Total pages in book: 182
Estimated words: 171176 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 856(@200wpm)___ 685(@250wpm)___ 571(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 171176 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 856(@200wpm)___ 685(@250wpm)___ 571(@300wpm)
Finley added, “Though Weston is not sure how a true mate alpha pair will work.”
Nyfain’s eyes sparked fire as he looked over at her.
“I will not lie to her, Nyfain, or gloss over the truth.” Her eyes sparked right back. “You and Calia are going to go to war over this, and that’s fine, but she has a right to know all the facts. This is her life we’re dealing with.”
I felt a rush of gratitude that Finley was breaking things down for me. That she was trying to give me a fair picture regardless of what it might mean for her kingdom. Nyfain and Calia were focused on what I could give them—just as Granny had done. Finley was trying to help me decide what I wanted for myself. She was trying to look after me, her own interests be damned.
I also realized that this was what Finley had meant about my possibly needing to get away. Calia had been very nice, but she had hit all the hot buttons that could convince me to go. Nyfain clearly knew it and was prepared to play dirty in response. They were fighting over me. I went from a person no one wanted in their community to a person two kingdoms were fighting over.
I started laughing as a server refilled our glasses.
Nyfain turned his attention back to me. “Is something funny?”
“Yes. All of this.” I gestured around the extravagant room with the well-dressed servers and all the utensils needed for just one dinner. “Did you know I used to dream that I was a fairy? I used to dream that I would meet a fairy prince and live in his castle with attendants and white horses.”
An attendant bent to Nyfain’s ear, whispering something. Nyfain nodded, then focused back on me.
“Instead, you’ve met your true mate,” he said. “Something much more desirable than a fairy prince. Trust me.”
“Calia mentioned that she would have Granny captured,” I said, just to see his reaction.
Nyfain huffed humorlessly. “Calia is very good at telling people what they want to hear. We tried to hunt Granny and nearly caught her—I’m sure you remember. She’s gone underground. None of our informants have heard a word about her.”
“She sent her snacks to other kingdoms, by the way,” Finley cut in. “Deaths were reported. It was mayhem. She unloaded a lot of product trying to find you.”
“And she has,” I replied. “She may not be able to get to me, but she knows where I am.”
“You’re right, she does.” Finley inclined her head. “And though Hadriel is now working within the cities and towns trying to find both these elusive watchers and the people who brought in and released product right under our noses, he’s only gotten a couple leads. No solid hits. That woman is incredibly cunning. I’ve never seen anything like it. Neither have the fairies. You can believe whatever else you want, Aurelia, but do not believe Calia when she says they’ll capture Granny. She is being far too optimistic. We were at one time, as well. That is why you are here. We’ve seen the error of our ways.”
Her words sent tingles down my spine; her statement was more poignant because of how truthful she’d been a moment ago.
“Unlike the fairies,” Nyfain said, “we have Weston. He has devised a thorough defensive system that we are actively putting in place.”
Finley murmured, “I mentioned that to you the other day.” I nodded once, indicating I remembered.
“When we hear of trouble, we do not rest until we root it out,” he went on, rage seeping into his voice. “It is why you were found. It is why we continue to support you in your quest to end Granny’s dangerous products. We will not rest until your safety is guaranteed. We will protect you until you are trained enough to protect yourself.”
His vow sent more tingles running across my skin, as did Finley’s serious nod. Nyfain might’ve been playing with my emotions, having had access to my journals and knowing how desperate I’d always been for protection, but his declaration was still such a relief. The threat I faced now was different than it had been when I was young, but it was just as terrifying.
The next dish came out, and I was surprised to see that it was the chicken and potatoes I’d cooked before coming here.
“How’d . . .” I stared down at it. “Why?”
“Hadriel had it brought up. He said it was too good for us to pass up.” Nyfain scented the plate in front of him. “Smells delicious.”
“It might be a little dried out because it was left in the oven to warm.” I cut into it, slipping the bite into my mouth. I had to say, the spices really worked this time.
“Fucking hell,” Finley said, chewing with her eyes closed. “This is delicious.”