Twists and turns of the castle hallways began to make Honna feel dizzy as she tried to keep track of where Meechi was leading her. The warmth of the sun hit her face as they turned yet again. Many of the walls had painted windows like the ones in the throne room. They didn’t seem to depict any faces or scenes, but she began to feel a strange sadness the longer she looked through them.

She bumped into Meechi, who had stopped in front of a rounded wooden door. It also had a yellow aura around it, like the main door did, but not nearly as strong.

“Did you expect some fancy room, high up in the castle?” Meechi asked.

“No.” Honna shook her head. “I like it down here. I’m kind of an introvert. I like small places out of the way.”

“Then why do you have a weird look on your face?”

“I was just looking at the yellow around the door. It’s for protection right? I saw it around the main entrance too.”

Meechi glared at her. “You said you didn’t know that you weren’t human. Now you’re saying you can see auras?” she whispered, accusatorily.

“I am human.” Honna snapped back. “I never saw them before coming here. I figured it was just because I went through portals. Didn’t Stevano just say that people can gain magic just from being here?”

Meechi grumbled. “Yeah, over decades, not hours.” She looked around like she was afraid someone was listening. “Let’s talk inside.” Meechi’s hand slipped into hers and held it up. She picked Honna’s index finger and put it up to her lips. Then Meechi stopped.

Honna’s heart beat furiously. Her mind froze as she fought to awaken it, to understand what was happening and why. Nothing in her brain could work past the shock. But the weird thing was, Meechi seemed just as shocked by it. Did that mean she was so used to doing this with someone else, so much so that it was happening by muscle reflex?

The goblin made a little, screeching, laughing noise. “Here you are getting all worked up over this girl, thinking she’s gonna kiss your hand and shit. Can’t wait until she finds out about Axel.” It murmured on with different slangs of whore.

“Sorry,” Meechi said, lifting her eyes up with an apologetic blush spreading over her pale freckled nose. “I’m so used to doing this part by force, having to shout orders to make them stand still. I’ve never had someone be so calm about me touching them.”

Honna couldn't take her eyes off their joined hands.

“I have to draw blood from your finger,” Meechi continued. “Don’t freak out, it won’t hurt. I’m using my teeth to open a tiny bit of skin and will press that to the doorframe.” She paused, like she was waiting for Honna to object or run. “I need to sort-of add you to the security system.”

‘Blood, you idiot. She just wants your blood.” The goblin scratched his head, like he couldn’t believe her stupidity. “She is a badass assassin. Who even knows what kind of fae she is... And now, she’s your unknown-fae boss.” Drool dripped from the corner of his crinkled green mouth. “You’re a servant. With nobody to miss you. Stop deluding yourself and just be happy she hasn’t thrown you out the window yet.’

Just ignore him, Honna. She told herself. He’s not real. It’s just depression. Ignore him, and he will go away.

The goblin chittered a mocking laugh and crawled away.

Honna wiggled her fingers in Meechi’s hand as she swallowed the lump in her throat. “Well, you better hurry then. My hand is already getting sweaty. Don’t want it to taste gross.”

A shiver ran down her spine as Meechi brought her finger to her lips. Her eyes didn't waver. No matter how right Honna thought the goblin had been, she wondered briefly if Meechi was going to kiss it better after biting into it.