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“That’s exactly how they lure you in!”
I took a deep breath, motioning the others out to speak privately. I had to handle this delicately. Her outburst stemmed from fear, not defiance. She was in this as deep as us now, perhaps even more so.
“She knows you have what she wants,” I said evenly once we were alone. “This is serious.”
“And how was I supposed to know that?” Elara cried. “Of course I’m inclined to trust another human!”
I bit my tongue against a scathing retort and turned away, trying to rein in my own simmering temper.
“I never asked for any of this! I just wanted to be a florist,” she continued yelling. “Alkard sure didn’t warn me I’d get dragged into criminal flower mysteries when he purchased my contract!”
I sighed, acknowledging she reacted out of fear rather than true anger at me. In many ways, she was in even greater jeopardy than us, as the flower’s unwitting guardian.
“You’re right, I’m sorry,” I said quietly. “I didn’t anticipate things escalating like this.”
“Didn’t think I’d become a target just by association, did you?” she muttered.
I winced. Anyone else daring to speak to me so brazenly would’ve faced consequences, but I only felt regret now.
“I’ll triple security around your shop and home,” I assured her. “And I’ll stand guard while you sleep tonight. You have my word, no harm will come to you.”
Elara raked both hands through her hair, deflating. “I never wanted any part of this mess.”
I poured a glass of water, but she left it untouched on the table, still avoiding my gaze. Sensing she needed time to process everything, I escorted her home in silence.
At her door, I messaged Sakkar her address and orders to dispatch men here later tonight. “Your shop will remain under watch as well,” I told her.
Elara just shot me a conflicted, weary look before disappearing inside and slamming the door forcefully enough to make me wince.
I considered knocking to apologize before thinking better of it. She clearly needed space, not platitudes. In her shoes, I imagined feeling helpless and alone against unseen forces. I took a seat on a nearby bench to stand vigilant guard.
Occasionally, I checked my percomm, messages from my network filtering in, but my mind churned with concern for Elara. I couldn’t abandon her now, however confused my protectiveness felt. She needed me more than ever.
Cold regret seeped into my bones, like I cast one of my own brethren to the moknar pits. If only I could snap my fingers and magic away her troubles. But this arcane flower mystery still had twists and turns ahead. I prayed it wouldn’t swallow Elara whole before the truth came to light.
My thoughts returned to how quickly Elara got under my skin and held fast there. Why I pledged my life to protect a woman I only just met, I couldn’t say. But my instincts rarely led me astray. I would keep her from harm if it killed me.
Just then her door creaked open, and Elara silently beckoned me over. I approached cautiously, unsure what to expect.
“Elara, I-”
“No, Draven, let me speak first,” she interjected, holding up a hand. “I’m sorry for lashing out earlier. I know you only want to help, but I’m terrified. If not for you, I’d be oblivious to the danger I’m in. So...thank you for that.”
I exhaled in relief, smiling crookedly. “Just with extra steps, right?”
The barest hint of a smile ghosted her lips. “I suppose so. Anyway, would you care to come inside for a drink or something?”
ELARA
Moping all night over my predicament accomplished nothing. This mess wasn’t Draven’s doing, after all. If anything, his presence ensured my safety while we sorted out this bizarre flower situation.
I hadn’t a clue how he and his cronies handled dilemmas like this. But knowing they were on my side brought some comfort. Making him stand vigil outside my door all night watching for unnamed threats that might never come felt needlessly cruel.
And I was almost certain this Jocelyn woman had no idea where I lived—she’d be scouring the teeming Under slums with the rest of the humans.
My lodgings weren’t glamorous by any means, but I’d managed to do well enough with the shop that my apartment was moderately secure with locking doors in a slightly better station sector.
With Draven inside, perhaps we could distract each other from the chaos and uncertainty swirling around us. I doubted Jocelyn would appear on my doorstep tonight. We might as well pass the time together as pleasantly as possible.
