Thicker than Blood Page 41

  I sigh. “Please, is there a single concrete thing you can tell me about this world? Something useful? Anything?”

  “Yes. My name’s Grimsky.”

  I roll my eyes. “I’m Winter, I guess.”

  His expression breaks at the obvious dejection in my voice. “Winter … The name they gave you. I understand. Someday you’ll remember your original name, though by then I’m certain you’ll not identify with it in the least. You have beautiful hair.”

  The compliment comes so suddenly, I have to cover my face with a hand, like I’m blushing. Reminding myself that nothing runs in my veins, I drop the hand and say, “Thanks.”

  “We’ve arrived.”

  The tall iron gates of Trenton loom ahead, awaiting my timely arrival from the cliff for which it surely knew I’d be headed, at which it surely knew I’d meet this fetching person called Grimsky, by whom it surely knew I would be somewhat saved, and with whom it surely knew I’d once again return.

  Now if only I can keep from killing myself again.

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