Page 60 of The Tracker's Revenge
So Jake’s caution wasn’t silly at all. Besides, it was nighttime, and the moon cast elongated shadows all around us, making the forest downright spooky.
“We should head for the city,” I said.
“Which way?” He peered at the forest with distrust.
I grabbed him by the shoulders, turned him around, and watched his face as he took in the majestic Fae capital. His mouth opened in an “O” of amazement, and I was tempted to kiss him again, to trap his full lower lip between my teeth and lightly suck on it, but instead, I faced Elyndell too and got my own fresh wave of astonishment.
By night, the Seelie Fae capital looked entirely different than it had during the day. Impossibly, it was more beautiful than I remembered.
From where we stood, Elyndell looked like a sprawling Christmas tree with the Vine Tower as its peak. Warm lights glowed inside the many buildings that seemed to grow straight out of the ground. Lanterns hung from branches, illuminating the mossy paths that meandered between the structures. A sense of wellbeing, quiet, and comfort suffused me at the sight of such an idyllic place.
“Wow,” Jake exclaimed in a rush of breath, “I had no idea.”
“I know, right? It’s like heaven or something.”
Just then, the sound of rustling bushes came from behind us, sending my heart into a dash.
“Um, maybe not exactly heaven,” I said, peering wearily over my shoulder. “Unless heaven hides unknown creatures with equally unknown intentions. Let’s get out of here.” I grabbed Jake’s hand and led him forward at a clipped pace.
“Unknown creatures of unknown intentions?” He staggered as I jerked his arm.
“Damien said to be cautious, especially at night.”
It was Jake’s turn to pull me along toward the city. When we reached its edge, he finally stopped. “Which way?”
“Down this path.”
As we walked in front of a row of houses built straight into the trunk of a tree and waved awkwardly at all of those who glared at us from their windows, I was struck by the timid quality of Jake’s movements. He had always seemed so confident back in our realm that it was odd to see this behavior. Talk about a fish out of water. Not that I didn’t understand how he felt. I was in the same boat, but I never thought of him as insecure or vulnerable, and in the last hour, I’d seen both. It warmed my heart to see the different depths of who he was.
“So tell me more about this guy we’re looking for?” Jake asked under his breath.
“His name is Glimlock Oakenhorn.”
“Is he a nice guy? Or one of those creatures of unknown intentions?”
“Oh, no, he’s very nice. If it wasn’t for him, we wouldn’t have this.” I placed a hand over my breast pocket, where the vial of elixir rested safely.
“And he lives nearby?” I could sense in his voice that despite the beauty of the city, Jake had no desire to stay longer than necessary.
“Yeah, just up the hill.” I pointed toward a flower-covered knoll, across a stone bridge ahead.
“Good. Let’s hurry.” He pressed forward, marching over the bridge and totally ignoring the crystalline brook below us.
We trod up the hill, the smell of honeysuckle blossoms thick in our noses. As we reached the peak, a tall shadow stepped from behind a tree and blocked our path. We came to an abrupt stop. Jake crouched, his claws unsheathing at the first sign of the threat. My own claws threatened to make an appearance, but the shape and the scent emanating from the person were terribly familiar.
“Wait!” I put a hand on Jake’s shoulder.
I knew just the guy who always seemed to be shrouded in shadows and had a knack for crossing my path at unexpected moments.
“Prince Kalyll, is that you?” I asked.
There was a deep chuckle, then the Seelie Prince stepped forward, the shadows falling away like some sort of discarded cloak. His midnight blue hair shone under the dim moonlight, pointed ears peeking through the few beaded braids that hung at the sides. His face tattoos were a stark contrast against his pale skin, making him look intimidating. He wore an embroidered tunic with a sword at his hip that added to the threatening air.
“Well met, Antonietta Sunder,” he said with a small bow.
Jake maintained his threatening stance, his claws showing no signs of retreating. “What the hell is he doing here?” he demanded with a rumble in his chest.
This was sonotthe time for male posturing, especially with the Prince of the realm. If we pissed him off, we could end up in some earthen dungeon to never be seen again.
