"We don't see many of your kind around here.” The Solheart leaned in and cupped my chin. "A pleasant surprise. I always preferred Stormborn women."
"Who wouldn't?" I said, forcing a smile. "We haven't an ugly soul among us."
He chuckled, amused. Lowering his hand, he glanced down. One of his boots slipped between mine and shoved my feet apart. I stepped back, stomach flipping.
"You're playing soldier?" He asked, staring at the tights hugging my legs. "Or is this some rich man's favorite game?"
My throat bobbed. I had no idea what to do, what to say. Did he insinuate I was a whore because he wanted a piece, or to humiliate me?
"Back. Off." Liam's voice broke me from my daze. I'd never heard my brother seethe like that before.
Liam grabbed my arm and pulled me away from the Solheart. The man's grin only widened.
"Aren't you brave?” He said, low and threatening. "Talking to me like that?"
My eyes flicked behind the Solheart. His partner approached: tall, broad, and well-muscled. He dressed in similar attire: white and regal.
"What's going on here?" The new man asked, his voice baritone.
"Nothing," I said. "I was just leaving, as ordered."
The large Solheart's gaze settled on Liam. "You're with a foul-blood?" He stalked around us. "Isn't this place a little too nice for you?"
"Isn't it too paltry for you?" Liam snapped. "What are Solhearts even doing here?"
Before I could blink, the larger Solheart shoved past me. He grabbed Liam by the collar and slammed him against the wall. A lantern fell from its hook and shattered on the floor.
I ran forward, trying to get between them. "Let's all calm down!" I pressed a hand to the large man's chest, but it was like trying to move a boulder. "This is just a misunderstanding?—”
The long-haired Solheart wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me to his chest. "Why trouble yourself over filth?" He whispered in my ear.
My blood turned to ice. This man gazed upon me with an expression I'd never seen before.
Like I was no more than an animal. Meat. A mere thing he had every right to take and play with. I glanced around.
The bartender stood a few paces away, arms folded tightly, watching. The last of the crowd funneled outside, averting their gaze.
Nobody would stop a Solheart. If I fought back, I'd face punishment. Liam would be killed.
A tremor rattled through the floor as the hulking Solheart threw Liam to the ground. He spat on my brother, then turned to his friend. "You and Stormborn." He clicked his tongue. "I'll never understand it."
"Says the man who'd take an unconscious woman. I like them with a bit of fight," the smaller man drawled.
They were joking with one another. Like this was routine.
"Don't worry, dear," he said to me. "I'll cover your room. You look like you have a story. And I'm dying to hear it."
My hand twitched, reaching for Cierthine. The slimy Solheart's eyes flicked down, as though noticing for the first time that the blade I wore at my belt was no ordinary sword.
He faltered. The crowd hurrying outside parted with a gasp.
A third Solheart stormed into the room. A black cloak fluttered around his dark clothes. Platinum blond hair hung messily around his face, tied in a half-bun. Yellow, cat-like eyes flicked across the scene.
"Solathair's ass. Just my fucking luck," he spat. "I hear my messengers have finally arrived, and they're already starting brawls with the locals."
The Solheart released my waist and stepped back. "Calm yourself, Seradh. This foul blood was harassing us."
The new man, Seradh, glanced down at Liam, who was still sprawled on the floor. "Harassing you? From the floor?" He stalked toward us. "Get your asses into our room, and maybe I'll pretend I didn't see this."
