I smile kindly at the fairy. “I hear you have the best honey cakes.”
Coraline’s pink eyes sparkle in delight. “You’re here to try my cakes?”
“Yes, please.”
Turning, she picks up the bags she’s placed on the ground and hands them to Maxon. “Here. I saw you coming and packed all your favorites.”
Maxon's face breaks out in a broad grin, and I’m once again mesmerized by how handsome he is. He is a black knight, a warrior, a prince of the Unseelie fae, but he is soft and gentle and sweet.
“Many thanks, Coraline. I will take Everly to the old oak to try them.”
Looking down at me, butterflies flutter madly in my stomach as he winks at me and takes my hand.
“Bye, Coraline,” he says, pulling me away.
I swallow roughly and wave goodbye to Coraline. Her smile falters, and she tilts her head to the side, as if trying to understand something. She narrows her eyes briefly, before they flare wide in disbelief.
My stomach drops, and I quickly turn my head around and continue walking. What was that look?
The smell coming from the bags is so delicious that I can almost taste it and my stomach rumbles in response.
Maxon looks down at me with concern. “You really are hungry.”
I shrug. “I’m fine,” I lie.
“Well, we are here.”
My mouth drops open at the sight in front of me. In the center of a large courtyard is an ancient oak tree with gnarled branches that provide a natural canopy. Musicians are playing haunting melodies on wooden flutes and stringed instruments off to the side. The dancers move in perfect harmony with themusic, creating an enchanting atmosphere. Being in Faerie is like stepping into a dream, where everything is vivid and tangible, and reality is blurred with magic.
Chapter eighteen
Everly
Maxon and I have absolutely demolished all the sweets in the bags. The powdery sugary delights were amazing. I’ve never tasted anything like them in my life. It’s near impossible to stop at one, and I understand why Coraline gave us a full bag.
Watching the fae dance around the tree from where we sit, a soft smile plays on my lips. My stomach is full, I’ve had my sugar hit, and the music is beautiful.
Maxon nudges my shoulder gently. “Ready to head back?”
I raise my gaze to him and offer a nonchalant shrug. “If you want.”
Maxon's eyes darken, he leans in, running his thumb over the corner of my mouth. Bringing his hand back, he puts his thumb in his mouth, sucking it.
“You had some sugar on your lip,” he replies, his eyes completely focused on my mouth.
Desire burns deep in my chest, heating my entire body. I can’t help but lick my lips, drawing my bottom lip between my teeth. Our bodies sway toward each other, my eyes fluttering. A loud shriek from a young boy running past jolts us, and Maxon stands, holding out his hand to help me up. My entire body is flush, making me want to hide from his gaze, but I let him pull me to my feet.
As we make our way back through the markets, we can't help but notice the newfound tranquility that has replaced the earlier commotion. Storm is still where we had left him earlier. When he spots us, he shuffles back and forth, letting out a soft whine. Maxon reaches into the bag and pulls out one remaining treat and holds it out for him. Storm leans in and sniffs it before gently taking it from Maxon’s hand. Storm devours the treat and nuzzles into Maxon’s chest, as he whispers something to him. The sweetness of the moment brings a rush of emotions, causing my chest to tighten.
Maxon helps me onto Storm’s back and mounts behind me, his arms coming around me to grasp the reins. His scent wraps around me, and I let my eyes drift shut as I inhale the woodsy scent.
We slowly trot down the cobblestone street toward the gates that exit Skora and take us to the castle. The sun is beginning to set as we pass through the gates, and I’m in complete awe of the colors streaking across the sky like a painting, casting a surreal glow over the fields of wildflowers. The breeze is cool and refreshing, but it's also making it difficult to see as my hair whips around my face. With a grin, I reach up, pushing it back and twisting it over my shoulder. Suddenly, Maxon's cheek presses against mine, causing me to jump.
“You smellamazing, Stóirín.”
“Uhh . . . thanks.”
A deep rumbling noise emanates from him, sending a flash of heat through me. His hot mouth moves against the side of my throat, his lips and teeth dragging over the sensitive skin. There’s a wicked sharpness there that steals my breath. My nails dig into his arms as I tilt my head, giving him more room.
