“Could be you’ve just never noticed.” Zaria shrugs.
Nix flutters closer. “When I found you, was that when you first arrived here?”
I nod my head, remembering her anger at me.
“I had been walking with some friends, then suddenly they were gone, or I was.”
Nix studies me for a long moment before she speaks. “She smells and looks human. Maybe one of her friends sent her through the gate,” she offers, turning to the others.
My mouth drops open. “No. No, no, my friends had nothing to do with this.”
No way Mia or Scarlett would send me to Faerie on my own. I’ve been friends with both of them since college. We have been by each other’s sides for close to five years. We were housemates for three years, and the bond we formed still stands strong.
“Some people are good at hiding who they really are,” Raiden counters.
The insinuation is clear, making anger flare in my chest. I bite the inside of my cheek and shoot him a glare, but the swirling depths of those silver eyes give me pause. He is assessing me.
“Well, until we figure it out, you are under my protection. I will have you moved here, to my chambers,” Maxon declares.
Stay here with him? No way!
My head whips around to him, my hair getting in my face as I send a scowl in his direction. “No, I’m not staying here.”
Maxon clenches his jaw as he stalks toward me. “This is non-negotiable.”
“Well, I say it is,” I snap, standing up so I can face him on somewhat level ground. I spent my whole life being bullied and pushed around in foster care. I am not going togive in so easily.
“Everly.” My name comes out in a low growl, sending a shiver down my spine, but not in fear.
I straighten my shoulders, lifting my chin in defiance. “No.”
The tension between us grows as we stare at each other, neither relenting.
“She can’t stay here. The court would have a fit.” Raiden’s voice is low and filled with disapproval as he looks at Maxon with a heavy frown.
Maxon grumbles under his breath, pressing his thumb and forefinger against his forehead, as if trying to stave off a throbbing headache.
Me, too, buddy.
“The timing of her arrival is suspicious. I don’t trust her,” Raiden adds.
Shock rolls through me, making my stomach dip. I can’t believe him. “Well, I don’t trust you either!”
“Humans are nothing but trouble,” Raiden counters.
“Enough,” Maxon breathes, stepping between us.
Raiden grumbles under his breath, and I can’t help but poke my tongue out. Immature, I know, but he is pissing me off.
“Speaking of courts. Where am I?” I ask, looking up at Maxon.
He unfastens his sword, dropping it down on the table, and I watch as he rolls up the sleeves of his black tunic. When his eyes meet mine, I feel a sudden flutter in my chest as his intense stare holds me captive.
“You are in Skora. At the Castle Vesner,” he answers roughly.
“Okay, that means nothing to me.”
“You are in the Autumn Court,” Nix explains, her tiny feet landing on the arm of the chair.
