My eyes flash. I come around the table, stalking her like a predator with shadows in tow. “Go on. Say it.”
She doesn’t take her eyes off me as I back her up against the wall. When I stop mere inches away, she squeaks, making my mouth stretch with a sneer.
“Well,go on.Say it…”
Finally, she shuts her eyes, bottom lip shaking as she mumbles, “Fae.”
A snigger escapes my cruel lips. “That’s right, and don’t you forget it,princess.”
She turns her face away as I scrutinise her for a few moments longer. When I’ve had my fun with her, I move back towards the chair, kicking my legs up on the table.
When the shadows withdraw, I pull out my bronze knife, spinning it around in my fingers. She remains by the wall, her heavy breaths filling the cave.
I roll my eyes. “You won’t get far looking for the Veil. That town hasn’t been seen in centuries.”
It takes her a while to respond. When she finally does, I can’t help but smirk. “And why should I take your word for it?”
I sigh. “Then don’t. Unless you want to become kelpie food again, I wouldn’t bother. You’ll be dead before you ever find the Veil.”
She laughs, but it doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “Well, that’s a risk I’m willing to take.”
She peels away from the wall, moving for the exit, and she doesn’t even ask for her bags, finally giving up on them, I suppose.
I chuckle, “I guess that’s one less human in the world to worry about.”
She ignores the harsh comment, continuing for the exit. I glance at the chain around her neck.
It’s time to strike a deal.
“I’ll make you a deal. Your necklace for a room. You’ll get hot meals and a place to sleep. Even brand-new clothes.”
I really hope she takes up my last offer. Her flimsy nightdress is looking worse for wear.
Shocked, she grabs her necklace, staring at me aghast. “So, that’s what this was all about? You were just after my necklace?”
I hold up my hands. “You got me.Look, I don’t care what you do. You’re not my problem, but if you want sanctuary, then you pay. A pretty fair deal, if you ask me.”
She backs towards the exit. “As if I would ever bargain with a creature like you...”
I arch a brow. “Smart of you, but you don’t really have a choice. There is far worse out there than kelpies and pixies,princess. You will not survive on your own.”
She pinches her eyes shut, taking everything I say on board. A tear drips down her cheek, but I pretend not to notice.
Finally, she takes a deep breath, looking me straight in the eyes. “Fine. I will give you my necklace… ononecondition. You let me stay for as long as I need. At least until I find a way to search for the Veil.”
A sneer stretches my lips again. “Of course… Would I lie to you?”
Dumb question, considering I can’t lie to her. It’s just something I’ve always heard the humans say.
They always sound so insincere.
She hesitates for a few moments, holding on to whatever dignity she may have left. It must be awful to realise you’ve been duped by a faerie.
Once she hands over the necklace, there’s no going back. It’s a binding contract. Of course, she’s still free to leave, but the consequences will be her choice.
Certain death or a room in my mountain.
With a heavy sigh, she unhooks the necklace, tossing it across the table. I catch it in my hand, and the air ripples with magic once our bargain is complete.
