Maeryn waited for an explanation.
“We moved around a lot. I didn’t know why at the time, but I’ve since learned it was because we were running from Deidamia and Andras.”
“Your family was hiding like mine. Just in a different way. But you came back to your homeland and now you have many friends.” Maeryn gestured to the group.
A lump formed in Ava’s throat as she absorbed that statement. “Yes. I do. And I’d like to be your friend too. I’m sure the others feel the same way.”
Maeryn gave her a genuine smile. Though her short, powerful build combined with the tattoos and piercings often made her appear intimidating—especially when she was commanding her army—when she smiled, her face lit up.
Ava lowered her voice to a whisper and leaned in. “It seems like you and Raine are getting along quite well now.”
“Yes. I suppose I would say he’s my friend too.”
Ava raised a brow. But Maeryn didn’t seem flustered or embarrassed.
“Do you think Maeryn knows?”Ava asked Luna.
No. I don’t think she does. She seems to like him, though.
“But how would she not know? Would she not feel the pull?”
You didn’t.
“That’s because I was still human. I felt it once I became fae.”
Well, it’s been said not everyone feels it at the same time. And often, if you are not open to finding love…if you’re closed off or in denial…it takes longer to sense it. Or it could be related to her growing up in isolation.
“Interesting,”Ava mused.
“We’re losing daylight,” Casimir said. “It’s time to find somewhere to sleep tonight.”
“There’s a cave up ahead,” Jareth said, pointing to an opening high on one of the cliff’s walls.
“What if there are creatures living in it?” Zara, one of their soldiers, asked, adjusting the sword at her hip.
“We’ll scout it out first,” Casimir said.
Minutes later they stood below the cavern.
“I’ll go,” Raine said. “I’ll bring Sabriel. She has the best nose and can sniff out potential predators.”
“I shall come with you,” Maeryn said.
Using his magic, Raine grew roots from the ground, twisting and turning until they formed a ladder leading to the mouth of the cave. He began to climb, Maeryn following behind.
“How are you going to get Sabriel up there?” Ava asked.
“Like this.”
Sabriel stood at the base of the ladder and Raine controlled the roots to gently wrap around her and pulled her to the opening. She gave him a growl and they disappeared inside.
She did not like that,Luna said.
“I feel like Raine probably puts her through all sorts of things like that.”
Absolutely.
“I bet Imsel could have just made stairs out of stone.”
