Page 81 of A Promise so Bold and Broken

Kerym also rose, and the thumps as he patted Merrick’s back echoed through the room. “We’ve known each other for centuries, and I was never able to convince you to join us in our drinking escapades! I’m unsure whether I should be upset or happy for you.”

“Kerym,” Raine warned as he ushered them all out the door.

Lessia’s eyes sliced between the two Fae males, but then the chill breeze brushed her arms, and she nearly squealed as the saltiness tickled her bare skin as she walked out into the night.

Every step through the island was one of wonder.

How could she not have appreciated the smooth rocks that formed a pathway through the swaying hip-height grass?

Or the birds: the eagles and the hooting owls that peeked at them from the tall trees strewn out as they ventured further inland?

Even the somewhat crumbling stone wall surrounding the small town was beautiful in the dim light of the lantern Merrick carried as he walked beside her.

“You ready?” Raine’s brows danced as he reached to open the door to the tavern.

Nodding, Lessia skipped by him, stepping right over the small step and into the warmth.

Her wide eyes took in the bustling room.

It wasn’t as busy as it had been during Zehmkell, but it was still filled with Fae, and she was happy to find the eyes that snagged on her quickly moved along, although she could see they lingered on the three males behind her.

Spending time with the lethal brotherhood, or whatever they were called, apparently had great benefits.

Without waiting for the others, she sprinted up to the bar.

“Can I have something that will keep me feeling like this?” Lessia pointed to her smile when the barkeep nodded toward her.

“Certainly.” A grin spread across the Fae’s face as he poured the golden liquor she’d seen Merrick drink into a tall glass.

Placing it on the sticky surface before her, he reached out his palm, and Lessia slapped her hand over her mouth, her eyes rounding. “Oh no. I don’t have any silvers!”

Another breathy giggle escaped her as the Fae looked over her shoulder and waved his hand.

“Put it on my tab.” Raine sidled up next to her. “And get three more of those.”

After spinning around, Lessia leaned her elbows on the bar and took small sips of whatever the barkeep had given her.

It tasted much better than Raine’s brownish liquor.

Or maybe she was just getting used to it.

It didn’t matter either way.

If she could feel like this just for a little while longer—whatever the taste, it was worth it.

Her eyes drifted toward the packed dance floor, where most Fae danced by themselves, not in couples as they had during Zehmkell, and before she could second-guess herself, she exclaimed, “I’m dancing!”

Swallowing the last of the drink, she pressed the empty glass into Merrick’s hand as he joined Raine by the bar and made her way over.

A few people moved out of the way as she approached, but it didn’t seem it was because she was half-Fae.

No, the smiles on their faces were welcoming, and she beamed back at them.

They were making room for her.

With a happy sigh, Lessia closed her eyes, stretched out her arms, and let the music take her away.

The melody was unknown to her, the tunes drifting high for a moment before lowering—building the anticipation—until the sound swelled, growing richer and richer, as if the music was gathering strength until it reached its peak.

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