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The streets grew muddier, the buildings more decrepit.

Finally, Asher paused with a sigh. “We’re here. I thought for a minute I wouldn’t be able to find it. I haven’t been here since—” A dark cloud overtook his face before he shook it off. “Well, it’s been a long time.”

They walked toward a tavern, but instead of going through the worn front door, Lore was surprised when he kept walking, headed toward the dark alley on the side. She followed him up a set of crooked stairs to a cramped landing. Cigar butts littered the patio, spilling out of a broken flowerpot in the corner.

Before Asher could knock, the most beautiful light fae Lore had ever laid eyes on threw the door open with a grin. She had none of the animalistic characteristics of the dark fae, despite her large eyes. Her cheekbones were high, sharpened by the light that fell on them. Black hair dripped down her back in beautiful spun locs. Her rich brown skin was done up with makeup and her eyelids were artfully painted with glittering oranges, pinks, and reds. Kohl lined the lids of her eyes, ending in a point sharper than Lore’s dagger. Her gold dress was made from a fabric that was sewn with a thousand glittering stones—even her dainty shoes were painted with a shining pigmented gold. She looked like a walking sunset.

Lore had to pick her jaw up off the floor.

“Asher!” Despite her slight frame, the light fae picked him up in a bear hug.

Lore was surprised to see how defined her arms were. Muscles rippled with movement. Elegant and buff? This female was intimidating, but Lore couldn’t help laughing at the sight of Asher being picked up by the small female.

Asher extracted himself from her grip, grinning with his dimples on full display. “Isla, is your father here?” His voice was filled with affection.

Isla shook her head. “He’s working tonight and won’t be home until after shutdown. Who is this tiny thing?” Isla’s voice was breathless, somehow making her already stunning and mysterious self even more attractive.

The female peeked around Asher and looked at Lore with surprise. She peered at her curiously, tilted her head a little and blinked her doe eyes slowly.

Goddess, her eyes were the exact gold of her dress. Lore could hardly breathe. Isla was so beautiful. Lore looked down and away, scuffing her boot into the worn wood of the balcony, pushing stray cigar butts aside.

What was a creature like her doing amidst cigar butts and muddy streets?

“I’ll introduce you later. Mind if we come in?” Asher asked.

“Of course! Come on in,” Isla said, backing away from the door.

As they entered, it really hit her that they weren’t in the castle anymore. The small apartment above the tavern was, well, lived in. Old scrolls were stacked to the ceiling in one corner. A broken lamp sat on a broken chair next to a sagging couch, and more junk littered the surrounding floor. Lore peered to the other side of the room. The kitchen was filled with mismatched dishes that had crusted food on them.

Alongside the junk, there were plants everywhere—hanging from the ceiling, filling the table, and on a row of shelves against the back wall.

“Oh, don’t mind the mess. I’ll be cleaning up soon!” Isla’s voice had risen an octave, and she wrung her hands in embarrassment.

Lore fixed her expression; she was being so incredibly rude and judgmental, just like the fae had been when they’d walked into the apothecary. What gave her the right? She supposed she had always assumed everyone outside Duskmere lived in luxury. Her cheeks warmed at her naivety.

Isla continued, breathless words rushing out of her like a stream. “I only arrived about one bell ago—perfect timing, huh, Ash? My father has always been too busy to keep a tidy house. Not since my mom left, you know. That’s where I come in! I show up every year or so and do a deep clean, but it always looks the same when I come back.” She beamed at Asher while bouncing on the balls of her feet.

Lore had a feeling she wasn’t still very often.

Asher was at ease here. He placed his hands in his pockets. “Quite serendipitous timing, then. I thought you were at the academy. Shouldn’t courses be in session?”

“I’m taking the winter off.” She didn’t volunteer any more information, instead saying, “Why haven’t we seen you in so long?” Before he could answer, Isla was already on to her next thought. “Who is she, Ash? You’ve never brought a girl before. Father isn’t going to shut up about it.” She turned to Lore again. “You’re so small. It’s adorable, honestly.”

Lore couldn’t hide her scowl. Sure, she was short—even by human standards—but she didn’t think it needed to be pointed out by everyone she met.

“What’s your name?” Isla asked.

“Lore.”

Isla grabbed her hand, shaking it warmly. “What’s your family name, Lore?”

“I... uh...”Shit.

“We’ve got to speak with your father, Isla,” Asher butted in, stepping slightly in front of Lore and saving her from having to answer.

Isla narrowed her eyes but didn’t press the matter. She clearly noted that Asher hadn’t answered the question either.

Lore got the feeling Isla didn’t miss much, but instead of prying, Isla just nodded and dropped the topic.