Page 56 of The Orc and the Innkeeper

The kindness in her voice gives me all the permission I need, and I open up to her about my uncertainty about how things ended between us. I tell her about my mother’s advice, about the growing realization that I’m ready to give Thorak a real chance to explain.

“But how can I face him again, after everything that’s happened?” I ask, my voice trembling. “I was so quick to assume the worst, so ready to believe that he’d betrayed me. What if he can’t forgive me for that?”

Ecco takes my hands in hers, her touch warm and comforting. “Mariah, listen to me. You are one of the strongest, bravest women I know. If anyone can find a way to make things right with Thorak, it’s you.”

She smiles then, a mischievous glint in her eye. “And what better opportunity than the high school reunion? Everyone will be reconnecting with old flames. And I’ll be right there with you, in case you need backup.”

I bite my lip, considering her words. The thought of seeing Thorak again sends a thrill of nervous anticipation through me.

“You really think I should go?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

“I think you owe it to yourself to try,” Ecco replies, her tone firm but kind. “You deserve happiness, Mariah. Don’t let fear and things that happened in your past hold you back from claiming it.”

I take a deep breath, feeling a sense of resolve settle over me. “Okay, I’ll do it. I’ll go to the reunion and talk to Thorak.”

Ecco lets out a squeal of delight, pulling me into a fierce hug. “That’s my girl! Oh, this is going to be so romantic—like something straight out of a fairy tale! We have to go shopping for something new to wear! And we should plan a grand entrance to the event, I bet I can talk to the organizers…”

I laugh, enjoying Ecco’s increasingly absurd romantic plans for my happily-ever-after. Ecco herself has dealt with heartbreak after heartbreak, and it’s amazing how she’s been able to hold on to her love for love, to retain her trust in real romance. Despite all the times she’s been hurt, she still opens herself up to the possibility of finding real love.

If she can be that brave, so can I.

26

MARIAH

Istand outside the grand old Rosewood mansion at the edge of Elderberry Falls, taking in the glowing enchanted lanterns floating around the venue for our ten-year high school reunion. The imposing stone facade is draped in shimmering curtains of magical mist, and the purposeful draping of water-drops reflect and refract the light so that the entire place sparkles, giving it an ethereal, dreamlike quality.

Next to me, Ecco looks radiant in a shimmering sea-blue gown that hugs her curves and ripples like ocean waves with every movement. Delicate mother-of-pearl jewelry at her throat and wrists accentuates her siren heritage. She gives my hand a reassuring squeeze, no doubt sensing my nervous energy.

“You’ve got this, Mariah,” she says with a warm smile. “You look drop-dead gorgeous. Thorak won’t know what hit him.”

I glance down at my own dress—a deep crimson slip that falls to my ankles, with a daring slit up one side. Gold bangles jingle at my wrists. I know it accentuates my curves and brings out theluster of my dark hair. But I also feel exposed; I so rarely dress up like this.

Will everyone know that I’m here for Thorak? Does the whole town know what happened between us by now?

“Thanks, Ec. I couldn’t do this without you by my side,” I reply, returning the squeeze of her hand. I breathe deeply, steeling myself. “Okay, let’s do this.”

We ascend the marble steps and step through the grand double doors into the ballroom. The high-ceilinged space is a kaleidoscope of magical beings. Pixies dart about trailing glittering dust. A group of dapper werewolves in tailored suits laugh uproariously by the bar, chatting with a group of vampires in sleek black who sip blood-red cocktails. Enchanted instruments play themselves on a raised stage, weaving a lively, pulsing melody.

My eyes scan the room, searching for a familiar hulking green form. My stomach flutters with nerves and anticipation. Then a voice breaks through my reverie.

“Mariah Parker. I was hoping I’d run into you tonight.”

I turn to see Zara Nightshade, resplendent in a flowing black gown, her raven hair styled in an elegant updo. She’s part of one of the wealthiest shadow mage families in the magical world—and she was one of my chief tormentors back in high school.

I tense, bracing myself for a backhanded compliment or veiled insult. Old habits die hard.

But Zara’s eyes are soft, almost...remorseful? She takes a step closer.

“I wanted to apologize, Mariah. For the way I treated you. Having this reunion made me think back on who I was back then, and…well, I was insecure and cruel, and I took it out on you.” She stops and takes a deep breath. “It was wrong of me. I’ve done a lot of growing since graduation, and I wanted you to know...I’m sorry.”

I blink in surprise, taken aback by the sincerity in her voice.

A lump forms in my throat. A small piece of me wants to lash out, refuse her apology, give her even a fraction of the pain her bullying caused me. But I see the genuine regret on her face.

“I...thank you, Zara,” I manage. “I really appreciate you saying that. It means a lot to me.”

She nods, fluttering her eyelashes. Is she…holding back tears? “You’ve done well for yourself, with the Moonflower Inn. I’m happy for you.”

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