They started down the shortcut, Casey leading the way, her steps light on the dirt path, Vlad beside her, the horse clopping behind with Lily chattering happily. Casey glanced at Vlad, her shyness easing, her voice warm. "Your hair's amazing, you know," she said, her eyes flicking to his dark, swept-back locks. "I met your mother, Helen. Saw where you got it."
Vlad's jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing, a sharp laugh escaping. "You met that witch, huh?" he said, biting his tongue, his voice low, edged with something between humour and bitterness.
Casey's brows furrowed, her voice soft but curious. "Why'd you call her that?" she asked, glancing at him, her shyness giving way to intrigue. "Your mother, I mean. A witch?"
