Page 19 of #Resort Love
Standing from the chair, I snorted and walkedup behind Aster. “I appreciate you,” I said, giving her a quick pat on her head.
Aster twisted in her chair, cursing, throwing another pen my way and I laughed. It was the first real laugh I felt in days since Ambrose found Sybil. Picking the pen from the floor, I waved it at her. “Thanks for this,” I grinned before pulling my magic to me, transferring myself back to my room.
Chapter 11
Sybil
Aknock sounded from my door, waking me from a deep sleep. Groaning, I turned over, pulling a pillow over my head, hoping to drown out the sound. The knocking paused for a moment before starting again, this time growing louder and more persistent. Grumbling, I sat up, blinking so my eyes could adjust to the bright light coming in from the windows.
Stretching over to my bedside table, I reached for my phone but stopped short. I wasn’t at home—I no longerhada home. The chaos of yesterday quickly came rushing back and I frowned at the glaring luster of the room glimmering from the beams of light. Through all the mayhem of yesterday, I had forgotten to grab my phone on the way out. Not that it would have work here anyway. I rubbed at the tightness in my chest, feeling oddly numb without it.
The knock sounded again, and I grimaced, crawling out of the warm, plush bed and made my way to the door. Swinging it open, my frown deepened into a scowl when Samian’s brightsmile widened, his gaze drifting down and back up again. Amusement glittered in his eyes at the sight before him. Gone was his mask of iciness.
“Looks like someone had a good sleep,” he laughed, a small dimple forming as he grinned. My heart fluttered in my chest at the sight, but I pushed it as far out of mind as I could.
Rolling my eyes, I turned back to my room and padded to the bathroom, leaving the door open for Samian to saunter in. Hearing the door close behind me, I glanced back, making sure Samian stayed in the living area before rushing to the mirror.
Swearing, I leaned in close to my reflection. I had sleep well last night, and it showed. Cringing, I quickly brushed out my knotted hair and rinsed away the drool that had crusted on the side of my mouth before moving to the closet.
I didn’t pack any clothes when I left. I didn’t even think about it when Ambrose pushed me out of the house. I wasn’t even sure Liam would haveletme pack my things before leaving. His fear had been too strong to allow me that. My heart squeezed at the reminder.
It felt strange to think of Nemos as my new home. My friends and family were so far away, but maybe it was a blessing that they weren’t closer. With this curse running through my veins, I wouldn’t have to worry about hurting them or further tainting any of the warm memories I cherished of them. Shoving that thought aside, I focused on looking for clothes.
Opening an armoire, I found a pair of black leggings that fit well enough and a beautiful burgundy tunic. I quickly slipped them on and studied myself in the mirror. Lifting my arms, the sleeves of the tunic flowed wider toward my elbows, making me scrunch my nose. I looked like a character straight out of a “Lord of the Rings” movie. Running my hands down the front, I noticed the pretty golden designs sewn along the top andbottom of the tunic, reminding me of leaves blowing in the wind.
Sighing, I took in the view in front of me again. I couldn’t decide what to make of my reflection. While I was on the shorter and more curvy side, the tunic was flattering, outlining the shape of my body beautifully. The color was nice as well, softening the curves of my face and making my hazel eyes appear more green, but I felt out of place. It was like my reflection was an imposter of some kind, as ifIwere in a strange new body that felt lighter and stronger.
Biting on my bottom lip, I ran my hands over the tunic again before slipping on the sneakers I wore yesterday. I made my way back to the living area, finding Samian perusing through the different trinkets on the shelves and tables.
Clearing my throat, Samian twisted, quickly inspecting me, and hummed his approval. “The clothes look like they fit well. I hope the color is okay.”
“It is,” I said, smoothing out the lines of the tunic, trying to fight off the heat building in my face. “I like burgundy and gold, though I feel a bit weird. I’m not used to clothes like this.”
Samian laughed softly. “It will take some time, but I’m sure you’ll get used to life here,” he said, smiling warmly. “I noticed that you didn’t eat last night. Would you like to come with me for some breakfast?”
As if on cue, my stomach growled. Samian laughed again as my face burned.
“Come, let’s get you something to eat.”
We made our way through the endless hallways of marble and gold. I tried making mental notes of all the turns so I wouldn’t get lost in the future, but quickly gave up. This place felt like a labyrinth. How anyone knew their way around here was astounding.
We finally arrived at the dining hall, the tall wooden doors opening to a large room with walls of massive arched windows. A glittering chandelier made of glass hung in the middle. There were multiple long wooden tables spread throughout the room with cream-colored velvet chairs. Each table had plates of assorted meats and pastries, coffee and teas.
The room was bustling with women in shiny silk and gossamer dresses, their hair finely pinned, as well as well-dressed men chatting happily away. Their voices filled the room, but a wave of silence rippled through the crowd when they saw me enter beside Samian.
Judging by their looks, everyone in the dining hall was a high fae like Ambrose and Samian. Each one of them was as breathtakingly beautiful as the next, yet their pretty faces were carved with arrogance while they leaned toward each other, whispering insults about me, and about Samian.
I clenched my hands into tight fists, my knuckles turning white as the whispers about my wild ashy hair, my short stature, and my too thick curves grew louder. I paused when laughter from a familiar voice came from a table close by. Glancing over, Arianna and Ezra sat with a group of delicately dressed fae. Their brightly colored dresses put my plain tunic to shame. Rolling the hem of my tunic, unease crept up my spine. Noticing my stare, Arianna stood and gracefully made her way to me, her delicate golden hair glistening in the light, looking like woven gold.
My back straightened when Arianna stopped in front of me, her viper’s smile laced with venom. “Well, well, look who finally decided to grace us with her presence,” she said, her voice sweet and colorful.
The table behind her erupted with soft giggles, but quickly quieted when Samian snarled at them viciously. “Is theresomething you need, Arianna?” The sharpness in his voice made me want to curl up and hide.
“Oh no, Samian. What could you do for me? Or her, for that matter?” Arianna laughed, her eyes glinting with conceit. Slowly raking her gaze down and back up again, her lips curled in disgust. “You obviously don’t belong here, girl. Why don’t you go back to where you came from?” Arianna laughed cruelly and snapped her fingers. “Oh, yes, from what I’ve heard, you can’t.”
Her songlike laughter echoed through the dining room, the other high fae joining in. Heat crawled up my chest to my face, and I glanced around the room. Thankfully Ezra didn’t join the laughter, his body rigid, his hard gaze fixed on Arianna, tracking her every move. Behind me, Samian growled, grabbing my arm to pull me behind him. But the thought of needing him to protect me made me sick.
Jerking my arm from Samian’s grip, I stepped up to Arianna, my heart pounding. “What the hell do you know?” I sneered, unable to contain the shame masked in anger.
