Chapter Three
The notification dings on my phone just as I'm finishing up my morning coffee.
My supplies have arrived in the mailroom downstairs.
Perfect timing—I chose a few elective courses to take at the on-complex academy, and I've got a few hours before class to get everything organized for tomorrow's party.
I take the elevator down to the ground floor, nodding to a couple of other halfbloods I pass in the lobby. The mailroom attendant has my packages already sorted and waiting. I sign the electronic pad he thrusts at me, watching as he walks off without offering help. Nice. Thanks, buddy.
“Okay, I can do this,” I mutter, surveying the pile. Three decent-sized boxes plus two overstuffed grocery bags. I stack the boxes carefully, wedging the bags between them and my chest. The whole tower wobbles precariously as I straighten.
The hallway seems to stretch endlessly before me as I inch toward the elevators, trying to peer around my cargo. My arms strain under the weight. Just a few more steps.
The top box starts to slip. I lurch forward, attempting to compensate, but that only makes the whole stack more unstable. Just as I'm about to lose it completely, a hand shoots out and plucks the two highest boxes away.
I blink in surprise as the face of the flirty guard from the coffee shop—Eunho—appears, his eyes dancing with amusement as he balances my boxes easily in one arm.
“Looks like you could use a hand there,” he says, reaching for one of the grocery bags as well.
A laugh bubbles up despite myself. “Maybe just a little.” I readjust my grip on the remaining items, thrown off by his sudden appearance. He's in his guard uniform again. The red fabric stretches nicely across his broad shoulders.
“Lead the way.” He gestures toward the elevators with his free hand, an easy smile hanging from his lips.
The elevator doors slide shut with a soft ding, and I press myself against the back wall, trying to put as much distance as possible between myself and Eunho in the cramped space.
His scent fills my nose—spicy and warm, like cinnamon and wood smoke.
It makes my stomach clench and my skin prickle with unwanted awareness.
“Floor?” he asks, hovering his finger over the buttons.
“Seventh.”
He presses it and leans back against the opposite wall. “How are you settling in so far? Getting comfortable?”
I shift the bags in my arms, avoiding his gaze. Everything in me wants to shut down this conversation. He seems nice enough, but I've learned the hard way that “nice” fae males are just as bad, if not worse.
Before I can fumble for a response, he continues.
“It's been an adjustment for us guards too, if I'm being honest. Most of the other males are tiptoeing around, afraid of making anyone uncomfortable.
We can tell there's a lot of wariness.” He chuckles.
“Plus, the different fire houses keep clashing in the commons. Had to completely redo the patrol schedules after the third explosion this week.”
His casual chattiness eases some of the tension in my shoulders. I relax slightly as he describes the chaos of integrating guards from different houses.
“It's … not easy for us,” I admit carefully. “A lot of us have had bad experiences with full fae, especially the males. We know you're here to protect us, but…” I trail off, not sure how to explain without offending him.
“But trust takes time,” he finishes for me, nodding.
“Actually, I should probably tell you—not all of us volunteered for this assignment.” When I stiffen, he quickly adds, “Some were pressured into it because of family connections to the crown.
They're here because they're from prominent families that need to represent House Ruby and our alliance with the twin queens.
That's probably not very comforting to hear, though.”
“Not really,” I say dryly.
He grins. “But most of us genuinely want to help make this place feel safe for you all. We're not all bad guys, I promise.”
The elevator stops and the doors slide open. I step out first, oddly grateful for his honesty. At least he's not trying to pretend everything is perfect.
“What's all this for, anyway?” Eunho asks as we make our way down the hall. “Planning some kind of feast?”
“Sort of. I'm throwing a party tomorrow night.” I shift the bags in my arms. “For the other halfbloods in the building.”
“A party?” His eyebrows lift with interest.
“Yeah. I thought it might help everyone feel more at home here, you know? Most of us have never really had a chance to be around others like us.” I pause outside my door, fumbling for the keypad. “A lot of halfbloods weren't exactly welcome at full fae gatherings.”
Eunho holds the boxes steady while I unlock the door. “That's a shame. Fae parties are wild—though maybe a bit intense for halfbloods who aren't used to them. The body count alone…” He trails off with a wry smile.
“Exactly.” I push the door open with my hip. “I want this to be different. Something where we can all just relax and be ourselves without worrying about politics or proper etiquette or—” I wave a hand vaguely. “You know, death.”
He follows me inside, setting the boxes carefully on my kitchen counter. “Sounds nice, actually. More laid back than our usual affairs.”
I hesitate, my fingers playing with the edge of one of the grocery bags. The words are out before I can stop them. “You and the other guards could come, if you want.”
He presses his lips together, his eyes twinkling as he seems to consider it.
“I mean,” I continue quickly, “it might help everyone get more comfortable with having you all around. Break down some barriers.” I'm already regretting the invitation, but Eunho has been nice, easy to talk to, and earnest. Perhaps it could be an opportunity for us to get to know the fae guards and ease some of the tension.
Eunho's laugh is warm and genuine. “That's really kind of you to offer, but I think we'll sit this one out. This should be about you halfbloods getting to know each other, building your own community. We'd just be intruding.”
Relief and disappointment war in my chest. “You're probably right.”
“But I appreciate the invitation.” He backs toward the door, an infectious smile still in place. “Have fun tomorrow night. Try not to destroy too much furniture.”
The teasing glint in his eyes makes my stomach flutter traitorously. He winks at me before pulling the door closed, and I'm left staring at the space he occupied, my heart doing an odd little skip.
I press my palm against my chest, willing the sensation away. This is exactly what I don't need—getting all flustered over some handsome fae guard with a charming smile. Even if he seems different from the others, more genuine.
The click of nails on hardwood breaks through my thoughts. Soot emerges from around the corner, his coal-black form materializing from the shadows. His eyes glow like embers as he pads over, nudging my hand with his wet nose.
“Hey, boy,” I murmur, crouching down to scratch behind his ears.
His presence grounds me, helps clear my head.
Soot has been my constant companion since I bought him off a sketchy trader in Obsidian territory's night market district as a three-month-old.
He's the perfect watchdog, even if he isn't really a dog, and nurtured my passion for magical creature training.
As I run my fingers over his smooth fur, I question if I'm being too suspicious, too quick to assume the worst. Maybe some fae really do want to change, to bridge the divide between our people. Eunho certainly seems sincere in his efforts to make us feel welcome here.
Or maybe he's just better at hiding his true nature than most. I've learned the hard way that a pretty face and sweet words can mask the darkest intentions. Even now, years later, I still bear the emotional scars from trusting the wrong fae male.
Soot whines softly, pressing closer, as if sensing my unease. I bury my face in his fur, breathing in his familiar smoky scent. “What do you think, boy? Can fae really change? Or am I being na?ve again?”