Page 11 of Facade

“I walked behind that stallion by accident. Wasn’t paying attention.”

“You weren’t at the stables today, I was. You trying to do extra work to stand out or something?” Lyra responded in an accusatory tone, her arms crossed. The other girls glanced between us, a few sneering.

“So what if I am?” I bit back.

A deafening silence settled over the small room, suffocating me. They all looked at me like I was a monster. As I dragged my gaze over their faces, I saw fear, disgust, contempt. I couldn’t handle it. Not tonight.

I loosed a breath, shoving their chairs, some squealing dramatically, as I squeezed past to the stairs.

My stomach growled as the smell of broth wafted up, but I couldn’t bear to sit with them all. Not now. My skin tingled, and my back screamed with every step I climbed. I embraced the pain for once, using it to block out the mental images replaying in my head from what had almost happened.

The sound of laughter and chatter resumed as I reached our rooms, and I quietly closed the door.

Once I stripped off my clothes and washed my face, I braved a peek at the vanity. My physical appearance wasn’t too bad—only a reddened cheek and slight discoloration on my cheekbone.

The real marks were hidden deeper.

As I climbed into my bed—pulling the threadbare blanket to my chin—my back finally eased, yet I trembled, the weight of the night washing over me. I hid beneath the scratchy fabric, as my eyes burned.

I hadn’t cried in the past three years, but tonight, three years’ worth of tears silently fell.

4

Evanee

Cool air wrapped around me, carrying the scents of meat, cake, and roasted vegetables. A light wind caressed my bare arms, causing goosebumps to skitter across my flesh as the thin white dress draped over me did little to block the chill. Music played in the distance, but I stood away from the crowds of beings as they danced and celebrated and swayed to the slow beat of the drums.

The breeze shifted, dragging the overpowering sweet scent of the moonflowers to me. Their fragrance drowned out all others as they bloomed, reaching toward the full moon that would take center stage momentarily, stretching their delicate lilac petals and full leaves after a long slumber.

The last sliver of sun sank behind the mountains, far in the distance, and a raucous cheer echoed across the meadow.

The drums beat louder as the darkness took over. Another breeze ruffled my tangled hair. My skin tingled as it changed to a color that blended with the night, with small diamond-like specks shining brightly. I marveled at the change taking place—then it vanished.

I laughed softly and ran toward a small pond. Bright light reflected in the dark waters—my unique celadon-green eyes stared back at me like two beacons.

My gaze shot up as I sensed another—a flash of silver in the dark where someone walked toward me—a large, masculine silhouette.

My stride was steady as I moved toward him, brushing my hand over the moonflowers as I passed. He drew closer, and my pulse quickened—I’d been hoping for this moment. Of seeing him. Being with him. Excitement fluttered through my body as he neared, even as his features stayed out of focus—encased in shadow.

We closed in on one another. The features of his face coming into focus—the pointed ears, stubbled face, foul breath carried on the breeze…

“Now you’re mine!” he snarled, lunging after me—

“NO!” I yelled, shooting up in bed, panting, sweat plastering my hair to my face. My eyes adjusted to my familiar surroundings—the wardrobe, the window, even the chamber pot. The snores of the other girls eased my racing heart as I ran my hands through my damp hair.

My nightgown bunched around my thighs, exposing my legs and the ink around my ankles. The moonlight bathed me completely through the foggy window, and a groan escaped of its own accord as the ache flared to life. I dragged my back against the wall, trying to satisfy the phantom itch.

“You,” Blanche hissed from the open door. I jumped at the sound, growling back at her like some deranged beast.

Her annoyance was plain to see as she mouthed some foul words and hooked a finger, beckoning me. The blood drained from my face, a pit forming in my stomach. Was this about that guard? It had to be. My hands shook as I pulled my boots on. I couldn’t go back to the dungeons. I’d rather die than have Cressida violate me further with that fucking magic. My steps dragged, as if boulders were tied to my ankles—I can handle anything, just not the dungeons.

Blanche sat down on the opposite side of the table, as I reluctantly stepped off the remaining step.

That step faltered.

Not him.

Nausea churned when the captain from earlier stepped out of the shadows, his presence commanding, gaze hard. Even Blanche sat straighter, her focus anywhere but that male and the authority that rolled off him.