Page 118 of Invoking the Blood

Rune dragged the Ra’Voshnik below the surface as the clerk smiled at Faye, leaning his hip on the counter. He filled her order and brushed his fingertips over hers as he collected her payment.

Rune left the shop, stifling a growl. He was not jealous of an Anarian candy merchant.

Faye met his gaze for a moment before brushing past him. In a hushed whisper, she asked, “Why is your eyeliner showing?”

Rune didn’t answer, following her along a dirt path north. It led out of the village and ended as they reached the top of the hill. She turned to him wide-eyed. “You did this?”

Faye could only stare at aunty Clara’s house. The lawn was covered with thick grass, the gate rebuilt. The large house was repaired and repainted, white with red trim. It looked better than it did when she was a child. It looked… new.

Rune returned her look with one of confusion. He canted his head and said, “I kept my terms of our bargain. Is this not what you required?”

Faye threw her arms around him, pulling away before anyone saw her hugging nothing. She couldn’t find the words to express her gratitude. “Thank you,” stumbled from her lips.

She turned from him and hurried to the gate. The children all wore matching uniforms. Adults with the same outfits walked the grounds with the children. The little ones squealed her name as they ran to her. Faye needed to talk to Aunty Clara. She spotted one of the older girls and stood on her toes to wave. “Kimber!”

The tall brunette smiled and walked over to Faye. She turned sixteen this year and had an interest in making potions like Faye to support herself when she outgrew aunty Clara’s house.

“Kimber will give you your treats, guys,” Faye informed the children, dropping an arm around the younger ones that hugged her waist.

Kimber took the package and beamed. “Can you believe it? Aunty Clara has workers, and we have teachers. We even have horses.”

“How did this happen?” Faye could hardly believe all the changes.

“The High Queen. She rebuilt the orphan homes in five villages.”

Faye smiled as she grappled with the new details. The High Queen? That bitch didn’t do this. Faye’s temper flared, thinking of the High Queen’s parting words to her.

Feel free to call your court to war against the Shadow Prince.

Faye turned back to Rune, his expression revealing nothing as he trailed behind her.

“Darkness, look at all the candy Faye gave me!” Kimber clutched the bag to her chest.

“It’s not only for you.”

“Hey, that’s for all of us.”

The small children gave chase as Kimber ran off to the new swing set and slides.

Faye stood overwhelmed for a moment. Rune came up beside her, his expression concerned. She smiled up at him. “You got them teachers and a staff.”

“This is how orphans are cared for. Did they require something additional?”

This was not how orphans were cared for. Was this normal in Necromia? “You gave the High Queen credit and did this in five villages.”

“It would be suspicious if I only rebuilt this orphanage and claimed credit. Lyssa rules this land. The people should look to her.”

The high bitch didn’t deserve credit for Rune’s kindness.Kindness you blackmailed him into,she couldn’t help but remind herself. Faye pushed the thought aside. She didn’t care how it happened. The home she loved was restored.

Aunty Clara came out to the porch, and Faye waved, rushing to the old woman to hug her in greeting. Faye went about restocking the supplies and found every drawer full. All her tonics and ointments were stocked, and there were other jars and vials she didn’t recognize.

The old woman swatted her bottom as she entered the kitchen. “The High Queen set up accounts to Necromia for all that. You don’t need to worry about us.”

Faye sat with the old woman, conflicted. She was glad they had supplies, and the repairs were made. What would Faye do now that she didn’t need to help out around here?

Movement caught her eye as Rune glided past the doorway. Faye guessed he took a seat on one of the chairs outside.

Aunty Clara made tea as they sat. They talked for hours, gossiping and eating pastries. The elderly woman recounted all the mischief the children were getting into and went on to explain all the renovations and her small staff.

---