Page 12 of Unseen Eye
We continue to explore the various stalls on our way to the food tent, sampling treats and admiring the crafts on display. At one point, we pass by a booth selling herbal remedies, and Garet glances at me with a knowing smile. “You should get Kendry something from here. Maybe it’ll put him in a good mood and he won’t make you train as hard.”
I chuckle, shaking my head. “I doubt that, but it’s worth a try.” I stuff a bag of crushed up lavender in my pocket to give to Kendry later. It’s his favorite extra to his tea.
As we continue through the festival, I find myself scanning the crowd, my eyes darting from face to face, searching for any sign of the man from last night. Each time I don’t spot him, a pang of disappointment settles in my chest. It’s silly, I tell myself, to think he would be here, blending in with the villagers. Yet, I can’t help but hope.
Garet notices and raises an eyebrow. “Looking for someone?”
I force another laugh. “No, just taking it all in.”
We wander to the food tent, where long tables are laden with a bountiful spread of roasted meats, fresh vegetables, and decadent pastries. The aroma is intoxicating, and my stomach rumbles in response. Garet hands me a plate, and we help ourselves to the delicious offerings.
As we look for a seat, I spot Nessa and Finn, their faces lighting up as they see us.
“Hey, you two!” Nessa calls out, waving enthusiastically.
“Finally, we find you guys,” Finn adds, a grin spreading across his face.
Garet glances at Finn’s empty plate and jokes, “Looks like you were searching pretty hard, judging by that empty plate.”
Finn laughs. “Hey, I work up an appetite when I’m on a mission. Besides, it’s not my fault the food was too good to resist.”
We join the table, our plates hitting the oak with a solid thud as conversation quickly picks up around us, laughter and teasing filling the space.
Nessa leans over, her eyes gleaming with mischief. “Eva, you are dancing tonight, right?”
I roll my eyes. “Dancing’s just... not my thing, Nessa. I’d rather focus on the food.” I gesture to my overflowing plate.
Finn chuckles. “Oh, come on. You’re just afraid your moves will leave us all in awe. Don’t be shy.”
I snort, trying to play it off. “Right. I’m sparing you all from the terror that is my dancing skills. You’re welcome.”
Garet gives me a smirk. “So generous of you. Rumor has it you’re such a danger on the dance floor that a new festival rule might be in order.”
I shoot him a look, trying not to smile. “You’re hilarious, really.”
But Nessa isn’t letting it drop. She nudges me with a grin. “Come on. Just one dance? For old times’ sake?”
I sigh, feigning reluctance even as I feel my face heat up. “Fine. But if anyone’s toes get stepped on, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
Garet grins, clearly pleased. “Noted. One dance, no complaints—though I might regret it.”
As the night deepens, the energy around us grows even more festive. Music fills the air, and laughter echoes through the streets, blending with the rhythmic clapping of hands and the cheerful shouts of children playing. It’s like the whole village collectively decided to forget their troubles for one night.
Dusk settles, and Garet and I find a spot near the center of it all, the bonfire crackling and sending flickers of light into the sky. Lanterns cast warm glows on the smiling faces around us, and musicians play with a fervor that draws everyone closer. As we head toward the dance floor, the music shifts into a slow, steady rhythm, and Finn throws me a mischievous grin before darting off. “Gotta go find the ladies,” he declares, vanishing into the crowd.
Nessa rolls her eyes, but trails after him with a sigh. “Someone’s got to make sure he doesn’t end up in the middle of another disaster,” she mutters, giving me a wink before she disappears, too.
That leaves me and Garet, standing just off the dance floor as couples drift into place. I feel my cheeks heat up as he raises an eyebrow and extends a hand. “You promised one dance,” he says, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
I try for a lighthearted quip to deflect the butterflies in my stomach. “Oh, I thought I’d be dancing with all of you. You know, as a group effort.”
But Garet’s expression softens as he looks at me, and for a moment, my nerves melt away. I sigh and place my hand in his, feeling the warmth of his fingers wrapping gently around mine as he leads me out onto the floor.
We fall into the slow, swaying rhythm, and for a few beats, Ilose myself in the easy grace of it. Garet’s hand rests carefully at my waist, and he meets my gaze with a grin. “You’re not that bad, you know.”
“Oh, just ‘not that bad?’ High praise.”
He laughs, giving me a gentle twirl that leaves me both dizzy and giddy. “I’m serious. If you wanted to, you could show them all up.”
