Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 437

Claire was thoroughly confused as Orion tugged her along at a brisk jog.

Her short little legs could barely keep up with his pace.

In no time, they reached the backyard garden.

The garden was bursting with color, fragrant blooms everywhere. Orion led Claire deep into a tangle of flowers in full bloom.

He turned to her, his expression serious. "Claire, let's play hide-and-seek, okay? You hide, and I'll come find you. But you have to promise—not a peep until I find you, all right?"

Had he really dragged her here in such a rush just to play hide-and-seek?

Claire blinked, her large, shining eyes full of questions. Her long, curled lashes fluttered as she gazed up at him, and Orion felt his heart melt right then and there.

With a sister this adorable, Orion thought, if York and Zachary ever saw her, they'd be at his house every day just to play with her. That would mean less time for him and his little sister.

As for Sean, Orion wasn't particularly worried. Sean was the coldest of their group —always expressionless, never showing much interest in anyone or anything.

someone like Sean would never catch

and Zachary-he'd have to keep a

rosy cheeks in his small

just about a game of hide-and-seek? Claire doubted it, but she

the grown-up here, and Orion was only ten. She might

bright smile, her eyes curving into crescents as she beamed,

right, I'll do whatever you

couldn't help himself-he

Storehead. "You're the

sweetest, Claire."

that, he dashed

heart of the flowerbeds. Petals in every shade half-concealed her small form. A gentle breeze set the branches swaying, making

listening intently to the sounds

long that, by the time she died, even her ability to

she cherished every sound she could hear.

the mingled fragrances of so many flowers-at this moment, she felt utterly

York and Zachary burst through the doors,