Athandryn set down his bow, deciding he'd had enough for today. The Casian Forest was growing too cold for hunting, and the creatures lurking in the shadows seemed hungrier than usual, desperate for warmth—or prey. He couldn't blame them; after the failed hunting trip, he found himself craving warmth too, though of a different kind. The night market seemed like a good place to start. His sister's friends were likely there, and they'd be easier—and perhaps more rewarding—company to hunt.
The town's most popular tavern was alive with music and laughter when Athandryn stepped inside. His eyes scanned the crowded room until they landed on her: Adryna, his sister, as radiant as ever. She stood out even among her friends, her long golden hair catching the firelight as she threw her head back in laughter. Her dress was as scandalous as ever, low-cut and barely holding itself together. Athandryn had told her countless times to wear something less revealing, and now he was almost certain it wouldn't hold much longer. He shook his head. Thinking about his sister's wardrobe—or what it might fail to contain—wasn't helping his mood. He needed company, and fast.
He approached her table with a smirk. "Hello, little Bee," he said, his tone playful.
Adryna's laughter stopped as she turned to him, her eyes narrowing. "Call me that again, and I'll bite off your nose like I did when we were kids, Athy."
"I'll bite off your head if you call me Athy again," Athandryn shot back. His gaze shifted to Cassie, one of Adryna's friends. She was a year younger than his sister, with a reputation for getting into trouble. Adryna was terrible at keeping secrets, and Athandryn knew more about Cassie's escapades than the girl probably realized.
"Cassie, you look stunning tonight," he said, gesturing to the empty chair beside her. Without waiting for an answer, he sat down. Cassie blushed, avoiding his gaze, while Adryna rolled her eyes and turned to her other friends.
The table smelled faintly of Faerie dandelion wine—a bold choice for a group of adolescents. Athandryn noted the absence of any older family members, who were required by Fae law to supervise them during these years. He took a sip from the glass Cassie nervously poured him, brushing her fingers lightly as he accepted it.
"Cassie, was it my sister who talked you into sneaking out again?" he asked, his voice low.
Cassie bit her lip, looking anywhere but at him. "Athan, please don't tell my brother."
Athandryn thought of her arrogant sibling, a Fae who thrived on trouble whenever the Great Moon set. "I'll think about it, Cas. Your brother is my friend," he lied smoothly. For the greater good—his own good—he thought to himself.
Before she could reply, Adryna's voice broke through the din. "Cassie, let's dance!" She was already on her feet, her playful tone betraying just how much wine she'd had. Cassie rose, joining the others as they moved toward the center of the tavern. The bard, noticing them, shifted his tune to a popular dance song, drawing cheers from the younger crowd.
Athandryn watched them go, swirling the wine in his glass. He was about to down it in one gulp when a chill crawled up his spine. Something was wrong. His ears rang, and the tavern's lively warmth was swallowed by darkness. A cold wind swept through the room, extinguishing the lanterns.
"Not again," Athandryn muttered, already reaching for his bow.