Chapter 33. Dreams of the Future

Liam

“I saw Iris today.”

Ainsley’s words have me pausing in the middle of stirring the pot of stew I have brewing on the stove—a fresh kill I’d snagged and brought in after classes ended. She wasn’t at the shrine when I headed out that way to check on her, but a deer had been.

Turning to look at her, I find her sitting at the dining table with some of her classwork spread out in front of her, a pencil in hand while she taps the page every so often. Her brows are knitted together as she focuses on whatever she’s studying, but from experience, I know she’s not actually paying attention to the work.

“Did she threaten you?” I ask.

Her head shoots up. “No, not at all. She actually asked me if I had gone to the dorm at all. I guess she’s also been avoiding it.”

Lowering the burner down, I set the lid on top of the pot and then grab the towel hanging off of the stove to wipe my hands. “That doesn’t surprise me. I’m sure she was afraid of