"What?" Islinda blinked at him, stunned. She hadn't anticipated having to explain to Valerie why she had been running frantically at night as if pursued by the devil himself.
She brushed a curl out of her face and replied timidly, "It's nothing."
Valerie's jaw clenched immediately. He spoke sternly, saying, "Don't tell me it's nothing. You may be human and lying comes naturally to you, but as a Fae, I am adept at detecting such."
An irritated frown creased Islinda's face. Firstly, it was none of his business, even if he meant well. Secondly, revealing the truth might only deepen his animosity towards his brother, Aldric. Thirdly, she couldn't let him know that she had died and been resurrected.
She pleaded, "Can you just drop it?"
But instead of acquiescing, a feral growl rumbled from Valerie, indicating his refusal.
