Page 101 of Whispers of the Elderoak

The bodies were being dragged off by soldiers and Thorne was speaking in hushed tones to Casimir, Quinn and Jorrar. She took a sip of tea and watched the group.

Thorne walked up to her, covered in black blood. “Are you alright?”

“I—I think so.” She looked up at him. “Are you?”

“I’m fine. None of us are injured.”

She sighed with relief.

“We’re meeting in the morning,” he reminded her.

“I know.”

“No more secrets, Ava,” he said, voice stern. “You must tell us everything.”

“I will,” she promised, looking at him.

“Casimir will escort you back to the castle. Get some rest.” He left and joined the others.

She wanted to apologize. To beg for forgiveness for putting this whole city in danger. For bringing back their enemies and re-opening this war. Though she’d only been with the fae over a week and in Mosshaven a couple of days, she was already falling in love with its people. With the way they accepted her without question, with how they cared for their city and each other. She wanted to say she was sorry, but her shame was too great, and the words wouldn’t come.

Casimir walked over to her. “Let’s go.”

She rose and followed him through the pub into the street, the others not acknowledging her departure as they busied themselves with cleaning up the mess. They walked silently next to each other, Casimir on alert for any more potential danger.

She shivered and crossed her arms over herself as they walked, the night breeze blowing hair loose from her long braid. Casimir’s boots echoed, and a small waterfall trickled inthe distance. The streets were almost empty, most of the citizens holed up safely in their houses.

Casimir glanced at her several times before breaking the silence. “Are you okay?”

“Not really,” she responded, looking ahead.

He hummed in acknowledgment but didn’t speak further as they reached the castle at last. She thought she could feel anger coming from him and knew he was likely furious the daemons were able to infiltrate the city under his watch. What she wasn’t expecting was anger directed at her.

They entered the suite and Casimir immediately ordered her to sit. She plopped on the couch and looked at him, hands in her lap as he paced in front of her.

He stopped and turned to her. “How long have you known?”

“Known what?”

“That you were fae.”

“Not long. I had suspicions but confirmed it when I was at the camp.”

“So…” He rubbed the back of his neck. “When we found you, you knew?”

“Yes.”

“Why didn’t you say anything?” he asked, voice sharp.

She laughed. “You’re joking, right?”

He narrowed his eyes as he stepped closer to her. “I don’t joke.”

“Ha,” she scoffed. “Sure. Whatever. You never would have believed me.”

He was silent.

She slowly stood and faced him. “See? You wouldn’t have.”

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