As the sun climbed higher, I reluctantly returned to the cottage, resigned to exploring the interior more thoroughly. Maybe there were resources I could use.
I pushed open the heavy oak door and stopped dead in my tracks. How had I missed this yesterday in my panic?
A massive greenhouse extended from the back of the cottage, glass walls gleaming in the sunlight. Inside, rows of plants stretched in neat lines. Herbs, vegetables, flowers, a veritable paradise for someone with my skills.
I approached cautiously, afraid it might be some kind of trick. The door opened with a soft creak, and warm, moist air enveloped me. The smell of soil and green things filled my lungs, and for a moment, I forgot my circumstances.
My fingers reached out, touching the delicate leaves of a chamomile plant. Next to it grew valerian, lavender, and a dozen other medicinal herbs I used daily in my work. Against the far wall, vegetables grew in tidy rows with tomatoes turning red, cucumbers climbing trellises, and peppers in various stages of ripeness.
"They know," I whispered, my throat tight. "They know exactly what I am."
The realization sent a chill through me despite the greenhouse warmth. This wasn't random. They had prepared this space specifically for me, which meant they had planned mymatchingwith Redmon well in advance.
A sound behind me made me whirl around. Redmon filled the doorway, his massive frame blocking the light. His red-brown fur caught the sunlight, almost glowing. His face, a strange mixture of human and beast, was unreadable.
"You've found it," he said, his voice a low rumble that I felt more than heard.
I crossed my arms. "Did you think I wouldn't?"
"I hoped you would." He stepped into the greenhouse, and I took an instinctive step back. "Breakfast is ready."
Without waiting for my response, he turned and walked back toward the main house. His casual confidence irritated me. As if we were just any couple starting our day together.
I followed him after a moment, hunger overriding my desire to spite him. The smell of eggs and fresh bread filled the kitchen. Two plates sat on a wooden table by a window overlooking the forest.
Redmon pulled out a chair for me. I ignored the gesture and sat in the other chair. A small victory, perhaps, but I needed whatever wins I could get.
We ate in silence. The food was good, eggs with herbs, crusty bread, and fresh berries. I refused to acknowledge this, keeping my eyes on my plate. When Redmon spoke, I didn't respond. When he asked if I wanted more bread, I simply reached for it myself.
His giant hands, more paw than human, gripped his mug with surprising delicacy. The claws that could tear through flesh carefully handled the ceramic without leaving a scratch. I hated I noticed these details.
"The greenhouse is yours," he said, breaking the silence. "I thought you would want to continue your work."
I viewed him coldly, then returned to my food.
"Kalyndi." My name in his mouth sounded strange. Almost tender. "I know this isn't what you wanted."
I stood abruptly, my chair scraping against the floor. Without a word, I took my plate to the sink and walked out.
I spent the next hours in the greenhouse, familiarizing myself with what was available. Despite my resentment, I found comfort among the plants. They didn't care that I was now property of a monster. They just needed water, light, and care.
A knock at the cottage door pulled me from my work. I froze, listening as Redmon's heavy footsteps crossed to answer it. Then I heard her voice.
"Naya?" I gasped, rushing through the greenhouse door.
My sister stood in the entryway, her eyes wide and uncertain as she looked between me and Redmon. A simple bun held back her dark braids, and her face appeared thinner than when I last saw her a few days prior.
"Kaly!" She pushed past Redmon without a second glance and threw her arms around me.
I held her tight, breathing in her familiar scent of lemongrass and mint. Tears stung my eyes as I pulled back to look at her.
"Are you okay? Did they hurt you?" She inspected me, turning my face from side to side.
"I'm fine," I whispered, suddenly aware of Redmon watching us.
He cleared his throat. "I'll give you privacy." He stepped outside, closing the door behind him.
The moment he was gone, I collapsed into Naya's arms.
