Amira found herself underground, walking between cold stone walls. After her panic attack, Rhay had led her to a secret passage hidden behind a fresco representing Falea looking over the Adelway bloodline. She had never suspected that a whole maze existed underneath the palace. The dark path was sparsely illuminated by torches and appeared to be endless. It seemed to lead outside. The air grew colder the farther they walked.
Amira’s head was still pulsating and her breathing wasn’t completely back to its normal pace, but the warmth emanating from Rhay’s hand calmed her mind. When she saw his tense face, she understood that he was fighting her dark mood with his powers and that the battle wasn’t an easy one. She dimly remembered that she shouldn’t be with Rhay. It was the reason she was in this situation in the first place. But she needed something—someone—to remind her she was stillalive.
Finally, after a few turns, they reached a door that seemed to defy time itself. The wood had been deeply attacked by termites, yet it was so heavy that Rhay had to let go of Amira’s hand to open it. It made a very loud creaking sound and Amira feared that whoever was on the other side could hear them. It led them out into the woods.
Amira turned to Rhay, concerned. “Where are you taking me?”
He winked. “Don’t worry, princess, we’re not there yet.” Rhay extended his hand again. “Do you trust me?”
Did she? After their conversation the night before, Amira was still confused about her relationship with Rhay. Who was he to her? A friend? A confidant? Or a particularly smart enemy? Still, she thought, he seemed to care about her. Maybe she should have some faith in him even though she couldn’t understand why Rhay was friends with Karwyn. Did Rhay know what Karwyn was capable of?
She took Rhay’s hand and followed him through the trees. Their journey was short and soon Amira could admire the charming little town at the foot of the hill. She turned her head and saw that the palace was far behind them.
“This is Chrysa, the town right next to the border.” He leaned in as he whispered the last words, “Home to the famous black market.”
Amira shivered and Rhay misinterpreted it. “Are you cold? Do you want my jacket?” He removed his shiny pale blue jacket.
“Oh, no, I’m okay.”
Not listening to her, he put his jacket around her shoulders. “Take it. I don’t want you to be cold.”
Amira smiled at him and put on the jacket. The inside of it was made out of the softest fabric she had ever felt.
“It’s a really nice jacket,” she said.
“Right? I ordered it at the black market.” His face was the one of an excited child who had just received the present he’d been waiting for. Amira found his enthusiasm endearing. It chased away the dark thoughts still swirling inside of her.
This time, she was the one offering her hand. She needed the distraction from what had just happened with Karwyn. “Take me somewhere fun,” she said.
Rhay led her to the town centre. Groups of friends had taken over the streets and the atmosphere was filled with laughter and animated voices. Amira couldn’t believe how happy everyone around her seemed to be. She had long forgotten about the easy joy of spending time with friends.
They came across another street and Rhay stopped. Excited to see where he had taken her, she turned her head to the right. Her smile immediately left her lips when she saw the blackened windows and the scantily dressed fae kissing in front of the building. She witnessed a couple of drunk male fae being ushered through the door, the guard at the entrance lifting a heavy velvet curtain. Amira caught a glimpse of the scandalous business going on inside. Her cheeks flushed red, with anger or with shame she wasn’t sure.
She did something very unladylike and punched Rhay’s arm, not expecting it to be as solid as a rock. “Dammit,” she said while moving her hand slowly to regain the feeling in her limb.
Rhay looked at her, utterly confused. “What did I do?”
“You’re taking me to a sex club?” she said louder than she intended. A few fae turned around, totally amused by the situation.
Rhay’s eyes widened when he saw the building behind Amira. “No, no, I completely forgot it was right across the street.” Amira had never seen him so apologetic. “I would never take you to a place like that.” His smile came back as he saw Amira’s angry eyes soften. “Unless you asked me to.” He dodged Amira’s next punch.
“That’s not funny, Rhay!”
“Well, your face certainly was. I thought I saw my 200-year-old great aunt for a second.”
Amira raised her fist. “Don’t make me aim for your face next time.”
Rhay looked horrified. “Please don’t, you’ll ruin the moon dust I spent hours carefully applying. That shit doesn’t follow directions.”
Amira couldn’t help the smile taking root. Of course, Rhay had spent hours getting ready but still looked effortlessly cool.
He pointed to the club opposite the whorehouse. This one definitely looked tamer. A bunch of reasonably dressed fae were talking outside with drinks in hand. Amira read the name displayed in copper letters, Caligo.
“It’s one of my favourite clubs. Very versatile, like me. And they love a good theme night. Again, like me,” Rhay said proudly.
Amira stopped herself from rolling her eyes and followed him inside. She immediately noticed the stage in the middle of the room. Some tables and chairs were placed around it. Most of them were already occupied with groups of fae drinking wine and ale. The lights emitted an orangey glow, creating an intimate and cosy atmosphere.
A bar made out of panels of light-coloured wood was tucked in the corner of the room. Behind it stood a young fae with multiple rings in her ears and tousled short brown hair. Rhay immediately went to the bar and embraced the young woman as best as he could over the bar. Amira awkwardly joined them.
