At my look of confusion, she gives me a wary smile. “They don’t come topside. They dwell underground in caves and tunnels. The fact you encountered one is more than a little unnerving.”
“You showing up a week before Maxon is due to take the throne is even more unnerving.” Raiden eyes me again. “The flowers and the deadlings coming out of hibernation, that’s disturbing.”
Zaria steps back, giving me some space, and I shoot her a grateful look. I have had a lot of information thrown at me today, and I’m not sure I fully understand any of it. I stretch my neck to the side, feeling the tightness in my shoulders and neck. My body is still recovering from the day before. I have never had to run for my life twice in one day, or ride a horse. Now I’m suffering the lingering effects.
“Well, I have no answers for you.” I roll my shoulders and peer at Zaria. “I could really use that shower now,” I say, smiling at her.
I need to get away from Maxon’s and Raiden’s penetrating stares. Their gazes are suffocating, making me feel trapped and exposed. Maxon’s eyes are filled with a relentless curiosity, his mind seemingly racing with questions he wants to ask. It’s as if he wishes to unravel every secret I hold, leaving me feeling vulnerable and uncomfortable in his presence. On the other hand, Raiden’s is piercing and hostile, as if he sees right through me, finding me guilty of some unknown offense. His accusatory stare makes me feel on edge, constantly questioning my every move and motive.
“Of course,” Zaria replies.
Maxon steps in front of me as I go to follow Zaria. “I promise you will be safe here. You won’t end up in the dungeons.”
From the corner of my eye, I see Raiden's head turn sharply toward us and Zaria’s hands flying to cover her mouth. The subtle change in the air is confusing. Then I remember that Fae do not make promises. They are bound by their word.
“Maxon!” Raiden hisses.
Maxon ignores them, his eyes burning into mine. “What is it about you that has me so unguarded?” His headtilts as he studies me, but I don’t know what to say. I’ve never had so much attention focused on me before. I like to stay hidden in the background.
My head tips back as Maxon takes another step closer, our bodies less than a foot apart. His violet eyes seem to penetrate my soul, leaving me feeling exposed.
“Why am I drawn to you?”
My heart skids to a stop at his softly spoken words. He feels it, too. The strange impulse, the instant chemistry.
Maxon’s hand lifts slowly, his fingers ever so lightly brushing against my cheek and trailing down my neck, sending a tremor through me. I hold my breath, my heart beating wildly in my chest at his intense proximity. Maxon’s fingertips lightly graze the back of my neck, sending a wave of warmth through me with each press of his fingers. I can see he is just as transfixed by me as I am with him. His eyes travel to my lips, and my stomach feels like it’s doing somersaults. Desire burns hot in his gaze as it rises back to mine, and my body sways closer to him.
“Okay, that’s enough,” Raiden growls, stalking toward us.
I blink as Maxon drops his hand, my body swaying on my feet. Raiden slaps a heavy hand on Maxon’s shoulder and turns him away. Shaking my head, I let out a long breath.
What is happening?
I feel Zaria’s hand on my arm, a intense heat radiating from her palm as she pulls me toward the windows.
“Girl, you need to be careful.”
“Huh? What do you mean?”
Zaria’s stare lingers, making me shift uncomfortably.
“Is it hot in here?” I ask, pushing my sleeves up and fanning my face with my hand.
Zaria’s eyes widen, and she moves to block me from the rest of the room.
“What’s that?” she whispers harshly, looking at my arm.
I frown, glancing down. “What?”
Grabbing my wrist, she holds my arm out in front of me, her fingers running over my birthmark on the inside of my forearm. She glances over her shoulder to where Maxon and Raiden were conversing in low voices on the far side of the room.
Then she quickly tugs down my sleeve, her lips brushing against my ear as she whispers softly. “Show nobody this.”
I jerk back, my eyes meeting hers. “What? Why?”
My birthmark is odd, I agree, but it’s just a skin discoloration. I always thought it looks like a unique combination of a sun and moon, together in a winding pattern of vines. But that was just my imagination. Like when you make out shapes in the clouds. It’s also a pale white color, unlike the deeper pigments of most. Unless you are looking closely, it’s hard to make out against my pale skin.
“Not now. Please tell me you won’t say a word. It’s important, if the wrong person sees this, it could be very dangerous for you.”
