Magical Midlife Vintage Blend: A Paranormal Women's Fiction: The Wine, Chocolate & Paranormal Shenanigans Series Book 3 by Larissa Emerald

Author:Larissa Emerald [Emerald, Larissa]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Castle Oak Publishing
Published: 2023-01-16T13:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Find Your Courage

Three hours later, the group paused at a series of ledges carved out of the stone walls on either side of the trail. The entrance to the city? The ledges looked as if sentries might stand atop them, watching visitors as they passed. They were vacant at the moment. Beyond, there was a forest of gigantic trees, with buildings interspersed among them. “Hold up,” Lainie called out.

She twisted around on the horse, looking back to Hadlee and Brennon, who were trailing behind, talking as usual. “Hadlee, come take the lead,” Lainie said.

They all stopped as Hadlee urged her horse to the front. “I suppose I do know the city best,” the young nymph muttered, although she didn’t seem thrilled to have arrived. “Stay behind me. We’ll be stopped on the way in.”

Lainie waited for the rest to fall in behind Hadlee, then took up the rear position she had vacated. Kalen landed behind her, transitioning into his human form, dressing, and then walking alongside Merlin.

The city was the opposite of Lux. Where the fairy castle was set on a mountaintop touching the sky and full of color and light, the wood nymphs’ castle sat in a canyon tucked among giant trees, partially hidden by a canopy of thick branches laced to let in mere streaks of light. Every shade of rich, vibrant green could be found here.

The security upon entering Escuro was tougher than Lux. No wave and smile. Two guards stepped into the street, blocking their entrance into the city. Hadlee made a show of exposing her nymph heritage, tucking her hair behind her pointy ears. She obviously wasn’t a fairy because she didn’t have wings. Neither did anyone else in their group. But most telling, the girl called the guard by name. She’d obviously made a point of getting to know him so she could come and go as she pleased.

“I have an escort job today.” Hadlee leaned in, lowering her voice as if sharing some secret information. “They’re visiting the dimension on holiday and wanted to meet some of us nymphs. Like we’re so entertaining, ya know.”

”Da’s true.”

“We’ll be staying at my uncle’s inn,” she added.

That was news to Lainie. They hadn’t spoken of where they’d stay. She’d been so focused on Jenna, she hadn’t built out a plan.

“All right then. Stay outta trouble,” the guard said.

“I plan to.”

The guards stepped off the road and allowed them to pass.

Though Lainie still had lingering doubts about Hadlee, she was glad she’d been willing to guide them. She looked around the city and castle ahead, all quite strange to her. The nymphs weren’t quite as friendly as the fairies. As the group rode along, the townsfolk spared a quick glance, maybe wondering who these strangers were and why they were here.

There were shops with goods displayed out front. Soaps, candles, and leather goods. But Lainie wasn’t here to shop. She had to fight the instinct to barrel through the streets, shouting, “Where’s my daughter” and crying out Jenna’s name at the top of her lungs.

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