Page 78 of The Shadow Fae Rhapsody
She takes a long moment before giving me a soft nod.
I can’t tell if it’s a sweet dream or a goddamn nightmare. I’m hesitant to press her on it because Rhianelle would always become flustered whenever we talked about it.
Today is worse because Nel simply goes mute.
She tips her head back to look at me, resting her chin on my chest. I stare into her eyes, trying to read the truth there. I think the girl is doing the same thing to me.
“It’s nothing,” she decides, pulling away. “Are you hungry?”
Rhianelle draws a cookie from her pouch.
I bite it from out of her hand. I notice the way her gaze is riveted on my mouth.
A proud smile curves her lips when I finish eating the damn thing. Nel always has this triumphant look as if she had just conquered the highest peak of a mountain whenever I eat her food. I stare at the pouch on her waist, wondering how many more are left. I’ll consume them all as long as I get to see that smile again.
“Svenn,” she mutters underneath her breath.
“What is it, little fawn?” I give her my full attention.
I catch the faint dip of her throat as she swallows.
“My uncle is hosting a small gathering tonight. Will you join us at the feast later?” Her cheeks blush the moment she voices the invitation.
Fucking adorable.
It’s rare for her to ask for anything, which is why I have to force this answer into my mouth.
“No.”
The rejection sends a flush through her cheeks and her smile drops. I immediately feel like an asshole. I wait for her to look up at me. ”It’s not a good idea, Nel. My presence will distract them from your speech.”
I have listened to every conversation and whispering in this town. I am a symbol of death, destruction, and power to these elves. Bringing me to the banquet will bring the opposite effect to what she wants. Rhianelle is smart. She must know I will only be an obstruction to her cause. But something in her eyes says that she wants me there anyway.
“I understand.” Her voice barely audible than the rustling of leaves. “I better go to my fitting session with Lady Deirdre now.”
She gives a soft and sweet smile before leaving.
The moment the door closes, I slip into my hunting leathers. This is my opportunity to make things right. I want to prove to Rhianelle that I can be good for her.
My plan is to find one of the rats used by the sorcerer and bring the creature to light. Then I’ll trace it back to the fucking Elders and expose them. I head straight to the Anastarros Healing House to begin my hunt. The white building boasts multiple white column pillars. Several pilgrims and worshippers stare curiously at my presence, half-expecting I would burst into ashes as I walk into the temple.
They’re not entirely wrong there. Few ballads and legends of the vampires do hold some truth. Stepping on hallowed ground will not perish us immediately but it will cause a pounding in our head.
Most Nightwalkers steer clear of consecrated places to avoid the unpleasant sensation. But I’m immune to most pain after years of torture under the witch. I step my feet on the moonstone marble and feel a slight tingle on my skin.
“The infirmary is at the back,” a brave acolyte of the temple informs me. I walk in the direction without delay. My target is the half-naked male on the third bed near the window.
This Grimsbane was the first to make the connection between the monster and the sewer.
“Nice of you to visit. You’re my third visitor today,” he says by way of greeting.
I ignore him and go straight for what lies underneath his bed. I weave through the black armor he wore that night.
“Careful with that. The items belong to the guild,” Shade mutters, tightening the demonic muzzle on his mouth.
The assassin settles at the edge of his bed, watching me silently. He gazes at his wrist where I had bitten him. “You saved my life, vampire. Paid one life debt only to owe another.”
I finally find his stupid notebook and pause.
