Page 20 of Wings and Shadowthief

The steps led down into the depth of darkness, seemingly endless in the tunnel. Of course, they ended eventually, but that knowledge did little to reassure her.

“I’m Gwen.” Like the ancient would know her by name. “One of Chloe’s friends.”

Hopefully, the association would be enough to keep her head on her shoulders.

“I’m going to come down now,” she announced, feeling foolish as no answer came.

Gwen advanced carefully. A few months ago, the stairway had been made of smooth, awkward steps, but Chloe, presumably, had the place refurbished almost entirely, and the staircase hadn’t been spared. Still, she took her time, concentrating on each step and pretending that her fear had everything to do with falling and nothing to do with her destination.

The truth was, since the moment she’d stepped inside, she’d been in a predator’s territory. If he wanted her dead, he could have killed her minutes ago. That had to be a good sign.

Unless Eirikr liked to play with his prey.

Reaching the cave, Gwen took it in with one glance, noting the latest improvement. It looked like a modern-day bachelor’s pad. A large, open layout including a clawed foot bathtub in the bathroom, and a large flat screen TV in front of a comfortable, yet stylish, sofa. The central piece was a circular bed with red velvet sheets.

Eirikr Primerius sat up at its center, a glass of wine in one hand.

She liked to think it was wine, and thankfully, her sense of smell wasn’t acute enough to tell her otherwise.

He wore white—a shirt and well-cut linen trousers that almost made him appear like someone, or something, civilized.

Almost.

“Hi.” She waved a hand, like an idiot.

The man stared at her, his bright eyes amused, though his expression was otherwise unreadable.

“Red wine and white? That’s daring.”

“It’s not wine.” Now, he cracked a smile.

Yep. She definitely hadn’t wanted to know. “I can come back if you’re occupied.”

“I’ve seldom been occupied these last centuries. Come, sit. Join me.” His hand reached out to her.

His challenge was clear. He could see her fear plain as day, but he wanted to see if she would fight it.

Knowing this, Gwen still couldn’t make herself take a step.

“Now, no need for that. I don’t bite the innocent.”

Was she innocent enough for him, though?

The bottom line was, she didn’t have a choice. Gwen forced each step, one after the other. Reaching the bed, she hesitantly sat at the edge, bristling at her proximity to the most dangerous thing in Oldcrest. One of the most dangerous things in the entire world, no doubt.

Gwen dragged her gaze to his, forcing herself to meet it head on.

“Now that’s better. You should never show your weakness, child. The world will pounce on it.”

She wasn’t here for platitudes. “Thanks. I was hoping you could help me. Fin Varra said—“

Eirikr chuckled. “Never believe a fae, for they cannot lie. Has he told you I’d help you, child?”

She bit her lip. “He said you knew about dark witches, and he implied that’s what I might be. I need answers. I changed today…into this.” She pointed to her own face, not knowing how to voice it.

To her surprise, however, her fingers were normal. Blinking in shock, she pulled at one of her curls. Crow black, as usual.

What the hell?

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