“It’s still early,” Ilario said, leaning back in his chair, up for more conversation, apparently.
“Lora?” Eyden said in a commanding tone as he stood up.
She eyed Eyden and then Ilario before turning her gaze to the window. It wasn’t completely dark outside yet and she saw an opportunity here. Lora met Ilario’s welcoming deep emerald eyes. “I’d love to hear another story.”
“I really think you should rest up for tomorrow,” Eyden insisted.
She turned her eyes on him and was met with unrelenting blue. “I’m fine, Eyden.”
The mood shifted. Suddenly there was tension building up accompanied by an awkward silence.
Mr Marsyn cleared his throat and announced he would get more firewood. Before he reached the back door, Eyden sighed and said, “I’ll help.”
Mr Marsyn halted at the door. “Are you sure? I wouldn’t want to pull you away from your girlfriend.”
“She’s not—” Eyden said at the same time Lora explained, “We’re not together.” She tried to stifle a nervous laugh.
Eyden turned away before Lora could gauge his reaction. He gestured to Mr Marsyn to lead the way. Right before he followed the fae outside, Eyden looked back at her. His eyes resembled a cloudy storm, warning her not to mess things up.
What could go wrong?
* * *
As soon as the door closed Ilario asked, “You’re not from Quarnian, are you?”
Well, that went south very fast,Lora thought. She was scrambling for the perfect reply and nearly stuttered when she asked, “Why would you say that?”
“It doesn’t make sense.” He seemed to notice the nervous expression she couldn’t shake in time. “Don’t worry, you don’t have to tell me anything. If Eyden trusts you, that’s enough for me. Although I am intrigued.”
Eyden definitely didn’t trust her but this wasn’t a good time to raise that point. Lora was surprised Ilario wasn’t more insistent, seeing as she was staying at his home. But she was grateful she didn’t have to come up with yet another lie. “Thanks.”
“Maybe one day, you’ll tell me?” Ilario’s smile was friendly, curious but respectful.
“Maybe,” she replied. Strangely, Lora almost wished she could tell him. It might be his pleasantly cheerful attitude. Or maybe she just wanted to let it out. She was holding too many secrets in this world. It felt as if they were right at the surface, wanting to spill out. But she knew they would drown her.
“How are you liking Chrysa so far?”
“It’s interesting.” Lora searched for a piece of truth she could share. “We managed to get the crystal from Blue.”
Ilario chuckled softly, emerald eyes sparkling. “Blue? That’s the fake name he chose this time?”
“What name did he give you?”
“Phoenix.” He looked at her dramatically. “Because like a phoenix, he’ll always rise to party another day.” Lora’s laugh was true and it filled the room as Ilario joined in. “I’ve come to call him Nix. Flows easier off the tongue, don’t you think?”
“Nix. Yes, I like it. I wonder how many fake names he has. It’s probably a long list.”
Ilario’s eyes seemed to reflect her thoughts. “Possibly. He sure is a mystery.”
“So is Eyden, right? You said so yourself.”
“In some ways, yes. I’ve known him for years now but there’s still a lot I can’t get out of him.”
Lora wondered if Ilario knew Eyden’s family. Did they have dinner at his house too? Did they even live in or near Chrysa? She had never asked. It wasn’t important to their mission, yet the thought wouldn’t leave her.
Ilario played with the edge of the tablecloth. “I try not to pry too much. Although it’s hard not to. I know I can trust him and with what we’re doing, that’s all that matters.”
Trust made things a lot easier. If only she could trust Eyden as much as Ilario trusted him. Everything would be simpler. The lies wouldn’t keep stacking up. She wondered why Ilario put all his faith into Eyden when he didn’t know all his cards either.
