by A. Vers
Chol grabs my hand. “This pretty girl is taken.”
I flush but don’t correct him as he urges me around the male and down the sidewalk. “What is he?” I ask under my breath.
“Harpy,” he mutters back. “Probably half-blood. They like shiny things and pretty people.” His eyes flow over me. “And you fit both of those.”
“Covering up now.” I pull my sleeves down over the bracelets I donned in the coach.
Chol stays close to my side, trailing after Nix as the Hallow traverses the busy sidewalks with ease. People and creatures press in on every side. It’s hard not to stare. Not to gawk at the elaborate outfits, elliptical pupils, scales, and tails.
My fingers tighten around Chol’s as a lion man walks past in jeans and a trench coat, full mane protruding from the open neck of his flannel. His vibrant yellow eyes gleam in the lamp light, and his whiskers are pale, translucent white.
He inclines his head to me with a feral smile, flashing sharp, cat teeth. I stumble a bit.
And careen into a wall of hot muscle.
Nix grabs my arm, hauling me around the corner of a tall glass tower. The bottom floor is boxed in with strange panels made of some sort of webbing. It darkens the rooms beyond. But there is still enough light to take in the frustrated expression on the Hallow’s face.
“You’re like a damn tourist,” he growls.
I rub my arm where his grip has seared my skin. “I’ve never seen a…” I look at Chol. “What was he?”
Chol sighs. “A shedu.”
My eyes widen before I can stop them.
Nix’s teeth bare in a grimace. “You are a damn tourist.”
I cross my arms. “Am not.”
He scrubs his hands over his face, pulling at his jaw before rubbing the back of his neck. Like he’s wiping away his frustration. “Is this the farthest you’ve gone from the embassy?” he asks.
My eyes dart and heat washes up my neck. “Yes.”
Chol searches my face as he steps closer. “Sayah, is this the first time you’ve been away from the embassy?”
My silence echoes through the narrow alley.
Chol rocks forward with a groan. Nix swears in a vehement stream and his boots flow over the cobbled path, eating up the ground as he paces in increasingly agitated loops.
“We brought her to the worst possible city for this,” he grumbles, more to himself than to anyone else.
“She’s with us, Nix. We can keep her safe.”
Nix’s dark head jerks up, gaze blistering Chol. “And protect you, too?”
I stiffen. “I’m perfectly capable of defending myself,” I say fast, unwilling to watch them fight.
They exchange a long look.
Chol gently snares my hands, squeezing slightly. “And any other time, I would agree. But you’re a little--star struck, right now.”
Nix scoffs a noise that sounds suspiciously like ‘little’ and leans against the half-wall behind him.
I ignore his attitude. “I know. And I’m sorry. I’m not trying to slow either of you down. But I can take care of myself. And if that means putting on blinders…Well, I can do that too.”
Chol squeezes my hands again before stepping back. “Okay. We need shelter, food. A place to get our bearings.” He peers at Nix. “Theories?”
The Hallow pushes from the stone wall. “You already know my opinion on that.”
Chol glowers. “No. Especially not now.”
Nix rolls his eyes. “She can stay in a room there.”
I turn to take in both of them. “A room? Where?”
Chol shakes his head, the motion resolute and fierce. “Doesn’t matter. We’ll go somewhere else.” He moves toward the exit of the short alley, Nix close on his heels. Though they argue low enough I can’t hear, I don’t need to.
Wherever it is that Nix thinks we should go, Chol is having none of it.
And there is no sense adding my naivety to the tension spiraling between them. Careful to keep up, and keep my expression jaded and empty, I follow them back out into the thick of Emerald City, pretending with everything in me that I’ve been to a big city before.
Ѻ
The Yellow Heart Inn is older but clean. Sort of anyway.
I trail Nix and Chol into the gloomy interior. The latticed windows around the main room give views of the city streets beyond. But the beings and buildings are little more than blurs behind the dingy glass.
Nix leads the way to the bar in the corner of the busy room. His cloak billows around him, and with Chol’s hood up, the only one that really sticks out is me.
A short dwarf cleans glasses behind the counter. His bushy beard lays down the worn flannel covering his thick chest. A battle axe rests within easy reach as he offers us a smile, showcasing a gap between his front teeth. It’s oddly endearing.
“Welcome lads and lass,” he says, deep voice boisterous, gruff. It brings a smile to my lips. “What can ye ol’ Yellow Heart do fer ya?”
Nix gestures between us. “We’re looking for a room for a few hours and a meal, if there is anything available.”
The dwarf sets his mug and rag upon the counter, eyes twinkling with mischievous light. “A few hours, eh?”
He jumps down and disappears for a moment before walking around the edge of the bar. Away from his stool, he reaches shoulder height on me. “Aye. We may be able to accommodate ya.” He takes in the three of us. “You’ll be wanting a large bed, aye? Enough room fer the three of ya to stretch out?”
Chol stills and my face flames brighter than the fire roaring in the hearth.
“That’s not--” I start, head whipping between them, “I mean, we just—”
Nix slips an arm around my waist. My heart hammers at his nearness. “It’s okay, love,” he murmurs, dropping his head to nuzzle my hair. If my heart beats any harder— With a keen glint to his eyes, he glances at the dwarf. “We’re newlyweds and came to Emerald City for a bit of a holiday. Ran into a new friend.” He gestures, and Chol pushes his hood back just enough to showcase his striking beauty.
The dwarf tuts under his breath. “Never thought I’d see the day when one of Wicked’s boys would work outside those dark halls.” He starts walking, and I shove Nix off as soon as our host turns away.
The Hallow glares at me behind the dwarf’s back as he straightens his clothing. I gesture animatedly, making wide sweeps about stabbing him violently. Chol snorts but smothers it with a cough. Obviously my daggering obsession extends to more than just the hot cambion.
Nix’s lips twitch but he doesn’t close the distance again. And I can’t decide if I’m relieved, or insanely disappointed.
“Don’t worry, I won’t tell on ya. Wicked charges too much for board anyway,” the dwarf continues over his shoulder as we start down a long side hall.
“As we have been on the road for a bit,” Nix adds, “would you mind bringing the food to us?”
The dwarf unlocks the door to a room with a low ceiling of thick rough-cut timbers. “Not at all, Master…”
Nix inclines his muscular body. “Laten. Mr. and Mrs. Laten.” He hands over several thick silver coins and the dwarf walks off with quite a bit of life in his step.
I shove past Nix and stalk inside. Sure enough, a massive quilt and fur covered bed rests across from the fireplace. The thick posts are hand carved and rugged. Dancing flames are the only source of light in the room, and shadows trail out from the edges of the chamber, seemingly alive and impenetrable. I try not to shudder.
The door closes with a soft snick, making me whirl. Chol slips around me with a sweet smile, but my gaze is locked on his guard with malice.
My hands land on my hips. “Are you insane?” I hiss.
Nix huffs and crosses his arms. “Would you rather us separate?”
“Well…” I peer between them, “no.”
“Didn’t think so,” he mutters.
My expression turns pleading. “But this?”
His features soften slightly.
“You give off innocence like most women wear perfume. It was the best way to explain two men and a young woman seeking a single room together in Emerald City.”
He drops a rather heavy looking pack in front of the door. “So we rest for a bit, eat, recharge as much as we are able, and head for Hemlock. Our little lie will keep the innkeeper away and he will guarantee no one bothers his young romantic guests.”
“He’s right,” Chol says from behind me. I turn to find him collapsed back on the bed. His sweatshirt has ridden up with his sprawling, flashing two inches of chiseled abs and hips. “No one ever interrupts a cambion at work.”
If possible, my face heats more.
He sits up, and muscle bunches with the motion. I have to look away. “Rest for a bit, Sayah.”
The words while you can hang unspoken in the air.
Looking between them, I try not to notice the tightness in their frames or the dark circles under Nix’s eyes. They have been running for so long…
Worry and a trace of heat filters through my insides. I can at least be honest with myself. Most of my hang up is being alone with them. It’s not that I think they will hurt anything but my heart… And yet the worry remains.
I sigh and shrug my pack from my shoulders. “It’s fine,” I say, forcing my awkwardness down. “Just a few hours.”
They both seem to sag in relief.
Nix drops into the only armchair, leaving me with a choice of the head of the bed or a place at the two-seater table.
Eyeing Chol warily, I skirt the room and ease onto the down mattress. As far from the Prince as I can get.
“I won’t bite,” Chol murmurs into the quiet, a petulant frown coloring his voice.
Nix snorts. “Yes, you will, and she’ll need shots afterwards.”
Chol raises one arm and merrily flips him off. Nix returns the vulgar gesture with gusto and the jabs continue.
It’s such easy banter between them. More friends than liege and guard. They trade insult after insult, some I am pretty sure are anatomically impossible and a few that leave even my ears red.
I sit on the bed and laugh until tears roll down my aching cheeks.
Chol’s head tilts back, gold and platinum hair mussing in the blanket. Even Nix appears surprised at the sound.
My chuckles fade to a smile. I crush a thin pillow to my chest and lean back into the rough headboard, trying to find sobriety. But my lips tremor anyway. “So, how do we get to Hemlock from here?” I finally manage to ask.
Chol rolls over on his side, pillowing his chin on his hand. “Depot would be fastest.”
“There is no connector from Emerald City to Hemlock,” Nix murmurs. “Bad trade exchange.”
“But Crux is right down the tracks, right? It’s a small port like Fent, but far enough that Hemlock should transport to and from.”
Nix seems to think it over. “That may work.”
Chol makes a face. “But that means we need to walk again.”
I throw the pillow at him. He catches it easily and tucks it under his head. My eyes roll. “A little walking won’t kill you,” I remind him.
He huffs. “Yeah, but a lot will. Especially with no food.” He turns coyly to the Hallow.
Nix climbs to his feet with something like a growl of frustration. “Fine, oh great prince. I’ll see what’s taking so long.”
He walks out the door and Chol climbs up on all fours to dive into the pillows next to me. I bounce as he settles down. He snares one of the fluffy bits and shoves it over his eyes.
“Finally.” The word comes out muffled.
I gently lift a corner of the pillow hiding him. His silver eyes gleam in the dimness. “Didn’t you sleep the whole way here?” I ask.
His lips curve. “And?”
I raise a brow. “And Nix hasn’t slept at all. Maybe you should take first watch.”
He presses one hand to his chest. “Me? Keep watch?” I nod. “My dear Sayah. A cambion prince does not keep watch for anyone.”
I shove the pillow back into his face.
He snarls playfully and bursts upward. Strong arms lash around me, cinching me to his chest to pull me down onto the mattress. My pulse thrums as he leans over me with a wicked grin.
“You could’ve suffocated me,” he says, no trace of anger in his voice or expression.
I smirk. “I know. I was trying to.”
Another low rumble leaves him and his head lowers toward mine. The door opens.
I roll away, gliding to my feet beside the bed. My heart races like a trapped thing in my chest, but Chol remains unabashedly stretched over the mattress.
Nix stands poised in the doorway, eyes vivid as they go between Chol and myself. His hands tighten around the tray in his grasp. Without a word, he sets his burden down hard on the small table. “Eat.”
Chol climbs up from the bed and dives upon what appears to be a bowl of thick stew and a loaf of bread. Tearing off a thick chunk, he dips it in the bowl and slurps down the morsel with zeal. His moan is loud.
My cheeks heat in response to the throaty sound.
Nix just shakes his head, grabs his armchair, and places it in front of the door. As he drops gracefully into it, he points to the table. “You need to eat, Sayah.”
I unpeel myself from the wall. “So do you.”
His scoff is barely audible around the big chair. But I can surmise the words behind the sound.
With a sigh, I walk to the table and grab a hunk of bread. I slip around the chair. Tearing off a bite size piece, I offer it to him.
His normally bright eyes are darker in the dusky room as he watches me. “What are you doing?”
“I’ll eat if you do.”
“Good luck with that, Sayah.” Chol calls from the table around a mouthful of stew. “Getting him to do anything is like beating your head on a brick wall.”
Nix’s face heats a bit. “Shut up, Chol.”
Rolling my eyes, I wiggle the small, flaky morsel. “Come on. No one has eaten since dinner. And if you take a bite…I will.”
His jaw flexes and he grumbles under his breath. “This is stupid. I’ll eat later—”
“Nix!” I snap. He glares up at me. “You can’t protect Chol if you aren’t taking care of yourself too.” I press the bite close to his full lips. “Now eat or you’ll wear it.”
He searches my expression. “Fine. But you first.”
I growl but pop the bit into my mouth. The flaky fresh baked bread damn near dissolves on my tongue in a robust blend of savory and sweet. Closing my eyes, I groan. “Damn. Either I’m starving, or dwarves are the unknown kings of baking.”
The room is unearthly quiet, and I open my eyes.
Chol stares at me, spoon poised near his mouth and a wealth of heat filling his eyes. Face on fire, I glance at Nix, expecting a sneer or dry remark.
His eyes glitter as he gazes up at me. With slow, careful motions, he pushes up from the armchair to tower over me. His standing has put him within an inch of my body, and the distance is intimate, hot. He leans forward, waiting expectantly. Blushing harder, I pull off another bite and hold it out. He gingerly takes the piece of bread from my fingers and I shiver as his full bottom lip teases my skin.
Frozen in place, I watch as he swallows and licks his lips. “You were right,” he says, his voice deeper. “We should eat. I’m starving.”
I step back, cradling the little portion of bread to me. He grabs the big chair and takes it to the small table.
Nix drops into his seat and places a full bowl before the only empty chair before picking up the last one for himself. He snares a piece of bread and begins to eat with his usual quiet reserve. “Come on, Sayah,” he calls without looking at me.
I walk on stiff legs back to the table and sit down between them. Chol and I exchange a glance, but the cambion merely shrugs and goes back to his almost empty bowl.
With trembling fingers, I grab my spoon and join them. I tell myself it was nothing. A chance accident. But no matter
how much I tell my body that, my head replays the feeling of Nix’s soft bottom lip again and again.
Chapter 13
“Sayah. Come on. We need to go.” The voice is familiar, but odd for the strangely warm dark of my bedroom.
I burrow down deeper into the pillow under my head and swat at the hand shaking me. “Sleep now.”
There’s a masculine snort. “No, leave now and live to sleep later.”
My eyes fly wide.
Chol leans over me, backpack already on.
I straighten, pulse thundering as the last bit of sleep falls away. “What happened?”
The door across from me opens, and Nix slips inside before closing the panel behind him. One arm motions. “Chol…chair.”
Chol scrambles to grab one from the dining table. He hauls it over and wedges it under the knob.
“Nix? What’s going on?” I ask, pushing at the small section of blanket over my denim-clad legs.
He lifts his pack. “Sentinels. They’re doing a room sweep.”
“Sentinels?” I ask, confused.
He cinches the straps on his chest and lifts my bag. I climb around the frame to take it. “Someone saw us come in. Which wouldn’t normally be a problem…” he begins.
“But you’re a Hallow, Chol is a Prince, and I’m an ambassador?” I ask, toneless.
He flinches. “That and…Well, we’re not really allowed back in Emerald City.”
Chol, who is shockingly pale, scoffs as he rushes past me. “Not we, damn you.”
“Want to run that by me again?” I ask.
Nix huffs. “Fine. I was banned from Emerald City. It’s why I suggested Wicked. Even the sentinels won’t go there.”
“But why were you banned?” I ask.
Nix ushers me towards the far wall and the little window that sits high above the bed. Chol is already on the mattress below the open sill, shoving his pack through the narrow opening.
I eye the hole and then the man next to me. “Nix, what did you do?”
He waves the words away. “I had a job before protecting Chol, Sayah. You know that. Some of what I had to do--”
Bangs and angry voices echo down the hall. Another crash sounds outside our door.
