Page 101 of The Awakening of Essensia

“If you gape any wider,” Axel said, “she’ll have to come back and wipe down the table.”

Willem shut his mouth, shaking his head slowly. “How come they never look at me like that?”

“Like I said,” Vaelira grinned, “give it five years. The ladies will be falling over themselves to get to you.”

“I’m not interested in ladies. I prefer my women a little rough around the edges.”

“You could always try girls your own age,” Elijah offered.

Willem shot him a dark look and downed the rest of his drink.

The next hours blurred by in an endless flow of drink and conversation. The tavern swelled with music, roars of laughter breaking out above constant hum of chatter, and for once, the chaos was a comfort. Vaelira let herself melt into it, let the drink and warmth ease all worry of Maerin Vireldane for her churning mind.

Willem said something that had the others howling, and Vaelira laughed too, despite not having heard the punchline. She couldn’t help herself. Their joy was infectious.

She glanced at Elijah and found him already watching her. His cheeks were flushed, his eyes bright, his grin wide and unguarded. He reached for the seat of her chair and pulled her closer. She giggled, grabbing his arm to steady herself, but then she stopped abruptly, embarrassed by how childish she sounded.

He didn’t seem to notice. He wrapped an arm around her shoulder and turned back to the table where Axel and Willem were bickering again. She should shrug him off, but she was finally enjoying herself after so many months of constant worry. She could allow herself one carefree evening with her friends.

Vaelira kept her gaze on Elijah. He chuckled at something, his grip on her shoulder tightening slightly, as if he knew she was watching. Her skin heated, and the flame in her chest flickered off beat with her skittering heart.

Perhaps it was foolish to let her guard down, to forget who he was, but his arm felt good wrapped around her. Every breath he took moved his chest gently against her side, and she liked the shiver it sent over her, the sensation a stark contrast to the heat of him, like hot berry pie and iced cream on a summer evening.

She glanced towards the hearth, expecting to find Orphi asleep on the floor, but the dog wasn’t dozing. He was bolt upright, snout raised, eyes fixed across the room.

She leaned out of Elijah’s grip and twisted to scan the tavern. Nothing seemed out of place. People were clapping along to a lute in the corner, cards shuffled at the next table, and barmaids passed with trays. A hot breath touched her ear, and she jumped.

“Everything alright?” Elijah asked.

She gave the room one more glance before nodding and turning back. A man squeezed behind her chair, and his thick southern accent snagged her attention.

“I’m tellin’ ya. She’s ravin’ mad. Closed tha ‘ole thing off, spends all ‘er days in there.”

Another man followed, trailing the sour stench of pipe smoke. “No denying the Queen’s a lunatic, Ralph. I’m more concerned with these nobles creeping round our parts. They leave a bad taste in my mouth.”

Elijah stiffened beside her but didn’t speak, didn’t even look towards the men.

Vaelira hadn’t realised the nobles were still being forced to use the Old Town chapel, or that Queen Mairese was spending all day at prayer. The Noble Quarter must be in an uproar, but what could they do? She was their Queen and to defy her openly was treason.

Orphi let out a single silent bark. If she hadn’t already been looking in that direction, she might have missed it. He barked again, his eyes still fixed on the tavern doors.

Vaelira turned to Axel to find him already watching.

“What is it?” Erryn asked.

“Not sure,” Axel said, standing and crossing to the hearth. He crouched beside the dog. “What is it, boy?”

Orphi barked again. Elijah stood abruptly, heading for the door.

“Hey!” Willem called. “Wait for us!”

The tavern doors shut behind them, cutting off the cheerful sounds of celebration. The street outside was silent and empty. Lamps shone overhead, yet the cobbles gleamed pale under the moonlight.

Orphi bounded down the steps. He stood rigid, his attention fixed on the opposite street. Axel sighed. “The old boy’s chasing ghosts again. He gets skittish arou—”

A soft chuckle cut him off. A man stepped out from the shadows.

Vaelira reached for her power.