“C-can I help you?”
Faye deliberately pulled her hood down over her face and headed to the bar, ignoring how her legs shook and her heart pounded in her chest.
“A room?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
The woman frowned, unnerved by Faye’s reluctance to show her face, but shuffled away to pick up a tatty old leather book. The woman flipped it open and grabbed a quill.
“I don’t have any money,” Faye muttered and dug through her pockets. She placed a small ruby, no bigger than her thumb nail, onto the bar. “I hope that covers it.”
“Are you joking?” the woman gasped, carefully picking up the gem and gazing at it.
“It’s not enough?” Faye cried, her face creasing.
“This would rent you a room for the whole year!” The woman laughed. “I can’t accept it.”
“P-please.” Faye held up her palm as the demon attempted to hand the ruby back to her. “Take it and ask no more questions.”
There was a moment of silence. The demon woman narrowed her eyes with suspicion, but tucked the jewel into the pocket of her apron and nodded.
“Understood. Food as well as board?” she asked, scribbling a note in the book.
“Please, and care for my horse if you would be so kind.”
“Of course. I’ll get my husband to see to it.” The demoness turned and shouted to someone over her shoulder.
Faye froze, hearing heavy footsteps approaching. She steeled herself for the horrifying monster that was sure to step out from behind the bar.
A skinny, older gentleman appeared. He adjusted his glasses, eyeing Faye up and down curiously before shuffling from behind the tavern’s bar.
“Is the horse hitched up outside?” he asked her. He was softly spoken and his dark eyes creased at the corners as he smiled at her.
Faye blinked. This man was a demon? But he looked so…
“Uh, yes,” she spluttered. “There’s a horse blanket attached to my mare’s saddle – to keep her warm overnight.”
“I’ll see to it.” The man nodded his head and disappeared outside. Faye glanced out at the dark forest and her stomach roiled with uneasiness. Something wasn’t right, but she couldn’t put her finger on it.
“Miss?” the demon woman said, drawing Faye’s attention back to her.
“Sorry, yes?”
“Take a seat wherever you like. The kitchen is closed, but I’d be happy to rustle something up for you. You look like you could do with a good meal. Would you care for a drink?”
Faye sighed, grateful tears stinging her eyes. She nodded, not trusting herself to speak, and headed into the room behind her.
Thankfully, no other patrons were in the bar at this unusual hour. Faye’s eyes locked on a table, tucked away in the corner of the room. She made a beeline for it and slumped down wearily in the chair.
She stared into space, lost in her thoughts. Faye startled as a cup, filled with hot tea, was placed in front of her. She tugged her scarf down and turned her face up to thank the woman.
The demoness faltered, her brows rising almost into her hairline, as she locked eyes with Faye.
“Goodness,” she breathed. “Are you out here alone?”
Faye pulled her hood over her face self-consciously and nodded.
“It’s not safe for young girls to travel alone in these parts, miss. Especially ones as pretty as you. Where are you headed?”
“Nowhere in particular,” Faye hedged.
