Page 85 of Flirting with Darkness

“That’s poetic. No clue if I have one of those, though.”

His chuckle is low and deep, like the rumble of a purring cat. “Everyone does. There are rituals to access yours if you wish. But give me a name to call you by.”

“Darina,” I reply. “Darina Thorn.”

One of his eyebrows inches up. “That’s a strong fae name. The Thorns have been around since before the gates closed.”

I shrug. “It’s also pretty common where I’m from. There was another Thorn in our class, no relation.” I frown. “How come we have so much in common? Languages, names.” My attendant even knew the same-ish ASL.

“We don’t.”

I frown in confusion.

“We are speaking the common tongue in mixed company. Everyone hearing it understands it through their heart. Nowadays, it’s the main language spoken in Ilvaris, but in the past, each nation, each clan favored their own tongue.”

That doesn’t explain why the sign language is also the same, but I decide I have enough of a headache for now.

“Darina.” Jaynus’s voice is commanding.

Though he’s some distance away, I feel it through my bones, vibrating like a shock collar.

I glare over my shoulder.

“He’s not a friend, then,” Valdred gleans, observing me.

My jaw tightens. “He took me from my world after tricking me on some stupid fae formality.”

It’s a relief to be able to get the words out. I wasn’t sure I could.

“Did you make a deal?” Valdred asks.

Jaynus glares, and each second I remain stubbornly away, the awareness inside me becomes more painful. He wants me to go to him and my body thinks I should obey.

“I didn’t. Ithanked him,”I seethe.

Valdred winces. “Careless words. I’ll do what I can to make your stay here pleasurable.”

My stomach drops. He can’t help. I didn’t dare hope he could, hence why I didn’t ask, but his words confirm it. Given how reverential Jaynus is toward him, I thought he might be able to free me, but wishes are as useless as tits on a bull in the world of fairies.

“Go to him. You will not like what happens if you reject your master’s call.”

11

DARINA

Ijoin Jaynus where he's planted his feet, away from his companions, dread coiling like snakes along my skin.

If he isolated himself, it’s because he wishes not to be heard or seen in his treatment of me by those he respects, I’m sure of it.

“What did he say? What did he want?” Jaynus demands in a low whisper, pulling me closer by the wrist.

I snatch my hand back. “What?”

“Concentrate, stupid girl!” he hisses.

I’ve never been called stupid, not once.

Music is my calling, but I excelled in all things at school, particularly mathematics. When I was bored in the class I shared with Scarlett, my parents asked a psychologist to look into this strange, distracted mind of mine, guessing I must have ADHD or something else. Instead, they realized my IQ was in the highest percentile. They bumped me up by two years. Regardless of the situation I currently find myself in, I am smart. A little reckless, easily bored, but smart all the same.

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