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T he mystic lights aren’t enough to bring me any kind of peaceful rest that night. I stare up at them, my chest aching and eyes burning. I should feel thankful to have gotten away from that man in the woods, but all I feel is a perplexing sadness. After hours of tossing and turning, dawn breaks and I peel myself from the mattress. My muscles are barking from the lack of rest, trembling from exhaustion.

Making quick work of getting dressed and braiding my hair, I stumble into the main living area of the cottage at the same time as Hune. He’d been asleep by the time I arrived home last night, and I hadn’t wanted to talk to anyone anyhow. My sudden appearance startles him as he steps out of the opposing hallway.

He leaps back, reaching for a dagger before realizing it’s only me. “What are you doing here?” His face bewildered, his movements stiff.

I can’t help my answering glower. “Am I not allowed to go get myself breakfast?” My voice is hoarse, my limbs feel heavy and awkward as I shove past. My sour mood worsens with every step.

“Damn, you’re peachy this morning,” Hune grumbles as he follows me into the kitchen. His oversized frame and dark features remind me of the man in the woods last night, and I shuffle to the other side of the kitchen. His entire face twists at the sight of me moving away. “What is going on with you?”

My mind races as I debate telling Hune about the man and his terrifying Phoenix. But then I’d be risking his safety by doing so.

“Nothing. I didn’t sleep well. I’m heading to get the morning water,” I say as I fling the back door open. Breakfast will have to come later .

Hune catches my wrist, scanning my face. “Aledrya. Is something going on? You can tell me.”

I rip my hand free, immediately flinching from my own harsh reaction. “I’m just tired. And I really need to get more water before the others get up.”

That appears to placate him. He nods before softly letting the door close. I force air into my lungs, but it does nothing to appease the ache in my chest. I scoop up the water bucket still by the back door and head back to the winding path.

I spy a man lingering at the opening of a dark alley and jerk my head down to avoid his attention.

“Oy! Where ya goin’, miss?” The man leers at me as I pass, reeking of alcohol, and the sun is hardly up. From the large jug of alcohol in his meaty hand, he could have been working on this stupor all night. He’s leaning entirely too close for comfort.

I ignore his words, dipping my head as I move around him. He grips my arm, bringing his face closer to mine. “You too good for me, eh? Is that what it is?”

I reel back, yanking my arm away. “Get out of my way,” I snarl, letting my teeth show. This isn’t the first time I’ve had an uncomfortable encounter with the men of Torrent.

He doesn’t relent though, he’s more persistent than most of them. “Oh come ‘ere, I don’t bite.” He flashes a nearly toothless smile and laughs.

I put a foot between us, and he matches it, beady eyes raking over my body. I shiver, not wanting to know what he’s thinking. I grip the handle of the bucket so hard my knuckles turn white. With a quick swipe, I sling the bucket at him, making contact with his shoulder. He hardly reacts, his drunkenness numbing any pain I inflicted.

“Play nice,” he taunts, wagging a crooked finger at me.

I wrinkle my nose at him as I take a few more paces backwards. “I’d rather not.”

“Crawl back to your hole, cretin,” a deep voice rumbles behind me. The man and I both snap our attention to the source of the interruption. My heart thunders in my chest seeing the man from the woods standing behind me. His features are easier to see in the budding morning light, but no less terrifying.

I catch myself staring at the man, realizing just how inhuman he is. His dark hair is still pulled back off his face, his icy eyes flick over to me. I squint at him, trying to determine which of these men is the larger threat.

In size alone, the stalker wins.

He shoots me an exasperated look before snarling at the drunk man again.

The drunk considers the oversized stranger for a brief moment, before sparing me one last look and darting off down the narrow alley. Throwing my dark-haired protector one last look, I start up in a hurried walk again, mumbling my gratitude as I shove past. I can sense him following, though. I hate that a thrill shoots up my spine.

“You are certainly in a cheerful mood this morning.” The man chuckles, walking alongside me.

Something about men and their need for me to be cheery this morning.

A strangled groan escapes my throat before I can stop it. “Do you not have anywhere else to be? Quit following me.” My eyes scan him as we walk side-by-side; I’m shocked there are no weapons strapped to him.

He smirks, flashing rows of perfectly white and squared teeth. “I’m only looking out for you. I’m not leaving Torrent until you agree to join me.”

“Why?”

“You deserve more than this place. Do you mean to tell me that isn’t a regular occurrence?” He gestures back toward the alley where the man slunk off to. “This whole town reeks of crippling fear and people going nowhere. You’re neither one of those things.”

I wheel on him then, feeling braver as the sun tips over the horizon. “You don’t know anything about me,” I hiss. Great Beneath, I don’t even know anything about me. My survival mode has been kicked into high gear for years now. The lies blend with the truths, with how many secrets I keep.

A look of pity crosses his face, as if he can read my insecurities. I turn and start walking again, but a small, twisted part of me hopes he’ll follow .

“I know enough, Aledrya.” His voice grumbles from behind me. “Aren’t you tired of wielding wooden swords? You could learn to use an actual blade if you come with me.”

I stop breathing, almost dropping the bucket from shock at his words. Recalling the brief conversation we’d had last night, I squint at him. “How could you possibly know my name, or my bird's name?” Steadying myself, I glare at him. “And how do you know about me practicing swordplay?”

His grin is wide, his gait easy, as he makes to walk beside me again. “If you come with me, you can find out for yourself.”

I stare at him for a moment. My heart is in my throat, but not out of fear for once. It’s perched between desperately wanting out of this town, and being fearful of the risks. This man is a stranger. A stranger offering me something very enticing.

But fear is wiser than hope.

“Find somewhere else to be,” I glower, pushing past him again to start up the winding path. The sun is high enough now that heat is accompanying it, and sweat starts to build along my neck. My mind wanders, wondering where Artemis is, what she could possibly be doing for the next few days. This man has access to the Phoenixes, meaning this could be my chance to finally learn more about their kind.

Doesn’t matter, he’s disappeared already.

The creek comes into view quicker than I expect, shaking me from my thoughts. Chastising myself quietly for not being more alert on my walk here, I dip the bucket into the water. A deer darting by snags my attention; I long for the freedom to find out more about my power. Long for somewhere I don’t have to hide or pretend Artemis doesn’t exist.

Bucket filled, I stand and turn to return to the cottage. The walk back feels lonely, heavy in a way that doesn’t have anything to do with the bucket on my shoulder.

The air in the cottage feels tense at breakfast; everyone subdued, shifting awkwardly in their seats. When I do speak, they stare down at their plates, picking at their eggs and bread rolls. By the time my foster father and Hune head out to work, I’m frantically scrubbing the plates and clearing away cups. I can’t get out of here fast enough.

Finished with my morning chores, I push open the weathered backdoor of the cottage. The market is a fair ways away, and I need to get there early to scope out any job openings. My steps are soft on the dirt path, my eyes down and off any passing townsfolk. Keeping secrets means I’m not one for small talk, which unfortunately means I don’t have friends. I’m alone, even in a town full of people.

Hours are wasted flitting from shop to shop, asking owners if they need any help. I’m not picky. I’ll pull weeds, scrub floors, I’ll do back-breaking labor. Anything to save a little bit of coin so I can leave this place. That is my only plan. Buy a weapon to defend myself. Then leave.

The only jobs available are the ones I’m not yet desperate enough to take.

I’d once asked Artemis if we could fly and never return to Torrent. She had vehemently pushed back; asking me where I would even go, and demanding I plan for how I would pay for things.

It didn’t escape me that even at twenty-four, I was still na?ve. Things were veiled in secrecy in Torrent; and without a proper education, I was at the mercy of learning on my own.

My thoughts have taken full control of my feet, and I don’t have time to stop them before I barrel into another patron in town.

“Oh, sorry!” I breathe, my heart lurching when I notice the oversized frame before me.

“You cannot be here,” I gasp towards the stranger. He flashes me a toothy grin, chuckling to himself. “Are you not worried someone might notice you’re not from here? ”

Still dressed in all black, he leans on the wall to our right, looking completely at ease. “Not at all. No one has ever paid me any mind before now. Why would they today?”

Warm fury blossoms throughout my chest. “How long have you been following me?”

“There is a group of us who have been keeping an eye on you for quite some time. You can go about your business.” His smile turns cool. “I already told you, it’s not safe for you here.”

“ Us ?” This conversation is growing more maddening by the second.

“Well, yes,” he responds, smiling uncomfortably. “I’m part of a larger group. Part of my job is ensuring you remain safe,” he offers.

As if that could make me feel better about the situation.

A flash of light catches my eye, making me turn my attention to the center of our town. The wooden stage remains there, with the imposing guillotine still standing sentry at the middle of it. Although they haven’t used it in years, it’s a reminder of the king’s stronghold on our people.

“I don’t need anyone to keep an eye on me, but I appreciate the concern.” I loosen my shoulders, forcing myself to look the male in the eyes. “If you’ll excuse me, I have a few more shops to get to before dark.”

Shop owners were already closing their doors, the heaviness of dusk filling the air. I push past him, allowing myself to get lost in the crowd. I feel his presence at every turn, sending a shiver down my spine.

Night falls as I trudge home, my feet aching from all the walking, standing, and begging owners for a job. It feels as though my soul is barely clinging to my bones, like I’m dragging it along the path behind me.

Making it to the cottage, my mood darkens further when I see the water bucket at the backdoor, waiting to be filled. I can hear the others inside, idly chatting and readying dinner. Clenching my hands into fists, I reach over and grab the bucket, letting it clang loudly. Their laughter dies momentarily, but I stalk away before anyone can peek outside .

My mood is so consuming, I hardly pay attention to my surroundings as I walk up the desolate path toward that damned creek. It’s too late when I hear another set of footsteps off in the woods. Footsteps I know are purposefully loud, because they could be silent if he desired.

“Aledrya,” the man calls as he emerges from the trees, meeting me on the pathway.

“Oh good, you again,” I mumble, cutting in front of him to walk into the dense woods. He keeps pace, my sudden change of direction not deterring him at all. “What do you want?”

His eyebrows raise, looking down at me as we walk briskly. “Not afraid of me anymore, I take it?”

A nagging headache is forming at my temples, thumping to an agonizing beat. “If you were going to take me, you would have already.”

He considers the sentiment. “I haven’t written it off yet.”

I plant my feet in the dirt, turning to face him in this tight space between trees. “Then do it already, but Abovesake, stop following me. I get enough uninvited male attention as it is. I don’t need an elephant of a man looming over me.”

“Elephant of a man?” His face twitches with humor, but my mood is too bitter for the banter. I stare at him for a long moment, before releasing a hiss and storming off.

“Why won’t you let me help you?” He catches my free hand, pulling me to a stop. I can see in his eyes that he’s exasperated now. His brows crash together as he watches me, and for whatever reason, it stokes the flame to my raging temper.

“How could you help me when we don’t even know one another? You expect me to follow you? Then start with your name.” My ragged breathing is beginning to make me feel dizzy.

He flashes his teeth, and a rush of fear reemerges at the sight. “I can’t tell you until you agree to come with me.”

“How incredibly convenient for you.”

He looks at me for a long moment. “There are other things at play here, people who would be at risk. I can’t offer you information until you agree to come with me. Or would you prefer to live this pathetic life here in Torrent, wasting away? Heard there’s a job available in town. All you have to do is trade illegal goods. Or there’s that position at the brothel.”

There’s a shift in the air as a branch cracks behind me. “Tell your overgrown bird to show itself.” If words could bite, mine would. Fury coils itself into my gut, ready to strike.

Instantly getting my wish, the Phoenix emerges from between two trees, and I can’t help but throw my arms up in defense. It drops its neck down so that our eyes are level. I can see he’s male; with yellow, kind eyes blinking at me, but his size is horrifying. The bird angles his head toward the forest floor, pushing a small, rounded rock to my feet gently.

“What is this?” I ask, not moving. I know exactly what this is, but I want the man to say it.

“He is offering you a gift,” the man confirms, his voice gentler now. It’s not only a gift, this is a sacred thing the bird is offering me.

I breathe, still unmoving, as the bird watches me carefully. My hands tremble, my mind unable to comprehend. Phoenixes only offer powered stones to those whom they respect and trust.

I crouch into a squat and lower my head. Slowly reaching out, I offer the back of my hand to the bird. He nuzzles it, allowing me to stroke his chin. Collecting the warm stone, I hold it in my palm. It sizzles with an energy I don’t understand, like the one Artemis gave me all those years ago.

“I can tell you’re still considering, so allow me to give you another reason you should join us.” The man rolls up his sleeve; dark markings cover the entirety of his massive arm. It’s a twin to the thinner, more delicate version that swirls down my bicep and forearm. His are dotted with feathers, while mine have flames flickering throughout. Blinking, I stare back at him. “I’d be willing to bet you haven’t encountered anyone else with this.”

“No,” I admit, aghast by the markings .

“There is something for you outside the Human Realm, Aledrya. You deserve more than Torrent can give you. Where you can openly train as a female, without fear of being caught.”

“Sounds a bit too good to be true,” I reply with skepticism. His words leave their mark though, hope building that maybe there is more out there.

The man watches me intently, his stillness so captivating. “Haven’t you always wondered why it is you have powers?”

“There was a time when humans had power,” I hedge, drawing on the folklore I’d been told as a child.

“Humans have never had powers; you should know you are not human.”

“Then what am I?” I ask, even though I suspect I already know the answer. It’s the reason I’ve never made friends or felt at ease in Torrent.

I need the validation as much as I need to get out of here.

He purses his lips, angling his head with that unnatural fluidity. “I get the sense you know the answer to that.”

“Fae,” I breathe, my heart stutters at the word as I take a step back. The thought of leaving here…my eyes shutter, burning at the idea of having somewhere to train. No longer having to worry about someone seeing my markings or learning my true heritage.

I consider what that’s worth. “I don’t look Fae.”

“What do you think a Fae looks like? You have powers you seem pretty desperate to conceal. That isn’t enough?”

“Are pointed ears only a myth?” I reach up and lightly touch the round tops of my ear. I notice his are rounded, too.

I can see the exigency working through his jaw and eyes. “You’re not in the Fae Realm. It’s our primal instinct to suppress power and physical markers in this realm. It’s your body’s way of telling you that you are not safe here.”

He tells the truth , Artemis says down our tether, but my mind is too busy racing with questions to respond.

“Are you done confirming with your bird?” he prods, a smile lingering faintly on his lips .

“I suppose you make decent points.” I chew on my lip, eyeing his giant bird. The man releases a breath and I bring my gaze back to him; to those crystal eyes. “But that doesn’t mean I’m leaving.”

With that, I stride off to fill that damned bucket again.