Page 25 of Twisted Gift

“Whatdoyou want?” a short, black-haired woman asks, her arms crossed and a scowl curling her lips.

Fighting the urge to sigh, I take a beat to consider her question. What do I want? Well, maybe if I knew more about my fae lineage I could connect with these people easier. Give them a better reason to trust me. But I don’t, so I say, “I want for you and anyone else to be able to walk wherever the hell you wantwheneverthe hell you want without being afraid you’ll be attacked or killed.” I sigh heavily. “Tristan didn’t break the agreement and neither did Jules. Leaders from a hell of a long time ago did. The way I see it, it’s a non-issue now. Or at least, it can be. Both sides are breaking this agreement everyone is so uptight about. It doesn’t matter who started it. We aren’t children, and I’m sure you all have things you’d rather be focusing on than this war. So, let’s just end it.”

A few fae snicker, and I hold back an eye roll.

“How do you suppose we do that?” a male fae leaning against the bar asks, his tone borderline mocking.

“It’s easier said than done, but if we’re willing to work with those we’ve fought in the past, itcanwork. As much as you don’t want to live in fear anymore, a lot of the dark fae feel the same.”

Some of the angry expressions lighten. I’m getting somewhere with these people. Finally.

“Tristan is meeting with his people as we speak. We’re trying to make this work—for everyone involved.”

“You just want us to trust you?” someone shouts over the chatter of a few others.

I shake my head. “I don’t expect that. I have to prove myself to you, and I will, so long as you let me.” I won’t get everybody on board tonight. With some of the glares I’m still receiving, that much is clear, but I’m hoping people listened and will consider the idea of a ceasefire. Maybe with enough of the light fae backing me, others will accept the idea as well.

No one shoots that idea down right away, which I take as a good sign.

“Not everyone could travel to Rockdale for this,” Nikolai adds. “Spread the word to as many as you can. We are going to work with the dark fae until this conflict between our sides is resolved, and we can coexist without fighting.”

Most of the fae in the room nod, respecting—or fearing, I don’t know which—Nikolai enough to agree to that.

“I want to be here for anyone who needs me. Please, if there’s something I can do to help make this transition smoother for you, tell me. I’ll do whatever I can to make things easier. I’ll try my very best, and I’m hoping you’ll do the same.”

Having said all there is to say for now, I end the meeting, thanking the room once again for coming. Most exit within minutes after I finish speaking, though some take longer to trickle out, still chatting about what I said.

A few come up to Nikolai and me to express their support of the idea, which loosens the knots in my stomach. I’ve got some of the light fae on my side, and I never thought I’d be so thankful for something like that.

Nikolai is chatting with a couple of people, so I stop behind the bar to grab a bottle of water. I take a long drink and screw the cap back on, sighing.

“Are you serious about wanting to help us?”

I turn around at the sound of a quiet female voice. The fae standing there is looking at me with a wary expression, but it’s the hope in her deep brown eyes that makes me offer her a smile.

“Of course, I know you weren’t lying about it per se, but—”

“I was absolutely serious. I want to help in any way that I can.” I hold my hand out to her, and she hesitates before shaking it. “What can I do for you?”

“I asked Jules on multiple occasions for assistance, but he never seemed to have the time. There was always something more important.”

I nod. “I’m listening now.”

“My brother, Daniel, used to work closely with Jules. As I’m sure you can imagine, he was a demanding leader, but Daniel did his best. Until his best wasn’t good enough anymore.”

I frown. “What happened?”

“I’m not entirely sure of the details. What I do know is Jules had Daniel taken away and thrown into the cells.” She pauses, swallowing. “He’s been there for three years. I tried appealing to Jules, but I got nowhere. I went into hiding for fear he’d come after me for questioning him, but after I heard what happened, I had to see for myself.”

“Wow, that’s—I’m sorry you had to go through that.”

“Can you—I mean, do you think you can look into it? Is there a chance you can let my brother out?”

“I’ll look into it,” I assure her. “I’ll get you some answers.”

Her eyes light up. “Thank you,” she says in a thick voice.

“Of course.” I nod. “You’ll be at the next meeting, I hope?”

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