Page 59 of The Sins of Silas

“TheFreak Show?” Edmund asked slowly. Silas narrowed his eyes.

“Yup,” Dani said, popping the ‘p’ as she leaned forward. “It’s only the best part of Forsmont.” She lowered her voice. “A circus where we Warlocks don’t have to hide. Well…not entirely.”

“I’ve always wanted to go to a circus,” Elowen said excitedly, and Edmund kissed her temple.

Merrick’s jaw ticked, but he didn’t acknowledge their affection otherwise. “I didn’t see any tents,” he commented, eating the last forkful of his waffles. “Where is this Freak Show anyway?

“I guess you’ll have to see,” she purred.

“We really have more pressing matters to deal with,” Silas interjected, but Dani raised a hand.

“An evening of fun won’t ruin your plans. In fact, it’s probably just what you guys need.” She drummed her fingertips along the wooden table. “Now, hurry up and finish eating.”

After breakfast, Dani led the girls out of the inn just as Leroy was entering. Roland not so subtly grasped my ass, and I even less subtly swung my fist into his arm. We both were grinning like idiots. I really enjoyed Roland…the lightness to his personality was honestly everything I needed.

I didn’t look to see Silas’s face, but I hoped it was red with rage. Served him right.

We ambled through the village, and I took note of how tall the buildings were. Tall and crammed. The cobblestone walkways were kept in pristine condition. Even with the drowsy weather, this place was radiating with ebullient energy.

I almost walked right into Vi when she halted to a stop.

“Wait,” Viola said. “You brought us to a lingerie store?”

“What?” Dani grinned, grasping the doorknob to an establishment with sexy outfits displayed in the windows. “This place has the best corsets.” Dani pushed through the door, the bell chiming above us, and waltzed inside, us following right behind. “We’ll find one for each of you and get the rest elsewhere.”

“I’ve never worn a corset before,” Elowen commented, eyes wide as she took in all the sexy apparel around us: corsets, bras, garters, and stockings.

“I’m sure Edmund will love it,” Erabella teased, and Elowen gave her a bashful smile.

Why is she such a pleasant person?! It’s making it hard for me to hate her.

“Oh, absolutely,” Dani added. “The Freak Show is a…sexy affair.” She ran her fingertips along a sleek black corset. “Well, it can be. The main area is a family event. Animals, clowns, food vendors.” Her cobalt gaze slid to Era’s. “But there are different tents. One side, my favorite, has exotic dancers on a stage—a variety of different performers. People dress kinky and have a lot of fun.”

It was Erabella’s turn to flush. “In front of the children?”

“Gods, no.” She grimaced. “Those who wish to dress more provocatively must cover themselves in the family areas. Once they enter the adult area, they can remove the outer layers.” She waved at the person working, who emerged from the back with a large grin. Dani turned her attention back to us. “I figure we get you guys corsets to wear with a dress, if you want, that is. Anything else you wish to purchase is fine, too.”

We girls slowly exchanged glances, then broke off, scanning the various items displayed in this quaint store. Eventually, everyone’s apprehension was replaced with smiles and giggles, holding up clothes against our bodies and asking what each other thinks.

Everyone but me.

I was off in a corner, studying a particularly stunning corset, when Dani strode up to me and crossed her arms.

I turned my head toward her, and we had a mini-staring contest before she eventually conceded.

“Alright.” She huffed. “What’s your deal?”

My brows drew together. “Deal? I don’t have a deal.” My eyes went back to the corset.

Would this be too much to wear?

“Is it because of what we are?” she asked quietly.

My head spun to hers. “What? No…I’m…I’m just surprised by your kindness,” I admitted, looking away. At her silence, my eyes tore away from the rack of clothes, once again finding her bright blue eyes. “Our kinds have been at each other's throats for a long time.”

Dani smiled. “While the Warlocks are magical beings as well, yes, there still is some animosity between our kinds. But you somehow convinced the Witch Slayer to be on your side.” She shrugged. “If you two can find common ground, if you can look past your differences, why can’t we?”

My eyes fell, and as her words registered, a small smile crept on my lips. “I suppose you’re right.”

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