Page 9 of Venomous Lies
“Keep your talking to a minimum, little witch. If you’re going to argue, take it outside.”
Chapter 3
Isla
MONDAY
What the actual fuck? No one has ever heard Cassius and me before.
My head whipped around to stare at the fae, wide-eyed, but she met my shocked expression with a knowing stare. If she knew that we were talking at all, it was likely she also knewwhatwe were talking about.Shit.
Cassius remained silent, though I could feel his confusion in my mind.
We’d have to talk later.
“I’d have to be down by the ocean for the waves to drown you two out,” the woman continued dryly when I didn’t muster a response. “Though it seems to be a surprise to you and your friend there.”
“I’m not sure what to say,” I replied after a moment of thought. I licked my lips, betraying my nerves, as my mind raced. How the fuck could I phrase my questions as non-questions? Fae social customs always seemed odd, but there was no way I was going to be knowingly rude to a fae I had just met.
“At least you aren’t lying about it, child.” She pursed her lips, dark green and rich brown eyes inscrutable. How I wished I knew what her thoughts were, but it seemed I would be left guessing. “A decency that most who enter my domain don’t bother with.”
“Everyone deserves respect to start with.” I spoke slowly, carefully assessing the weight of each word. “Whether they keep getting that respect is based on one’s actions.”
Her smile was sharp enough to kill. “And wise beyond your years.” She clicked her tongue. “Browse, pick your items, then come to the register when you’re ready.”
Then she turned away, walking toward the back of the house, and that was when I saw the hint of a door beyond. This home looked too small to have more rooms, but when dealing with the fae, you could never fully trust your senses.
Wells broke the silence after the woman had been gone for a few minutes. “That was weird.” I let out a shaky breath, feeling the weight of his focus on me.
“It was,” I agreed. “Anyway, where is this tea you mentioned? I think I could use a strong cup once I’m back in my room.”
Wells didn’t push me, though I could tell he had questions. Thankfully, he just walked over to an antique hutch that was filled to the brim with teas. I rushed over, lightly pushing him out of my way, and started examining each box.
Black tea, green tea, herbal teas… There were so many options. Excitement bubbled inside of me as the scent of fresh herbs teased my senses. I would definitely be back again, so I’d better start with just one this time.
Wellschuckled and left me to it, walking away to look at whatever he was interested in.
My fingers glided over the engraved labels on the dividers of the wooden display box, tracing the names of each tea until I stalled on one.
Dreamwalker.
Butterfly pea flowers, passion flower, and blue lotus flower, among a handful of other herbs that didn’t look to be of the mundane variety.
The blend sounded wonderful, and I could almost feel the power charged into the loose leaves when I picked up the sealed pouch from the box.
I’d start with just one tea this time and see how I liked it, though I suspected I’d love anything I got from here. Everything about the teas exuded high quality.
Muttering drew my attention, and I glanced around to find Wells browsing a collection of books a little ways away. He didn’t seem like he was going to be done anytime soon, so I walked over to check out the blankets.
They were beautifully woven. The intricate detail reminded me of the coat I had seen Professor Ambrose wearing the evening he handed me my invitation to Greywood. Were the runes fae in origin, or were they from some other ancient language I didn’t know?
A faint hollow clinking drew my attention from the blankets to the bone wind chimes outside. Another fae entered my thoughts.Bricriu. Distant, cold, and prickly at the best of times.
My bonded mate.
Crazy how much had changed in such a short amount of time.
My mark throbbed, and a sudden chill made me shiver.
