Page 96 of Whispers of the Elderoak

“There are women shorter than you?”

“A lot.” She rolled her eyes. “I usually towered over most of my friends. Even some men were shorter than me.”

“That’s…” He glanced at her as they walked. “Strange. You look dainty to me.”

“I’mnotdainty.”

“To us you are.”

They turned onto another street, this one less crowded than the rest of town. Crickets sung in the shrubs and the call of a nocturnal bird pierced the night as they continued under the canopy of trees.

“So, you said everyone’s going to be at the pub?”

“Yes, everyone.” Raine’s eyes twinkled as he looked down at her. “Even Cas.”

“I don’t care if he’s there,” she replied, looking away.

“Oh really?” he asked. “Did I imagine you lusting after him this morning?”

“I wasn’t—I mean. He—” She clenched her fists as she walked next to him. “Fine. He’s good looking. I can appreciate a good-looking man. It’s not a big deal.”

“Mmm hmm,” Raine murmured, amused. “The pub’s just around this corner.”

“But I don’t want anything. With anyone,” she continued.

“Why not?”

“Maybe because the last man I fell for turned out to be a demon in disguise,” she replied bitterly.

“Good point. But you’ll probably change your mind eventually,” he said.

Ava huffed in frustration and picked up her speed, boots sounding on the cobblestones, leaving Raine behind. She turned the corner and immediately crashed into someone.

A low voice sounded as strong hands gripped her arms. “Whoa.”

It was Casimir. Arriving at the same time as them, from a different direction. And he looked devastatingly handsome in a dark tunic and pants, his unbound hair adorned with braids. Despite her insistence to Raine that she wanted nothing, hertraitorous heart skipped a beat at the feeling of Casimir’s hands on her arms and the way the corner of his lips tilted as he looked knowingly down at her.

“Shit,” Ava backed up as Casimir let go. “Sorry, I wasn’t paying attention.”

“That’s the second time you’ve done that today.” Raine said from beside her, having easily caught up with her haste to get away.

“It happens a lot,” she admitted.

Casimir turned to head into the pub. “See you two in there,” he said, then disappeared into the building.

Ava took a deep breath and grabbed the handle of the door as Raine whispered, “Need I remind you fae have excellent hearing.”

She stopped and turned toward him. “Did he hear us?”

“Probably.” He shrugged and gave her a sly smile.

“I can’t go in there now.”

“Sure, you can,” he said as he reached over her and opened the door. “Cas will pretend like he didn’t hear anything. He’s almost as awkward as you are.” He turned her around and pushed her forward slightly. “Now let’s go.”

The pub was full of high fae and lesser fae creatures. There were goblins laughing and drinking with a group of orcs, while pixies darted above Ava’s head. Giant golden chandeliers hung from the warm wood ceiling covered in candles, illuminating the dark space. Several bar maidens waltzed around with trays of snacks and pints, serving the full tables with a smile. There was an air of cheer about the place; everyone was laughing or dancing as they enjoyed a relaxed evening after a long day.

One wall was completely open to the outside, leading to a fenced in seating area under the trees. Glowing orbs were suspended among the branches, providing light for the area. Raine came up next to her and pointed toward the outdoor tables. “They’re over there.”

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