What if it was a monstrous wild boar, like the one the adventurers had taken down? My throat clamped shut as more tears pooled in my eyes. I was scared. Hungry and cold too. I wanted Maddox and Briar. Wanted to be squished between them in a warm bed like I’d been last night, feeling so damn safe. Happy.
Not there in that forest, possibly being stalked by some beast that wanted me for dinner.
I curled up on the ground and closed my eyes. Evan the Brave. Yeah, right. Fear had me frozen in place, unable to move. Barely even able to breathe.
Then, I thought of Maddox tossing me one of his almost-smiles and saying something like, “So, you really are a damsel in need of saving.” Then, Briar would scoff at him before giving me a gentle, encouraging smile and telling me to get up.
Funny enough, thinking of them helped give me a boost of courage. Dying out there would prevent me from making things right with them.
Steeling my nerves, I grabbed a baseball-sized rock beside me and stood from the ground with it secured in my hand. If something wanted me for dinner, they’d have to fight for the privilege. I was top-shelf meat best enjoyed with a fine glass of wine, and I wouldn’t be treated like anything less. I charged forward and ventured through the maze of bushes and trees, continuing my search for a way out of the forest.
I found a clearing instead.
And in the clearing sat a small stone cottage with smoke billowing from the chimney. Warm firelight came from inside, spilling out into the cool late-spring night through various square windows. The smell of something cooking tickled my nose, luring me closer.
Creepy forest? Check.
Random cottage in the middle of said forest enticing a lost soul desperate for some shelter and a warm meal? Check.
Yep. An old witch most definitely lived inside, who would try to throw me into an oven and eat me. But right then, I’d take my chances. I mean, I had a rock. It was a totally legit and deadly weapon when fighting for your life.
“Who are you?” a menacing voice snarled from behind me.
My damn soul nearly exited my body as I jumped. And my amazing, incredibly deadly weapon? Yeah, I dropped it. The rock hit the ground with a depressingclunkand rolled away. I spun around and met a pair of glowing purple eyes. I also saw a flash of sharp teeth.
“Don’t eat me!” I shrieked. “I’m not top-shelf meat! I’m past my expiration date.”
“Who are you?” he repeated with that same snarl, only now it was gruffer. The rest of his face came into view then. Alabaster skin, purple eyes, and medium-length silver hair. And jutting up from that hair? White furry ears.
“E-Evan,” I stammered. “My name’s Evan.”
“Why are you here?” The last word sounded like a growl as it was spoken through clenched teeth. His defenses were sky-high.
“I got lost.” Oh no. I sensed a ramble coming on, but I had no control over it. “I didn’t mean to. I was upset, you see. I’m kind of in love with two men, and they maybe love me too, and I don’t know how to choose between them. They’re upset at me. Probably. But not nearly as upset as I am with myself. So, I pulled a Snow White and fled the castle in tears, not really thinking about where I was going. I—”
“The castle?” he interjected, and if I thought he seemed on guard before, he really was now. More than that, he looked pissed. Anger rolled off him. His purple eyes trailed my body once before he stepped toward me. “Golden hair and green eyes. You’re one of the princes.”
“What? No, I’m not.” I waved my hands around. “It’s flattering you think so, but believe me, there’s not a royal bone in my body. I’m ordinary. A peasant. Or commoner. Whatever y’all call it here. No relation whatsoever to the royal household.”
He studied me with cold, untrusting eyes. “You say you aren’t a royal, yet you’re from the castle.”
“Well, I’m notfromthe castle. I live in one of the housing units on the grounds. Still trying to find where I fit, ya know? I was a stable boy for, like, a day. I also helped Briar, er, the court physician for a few days.”
More staring. His furry ears twitched. Then, he sharply exhaled. “Leave my sight at once. I’m in no mood for visitors.”
“I understand that. Unannounced visitors are the worst.” It was my chance to run far away, but I hesitated. Running away was how I’d gotten into this mess in the first place. “But I’m still lost. I was hoping the person who lived here could help me.”
“Your hope is misplaced. This is my home.” He walked past me, holding a wicker basket in one hand. “You won’t find any help here. Leave before I change my mind and decide to kill you after all.”
For some reason, I didn’t believe he would. And if I was wrong? Well, between him and all the unknown creatures lurking in the forest, I’d take my chances with him.
My gaze fell to his bushy white tail as he continued toward the cottage. Definitely a demi-human like Kuya. But he wasn’t a cat. A fox? Maybe a wolf. I trailed after him. “What’s your name? Do you live here alone?”
“Boy?” He stopped walking but didn’t turn around. “I told you to leave. Don’t make me tell you again.”
“Okay,” I weakly said, staring longingly at the cottage. It looked so cozy and warm. “Can you at least tell me which direction leads back to the castle?”
He released another breath before turning back to me. His purple eyes weren’t glowing anymore. Did it only happen when he was angry? “You’re bleeding.”
