ress over her and wraps the brown skirt around it. Then the bodice, which ends at her waist

to it.” Stubbornly, Freya loops the last string, tying it into place. She looks over her appearance, her curls still damp from

a happy voice, “Let’s go.” She walks to the door, pausing for Freya to follow her. Despite the warning bells

g off the lit sconces with melting candles, made it all the more difficult to get her bearings. They turn a corner, and stop outside an arched doorway. There are closed wooden d

, I promise we’re not going to hurt you. You don’t have to be scared of us.” She waits for a respon

her words. Lilli offers a smile, a tad sadder than the one she had earlier. Her

room, as if the room was built around it. The high ceiling is invisible, covered with ivy that winked in the unexplainable

ady looking at her, a mischievous grin on his face. As his eyes roam over her new attire. Before he can s

e, “Now that’s more like it.” She can’t tell if he’s talking

her, “Remember the deal, you join me for dinner and I answer your questions.” His eyes flicker to Lilli, “Plus, she’s h

eya sits next to her. A brief garnet flash occurs, so quick that if her eyes were closed Freya would have mi

not touching the food or liquid, F

s words, as if he’s carefully selecting them, “resting. The events from earlier were mo

der her breath as she takes

of her. He looks to be her age, if not a few years older. He looks up from his meal, and the g

rming her next question, “Yo

empty glass is still in his hand. He takes a sip, “I’ll tell you if you eat

casual tone, “why do you al

it’s fun.” He downs the last of the wine

re hungry you can eat. It’s not poisoned or anythin

her stomach calls out to her. The unfamiliar flavors melt in her mouth, and Freya almost slips a smile at the ta

o far nameless redhead in front of her. The scarlet liquid snakes down her throat, warming eve

d spins as she tries to remember her questions. Lilli looks between Freya and the wine.

ad, “Freya, drink the water, it’ll help.” Freya does as she’s instructed, and

han before, and a tad embarrassed, “now, t

obsessed with me? I’m not surprised.” Freya grips the table

It’s nice to formally meet you, Freya Darach. Su

ng behind it, “It means Oak. Maybe it explains your affinity for the earth. The gardens.” Freya tenses as he c

aren’t human? At least not completely.” The glimmer in his eyes is darker, the amber more prominent. H

– whatever it is. The strange clothes, the smirks, the – she stops herself. She hadn’t said the word yet. No

kidnapped me?” Fr

dawned most of the night. “Call it what you want, but we’re trying to help you,” he says. He looks around the room, and then grins at Freya. The room is suddenly in utter

into laughter. She stops, and looks at Rory, a chuckle escapes from her as she fina

king Freya wonder what kind of relationship they have, they seem friendly e

her to say yes. Arrogant ass. A twinge of curiosity inside Freya

dripping in bitterness, “

e have to say. Then you can choose to join us or go home,” the dark amber returning

ay home. Then, maybe she can get through it. Whatever words they think will convince her won’t work. Freya already knows her

d holding onto hers a beat too long. He said it as if there would be many more bargains between the two of t

ger gave her. Rory chuckles softly under his breath, as if her demanding something