Indeed, they are, even the nastiest barn cats.
“If you seek a master,” the beast goes on, “I can be of service. You would be cared for in all ways.” His great bear paw settles atop my thigh.
My gut churns in warning, and I clamp my dagger with a trembling hand. I don’t want to use it. I don’t want to draw attention. If I scream, who will come to my aid? I doubt anyone would care.
But the creature removes his hand and says, “Here.” He offers a glass chalice full of clear liquid. “You look thirsty.” He points to a vat simmering over a fire. “We collect water from the river. Once boiled, it is potable.”
Zephyrus mentioned not to drink anything, but surely water is an exception. This is the River Mur, the same river that flows aboveground. If I bless the water prior to drinking, I should be safe, and Iamparched. With a forced smile, I accept the goblet.
“Stop!”
Someone slaps the glass from my hand. It shatters on the rock, and the scent of cherries hits, momentarily veiling the cloying odor of rotting plants. When I glance at the spilled drink, I notice the liquid is now red, not clear as it had been.
“Get out of here.” A tiny creature shoves the much larger beast from its seat. “Go!” The bear-like brute trundles off in obvious disappointment.
My savior turns.
I blink, stare into a pair of smooth, ebony eyes, in contrast to the snowy hair and skin. “I remember you,” I whisper as the sprite’s name comes to mind. “Lissi.”
Those slime-coated gums flash. Small, cracked teeth protrude from their moist pulp. “And you are Zephyrus’ companion,” she replies,cupping my rounded cheek. “I did not think I’d see you in Under so soon before the tithe. Do you seek a violent end?”
Lissi plops onto the rock beside me. Her long white dress pokes beneath her battered overcoat. “Do not fret, sweet. You will not remember the tithe once you return to your own realm. What occurs in Under, stays in Under. But do tell me, are you participating? Miles Cross is not far from here.”
“I don’t know.” Mother Mabel has yet to select the twenty-one women for the ceremony. Or at least, she hadn’t when Harper and I left Thornbrook. “It hasn’t been decided.”
“Do let me know if you’ll be in attendance. Perhaps we might sit together.” She sidles closer, linking her skinny arm through mine, and props her head on my shoulder. “How are you enjoying my village?”
“Oh.” I was not aware Lissi lived here. “It’s… quaint.”
She beams at me. “See my home over there? It’s small compared to your larger mortal dwellings, but I don’t need much, just enough space to sleep and store my poultices. The matriarch is fond of my tinctures. She offered me housing in exchange for my healing services. But tell me. Has Zephyrus been a decent guide?”
“For the most part, yes.” When he is honest. When he does not act in his own self-interest.
“And your mortal companion? She has been sitting alone the entire evening.” Lissi pairs that with a salacious smile. “It is rare we encounter a face so lovely belowground.”
With her pale skin, black hair, and azure eyes, Harper is indeed comely. Unfortunately, that means enduring the fair folk’s attention. A pair of horned, bare-chested men currently circle her fire.
“Do not be fooled by her beauty,” I inform Lissi, voice darkening. “Her heart is rotten to the core.”
She laughs. “Even better. I imagine she would taste delicious.”
“My companion is not for eating, I’m sorry to say.”
“Well, poo.” The sprite swings her legs back and forth. “I admit I am curious. Why return? It seems like an unnecessary risk.”
Information has always been the fair folk’s preferred currency. But she will receive no payment from me.
“My business is my own,” I say, and leave it at that.
Lissi appears thoroughly pleased by my avoidance. “You are learning. But I must warn you,” she says, an edge to her voice. “If word gets back to the Orchid King of your presence, he might get involved, and that is the last thing you want. The agreement between Under and Thornbrook is quite clear. Mortals are only allowed to enter on the eve of the tithe.”
“I was granted permission by my abbess. Surely that is an exception?” I struggle to maintain slow, steady breaths.
“Historically, the Orchid King and your abbess have not had the most affable relationship. But if you claim she granted you permission, well, then the Orchid King is likely already aware.”
And if he is not? Nothing is certain. That frightens me. “Will you keep our presence here to yourself?”
Lissi tugs on one of my curls, watching it spring back when she releases it. “That is quite the favor.” A small, secret smile plays across her mouth. “You are too pure for this world, and I would not see the Orchid King crush a flower in winter. Yes, I will keep it to myself, but for my own safety, this must be the last time I speak with you. I do not want to be punished.”
