Page 32 of Mistletoe

“Jokes. Really?” Hal said, not amused.

“One must raise morale when the situation is grim.”

Hal completed another circuit around the cage. His fingers brushed the bars, tingling at the touch. “Silver?”

“Ordinary iron. How interesting.” Draven’s hands, still bound, darted toward Hal. When he stepped back to avoid contact, he said, “Apologies. I act before thinking. Does the iron hurt? Are you developing hives?”

Hal displayed his hands, which had no evidence of a rash or burn. “A little tickle.”

“The fae were prohibited from touching cold iron,” Draven said, as if that were a fact everyone knew. “It also repelled ghosts and malevolent spirits. Horseshoes were nailed to doors, for example.”

“And you know this how?”

“I’ve had a lot of time to read. I’ve built quite the library.” His lips twitched, suggesting a smile.

The memory of Ethan carrying a stack of books so tall that he used his chin to keep them in place hit Hal. His younger brother had always been full of weird facts.

“As delightful as this reunion is, we need to move,” Hal said.

He grabbed two bars and pulled. The metal groaned under the strain as the gap between them widened. His palms tingled, then itched. The metal felt hot, as if it heated up to burn him. He’d injure himself if this continued.

“I’ll take this side.” Draven tapped Hal’s left hand, replacing it with his own.

Hal wrapped the red scarf around his hands and latched back onto the bar. The fabric blocked the burning, itching sensation. “For the record, this is for Charlotte. For reasons I don’t understand, she’s fond of you.”

“Reasons I myself do not understand,” Draven replied.

“I won’t let your death spoil her happiness.”

“Immanently practical. Now pull.”

The bars moved slowly under their combined efforts, but they moved. When the gap was large enough, Draven slipped through.

“Can you do something about these?” Draven held up his bound hands, displaying the raw and painful-looking skin from where the cuffs rubbed.

The metal snapped easily.

Now, to craft an escape. Hal pointed to the door. “How many guards do they usually keep posted? I hear two heartbeats.”

“That is correct. They’re laboring under the misapprehension that the sunlight weakens me. They believe I am trapped.” Draven looked up at the windows. “I can exit the way you entered if you create a distraction. General chaos should do. You’re rather good at that.”

“I can do chaos.” Hal cracked his knuckles. “Are you trying to avoid a fight? Hardly seems like the action of the great and feared Lord Draven.”

“I’m the cautious and shrewd Lord Draven. I’m not in peak condition, and I require a meal before I go tearing limbs, severing heads, or whatever it is you think I do.”

“Bite throats.”

Draven laughed.

Laughed.

Hal was stunned. The great and feared Lord Draven certainly never laughed.Ethanhad never laughed. Not even when they were children.

“I’ll find a quick snack and be on my way.”

“Where will you go?”

“To Charlotte. I made her a promise.”

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