AMELIA
"You look tired, honey," Mom observed the next morning at breakfast. "I haven't seen you with dark circles like that since your last finals."
I sighed, trying to keep the exhaustion at bay. "Considering that I'm participating in a hunt to find and slay a hellhound and related witch, Mom, I'd say I'm entitled to have a few bags under my eyes."
"By the way, how's it going?" asked Dad. "Any news?"
I shook my head. Throughout the night, during which I hadn't been able to close an eye, Erik had not called, texted, or sent thoughts, thankfully - and I meant that in all possible senses. No messages meant no problems. No new discoveries, but no problems either, which wasn't bad.
My phone vibrated for the umpteenth time, and caught in a fit of irritation I picked it up and shoved i
