Chapter 35

Ellery

"I'm a skilled hunter,but I don't know the woods well," Ryker said. "I've never bothered with them unless it was to pass through. I've been trying to hire someone to help me, but they all refuse."

"The Robber has the amsirah in the towns believing he's their salvation," my mother murmured. "You know, my daughter, Ellery, could probably help in your search. Do you remember her?"

My mouth dropped before I could swallow the sip of drink I'd taken. A trickle of it dribbled down my chin as breathing became impossible, and the sweet taste turned to acid on my tongue.

I somehow closed my mouth again and wiped away the liquid before it could drip onto the floor. If anyone was watching me, they probably believed I was insane, and I felt that way.

"I do remember her," Ryker said.

He's so handsome when he smiles.

I shook my head at the intrusion of such a ridiculous thought when my life was spiraling out of control.

Get ittogether! I berated myself. And do something!

"Ellery knows the woods well, and she's a very skilled hunter. I'm sure she could help you track that criminal," my mother said.

My mouth fell open again. My mother didn't know it, but she was setting me up to look like a suspect while offering my help to Ryker to hunt me!

"I'd welcome her help," Ryker said, "and I'd be willing to pay her for it."

My ears perked at this possibility, but it could never happen. Spending more time with Ryker was not a good idea.

Holding my nearly empty glass, I hoped I looked casual as I strolled toward them. Instead, I felt like a toy soldier—all wound up with my legs kicking straight ahead as I marched toward my doom.

My mother waved her hand flippantly through the air. "Oh, payment isn't necessary. We'd be happy to help you catch the thief."

"That's very kind of you. There is a reward."

"There is."

"If she helps me, I'd be happy to have her collect it."

My mother pondered this. "I think splitting it between you would be fair."

"More than fair."

No, it would not!

But I couldn't shout at them as I yearned to do; they'd think I'd lost my mind, and I was very close to doing so. I was sure the smile I'd plastered onto my lips made me look more like someone who was about to pounce and eat someone's face.

Delightful little image there, Lery.

And now you're talking to yourself in the third person; maybe you really are losing it.

That was a distinct possibility, but I couldn't wipe away my awful grin.

"Good morning." My greeting came out too loud and high-pitched. I tried to get it under control before I spoke again, but it didn't sound much better. "Are you ready to go, Mother?"

"Ellery," she said cheerfully. "Lord Locke and I were just talking about you."

"Oh, really?"

I tried to act all innocent, but I was sure I failed miserably. Ryker's head tilted to the side, and his eyebrows furrowed over the bridge of his nose.

"Yes, Lord Locke was telling me about how he is hunting for the Hooded Robber," my mother continued.

"Don't most robbers wear hoods?" I replied, hoping to break the coiling tension inside me with some levity.

I failed.

"Yes, indeed, most cowards do," Ryker agreed.

I kept my grin plastered on while my brain spun for something to say. In the end, I couldn't come up with a response.

When another server passed, I stopped him to exchange my empty glass for a refill. Having another drink wasn't my best decision, but it wasn't my worst.

I wouldn't drink this one. I just needed something in my hands to keep them from fluttering around like trapped, broken birds.

"I was telling Lord Locke?—"

"Please, call me Ryker. I've spent the night in your home; we should be on a first-name basis."

My mother beamed at him while I tried not to roll my eyes. Of course, the ass could be charming too.

"Thank you," my mother murmured before turning to me. "I was telling Ryker about how well you know the Revenant Woods and how skilled you are at hunting."

"Oh, I played in them sometimes as a child," I said flippantly.

"That's an interesting pastime for a child," Ryker remarked.

My mother laughed. "Ellery has always been interesting. My daughter has no fear."

Pride shone in my mother's eyes. She had no way of knowing she could be throwing me deeper into a pit of suspicion.

Still, I kept my strange smile in place as, without thinking, I took another sip of alcohol. What did it matter anymore?

"So you do know the woods well?" Ryker asked.

I couldn't look at my mother; it might make me look guilty. I yearned to tell him no, but she was standing right there and would know I was lying.

"I've spent time in them and know many of the creatures who reside there," I hedged.