I hesitated on the precipice of safety, skin ablaze with the urge to retrace my steps to Luminaria. My instincts roared at me to run, to hide—instincts I had spent my entire life cultivating. Humid night air clung to me like a second skin, heavy with the scent of earth and something faintly floral.

A candlelit trail led to the Grove—a valley cradled between rolling hills and the gnarled embrace of the forest. Smoke billowed through the treetops, and golden fire erupted from pits throughout the expanse below. A mixture of nerves and curiosity flooded my veins as I peered into its glittering depths.

I could almost taste the pungent mix of liquor, sweat, and hormones wafting in the air, accompanied by the peculiar whines and wanes of Sídhe music. Haunting melodies danced up my spine, tempting me to lose myself in the music.

Esprithe’s sake, Fia. It’s enchanted.

I shifted my weight, readjusting my grip on the rough wooden crate. I was holding on to whatever sanity I still possessed by a thread after spending the entire day brewing tonics for the Sídhe nobility and their ridiculous party.

If they hadn’t placed the orders so damn late, none of this would be happening. I wouldn’t be here. But the elites of Sídhe cared little for the day-to-day of common folk. They were far too preoccupied.

My attention shot to the sky as a light weaver cast shimmering rays into the clouds, tearing through the mist like a river in the heavens.

In the world below, a kaleidoscope of satin gowns swirled as Aossí danced in unison.

Beauty could be deceptive, and it often was. Vipers, after all, distract with shimmering scales before going in for the kill. The nobles were much the same, twice as lethal as they were mesmerizing.

Only the decline of a hill separated us. Another minute of walking, and I’d be in their midst.

Unfortunately, the whims of these people and their extravagant soirées would provide much better pay than any normal day at the Apothecary, so refusing their business wasn’t an option.

Besides, how could the elite possibly reach their desired levels of debauchery without a few euphoria-inducing party favors?

The foolish bravery I’d somehow mustered back at the Apothecary had completely vanished. This was supposed to be Eron’s delivery, not mine. He’d been running them all day, after all. I’d only volunteered because his wife had gone into labor. A stupid move. I knew it then, but now, standing here, it felt like a deadly mistake.