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This realization caused a feeling of profound sadness that left me in a fog through the remaining courses. I didn’t look at Galen again, but I could feel his stare burning into me.

The last course was not a dessert, but a beverage. A golden goblet, holding a thick red liquid, was placed in front of each person. I didn’t have to guess what it was. The metallic smell hit me and it took all my willpower not to gag.

“My favorite course!” Arnold looked positively gleeful as he sniffed at his cup and took a generous sip. He smiled at the Queen with teeth coated in blood.

I was nauseous—paralyzed—unable to wake myself from this nightmare. I didn’t dare look up to see if the brothers were drinking theirs. With the shortage, I assumed not a drop was to be wasted. Rafael subtly poured my cup into his. I looked at him in surprise and he shrugged .

When we were finally excused, I raced for my room, while Robert followed. I’d avoided Sylvia. I’d successfully ignored Galen as well. And yet, my gut twisted every time he crossed my mind, which was too often . Would Isla be the one he pinned against a door tonight?

Back in my bedroom, I curled up in a sunken chair, wallowing as I digested the food and conversation from dinner. I’d survived my first meal with the entire family. Arnold had revealed himself to be a monster, taking pride in his hatred for humans—wearing it like a badge of honor.

Their curse was gruesome. They sipped on human blood like a digestif.

I felt suddenly cold, despite the roaring fire that crackled in front of me.

Arnold’s family had been murdered by my kind, if what he said was true, but the anger he clung to was potent and dangerous.

He wanted blood, for reasons beyond magic. He wanted revenge .

A jarring knock ripped me from my thoughts. I almost got up to open it, before I remembered I was locked in.

“It’s Louis,” I heard through the door. I invited him in, not bothering to move from my seat. “Sorry to disturb you, I—”

“You didn’t bring wine?” I interrupted, gesturing for him to stop right where he was.

He laughed and disappeared, returning several minutes later with a bottle and two glasses. I thanked him with a wide grin. “Have they been keeping you locked in here?” he asked in a way that suggested he cared about my welfare.

“Yes and no. I had a meeting with your mother this morning. She’s lovely ."

He grimaced. “I apologize on her behalf. She doesn’t have many redeemable qualities, I’m afraid. Be thankful she’s not your mother.”

I gave him an apologetic look before turning back towards the hearth. “Come sit down. And bring the wine.”

“You’re lucky I’m used to being bossed around.

” He gave me a lop-sided smile before plopping down beside me.

“I’m sorry I didn’t check on you sooner.

I thought Galen was taking care of you, but when I saw that Isla had arrived, I realized he’s probably been busy entertaining her. Are you doing alright?”

I wanted to let out a ferocious growl like the one I’d heard Galen use the other day, but instead I said, “I’m alive. I’m not in a dungeon. No one has taken a bite out of me. I suppose, all things considered, I should be grateful.”

“You don’t have to be grateful for any part of your situation. I’m sorry you’ve become part of something bigger than any of us. She won’t let you go… now that she knows what you are.”

“Why did Galen tell her? Did any of you consider helping me get back to my world before handing me over to her?” I turned to him, daggers in my eyes. All of the wine tonight had made me bold.

“You mean too much to this world. I know you have no loyalty to us, but you’re our only hope.

We’ve been waiting for a world walker—praying to the gods for centuries.

And now, here you are, when we need you the most. There are children, innocents, an entire civilization…

that will be doomed if you don’t give us access to our home world.

Does that not help you see our position? ”

He had valid points, but how could I face my people if I made that choice without their approval? What kind of future Queen did that make me? I refused to release an entire world of wolves onto my flock. Erador had innocents too. They deserved to be protected from the hatred I’d witnessed tonight.

“I understand,” I replied. “But I need to know more about the Fae. I find no redeeming qualities in your mother… your Queen . Does she represent the views of your people?”

“Gods, no. She serves those with an equally warped perspective and neglects the rest. I speak of my own mother this way. She holds the power, but she does not represent me or my people. Most faeries born here are sympathetic to humans—are friends with them. Please, at least get to know us. I came here to let you know that I’ve been assigned to train you.

I’m going to teach you how to use your magic. ”

That surprised me enough that I finished my wine and poured another glass. “What if I can’t wield magic? Will you tell your mother and let her have her way with me?”

Louis took a sip from his goblet, set it down, and then looked at me with complete sincerity. “You can trust me. I believe that you’re the savior we’ve been waiting for. But if you aren’t, my brothers and I will protect you from her.”

There was that word again. Savior . It made me want to unleash my anger, my loneliness, my fears onto this world, just so I could prove that I was no one’s hero.

Instead I said, “Fine. I’ll work with you.

But please, don’t let me down.” My voice cracked as I tried to hold back the storm of tears that threatened to fall.

I felt his hand on my shoulder. “I won’t. It’ll get easier with time and training. I’ll help you find your magic, then you’ll see how wonderful it is to be Fae.” His eyes gleamed with mischief as he headed for the door. “Rest well, friend. You’ll need it for tomorrow.”