Thadra has spent decades as the fey executioner. When the fey or their half-human offspring need to be punished, the human courts have no power, so the fey court must step in. If the court pronounces a death sentence, Thadra must go in and prove that the accused isn’t redeemable by letting them commit the predatory crime one more time.
Dealing out death takes a toll, and when the fey court forcibly retires her, her marching orders include a trip to the Crossroads until she meets her match.
Rik has been waiting for weeks at the Crossroads, and the moment he sees the fey woman radiating power and control, he knows that she is meant for him. He just has to convince her that a fey shark shifter is warmer blooded than their reputation would suggest.
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Thadra smiled at her guests and did a quick rundown. “This cabin has no Wi-Fi, no internet, and if you need anything, call at the main cabin. There is a set of instructions on the desk, snacks are in the fridge, and help yourself to anything, it is all included.”
The man smiled. “What about heat? It looks like there is a blizzard in the offing.”
Thadra inclined her head. “We have geothermal power. Your floors are heated wirelessly. You will remain warm.”
“Thank you. That will be all.” His dismissive tone was evident, but the young woman looking up at him seemed to worship the words coming from his mouth.
Thadra shrugged and walked out, closing the door behind her.
She was on the alert for any sounds coming from that cabin, but if they weren’t going to give her trouble, she was ready for a nice, calm night.
She snorted as she headed for the main cabin. If things were going to go well, she never would have been assigned here for this evening.
Thadra entered the cabin, and the resort owner looked at her.
“Well?”
“Well, she isn’t in thrall; she is just young, and he is a jerk. If he is going to abuse her, we will have to wait until she calls for help.”
Maryanne swallowed. “We have to wait?”
“Yes. If he is a fey and he is using magic to torture young women, we have to verify it and catch him in the act. Then, and only then, can I engage in my authorized actions.”
“They never said that you would have to wait.”
Thadra didn’t roll her eyes at the half-elf who ran the bed and breakfast on the side of the mountain, but it was a near thing.
“You noted the pattern, and I am here to confirm it. When I see what I need to see, I will carry out my orders. Don’t worry. You won’t be implicated.”
Maryanne’s eyes widened, and she cleared her throat. “I have never seen you in your official capacity before. You are a little more... controlled than I imagined.”
Thadra sighed. “I am working, there is no room for frivolities.”
“I see.”
Thadra looked at her friend and tried not to show the turmoil inside. This was how it always went. The friendship was fun, her work duties caused tension, and when she executed her office, the horror would be seen in her friend’s eyes. It was not the first time, nor would it be the last.
Thadra took a seat on the floor next to the hearth, and she closed her eyes. Her senses focused on the cabin, and she monitored the mood of her target.
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