“Plans?” She sniffles, her tone unsteady. “But…”
“I was gonna take you away from all of this for a bit. Just me and you. But I found her, and I knew I had to bring her to you.”
I inhale deeply, my stomach twisting. I don’t want to be a fucking burden or get in the way of her happiness.
“It’s fine. I can just leave.” I say, but Noir shakes her head.
“No. You belong here. With me. With us,” her tone is softer now. “You can stay here with Blush. Train. And when I get back—”
“What don’t you understand about the word no, Noir?”
Madame’s voice cuts through the room like a whip, and we all look at her as she continues. “She has no talents, and I don’t house outsiders. You’re aware of this.”
“Outsiders?” Noir repeats. “So what the fuck am I, then?”
Madame’s expression remains composed, unreadable as she turns to her.
“You have a gift I wasn’t willing to let slip. And deep down, you always belonged here.”
My fists clench at my sides, my gaze falling to the floor.
Hell steps forward now, taking control of the situation. “Noir, Arabella, give me and Madame a minute.”
Madame exhales sharply, irritated but willing to listen to him, before turning and making her way back to her desk.
As Noir and I turn to leave, I notice she looks at Hell, and he gives her a small nod.
Standing outside the circus, Noir faces me, her eyes soft.
“I’m sorry about her. She’s not usually like that.”
I blow out a big breath as I look aside.
“I mean, she has her reasons and maybe she’s right. Maybe I shouldn’t be here, Noir. I don’t have any quirky talents. I don’t know anything about this life.”
She shakes her head, refusing to take no for an answer.
“You can learn. I didn’t know either.”
I stare at her, realizing my sister is much more stubborn than I ever thought. Although I admire her fight to keep me with her, I can’t help but wonder if this place is really for me.
“Hell will sort it. He always gets what he wants,” she says, lifting her chin in defiance.
“How did you end up here?” I ask, my eyes searching hers. “Did he kidnap you?”
Her brows knit together for a second before she glances around at the place she now calls home.
“No, but it’s a long story. One I plan to tell you as soon as you’re settled here. And I’m sure you have a story of your own to tell.”
Suddenly, I notice Hell leaving the tent and he walks toward us before stopping.
“Well?” Noir probes, eyes glistening with anticipation.
Hell lifts his hand calmly, a set of keys dangling between his tattooed fingers. The metal glints under the flickering lights, but before I can understand what they’re for, Noir lets out an excited squeal, leaping off her feet and throws herself into his arms.
He catches her effortlessly and over her shoulder, his gaze darts to me. It’s in that moment, it sinks in. It’s happening. I’m staying here, in this crazy place and there’s no getting out of it.
“Thank you! Thank you!” Noir’s voice is muffled against his leather jacket, her grip tight, as if she could squeeze her appreciation into him.