Page 5 of The Rowan
Following her, I swallow and glance back at the man in the corner, only to catch his golden eyes assessing me. Given they’re married, I’m sure he’s heard about my introduction to The Abbey. I bow my head slightly and turn back to listen to Maya’s instructions on how and where to get specific drinks.
“Okay, I know you won’t retain all of this today, but once you start serving, you’ll get the hang of it. Now, let’s go to the bar so I can explain the different types of alcohol we serve.” She hurries out the door, and I follow.
As I rush through the door, I collide with a brick wall disguised as a man. A gorgeous man, with dark auburn hair, deep brown eyes, a healthy tan, and a smattering of freckles across his cheeks, as if he spends all his available time outdoors. A light scruff covers his jaw, while pouty lips curved in a smile completes the charming picture. “Oomph, sorry,” he says as he straightens and steps back. His eyes rove from my face to my boobs to my legs, checking me out. He smiles broadly. “Well, hello, gorgeous. I don’t believe we’ve met. What’s your name?”
He might look like he lives in the sun, but his aura is dark and compelling, and so is the magic stroking against my barriers. I grasp my power with metaphorical fists and hold tightly as it strains to meet his. “Arden,” I reply absentmindedly. My brain is busy sifting through his magic, trying to find an answer to what type of being he might be and why he feels so familiar.
With my reply, his eyes cool and narrow briefly, then he flashes his smile again. The smile, calculated and cold, never reaches his eyes, making me shiver, as if the sun dipped behind a cloud. “Arden, yes, I’ve heard all about you. Welcome to The Abbey. I’m Astor.” He inclines his head and steps around me to continue through the kitchen door without waiting for my reply.
Raising my eyebrow, I consider his words. Astor, half warlock, half incubus, and member of the Imperium Cadre. I guess Lord Theron told the rest of his team about me. That’s good, since the sooner they get used to me, the better. Although, it seems like Astor is going to avoid me.
“Arden, are you coming?” Maya asks curtly. She’s standing by the bar, waving a menu at me.
Hurrying over, I give her an apology and wait for her to walk through the drink menu.
“We offer all the usual cocktails and alcohol,” she explains as she lists the various drinks. “Outside of the usual, we offer demon brews, Fae elixirs, Elven wine, shifter moonshine, spiked blood, and a myriad of other specialty liquors preferred by various races. They’re listed on the back side of the menu, here.” She points to a long, two-column list on the back of the menu.
Familiar with both demon brews and Fae elixirs, I peruse the list and make a note of the more unfamiliar items, like troll tonga and unicorn tears. I’ll ask my trainer, Merindah, for more information later.
Maya glances up from the menu and nods to someone behind me.
When I turn around, a petite Fae female, with a long silver ponytail, is standing behind me. I take in each of her symmetrical, delicate features and find her perfect. She’s an immaculate pocket Venus. She’s dressed similar to me, with a black Abbey tank, a short flirty black skirt, and cute black boots, so I assume she’s also an employee.
Bright, turquoise eyes stare up at me, piercing in their intensity as she assesses me. It feels like she’s peering into my soul, stripping away all my layers to uncover my deepest secrets and weaknesses. The one other time I’ve felt this unnerving scrutiny, I was in the Queen of the Light Fae’s company. In fact, if I didn’t know any better, I’d swear they were related. The turquoise eyes are so similar, it’s uncanny.
“Merindah, this is Arden. Arden, as I mentioned previously, Merindah will be your trainer for the next week. Listen and follow her lead. She’s excellent at her job, and the customers love her. I’ll leave you in her capable hands. We’ll regroup at the end of the week and see how things are going, okay?” Without waiting for my reply, she waves at the bartender and hurries over to point at the shelf behind him.
I smile and hold out my hand in a gesture of polite formality. When she shakes my hand, I jump at the sheer power I feel coursing through her.
Hell, make that a powerhouse pocket Venus.
“Hi, Merindah. It’s nice to meet you, and I appreciate your agreeing to train me this week,” I say enthusiastically.
“You’re exceptionally powerful,” she replies abruptly. “But for some reason, you’re hiding it. Why?”
Shocked, I glance around to see if anyone heard her. “Shh. How can you tell? I thought I was hiding it pretty well.”
“I sort of see powers,” she admits, shrugging.
“And I could say the same about you! You’re packing a hell of a lot of power, too. I’ve not known many Fae with your level of power,” I murmur, not wanting anyone to hear. An icy Fae male pops into my head for a second.
“Hmm…yes, sort of,” she returns quietly. A light trance glazes her face, eliminating all animation. In a monotone voice, she says, “Secrets and shadows surround you, danger and death desire you, destiny stalks you. When seven and five appear, your role becomes clear. Be wary of the powers who await the chosen breathlessly.” With a shake of her head, she stops and smiles.
Shit, she’s a seer, but why is she smiling? “Thanks, I think. I’ve heard a similar obscure vision previously, but that’s why I’m here. I’m hoping the cadre can help me. It’s a long story, though. One I’m not comfortable sharing yet,” I tell her hesitantly. “Why are you smiling?”
“We share a destiny,” she muses. “Unknown, with hidden paths, but tied together. I guess we’ll both see what happens.”
“Well, since that’s the case, perhaps you can keep all this to yourself? I’m not asking you to lie, of course, but can you avoid answering questions about me?” I bite my lip, waiting for her answer. Fae can’t lie, but they can keep secrets, if they choose, by not volunteering the information to anyone.
Her head tilts as she scrutinizes me. “It will come out sooner rather than later, now you’ve found the cadre,” she draws out slowly, “but I won’t be the one to tell anyone here. Now, let’s get started.” Her turquoise eyes dance as if she’s privy to the secrets of the universe.
She shows me to a group of tables on the left side of the dance floor. “We’ll be waiting on the customers at these tables tonight.” Taking a damp cloth, she wipes them down and places clean menus in the center.
“So, what’s up with the dance floor? Why does it look like a spotlight is on it?” I motion over to the glittery dance floor, where the single light still shines. “I assume it’s magic, but what’s its purpose?”
She grins. “It’s definitely magic. When the DJ is playing, the spotlight shines according to the music. On Friday and Saturdays, different races perform. They sing and dance, but it’s not fun and games. It’s a serious competition with races vying for recognition and coveted prizes. The spotlight coordinates with their choreography.”
My brow wrinkles as I try to understand what she’s saying. “Why?” Singing or dancing in front of a group of people sounds like a nightmare to me.
