The Woods

Chapter Thirty-Seven

"Hello, Fida," Anwir greeted. He seemed cheerful, even though I could barely hear him over the crowd and music that echoed through the room.

"Hello," I said, quickly offering him a smile. His grin still unsettled me . . . I was hoping not to see him for a while. Not that he was unpleasant – there was just something odd. "Maalik let you leave for the festival?"

"Not really," he shrugged. He seemed to want to continue, but he glanced up and I followed his gaze.

Cain was falling just as I had, but somehow managed to land on the mat – made of moss, I realised – much more elegantly. And with a big grin on his face.

"Have fun?" he asked, rising to his feet. I scowled at him, smacking him on the arm.

"You could have warned me," I hissed. The whole room seemed to hold its breath, and I stiffened at the sudden silence. Even the music stopped. Of course – part of me had forgotten Cain was the king. And to hit him, even if malice wasn't intended-

Cain laughed at my reaction, slinging an arm around my shoulders and leading me to a table with drinks. He didn't seem to notice the tension, and perhaps that is what made people slowly begin to speak once more.

"Where's the fun in that?" he asked, passing me a wooden goblet. "Besides, how could I ever convince you to jump into a chasm?"

I had to admit . . . he had a point. But that didn't stop me from scowling at him once more. He laughed again, and I let out a sigh, turning to look over the room.

It was massive. While I expected a cave of sorts, I found myself in a stone room, carved with elegant designs. In one corner, a trio of faeries played light, energetic music that echoed through the room. There were dozens of tables scattered in the room with all kinds of food and drink, and dancers wove among the tables that were in their path.

It was only then that I realised Anwir had disappeared. Perhaps when Cain had pulled me away. I stared into the crowd for a moment, as if I could find him, but I just saw Fae and faeries I did not recognise.

"They have wings," I blurted, pointing to a small group. Three women and one man stood with goblets in their hands. And out of their backs were massive feathered wings. Could they fly?

"Oh, I forgot that you hadn't met all of the Houses," Cain replied. "They are from the Crow House."

It made sense that they would have wings, but a part of me always imagined them with beaks instead of mouths. That would certainly be a sight.

Cain suddenly coughed, and I realised it was to cover his laugh. I gave him a confused look.

"I thought you figured out how to control speaking mind-to-mind," he accused. It was then that I realised I had shared my thoughts with him. I sniggered, waiting until he had calmed himself enough to take a sip from his drink, before sending him a mental image of what I imagined the Crow House to look like.

I wasn't sure whether images could actually be sent the way words could, but Cain choked on his drink, his eyes glaring accusingly as he coughed.

"You are cruel," he said, frowning at his jacket, which was now soaked with his drink.

I gave him an innocent look. "I hope that wasn't your favourite jacket."

He huffed out a laugh, perhaps realising it was my petty revenge for being pushed. Slipping his hand into his sleeve, he pulled out a handkerchief and dabbed at himself. "Thankfully not. My favourite jacket is one I'm only allowed to wear twice in my lifetime." I frowned, about to ask why, but he said, "I am going back to change my jacket. Don't wander."