I threw back the rest of the tankard, my spine straightening with a new determination as I returned to the dancing crowd, letting it envelop me and soothe the lingering ache in my chest.
Chapter Twenty Four
It was late into the night when I finally began my journey back to the Inn, steps faltering as I stumbled.
I drank far too much and I was fully expecting a lecture from one of the others tomorrow, but I wouldn't worry about that tonight. No, tonight my sole focus was getting back to my room without being accosted on the unfamiliar streets.
It had been stupid really, to stay so late and imbibe in the firemead so much, but it hadn't been entirely fruitless. The local crowd had been far more welcoming the later the night got and the more firemead everyone had indulged in. I'd lost track of Bran, Gianni, and Rena at some point, and I was slightly irked that none had thought to take me back with them.
Yet, I had heard that myth once more.
When the fires of the tavern had died down and the music stilled to a stop, whispering voices instead took their place. I had heard of the demon brothers of the Nine Hells seeking vengeance for their fallen brother, and I couldn't help but wonder what validity, if any, the tale held.
Was it just the wandering stories conjured by locals, or was there a kernel of truth to it? I’d mention it to Kairen tomorrow, see if there was more information we could glean, but tonight? Tonight, I was simply going to sleep.
My steps were unsteady as I walked up the rickety stairs of the Inn, my hands fumbling as I retrieved the key from my pocket. Yet before I could insert it, the door was creaking open on its hinges.
Rena's disheveled hair poked out first, her imploring eyes next before I caught the apologetic smile she was offering. Her voice was a whisper as she glanced over her shoulder at something, rathersomeone, in the room. “Do you think you could bunk with Kairen and Bran tonight? I'll owe you for the rest of our Goddess-blessed lives.”
I giggled slightly at the pleading in her voice, my ears perking as the voice of a woman called out quietly to Rena somewhere behind the door.
"Havefuuun," I sang, as I moved back to Kairen and Bran's door. I knocked lightly, but there was no answer.
I knocked once more, harder. Nothing again. My brows furrowed as I tried the handle to no avail—locked.
Well shit.
Sighing, I leaned back against the door, mind swimming. My attention travelled to the door across the hall, reluctance creeping through my mind. There wasn't really another option unless I wanted to sleep in the hall like a drunkard, was there?
I took two unsteady steps to the door before my knuckles were rapping against the wood, nerves ticking up. This was a bad idea, horrid really. What if he refused, like he had earlier in the night?
Or worse, what if he thought I was trying to climb into his bed forotherreasons?
I pondered for a moment, deciding that maybe that wouldn't be so bad, before the door opened and I casted away any of those thoughts, cheeks flushing.
Roan stared at me through sleepy, hooded eyes. His messy white hair was a telltale sign I had interrupted a peaceful rest and my breath caught when I saw his state of undress. Merely clothed in his linen pants that hung low on his hips, his chest bare.
He opened the door wider, arms crossing as he leaned against the doorframe. "Syra?"
Swallowing thickly at the huskiness in his tone, my eyes avoided what I had slowly been taking in only a moment before and I let out a nervous laugh, a hiccup quick to follow.
"Hey." I rubbed the back of my neck as awkwardness wrapped its oily tendrils around me. "Rena has company and Bran isn't back yet. I don't think Kairen is either. Could I maybe sleep here, at least until they return?"
His brows bunched, processing the request.
After a moment of silence, my anxiety simmering and all but palpable in the air between us, my next words were a rush. “Nevermind, I'll just wait out here for—"
A shriek left my lips as I tipped backwards, feet tripping one another with a step back.
Before I could hit the floor Roan reached out, a strong calloused hand wrapping around my arm to pull me back to a steady stance.
"How much did you drink?" He grumbled, stepping back from the doorway and gesturing for me to enter.
Gratefully, I moved inside, eyes immediately adjusting to the dim room and promptly settling on the singular, large bed. The retort diedupon my lips as my eyes darted to him. My fingers curled, nails digging into skin.
"I didn't realize the room only had one bed. I can take the floor until the others return.”
I reached for a pillow, but his hand stopped me and he shook his head. “Don't be ridiculous. Take the bed, little menace."
