“Here you are, my darling,” she said.
“Thank you,” Faye replied, shooting the woman a sad smile and accepting the spoon that was held out to her.
“Is everything alright here?”
“Yes, all fine. Thank you.”
“Can I get you anything, sir?” The demoness turned her attention to him. Her eyes were hardened with suspicion. Raxx held up his hand and shook his head. When Faye turned her attention to the steaming bowl, the demoness reluctantly moved away to stand behind the bar. Though she was out of earshot, the woman kept a close eye. Raxx resisted the urge to sigh. Faye was the faerie and yet he was being fingered as the bad guy. Some demons were too kind-hearted for their own good.
The shadow demon sat back in his chair, drink in hand, watching Faye eat. This was a real predicament. Raxx had planned to head straight back to Banesteppe to let King Zelrus know what he discovered, but since unearthing the second runaway princess, he knew he would need to capture her too. The king would flay him alive if he knew he’d passed over such a golden opportunity. One faerie princess was good, two was even better.
The sad, frightened expression on Faye’s face bothered Raxx more than it should have. The faerie was far more naïve than he had given her credit for. He would take her back to Banesteppe by force if needs be, but he would much rather convince her it was her idea.
“As we’re looking for the same people, I suggest we work together,” he said.
Faye’s blue eyes flickered up from her stew and she blew onto the hot liquid balanced on her spoon in an attempt to cool it. Raxx held his breath as he waited for the princess to finish chewing her mouthful before answering.
“You’re right. I’ve been going around in circles out here all day. Do you have any idea where they might have gone?”
The shadow demon was relieved he hadn’t had to fight harder to persuade Faye to join him in his endeavour. “I have an idea. I’ll show you where I tracked them to tomorrow.”
Faye smiled, her eyes sparkling with excitement. It clearly pleased her to be considered an official partner in his investigation. Raxx downed his drink. He didn’t want to admit how much it pleased him as well. The princess made short work of her meal and eventually sat back on her chair, stifling a large yawn.
“You need to rest,” Raxx said, getting to his feet.
“I couldn’t agree more. I’m exhausted.” Faye paused as she stood. “Are you staying here tonight as well?”
“In a way.”
An irritated scoffing noise drew his attention and Raxx glanced back at the faerie over his shoulder.
“Are you incapable of actually answering a question?” she asked with a scowl.
Raxx chuckled. “I don’t sleep much, but I will meet you here tomorrow.” He glanced out of one of the windows. Dawn was already glowing on the horizon.
Faye eyed him, clearly disconcerted. It wasn’t true to say Raxx didn’t sleep at all – he did, but only for an hour or two at a time. His requirement to sleep was directly proportional to the amount of majick he had used. If he hadn’t had cause to use any, he didn’t need to sleep much at all. As it was, hunting down Lephas had been a majick-intensive task so far and Raxx felt weariness clawing at him.
“Here.” The demon held out Lori’s satchel.
Faye looked at it with wide eyes and took it from him. “Are you sure?”
“She’s your sister, not mine.” He shrugged. It really made no odds who kept the satchel at this point. Faye wasn’t about to be separating from him soon – that he would ensure – and if this helped garner even a small amount of the faerie’s trust, it was worthwhile. Faye didn’t reply, just smiled softly at him. Raxx cleared his throat and gestured for her to move on.
“Heading up?” the demoness asked as Raxx and Faye emerged from the dining room.
“Please.” Faye nodded.
“I’m afraid I only booked you a single room.” The woman glanced at Raxx.
“Oh, no – that’s fine. My friend isn’t staying.” Faye turned and smiled at him.
That’s what you think.
The shadow demon wasn’t about to let her out of his sight. He had taken part in enough track and capture missions to know the most important rule was to never let a prisoner out of your sight. Faye might not know she was his captive, but he wasn’t about to slip up at this early stage.
“Tomorrow, at first light.” Raxx nodded a farewell, fighting a grin at the sour expression Faye shot him in response. She clearly was not much of a morning person.
Raxx opened the inn door and headed out into the night. Once he was certain he was out of sight, he slipped into the shadow realm and turned on his heel. He hurried back inside the inn, holding his body in a greater disembodied state long enough to pass through the door without a trace. Faye was following the innkeeper’s wife up a set of creaky stairs. Raxx stalked silently behind them.
