Page 20 of A Touch of Iron
I kept a steady pace as I walked toward it, keeping my steps slow and measured so I didn’t attract attention. Just as I started to pass through the gates, someone grabbed my forearm, squeezing tightly.
“Show yourself,” a man grunted.
“Why?” I asked nervously.
“We’re looking for a female Unseelie who escaped Madam Qing’s brothel. Now show yourself!” He reached for my hood to rip it off when someone grabbed his wrist.
“And what do you think you’re doing?”
Oh, thank the gods. It was Creed.
“Madam Qing lost someone. I’m making sure she returns,” the guard declared.
Were they looking for me so they could lock me up in the brothel? Is that what happened with the dancers I saw? My heart pounded at lightning speed as I realized what was happening.
“She’s with me,” Creed lied. “She’s not one of Madam Qing’s dancers. I can assure you of that.”
“Well, I still need to double check,” the guard insisted.
Creed chuckled. “Is my word not enough for Madam Qing anymore?” Flames engulfed his hand in an open threat. Even I flinched.
The guard cleared his throat. “Of course not.” He released my arm and Creed freed the man’s wrist. Taking a step back, the guard watched warily as Creed took hold of my hand and ushered me out of Air Village.
We walked in relative silence for a mile before he cleared his throat. “What were you doing in Madam Qing’s brothel?”
“Who said I was there?” I countered.
Creed snorted. “You put the village in an uproar, Aurora. After a week of knowing you, I know you’re more than capable ofthat.”
I ripped off the hood and stopped in the middle of the trail, whirling on him. “I just wanted to see the village! Is that so wrong? I didn’t expect to make such a mess. I’m tired of being hidden away in the woods like I’ve done something wrong!”
Creed tilted his head and watched me with dark eyes. “Don’t you think you might be hidden away for your own safety?”
I rolled my eyes. “That would be great and all if someone would only tell me why!”
“What is it the humans always say? Ignorance is bliss?” Creed smirked. “It’s best if you don’t ask too many questions.”
I stepped toward him. “What do you know?” It was obvious he understood exactly what I was asking of him.
“For starters, I know you shouldn’t be roaming the streets of Air Village without any sort of knowledge about what goes on there,” he said dryly. “You should be more careful. I might not be around the next time you need saving … which seems like all the time,” he added with an eyeroll.
“You saved meonetime, buddy. Don’t get ahead of yourself.”
He snorted. “Twotimes. Don’t forget the Kelpie.”
I narrowed my gaze. “Fine. Two times. Trust me, there won’t be a third.”
Creed laughed. “We’ll see.”
10
ALEC
“She’s been gone a whole month. When is she returning?”
Ansel and I were sitting in his living area, keeping our voices hushed while Tessa slept in the next room.
I picked at some cheese and crackers on the table, trying to keep my voice neutral. “You know trials can take years. A month isn’t long at all.”
