Screw it.
Slowly, I lowered into the chair, clenching my fists so I wouldn’t reach for the food.
A door opened behind me—so silent I barely heard it, despite the massive iron-bound hinges that should have groaned. I glanced back. The door was a work of art, carved with scenes of battle: fae warriors clashing with beasts, their faces frozen in eternal fury.
Elwen stepped through, her footsteps echoing across the vast space. Each tap of her boots against stone rang out, bouncing off the high ceiling. The room was so deep that sound seemed to travel forever before dying. It made everything feel exposed.
The awkward weight of her presence settled over us like a blanket.
Elwen joined us. “Is the food not to your liking?”
“She likes it.” Kairos didn’t look up. “She’s just choosing which utensil to stab me with.”
Sauce pooled dark and glossy along the meat. Salt, thyme, cracked pepper—I could almost taste the seasonings.
I licked my lips. “What’s the price for all of this?”
“Nothing,” he said quietly. “Just eat.”
“If I do, will you let me go?”
His lips thinned. “You might consider that I’m the only thing standing between you and a very unpleasant death.”
“Threatening me now?”
“No, a reminder of what awaits you in the forest. Even ifyou make it out, most fae wouldn’t tolerate your existence. I’m offering you a seat at the table.”
“I don’t want one.”
His smile darkened. “Would you prefer the floor?”
“Is that where you keep your pets?”
“Eat, Aelie.”
I didn’t trust him. But if I passed out, I’d be helpless. Picking up a fork, I stabbed into a chunk of meat and shoved it into my mouth. Rich, smoky, salted to perfection. My eyelids fluttered. A low hum escaped my lips before I could stop it.
I shoveled more in. To spite him. Not because it was incredible. Another moan slipped out—I couldn’t help it. Meat so tender it melted. Water so cold and crisp. Bread that wasn’t stale. I inhaled my plate and went for seconds. Two helpings of the berry-glazed roasted venison disappeared before I came up for air.
Grabbing a persimmon, I turned it over. The bright orange skin reminded me of sunsets in Skalgard—a sliver of beauty in that city. I devoured it, sucking the juice from my fingers.
Kairos cradled his goblet loosely. “It’s like you’ve never tasted anything good before.”
I tore off bread. Drenched it in sauce.
Elwen glanced sideways at him. “You could sound less like a jailor admiring his captive.”
His sharp gaze didn’t waver from me.
“She’s been through hell.” Elwen’s voice softened.
He scowled at her. “I’m feeding her, aren’t I?”
“She’s not a prisoner. Don’t treat her like one.”
They talked about me like I wasn’t here. Like I was a problem to be solved.
I needed an advantage. Something to shift the power inthis room, even for a moment. My eyes flicked to the scars on his wrists, the way his shoulders carried tension like he still braced for chains.
