“Sorry?”
She’s frowning, her face full of displeasure. “Were the clothes not suitable?”
“Oh.” I laugh and wave her off. “The dress is beautiful, but it will not fit me.” I gesture to my body.
The woman’s tail whips back and forth as she stares at me. “I will find you something more fitting, then.”
“Oh, you don’t have to. I should go soon anyway. My friends are probably frantic.”
She tilts her head as if trying to figure me out. Maybe she hasn’t seen a human before. As I take a closer look at her in proper lighting, I realize that the shape and curve of her eyes, even down to the slit vertical pupil, are the same as a cat, which complements her ears and tail. It takes a moment to register that we’re staring at each other, and a flush creeps up my neck.
“Do you know who those men in the forest were?” I blurt.
“Why do you ask?”
“I want to know why I understood them? They weren’t speaking English, but I could still understand them.”
“From what I overheard the soldiers saying, they were part of a group that call themselves Outcasts. They lurk in the forest,using their native tongue to confuse and prey on unsuspecting travelers.”
I sigh, my thoughts jumbled as I try to make sense of it. That still doesn’t explain why I could understand them, or why I could sense their intentions.
If Maxon didn’t come along when he did . . . I shiver, recalling their wickedness. It seeped from their pores. The images of Maxon killing them flash in my mind, making my stomach twist.
“He killed them,” I whisper.
“They would have left you for dead.”
I jerk my head up in surprise, taken aback by her stern voice. It makes me uneasy that someone could kill so quickly and simply, without hesitation. It seems heartless. Though, the Fae described in stories are said to be cold and calculating. I try to think back to any stories I heard growing up.
From what I can recall from reading books as a child, there are two main courts among the Fae. Seelie, the Court of Light, is said to be bathed in a brilliant, golden light. While Unseelie, the Court of Dark, is cloaked in a deep, mysterious shadow.
The sub-courts are sectioned off and named after the seasons that linger in their territory; Summer, Autumn, Winter, and Spring. I’m not sure how it all works, but I don’t think I’m in the gloomy doomy Unseelie court. Instead, I feel a sense of lightness and warmth.
I watch as she turns away, a sense of urgency propelling me forward, and immediately I move toward her.
“Wait. What should I call you?”
The woman slowly looks over her shoulder and cocks her head to the side as she studies me again. I try not to fidget underher scrutiny, she’s freaking me out a little. Especially her tail, it’s swaying back and forth methodically.
“Zaria,” she finally answers.
“Nice to meet you. I’m Everly,” I say, stepping forward and holding out my hand. Zaria looks down at my hand and then back up at me in question. I drop my hand, feeling stupid. I am so out of my league here.
“I will return with some clothes.” With that, she’s gone again.
With a deep sigh, I shift my gaze toward the array of food laid out on the cart, taking in the vibrant colors and tempting aromas. Everything on the cart looks so delectable that my stomach lets out a loud growl, as if urging me to dig in.
“Okay. Okay,” I mutter, reaching out and picking up a fluffy pastry.
I take a small bite and the flavors burst in my mouth. Oh my god, this is amazing. I take another bite and another. I devour two more pastries before grabbing a handful of berries and taking a seat on one of the couches. I just finish my berries when there’s another knock at the door and Zaria walks in. Her brown eyes sweep around the room and land on me.
“Here are some clothes. It was all I could find on short notice. I’m sure you can make them work until I can acquire something more fitting.”
She places the pile of clothes on the bed and stands there, watching me. Thank you stalls on my tongue, and I hesitate.
“I appreciate the clothes and food,” I say, standing up.
Zaria slightly bows her head and turns for the door.
