Page 48 of What Beats Within the Tunnels

“Well, thank you. I appreciate it,” I respond with a warm smile then take a bite out of my apple. “So, what is it that you both do for Colton exactly?”

Rix, hovering nearby, answers, “Everything he asks. Primarily, we keep the house stocked with food and drink, cook for him, and ensure everything remains orderly.”

“You’ve been with him for a while then?” I ask, glimpsing an unexpected path to learning more about Colton.

“Yes, for many, many years.” Rix nods. “He saved our lives. Once, we were slaves to a cruel Fae family, but Colton freed us. Since then, he’s taken care of our kin and ensured the Dream Forest remains protected from ravishers.”

I recall our conversation in Zomea, where Colton told me about these so-called ravishers. The very idea of anyone wanting to harm or enslave such beings is beyond horrifying. It lights a fire within me, and I can’t help but ask, “Being here with Colton... You don’t feel trapped or like you’re serving him against your will?”

Rix shakes his head emphatically. “No, not at all. We choose to work for Colton. He compensates us generously, and he’s always fair. We serve him out of gratitude and genuine fondness, not obligation.”

Rune, having positioned himself beside Rix, adds, “He may seem tough on the outside, but underneath, he’s kind. Many in this forest, including us, owe him a great deal.”

Rix, shifting the topic, asks, “Now, what can we prepare for you during your stay? You’re staying, right?” His eyes shine with hope.

I laugh softly, “Yes, I’ll be staying. But you really don’t have to go out of your way for me.”

“We insist,” Rix counters with a grin.

Rune, not to be left out, prods, “Please, let us know your favorites. We enjoy cooking.”

After a brief pause, I begin, “For drinks, it’s mostly water for me. But lately I do have a soft spot for whiskey and sweet Faery wine. In the mornings, I prefer hot chocolate to coffee. But when it’s coffee, I like it sweet and creamy.”

Rix interjects, a gleam in his eye, “Ah, a fellow sugar aficionado!”

“And food-wise?” Rune presses, eager.

Remembering my favorites from back home, I say, “I have always had a love for tomato tart. Think of it as a pie crust filled with cheese and fresh tomato slices. Though I eat meat, I usually lean toward vegetarian dishes. Quiche, soups, and definitely soup paired with toast or bread rolls. Cheese melted on bread dipped in tomato bisque is a must. And fish… Any way you cook it, I’m in. Truthfully, I’ll eat almost anything. I’m not too picky.”

They both nod, taking in every word, clearly mentally cataloging my preferences.

“What about Chepi?” Rune asks.

“Oh, he’ll eat anything,” I say with a chuckle, glancing at Chepi, who’s almost finished with his breakfast. “But he especially loves bacon and other meats.”

“Righto,” they say simultaneously.

“Hey, do you guys know Twig?” I shift the conversation.

“Yes, of course. He’s with King Onyx, but we don’t see him too often since the king rarely visits the Dream Forest,” Rix shares.

I tilt my head, curious. “Why doesn’t King Onyx visit the Dream Forest?”

“He isn’t welcome here. He may be the king of Nighthold, but he knows the Dream Forest is loyal to Colton,” Rune says.

“Why isn’t he welcome here?” I ask, hoping to glean some insight into the tension between Nyx and Colton. They must have had some falling out if they once were friends and now have this palpable tension. And Bim being friends with both of them... I should probably ask Colton, but it feels like a raw topic right now.

“Things have never been the same since Z,” Rix says, his voice tinged with sadness.

“What is Z?” I ask, rapt.

Rix hesitates for a moment. “Her name is Zaelinn,” Rune interjects, a somber note evident in his voice.

“Who is Zaelinn? What happened?”

Rix sighs deeply. “The tale of Zaelinn is filled with pain and heartbreak. I’m not sure Milord would want us discussing it. Perhaps you should ask him directly.”

“No, please,” I interject, “I wouldn’t want to upset him. Why make him relive such a sad memory when you could tell me now?”