The Woods

Chapter Twelve

I wasn't sure whether it was a good idea to ask Dimah about it or not, but the curiosity left me fidgeting as she brushed and braided my hair the next day, and the look in her eyes told me she knew something was bothering me. I couldn't read the emotion, but I was sure it was amusement.

"If you keep fidgeting, your braids will be lopsided," she warned. I smiled sheepishly, willing myself to stop moving. She hesitated before asking, "What's on your mind?"

I blinked, almost surprised it was her who initiated the conversation at all. From what I had seen, she seemed to keep to herself most of the time, especially around other Fae. "I was debating whether to ask you a question," I said, nibbling my lip as I watched her reaction. Her face remained passive, so I continued. "I saw a painting in the library. It showed the family trees of the Houses."

"What of it?" she asked. She seemed to stiffen slightly, though she hid it well. I almost hesitated before continuing, but curiosity got the better of me.

"Why were a few names from the Stag House burned out?" I asked. "Did something happen or-" I let out a yelp as she violently set the hairbrush on the table. Something cold had entered her eyes and she grabbed my shoulder roughly, leaning down to whisper in my ear.

"You have gotten so comfortable here, haven't you?" she hissed. "You have forgotten your place. You are a mortal; worth less than the mud beneath our shoes." Her tone scared me enough that I froze, hesitating even to breathe. She had been so quiet and kind just moments ago, and never before had I seen her act like that. Her tone seemed to press down on me, almost as if she was physically strangling me. But there was something growing in my chest. I wasn't sure what it was, only that it gave me a sense of power, rage.

"Says the one that lost her status," I snapped. I couldn't help myself but regretted it when I staggered back with a cry, Dimah having punched my jaw. I looked up at her burning eyes, giving her a look of utter fury as I rubbed my jaw. I had no place in insulting the Fae, and I wasn't sure what set me off, but there was a deep fury in my gut. Perhaps it was nothing more than primal instincts, but I could do nothing more than bare my teeth at her and glare.

I was nothing compared to her. She was right – if she wanted to, she could kill me in seconds. My mortal body was nothing to her immortality, and yet . . . She backed down. Something flashed in her eyes, and she backed away, conflicting emotions in her eyes.

"You freak," she spat, fleeing the room.

I was left staring at where she stood, the spot now empty, confused and yet a feeling of pride in my chest. I felt like a wild animal, fighting for pride through uncivilised manners. I felt powerful. My lips curved into an almost feral grin.

A low whistle from the doorway snapped me out of my thoughts and I whipped my head to the side, my grin twisting into a scowl. Casper was leaning against the doorway, watching silently as I let out a snarl. A stupid decision, really. He could kill me whenever he pleased.

"You really upset Dimah," he said. Not a polite way of greeting, but fine. I wasn't in the mood anyway. "What did she say to you?"

"What does it matter?" I snapped. He raised his brows at the tone.

"It matters because I say it does." If looks could kill, I was sure I would be dead, but that didn't stop me from glaring right back, earning a gleam of surprise from his eyes. "Disrespect doesn't run very well in this castle."

I was going to retort something back, but he grabbed my arm and yanked me after him, dragging me through the castle halls. I yelled at him, thrashing in his grip, but he was much stronger than me. He seemed more annoyed than anything at my attempts.