Page 75 of Oleander
Birch clears his throat uncomfortably, his deep voice thick and scratchy. “As am I.”
I smile to myself, half wondering if I’m imagining all of this. I decide not to question it and follow my entourage through the forest and back to the bar.
I’m ready to record our win and claim my fucking money.
It’s been a hell of a night.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
OLEANDER
Onyx and Birch disappear back into the forest before Sparrow Spring Tavern comes into view. They didn’t hear what the Blood Fae said about Skyler’s heritage, but they can be trusted to keep what happened a secret. None of us need that kind of spotlight falling on us. A Blood Fae escaping from the Underworld is no small feat.
My mother will be informed of who won the Wild Hunt; there’s no avoiding that. I just don’t want Skyler’s life or freedom put in jeopardy if anyone were to find out his connection to the royal Blood Fae.
I struggle to help a concussed Skyler hike through the rest of the forest. We stumble a few times, and he nearly takes us down with the weight of his body.
I’m really worried about him.
“We better not get any questions from these assholes about who won. I know we did fair and square,” Skyler slurs, hanging onto my shoulder so he doesn’t collapse. “I’m getting my money, and you’re getting your honor.”
I didn't tell him this, but contestants also get a payout for any injuries sustained. The Hunt is seen as a service to the kingdom, and I’m finally understanding that it truly is. We rid Faerie ofa dozen hellhounds. Wedeserveto be compensated. We didn’t go through all of that for nothing. We both nearly died and sustained trauma-inducing injuries. Skyler is right; we’re taking what’s ours.
Sparrow Spring Tavern is buzzing with activity as we push through the dirty wooden doors. Participants are excited to log their kills, while others retreat to the back rooms to treat their wounds and bruised egos. Thankfully, no one seems to have been bitten or scratched, so there’s no true emergency at hand. Well, other than Skyler’s concussion and blood loss.
We make our way toward the bartender, Skyler leaning heavily against me the whole way. I know I need to get him home soon. He’s barely hanging on. When I inform the bartender of how many hellhounds we slayed, not including the half dozen sent back to the Underworld that we’re keeping a secret, the nearby patrons erupt into an uproar.
If they only knew what we truly faced tonight.
Zephyr, Hawk, and Leo take that moment to stroll up to the bar and sit next to Skyler and me, flanking us with their support. Hawk and Leo are clearly intoxicated as well as hyped up, while Zeph is cool, calm, and collected as always.
“Congratulations, my friends,” Zephyr says with a single nod of respect before turning to the bartender. “Are you doubting the integrity and honesty of the Prince of Auroria? What would it mean if his words were lies? Hmm?” Zephyr stares them down with his intense gaze, forcing them to remain silent. “That’s what I thought. Now, send the Shadow Man out into the forest to verify the claims if you must. My friends have nothing to hide.”
“N-no need. We have a clear winner here. Without a doubt. Two was the maximum number of kills reported before the prince showed up.” The owner of the bar clears his throat nervously before ringing the small bronze bell next to him.
The entire bar goes silent.
“The winners of the Wild Hunt are. . .” Everyone’s breath is held tight, waiting for the announcement. “Prince Oleander and Skyler Fairfield.”
Zephyr, Hawk, and Leo cheer wildly while everyone else remains still, letting it sink in that they were beaten by a couple of teenagers new to their magic, not to mention one who’s new to this realm.
“Congratulations again. I’m impressed with your ability to not get yourself killed,” Zephyr says cheekily to Skyler, a smile tugging at his full lips. “Although you are looking pretty rough, Sky.”
“Thanks, Zeph. You have no idea, dude,” Skyler chuckles, but it ends in a wet cough that doesn’t sound good at all.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Leo’s glossy, concerned eyes scan Skyler’s injuries.
I’m worried about him, too. Blood loss, a possible concussion, and alcohol don’t mix, but I know he’s eager to celebrate our win and claim his prize money.How can I take that away from him?He won’t listen, so the best I can do is support and watch over him. Besides, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for both of us.
We just won the fucking Wild Hunt.
And in the most epic and spectacular way possible, might I add. Maybe I’ll let them write the full story into the history books one day.
“Tonight,” Skyler yells, gaining everyone’s attention. “The celebration is on me!Ginger beer and chicken wings for everyone!” The entire bar erupts into loud cheers and rowdy chaos.
Three rounds later, my vision is spinning like a kaleidoscope. I’m not much of a drinker, and on top of that, I expended a massive amount of energy keeping myself and Skyler alive tonight.
But I don’t want to let him down, so I’ve got to concentrate and make it a little longer.
