Last night she’d found a few clothes had been laid out for her in the room, including a nightgown that she hadn’t used the night before. Avery pulled on a flax-colored top. The sleeves fluttered, and the slightly sheer material was loose on her body. They were soft and comfortable, not unlike loungewear back on Earth. She pulled out her toothbrush and went across the hall to the bathroom. After she brushed her teeth, she combed her wavy hair and put it in one thick braid down the middle of her back.
Avery made her way down the stairs to where she found the kitchen. Susan sat at the breakfast nook with a cup of tea and a scone. “Avery, please join me for breakfast. I hoped I would seeyou this morning.”
“Thank you. I’d be happy to join you,” Avery said. Susan poured Avery a cup of strong black tea into a delicate teacup. Avery took a scone from a platter.
“Last night, I was thinking about your predicament in being sent to this place, but being known as a human. I wanted to warn you about accepting food or drinks from any of the fae who you don’t trust,” Susan said. Her sweet face took on a serious look.
Avery sighed as she thought back to the time Savine gave her the wine and forced her to speak truthfully to him. “Unfortunately, I’ve learned that the hard way. Is it only the person giving me the food, or can it be any fae food or drinks?”
“Oh, Avery, I am sorry they have used that against you. I would have hoped that nobody realized what power the fae have over humans when we eat their food. It’s a legend, really. But yes, only the server or the one who offers the food can force the truth from your lips,” Susan replied as she sipped at her tea.
“Savine tested that legend to see if it was true,” Avery shrugged as she spoke. “He hasn’t tried it again, except to find out that I love cheeseburgers. But I’ve been very cautious about drinking with anyone. I’m glad I didn’t have to figure out that food is included in this trick.”
Susan drummed her fingers on the table. “You seem close to Savine now. Do you think you should trust him as much as you do?”
Avery smiled at the thought of that huge fae taking selfies with her on the bed last night. “I can trust him. He said the fae can’t lie. I know he’s a hard ass and a grump, but under all that is this man with a big heart who’s never really felt cared for.”
Susan sighed, and Avery could see the worry that edged in her expression. The tapping of her nails on the table grew in tempo. “I wouldn’t pretend to say that I know Savine. I don’t. I’ve heard plentyof stories about him, but he’s not exactly going to open up to just anyone. Just be careful there. The fae can’t lie. That’s true. But they can keep things from people. They can hide truths and twist words to their will.”
Avery thought about how well she knew Savine. Could she trust him? Or was his kindness toward her, his growing friendship with her a trick to get her to put down her guard? Avery and Susan drank their tea in silence. Both women seemed lost in their own thoughts. Susan finally spoke up.
“Would you be interested in practicing some magic with me this morning?” Susan asked between sips of tea.
“I think that would be a great idea. First, I want to check in with Kyla and Garnel, then another one of the injured fae. Would you like to join me?”
Susan shook her head. “I’ll leave you to that business, then we can meet back here. Are you sure it’s a good idea to be walking around town without a guard?”
Avery shrugged. She was carrying the dagger Savine gave her, but wouldn't carry that battle axe around town. “You would know better than me. The other fae I’m dropping in on is one of my guard’s grandmother. If Rue is there, I’ll ask her to walk back with me. Maybe she’d even be willing to train with me after magic lessons.”
“How about I walk with you over to the healing center? It would make me feel better knowing that you arrived safely.”
Avery couldn’t argue with that. After all, it would be nice to hear about the town from a local’s perspective. After breakfast was finished, Avery grabbed a few extra scones to share with Garnel and Kyla.
On the walk through town, Susan shared the meaning of each house’s carvings. Then, she shared the meaning behind the plants on each of the buildings and how they correlated to the homeowner’sjobs. Those blessed with the ability to heal planted herbs for tinctures, potions, and salves. Some Bayberry gardeners grew the famous bay berries, a small, purplish berry that famously gave these people their name. Susan shared that the wine made from these berries led to erotic experiences with the partner or partners whom they shared it with. Savine’s face flashed in her mind, and she couldn’t hide her blush as they approached the healer’s center.
She found Garnel sitting up in his room. His clean, white shirt contrasted against his golden-brown skin. Kyla was asleep in the bed beside him. Her hands were nestled protectively against his torso, holding him like she worried he would slip away from her, even in her sleep. Avery was astonished at how quickly he had healed. She’d heard the fae say they had rapid healing, but she didn’t believe it until she saw Garnel’s speedy recovery with her own eyes.
“Avery, I’m so glad you came,” Garnel rasped.
“I wanted to check in on you both. I brought scones,” Avery replied.
“That was thoughtful of you,” Garnel stated. His voice sounded rough and dry.
“How are you feeling?” Avery asked.
“I’m feeling better, but I must admit, I’m fiercely thirsty. I didn’t wish to wake Kyla. She was up most of the night checking on me.”
Avery walked over to the sink and got him a glass of water. She gave it to Garnel, and he drank deeply.
“Thank you for saving my life—twice. I am indebted to you,” Garnel said.
“You don’t need to thank me. I’m glad you are okay. That arrow was terrifying,” Avery stated. She’d awkwardly stood near Garnel, but finally sat in the reclining chair she used the day before. She hadn’ttalked to Garnel on her own much yet, and felt strange talking to him after saving his life. If that’s what she did.
“How did you do it? How am I alive?” Garnel asked.
“Um. I don’t really know. I was performing CPR, then suddenly a light was coming through me. Yesterday, it seemed like Hyacinth was pulling heat from my body to yours. I can’t tell you what happened.”
“CPR? Is that witch magic?” Garnel asked curiously.
