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“How’d you meet?”

“That’s a long story,” Blár said.

“But you’re a human and she’s a fae?” Revna raised an eyebrow. “How did you fall in love?”

“Ever heard of star-crossed lovers?” Blár stared at the platter of cheeses and nuts. “Anyway, how do you have food here when there’s nothing out there but sand?”

“Magic,” Revna answered like it was a normal part of life. “It’s rather easy for me. I can still conjure things.”

“How?”

“Rune magic,” she said. “It only works in these kinds of dimensions, though.”

“What are these dimensions? Different worlds?”

“No, they’re constructed with magic. All this food in front of you isn’t real. It’ll still taste real, fill your bellies like real food, and make you defecate like it’s real food—but it’s made entirely with just magic. This”—she picked up an apple—“is not actually an apple. It’s condensed magic that’s formulated to taste like an apple and to give nutrients like an apple, but it’s not an apple. These dimensions work the same way.”

Kolfinna struggled to wrap her mind around that. The food in front of her wasn’t real? It was hard to believe they were eating magic. But even as she was thinking that, her gaze drifted to Blár. Magic food was interesting, but why had Blár lied about them being lovers?

“I’m sure you both are very curious about everything, but I think we should take a break from all the questions.” Revna leaned back in her chair as if done with questions. “Anyway, eat your supper and then rest a little. I’d also like to take a look at your wounds. I have some bandages and things I can—”

“We can bandage ourselves up,” Blár interrupted. “Just tell us where the stuff is.”

Kolfinna internally cringed. Blár didn’t have to be such a jerk about the whole situation. They should’ve been grateful Revna was even helping them. How would they have survived without water and food? And although not absolutely necessary, shelter and having their wounds checked was a luxury. Maybe they could also get weapons from her? And more importantly: she needed Revna’s information and to learn rune magic.

And yet here he was, blunt and brisk and rude.

Revna frowned. “I’ll bring it out to the living room. You two also need a bath. I’ll draw—”

“We don’t need a bath,” Blár snapped like she had said something ridiculous.

“No, youcertainlyneed one.” Revna’s nose crinkled as she looked down at Blár, and then at Kolfinna. “Both of you.”

Kolfinna would’ve loved to dip her toes in warm water and rid herself of all the grime and gunk clinging to her, but then she remembered how everyone else was likely dying. A bath didn’t seem appropriate.

“Um, I don’t need—” Kolfinna started.

“Nonsense! I’ll prepare one immediately. Trust me, you need it. It’ll make you feel much better.” Revna rose from her chair and gestured to the food. “Please finish eating while I prepare the bath, all right? I’m not taking no for an answer!”

Kolfinna could only bob her head while Revna disappeared up a flight of stairs. When they were alone, Blár turned to Kolfinna and scoffed, “Really, you’re just going to let her treat you like that?”

“Huh?” Kolfinna didn’t appreciate the edge in his tone. “What are you talking about? She’s treated us great—food, shelter, information. That’s a lot.”

“She doesn’t let you voice what you want. You didn’t want to take a bath, she ignored you. You didn’t want to learn rune magic tomorrow, but she ignored you. All she says is ‘trust me’ and youtrusther.”

“I’m not as cynical as you. She’s been kind to us, and yes, Idotrust her.” Kolfinna’s face began warming up again, but this time it wasn’t from embarrassment. “Anyway, what was that whole deal about us beinglovers?”

“I needed to gauge her reaction. Notice how she said she would know if we lied to her? Well, I lied, and she didn’t realize it.” Blár glanced around the house suspiciously, his muscles pulled taut. “I don’t know. Something’s up with this lady. I don’t like her and I don’t trust her.”

Kolfinna picked up her silver spoon and tasted the beet soup, chunks of beef floating in the oily, rich broth. She ate a mouthful and closed her eyes as the meaty flavors rushed her palate. “You should eat. We need to replenish our strength.” Kolfinna slurped the soup while Blár stared at the soup like it was poison. But she didn’t miss the way he licked his lips, or couldn’t rip his gaze from the cheeses. “And besides, what if she noticed you were lying but didn’t want to say anything about it since it wasn’t like you were lying about something serious?”

Blár gripped the edge of the table until his knuckles turned white. “How can you trust her so blindly? I would think someone like you would be more cautious than me.”

“I’m not trusting her blindly.” Kolfinna sipped her water and watched him over the rim. “You really need to drink water at least.”

“You’re practically throwing yourself at her feet.”

“No, I’m not.” She slammed the cup on the table, water sloshing over the rim. “I’m just not as cynical as you. She’s offering us shelter, food, and information. She also offered to teach me rune magic. I don’t think you understand how valuable that is to me. I don’t know much about being a fae, and she can teach me! She can bridge that gap. And we need her if we want to get out of here.” She gave him a long look. “You should try to be a bit more grateful.”