Page 101 of A Yulean Sister’s Guide to Getting Kidnapped

She was a shifter, with her pointed wolf ears stuck out of her head between her dark hair.

“I was wondering if you’d heard of the mage Maralda.”

“Course I have, who hasn’t? She’s the one who eats your kids if you let them get too close to the forest’s edge.”

“I think that’s an old tale,” I assured her.

She shrugged. “Kinda spooky though, right?” She leaned forward a bit more. “Why?”

“Do you know how to get there?”

“To her home? Nope. I’ve never even tried.”

“Do you know anyone who has?”

She looked thoughtful. “Mayhap Benni? It’s something most of the older people who live here know, and keep a secret.”

“Why?”

The barmaid shrugged. “Cause she eats children, mayhap?”

I huffed a small laugh, I obviously wasn’t getting anywhere like this. “Okay, thank you.”

“Is there anything else I can get you?” she asked. “Even anything… after hours?”

Her hand drifted to my arm, but I was quick to duck away. “A refill will be all we need, thanks.”

She shrugged. “Suit yourself.”

She wandered off, and when she moved, I caught Sage standing on the other side, watching the interaction.

She came back to the table, sinking next to me. “Order us more drinks?” she asked, as I was slid further into the booth, her sitting on the outside.

“I did,” I said.

“Good, I was parched.”

She wrapped her arm around mine, leaning into my shoulder.

I kissed the top of her head. “No need to be jealous,” I said.

She gasped. “I’m not being jealous.”

I lifted a brow. “Really?”

Her lips turned to a small pout. “Maybe a little. But she was so flirting with you.”

“She was,” I admitted. “But I only asked for drinks.”

“I know,” she said. “I watched.”

I laughed. Our drinks were dropped off by someone else, which was helpful.

After a few more rounds, we decided to get a room there. I wasn’t needed back at the Violet Ghost tonight, and it was nice to get away for a bit.

“Ready?” I asked.

“Just one more?” she asked me, her voice already sounding a bit slurred.