Sylvian nods. “Wind fae are the most… open. Earth are fine with monogamy, but we don’t police it. Water is complicated, and fire…” He glances at Oberon.
Oberon’s jaw is tight. “Fire fae mate for life.”
I blink. “But I heard… never mind.”
Ashton laughs. “You heard the stories. That we fae all sleep together. Sometimes, we do.”
I release a slow breath, deciding to just make myself clear. “I’m not considering an orgy with any of you…”
“Don’t worry. The four of us, together?” He shakes his head. “No offense, gentlemen, but I draw the line at orgies with my rivals.”
Sylvian smiles. “Never say never.”
Oberon growls, “Let’s not.”
I try to laugh, but it comes out nervous and thin. “So, you’re not going to use me and then throw me away?”
The words slip out before I can stop them.
The fire snaps. All eyes turn to me.
I force myself to meet their gaze. “Lady Migina told me that that’s what would happen with us. That you would use me until you’re bored, then discard me for a fae. I don’t want… I don’t want that.”
Oberon’s eyes go hard. “If she ever says another word to you, I’ll burn her tongue out.”
Sylvian’s voice is gentle. “She’s jealous, Alette. She could tell… we thought highly of you, and she was jealous.”
Ashton nods. “She’s the worst. Even I don’t flirt with her, and that’s saying something.”
The tension in my chest eases a little. “So you’re not… planning to use me?”
Sylvian leans forward, his blanket slipping a little, exposing his strong stomach. “You’re not a tool, Alette. We need you, yes, but not like that. The labyrinth chose you. The goddess chose you. We’re just here to help.”
Oberon adds, “And to survive. But that’s not a fae thing. That’s everyone.”
Ashton grins. “And if you ever want to use me, you have only to ask.”
I roll my eyes, but it doesn’t make me any less aware of the heat creeping up my neck.
Cassius, who has been quiet, finally speaks. “Lady Migina is right about one thing: fae are rarely faithful. Most of us don’t see the point. But we’re not bad men…” He pauses. “If any of us ever touch you, it will be because you asked us to. Not before. Not ever. And we’d be honest about what it is between us. None of the fae kings have ever been known for leading women on.”
It’s so blunt, so absolute, that I almost want to laugh. But there’s something in his voice, something sad, that makes me believe him.
I nod. “Good. Because I don’t want any of that. Not from anyone.”
Sylvian tilts his head, his eyes thoughtful. “Are you sure?”
The way he says it makes my stomach twist.
I look away, not answering.
The fire burns low. The river runs on, black and silent. Overhead, the sky is so dark I can’t see a single star. A pair of crows sweep over the river, their wings catching the firelight for a single second before vanishing into the dark.
Ashton sighs and says, “You know, when I was a boy, the wind fae told me that if you see crows once, it means you cheated the reaper. But if you see them twice…” He looks up at where the crows had gone, his expression serious. “It means death is following you.”
No one says a word.
I stare into the fire and wonder if what the wind fae say is true.
