She would disappear, putting her focus on her world while Eyden would remain here, likely fighting more battles soon enough. This time, she’d take the risk alone.
With one final, lingering glance, she exited her tent. Her phone, the WiFi cube, and the vial of blood took their usual spots in her pocket. Lora had found another jacket in her wardrobe. She didn’t have a knife, but last time she’d been the only weapon she needed. Lora hoped that even though she’d had no time to control her ability, if she was in danger, instinct would take over again. Once she was home, she wouldn’t use her powers again, but she would do whatever was necessary to get home as fast as possible.
After a quick pit stop at the bathroom, Lora reached Elyssa’s room. She knocked several times and even called out her name, but there was no sound of movement. Careful, Lora lifted the door a tiny sliver, peeking in to find the room empty.
As soon as she walked in, her eyes searched for the promised silver. It was the last thing she needed before she could go. She wanted to leave as soon as possible before Eyden woke up and went looking to pick another fight with her.
Lora twirled around as the flap of the tent lifted, the noise startling her. She found herself face to face with Elyssa.
Surprise flickered over the other girl’s face, but then an easy grin relaxed her features. “You’re up. I thought I’d have to start clanging pots together in front of your tent or something to get you two to wake up.”
Her lip curved up in an apology. “Sorry, I—wait, did you sayyou two?”
Elyssa gave her a look as if Lora should know the answer already. “Eyden stayed with you, didn’t he?” she said, nonchalant.
“Why would you think that?” Lora asked, trying to keep her voice even.
“It sure sounded like it last night when I went to check in on you.” Auburn brows lifted, hazel eyes glinting teasingly.
Lora buried her face in her hands. “Oh, God.”
Elyssa grinned, clearly enjoying watching Lora squirm. “Don’t worry, Farren pulled me away before we even got that close to the tent. Said I’d be scarred forever if I went in.”
Lora could feel her face heating. She hadn’t even considered the fact that all that separated them from the outside were heavy scraps of fabric. Definitely not soundproof.
“Judging from your face, he was right. About freaking time.” Elyssa bit back a laugh. “Don’t sweat it. Trust me, it happens all the time. Thin walls never stopped nobody.”
Lora was pretty sure it had, in fact, stopped some people. People with functioning brain cells.
She smoothed down her hair as her eyes fixed on anything but Elyssa. “Let’s drop it. Forever.” Lora forced herself to meet the other girl’s gaze. “I came to get the silver. I’m leaving now.”
“Ah, of course.” Elyssa squatted as she reached for a bag under her bed. She removed a small satchel and handed it over to Lora. “Here you go. You think it’s safe for me to go meet Eyden with you?” Elyssa teased.
“Eyden’s not coming.”
The smile vanished from Elyssa’s face. “What? That son of a bitch. I’ll kick his ass—”
“I didn’t ask him to go with me. He doesn’t know and I’d like to keep it that way,” Lora explained as she weighed the satchel in her hand. It wasn’t heavy. It had to be mostly silver notes, which were worth more than coins.
“Why? Frankly, if you can avoid it, it’s pretty fucking stupid to go alone.” Her tone was light, yet Lora still took offence.
“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” she muttered.
Elyssa quickly realised her mistake. She uncrossed her arms. “Look, it’s not that I don’t think you can do it. Obviously, if you had stayed behind and went while we were all in Rubien, you would’ve gone alone anyway. Still,nowyou don’t have to do this alone. Eyden will keep his promise even if he’s mad at you. And clearly he can’t bethatmad.”
“He’s already done enough. I wouldn’t have gotten this far without him. But this, this Icando alone. I can find River’s Point, I have payment, I look fae. I’ll be fine. Depending on how the meeting goes, I might need both of your help again, so let’s save it for when I can’t avoid it. Worst case, Saydren won’t help me on the spot. Either way, I’ll be back here to be escorted back to the black market.”
Elyssa’s forehead creased as she considered her words. “All right. Then I’m coming with you.”
“That’s a bad idea.” The last thing Lora needed was to put Eyden’s sister in danger.
“It’s a marvellous idea,” Elyssa countered, nodding as loose curls escaped her messy ponytail. “This is great timing. Gives me an excuse to avoid Jaspen. I know he’s itching to tell me off. I’m surprised he hasn’t hunted me down yet.” Elyssa sighed. “I’m so sick of his pointless alpha male monologues.”
“You won’t pass as fae,” Lora reasoned. “And anyway, I know you can stand your ground against Jaspen. I’ve seen it.”
A smirk appeared on Elyssa’s face before she said, “I don’t need to look fae. It’ll be dark by the time we get out of the woods. I’ll keep my face hidden and I won’t enter the bar. I’ll be the lookout while you do your thing. It’s nothing I haven’t done a million times before.” Noting Lora’s scepticism, Elyssa added, “Eyden wouldn’t want you to go alone.”
“I highly doubt he’d approve of you going with me either,” she countered.
