Page 16 of Fallen Star

Cautiously, I walk toward him and take it, my fingers brushing his as I do.

The gem’s warmth seeps into my skin immediately, spreading through my body like a soft, soothing flame.

“Better?” he asks, watching me closely.

I nod begrudgingly, refusing to meet his eyes as I slip the chain over my head.

“Yes,” I say, hating that I need his help.

At the same time, it would be stupid to not take it. Freezing to death isn’t going to do anyone any favors. Assuming fae vampire hybrids can freeze to death… but that’s not a science experiment I want to attempt.

Seemingly satisfied with my decision, Riven leans casually against the wall, studying me with that calculating gaze of his.

“What?” I ask, since he clearly wants to say something.

“Two nights ago, before the trials,” he says slowly. “When you asked for meat instead of bread and cheese. Were you serious, or were you trying to get under my skin?”

My stomach drops.

He knows. He has to know.

No. If he knew he wouldn’t be here. He’d dismiss me as a monster and leave.

Or would he? Does he need my potion making skills enough to make a deal with a monster? Tokissa monster?

I don’t know.

And I don’t want to find out.

So, I force a casual shrug, keeping my voice steady as I contemplate a way to dance around the truth. “I was serious,” I say. “Aunt Martha cooked us meat every day. It’s what I grew up on. I know it’s not a fae thing, but it’s what I’m used to. A little taste of home, I guess.”

It’s not a lie. Aunt Marthadidcook meat every day. And itdoesremind me of home.

I just leave out the part about how I need it to function. How my body craves blood now more than ever.

“Sentimental attachment to human food.” Riven’s voice is neutral, but something in his eyes makes me wonder if he believes me. “Interesting.”

“Not everything has to have some deeper meaning,” I say, desperate to change the subject, to stop his probing. “Now, if you’re done psychoanalyzing my eating habits, it’s time for us to start following through on our deal and make that potion for Zoey.”

I hold my breath, praying he’ll drop it with the meat.

“First, we’ll need soulberries,” he says, all business now, and I can finally breathe again. “Small, deep purple berries with a silvery shimmer. We’ll mix their juice with water for the base.”

“Because water is the element controlled by fae?” I ask.

“Of course.” He nods approvingly. “But the berries are just the start. We also need starlight moss, which has to be gathered at night.”

“And let me guess: under the stars?”

“Smart girl.” He smiles in that annoying way that makes my heart race. “Then there’s the moonlit fern. It’s best gathered on the night of a full moon, but...” He glances at the cave entrance. “Tonight’s a waxing crescent.”

“Will that work?”

“It can. Better than if it was a new moon. But it means the potion will be harder to brew correctly.” His eyes lock onto mine. “Think you can handle it?”

I think of Zoey—of how pale she looks, and of how shallow her breathing is. “I have to,” I say simply.

“Good. We also need twilight thistle?—”

---