We are," Snow reassured her, turning to face Hazel. "I just need to pick up a couple of things from the office."
The car glided through the Capitol streets. Silus told her to stay away from Snow, and she was utterly failing, apparently, as they were now headed out on an impromptu road trip together. "Your office is in a lab?" Hazel inquired as she tried to shift her position in the seat, avoiding pressure on her injured side.
He gazed out the window, lost in thought for a moment, before responding, "Sort of. I have a couple of offices, actually."
Hazel raised an eyebrow, "I was wondering about that. Being both a Gamemaker and a senator must keep your plate full."
Snow turned back to her, "Much like you, I would say."
Hazel's eyebrows furrowed. "What?"
"A lumberjack by day and nurse's aide by night, those are long hours. It sounds like you are doing your part to keep your family's plates full. "
Hazel paused, staring at him. His eyes glowed with self-satisfaction. He clearly knew more about her than she thought. It made sense for him to know about Oren, but her? "How do you know that?"
Snow leaned back, his eyes glinting with a knowing look. "Underestimating me still, I see," he said with a half-smile.
"Is it underestimating?" her brow twitched, "or is it merely wondering why the Capitol cares so much about my resume?"
Senator Snow's smile broadened, but his eyes remained serious. "It's not the Capitol that's interested, it's me.”
Hazel’s heart basically leaped into her throat. She choked out, “So, you’ve been stalking me?”
A hearty laugh filled the small space, “Stalking is a harsh word. I would consider it more being aware. Besides, You are hardly the only one. I've always believed that what others deem insignificant can often be the most revealing and, at times, useful. The devil really is in the details."
“You would know,” Hazel mumbled. She shook her head and pulled her gaze away from him to her hands.
The car slowed, and Hazel peered out of the window, her eyes fixed on the imposing structure that loomed ahead. The building's design was sleek, aggressive, and modern. Its metallic surfaces glistened in the soft glow of the city's lights, and the building stretched as if it could graze the clouds.
Hazel stepped out of the car, following a smirking Snow inside. He led her through an endless series of stairways, doors, elevators, and security measures until they came to the final entrance. With a fleeting half smile, he pushed open the last door.
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Once through the threshold, she was immediately struck by the expansive nature of the room. The walls and floor were pristine, gleaming white. The ceilings soared high above, adorned with intricate, modern lighting fixtures that bathed the space in a soft, ambient glow.
Rows of pristine shelves lined the walls, organized with glass jars containing mysterious, multicolored substances. Cages of varying sizes were everywhere, hinting at the exotic and possibly dangerous experiments that had once taken place within these walls. At the center of the room, a massive circular pool was embedded in the floor.
Around them, modern laboratory equipment hummed and blinked. The setting sun cast a golden glow through the skylights and windows, illuminating the lab in a warm, amber light that made the glass jars glint like treasures.
"Welcome to the office, Miss Marlowe," Snow said with a broader smile, spreading his arms in a welcoming gesture towards the room. “Take a look around, just don’t touch anything. I will be right back.”
As Snow disappeared further into the lab, she wandered among the shelves, her eyes wide. The jars were filled with bizarre creatures she couldn't even begin to identify, their forms strange and alien to her. The temptation to tap on the glass gnawed at her, but she heeded Snow’s warning.
The fascination of her surroundings subdued her pain as she approached the dark pool at the center of the room. Below the surface, she could see the undulating movement of long, scaled creatures, intertwining and writhing.
"I wouldn't get too close to those if I were you," Snow's voice was at her ear, and she couldn’t hold back a sudden jerk. He tilted his head as he stared down into the unnerving pool. "Those are particularly dangerous; their diet is composed of raw meat. The fresher, the better. Dr. Gaul is very protective of them."
Hazel’s entire body tingled at the thought of what Dr. Gaul fed them. She took a cautious step back from the pool’s edge. In Snow’s hands, he held a small clear bottle containing what appeared to be little lavender pills alongside a long white tube. Hazel's gaze shifted from the items to his face, "What are those?"
"Pain medication and an antibiotic ointment that also has analgesic properties," Snow explained, shaking the bottle. Just don't take the pills during the day; they can cause significant drowsiness." He stretched his hand out toward her, palm open. It was clear he intended her to take them.
But Hazel remained still, her eyes locked on the medication in Snow's hands. Was this allowed? Was this some test or maybe a trap? He wasn’t her mentor, after all; he was a Gamemaker. She looked around them, but the building was unnerving in its emptiness. After a prolonged silence, she finally spoke, "Why are you doing this?"
"I'm trying to repay you for saving my life today," Snow replied, his tone matter of fact. He continued to hold out the items and raised his hand a little higher. His face was a practiced calm, soft, and neutral. But his eyes examined hers, waiting for an answer to an unspoken question.
Hazel swallowed down her fear, "Is that all?"
"What are you really asking me?" His voice deepened as his hand dropped to his side, his calm expression flickering.
"Right, you prefer straightforwardness," Hazel shifted away from Snow's penetrating blue eyes and scanned the lab. “Which is ironic, considering I don't feel you've been straightforward with me since the day I met you.”
He let out a puff of air, and a gentle, deep hum was his only response. He straightened his shoulders and waited for her to continue.
She chewed on her lip, and her fingers tugged at her cuticles before she turned back to him. "I think you're playing a game with me," she searched his eyes, “I'm just not sure why or what you get out of it."
Senator Snow inhaled deeply before sighing; she couldn’t tell if it was frustration or acknowledgment. "Miss Marlowe, I have to give you credit. You are perceptive," taking a few steps closer to Hazel. She crossed her arms as he approached, willing herself to remain still, “But one thing you have yet to learn, which I'm sure you will, is that the Hunger Games never actually end. There are always games being played, most of which you will never know about." He continued forward until he was standing directly in front of her; she would barely need to move to touch the unusual buttons of his dress shirt.
"That being said," Snow continued, lifting his hand again with the items, offering them to her once more. I can assure you that these are merely meant to help you."
Hazel still did not move, staring at him. His voice, words, and demeanor were soothing in nature, but something about him hinted at danger beneath the surface—just like the pool at their feet. From a distance, it was smooth, almost inviting to those who didn’t know what waited beneath.
Appearing to realize she was not going to take them from him, he reached forward, curling his long fingers around her right wrist. Hazel fought the instinct to pull her arm back. Hazel’s heart skipped a beat as he softly tugged her towards him. She couldn’t help but take a hesitant step forward to regain balance.
He peeled open her finger, leaving her palm open to him. It took everything within her to keep herself from shaking. She met his gaze, her eyes searching his for any hint of deception. He paused, studying her reaction.
"Thank you for saving my life today," he said, and for a brief moment, she detected what appeared to be a glimmer of genuine gratitude. He placed the items in her open palm, and she instinctively curled her fingers.
"Anytime," Hazel murmured.
He smirked and tilted his head in an elegant nod.
"You must be tired after all that's happened today. Let's get you back," he said as he released her hand, stepping away from her. She let out a long breath she hadn’t realized she had been holding and nodded in agreement. She coughed, not trusting her voice not to squeak.
They made their way back through the lab, settling into a welcome silence that filled the space between them.
The setting sun cast a soft pink hue across the lab, reflecting off the myriad of glass jars and equipment. As they walked, Snow studied Hazel, assessing her as he had earlier in the arena. Hazel refused to look at him and instead glanced around the lab; her eyes settled on the creatures floating in jars and a dark pool filled with slithering eels. At that moment, she couldn't help but feel a sense of weird kinship with them—both part of experiments they didn't choose, their fates held in the hands of others.
Soon, Hazel and Snow were back in the car, gliding through the city toward the edge of the Capitol. After they had been driving for a while, Snow's voice cut through the quiet. "Why did you do it?"
Hazel studied the dulling landscape blurry by. "I told you. It's my patriotic duty, Senator," her voice steady but distant.
Senator Snow leaned in, and his words came out in a careful slowness, "I want to know the real reason, the honest one.”
Hazel turned her attention away from the passing scenery, meeting his stare with one of her own. "Maybe because I actually care about human life. Even if that life belongs to you, Senator.”
Snow nodded with an amused expression. "Being heroic is an admirable trait," he acknowledged, his voice measured. He captured her eyes with his in the darkening interior of the vehicle. "But in a world like ours, people can see it as a weakness. They take advantage. And that can have deadly consequences." His tone was severe, and he sounded almost genuine.
"I'll keep that in mind, Senator, "She turned her gaze back to the window as the car continued its journey, "Next time, I'll just let a tree flatten you."
A soft chuckle escaped Snow's lips, a glint in his bright blue eyes, which now shimmered in the fading light. "Always quick with the sarcasm," he remarked, his blond hair capturing the last remnants of the setting sun's golden hues. "Wonder what you will use instead to defend yourself in the arena when that is not enough."
Hazel glanced at him, but he was staring intently out his window. I wonder that myself.
The rest of the journey was silent until they finally arrived at the manor, bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight.
Snow got out first and was waiting to assist Hazel as her car door swung open on its own. He offered her his hand, palm outstretched. She stared at it for a moment before she accepted it, resting her hand on his. His eyes then narrowed as he scrutinized her hair. Without a word, he leaned in. Hazel instinctively recoiled and let go of his hand.
His eyes laughed at her reaction, but he made no sound. Instead, he reached toward her hair, extracting a small leaf that had found refuge there during their shared brush with death.
Hazel held her breath as she watched him, pulling herself out of the vehicle as quickly as she could while he was momentarily distracted. She put several strides of distance between them.
"Get some rest," Snow said with a soft smirk. His attention swept across the manor's facade, then settled back on her. "And give Silus and Leo my best." His blue eyes held hers for a moment longer than necessary as he placed the leaf in his coat pocket.
“Goodnight, Senator,” she croaked out as she nearly ran to the manor.
“Oh, and Miss Marlowe?” his voice froze her escape.
She turned back to him, a question on her lips. But before she could ask, he murmured into the night, “Thank you again.”
She nodded awkwardly before returning to the task at hand, getting as far away from Senator Snow as fast as she could.
Hazel felt the weight of his eyes on her, lingering just a second more. The night air cooled against her skin as she climbed the steps to the manor. She was grateful for it as her cheeks likely matched the color of her hair.
Peacekeepers converged, opening the massive double doors for her with practiced precision. Turning at the threshold, she watched Snow give her one last nod, his form fading into the shadows as he returned to the waiting car.
Hazel was jittery as she made her way inside the manor. The grand entrance hall stretched before her, the soft glow of chandeliers casting a warm, golden light over the surroundings. Peacekeepers stood watch in every corner. Near the grand fireplace, she noticed a group of tributes gathered. The flickering flames illuminated their faces. She recognized the group that had been together in the arena earlier in the day.
From District Nine, Owen Harvey's presence was unmissable. His strawberry blond hair deepened to an almost ginger shade in the firelight, complementing his striking blue eyes. Beside him, his district partner, Grace Fields, showcased her long, curly black hair cascading around her shoulders, framing her beautiful face.
Ryan Maxwell, District Six, sat with a tall and lean physique. His amber eyes captured the light from the fire, giving them an almost ethereal glow. Next to him, Lara Montgomery, from the same district, sported short, curly blonde hair and dark brown eyes, which absorbed the room's warmth.
Wiren Benton and Anita Cordell from District Three were also engaged in a calm conversation. Both shared slim, wiry builds, making them look more like siblings. Anita's nearly bald head gave her an air of elegance. At the same time, Wiren's slightly longer hair did little to distract from his large, dark mahogany eyes, which examined their surroundings with keen interest.
Leo approached her with a stern expression, his concern evident in his eyes. "Where did you go?" he asked, his voice carrying a note of controlled urgency. "You just left."
I knew we should have waited. Maybe it was all a trap, after all. "It wasn't my choice. Senator Snow insisted on escorting me back himself."
Leo's brows furrowed as he processed this information. "You've been missing for hours.” He searched her face; his own was unreadable.
"He took the scenic route," Hazel responded, staring at her shoes. The weight of the items in her pocket set her nerves on edge. She was almost sure he would be able to tell she was hiding something. "Where's Silus?"
"He's up in the room," Leo replied.
Hazel didn’t wait any longer as she nearly sprinted away.
“Hey, wait-“ Leo called after her, but she didn’t slow.
“Have a good night, private Drayton,” she called, not looking at his face. She prayed he did follow her and insisted on knowing any more about her visit to Snow’s office.
Silus was sitting on the edge of the bed, lost in thought, when Hazel entered. His head snapped up, his face lighting up with relief. He stood and embraced her, but the moment she winced, he immediately pulled back. "Sorry.”
"It's okay, really," Hazel offered a small, forced smile. "I'm just relieved to be back." She wrapped her arms around him, ignoring the way her body screamed at her.
"They said Ian murdered his mentor," Silus whispered, and she pulled back from him.
Hazel nodded, her eyes closing as she recalled the haunting sight. "Yes. I... saw her.” The image of the body bag on the helicopter floor flashed in her mind. "What happened to him?"
Silus gave a slight shrug, his expression uncertain. "I think they locked him in his room. He looked in pretty bad shape, though."
"And Ava?" Hazel asked, her voice laced with concern.
"She was really shaken up," Silus replied. “She didn't talk to anyone on the way back."
Hazel ran a hand through her hair, her fingers catching on knots. She was certain a fine layer of dirt and sticks would fill the tub when she finally washed it. She shook her head as she thought of Snow tucking the tiny green leaf into his pocket. "This day has been nothing short of insane."
"You're telling me," Silus agreed, his voice heavy.
Hazel strode to the bed and collapsed onto it face-first, not bothering to remove her shoes. She felt something uncomfortable in her pocket and reached down, retrieving the pills and tube given to her by Snow. With a flick of her wrist, she tossed them onto the bed.
Silus sat on the edge of his bed, his gaze fixed on Hazel with a deep concern. "Where did they take you?" he inquired, his voice laced with unease.
"Well," she said, shifting her body weight and turning her head to look at him. Leo cleaned up my wounds, applied some bandages and this wicked painful glue," she began, her tone casual yet guarded. “Then Snow... he took me to his lab before bringing me back here."
Silus's brows furrowed, his concern escalating. "Snow took you to his lab?”
She sighed, “Uh yeah.”
“Alone?" he pressed.
"Yeah. That lab was... creepier than I expected," She waved at the items on the bed. "And he gave me those pain pills and antibacterial ointment."
Silus leaned forward with seriousness. "Haze, this is what I'm talking about. There's something off about how Snow is acting with you. This makes me think I'm not paranoid after all."
"I'm not denying it's strange," she conceded, "I just don’t understand what the benefit would be to him."
“Just because you don't understand why doesn't mean it's not happening," he responded, eyes studying the carpet.
"I did ask him about it." She admitted.
Silus's eyes widened, "You actually confronted him?" he asked.
Hazel nodded, "I figured I didn't have much to lose at this point," she said, a hint of resignation in her voice.
Silus let out a sigh; his frustration was evident. "What did he say?"
"He brushed it off," Hazel replied, shrugging. "He said something about repaying me for saving his life. Claimed that life is just one giant Hunger Game."
"Wonder what the prize is for the game he is playing," he said, his eyes reflecting deep seriousness as he searched her face.
She shot up, not wanting to continue this conversation any longer, "I'm going to take one of these and head to bed," she declared, rattling the bottle of purple pills for emphasis.
Silus's brow furrowed with concern. "Hold on a minute. Are you sure those are safe?" he asked, his voice laced with caution.
"At this point," Hazel admitted, "I'm not even sure if I care. What's the point of Snow killing me with pills, anyway?" She chuckled at the thought. "Actually, that doesn't sound too bad, given the circumstances." Putting the bottle in her pocket and stashing the cream under her pillow, she stood up. "I'm going to get some water and something to eat so these don't make me sick. You want anything?"
Silus shook his head. "This place has a great way of ruining a person's appetite. I think I'm going to shower and hit the sack." He paused, looking at her, "Unless you want me to come with you?"
Hazel offered a weak smile. "No, it's okay. Enjoy your shower. While you are at it, run up their water bill."
Hazel made her way out of the room; Leo's replacement hadn't arrived yet, and he clearly hadn’t followed her. She descended the grand staircase. Dimmed lights cast soft shadows across the expansive hallway, creating an eerie calm. A few peacekeepers lingered; their attention fixated on something outside. Through the large front windows, Hazel noticed a group gathered on the porch, likely preparing for the shift change. Percy was absent. Glancing at a nearby clock, she noted it was almost curfew time; the manor was unusually quiet, most of the tributes having retreated to their rooms.
As she passed the group huddled by the fireplace, their conversation halted. They all turned to watch her. Feeling their eyes on her, Hazel offered a tentative "Hey" and a small wave, only to be met with blank stares. The awkward silence hung heavy in the air as she continued towards the kitchen. I guess I'm not alliance material.
Entering the vast kitchen, Hazel made a beeline for the refrigerator. The massive appliance was large enough to fit four adults comfortably. The soft illumination from the lamps on the counters and under the cabinets bathed the room in a comforting warmth. As she opened the fridge, the array of food inside was overwhelming. She had gone most of the day with a few bites of granola bar, and her stomach began to remind her of its requirements. She grabbed a few bottles of water, some bread, and a couple of apples, planning to coax Silus into eating as well.
Closing the fridge door, Hazel was startled when a set of dark eyes met hers. Caleb leaned against the wall, thick arms crossed over his chest. "Hey, red," he greeted her with a predatory smile, his short, curly hair accentuated by the kitchen light. His deep brown eyes sparkled with mischief. Hazel felt a chill as she realized there was no one else around, his large frame blocking her path. "Time for a midnight snack?"