I take a breath, then a step, and follow this pattern right to the door. It’s as if I’ve been transported into a mosh pit. The music’s turned up and people dance in the small parking lot. More people join while I walk down the steps and by the time I get to the bottom and land on the pavement, my knees want to give out. So many people.
My griffin wants to play and I want to run away. I grip the banister and will my heart to stop pounding so damn hard. I know everyone here. There’s nothing to be afraid of. So why the hell do my hands tremble?
“Talon?” There’s concern in Wren’s eyes. One hand envelopes mine on the banister. “How can I help?” He’s not trying to woo me using his Fae charms.
“I just need a breath.”
Wren nods and takes my other hand and pulls me down with him to sit on the steps. “I’m really happy you came.” He holds my hand and looks it over, turning it this way and that. I don’t hate it, in fact the action helps calm me.
“I told my griffin we were coming, and he wasn’t going to settle until we got here.” And now that we’re here, my anxiety has drowned out my griffin’s thoughts. Well, it had. Wren’scalming me down more than anyone’s ever done before. My griffin whines in my head wanting to be unleashed, but he knows that’s not going to happen here. The next best thing is to allow him to play, but that requires me to let go and I’ve never done that in the presence of others.
“Would you like to dance?” Wren asks.
We’re so close I could count the glitter flecks on his cheeks if I want.
“My griffin would like that very much.”
Wren grins and squeezes my hand. “Would you like that?”
“Won’t know unless I try it.” The music’s still a fast pace and I have no idea how to dance, but looking at the partygoers, it doesn’t matter, everyone’s just doing their own thing.
Wren stands and helps pull me to my feet. He spins on his toes, then offers his hand again. “Let’s show them some moves.”
I take a few shaky steps with him towards the crowd.
Wren squeezes my hand. “Just keep your eyes on me. Don’t think about anyone else.” He lets me go and starts moving his body.
Skies, the way he moves. I know he has decades of dance experience, every courtesan or former courtesan does. Plus, he’s best friends with Sparkle, the cat shifter surely taught him some moves. The more he dances, the more comfortable I get and start swaying. Not the best dance moves, but I’m moving instead of just standing there like the awkward weirdo I am.
“Look at Talon. He looks ridiculous. He doesn’t know how to dance.”
No! Bad memories aren’t allowed to pop up. I’m dancing with Wren.
Fuck.I’m dancing withWren. My eyes snap open and he gives me the most sweetest smile.
“Hey there.” Wren swipes his hand over my bangs, situating them out of my eyes. “You looked lost in thought.”
“Some old memories tried to resurface.”
“I hate when that happens.” Wren moves my hands to his hips. The new song is a slow one and we sway together.
“Are you still dreaming of the Winter Court?” I take a tiny step closer.
“Unfortunately. Between that and anticipating the party, I haven’t slept much lately.”
“Icould go petition this Lord Yelling if you want. I left the Fae lands on good terms, I just haven’t been back since I left. You’d have to tell me which court I’d find him at.”
Wren shakes his head. “I don’t want to burden anyone with this.”
I stop my swaying. “Wren, it’s affecting your life. You can’t go back to the Fae lands to talk to him on your own behalf.Someoneshould. I could be that person.”
“Why would you want to?” Wren’s words are so soft. “You haven’t exactly been friendly most of the times we interact.”
“It’s taking away your spark.”
Wren blinks back at me. “You barely notice me.”
“I notice more than you or anyone thinks.” I’m messing this all up. Just tell him how you feel, Talon. That’ll clear any uncertainty. Tell him you love having him at the bakery because just his presence gives you joy.
