Page 13 of Blood Weaver
“If you’re wrong, will you take responsibility?”
“Yes,” I answered confidently. “I’m not wrong. And if you have any qualms, you know where to find me.” I pointed to the ceiling. “I live on the second floor.”
He stared at me unblinking. “Very well. I hope for your sake that you’re correct.” With that, Caelan spun on his heels and left, leaving the governor running behind him to catch up.
Once the excitementof the day passed, I finally had a moment to get ready to spend the evening of the lantern festival at the Rose Petal Lounge. Jogging upstairs to my room, I picked outmy clothes, which were a stark contrast to what I usually wore every day.
I chose a flowing dress of deep indigo, which shimmered with silver embroidery that depicted crescent moons and delicate willow branches. The fabric was soft and it swayed effortlessly with every step, echoing the ethereal beauty of the night. Around my waist, I donned a sash of pale silver, which was tied into a loose bow at my back. My dark hair was pulled up into a graceful chignon, adorned with tiny silver pins that gleamed like stars. Tiny droplets of moonstones hung from my ears, catching the faint light.
Once dressed, I stepped out the front door and was immediately engulfed in the mesmerizing charm of the lantern festival. The streets of Lomewood had transformed into an ethereal realm. Countless lanterns floated above, illuminating the night with their warm, soft glow. They ranged in size from tiny orbs to large balloons and were painted with intricate patterns and designs, each telling a unique story or symbolizing a special wish.
The cobblestone streets were lined with vibrant stalls, each decorated with strings of colorful lights and glimmering ornaments. Merchants showcased their best wares, from delicious street foods to handcrafted trinkets. Musicians played soft, enchanting melodies, filling the air with a magical ambiance as horse drawn carriages bustled down the streets to reach their destinations.
People from all over the Central Plains had gathered, dressed in their festive best. Children ran around with sparklers, their laughter echoing through the streets, while couples and families released lanterns into the sky, each carrying a silent wish.
As I walked to the Rose Petal Lounge, I quickly became lost in the mesmerizing beauty of the festival. The very air seemedto hum with energy and hope. Nights like these made me fall in love with Lomewood all over again.
The only thing that could make this night better was if Selene had the freedom to leave the lounge and enjoy the festival. But Madam Rose wasn’t going to miss out on one of the most popular days of the year. Selene was one of her most popular courtesans, and this would be one of the busiest nights … which brought me to the doorstep of the Rose Petal Lounge. If Selene couldn’t enjoy the festival, then neither could I.
A tap on my shoulder pulled me out of my morose thoughts. When I looked beside me, my mood plummeted. “What do you want, Orion?” I asked the fae walking beside me.
I’d met Orion years ago when Sir Edric and I did a stint in Ellyndor. He just happened to show up in the Central Plains a year after we arrived.
Orion, with his silvery hair, striking emerald eyes, and delicate, glowing skin, looked every bit the fae that he was. Tall and lean with pointed ears, there was a certain elegance to his movements that gave away his otherworldly origin. His pale lips turned upward in a teasing smile that I’d long ago learned not to trust.
“You act as though you're not happy to see me,” Orion drawled, his voice dripping with faux hurt. His eyes twinkled with mischief, a trait all too common in his kind.
“Because I'm not,” I replied sharply. “What are you doing here?”
He chuckled, the sound airy and carefree. “Can't I enjoy the lantern festival like everyone else?”
I eyed him suspiciously. With the fae, there was always an ulterior motive. “There are plenty of other places to enjoy the festival. Why here?”
Orion shrugged, his glimmering eyes never leaving mine. “Perhaps I wanted some company, and who better than you?”
I snorted. “We're not friends, Orion. And your definition of 'company' usually involves me getting into some sort of trouble.”
He feigned shock. “Now, Leila, you wound me. After all the times I've helped you out of a tight spot? Granted, they were spots I might have gotten you into in the first place, but still.”
Our relationship was, in one word, complicated. Orion had an uncanny knack for showing up at the most inconvenient times. Yet, there were instances when he had genuinely assisted me, though those moments were few and far between. Despite his seemingly lighthearted and playful demeanor, there was always a hidden agenda with him, a riddle to be solved or a deal to be made. This unpredictability was why I didn’t fully trust him. With Orion, nothing was ever as simple as it seemed.
“I don't have time for your games tonight,” I said as I tried to move past him.
But he effortlessly matched my pace. “Who said anything about games? Maybe I genuinely want to spend time with you and, oh, what is that lovely girl’s name …? Oh, right, Selene.”
I growled. “Stay away from Selene. I’ve told you this on more than one occasion. She can’t afford your trouble.”
He grinned. “AndI’vetoldyouplenty of times that I can free her. Why don’t you let me?”
“Because with you, there are always conditions, and I’m not sure I can pay them.”
He chuckled. “Always the smart one.”
I glanced at him with naked skepticism evident on my face. “If I know anything about the fae, it's that you're rarely genuine.”
His grin widened. “You're always so quick to judge. Maybe one day, you'll see therealme.”
“The day that happens,” I retorted, “will be the day the skies turn green.”
