Fight or Flight

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

As I made my way back downstairs, I couldn't help but pause as I passed Finnian's door. The wood seemed to beckon me, its surface smooth and inviting under the warm glow of the hallway lanterns. For a brief moment, I felt an inexplicable urge to raise my hand and knock, to see if he was there, to... I don't know, talk, I guess?

But I hesitated, my knuckles hovering in midair. What would I even say?

"Hey, Finnian, I just had a crazy conversation with Vex about forbidden magical energy that might be connected to your dead father, who was murdered by the Shadow!"

Yeah, that would go over well.

I shook my head, feeling ridiculous. Finnian probably had enough on his plate without me barging in and unloading my worries onto him. Besides, Vex had assured me that he would know of aetherial energy before tomorrow. I wasn't about to break her trust, even if the weight of it all made me feel like I was going to burst.

With a sigh, I let my hand fall back to my side and continued on my way, the floorboards creaking softly beneath my feet. As I descended the stairs, the comforting scent of Alannah's cooking wafted up to greet me. The tavern had come alive in the time I'd spent upstairs with Vex, the once private meeting space now filled with the cheerful chatter of patrons and the clinking of dishes.

I made my way toward the kitchen, navigating through the bustling tavern. A few familiar faces looked up as I passed, offering friendly smiles and nods of acknowledgment. Thankfully, Eylan was not among them, he seemed to have retreated to his room.

As I pushed open the kitchen door, I was greeted by the sight of Alannah. Her dark hair was tied back in a messy bun and her cheeks were flushed against her honey skin from the heat of the stove. She looked up as I entered, her brown eyes sparkling with warmth.

"Well, look who decided to grace us with her presence," Alannah teased, wiping her hands on her apron. "We were beginning to think you'd flown the coop."

We? I turned to my left to see Eylan working frivolously in the corner. I watched him peer up from his task of cutting vegetables to meet my eyes, before he returned to his work.

I returned to Alannah, wiped a smirk across my face. "And miss out on your cooking? Not a chance."

Alannah laughed, a rich, melodious sound that filled the kitchen. "Flattery will get you everywhere, my friend. Come in and help us prepare this evening's meal."

I rolled up my sleeves and moved to the sink to wash, grateful for the distraction. As I scrubbed my palms and wrists, I couldn't help but steal glances at Eylan. His lips were pressed into a thin line, his movements precise and careful as he chopped vegetables. A lurking sense of discomfort flowed between us, but I ignored the unease. I could only hope Eylan would follow suit.

"So," Alannah chirped, breaking the still silence, "what shall we put you to work on, Aria? Peeling potatoes or stirring the stew?"

I dried my hands on a nearby towel. "Stirring the stew sounds good. I'm not sure I trust myself with sharp objects right now." Sharp objects near Eylan, to be exact.

Alannah raised an eyebrow but didn't comment. She handed me a long wooden spoon and gestured to a gigantic pot bubbling on the stove. "Just keep it from sticking to the bottom."

I took up my kitchen post, focusing intently on the swirling contents of the pot. As I stirred, I made a conscious effort to keep my movements calm and steady, matching the peaceful rhythm Alannah was trying to maintain in the kitchen. It wasn't difficult to ease my apprehension, though, as the glorious smells began to flood my sinuses.

"You're quiet tonight," Alannah observed in my direction, her voice tinged with friendly concern. "Everything alright?"

I managed a small smile. "Oh. Yeah, just... thinking. It's been a long day."