HOME.RIGHT. I’D told him I was staying with Soren.
I couldn’t tell him I wasn’t really a guest there without revealing my lie. “I don’t think he’s going to be home to let us in.” I dug in my heels to stop. “He’s probably still back there at the party...”
“Nonsense. Soren never stays at a revel long.” Caius tugged my arm to get me moving again. As we turned a corner, my mind raced for another excuse, but I came up empty.
Memorizing the tunnels on this side wasn’t as hard as I’d expected, though, because unlike Soren, the prince took a very direct route. And when he paused to glance up at the wall the first time, I followed his gaze and barely stopped a gasp.
The tunnels had signs!
At the top of this one was a wooden inscription:Toadspit Trail.And at the crossing,Echo Alleyon the left andThistle Burrowon the right.
Earlier, I’d been so focused on those fae doors, wondering who lived behind each one, that my eyes had never drifted high enough to notice!
Fae crossed our path frequently. Each time, they’d bow to the prince, who greeted them warmly as we swept past. He seemed well-liked. Soren’s earlier description of him was completely off. I hadn’t had a bad impression all night. If anything, Caius’s help in the last hour had made Soren’s deal look lousy.
He turned once atMothkiss,then again atRotwood, but otherwise continued on straight until I began to recognize the tunnels ahead.
That certainly made my job easier.
“You should know, I barely know Soren,” I said after we’d passed yet another group of fae. “I don’t have any loyalties to him, if that helps...”
“Helps me trust you?” he asked with a cheeky grin. “Much appreciated. But I still can’t share our business with an Unseelie.”
I wanted to ask if fae ever switched courts, like some permanent-visa-type situation, but I had a feeling that question would be too weird, even for a supposed Unseelie.
Caius’s thoughts had gone down a different path. “I’m glad to hear you’re not close with Soren. I’d advise you to keep it that way.”
Curiosity rose. “Can I ask why?”
“Haven’t you noticed he isn’t fully... himself anymore?” Caius raised a single brow at me, shaking his head. “Didn’t you wonder what he might’ve done to receive such a punishment?”
I frowned. Then it hit me: He meant Soren’s missing wings. My eyes widened. That was a punishment? No wonder Soren hadn’t wanted to talk about it. He must’ve done something truly awful to deserve something so cruel.
Lost in thought, I almost bumped into Caius when we stopped.
He let go of my arm to pound on Soren’s front door.
I expected Lore or one of the others to answer, but instead, Soren himself opened it with his usual calm unreadable expression.
“I’m back,” I said in a flat tone, scowling.I can’t believe I thought he’d wait for me.“The prince wanted to make sure I gothomesafely.”
“Aren’t you going to invite me in?” Caius asked before Soren could respond. “I came all this way, after all.”
“Of course.” Soren’s entire demeanor stiffened. “Come in.”
As soon as we entered, the prince left my side, circling the room casually, studying the books lining the walls. “I haven’t visited here in some time.”
I didn’t know if he was telling me or reminding Soren, but neither of us answered.
