Let’s leave it at that.
Before I can open my mouth to respond, a shadow looms over our table, and then the awful stench of blood and death finds us.
And I thought the puca was the most vicious creature in this tavern tonight.
In the end, nothing could compare to the monster that has just graced us with its presence.
13
Tegwyn
Withacrimsondoubletembellished with golden thread, brown leather boots, and a longsword at the belt, the creature resembles a handsome prince from a prestigious court.
Or aknight,even.
But I won’t be fooled so easily, and I’m not the only one. Everyone inside this tavern knows what he is, which is why they keep their distance.
Ivy can’t take her eyes off him, naturally.
Her mouth hangs open, and a vapid expression comes over her lovely face. It’shappening…she’s losing herself.
She can’t be blamed, though. The faerie presents a beautiful façade, one with the most devastating locks of shining sable.
With a bone structure carved as if from the finest diamond, how could she not be smitten? As a mortal, she won’t be able to see the heady cloud of scarlet that surrounds him like a wisp of smoke, the one that completely enraptures her and robs her of all common sense.
My claws peek from my gloves. If he thinks he’s getting his hands on her, he can kiss my ass.
He places his gloved hand on the crescent-moon pommel of his longsword, shooting Ivy a dashing smile filled with brilliant white teeth.
She blushes beet-red. It’s best I get her out of here. I won’t have her falling prey to this predator.
“My, you’re certainly a sight for weary eyes,” he whispers, his voice like silk. “For many weeks I have travelled, yet I have stumbled upon no maid so fair. What is thy name, sweet lady?”
Ivy’s pupils bloom like rose petals, dominating her starburst eyes. “I…can’t remember…”
I pinch the bridge of my nose, heaving a gritty sigh.
I need to end this.
Rising from my seat, I move around the table, getting a good look at our newfriend.His mask may be foolproof to a naïve human like Ivy, but I know better…
His white skin has a powdery texture like chalk, and his glacier-blue eyes are rimmed with red, and don’t forget the overly sensual lips, either.
He makes me want to vomit.
“We’re leaving,” I announce, keeping my eyes on the loathsome creature. “Come along, Ivy.”
The faerie’s eyes dazzle at the sound of her name. “Ivy? A most befitting moniker for a beautiful maid.” He bows low, bending his body at the perfect angle. “I am Lord Valent, High Lord of the Onyx Crescent Court. It is an honour to be graced with your presence, my lady.”
Ivy’s skin deepens with lust, and a feminine giggle escapes her lips.
Shit.Losingher…
I don’t care if this bastard holds his own court; I will send him back to the Unseelie Lands in bite-sized pieces.
He shouldn’t be trespassing in Rogue territory, but as a High Lord, it’s obvious he thinks himself above us. We should be honoured that he deigned to grace our humble little tavern with his presence.
It’s why most of the bar's patrons keep a wide berth. He’s a powerful Fae andrichin magic, as his castle is situated right beside the Pool of Light.
