Chapter 8
MatchmakingElainya
I walked toward the castle through swirling mists that dragged at the hem of my heavy brown gown. The road was quiet as I let my thoughts wander: to Dren, the Shadow Lord, my past, and my future. The morning sun seemed unable to break through this sodden haze, only occasionally basting me with warmth as a patch curled away.
Sound echoes in such a mist. I heard the horse long before it appeared. Could anyone harm me? Unlikely, so I continued on, choosing not to vanish into the forest. I felt the darkness in my blood, writhing like the fog, changing me in unknown ways.
The rider pulled a large brown gelding to a stop next to me. “Lady Elainya? What are you doing out here…alone?”
I stopped and looked up at Reif as he sat on the shifting, restless horse. “I wa
