Page 28 of In The Dark
Her brown eyes remain serious, nothing like the cheerful demeanor she had when we walked in. She releases me just as Ezra peeks his head inside.
“Isa, are you ready?” His eyes immediately land on the innkeeper, his brow arching, as if he’s unsure about what’s happening between us.
My expression remains neutral when she gives me a light pat on my arm, accompanied with the same bright smile from earlier.
“Thank you for my coin, dear! I am very grateful for your kindness.” Nodding and turning away, she walks back to where she came from.
Is she speaking of Alec? How does she know I met with him? I quickly brush off the strange interaction and exit the inn to find myself back on the cobblestone street. Ezra’s already scanning the area with the face of an assassin—always calculating and looking for threats.
“Excuse me, sir!” a little boy says. “Please, do you have any coins?” The boy holds out his shirt as Ren stands on the edge of the street.
No, not any little boy.Thelittle boy. Alec.
Auburn hair and freckle-faced just like yesterday, but I can clearly see the color of the boy’s eyes today, a deep blue with a hint of gold. How I didn’t notice them the first time is a mystery—they pierce your soul.
My eyes narrow, but he’s clearly set on getting Ren’s attention. I’m quickly reminded of what Alec said about testingsomeone’s character. I’m suddenly curious how it unfolds, letting it play out, knowing Ren will probably kick the boy for fun.
A grin tugs at my lips.
Just then, Ren leans down to give the boy a gentle pat, tossing a coin into the shirt, and begins walking in our direction with a faint grin on his face. Which is unlike him.
My face scrunches in shock and confusion. What the fuck?
The boy makes brief eye contact with me as if to say,I told you. So does that mean Ren is decent? I almost turn nauseous at the thought.
Alec quickly passes by when Ezra tosses in a couple of coins before he scurries down the path without so much as a second glance toward us. Ezra remains silent as he scans the town, though his jaw is slightly tense.
“Are you okay?” I ask.
“What?” His tone is a little sharper than usual but nothing out of the ordinary as his attention shifts to me. I suddenly raise my hands in mock defense when he sighs with a half grin, the tension easing. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to be rude. I didn’t sleep well last night, and it has me on edge this morning. I’m ready for this mission to be over, and we only have tonight to finish the job. We’re cutting it too close,” Ezra says quietly.
I nod, understanding exactly what he means, but remain quiet the rest of the walk to the apothecary. We’re cutting it way too close. Walking in after Ren, we’re instantly greeted by an Herb Weaver.
Herb Weavers have the power to manipulate plants with a simple touch, allowing them to obtain the knowledge they need to create potions, tinctures, and salves—a direct connection to the land. Plants extend from every surface, hanging from the ceiling and cascading off the shelves, tables, and counters. The male touches them, silently muttering nice words to each leaf as he passes by.
Old and frail, he greets us with a smile and shows us his best healing salves off to the side. Ezra and Ren search for what they need as I walk near the front of the small shop in silence, Ren filling the space with how large he is. The shop smells wonderful though, like an earthy incense supplied for every ailment under the sun. I pick up a few jars and sniff.
“Careful,” the male says. “You don’t want to sniff those unless you want babies.”
Scowling, I slowly set them down, shooting him a sideways glance. He chuckles, eyes crinkling. It’s not uncommon for Fae to conceive naturally but most take the special drafts created by Herb Weavers, giving them an extra aid in fertility.
“I’m Edwin. Who are you, my dear?” he asks tenderly, taking my hand in his.
“I’m Isa.”
“What can I do for you? Or are you here for the same thing as those grumpy males over there?” He arches a gray brow, gesturing over his shoulder where Ezra and Ren currently browse.
Ren suddenly bumps into a table, knocking over a jar, and he lunges to catch it. A grin tugs at my mouth as I secure a loose strand of hair behind my ear.
“Actually, no, but you may be able to help me,” I say softly, recalling what’s supposed to happen tonight with Ren accompanying me to the Cauldron. Now is my chance to hopefully find something to put him to sleep for a few hours. “Do you happen to have anything for… sleep?” I ask warily. “I’ve been having some trouble sleeping lately and need something a little stronger than my usual tonic.” I’m hoping he understands what I’m asking as my gaze flicks behind him again.
“Oh yes!” he hollers loudly, like he didn’t catch anything I was hinting at. It takes everything in me not to silence him with my hand when both males look over their shoulders in ourdirection. “I have just what you need for your monthly affliction. Follow me!”
Ezra and Ren grumble behind him, and I hear them shuffle deeper into the far corner, cowering away as if I’m something gross.
Oh wait—hah! Clever little weaver. I grin and follow him through the large curtains in the back. Looks like I underestimated him and he did catch on after all.
I’m greeted with the warm touch of the room as the sun streams in through the windows that line the ceiling, casting streams of light on the red-and-orange brick floor. Vines from various plants line the shelves in search of the sun, but surrounding the creeping vines are hundreds of jars resting on the surface. Below them lies a wooden working space resting against the wall. He gestures to a little jar on the table.