Page 27 of Daughter of the Darkened City

“Your knowledge of Entailish and ofThe Tales of Lemiacould be very helpful,” Vasu said. “If you’re uncomfortable with the exploration, then I understand. We can talk beforehand about what you kno—”

“I want to go,” she interrupted hastily. “Admittedly, I’m not much of an outdoors person, but I want to go. I want to experience and see it all for myself.The Tales of Lemiaprovides what I believe to be a map to Evolis. It’s hidden in rhyme, but I have no doubt that it holds the clues needed to find it.”

“That’s exactly what I was hoping for.”

Avenay gestured to a quill and a piece of paper. “May I?”

Vasu nodded, pushing the items closer to her.

She took the quill and began writing. “It talks first of the entry into the forest, saying that Lemia had to venture through dreams and mists. It’s unclear what precisely is meant by that, but I’m sure we’ll know when we see it. Then it says she journeyed through radiant vines. Then there is a wayfarer stone next to the river, and a path lined by white stones that leads to the gate. Once you hit the river, then you should be able to follow it to Evolis.”

Vasu leaned next to her, looking over her notes and nodding. “This is amazing, Avenay. Far more than I could have ever hoped for.”

They exchanged a look of camaraderie, and Avenay thought she might enjoy getting to know Vasu better. To have someone as excited as her on this subject.

A knock sounded, and the guard from before entered. Behind him fanned out the tops of bat-like wings. Her pulse thrummed. Were there so many demons in Nemus that they just came and went in Elf Glen?

When the guard moved, she straightened, gritting her teeth as three demons entered. Lord Dryston, Kaemon, and last of all—Enid. Enid’s eyes fell on her, surprise lighting them before merriment danced there, her mouth tugging at a smile.

Avenay looked pointedly away, her face screwing into a scowl. She felt a heady swirl of emotions inside her, and not a single one was identifiable.

She hated it.

Leeth greeted the demons happily, then turned to her and Vasu. “Fate is weaving again. What perfect timing. Avenay, these three will be the team’s protection. The forest is enchanted and potentially dangerous. But specifically for elves and humans and orcs. We believe that demons, and perhaps a seraphe, will have better luck. There’s only one more to add to your team, a ranger, but you’ll meet her the morning of your departure.”

“Avenay, huh?” Enid said, a cocky smile lighting her face.

Avenay narrowed her gaze on the demon, hating how her body lit up in flashes of heat at how the shape of her name formed on Enid’s lips.

“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you,” Enid said.

Avenay rolled her eyes. Enid was playing coy, happy to have gotten her name. And now she would have to deal with this cocky, rakish bat for the next few weeks. She crossed her arms. They made their greetings, Dryston and Kaemon shaking her hand and smiling warmly at her. Then it was Enid’s turn. She took Avenay’s hand with a strong enough grip to make her let out a small gasp, then Enid gave the slightest tug as she stepped forward, making Avenay jerk toward her. She was just a breath away, their bodies so close. Enid’s thumb traced a slow, intentional line on her hand, her eyes hungry and body flexed like a predator.

Avenay was keenly aware of how strong Enid’s grip was, how toned her arms and shoulders were, how much taller and intimidating she was. Enid’s hands were calloused and rough and Avenay’s traitorous mind drifted to thoughts of how those hands might feel on her skin, gripping her hips, her inner thighs.

Enid’s eyes seemed to darken in tandem with her own lascivious thoughts, and Avenay wondered briefly if demons could read minds.

“I look especially forward to getting to know you better, Little Bird,” Enid said.

Avenay yanked her hand away, even as she felt the loss of the touch like a shock of lightning, and took a step back—face imperious. “I’m sure you are.”

Enid chuckled, her eyes sparkling.

Keep frowning. Keep frowning. Keep frowning!

Godsdamnit, Enid was charming as the pit. But she would not let Enid distract her from her goal. Heartbreak had a way of tilting people off course, of abandoning their dreams, of losing sight of what was most important. And Avenay refused to do that. She had one goal in mind, and she wouldn’t be deterred.

To find the cure and save Seraphina.

Chapter 10: Enid

Sunlight streamed through the window and Enid blinked, dazed for a moment as she tried to remember where she was. Pushing past the fog of sleep, she remembered they were leaving today.

This morning, as a matter of fact.

Right now.

Shit.

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