Solasta Academy: All Hallows Eve

Chapter Two

Calia and her friends each took turns taking a sip of the Fae wine as they explored Faylinn. They were on the hunt for a hiding spot but there were nothing but little shops full of sweet treats and oddities. Her fingers intertwined with Arzhel's as they walked through the cobblestone streets and old brick buildings and his warmth sent butterflies into her veins. The two were the only Fae in the group so it was up to them to figure out where to go. She stole a glance at Arzhel and he only raised a brow, silently telling her to lead the way. Not surprising, as he let Calia decide what she did or didn't want to do. Calia nodded as she looked around her surroundings, noting the familiarity of this place even though she never entered Faylinn until now. Maybe it was how all Fae felt, as it was everyone's home in one way or another.

She started walking and the boy holding her hand followed close behind, along with their other four friends. They turned a left then a right until Calia stopped and stared at the sign in interest. She had no idea why her powers led her here, but she decided two weeks ago to trust it, no matter how mysterious it was sometimes. The old wooden sign said, Breena's Tavern and she frowned. Faylinn was getting more interesting by the minute. "Well," she said, turning toward her friends and Arzhel. "Today is as good as any to get drunk."

It wasn't as if she wanted to get drunk on the day of her mother's funeral, but she thought it might help the ache in her heart or keep her from remembering the night in Doris Cove. Every time she thought about it, bile formed at the base of her throat and was seconds away from vomiting. But she dialed it down, dug her fingernails into her palms until she thought of anything else. Instead, she conjured up happy memories with her mother. Sometimes it was the moments with her two guardians and other times it was with her friends. Most of all, her memories were of her and Arzhel.

"Lead the way, genius," Arzhel said.

"Never would I think Faylinn would be so...ancient," Lottie murmured.

"Fae are older than Vampires," Jade interjected.

Calia didn't have to see to know that Lottie rolled her eyes, letting her let out a soft chuckle. She pulled open the crickety oak door with her free hand, and from behind, Arzhel held it open for her. Fighting off the urge to blush, she muttered a thanks before entering the tavern. Once she did, she was hit with an aroma of delicious meats and potatoes. In the middle stood an array of various foods, and her mouth watered at the sighs. Gods, she forgot to eat anything today, and feeling her stomach grumble was the only indication. How did she even forget to eat? Calia wasn't sure.

She stood so frozen at the entryway that she almost forgot her friends entering individually. Arzhel still firmly held her hand as if he didn't dare let her go. There weren't many other Fae in the tavern except for a few males sitting at the bar with a glass of what she assumed was wine or something stronger like whiskey. But they looked to be brooding about something, and she noted that she would not bother them while she was here.

"Welcome!" a young woman spoke from the other side of the counter. Her bright blue hair was cropped to one side as she dried a glass with her towel. The woman's eyes were bright, too, and she noticed her sharp Fae ears—the same ones as hers. Her skin was a hue of dark gold, and Calia was instantly mesmerized. "Sit anywhere you like,"

She instantly pulled her lips into a genuine smile at what she assumed was the bartender. "Thanks!" she beamed. Calia guided Arzhel and their friends to the corner booth on the opposite side of the bar. As soon as she sat down, her nostrils flared with the scent of stale beer. The booth was sticky with what she hoped was an alcoholic drink and not something...else. Everyone plumped down into the small booth as Arzhel's thigh touched hers tightly, making her cheeks redden. She wondered if he felt the same way whenever that happened. Or maybe he doesn't notice it as much as she does.