Chapter 10

MURGHA

After Tessa disappeared and Papa had recovered from his illness, I'd begged him to gather some fae males and look for her. Other than search near the stream where she'd gone that night, he'd done nothing at all.

Well, that's not entirely true. Because Tessa was his favorite child, of course, he sank into a depression for a time, drinking and gambling even more than before she'd gone.

Though I'd always believed her letter was coerced, I wondered now if it were true. She'd given me an option to join her with her beast fae mate and his clan, but the idea had seemed so ludicrous at the time. I'd laughed at the very idea of leaving the safety of my home.

But my home wasn't safe. I could see in the bitterness of Papa's stares and his lack of any care at all for me that I was in danger.

So I'd gathered some herbs to sell and ventured to the Borderlands a few times, seeking any word or news of my sister. I was terrified at first, seeing wraith fae for the first time. I'd even seen two beast fae females traveling with a child.

No one had heard of my sister or of a beast fae male abducting a wood fae. To my surprise, the dark fae I'd met on my few trips were kind and courteous, if a little wary.

So I wasn't nervous about entering The Black Boar, even in the company of a shadow fae who were rarely, if ever, seen in these parts. He was the first of his kind I'd ever encountered. I wondered if they were all as magnificent as him.

He ushered me inside and to a booth in the corner, facing the window. In the rest of the tavern, there was only a wraith fae couple—both two-horned and dressed in well-made, homespun clothes. The male watched us with a curious expression but returned to his meal when Vallon pointedly glared at him.

After we settled into opposite seats, the table between us, I gave him an exasperated look.

"What?" he snapped.

"You don't have to stare at him so angrily. He has done nothing to you."

"That's correct. And now he knows to stay out of my way."

"Why would he bother you at all?"

He exhaled heavily and leaned forward, speaking low. "Because my kind aren't liked by the other dark fae, much less any Lumerians we come across."

"Why don't they like you?"

"Because we keep to ourselves and defend our mountains at all costs. It's created several altercations in the past. And a war or two."

"Oh, just a war or two, that's not so bad."

His glacial expression didn't crack at my teasing sarcasm.

"Why are you protecting the mountains?" I asked him.

"We've always protected the mountains." His voice had dropped deeper.

"That's not an answer," I snapped back.

Our gazes held. His jaw was clamped tight as he refused to tell me what he was hiding.

Finally, I broke the tension-laced silence. "If you're so concerned about being attacked, why not change your appearance? Maybe back to that handsome Issosian guard you mimicked last night?"

His expression hardened further, and when he leaned across the table, his clawed fingers clasped in a forced relaxed posture, his voice had darkened to a dangerous level. "You found him handsome, did you?"

"Of course, I did."

But not nearly as handsome as you.

"Is that what you're attracted to?" He sneered. "Soft-faced golden boys?"

I blinked at him, speechless, for I was positively sure his anger was jealousy.

I'd always been the biddable, good daughter. Always trying to make up for the deficiencies of my birth, hoping that if I were good enough, Papa might finally love me. That someone might love me beyond Tessa.

But something had changed yesterday. When Papa had gambled me away like I was nothing more than a piece of property he was readily willing to lose, a crack opened up inside of me. Rather than fall into the deep abyss, it opened wide a new door, a new world. One where I didn't need to be the good daughter anymore.

Then this stranger had appeared and whisked me away from all that I knew, changed me into strange clothes, and in telling me the truth, gave me back not only my mother, but my father. They had loved each other, and they had loved me.

The Murgha sitting across from the fuming shadow fae was not the meek girl I had been before. A tendril of heat and excitement threaded through my belly at the angry dark fae staring at me as if he truly wanted to eat me alive.

I should be shaking with fear, but the shiver that skated down my spine had nothing at all to do with fear. It was thick, sweet desire. And I wanted more of it. So I did the only thing I could do. I teased him.

"The Issosian you transformed into was undeniably attractive. Do you know him? Is he someone you might introduce me to?"

"He is no one. Someone I met in my travels. And you will never meet him."

"Why not?"

"Because I don't like—"

He didn't finish the sentence. I arched a brow, waiting for more, but then a waitress appeared at our table.

"Morning. Aren't you two an interesting pair?"

Vallon's hard gaze shot to her, but she merely raised one hand, palm out. Her splayed hand revealed the webbing of skin between her fingers. She was a skald fae.

"I meant no offense, priest. What can I get for you two this morning?"

"What do you have?" he grumbled.

"We've got wild hog ham, fresh bread, an assortment of cheese, poached eggs, spiced berry jam, and honey-and-cream oats."

"Bring us two servings of everything. And a pot of tea." Then Vallon looked past her toward the bar. "Is Haldek in the back?"

"He is."

Vallon leaned over the table, catching my gaze with that intensity that was becoming far too familiar. "I'll be right back. Stay here." Then he shoved out of the booth and strode toward a door next to the bar that must lead to the kitchen area.

When I turned my attention back to the skald fae, I found her observing me carefully. I couldn't help but admire her striking features.

Her hair was a vibrant red, like that of a cloak I had seen and coveted once on a Mevian fae who'd passed through our village. Her eyes were jewel green, the color I imagined the Nemian Sea might be. The skald fae lived in Morodon next to the sea named after their sea god.

"You're far from home," she said to me finally.

"So are you," I observed.

When she smiled, her wide mouth and feline-shaped eyes only made her look more striking. I'd always thought myself fair, but she was as pale as parchment.

There was something else about her that tingled my senses, making gooseflesh rise on my arms. That always happened when my seer abilities sprang to the forefront. But I didn't have a vision or a flash of knowing, just a hint of something I couldn't quite put my finger on.

She glanced over her shoulder before she leaned closer. "Do you need help?"

I almost laughed. Yesterday afternoon, I would've begged anyone for help to get away from the giant shadow fae who'd abducted me. But today, he was no longer my enemy. He was my ally. And he was going to help me find my sister.

"No," I said with a smile.

Then she arched her brow with a wicked expression. "Ah, I see now." She winked. "Let me just get that breakfast for you then."

She swished off in her plain, brown dress that only accentuated her vibrant coloring all the more and went through the door where Vallon had disappeared. I was surprised she jumped to the conclusion that Vallon and I were—what—lovers? More than that?

The idea flipped my belly with nerves. For so many reasons. Strangely, none of them were because I abhorred the idea.

The wraith fae couple ate their breakfast and murmured softly, not even looking my way. The tavern was built with better craftsmanship than my Papa's. Not my Papa, I suppose. Not anymore. I had to keep reminding myself.

There were sturdy beams across the ceiling, carved from the pale gray trunks of esher trees. That would've cost the owner a pretty penny seeing as eshers only grew far to the north near Silvantis.

The tables and chairs were crafted with flourishing designs that showed the artisan had an artist's eye, not simply the practical eye of a builder. The tall and wide fireplace was built of large, smooth river stones someone had to have hauled with great care or purchased at a hefty price.

The skald fae entered through the swinging kitchen door and returned to my booth with a pot of tea that smelled of spiced cloves and redberries, a lovely combination, though not as sweet and tempting as Vallon's.

She set two ceramic cups on the table and a decanter of cream. I bit back a smile, remembering Vallon's fancy, silver tea service high in the tree this morning.

"Thank you," I told her.

"You're welcome." She propped a hand on her hip. "Where are you two headed?"

"The Solgavia Mountains," I told her easily, not knowing any reason I shouldn't, my gaze straying to her webbed hand on her hip. "Why are you living so far from Morodon?"

"Why are you living so far from the forests of Lumeria?" She quirked a dark red brow at me, a deeper shade than her hair.

I laughed. "Many reasons."

"I see. Same for me."

"I'm Murgha," I told her, reaching out a hand.

She shook it. "Jessamine."

The outer door opened. Jessamine stiffened but then relaxed when she saw the two wraith fae step into the tavern. Actually, when the tiny female removed her cloak, I could see small black wings tucked against her back. Like Vallon's. She had the dark gray complexion of a wraith fae and two delicate horns curling back over her fine black hair that was cut short.

The wraith fae male she was with was big and brawny, wearing black armor and silver bands on his four horns, designating him of some importance. One of his horns was broken.

"Back so soon," Jessamine called to them.

The one with the broken horn looked her way, smiling brightly, revealing he was missing an eye. Despite his scarred face, he appeared a gentle soul. That knowledge hummed in my breast, making me feel at ease.

"Just passing through, Jessamine. Heading back to Silvantis."

Jessamine turned to me. "Be right back with your breakfast." Then she walked over to the newcomers who had settled in a booth on the wall opposite from me.

"Tea or ale?"

"Ale for me," said the broken-horned fae. "Tea for Hava."

Vallon stepped back through the door, his gaze shooting to me first and then the new wraith fae. Rather than dart them murderous looks as I'd expected, his expression relaxed, a small smile quirking his lips.

Jessamine marched away, passing Vallon on her way back into the kitchen. Rather than rejoin me, Vallon walked over to the two newcomers.

"Well, well. Didn't expect to see you in this neck of the woods, priest," said the broken-horned one.

They knew each other then.

"Keffa." Vallon nodded at him. "You either. On an errand for the king?"

"Just left him at Windolek Castle."

Vallon grunted. "I heard the queen is healthy and thriving after giving birth to his heir."

This was new news to me, but I smiled at the memory of having met Princess Una once, now the Queen of Northgall and Lumeria. It felt like a lifetime ago that she'd passed through our village in Myrkovir Forest during the Autumnal Solstice celebration, when I had scried my first true vision. I'd never told Tessa because I couldn't quite believe it myself. I'd been given one of the greatest gifts from the gods—the ability to see prophecy.

When I'd tried to tell Tessa that I believed my magick, which hadn't shown up before then, might be that of a seer, she had told me it was impossible. Wood fae didn't have that kind of magick. And though she knew as well as I that I wasn't a full-blooded wood fae, it seemed to dishearten her that I might be so different from her.

So I stopped talking about it. Perhaps my feelings were nothing more than paranoia. Or basic intuition.

It didn't matter. I never had to tell Tessa again because I had never had any other visions after that single time I'd given one to Princess Una. But I could feel the magick stirring again, that same deep well of energy, an overflow of force. Like it was waiting for something.

"She is doing well," the female with the broken-horned fae said excitedly. "As is their babe. All are fine and healthy."

"I don't believe you met my mate before," the one named Keffa said. "This is Hava."

"We weren't mates then," the female said teasingly to Keffa.

Vallon dipped his chin. "Greetings, Hava." He turned back to Keffa. "I'm surprised you didn't stay with King Gollaya."

"He needs me in N?kt Mir. Tending to business while he's away."

"Must be good to be the king."

"It is now," agreed Keffa, his voice more somber. A heaviness seemed to pause their conversation, and then Keffa asked, "What are you doing in the Borderlands, priest?"

"Tending to some business of my own."

"Your business involve that pretty, fair-haired light fae over there?"

I looked away, sipping my tea, when I felt both their gazes on me. I hadn't realized the wraith fae named Keffa had even noticed me.

Jessamine returned carrying a heavy tray of dishes. "Here you are, Murgha," she said, piling them on the table.

My stomach growled at the small feast, especially when I saw the bowl of fresh-whipped butter.

"Thank you." I dove into the breadbasket first.

"Enjoy."

As she sauntered off, Vallon took his seat again.

"How do you know those wraith fae?" I asked.

"Some business with the king and his mizrah last year. They needed our help with…something."

Glancing over, I couldn't help but stare at the unusual female with wings. Wraith fae didn't have wings.

"Yes," said Vallon, seeming to peer into my thoughts, "she's half wraith and shadow fae."

"That's unusual, isn't it?" I didn't know that different dark fae mated.

"It is. But not unheard of."

I grew silent a moment, ruminating on myself as a half-breed light fae. For once, I didn't feel the shame that always accompanied such thoughts.

"I met her once," I said, putting some white cheese onto my plate. "Princess Una."

"When was this?" he asked curiously, forking some ham onto his plate.

"Years ago. Before we left Myrkovir. She was very kind."

And the gods spoke to me for the first time that day. They'd wanted me to tell my vision to the princess. So I had.

"You and the skald fae seem friendly." He changed the subject, obviously not wanting to discuss her or the king or how and why they'd met before.

"She's a friendly person. Is there a reason I shouldn't be?"

"Not especially." He poured himself some tea. "She's just a curious one."

"You've met her before?"

"Yes. Though she doesn't know it. I usually come here shadowed as someone else. But the owner, Haldek, knows the real me. We've helped each other with information before."

"What about Jessamine? What's curious about her?"

"She's a skald fae far from home and far from water. Skald fae need water to keep their magick strong. I can sense magick in her, though I have no idea what her gift from the gods might be."

Like all fae, the skald people held gifts that were more aligned to their natural abilities. Some were willodens, water-wielders. Some could speak to and befriend naiads. Naiads were notoriously fierce and cruel, hating most of fae kind, so to be able to connect with one was a god-given gift. Some skald fae could even speak to the fish and mammals of the sea.

"You're right." I frowned, watching Jessamine deliver ale and tea to the newcomers with a bright smile. "I can sense her magick as well. It should be dimmed being so far away from the sea."

"She's hiding something," said Vallon.

"Maybe she's hiding from someone." I set my piece of bread on my plate, wiping my mouth with my napkin and wondering if Papa or Rukard would send more after me.

My pulse leaped with fear of being dragged back to the village. I wanted to laugh at the turn of events in less than a full day.

Vallon wore that intense expression again, his hard gaze on me. "If the man who raised you or the Mevian sends anyone after you, I'll kill them, Murgha."

"You don't have to murder anyone," I whispered. "A sound beating will do."

"It wouldn't be murder. It would be justice."

"Nevertheless, we don't have to leave a trail of bodies behind us. That might make us easier to find."

"I'd love for them to find us." He forked a piece of ham into his mouth. "Need to do something with this…aggression."

"Why are you so aggressive? Since we left our little treehouse, you've been so moody, like you're ready to flay people alive."

I spooned some honey onto the bread and ate a huge bite, licking the spot of honey off my lip. Vallon's attention was solely on my mouth. I stopped chewing, suddenly self-conscious. But his focus didn't waver, the red of his irises slowly being absorbed by the black.

I swallowed the bread, the bite going down thickly. His gaze skimmed down my throat, which only increased my pulse, pounding hard at the base.

Vallon eased his back against the booth, flattening his wings wide, and finally met my gaze again. "I'll let you know what the aggression is about soon enough, but I'm beginning to think you know."

"I don't." Though perhaps I had some idea.

"I'll show you when we get to my home in the Solgavia Mountains." His look was savage, predatory.

"What if I don't want you to show me?"

That was what finally cracked his expression. But his smile with a hint of fang was not disarming at all. It only catapulted my pulse faster.

"It's too late for that, Murgha."