Despite hunger gnawing a hole in her belly, she desperately wanted a bath, needed to get the grime from the alley off her before she ate. “I’d like a shower first, but I don’t have any—”
“Clothes?” His gaze glided over her again, but in male appreciation now. Eve wanted to roll her eyes.
“Not a problem. I’m sure Izzeri will find you something.”
Her tummy growled and she cringed in embarrassment.
Aerén merely said, “You should eat first. Come.”
Okay, then. She might as well go eat and satisfy her stomach and her curiosity about Reynner’s home. Eve glanced back at him, but he was still asleep. So, she followed Aerén out of the room and down a short barren corridor.
She stopped at the landing and simply stared around in wonder while Aerén waited patiently beside her. A wooden balustrade and stairs joined the top floor to the ground one. In front of her was a picturesque glass wall. She could see far off into the horizon. The forest far down below took on the appearance of paint smudges in various shades of green. The dark gray mountain range loomed around the house and meandered into the distance.
Did Reynner build his house into a mountain?
Eve glanced around at the granite walls and floors…had to be. Holy crap! “It must have taken a miracle to do this.”
“It did take some time, from what I understand,” Aerén said. “When Reynner sets his mind on something, he gets it done.”
Eager to see more, Eve ran down the staircase to the lower level. The sounds of rushing water drew her. She opened the first door and entered a room with soot-colored leather couches and armchairs. Her gaze flew to the window, and she came to a halt.
“Oh. How lovely.” The power of the cascading waterfalls took her breath away. So close, if the glass wall weren’t in her way, she could almost feel the cool sprays on her face. Beyond the window, a railless balcony ran the perimeter of the place.
Did Reynner not understand how dangerous a balcony with no protective railings was? Guess not. The man did kill demoniis, after all.
“It has a compelling beauty,” Aerén agreed from beside her.
“Where is this place? Reynner said it was a retreat?”
“That it is. Come.” Aerén led her down a short passage toward the kitchen.
The tantalizing smell of fresh bread and something savory teased her nose as Aerén opened the door. And she almost whimpered with hunger.
However it wasn’t the kitchen, which had the same scenic windows as the rest of the place that snagged her attention, but the wiry man working at one of the counters. Attired in a navy tunic and pants, he was of indiscernible age. He’d fastened his long, copper hair into a loose braid, revealing his sharp, pale features.
At her entrance into the room, he looked up and his gold eyes widened in astonishment. He stared at her like he’d seen a miracle or something.
And she stared—because dammit, how could she not? His ears—the tops were tapered into points!
“Hey, Izzy. You’re back?” Aerén said from behind her.
“Indeed.” The man winced, probably at the nickname, but his gaze remained on her.
“Forget it, fae.” Aerén snorted. “Eve, this is Izzeri, Reynner’s houseman.”
“Mistress.” He bowed his head at the introduction. “A rare pleasure, indeed. The meal is almost ready. You must be hungry.”
“I’m fine,” she lied, aware of the mewling grumble of her dying tummy. “I’m sorry you had to delay going home.”
“I don’t mind at all.” He smiled. “Excuse me, mistress.”
Eve glanced away, taking in the small kitchen. The thick, massive glass panes muted the roar of the falls, but allowed the waning sunlight into the kitchen. Bronzed wood cupboards with gray granite countertops took up one part of the room. On the other side, near the window, a wooden dining table overlooked a stunning view of the mountains and was set for a meal for one.
Izzeri quickly and efficiently added another place setting, while Aerén held out a chair for her and then took the one opposite her. The setting sun cast a fiery shimmer over his pale blue hair.
“Is that real, the color of your hair?”
Aerén’s expression turned stark. He pulled a swathe to the front and stared at the strands. Remorse filled her at the grief in his eyes. Hurriedly, Eve backtracked. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry. It’s just so unusual.”
