Louis's POV
I woke with strong arms wrapped around my waist. Turning, I saw Harry still asleep, Patches curled on his head. It was the cutest sight imaginable. I grabbed my phone and snapped a quick picture, then set it aside, returning to playing with Harry’s hair. He blinked open his eyes.
“Why is there a damn cat on my head?” he mumbled, voice rough with sleep.
“She likes it there,” I said, smiling.
“Move the damn cat,” he grumbled.
I scooped up Patches, setting her on the floor. She stared up at me with a wide-eyed, indignant look before scampering off.
“What did you want to tell me last night?” I asked as he sat up.
“I wanted to tell you about… about how special you are, Lou. Years ago, my parents were murdered, and Gemma, May, and I were cursed. We were turned into something like vampires. Gemma and I drink human blood to survive, but May drinks animal blood. We can sleep through the days and have powers – healing, super speed – but we can’t turn anyone else. The only beings who can see us are animals, demons, and… the chosen one.” He stopped, his gaze traveling down my body.
“Lou, I don’t see a tail or cat ears on you. You’re the chosen one.”
“What does the chosen one do?” I asked, heart pounding.
“You have to find twelve keys. The keys open the door to our past and break the curse. I’ll remain a vampire, able to turn others. May and Gemma will be able to cross over to heaven.”
“How do I find the keys?”
“They appear to you sometimes, and sometimes you get clues.”
“What do you gain from this?”
“I know my sisters will be safe,” he said, his voice tight with emotion.
“I’ll show you the door. Follow me.” He hopped out of bed, already moving toward the stairs.
I followed him down, noticing everyone else was still asleep. Rio, his little halter and leash already in hand, ran to me.
“Hazza? Can I bring Rio?” I asked.
“Sure,” he called from the door.
I secured the halter on the small dog and hooked the leash. Rio bolted out the door, chasing after Harry, dragging me behind him. Harry slowed, waiting for me. We walked, coming across the meadow from yesterday. I saw Harry head toward the waterfall.
“Here. Put this over your head,” he said, handing me his shirt.
“Why do I need your shirt?” I asked, confused.
As if reading my mind, he said, “We have to go through the waterfall to get to the door. Let me take Rio.”
I handed him the leash and pulled his shirt over my head. It smelled of chocolate and strawberries. Wait… strawberry is *my* scent. I stepped through the waterfall, Harry right behind me. I turned and saw his hair and torso were soaked, water clinging to his muscles. He looked impossibly sexy. *Louis, you’re so gay,* my mind supplied, unhelpfully. Harry handed me Rio’s leash, and we walked down a hallway that led to a door with twelve keyholes. But one stood out—it was in the center of the door, shaped like a heart.
“Harry, do the keys have meaning?” I asked.
“Yes. Like bravery, fear, and cleverness.”
“Does one stand for love?”
“Yes,” Harry said, his voice low. “But you have to fall in love to find that key.”
I was already falling.