Contents
2. Two
Overview
Amara meets Jade at Drago’s, but their routine is shattered when Caden arrives drunk with friends. Amara slips out, only to be chased and seized by the men as Caden threatens assault. A piercing screech reveals three fae nearby, abruptly shifting the danger from human predators to supernatural threat.
Summary
Amara keeps her weekly ritual with her best friend Jade at Drago’s, bonding over new books and small-town life. Their relaxed conversation touches on love, duty, and Amara’s commitment to herbalism, rooted in family legacy and the loss of her parents to fae violence.
The mood shifts when Caden barges in drunk with friends, ordering shots. Amara, anxious after his earlier assault, decides to leave. Jade offers to walk her, but Amara declines, intent on slipping away unnoticed before dark.
Outside, the streets are mostly empty under lamplight. Heavy footsteps close in—Caden and his friends. Caden taunts Amara, demanding submission and threatening a “punishment.” Amara runs through alleys but tires; Amos yanks her back by the hair and restrains her as Caden advances to escalate the attack.
Before Caden can act, an ear-splitting screech cuts through the air. Everyone turns to see three fae twenty feet away. The sudden supernatural intrusion halts the imminent assault, replacing one danger with another as the chapter ends on the confrontation’s brink.
Who Appears
- AmaraApothecary apprentice and narrator; meets Jade at Drago’s, flees Caden, is caught by Amos before fae appear.
- CadenDrunk aggressor; leads friends, chases Amara, threatens assault, halted by the sudden arrival of fae.
- JadeAmara’s best friend; shares book night at Drago’s, offers to walk Amara home, concerned for her safety.
- AmosCaden’s friend; catches Amara by the hair and restrains her during the chase.
- SamBartender at Drago’s; knows Amara’s usual drink and has it ready.
- Fae (three)Supernatural beings whose screech interrupts the assault and escalate the danger in the alley.