“Let her pass, Asher,” Caden came up beside his friend. “This is my… friend, Edith.”
Asher raised his eyebrows and mumbled warmly, “Friend indeed.”
Caden glanced at him sharply and gave a quick shake of his head. Edith could see Asher trying to remain serious, but a smile played on his lips.
“Why is she here?” A thin, frail-looking vampire stepped out of the group and came towards Edith. His voice was raspy and tired.
Caden looked at Edith with questioning eyes, “I don’t know, Ansgar. It was not intentional. Just let her go on her way.”
“Let me have a look at this friend of yours” Ansgar’s voice sounded like the wind blowing over dry reeds by the pond. “Where did you come from, friend of Caden Byrne? I don’t recall him ever speaking of you.”
Edith found her voice, “I’m Edith Doyle, I work for Caden. He also knew my father…”
All heads turned to look at Caden; only Ansgar continued to stare at Edith.