It was an hour away from noon when we all gathered in my room at the Mermaid's Inn. Thankfully, we were able to slip out of the back of the museum before it went into lockdown. Just another thing to thank Danny for. Reece hadn't bothered to join us; the second we made it back to the inn, he made for the outskirts of the city. I could hear his deep brown wolf howl with delight the second he slipped from the city walls, eager to get back and help Jasper with the horn. He left Maxim behind for Danny, since we'll be leaving as soon as everyone's ready. We all took turns taking a quick shower just to wash the blood and gore from our skin before dressing in clean leathers. Jasmine was now busy stitching up the wound on Felix's leg and arm, with Danny idly wringing his hands by the door.

"Damnit, Jas, not so rough." Felix mumbled through gritted teeth as she tied off the string. I had half a mind to roll my eyes before I met Felix's stare. "My cut was barely deep enough; how were you able to walk with yours?" He mused, eyeing the wound hidden at my side.

"I'm not a sissy." I teased, and Jasmine barked a laugh as Felix's nose scrunched.

"We should be heading out soon; the guards would have gathered at the museum by now." Danny piped in with tense shoulders. He was eager to put this place behind him. I eyed the blue tunic and black trousers for a second; he had time to change after our encounter in the alley. I could still smell the fear that lingered in his mossy scent.

"We're pretty much done. Felix, would you mind putting a glamor on my weapons since Reece is gone?" Jasmine inquired, waving a hand at her first aid kit, and it disappeared a second later.

"Sure thing." Felix groaned from the stitched-up wound in his leg as he stood and stalked for her blades stashed beside the door. He took a deep breath before waving his right hand in a series of movements. The blades shimmered for a split second before he turned around to give Jasmine a smile, and she thanked him with a playful wink. "Let's get going then."

                    ╭──╯ . . . . . . . . . . ╰──╮

By the time we were well on our way down the main road, noon had come and gone. The front gate to the city was void of guards, just as Danny said it would be; most were now at the museum in search of who had ever stolen the horn. Our ride was quiet; only the sound of cicadas and birds filled the air. Even the road seemed quiet for this time of the day.

"Okay, I'm officially tired of the silence." Felix mumbled to my right.

"I couldn't agree more." Jasmine piped in from the back. "So, Danny? Why did you help us?" I stole a glance at the lesser fae to my left, his eyes set on Maxim's mane.

"It's a long story." He sighed, forcing a smile as he glanced at my second.

"Well, we have a two-day journey ahead of us. I would say we have time." Jasmine countered, and my gaze slid to the Molten Stream river beside us. It was clear enough to note the pebbles and weeds growing within the waist-deep waters. Small schools of trout and bass rushed along the slow-moving stream.

"Do you truly want to know about my life story?" Danny continued, glancing over his shoulder at Jasmine, who responded with a bright smile. "Alright. My full name is Daniel Jackson; my dad was a high fae from the Ocean clan, and my mom was a human. When she turned 21, Mom made the journey to the Ocean clan." The male's face lit up with a longing smile as he reminisced, taking a deep breath before he continued, "She always marveled about the kindness of the Ocean Fae, the safety of the city, and the equality of everyone there." I scrunched my nose at the remark, but I held my tongue on the matter. "That's where she met my dad; he always said it was love at first sight." His voice broke, and I stole another glance to see the pain reflecting in the male's eyes. He missed them. "Mom was 25 when she had me; we lived there for another year or so before we moved back to the human city. I asked my mom about it when I turned 13, and she only said that life there felt wrong. She was more than aware of the human rebellion; since her older brother was one, she never wanted to be apart of it, which is why she moved the second she got the chance."

"But why did she move back then?" Jasmine asked, her focus set on the male in front of her.

"Like I said, she only mentioned that it felt wrong. I never got the chance to ask what that meant." Danny continued, shifting slightly in the saddle. I'm honestly surprised Maxim hasn't bucked him off yet, but the day is still young. The stallion wasn't too fond of strangers in his saddle. "We lived quiet lives in Riverhoff. Dad had a bakery; he loved to bake, and mom worked the register. Up until I turned 20, we had no problems; people barely batted an eye at the high fae in the city, but then one day a few rebels showed up at the shop." He shifted again. "My uncle died recently in a raid on one of the smaller Fae towns, and they wanted my mother to join them, but she shot them down. She loved my father and couldn't care less about the stupid war. So my dad chased them from the bakery, but that didn't stop them. They started showing up every day, sometimes trying to bribe my mother, sometimes threatening, but she shot them down every time. She even once smacked one of them with a broom." His lip curled upward at the memory, and Jasmine's eyes softened. "They left us alone for a few years, but by the time I turned 30, my mother's age started to show, while my dad still looked young and strong. People started noticing us more and more, especially the way they looked at each other, as if they were still in love after over 30 years, just as much as the day they met. More people started to comment on it, saying that she was nothing to him, just a memory of his immortal life. How she'd one day die, and he'd move on from her like yesterday's shoes." Anger laced every word, and a simmer settled in my own veins. "Dad loved her; he would have died for her. She would never be just a memory to him. That night, a few rebels came in just as we were locking up, and this time they wouldn't take no for an answer. Dad told me to stay in the back, since they had weapons with them. They started shouting and threatening my parents. They tried to force my father to leave the city, or they'd kill him, but my mother just kept telling them to leave. Sometimes I forget that my dad was high-fae. I watched from the back how he defended my mom; he moved so fast that before I could register what was happening, one of the rebels was writhing on the floor in agony, and dad's eyes were these yellow slits; his skin was covered in grey scales that glistened under the headlight." His throat worked. "I know Ocean fae are serpents, but I've never seen dad in his beast form; he was massive; he nearly filled the entire space of the bakery with mom carefully hidden by his tail."

"His serpent form was small compared to most." Felix mused, his eyes focusing on the small town a ways off the main road.

"Yeah, dad was never a fighter and was weaker than most high fae, but it took his poison seconds to kill the rebel. That's when all hell broke loose. I watched my dad fight off five rebels, but two of them got away. My mother was crying and begging them to stop, but once the dust settled, dad was fine. Not a single wound." This time he smiled—a true, genuine smile. "We were sure the rebels would leave us alone after that, so I went out that night with a few friends. Two humans I got to know in town and another lesser fae. We went to a local pub just a few blocks away. I was hoping to score." He barked a sad laugh, and this time he turned to look at Jasmine. "Funny, isn't it? How I was trying to fuck some girl while my parents died?"

"How could you have known?" Jasmine whispered; her voice was strained.

"I should have stayed; I should have died with them." I could hear the tears burning in the male's throat as he held her gaze. "I was on my way back with the girl under my arm when I saw the flames. I knew they were gone before I even rounded the corner. So I ran."

"There's nothing you could have done." Jasmine sighed before reaching out to brush a hand against the male's leg, and he gave her a sad smile.

"I could have tried, but I knew they'd be looking for me. I helped in the bakery when I could, and they saw me. I was able to hide from them for a few years, but a few months ago, they found me. It was either help them or die. I chose to live." He tore his gaze away from her and stared out over the green planes beside the main road. "I was a coward; I should have died like my parents."

"If you died, we never would have known about the ambush." I countered, glancing at him over my shoulder. "You're not a coward. You did what you had to survive and save us; in my book, that's not something a coward would do." His gaze met mine briefly before he nodded.

"I was just a grunt for them; it was my job to find information on high-fae within the city. That lesser fae you killed was my friend, or so I thought. He was the one who went with me to the bar that night; he was also the one who sold me out. Then they made him my handler. Everything I learned, I had to relay to him." He continued, wiping a fleck of dirt from his trousers.

"I'm glad I killed him then." I mused, shooting the male a toothy grin.

"Not slow enough." He countered with a grin of his own.

"Ah, a man after my own heart." I teased, and Felix barked a laugh.

"You just got yourself a one-way ticket into Sylvia's good graces, kid." He teased, and Jasmine snorted. The painful memory that lingered in the male's eyes is now a distant memory.

"We'll keep you safe, Danny. You have my word." Jasmine cooed.

"Thank you; I appreciate it. I'll help in any way I can. I promise. You asked me why I helped you." He turned his attention back to Jasmine as he smiled broadly. "Because that's what my dad would have wanted."

                    ╭──╯ . . . . . . . . . . ╰──╮

Thankfully, that night, one of the more respectable inns in Latherket had a room to rent, and we all crammed into it together. Felix and Danny took the armchairs, while Jasmine and I shared the bed. My feet dangled off the edge, but at least it was a place to lay our heads for the night. The next morning we were on the road again, before dawn even broke, all of us eager to get home. The ride was quiet until we reached the forest edge, when my wolf started shifting and clawing to be let out, and judging by the strained looks on Jasmine and Felix's faces, their wolves were eager to be let out as well. A cacophony of howls met us as we entered the forest fully, and Danny seemed to shift uneasily in his saddle.

"Don't worry about it; they're just letting everyone know we're back." Felix said it with a lazy smile, and the male's shoulders seemed to relax ever so slightly.

"I've never seen wolves before, so it's a little unsettling." Danny replied, his knuckles white on Maxim's reins. I shot him a toothy grin over my shoulder as another howl filled the air, this time closer.

"They won't touch you." I breathed as a dark tan wolf appeared ahead of us, its head lowered to the ground and his ears pulled back.

"The Baron's waiting for you at the estate." The wolf murmured, and Felix nodded his thanks before it took off into the thickening trees again.

"The Baron?" Danny asked with his eyes fixed on the retreating wolf.

"Oh, that's right. You don't know." Felix laughed, patting a heavy hand against his stallion's neck. "This is Sylvia Aeraviel. She is the adopted daughter of the Baron of Greenhollow and the top commander of his warriors." The male's eyes widened, and this time Jasmine laughed.

"I've heard about you." He mumbled, and my wolf purred with delight.

"Most people have heard of me; most didn't live to tell about it." I teased him, flashing my fangs, and his shoulders straightened again.

"It's an honor to meet you." He mused, lifting his chin. He's got courage; I'd give him that.

"Don't inflate her ego more than it already is, please." Jasmine teased, and I shot her a playful glare over my shoulder as we rounded a few trees. The stable came into view in the distance, and I tugged on Spirit's reins to stop before dismounting.

"Jas, would you mind taking Spirit back to Imran and telling him about my promise to Lord Adler?" I asked, brushing a hand over my stallion's backside. 

"Of course. We'll meet you at the estate." She answered before taking Spirit's reins from me. Danny's eyes darted between us as I took a few steps away from the horse. "Oh, Danny. I'd hold onto the reins if I were you." His eyes widened as he gripped the reins, following her instruction. My skin pricked, and my wolf howled with excitement as bones began to shatter and reset. A second later, my claws dug into the dry forest floor, and a low purr vibrated through me as the familiar smell of Greenhollow filled my lungs. The birds' familiar songs filled the forest, and the horses bucked at my presence, all except Spirit.

"Holy shit!" The male's grip on the reins faltered for a split second, and Maxim sent him tumbling to the forest floor.

"She did warn you." Felix laughed as his stallion calmed again.

"Why the hell are you riding horses when you're as big as one?" Danny asked, brushing the dirt from his clothes. His eyes were fixed on me. My wolf bared its teeth for a second before huffing.

"Can you imagine four wolves of this size showing up at a human capital?" I mumbled, happily digging my claws into the dirt. "We would prefer to get around unnoticed by humans."

"Makes sense." He mumbled, his silver eyes trailing over me from ears to tail. "They're bigger than I thought."

"You have no idea." Felix teased, wiggling his eyebrows.

"How old are you? 12?" Jasmine mused, rolling her eyes. Danny slowly pulled himself back into Maxim's saddle, and Jasmine tilted her head towards the town. "Get going; we'll catch up." With that, I huffed and sprang into a full-out sprint. My fur bristled with the warm air, and my muzzle snapped with excitement. Having spent four days in confinement, my wolf eagerly welcomed his release. The familiar feel of the dirt beneath my paws, the smell of the butchery and freshly baked breed hanging in the air, the faint noise of small creatures running around on the forest floor, and distant howls from scouts had my wolf purring loudly by the time I reached the estate. The front door was wide open as I shifted back and strode into the foyer. The entire building was filled with the aroma of salted meats and spices, with a lingering hum of magic. The horn? The hairs on my arms stood on end at the sensation, but I shrugged it off as I stepped into the lounge room. Ariel was once again fiddling around in the kitchen, her brown hair hanging loose down her back, and Cole was sitting at the island, a glass of glistening red liquid in one hand.

"Bit early to be drinking." I teased as I dropped down into my usual spot on the couch. The young lord twisted in his chair to peer at me with a lazy smile.

"Ariel didn't want to drink alone." He drawled, and my sister smacked him with a cloth.

"You opened the bottle." She exclaimed with a smile, and he blew her a kiss. Cernu burn me; the lovey-dovey stuff always made me uneasy. "Where are the others, Syl?" Ariel continued, opening the oven ajar to check on the roast turkey due to the smell emanating from the partially opened oven.

"They'll be here in a minute; they just went to put the horses away." I answered, eyeing my still-black-painted nails. "Where's Reece?"

"With dad. They just finished warding the office in order to keep the horn's power contained. When Reece sent it here, you should have felt it. The entire house felt so thick with magic, it felt like it would crush us." Ariel stated before closing the oven door again and taking a sip of her wine.

"Yeah, I felt it when I walked through the door." I continued, settling back into the soft cushion.

"Unfortunately, without bone dust, we won't be able to hide it completely, but hopefully with the meeting tomorrow, it won't be a problem." Reece said as he appeared from the hallway, brushing his hands over his sweat-stained shirt. Creating such wards for hours on end must be exhausting.

"Let's hope the horn is enough for her life." Jasper drawled as he stepped out beside Reece, his brown hair clinging to the sweat coating his neck.

"It's a divine artifact; how could it possibly not be enough?" Felix countered as he stepped into the room, with Jasmine and Danny close behind.

"Well, it's—wait, who's that?" Ariel mumbled, her eyes fixed on the lesser fae.

"This is Danny." Jasmine cooed as she snaked her arm through Danny's elbow.

"Ah, the rebel who helped you." Jasper added, wiping at the sweat coating his brow.

"A rebel?" Cole asked, shooting from his bar stool and taking a step in front of Ariel.

"Ex-rebel." I corrected, and his eyes met mine. I could see the weariness and fear in them. Cole's parents had to deal with rebels more than once before; he even lost his sister to a raid a few years ago.

"Ex or not. He's a rebel; why the hell would you bring him here?" With each word, anger flared, and his shoulders became rigid, but I didn't move or blink.

"He saved us from an ambush, Cole. He has just as much reason to hate the rebels as you. He was forced to choose between joining them and death; he chose to survive. I take full responsibility for him while he stays here." I countered, keeping my features as neutral as possible to hide my bubbling annoyance.

"Stay here?! There's no way in hell; he's staying here." Cole seethed, taking another step in front of Ariel, so she was fully hidden behind him now. Did he truly believe I was incapable of protecting my own sister? I immediately shot from my seat, my strides eating up the space between us until we shared a breath. He was shorter than me, so he had to tip his head back slightly to meet my eyes. His shoulders tensed, and he squared his feet like he did in the training ring, but I smiled.

"Do you want to fight me, Cole?" I challenged, every muscle rigid and aching to lash out, but I kept my arms firmly planted at my sides as he held my stare. I don't know whether he's stupid or brave; he can barely last half an hour with me in the ring.

"No, Commander." He whispered, his hands balling into fists at his side. A delicate hand appeared on our chests. Ariel.

"That's enough, you two." She mumbled, and I receded a step from her boy toy, but we never once broke our gaze. "Babe, she wouldn't have brought him here if she didn't believe him; if she says he hates the rebels, then it's true." She added. Cole didn't know about my intuition, and I made Ariel swear to never tell him either. Enough people know about it now for it to be dangerous.

"You almost got to see why she's the top commander." Jasmine mused beside Danny, still clinging to his arm. 

"I'd piss my pants if she looked at me like that." Danny added under his breath, and Reece barked a laugh.

"You wouldn't be the first, kid." Reece drawled as he strode over to hook his arm around my shoulder, causing me to finally break the stare with Cole. "The meeting with High Lord Xander is tomorrow; we should eat and get some rest."

"And where exactly will he be sleeping?" Cole mumbled, coiling an arm around Ariel's waist as he studied Danny.

"At my house." I shot, leaning into my brother's side.

"Are you sure, little beast?" Jasper chimed in, leaning against the wall.

"Yeah, I have a spare room. Also, if tonight is my last night here, I would like someone to use the house in my absence." I answered, and Jasper's piercing blue eyes seemed to fog over with pain and sorrow. We all know that I might die at that meeting tomorrow, but seeing that pain in my father's eyes made my stomach twist and turn. I hated that feeling, like I had caused him pain.

"I made enough dinner for everyone, if you guys want to stay?" Ariel added, smiling brightly and running a hand through her hair, causing some of the strands to fall delicately down her slim shoulders.

"I'll eat at home." I drawled, eager to find the solitude of my home, and put as much distance between myself and Cole. Anger heated quickly in me but took ages to subside sometimes.

"I'll see you tomorrow then, little beast." Jasper mused, forcing a dazzling smile in stark contrast to the pain still lingering in his eyes. As I shifted from his grasp, Reece's arm slipped from my shoulder again, my strides eating up the wooden floors as I passed the others on my way to the door.

"Come on, Danny. I'll show you where you'll be staying for now." I shot over my shoulder as I stepped out onto the stone steps, not bothering to see if he followed. By the time I reached the last step, he appeared beside me, and I heard the faint click of the front door.

"That went about as well as I suspected." He mumbled, eyeing the houses and shops around us as we fell into step on the cobblestone pathway.

"Don't worry about Cole. He's more bark than bite." I countered, nodding my head at a few Fae as we passed them on the road.

"Let me guess: Rebels killed someone he loved." He mumbled, side-stepping a cat lounging in the last remnants of the day's sun.

"His sister. It was years ago, but he never got over it."

"Understandable, I'm not entirely over my parents' deaths either." I glanced at him this time; his mouth drew a thin line, and his eyes softened with understanding. I wonder what it must feel like to mourn the dead. To go every waking day wondering what you could have done differently. I never had the luxury of thinking like that.

We spent the rest of the walk in silence. 

                    ╭──╯ . . . . . . . . . . ╰──╮

I finally lifted my eyes from the book in my lap, where I was lounging on the bean bag chair in the corner of the living room, to the wall clock displayed on the mezzanine. 10pm. Danny had gone out of his way to cook us dinner. It's been years since I've had home-made pizza, not since Ariel made it for us one night almost 30 years ago. But Danny's pizza was much better; the crust was thin, and he made the dough at home with his own blend of spices. He clearly enjoyed baking as much as his father did. He had this blooming smile the entire time. I didn't have much food in the house, so he went to the shops in town just before they closed to get us bacon, three types of cheese, bell peppers, onions, etc. It was the first pizza I've ever had with bananas on it, and I must say, it was good. I don't think I'd ever look at fruit the same way again. I closed the book in my lap, dragging a nail across the leather spine, where bold, golden letters read: The 100 laws of strength in war. I've read it a few times over the years, and each time I learn something new and vital to the art of battle. Danny had gone to his room an hour ago and left me to read in silence. It's odd to have someone in the house, and while he is just a roommate, it felt oddly comforting.

I slowly pushed myself from the bean bag, placing the book back in its usual spot on the end table, when a knock sounded at the door. I glanced at the clock again before striding for the door, shoving one hand into the pocket of my sweatpants, and flipping the lock on the door with the other. I opened the door ajar to find Jasmine beaming at me with a bottle of whiskey in one hand and donuts in the other.

"Jas?" I mumbled, furrowing my brow.

"Hey, Syl. You didn't stay for dinner, so we decided to come spend the evening with you before you guys leave tomorrow." She had a smile from ear to ear; the scar on her cheek was nothing but a thin line now.

"We?" I asked, and Reece popped out behind her, followed by Felix and Matthew, each clutching their own bottle of alcohol.

"Are you going to let us in and maybe change?" Reece mused, eyeing the thin fabric of my lacey tank top. I didn't wear a bra underneath, but the lace provided enough coverage, especially with my new roommate nearby. Before stepping to the side, I shot my brother a bored smile and opened the door wider, and they began filing in.

"In my house, I get to wear what I want." I teased, and he rolled his eyes before striding for the kitchen island to put his bottle of vodka down.

"Where's Danny?" Jasmine asked, surveying the room from the doorway.

"He went to bed about an hour ago." I answered, ushering her inside before shutting the door again.

"Did you guys have dinner? Or should I order pizza?" Matthew mumbled, eyeing the donuts in Jasmine's hand.

"Danny made us pizza; there's still some left in the fridge if you'd like." I offered, and he shot me a polite smile before wandering over to the fridge. I watched as he bit into a slice. He had about the same reaction to it as I did—a low groan, eyes closed—and then devoured the slice in a few bites.

"Holy shit, that's some good pizza." He mumbled around bites before finally shutting the fridge door.

"Yeah. Danny knows his way around food." I mused as Jasmine set her things down on the kitchen island and rushed up the steps to the mezzanine. "Don't wake him, Jas." I called after her, and she waved a hand at me over her shoulder before disappearing into Danny's room.

"Look what I brought." Reece stated, tossing a small bag of white powder at me as I turned to face him again. I caught it with ease, eyeing the small bag before raising a brow.

"SwiftRA? I never thought I'd see the day where my brother brings me drugs." I teased with a lupine smile, and he matched it.

"Well, since we don't know what tomorrow holds, I thought we'd enjoy tonight the right way." Reece continued as Felix placed a glass in front of him and handed one to Matthew.

"Same thing as usual for you, Syl?" Felix uttered, grabbing my favorite whiskey glass from the cupboard.

"Yes, please." As he fixed me a drink, I shot him a bright smile. The usual double whiskey on the rocks.

"Let's get some music going, shall we?" Matthew mused as he made his way over to the sound system, which was against the far wall of the living room. As the music filled the room, Felix handed me my glass. The drums sending small trembles through the wooden floor, the base guitar causing every muscle to relax, and the sultry voice filling the night air like a melody.

"I've only had SwiftRA once before, so you can make the lines." Reece shouted over the pumping music just as Jasmine appeared at the railing of the mezzanine.

"Did you guys know Danny's still a virgin?" We all turned our attention to Danny at the door behind her. I could swear a red tint clung to his dark cheeks as he stared daggers into Jasmine's back.

"Thanks for that." He mumbled, barely audible over the music. 

"So that's why you were so eager to get laid." Felix teased, raising his full glass of brandy and coke as Jasmine ushered Danny down the stairs. He wore nothing but sweatpants, and his eyes still showed signs of sleep. The young male was well built; I'd give him that—not nearly as well as Reece or Felix, but not bad to look at. His thin lips pulled into a hard line as Jasmine pounced onto his back as they reached the kitchen. I could practically hear her purr from here, and a lupine smile bloomed on Matthew's face.

"A virgin, huh? How about we change that? I promise to be gentle." Matthew drawled as he sat down on one of the bar stools on the island, and Danny offered him a tired smile.

"I prefer females."

"So did I." Matthew added a wink before sipping his vodka and sprite. I rolled my eyes at the way Jasmine purred again before sliding down the male's back, and I proceeded to dump the powder onto the marble counter. If I split it correctly, there should be enough for all of us.

"Don't scare the kid away." Reece teased, taking a long drink of his own vodka and cranberry. Felix offered Jasmine her own neat whiskey before coiling an arm around my shoulder as I used a knife to split the powder. The music had me tapping my foot to the beat as I formed six neat lines with it.

"This brings back memories." Felix muttered beside me, watching me carefully.

"Are you talking about that damn house party I had when I got this place?" I asked, tilting my head to the side to make sure it looked even.

"The one and only. Do you remember how drunk we all got?" Felix barked a laugh, and I couldn't help but smile at the memory. The house was filled with fae, all at varying stages of drunkenness. A few passed out on the lawn in front, while others were busy throwing up in the bushes out back. Felix, Jasmine, and I had passed out on the bathroom floor after holding Jasmine's hair back while she vomited up the seven different alcohols she decided to mix that evening. I still remember the raging hangover we all had the next day; we could barely hold a sword at training. We spent most of that day complaining about the sun and trying not to throw up in the ring. 

"What I remember most about that evening is how long it took to clean the damn house." I mused, finally meeting Felix's amber eyes. He gave me a bright smile as he placed a kiss on my temple before turning to the others, now gathered around the kitchen island.

"Who's going first?" He exclaimed, and Jasmine immediately raised her hand before bouncing over on the balls of her feet. I took a step to the side, watching her snort the first line. We'd done this so many times before that I couldn't stop the blooming smile.

"What is that?" Danny asked with his own drink in hand. It's probably some of Felix's brandy, according to the deep-colored liquid.

"SwiftRA, have you ever had any?" Matthew inquired, resting his elbow on the marble island.

"No, but I've heard of it." He offered, and Jasmine purred loudly as the powder shifted and rushed through her.

"Well, a virgin in more ways than one, then." I teased, and Jasmine smirked before bouncing back to Danny's side.

"Your turn then." She mused, curling an arm around the male's shoulder. I smiled as she led him over to the counter and gave him step-by-step instructions on how to snort it. Always keep one nostril closed, inhale deeply, and then close both nostrils for a few seconds. I still remember my first time. I'd just turned 20 when Reece went to a friend's birthday party. Jasper instructed Reece to take me with, and after a few minutes of arguing, I followed Reece across town to Felix's. That was the first time I met Felix, and I still remember how he took my breath away. The way he moves with grace, the way his black hair reached his shoulders back then, the way he laughed, and the way he made everyone around him smile. He looked perfect in every way. He was my big brother's best friend. After that, Felix and I quickly became close; we understood each other and were inseparable. However, nothing more happened, not because I didn't have the opportunity. A few weeks passed when he suddenly broke up with his girlfriend and told me about how he felt, but I felt nothing. I cared for him, but I didn't love him. I didn't know what it should feel like; I told him so much, and he understood, and it's been like this ever since. He'd ask, and I'd say no. He'd smile and try again.

A guttural cough tore me from my thoughts, and I found Danny hunched over beside me, Jasmine rubbing his back and making soothing motions with a bright smile on her face.

"The first time is always like that; you did good." Jasmine cooed and helped Danny straighten up again. Before meeting my gaze, Reece barked a laugh from where he still lounged on the bar stool.

"Your turn, little sister." I shot him a smirk before turning to the lines still left on the counter. I used one finger to cover my left nostril before leaning down to snort along the line. Ecstasy rushed through me within seconds, causing my mind to spin and dip with delight as I forced both nostrils closed for ten seconds. Time seemed to slow and rush all at once, and my senses heightened. The music felt more surreal now, and the tips of my fingers felt years away as the drug assaulted every fiber of my being. My legs felt foreign as I strode for the island and watched as the others did the same. Then the party started.

For high fae, SwiftRA lasts a few hours at most, but for Danny, it would last well into the next day. We spent the evening downing drinks, laughing, and dancing to the music. The world outside this building felt years away, and nothing mattered but this moment. We took turns playing cards and board games, laughing when Danny's words slurred after his third drink. Matthew and Jasmine flirted with the poor male every few minutes, but he seemed oblivious. I had a smile plastered on my face throughout all of it. Whatever tomorrow brings, this is the moment I'll remember. My friends. Their smiles. I cared for them with all of my heart, and I know the effect my death will have on them. They will mourn me if High Lord Xander chooses to kill me tomorrow, even if they knew I wouldn't want them to. There's no point to it. It wouldn't bring me back. I wonder if I'll mourn their deaths some day if I live long enough to experience them.

By four a.m., the drug had worn off, leaving Matthew unconscious on the sofa and Reece snoring noisily on my bean bag. Jasmine had passed out on Danny's bed about an hour ago, with Danny now sleeping on his bedroom floor. Felix and I were the only ones still awake, if not a bit drunk. I had an entire bottle of whiskey, and Felix was also on his last brandy.

"I should go to bed." I uttered, blinking the world back into focus from where I sat on the island. Felix's knee was brushing my own.

"What time should you guys meet the escort at the border?" Felix mumbled, his eyes glazed and unfocused as well. The meeting is only open to the Baron's family, meaning Felix and the others won't learn the decision until Jasper returns. I glanced at the clock, willing the numbers into focus.

"In four hours."

"Then yeah. You should get some sleep." Felix slid from his stool onto his surprisingly stable legs before leading me up the stairs to my bedroom. "Do you think the Horn will be enough?" He muttered as he shouldered the door open for me.

"I don't know." I truly didn't. I could die tomorrow, but I could also live. I was about to step into the room when his hand rested on the door frame, blocking the door.

"Syl." His eyes seemed to soften as I met his gaze, and he took a step closer to me, his musky scent enveloping me within seconds.

"Don't start, Felix." I pleaded; I wasn't in the right mindset for this.

"Syl, you can die tomorrow." His eyes reflected pain, and it made my gut turn and twist.

"Everyone keeps saying that, but I can also live." I countered, crossing my arms over my chest. I wasn't sure if exhaustion or the drug caused my body to feel heavy.

"I know, but I was thinking. Maybe. Maybe one night wouldn't be so hard." His tone dropped, and his eyes flicked to my lips for a heartbeat before they met mine again with his usual smile. One night. That's what I've wanted for years, but I know him. I know it won't ever just be one night. I get that he's afraid I'll die tomorrow and regret not having one night with me, but I can't imagine the pain he'd have to endure if I died after he got to spend one night with me. Just to get a taste of what you've wanted for so long, only to have it ripped from you? He won't survive it; I know that.

"No." This time, his smile faltered, and my gut screamed at it. I instinctively reached out to cup his cheek, and he leaned into the touch. "I would give anything for just one night, Felix, but you and I both know it won't ever just be one night. I can't give you what you want." His eyes closed as my thumb brushed over the stubble now adorning his jaw. He shaved daily to keep his skin baby smooth, but the stubble always showed when we partied until early in the morning. "I can't hurt you like that to give you one night. Especially if I might die tomorrow." His eyes opened again, and I hated that look—the longing, the pain, the love. I hated that I didn't feel it, but he nodded. He knows I'm right, as much as he hates to admit it, but there was one thing I could give him. I closed the space between us until my chest brushed his, then tilted my head back slightly. One of the few males taller than me, I always liked that about him and brushed my lips to his. As tenderly as my numb mind would allow. A heartbeat passed, and his hands found my hair and waist, crushing me to him as he deepened it. My tongue brushed his, and I could feel the purr of delight bouncing between us before I finally broke the kiss. His breath was hard, and his eyes glazed over with need and admiration, like they always did after we kissed. "Goodnight, Felix." I brushed my thumb over his lower lip before stepping out of his grasp and into the room. I could feel his eyes burning my skin as he stepped away from the door.

"Goodnight, Syl." His smile was back. That damn smile. I couldn't look at it too long, not when it might be the last time I saw it, but I gave him a smile of my own before I finally closed the door.