Blood And Breath

8

The light through the peephole darkened as someone approached on the other side. I took a shaky breath before the door clicked open. My thoughts stuttered to a stop. I’d known the Fae were beautiful creatures, but somehow, I failed to anticipate the image that would stand before me. He was a living, breathing dichotomy, and my mind struggled to reconcile my varying impressions. Despite being well-dressed and clean-shaven, he broadcasted an air of savagery. He was young in appearance, but his fathomless eyes spoke of a vast agelessness. His movements were controlled and precise as he gave us a bow, yet his presence filled the small hallway to a stifling degree. His skin was a warm copper, and silky black hair fell down the length of his back. He was around six feet tall, and though he was solid with muscle, it was the lean type that came from an active lifestyle. No smile, no words of greeting, only a simple nod to convey our welcome. He was beautiful and damaged and totally captivating. “Hey, Fen!” Becca greeted him. “I hope you don’t mind that I brought a friend with me. This is Cat. Cat, this is Fen.” I could feel her gaze dance between us, but my eyes were locked on Fenodree. Common decency told me not to stare, but I couldn’t have broken our contact had the building begun to crumble around me. I was totally entranced. I couldn’t speak. I couldn’t breathe.

My entire world tilted on its axis until nothing made any sense. Until I no longer recognized myself. And Fenodree’s fathomless stare held mine unflinchingly, his dark gaze just as guarded and unknown as the ocean's deepest depths. “Uhhh,” Becca said awkwardly. Only then did his eyes ever so slowly turn from mine. What had he been thinking during those countless seconds? Did he think my staring was rude? Had I offended him? I sucked in a much-needed lungful of air and steadied myself against a wave of dizziness. Oh, shite. Please tell me I didn’t just feck up everything. I took one step to follow Becca inside the room before a hand clamped tight around my throat, and I was thrust up against the wall. I was too shocked to make a sound. My lips parted, but only a gasp slipped past my constricted throat. Ruthless black eyes bore into mine. “What are you?” Fenodree hissed, his face inches from mine. “Fen!” Becca cried, pulling at his arm. “I told you, she’s a friend. Let her go!” “She has triggered my wards. That would only happen if she possessed magic.” He made no move to release me. “I can explain, Fen,” she whisper-yelled, glancing up and down the empty hallway. “Let her go, and we can talk inside.” The tiniest twitch tugged at the corners of his eyes before the hand on my throat loosened, and he backed away, his eyes still tracking my every movement. My heart hammered a punishing rhythm against my rib cage as my hand lifted to where his had been. His sudden assault had been frightening, but I couldn’t totally blame him. After what Becca had told me about the harsh realities of his life, I could hardly expect him to trust easily. “I’m sorry,” I said hoarsely. “I didn’t mean to alarm you.” He glanced at Rebecca, then stepped aside to allow us both inside. “Years of wariness are not easy to discard. I hope you understand.” His accent was unlike anything I had heard, only adding to his intrigue. It reminded me of Shakespearean movies when the actors spoke in formal Old English, which was yet another contradiction, considering his modern appearance in a black cotton T-shirt and jeans. “It’s my fault,” Becca interjected. “I should have warned you last time I saw you that I might bring someone. Cat is part of a long line of humans who know about the Fae and have some experience with their magic. Since she isn’t ruled by Guin, though, she should be safe to help us. Visiting you unnoticed won’t be easy, so I’m hoping she might visit when I can’t make it.” Rebecca grimaced in what must have been a silent apology for not mentioning her expectations earlier. She may have believed her request was an imposition, but I didn’t see it that way. I had been happy to help before we’d even left. Now that I’d laid eyes on the mysterious man she’d rescued from Faery, I was even more compelled to lend a hand if it meant learning more about Fenodree. I squeezed Becca’s hand reassuringly, and the worried creases in her forehead visibly relaxed. We helped ourselves to the chairs at a small dinette situated beside a picture window. Fen remained standing, leaning stiffly against the nearby wall. The room was unnervingly quiet. It also looked unlived in except for a leather pack on the dresser and a glass of water set on the nightstand. “How have you been since I last saw you?” asked Becca, finally breaking the silence. “I have not had any problems,” he said tightly, but his head tilted just a fraction and his brow furrowed. “Although, I find that I cannot sleep on the bed. I sink into its cushion, and it feels as though I am being swallowed by the webs of Black Annis.” I bit down on my lips and tried with everything I had not to laugh, but the image had been too much. Fenodree’s eyes fell on me, and to my astonishment, he lifted a single brow. Was he being playful? A full-blown grin blossomed on my face. This man was a total enigma, and I was fascinated. Rebecca asked a question during our exchanged glances, and I had to rack my brain to recall what she’d said. Seeing even a tiny hint of humor on Fen’s stoic face had stolen my attention. I ran through her words and surprisingly found that her question had been something I could answer. “Black Annis, she’s a hag that steals away small children … or at least that’s what the legends say.” “Delightful,” mused Becca sarcastically. “I’m sorry the bed isn’t comfortable, but not much can be done about that. Have there been any other issues?”