Then she practically skipped off back to her stall, and Kailia was left holding the necklace awkwardly.
“They really are kind females,” Wren offered, stepping closer. “Want me to help you put it on?”
“Have they ever gifted you jewelry?” Kailia countered.
Wren laughed. “No, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t genuine. May I?”
She reached for the necklace, and not wanting this to get any more uncomfortable, Kailia nodded, handing it over. She pulled her hair over her shoulder while Wren secured the necklace, clearly taking care not to touch her. The blue crystal sat on her chest above her breasts. It was cool against her skin, and she could swear it was pulsing faintly.
But she didn’t dabble in the ways of Witches and their gifts with plants, crystals, and the stars. They were too close to theFates, and she wasn’t about to question their ways. The only fates she cared about were hers and her enemies.
Wren started walking once more, and Kailia followed. It wasn’t even a few seconds before Wren said, “You know, I never did get your name?”
It was kind and subtle enough, and what did she have to lose at this point? The king already knew her name.
“Kailia,” she answered.
“It’s nice to meet you, Kailia,” Wren replied. “I’m helping with the Fae that are relocating to Aimonway, so if you need anything— Wait, Razik said you’re not Fae, but youarenew in town. So if you’re staying and need anything, just let me know.”
Kailia could hardly keep up with the female as she prattled on, but she’d homed in on the subject she was interested in.
Razik.
“How does Razik know I’m not Fae?” Kailia asked, knowing that the swirling in her eyes should make it more than obvious. Either Wren was oblivious, or Kailia made her that nervous.
Wren huffed a laugh and rolled her eyes. “He spends hours in books researching everything and anything. I truly don’t know how he remembers half the things he’s read over the centuries.”
“And you’ve been with him that long?”
Her eyes went wide, and she glanced over at Kailia. “By Anahita, no. I’ve known Razik for a little over a decade, and I’ve been his Source for nearly as long.”
“His Source? By choice?”
She nodded. “He’d never force a bond. Not with his past.”
“His past?” Kailia asked, those two words sparking her interest.
Wren’s brow creased. “Is not mine to tell.”
“Understandable. So you are his Source and his partner?”
Her features smoothed out, mirth entering her eyes. “We share a bed from time to time, but we are not bound to eachother in that way. We do not share a Union Mark or a bond outside of the Source bond.”
“My apologies. I just assumed…”
“Most do,” she reassured, clearly not taking any offense. “Razik lets them assume because he doesn’t care.”
“But you do?”
She paused then, and Kailia immediately wondered if she’d said the wrong thing. This whole time she’d been mentally congratulating herself on carrying on a normal conversation. She was pretty sure this was the first time Wren had let silence extend longer than a few seconds.
“He’s very protective,” she finally said, flashing her another bright smile.
Kailia wasn’t sure how that answered her question.
“So you are Razik’s Source, and he is…what to Cethin?” Kailia ventured, hoping that was an okay thing to ask.
“Nothing,” Wren said with a shrug. “Just the way he likes it. He’s part of the Cadre, and his uncle is the Commander of all the Avonleyan forces.”
