Page 70 of Ethereally Redeemed

“Come here,” Draven grumbles as he opens the trunk, pulling out Everlee’s things she had at the signing—two banners, a cloth, books, and pencils.

Grey slings our backpack over his shoulder, helping Draven carry Everlee’s belongings. I remain on edge, struggling to figure out how to act around her. It’s different from being trapped and free; our friendship grew on the basis of being confined. How are we supposed to grow when we’re free, and yet still worn down by our burdens?

I linger behind them, hesitant to step foot into the cottage that seems all too perfect and serene—such a place as this does not exist.Cannotexist.

The stairs lead up to a porch covered by a roof and supportedby pillars, creating a mini terrace outside the front door. Draven sets the items down against the wall of the house, unlocking the door. My nails press against my palms, creating crescents that are unmistakable, drawing blood, as I merely stare at the three of them on that porch. Everlee shifts her attention to me and smiles, but it does nothing to calm me.

“It’s okay, Naya. Come on inside.” Her voice carries a nervous energy as she glances at Draven, seeking his approval. When she receives it, she visibly relaxes, weaving her fingers with his. I draw in a sharp breath, meeting Grey’s watchful eyes.

“We don’t have all day,” Draven mutters, making me tense.

God, when did I end up being so pathetic? I’ve always been the one standing up for myself, yet now—here—I feel like a mouse caught in a cat’s trap. I take the final steps to the stairs and the door, Grey’s hand finding mine as we step into the cottage.

It’s even more breathtaking on the inside, with simple details that enhance the beauty. As soon as we step into the hallway, we’re met with the warm and rustic interior. Right beside the hallway, a little farther ahead, is a staircase, revealing this cottage has more than one floor.

The smell of pine and wood hits me as I step inside, mixed along with vanilla. Hesitantly, I remove my shoes and jacket.

“You will stay in the guest room upstairs. It’s small, but it’ll do, and it has its own bathroom,” Draven mumbles, his face an unreadable mask.

The feeling that we’re not welcome here persists, even in the midst of the warm and inviting atmosphere of their cottage. Draven gestures for Grey to follow him, carrying Everlee’s belongings.

Everlee leads me into the kitchen as I look back at Grey, not wanting to be separated from him. I don’t trust Draven, not in the slightest.

The kitchen is an open space, modern yet cozy with wooden wall panels, rusty cupboards, and flowers lingering in every corner of a vase.

“He’ll be okay,” Everlee says, as if noticing my apprehension.

I nod at her, trying to relax, even if it’s hard.

“Tea?” she asks as she searches in the cupboards, bringing forth tea and starts boiling hot water on the stove.

“Sure,” I tell her. Standing awkwardly to the side, I’m not sure what to do.

When the tea is done, neither of us has spoken a word. She’s the first to break the silent, hands nervously fidgeting after she gives me a cup of tea.

“Why don’t we sit by the fire? We have so much to catch up on.”

I follow her into the living room, a space that’s expansive and intimate. The room’s centerpiece is a grand stone hearth, and the walls behind are made of stone to minimize the risk of burning up the house. They’re textured, rugged, and gray, while the remainder of the walls are clad in rich, dark wood, emanating a cozy glow. Large windows stretch from floor to ceiling, glass panels offering a panoramic view of the forest outside. It’s as if the trees are an extension of the room, branches framed against the glass.

Everlee sets down her cup of tea on the floor, kneeling beside the stone hearth, and arranging the logs as it crackles to life, the flames casting a golden glow that flickers across the room. She settles onto the plush carpet in front of the hearth, leaning her back against the couch. Gracefully, she reaches for a blanket hanging on the couch’s armrest, holding it out to me with a reassuring smile. I’m frozen like a statue, staring mesmerized at the fire. It instantly radiates a heat that’s comforting. The fall weather outside is getting to me, freezing me down to my bones, and experiencing a real fireplace is something I never thought Iwould do.

“Please, sit,” she urges gently, her voice a soothing balm.

I sink down onto the carpet, despite the discomfort of feeling so dirty in such a clean space. The warmth of the fire seeps into me, and I pull the blanket around my shoulders. Even though it feels wrong to be here, dirty, I wrap myself further in the comforting fabric.

I need a shower, but I can’t make myself ask for one, and I don’t want to leave Everlee’s side when I’ve finally gotten her back.

Silence ensues, the only sound being the steady crackle of the fire. The flames stretch and curl like tendrils, soaring inside the stone hearth, and I lean my head against the couch, feeling its well-worn fabric against my cheek.

“I still can’t believe you’re here,” I finally whisper. “What happened after…you know…?”

She sighs, swallowing harshly as her expression grows somber. “After our master—” she quickly corrects herself. “Frederick, died, Draven was one of the new owners who found me. In his line of work, he has the skills to track people down, skills that most people don’t have. His mother’s best friend lost her daughter before her own husband murdered her. When his own mother died, he felt he had to find that lost daughter to honor his mother’s memory,” she says resigned, voice a low whisper.

I brace myself for the words, my heart clenching tightly.

“I’m that daughter, Naya. He spent years searching for me.”

“But, h-how?”

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