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When the bear reaches me, I slam my eyes shut.
“Please—” Tears stream down my face, and I’m sure I’m seconds away from a heart attack.
Hot, moist breath blasts my face, but instead of taking a bite out of me like I expect it to, it nudges my cheek with its furry face.
“Okay,” I whimper, sliding down to the grass and curling up into the fetal position. “This is fine. Everything is fine. Good bear.”
Even as it pulls away I stay in place, curled up against the gate for what seems like forever.
When a crunching sound fills the air, I finally open my eyes. The bear begins to contort. I watch in stunned silence as the form takes on two legs, shrinking slightly in size. The fur melts away, revealing rippled muscles. When the transformation is complete, a very humored, and very naked Ken stands before me.
I squeeze my eyes shut again and grip my chest. Leaning back, I suck in air desperately.
“Oh my gods. Oh my gods.”
“That’s what they all say when they see what I’m slinging.” His voice is teasing, but it does nothing to soothe the terror still coursing through me.
A sound between a groan and cry escapes my lips. My stomach roils with nausea, and I lean forward, retching all over the ground.
“That’s a new one.” Ken scratches his head. “You’re the first one to puke after seeing me naked.”
“I can’t do this.” I lean my head against the bars, sobbing with my eyes shut.
“Oh, oh. Hey now.” Concern laces his booming voice. “I was only kidding. I have clothes in one of these bushes…” There’s the sound of rustling leaves. “Somewhere over here. Oh—here.” There’s more rustling, and the clank of a belt buckle. “I forgot humans find nudity offensive,” he mumbles. “Okay, the ol’ tallywacker is tucked away. It’s safe to peek again.”
I hesitantly open my eyes to see Ken emerge from the nearby brush. He’s dressed in brown leather pants, a snug long sleeve, and worn boots. Some sort of weapon is tucked into a holster on his belt.
“Come on now,” he says. “Let’s go see about getting you a room and some food. I’m sure the prince will let you stay.”
Prince.
Now I’m to meet a fae prince.
All I can do is nod and numbly follow him, my footsteps shuffling heavily, as he opens the iron gates.
The last of the daylight dips behind the castle, casting night’s shade on us. As we head toward the grand structure, an ominous tingle creeps up my spine.
Slowing just enough to glance over my shoulder, I squint at the forest. At the edge of the tree line, I swear I make out a human-shaped shadow—faceless and terrifying—as it watches us without eyes.
I shudder and try to keep pace as best I can with my battered body, desperate to put distance between me and the creepy forest. It’s hard enough to keep track of reality right now as is. More hallucinations are the last thing I need.
We enter the castle, and my brows fly to my hairline at the grandiosity of the space.
The inside of the castle is as jaw-droppingly gorgeous as the outside. The foyer is striking with painted floors and opulent patterns. Two identical sets of dark staircases with ornately carved banisters mirror each other as they curve up, joining as a mezzanine on the second floor.
My head tips back, taking it all in, and I almost stumble.
An obnoxious off-white chandelier dangles precariously above us. I stare for a few long seconds, wondering if it’s made of bone.
If it’s made of human bone.
Fear courses through my veins at the haunting sight.
A feminine giggle carries down one of the many hallways, echoing around us.
Ken sighs and scrubs at his face with both hands, clearly unimpressed by whoever the laughter belongs to.
Goosebumps decorate the back of my neck. For such an imposing space, especially one so well kept, I had expected there to be a plethora of servants milling about. The emptiness is eerie.
