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“I told you almost killing his sister was a bad move. You know what that did? It showed you don’t trust him. That you don’t believe in his decision making or that he could have saved me. You took the matter into your own hands against his family.”

Layala sighed. She hadn’t trusted him to choose Aunt Evalyn and her over his family. “I did what I had to. You’re alive, aren’t you? And it’s not like you raised me to be compassionate. You raised me for revenge—against them.”

She gave her one of those stern mother looks and sighed. “And then you fell in love with Thane. But I am thankful to be alive.”

“Besides, she’s not the only reason. Youknowthe reason. And it isn’t because we don’t love each other. I would die for him still. But it’s like we’ve taken several steps back and are still friends but not—lovers.”

“He’s not going to let you go, Laya. I’ve never seen anyone more in love than that elf,” she said with a reassuring smile.

Layala wished she could see it that way. Oh, she knew he loved her, but he also loved Piper, Leif, Fennan, and his family. And she felt like she was slipping into the category. “I started training with Mage Vesstan and—” she clamped her mouth shut, almost letting slip the most feared name.

“I’ll take another drink, Evalyn,” the man down the counter said, tapping his empty glass with his fingernail to make a pinging noise.

“Be right there,” she said and locked her deep brown eyes onto Layala. “And who else?” The suspicion in her voice made Layala certain she couldn’t let it go.

“The most deadly flower in the world,” said a deep familiar voice that sent a chill down Layala’s spine. “How fitting.”

Aunt Evalyn’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. Layala turned just as Thane slid into the stool beside her. His bright green eyes trailed over her, and he lowered his voice, “I couldn’t find you and it worried me.”

He wore a light gray cloak, but his hood dropped around his shoulders. Although his dark hair covered his ears there was no mistaking one of the most beautiful elves in Palenor for a human. Everyone in the room stared at him. Even if they didn’t know he was the High King by sight, they knew he wasn’t one of them.

“Are you having me followed?” She told him Aunt Evalyn opened her own place, but she didn’t remember mentioning the name. She thought about the presence in the alley. Was it him or someone else?

“No, but Piper should be with you.”

“I ditched her. It’s not her fault. How did you find me?”

“I know, and I don’t think you’ll hear the end of it for a while. As far as how I found you, I’m simply drawn to you wherever you go,” he said with a playful smile. Of course, he’d want to flirt now and dodge the truth.

“I think there’s a lot you aren’t telling me.” She thought of the dream she’d had of Hel and Thane—War in Runevale, the scenery and names mentioned vaguely familiar. They’d worked together to break into the goddess of night’s territory. Their easy comradery like two brothers, made her sick. “I need you to tell me the truth about something.”

His expression was guarded but he nodded. “Alright.”

“Did you know before we went to the Void?”

“Know what?”

“Did you remember him before? Did you want to wake Hel? I know you were close with him at some point.”

“No.” Thane shook his head, eyes locked onto hers. “Are you insinuating I used you to wake him up? Layala, I didn’t know then. And besides, I want to be with you. Why would I wake up your husband?”

Heat crept up Layala’s neck and she stared at him. But he hadn’t been with her since. “He’s not my husband.”

Aunt Evalyn approached and pressed her palms on the counter. He smiled at her, all tension melting away. “Evalyn, it’s good to see you as always. You’re looking extra pretty tonight. I like the new beads.”

“Well, thank you,” she beamed, touching the turquoise beads around her neck.

“Do you have anything good?”

“That depends on what you mean by good. Do you want to be knocked on your ass or do you prefer something light?”

“It’s probably best if Layala doesn’t have to carry me home.”

She smiled and it deepened the wrinkles around her eyes. It didn’t matter what she claimed, Aunt Evalyn had a soft spot for him. She didn’t smile at anyone but her closest friends like that. Aunt Evalyn turned around to the shelf behind her, grabbed a green bottle, and the sound of a cork popped. Purple wine filled the tall-stemmed glass and she set it before Thane. “Be right back.” With a few hurried steps she stood before the other patrons waiting for service.

He took a sip and set the glass back down. “It’s good.”

“Why are you here?” Layala asked.