Unveiled: The Cursed Trilogy, Book Three, Betty Legend [thriller book recommendations TXT] 📗

Stopping at a drink booth, I lift the cup and down the ale. The white horned and winged woman serving the ale smiles brightly.

“I’m so pleased you like it.”

“I appreciate you offering it.”

The woman blushes, then glances at Griffin. “She is a precious gem.”

Three small Fae children run up to me, their hair in disarray around their pointed ears.

“Are you the druid witch?” the tallest little girl asks.

“I am.”

“Can you…” she pauses, nervous. “Will you help my brother?”

Squatting down, she lifts his pant leg to show a wrap of herbal leaves around a wound. Leaning down, I make sure he’s comfortable with me touching him, then remove the herbal wrap. There’s a deep cut that would take a long time to heal and would be susceptible to infection. Placing my hand over it, I release earth magic, and the children’s eyes widen as they watch the wound heal. The boy’s small brown eyes are alight with new energy and fascination.

“Thank you,” he says shyly.

The older sister hands me a large, colorful flower.

“Thank you. My mama will be grateful.”

Taking the flower, I breathe in its beautiful fragrance as the children run off. A familiar, attractive, blond-haired Fae woman with little tan horns approaches us.

“You’ve developed quite the reputation here.” Haven stares at each of my guys with a sparkle in her eyes, and a flare of possessiveness sweeps over me.

“How so?”

“Talk has spread the curse-breakers are together, and your magic is rather strong.”

“That much is true. Haven, these are my boyfriends. You already know Griffin and Cyrus.” I point to the others. “This is Emeric, Phoenix, and Killian.”

Killian puts his arms around my waist. “I’m her mate—wolf shifter,” he shares.

“Demon-angel and vampire, I assume.” She points to Emeric, then Phoenix.

“How did you guess?” Emeric jests as he expands his wings, then folds them back down.

Haven giggles, clearly charmed by Emeric’s humor. “Your wings are beautiful,” she praises.

Emeric glances at me, smirking as though he finds her flirtation humorous. I’m sure he knows she’s irritating me.

“Thanks, Haven.”

Killian releases me as Emeric pulls me into his arms. Brushing my hair off my shoulder, he kisses my cheek. Haven watches the exchange with a slight raise of her lip. It makes me feel great that my guys are making it clear they’re taken. Emeric keeps an arm around my waist as Haven flicks her hair off her shoulder and continues chatting.

“Ancor told everyone you were coming and not to be scared, that you were here to remain safe until the curse is broken.”

“He’s not wrong. That’s the plan.”

“Hopefully, you don’t bring the devil to our home,” she says without malice, more with sincere hope.

“He can’t breach the barrier our ancestors created, even if he found Mordeeves,” Griffin shares.

“How would we know if he can shapeshift?”

“We’ve had this conversation before.” Griffin sounds exasperated with her. “Even disguising himself, he can’t breach the barrier.”

“With all of my heart, I hope you’re right.”

“I am. Ask Ancor if you need the reassurance.”

Emeric cuts in, pulling Haven out of her worried thoughts. “Do you know where I can find a sheath for my sword?” Pulling the handle from his belt, he reveals more of the blade.

“I do.” She beams. “Next aisle over, third tent on the right. Cadmar is an excellent leather maker. He’ll want a trade, so make sure to have something to offer him he can use or be willing to get something he needs.”

“Thank you.” Emeric gives her an appreciative nod.

Batting her lashes at him, she smooths her hand down her yellow dress, accentuating her breasts and slender waist.

“I’m happy to help.”

“Have a good evening,” Griffin tells her after glancing at my annoyed expression. Taking my hand, he pulls me past her. The other guys join us, and I glance over my shoulder to see her watching all of us with interest in her gaze.

“Thank you. I couldn’t take another minute of her flirting.”

They chuckle, and Emeric squeezes my ass.

“We know. We could tell.”

Moving past the last tent, we enter the next aisle and search for the leathermaker’s tent. Finding it, Emeric and Griffin lead the way inside, giving a welcoming nod to the slim yet muscular pointed-ear Fae, sitting on a wooden stool.

Griffin pats Emeric on the shoulder. “My friend here is in need of a sheath for his sword.”

Emeric pulls the blade out of his belt loop and reveals the blade. The Fae’s eyes widen with fascination.

“What beautiful craftsmanship,” he exclaims. “I can create what you need but will need a trade for such work.”

Griffin gives a dip of his chin in acknowledgment. “What will you trade the work for?”

Cadmar curls his thumb and index finger around his facial hair as he thinks it over.

“There are rare medicinal mushrooms that grow on the Mordeeves pine tree this time of year. The mushrooms grow where it’s too high to climb, and the pine needles release a toxin that makes it difficult for me to reach the mushrooms, but with your wings and fire,”—he points to Emeric—“You could reach them.”

Emeric looks at Griffin. “Do you know where to find these trees?”

“I do.”

“I’ll get you your mushrooms tonight.” Emeric puts out his hand for Cadmar to shake.

“Trade for a trade.” Cadmar stands from his stool and shakes Emeric’s hand. “You have my word. I’ll need the sword to measure the leather.”

Emeric glances at Griffin, and he nods with approval. Emeric reluctantly hands the sword over to Cadmar.

“I’ll keep it secure. I assure you.”

Cadmar opens an aged, wooden box next to his stool. The box is no larger than a small toolbox and definitely not big enough to fit an entire sword. As he opens it, the interior glows with an ethereal blue light. Sliding the sword into the box, the blade disappears as he releases it.

“Wow,” I say in awe.

Cadmar smiles at me. “The box of secrets has been in my family for generations, Druid. Only blood of my Elvin line can open it.”

Druid. It’s the first I’ve been called this, and it leaves me with a