Aknock sounded on my door less than an hour later. Deep within my gut, I knew it was one of my instructors, though which one I couldn’t be certain. I gave Sophia a silent nod, and as if reading my mind, she scurried into her room. She probably thought it was Kael and that she was giving us a much-needed moment alone.
But when I opened the door, it was Liam. He stepped inside, his muscular chest flexing beneath the thin material of his white tunic. It was hard not to stare.
Impossibly, really.
“What the hell was that all about?” The words were out of my mouth before he’d even said hello. “Those Summer Hunters looked like they were out for blood. Alwyn’s blood.”
Liam sighed and dragged a hand down his face. “They want something, alright, but it’s probably not what you think.”
Frowning, I waved him inside and shut the door behind him, blocking out the curious glances of the other changelings in my wing. No doubt Sophia was also in her bedroom, keeping out an ear for any tidbit of information she could get.
I glanced around at our shared living quarters. The only place to sit was on the antique sofa, but it was stationed too close to Sophia’s door.
“Let’s go into my room,” I said, words that sounded far more suggestive out loud than they had in my head. A heated blush filled my cheeks. “I mean, for some privacy. Not that kind of privacy though. Just so we know that we’re alone. For the conversation. Not for anything else.”
God, I was an idiot.
Liam smirked but shook his head. “As tempting as your little invitation is, we don’t have time for any distractions. I’ve come here to tell you that we’re going on a little trip.”
I arched an eyebrow. “A little trip? To where?”
“Your presence has been requested in the Summer lands,” Liam said. “They have some questions they believe only you can answer.”
“I’m sorry. I’m not following.”
He let out a low chuckle. “Trust me, I’m as surprised as you are. What’s even more surprising is that Alwyn has agreed that you can go. On one condition, of course. I’m to go with you and make sure you return—safely—within a week’s time.”
“Wait.” I blinked at him. “The Summer fae want me to go to their Court? For aweek?”
“A timeline wasn’t attached to it, but it shouldn’t take longer than that.”
I crossed my arms over my chest. “I still don’t understand, Liam. Why do the Summer faeries want me to go to their Court? It’s not like I can do anything to help them.”
“Try telling them that.”
* * *
We were on the road less than an hour later before anyone could find out what we were up to, including Kael, Finn, and Roarke. Alwyn didn’t want to tell them just yet, and as much as I hated to leave without saying goodbye, there was little I could do. I’d been whisked to the stables immediately, surrounded by armed guards.
The sky was shot through with the hazy light of an Autumn sun that was obscured behind swollen clouds. The Academy’s brilliant green lawn had changed, almost within hours. No longer did it glisten and glow. The red and golden carpet of leaves hid every sign of life from view. The chilly air whistled through the rattling trees, tugging at the hair I’d braided down my back. Thankfully, the Summer Hunters had lent me one of their red cloaks for the journey, though the thin material did little to block out the chill.
“You alright over there by yourself, darling?” Liam called out over the sound of a dozen hooves. I frowned and looked back at Shea. Alwyn, it turned out, had not only insisted that Liam accompany me on this strange mission but Shea as well. I had a sneaking suspicion it was to keep an eye on me and my instructor to make sure no “funny business” happened.
If only we could somehow lose her along the way.
And because of Shea’s presence, Liam and I had been forced to take different horses instead of sharing one as we had during our last mission. Luckily, I was a lot better on a horse these days than when I’d first arrived in Otherworld. Without that pesky necklace to mask my powers, I could at least cling on without falling flat on my face.
“I’m fine, but I’d be a lot better if I had an idea of what the hell we’re doing.” I made a face at the Hunters ahead. They’d barely spoken a word the entire way, not even a,thanks for dropping everything to come with us for reasons we refuse to explain.
“Relax, darling. You’re with me.” His drawling accent sent shivers along my skin. “And you’re going into the Summer lands, which are objectively the very best part of Otherworld.”
I arched an eyebrow. “Objectively?”
“Of course.” He grinned. “Anyone worth knowing would agree. Sure, the other Courts have their positives, but you can enjoy all that just visiting them now and again. The Summer lands are where you’d want to end up permanently.”
“Liam,” came Shea’s exasperated voice from behind us. “Come on, mate. Don’t make me ride between you two.”
Irritation flickered in Liam’s orange eyes. “We’re merely discussing our Summer lands, Shea. No need to get testy.”
