A whirlwind of emotions washed over Avaline. She stood in the lounge alone before finally coming to her senses. This wasn't the time to stay still. Clutching the coat tightly, Avaline rushed behind Mr. Timmons and Lord Nightingale. Her loud footsteps echoed through the house.
Nearer to Delilah's room, loud grunts and howls pierced through the air. At the end of the hallway, Avaline slowed to a stop. Blood pounded in her ears. A cold shiver ran down her spine. Was that-? Could it be-?
Gritting her teeth, Avaline crept forward. She peeked through the open door. Bits and pieces of furniture lay across the floor. Curtains, pillows, and bedsheets were shredded. Mr. Timmons hovered by the entrance. A howl turned Avaline's attention to the corner.
Lord Nightingale knelt in front while a pale figure huddled in the corner. Dark hair covered their face. When they turned, Avaline gasped. Delilah was unrecognizable. Veins stretched across her face and pooled out of her eyes.
She let out another howl. Avaline shrank back. Her hands flew to her mouth, muffling her whimpers. She had only heard rumors of a blood sickness blood-born were afflicted with. She had never taken them seriously, but seeing Delilah, perhaps it wasn't a rumor after all.
Taking a deep breath, Avaline pushed away from the wall and walked several steps away from Delilah's room. She rubbed her tear-filled eyes. Breathing heavily, she wriggled her fingers together, trying to warm them.
Another howl stole her breath. Avaline stopped. How painful was it for Delilah? How long had her affliction been going on? After coming here, could she really leave like this?
Avaline squared her shoulders and returned. Even if it was only moral support, Avaline didn't want to leave the siblings alone. At the doorway, she gently knocked.
"Mr. Timmons," she said, "how can I be of service?"
The butler rushed out of the room. He wiped his brow with a handkerchief.
"Lady Stark," he said. Sweat trembled on his lip. "I shall escort you back."
Avaline shook her head. "How long has this been going on? Is Delilah...is she?" Her voice broke. "I want to help."
Mr. Timmons glanced at the room. He hesitated.
"Speak," she urged him.
"My lord won't be thrilled about this." One more glanced to the door, and the butler walked down the hallway.
As Avaline followed, she listened closely as Mr. Timmons explained the situation. Delilah was going through growing pains, and they manifested in a fever at first. What she was going through now was the worst of the symptoms, where her body manifested the fever. The only way to alleviate the pain was through a medicinal concoction Lord Nightingale had been feeding his sister. However, the symptoms persisted.
"What other remedies are there left?" Avaline asked.
Mr. Timmons wiped his forehead again. "One, but it was never tried before. The young lady responded well to the other remedies."
Avaline stopped. "What is this remedy?"
Mr. Timmons's Adam's apple bobbled. "Blood."
Avaline's face paled. She turned away. It wasn't surprising to hear, but she also didn't expect it.
She cleared her throat. "If I may ask, Sir Myla. I haven't seen her lately."
"She was partially injured when the young lady fell ill."
Avaline's hands flew to her mouth. "I didn't expect the fever to be so dangerous."
"It manifests differently, but some say the pain is so great that the host tries to harm themselves. Sir Myla was simply doing her duty to ensure that didn't happen."
Rubbing her arm, Avaline said, "This blood, where does it come from?"
Wide-eyed, Mr. Timmons bowed. "Please forget I said anything. The lord will not be pleased that I have divulged such information."
She shook her head. If it meant helping Delilah, she would gladly offer any help she could. Avaline knew it was silly to hold a child, a stranger, so close to her heart, but she couldn't help it. To see a child suffering, she couldn't do it. Whether they were her kin or not, Avaline wanted to help.
"Take mine," she whispered. "The lord needn't know."
He trembled. "Lady Stark, how could I dare...?"
Avaline's resolve wavered. She didn't want to force the issue. After all, she was a stranger. If she carelessly meddled in others' affairs, she could end up offending them.
"I dare."
The stranger's voice rang clear through the hallway. Avaline turned as a figure with long dark hair and spectacles on her face approached. The woman wore a long white coat, emphasizing her pale skin.
"This is Dr. Kaya," Mr. Timmons said. "She's been treating the young lady."
Dr. Kaya glided up to Avaline in quick steps and grabbed her arm. Avaline gasped at the coldness of her hands. Her thumb pressed against Avaline's pulse.
"Dr. Kaya," Mr. Timmons said, "how dare you treat the lady like this. If Lord Nightingale knew-"
"I'll take it," Dr. Kaya said. Her gaze bore into Avaline's eyes. "Does your offer still stand?"
Avaline swallowed thickly. If it were to help Delilah, she shouldn't hesitate.
"Yes. Please take as much as I can give."
Dr. Kaya smiled. The way her thin lips pulled was more like a smirk than a smile.
"Follow me."
***
Feeling weak, Avaline leaned back against the couch. The hearth in the lounge had been lit as Avaline returned from the doctor's office. Dr. Kaya had drawn more blood than Avaline would have imagined. The pain had been instant, and the blood flowed quickly through tubes.
It was Mr. Timmons who brought her back and had offered her a plate of cookies and a drink. The plate and the cup were both empty now.
Avaline closed her eyes, taking another deep breath. Once the spinning stopped, she should head back home. It was clear she wasn't needed any longer. In her haste and insecurity, Avaline had acted recklessly.
An earthy smell tickled her nostrils. Avaline smiled with content.
"Lady Stark."
She turned her head and glanced at Lord Nightingale with half-closed eyes. He rushed to her side.
"My lady," he said, "forgive me. I never meant for you to do this."
Taking a deep breath, Avaline sat up. Her head spun. Lord Nightingale pulled her into his shoulder. She smiled and snuggled against him. His arm wrapped around her back.
"Avaline," she told him. "Use my name." At his silence, she lifted her finger and brushed it along his cheek. "Is that too much to ask for?"
"Avaline." A warning perhaps, but his voice sounded pained.
She took comfort in his discomfort. "How is your sister?"
"Resting. Thank you." Long fingers wrapped around her chin. Their eyes met. "I will not permit you to do something like this ever again."
Avaline frowned. "I'm not yours to command. I gave my blood willingly to help a child in need."
His brow creased. "You shouldn't have to. This gift is more than we can take."
She pried his fingers away and held them in her own. "Delilah has suffered for many days now. I couldn't bear to let it continue. I hope you can accept my help without feeling guilty."
Lord Nightingale pressed his forehead against hers. "Why? Why go this far for us?"
His skin felt cool against hers. She closed her eyes and focused on the pressure against her forehead.
"Do you really not know?" she whispered.
Would she have done something similar for another blood-born family? No. She wasn't that generous. However, when it came to the Nightingale siblings, it was a different matter.
"I dare not hope."
She glanced at him through her eyelashes. Lord Nightingale's eyes glowed with the light of the fire. Feeling bold, Avaline leaned forward and brushed her lips against his. At the contact, sparks radiated from her lips to her cheeks.
They broke apart. Avaline's rushed breaths filled the air. Her gaze cast down, she fought the smile pulling at her lips. Sebastian lifted her chin. She let out a noise of surprise as his lips found hers again.
Avaline wrapped her arms around his neck. Sebastian cupped her face. His tenderness caused an ache to burn in her belly. Avaline gave in to his gentleness as he held her as if she were easy to break. Her fingers twisted in his hair.
Their teeth clashed together.
The couple stared at each other, stunned. Avaline and Sebastian burst out laughing. She crumpled against his shoulder, snorting. Heat engulfed her body in embarrassment. His shoulders shook in response.
"I didn't bite you, did I?" he asked between laughter.
She shook her head. Avaline reached for his face and lifted his lip with her thumb. His fang caught the light. Swallowing a laugh, Avaline leaned forward and pecked his lips.
"No," she said.
Sebastian nuzzled her neck. Avaline shivered despite the warmth against her back.
"I must take you back," he whispered.
She nodded.
"It's late."
"Yes."
Neither of them moved.
Avaline pulled back first. The late hour settled on her shoulders and forced a yawn from her lips. Sebastian stood and scooped her up in his arms.
"Rest," he said. "I shall ensure your safe return."
Closing her eyes, Avaline leaned against his shoulder. She dreamt of flying through the air and the wind twisting around her. She smiled at the impossible and let herself drift into dreams.