Page 51 of Hidden

“You and Mother agreed he would be my servant,” she replied. “Where did you get that cane?”

“A gift,” he replied. “Lord Farras sent something for you as well. He’s most generous.”

She barely stopped herself from saying she didn’t want it. Provoking Ademar would do no good—not when he’d nearly caught her kissing the shifter who’d torn him open. A flutter of guilt rose, but then it faded under her brother’s hard stare.

She redirected the conversation instead. “So, you’ve been in communication with Lord Farras?”

He gave her a dry look. “You do recall the project I’m working on? Melding cellular communications with crystal magic?”

“So it’s working?”

He shrugged.

Ademar continued to look between her and Rafe, visibly pondering the tension between his sister and her servant. Clearly, he didn’t like what he saw even though Rafe had retreated several paces so that he stood a respectful distance away. She knew her brother well enough to feel his accusation like a tangible thing, even if he didn’t say a word.

Wolf and fae didn’t mix. Or at least shouldn’t, according to fae standards. If it ever reached Lord Farras that Galeeta’s daughter consorted with beasts—well, as the humans put it, he’d lose their number. Any chance of saving her father would be gone.

That was unthinkable. Despite all, she loved her family. In the end, they would always put each other first. That was as true as the green of forest leaves. Or it had been. Now she wasn’t certain.

Ademar advanced into the room, shutting the door behind him. He shouldered Lila aside as he pushed forward, leaning heavily on his fancy walking stick.

“So, what have you actually done in here?” he asked, flicking the edge of the coverlet with the tip of his cane. “It looks the same as before.”

That was not true. It could not be true for anyone with fae senses, for her presence was imprinted on everything she had touched. The most sensitive could detect the quality of her mood as she’d done each task—which was not a comforting thought.

Lila gave an airy wave. “I have provided clean linens and fresh flowers. What more does Lord Farras need? He can’t be staying for long.”

Ademar’s jaw stiffened. “He deserves whatever courtesy we can provide.”

“I chose the nicest room.”

It was true. Morning sun flooded the forest outside, falling in gilded shafts through the leaves. The room itself seemed an oasis of tranquility. One might never guess there was a dungeon beneath their feet.

Her brother scanned the room, as if verifying her statement. “It is pleasant enough, but I don’t see why you required the dog to help you fluff a few pillows.”

Her temper stirred. “He is my servant to do with as I please.”

His frown deepened. “You didn’t keep him alive just because he can fold a fitted sheet.

“Don’t be ridiculous. Only demons can do that.”

His reply was a wordless noise of disgust. Lila could feel his foul mood like a dank mist. The cause went beyond Rafe’s presence. It was woven with something else—frustration, jealousy, or something she couldn’t even put a name to.

“Why do you want me to feel guilty?” she asked. “What good does that do?”

“Maybe you should,” he replied softly. “You know the answer to that better than I do.”

The words were almost neutral, but his tone was not. Rafe set down the stack of linens and stepped between them, making a protective wall. Ademar took an awkward step back, cursing as he stumbled on his injured leg. He was afraid, and she didn’t blame him. Rafe might wear a human face, but a predator liked to finish his kill.

Lila gently pushed Rafe aside. He moved but didn’t shift his gaze away from Ademar. The two kept each other in a clear line of sight, even as they put distance between them.

“Stop glowering, both of you,” she said.

Ademar twisted the handle of his walking stick to reveal a thin rapier hid inside the silver and ebony case. “It’s time your beast went back to his kennel.”

Rafe picked up a stool in one hand, clearly ready to use it like a shield—or a club. He was taller and heavier than her brother, and his temper filled the room like a crackling wave. Lila’s pulse quickened. It was impossible not to respond—he was defending her, after all—but someone had to take control.

“I just finished this room,” she said, putting a snap in her voice. “Stand down before there’s property damage. I don’t have time for this nonsense.”

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