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“Ugly, saggy-tit, flabby-bottom, hated-by-everyone, trapped-in-a-hole-and-needs-a-stupid-girl-to-get-her-out bitch.”
“Silence!” That pissed her off. “You will keep a civil tongue when you address me, or I’ll have it cut out.”
“You can do that, but you still haven’t told me how I’m supposed to free you with no power.”
“Enough. You’ve been telling yourself they’re wrong for two years, so why listen to them now? You’re not crazy, Aella Vanda. You see things for what they are. You know exactly what happened this morning.”
My hands shook, gripping the sink.
“But you are right to deny it, for no one but you and I can know your power or the goddess who gave it to you. You are rare, child. You have a gift that the strongest and most powerful in this and every dominion will covet, and if they find out what you can do, they’ll throw you in a hole that’s deeper and darker than mine.”
“You mean if they find out...” I raised my head to the ornate mirror above the sink. My reflection once again clutched her nose. “That I can go back in time.”
“She’s not so stupid after all.”
I forced myself to use the bathroom, then rejoin Alexander for dinner. There wasn’t much more to say. Selene made herself clear enough. I didn’t know how the ability to go back in time would free her from her prison, but I suspected there was quite a lot that could be done with that ability.
Like save my life.
It was a long fall down those stairs. There was never a chance of me getting up again when I hit the bottom, but then of course I never did.
“—sulking in the corner with your face covered.”
My head snapped up.
“If you’ve got nothing to hide, show yourself.” The guy in Alex’s face shoved him. “Tell us how old you are, boy.”
“Back off.” His eyes were two lily pads floating on a milky lake, and right then, that lake was on fire. “We don’t want any trouble. We’re here to enjoy the festival. Same as everyone.”
“Enjoy the festival, is it?” Red nose, paunchy belly, and scraggly gray hair. It was the same man who was cheering the band on, urging them to play louder. Up close, he looked to be pushing the far end of his fifties. “My boy’s off to fight for Olympia while you’re hereenjoyingyourself.”
The guy said enjoying like most people said shitting on the rug.
“Scum-sucking deserter!” The man seized Alex’s collar, hauling him to his feet.
The music ended with a jarring, screechy note. Everyone in the bar spun on them.
“I should lop your head off myself!”
“Hey!” I ran at them, grabbing the guy’s arm. “Leave him alone. Let him go!”
“Watch yourself, girl, or you’re going the same way as him.”
He shoved me off. My feet tangled and I fell, dropping hard on my hip.
It happened so fast, I missed it. Wincing, I looked up and Alex’s sword was unsheathed. He dug the blade under his chin, tipping it to the ceiling.
“You hurt my friend.” Alex’s tone plunged the muggy room into a frozen tundra. “Apologize. Now.”
“I ain’t apologizing to no deserting scum.” Spittle flew as thick as the sweat soaking his brow. “We get you filthy, cowardly types here every year. Using the festival cover while you stock up on supplies, then escape through the forest. Not this time! Not when my boy is—”
Alex lowered his scarf. The man choked on his words like he swallowed his tongue.
“Apologize,” Alex gritted. “I won’t say it again.”
“I’m sorry,” he cried before Alex finished the sentence. “My deepest apologies, ma’am. I didn’t mean to push you.” I blinked as he fell on me, helping me up and dusting me off. “Forgiveme for giving a bad impression of our friendly little town.” He smiled wide in my face. “You’re most welcome here. Please, let me pay for your meal.”
“It’s the least you can do,” Alex replied, putting away his sword. “But no. You’re here to celebrate your son, and we celebrate with you. Your meal and drinks are on me. All night. Same goes for everyone,” he called.
