“Unicorns didn’t actually have beards.”
Schwint laughed. “And you know this how? The royals drove the unicorns to extinction hundreds of years ago.”
“I used to study everything I could get my hands on about unicorns.”
Another laugh. “Of course you did. Don’t bother with learning anything about fairies that you might actually meet, but pretty little unicorns mustn’t be missed.”
I ignored the jab, even if he did have a point. “So if fairies can tell if other fairies aren’t in their true form, why bother changing forms at all?”
“I guess the same reason humans, and most witches, worry about fancy clothes and looking as pretty as they can.”
I looked around once more, each figure’s beauty more astounding than the last. “It is beautiful. I’m not trying to downplay it, because I love it. I kinda want to move in here, but so much effort to look beautiful. It’s not really that important.”
It was Schwint’s turn to gape. “Says the pretty Latino boy with perfect skin and delicious ass. Beauty is everything.” He dismissed the revelers with a flick of his hand. “Not that these facades mean anything, only your true form’s beauty is really important.”
“That’s rather shallow, don’t you think?”
His tone was still friendly, but I could feel the bite of true offense in his words. “Wow! Way to judge an entire species by your own witchy rules.”
I looked at him, surprised. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to be judgmental. I just think it’s a little petty to put so much emphasis on looks.”
“Again, that’s easy for you to say, looking as you do and having dated a demon. Especially when you haven’t taken a moment to learn about fairy society and culture.”
My cheeks began to burn. “You’re right. I’m sorry. So, fill me in. Why are looks so important to fairies?”
An eyebrow arched, as if asking whether I would really take this seriously. “Well, first off, I’d argue that every species puts a high value on physical attractiveness. Even animals.” He held up a finger, stopping me as I began to interrupt. “In fairy society, your social and political standing is determined by your appearance. Your true appearance.”
“Political?”
“Yeah, political. We fairies have more to our society than moon-inspired orgies. Our royalty are the most beautiful among us. It all naturally falls into place from there. Once you’ve matured and your body has completed its metamorphosis into adulthood, your societal value is set.” His eyes grew distant again. “And it’s not a pleasant experience for those of us who don’t measure up.”
I scoffed. “Oh, come on. You talk about me? Look at who’s talking. You’re beautiful. You’re not going to convince me that you’re on the fringe of fairy society due to your unfortunate appearance.”
He continued to look around, still not meeting my eyes. “No, I am lucky. I’m a ways from royalty caliber, but still, I’m lucky. My mother and father are not. Neither are my younger brothers. My sister and I are the only two of my immediate family that have social standing. She’s actually a little higher placed than me.”
I let his words sink in. Or at least tried to. I couldn’t imagine what the upper and lower portions of the fairy society entailed, but from the look on his face, I imagined it would be nothing remotely as pleasurable as this party.
“It’s one of the reasons I love the New Moon celebrations so much. It’s one of the few times that anyone can take part. Of course, even here, you’ll see the division of classes. However, the more wine that flows, the less careful they are to make sure they discern the true face behind the glamour.”
For the first time, I saw more to Schwint than happy, flirty, and carefree. It made me even more attracted to him. And made me want to wrap my arms around him, as if that could alleviate any pain he might have experienced. I reached out my hand and slipped my fingers through his.
He looked over, almost startled, as if he’d forgotten about me. After a moment, his eyes unclouded and he broke into an unforced smile. The old Schwint back. “Whoa, sorry, pretty boy! Got a little heavy! And the last thing the new moon is for is for heavy, deep conversation.”
“It’s okay. We can talk—”
He cut me off with a hard kiss, then pulled free. “Now come on. I want you to see this. I think this might be your favorite part!”
He pulled on my arm, once again veering me to the left. We approached a huge willow, its branches sweeping so low they gathered in piles on the ground. It reminded me of the willow on the cliff, only this one had countless amber orbs spiraling around its cascading tresses.
As we approached, one of the orbs floated within inches of my face. “Can I touch it? Is it safe?”
“Is what safe?” Schwint looked back, saw the orb, and grinned. “Oh, sure. Touch away.” He leaned closer before I tried to touch the light, his voice a mock whisper. “I’ll be saying that later, by the way.” Schwint was definitely back.
I stretched out my fingertips and paused when the orb was a centimeter away.
“Go ahead, witch boy. It’s safe. Promise.”
My fingers made contact, and warmth seeped into my fingertips and rushed down my arm, then sank into my belly. “Ahhh. It’s like drinking hot chocolate on a cold day.”
