The guys introduced themselves as Raya, San, and Orlando. They each wore silver-blue clothing and claimed to be permanent residents at the Snowcap Court.
Ayla and I continued to chat up the guys, peppering them with questions that would allow us to glean information. And while their answers interested me because the fae culture was fascinating, after ten minutes, I was sure they weren’t our traitors. Perhaps Prince Elran could feel bad juju coming off them, but I couldn’t. And judging by how Ayla’s jaw had hardened progressively, she was coming up short too.
When an appropriate lull entered the conversation, I looped arms with the fae champion. “I’m so sorry, boys, but I think I must steal Ayla away. I’ve forgotten where the washrooms are, but I bet you remember, don’t you, Ayla?”
She beamed. “Of course, I’ll take you there.”
Once Ayla and I were a good distance away, I turned to her. “Damn, girl, playing dirty.”
She bit her lip. “Sorry! We’re so far behind in points, and I can’t bear to lose in Faerie of all places.”
I chuckled. “You don’t have to defend yourself. I want to win too. So may the best spies win.”
To make our excuse look legitimate, we took a brief walk in the hallway. It was mostly empty, as everyone was in Snowflake Hall, or preparing the throne room for the wedding.
When I returned to Snowflake Hall, I spotted Sam. She was still talking to the trio of guys, but Sana had ditched. Curious to see what had kept Sam there, I joined her.
“Oh hey, Odette!” Sam welcomed me with open arms. “Meet the guys. This is Sirus and Tolan from the Riverlands.” She gestured to an umber-skinned fae with vibrant blue eyes, and a blond dwarf who wore a shield at his side. “And this is Gian from . . . What was the other court?” Sam asked, her eyes locking on a red-haired fae with brilliant emerald eyes who wore dark blue.
“The Cove Court, by the Western Sea,” the ginger replied. “To be honest, I have not been home for some time, but I still claim it as the land of my heart.”
“Why haven’t you visited?” I asked.
Immediately I realized that I’d said the wrong thing as the eyes of the Riverland fae fell, and an uncomfortable hush blanketed our small circle. “I’m sorry, if I’ve said something offensive. It’s my first time in Faerie, and I’ll admit, I’m not knowledgeable of all the courts and their intricacies.”
Gian gave me an understanding smile. “I can relate. I felt much the same the first time I visited the Snowcap Court. I stop by so rarely, that I still feel like a unicorn in the wrong forest sometimes. Court life seems to change daily.” He sucked in a long breath. “As for the Cove Court, I’m afraid I have not been there, because I cannot venture into my homeland without risk of death.”
“That’s terrible! What happened?”
Gian grew silent, and Sirus stepped forward to help. “Allow me, Gian. The truth is painful, I can see.” His dark eyes turned on me. “Only the Western Sea and the Dark Court border the Cove Court. Since the Dark Court placed the Rift between its lands and all kingdoms east, the Cove Court has been isolated for years. Am I missing anything, Gian?”
The ginger-haired fae smiled sadly. “Only that the Rift encompasses the sea line of my homeland, Sirus. They are truly trapped.” He dropped his gaze to the floor.
My heart broke for the fae who had been displaced by the very same court looking to harm my world. “I’m sorry for the fate of your people, Gian. If there was something I could do, please know I would help,” I said wholeheartedly.
Against Headmistress Wake’s suggestion that we never touch a fae without permission, I reached out to comfort Gian as I would anyone in my world. My hand landed softly on his shoulder, and the moment my skin touched him, my demon-touched mark seared.
I sucked in a sharp breath.
Gian’s head snapped up, his wild and frantic eyes locking with mine for a heartbeat, before suddenly, a wall of flame bloomed between us.
I yelped and jumped back. Tolan and Sirus sprang into action, water spewing from their hands to quench the flames.
When the fire died out, Gian was no longer there. I scanned Snowflake Hall to find him running out the door.
My heart began to thunder and the truth of what just happened crashed over me. Sucking in a breath, I barreled through Sirus and Tolan, and sprinted after the traitor.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Rapid footsteps followed me through the palace halls. I hoped that they belonged to Sam, or someone else on my team, but didn’t dare look back. Gian was tossing too many fireballs over his shoulder for me to take my eyes off of him for even a second. And considering he wasn’t checking where he hurled them, his aim was stellar—almost hitting me too many times for comfort.
As much as I wanted to fight back, I feared injuring the random innocent servants or wedding guests that we encountered. Onlookers who Gian used for cover as he dodged and wove and threw the fae to the ground in his wake.
To make things even harder, Gian was fast. I was outright sprinting to keep up with him.
What if the vampires saw me leave?I gnashed my teeth together and despite the ache in my lungs, bore down. I had to give this my all because the vampires could catch up too easily and steal the win.
We took a sharp turn, and seeing that no one was around, I hurled a shield charm just over Gian’s head. He darted out of the way right before he would have slammed into it.
