Page 5 of Daughter of Shadows and Ash

I'd ruined everything. Somewhere between the quiet moments and shared laughs, I'd started dreaming of more than friendship. My beloved books had betrayed me, filling my headwith tales of friends becoming lovers until my foolish heart believed I could have that too. That Maël and I could be more than what we were. Nothing but a fairytale I'd spun in the quiet moments between duties and hunts.

The bitter taste of wine only emphasized my foolishness.

How could Maël, with his warm heart and easy smile, ever want someone as sharp-edged as me? Like morning mist dissolving in sunlight, some dreams were never meant to last.

Having nearly finished my current glass, I contemplated ordering another drink when a pair of strangers materialized at my table like shadows. One loomed like a scarecrow while his companion was built like a boulder. They wore clothes dulled by road dust and time, but there was something predatory about them I couldn't pin down in my drunken haze.

"Evening, miss," the taller one said, flashing a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Care if we join you?"

I waved a hand lazily, gesturing to the empty chairs. "Suit yourselves."

They sat, and the shorter one leaned in, his breath carrying the stale scent of ale.

"We're merchants, you see. Looking for a small village nearby to peddle our wares. You wouldn't happen to know of any, would you?"

My wine-addled mind perked up at the word 'wares.' "Merchants? What kind of goods do you sell?" The flickering tavern light cast strange shadows across their faces, highlighting a thin scar on the tall one's jaw. The shorter one's thick fingers drummed an uneven rhythm on the wooden table. Even through my drunken state, something about them set off warning bells in my head, but the wine made it all too easy to dismiss.

"Oh, a bit of everything," the tall one said, his words as slippery as oil. "Blades, books, clothing—treasures for every taste."

The promise of new books—fresh escapes from this reality where Maël belonged to someone else—made my shattered heart leap.

"What sort of books?" I asked, leaning forward despite the way the room tilted.

The shorter one's grin widened, revealing teeth too sharp for comfort. "Oh, everything a young lady might desire. Romance, adventure, mystery—stories to make your wildest dreams come true."

The wine pushed words past my lips before wisdom could catch them. "There's a village not far from here. Half a day's walk southwest. It's home."

"Is that so?" The tall one's eyes gleamed like a wolf's in moonlight. "And this village has a name?"

"Briarwood. It's small," I added, the wine making me generous with secrets, "but we welcome visitors. Especially those bearing quality goods."

The men shared a look that should have terrified me, had I been sober enough to read it. "Well, aren't you helpful?" the tall one purred. "We'll be sure to visit your little village soon with our... special merchandise."

As they melted into the tavern's shadows, I called after them, "Remember the books!" My words chased their retreating forms like a child's wish thrown into a well.

They chuckled, a sound that should've sent chills down my spine. "Oh, we won't forget. Not at all."

The men slipped away, their laughter trailing behind them like smoke. I felt my cheeks warm from the wine and the conversation. Unease curled in my gut. Briarwood had always welcomed strangers with open arms, yet something about those two felt off. I shook my head, trying to clear the drunken fog as I took another swig from my tankard.

Suddenly, the tavern door swung open, and of course it was Maël. He stood tall against the warm glow of lantern light, scanning the room with an ease that made me smile despite myself. My heart skipped a beat when our eyes locked.

He made his way over, brow furrowed with concern. "Lor," he said softly, slipping into that familiar tone that sent a shiver down my spine. "You alright?"

"Just fine," I replied too quickly, trying to hide how far gone I really was.

He leaned closer, his brown eyes narrowing as he assessed me. "You've had enough for one night." His voice held that gentle authority I couldn't resist.

"Maybe I just wanted to celebrate," I shot back, bitterness creeping into my words.

"Celebrate what? Your ability to drink like a fish?" A hint of teasing danced in his tone, but his words fell flat against the weight crushing my chest.

I tried to look away but found myself trapped by those warm brown eyes.

The ring he'd purchased haunted my thoughts, a dark storm threatening to drown me.

Maël's lips twisted into a frown as he held me with a gentle grip when I swayed.

"We should get you home."

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