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I think of asking Fabien where the noises are coming from, but I’d rather not know.
Walking naked through these woods feels more vulnerable than I’d like. I wish I could wear body armor and carry my sidearm, but those days are behind me. Mia Zedona would never be caught dead in something like that.
I get a brief look at a castle in the distance, but Fabien pulls me away.
“You'll see the family demesnes soon enough. But for now, we’re nearly at the mountain god’s cave. Is there anything you’d like before you enter?”
A tightness in my bladder hits me. Nerves.
“I could, um, use a ladies room, or the Fae equivalent, I guess.”
Fabien calls the entire column to a halt and takes me into the forest. He finds a secluded spot and turns his back. When I’m sure he’s not looking, I squat and pee.
I feel so exposed, but it’s nice having Fabien so close. Somehow I don’t think anything can hurt me when he’s around. Everything that was making noise in the shadows has silenced. Like even the forest fears him.
I know he canhearme peeing. He’s not deaf after all, and he’s standing right there. But I appreciate him not teasing me.
“Are you ready?” he asks.
I nod.
Not much further down the path, we come to a huge cave. The entrance is ringed with stalactites and stalagmites, looking like a gaping maw spread with huge, sharp teeth.
Everyone hangs back to wait.
I’m a little overwhelmed they all came. I mean, I know they probably were ordered to or whatever, but as I look around, I see a lot of hopeful faces. Friendly nods. People who are here for me. At least for this ceremony.
“Thank you for being here,” I tell them all.
No one else says anything.
I take a deep breath and head into the cave.
