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“I’m not leaving you here alone,” Ezra growls, springing up from the ground.
“There’s nowhere for you to sleep. I have one bedroom and a couch.”
“I can sleep in bed with you.”
“In your dreams. I’m fine. Zara isn’t going to murder me in my sleep. She can barely keep her eyes open. If anything, she’s going to drown in the shower.”
It’s on the tip of my tongue to deny she’s right, but I can’t. I am exhausted.
“I’ll sleep on the floor, then. I’m not leaving.”
“Ugh, whatever. Go nuts.” Ruby holds out her hand to me, offering to help me up off the couch.
I tentatively place my hand in hers, feeling a little lightheaded. Touch isn’t something I experienced much in Fairy. At least, not gentle, kind ones. Not for the first time tonight, I’m on the verge of tears, but I’m an expert at keeping those emotions tucked away.
Ruby doesn’t let go of my hand as she pulls me across the room. Her home is small but tidy, with mismatched furniture and an eclectic mix of decorations around the room. I barely have time to take anything in before she’s leading me down a short hall and opening up a door.
“There’s not a clawfoot tub or twelve showerheads that rain down on you, but the water pressure is good.” Ruby nods toward the small bathroom. “There are clean towels in that closet,” she moves the door to reveal another door hiding behind it. “Feel free to use any of the products you find in here.”
She drops my hand and opens up a drawer in the vanity, riffling around until she pulls out a package. “Brand new toothbrush. It’s all yours. I’ll grab some clothes for you and leave them on the counter.”
Ruby turns to leave, but I grab hold of her arm. “Aren’t you afraid that I’m dangerous or a Fae in disguise or something?”
Ruby doesn’t hesitate to answer, her face serious. “I don’t know the how or the why, but it feels right to have you here.”
I hold her gaze, seeing that Ezra was right. Her eyes are jade green. “Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me yet. Ezra snores like a chainsaw. You might still murder someone tonight. I just doubt it will be me.”
The door clicks shut after Ruby leaves. I hurry through a shower, even though I want to linger. Another time. Right now, I’m barely staying on my feet. The only thing I take my time with is washing the cut on my hand and the burn on my ankle. The cut has almost healed, but I know it’s slightly infected. Ruby thankfully grabbed my good hand earlier. The burn on my ankle is in worse shape. Every step I take reminds me it’s injured. It’s been much slower to heal, and I don’t know if that’s because the veil caused it or the fact that I haven’t been able to clean it regularly.
By the time I’m done, there are clothes on the counter and a hairbrush on top. I sway a little as I brush my teeth, and then my hair, but it feels amazing to be clean and warm. I fold my dirty clothes and set them on the floor, not sure what to do with them. Walking out of the bathroom, I nearly yell when someone steps out in front of me.
“Sorry.” Strong hands wrap around my shoulders. A heady scent, warm and spiced envelopes me and I relax into the hold. Rhys is all but holding me up as we stand in the middle of the hallway. “I wanted to check on you before I left.”
“You’re leaving?” I bite the inside of my cheek, frustrated by how disappointed I sound.
“I need to go check on my sister. Ruby and Ezra will make sure you’re safe.”
I think the night has finally caught up with me. I don’t even know how to respond. He’s worried about me being safe. Not worried that I might hurt his friends?
“How can you all be so trusting?” I’m so tired, the words practically fall out of my mouth.
“I’m a good judge of character.” His eyes travel over my face, the look he’s giving me so soft and warm. I’m not used to being looked at like this and I glow from the inside out. “Good night, Zara. Get some rest.”
I stand in the hall for a long time after he leaves, wondering how my life could have possibly changed so quickly.
