Page 54 of Fallen Star

One of the servants—at least, I assume from their plain attire that they’re servants—pointedly clears her throat, bringing my attention to her. “This way,” she says. “Let’s see what we can do about...” she gestures vaguely at me, “...this.”

I square my shoulders and follow her, unwilling to let them see me break.

I’ve been through far too much to fall apart now.

Gold-framed mirrors and matching sconces hang along the halls of this wing, the floors a warm wood that almost feels likehome. And it doesn’t just feel warmer than the rest of the palace—it alsosmellswarmer. Like sitting around a campfire on a crisp, cold night.

Eventually, we stop in front of an unassuming door, and they open it into a room that’s far nicer than I expected.

The bed is massive, draped in dark, luxurious fabrics, and a copper tub sits near the fireplace, already filled with steaming water. A wardrobe stands in the corner, its doors slightly open to reveal clothing that looks far too elegant for a human in the Night Court.

One of the fae gestures toward the tub. “Bathe. Change,” she instructs. “You’ll be summoned when you’re needed.”

“Summoned for what?” I ask, but they don’t answer.

They simply leave, the door closing behind them. Then there’s a distinct turning sound of them locking it shut.

My body goes numb.

I’m alone. Confused. Trapped in a world I don’t understand, in a realm where I don’t belong.

I glance around the room again, my gaze lingering on the tub.

I hate baths. I hate submerging myself in water, period. I’m a shower girl, through and through.

Plus, what if the water is mixed with blood? Or—maybe worse—poison? What if it seeps into my skin and slowly kills me?

Death by bathing in the Night Court.

It would be quite the unexpected way to go.

But screw it.

The dirt and grime caked on my skin is unbearable.

So, with a heavy sigh, I strip off my filthy clothes and make my way into the water, which is thankfully clear of blood. The heat soothes my aching muscles, and I let myself relax, sinking deeper into the tub.

Somehow—and I have no idea how that will be—I’ll get out of this place. I’ll do whatever it takes to survive around here. After all, some of the fae were whispering that they “hope I’ll last,” which means there’s a chance I’m not an animal being prepared for slaughter.

I’ll do whatever it takes to live.

Even if that means getting cleaned up, putting on one of their ridiculous dresses, and playing along with whatever games are coming my way in the Night Court.

Zoey

Once I’mclean and dried off, I begin exploring my gilded cage.

The room is larger than my parents’ master suite back home, with a small sitting area off to the side, a single chandelier floating in the center of the ceiling, and two windows with velvet blue drapes hanging to the floor.

Sapphire would love it here. She’s always loved beautiful things.

She must be worried sick about me. Just like I am about her. Yes, she and Riven were doing a great job fighting those nixies, but what if there were too many of them? What if they got too distracted by my being flown away that they were overtaken?

What if they’re dead?

No. I can’t let myself go there.

I have to believe they’re alive. And that somehow, they’ll find me.

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