7
Megan
Iwake with that unsettling sensation of not knowing where I am. I’m groggy and every movement feels like I’m pushing through syrup. I sit up and blink. The world around me swims in greens and browns. The air is sweet and warm and unfamiliar.
My heart beats faster and my confusion grows. What’s the last thing I remember?
I ran from the shop and got hurt. Then there was a guy… Adrenaline brings me fully awake.
I blink a few times, and everything comes into focus. The room is pale rock, from the floor, to the walls to the roof, but there’s no door, just an opening. I’m not trapped, but where the hell am I?
I slide out of bed, and as I stand a simple pale, blue shift falls around me to my ankles. I don’t know where my clothes are but at least I’m not naked, so I can leave wherever I am. And go where?
Leaving isn’t a plan if I don’t know where I’m going.
Then I notice him. He’s sleeping in a chair, legs stretched out, his face free of the scowl I seem to remember. He’s the guy, and I know I’m safe with him.
I close my eyes and draw in a breath, glad that I’m not alone, and that he’ll be able to answer my questions. What else do I remember about what happened?
Yellow critters, getting stung, the pain and being on his bike. I run my hands over my body, but nothing hurts. I feel fine. Did he bring me here?
It doesn’t look like any hospital I know.
I take a step toward him. “Fin?”
His head snaps up and his eyes open. “You’re awake.”
Then he’s out of the chair and pulling me into an embrace that makes me never want to leave his arms. He carried me away from danger and saved my life.
“You seem surprised.” I put my arms around him and rest my cheek on his chest.
“The healers weren’t sure you’d wake. Poenpoeth are toxic to humans and you received two doses.”
“And where am I exactly? Because this is not my bedroom.”
“No…it’s where we bring people to rest and heal.” There’s a catch in his voice, like he knows I won’t like the rest of the answer.
I draw back and look up at him. “Which is?”
Worry forms in his eyes. “Faery.”
The last memory slots into place. The yellow critters are from faery and he fought them off. I draw in a breath. “Do you have to take me back now I’m better?”
I’m not ready to leave. I want to explore.
He shakes his head. “Time will have moved on in your world. You can’t return. I’m sorry. I would’ve asked, but you passed out before I could.”
“I was dying, of course I would’ve said yes…but this must have cost a fortune. How long have I been here?” Has it been days, or weeks?
He gives me a curious smile. “There is no cost, and you’ve been unconscious for about five days.”
“Were you here the whole time?”
He nods. “I wanted to be here when you woke. I didn’t want you to think you’d been abandoned.”
I can’t believe he stayed the whole time, waiting for me to wake up. And now what will happen?
“Do you need to go back and hunt monsters?” Or will he stay here with me? I don’t want to start this adventure on my own.
“Riders only go once. When they return home they are entitled, and expected, to bring a woman with them. I did that by default when I brought you, but I don’t expect you to be mine as you didn’t have a choice.”
“Who else’s would I be?” I don’t know the rules of this place, but I do know that I want to get to know Fin better. He could’ve left me here to heal and left me on my own, but he clearly cares. Maybe he’s not as much of a bad boy as I thought. He just dressed the part, so by dating him I won’t be breaking my vow.
“Anyone you choose.”
“And if I choose you?”
“I’d be greatly honored.” He leans in and presses a kiss to my lips.
