Page 61 of Glass Hearts

My inner animals riot at the hypnotic smells from Miss Elora’s room. Her scent is divine, strawberries with subtle vanilla sweetness. Like a strawberry shortcake. My favorite dessert.

Mine, my inner beasts claim.

No. I order them back. The last time a woman had such an intoxicating scent, she ruined me and my workmates, my best friends.

I run my hands along her bed, the little mystery we are set to find.

“Is anything catching your scent?” Arabella asks from the door.

I notice the sparkling ring on her engagement finger.

Good for her and the princes. She is a pretty little thing with a spark of passion.

I can see why the princes favor her. And with powers of animal communication, she can spy on the entire world, really.

Dangerous. Perfect for a future Queen. Her devotion to her friends, the animals, and the people of Velora will make her an exceptional Queen one day

Most women are dangerous, and that’s why we all avoided crossing any lines with her. Even with Jax being an idiot in flirting, it was all just to get a rise. Any dumbass could see she had always belonged to someone else. Or should I say, many princes?

The room is sparse with personal items. Arabella had mentioned that she was only present for a few days, yet even so the little mystery envelopes the space with her scent.

I spot a few sketchbooks with broken charcoal aimlessly tossed around.

As Arabella turns to talk to a staff member, I quickly open the books and spot many lovely drawings of ladies in stunning garments. I believe this is called ‘fashion.’

That’s when I spot a hair tie resting on the nightstand, next to another sketchbook.

Closing the book, I take the fine piece between my large fingers.

It’s so delicate. A few stray hairs still loosely spun around the velvet fabric lining.

Without even thinking about it, I put it around my wrist. Her scent envelops me, like this band belongs on my wrist somehow. How curious.

I take off her pillowcase and turn to Arabella as she finishes her conversation. I like her; she has a lot of gumption. I am happy to call her a friend.

I think that’s what we are.

“This will do,” I grumble as I make it out of the room.

Already, I long to go back, missing her scent. Not good.

We head to the newly reconstructed entrance, where my friends wait for me with their packs and gear all ready. Her princes said their goodbyes to us earlier as they had their princely duties to attend to.

“Thank you again for accepting this job. Lo… Lo means the world to me. She is like a sister to me. When you find her, please take good care of her. Keep a watchful eye—she can kind of tend to… well, she can get in a smidgen of trouble without looking for it.” She hands us a note.

“Please give this to her. I will have Petra, my crow, follow and wait at the docks, just in case you get into any danger. Sadly, she can’t leave Velora.

” She pets the crow on her shoulder, and if a crow could scowl, it would at us.

“Blondie, we are the danger. I highly doubt anything will befall us.”

“Probably shouldn’t address the future Queen like that, Jax.” Elliah hits Jax on the side of the head. The youngest of the three of us, Jax is always saying something stupid. “Thank you, Arabella. We appreciate the gesture, even if it is just you keeping tabs on us.”

Her smile brightens. “You caught me.” She laughs. “You can’t blame a girl. Regardless, stay safe, my friends.” Surprisingly, she hugs me, then Jax and Elliah.

Friends. Weird. We have never had many of those besides each other.

After saying our goodbyes, we head towards the north, to the Wind Isles. To find a woman who smells of Strawberry Shortcake, Elora.

I feel trouble on the horizon.