Chapter 13 #2
“You and your books.” Kaia rolled her eyes. “Don’t be silly. We’re not leaving. We look too stunning to waste all this effort. Unless”—her grin sharpened—“someone else is going to be helping you out of that outfit.”
Now it was Alaire’s turn to roll her eyes.
When they finally reached the front of the line at the bar, Alaire ordered a drink called Nebula’s Brew.
It was a rich, dark hue, like the void between the stars.
Each house had a wine to sample, its effects labeled as something to be taken at one’s own peril…
Nebula’s Brew came from House Cerebral, but she skipped reading the label. Tonight, she was feeling daring.
“Ky, what do you want?”
Kaia shook her head, scanning the crowd. “I’m good for now. I want to dance first—later, though.”
Alaire frowned at the bartender as he handed her the glass, barely a quarter full. “Is this the right amount?”
He gave her a rakish smile. “That’s all you need. Down it in one gulp—it’s meant to be consumed, not sipped.” He winked. “Trust me, you’ll feel it.”
Kaia chuckled. “Bottoms up.”
Alaire winced as the bitter aftertaste burned down her throat.
It tasted like crushed berries and pepper.
She barely had time to process it before the room tilted.
“That was gross,” she muttered as her vision blurred at the edges and a slow wave of dizziness crept over her. She clutched the empty glass, unsteady.
The bartender was right .
Her legs felt simultaneously light and heavy, the floor swaying beneath her feet. She stumbled toward Kaia, who caught her by the elbow.
“Whoa there. First time having fae wine?” Kaia asked, steadying her.
Alaire nodded, swallowing hard as the room spun in dizzying spirals of color and sound. Words came slow and thick.
“It’s a lot more potent than what humans usually serve in taverns,” Kaia admitted, worry flickering in her eyes. “Sorry—I probably should’ve warned you.”
“Woulda been… hepful.” Alaire clung to Kaia, her body refusing to cooperate.
“You should’ve read the effects. The wine from House Cerebral targets the nervous system—it heightens every sensation. Makes your body feel light and unsteady while your thoughts spin out of control.”
Alaire blinked slowly, trying to focus on Kaia’s face. “Missssssion accomplishhhh,” she croaked. “Who needa legssss anyway?”
Kaia grabbed a thick slice of sweet bread from a nearby spread and shoved it into Alaire’s mouth. “This should help take the edge off.”
Alaire leaned back against the wall, closing her eyes as she chewed frantically. Food in her stomach helped soak up some of the wine’s potency. She ate five slices before the spinning eased, leaving only a syrupy warmth running through her veins.
When she opened her eyes, Caius stood over them, glaring. His white hair and leathers looked out of place in the sea of silks and jewel tones.
“Sampling the local poison, are we?” Caius asked dryly, eyeing the empty glass in Alaire’s hand.
She tried to scowl, but with the wine still clouding her head, it came out more like a grimace. “Do ya popppp outta shadows offffen?”
Kaia wrinkled her nose. “He’s lurking. It’s what he does best. Isn’t that right, Caius?”
“I find lurking exceedingly effective.” A ghost of a smile crossed his face.
Alaire leaned into his personal space, squinting at him. “Whadda ya waffle, Caius?”
He arched a brow. “I was curious how you were doing after your last match. I heard Dawson had to intervene. The entire academy’s talking about it.”
Alaire tried to shove more bread in her mouth but hit her cheek instead. “Curiosly killllled the horse… orrr wasida deer?” She tried to raise an eyebrow, only to end up waggling them both.
Kaia barked out a laugh.
Alaire poked Caius in the chest, but he didn’t budge. Kaia slid an arm around her waist and tugged her back. This was exactly what she feared when Professor Leslie forced them to be partners—Dawson made her look weak.
Damn his rippling muskeletons .
“Curiosity won’t be what kills you,” Caius said coldly, his lips curling into a cruel smile. “That would be your stupidity. But I suppose that’s all you have to offer.”
Kaia shoved another piece of bread in Alaire’s mouth before she could retort.
“Whatever helps you sleep at night,” Alaire mumbled around the bread. Finally, her words weren’t slurred. “I’d invite you to join us, but we don’t want you here. Only hotties allowed.”
“Stop it, both of you.” Kaia stepped between them, exasperated. “We’re supposed to be having fun.”
Caius’s eyes narrowed, disdain palpable in his voice. “Fun? She can’t even handle one glass of fae wine.”
“Ease up, Caius. Need I remind you we’re at a party .” Kaia’s voice sharpened as she blocked him with a protective stance.
But Caius wasn’t finished. “Not everything is a game. You don’t belong here. The slums you came from are much more fitting.” His eyes darkened. “Everything humans touch turns to ash.”
Despite the lingering tingles in her legs, Alaire pushed through the haze. “Feel free to keep projecting your insecurities on me—it’s riveting.” Her control was hanging by a thread.
“You’ll always be an outsider,” Caius sneered. “Pretending otherwise is ignorant, even for you.”
Kaia’s temper finally snapped. “Back off, Caius!” she shouted, her voice cutting through the music. “You’re out of line. We’re here to enjoy the party.”
He clenched his jaw and stepped back, eyes blazing with anger. “Enjoy the rest of the party, then,” he spat before turning on his heel and stalking away.
Kaia’s brows furrowed as she watched him disappear into the crowd. Then she turned to Alaire with a wide smile. “Forget him. Let’s dance!”