Chapter 9: Make A Wrong Decision

They sold part of the meat, Islinda did not know how to feel about that as she stared at the sumptuous meal set before her. Not that she had not seen it coming, but she had desperately hoped that they would be considerate this time. But all she had learned was that her family couldn't change as much as you couldn't remove the stripes off a zebra. 

She almost lost her limbs to frostbite - although Valerie was part of the reason, not that they needed to know that - Islinda had hoped they would ration their limited resources as much as they could. But no, the first thing they had done was to sell off half of the meat and buy foodstuffs. 

Islinda was not against them buying food items that they would use to cook but they prepared a feast - when there wasn't a cause for celebration - instead of making something simple for breakfast. They couldn't afford such a lascivious lifestyle, especially in this season, Now, the meat that was supposed to last them about two weeks had it been controlled, she would have to thank the gods if it lasted them a week. 

Even with the sweet aroma wafting into her nose and teasing her appetite, Islinda's fists were clenched on her thighs beneath the table. She was so angry that she wanted to lash out at them. Islinda wanted to remind their selfish asses that she had put her life on the line to put food on this table and yet they lavish it like this. They mock her effort; assume that it was easy to hunt when none of them couldn't. She nearly died out there. 

But even with the strong emotion burning in her chest, she couldn't let it out. If she disrespected Madam Alice, the woman might be so cruel as to throw her out of the house - which wasn't the first time. Islinda was not stupid, she could not survive this winter, nor did she have friends she could stay with. 

She was too roughened up for the girls in her village who wanted someone gentle and more "feminine". Someone that they could gossip with about boys, not go hunting within the forest and risk their lives. 

The few ones who attempted to come close to her stayed away in the end because of Madam Alice. It was not a secret that her family was shameless and went to the extent of asking favors from her friends without her - Islinda's - knowledge. And just as it is said, one bad egg spoils it all. Everyone avoided them. 

"Are you not eating, Islinda? If you want to, I could help you with it." The eldest Remy suggested, grinning at her shamelessly, and revealing brown teeth that were stained with age. And sweets. 

There was nothing but disgust and anger on Islinda's face as she swatted her hand away when the stupid sister reached for her plate at the same time. While her heart bled at the resources wasted just to prepare a meal, she was still hungry. 

"It's tasty, right? I was the one that cooked it." Lillian declared boldly as if waiting for some sort of praise from her. 

As if, Islinda snorted inwardly.  They didn't even acknowledge the fact that she put a meal on their table. 

"It is tasty." Islinda gave her a curt response.  Why wouldn't it be tasteful when she could smell the excessive seasonings she had added to the rice before even tasting it? At this rate, Islinda prayed to the gods she wouldn't end up with diarrhea. 

On the bright side, Madam Alice and her daughters had left the animal skin alone, although Islinda suspected it was because they were too lazy to involve themselves with the job of processing it. Although they would expect to have a share of the proceedings. 

Islinda ate faster, she needed to get away from here because it was suffocating - and to check up on Valerie. A new kind of fear gripped her at the thought of him leaving without as much as a goodbye, if he does survive. She couldn't blame him though having promised to be back the next day, it was two days already. 

Valerie owed her no explanation and if he had any sense of preservation, he would leave before she returned. How much does a Fae cost? Zoe had no idea but she could guess a lot of money since it was rare to capture one. It was enough money to change her life - and she could leave her miserable family behind. It was a tempting thought but Islinda had values and she wouldn't comprise them for gold. She would not betray Valerie when he trusted her. 

Perhaps it must be because she nearly died, but her stepsisters shockingly took over the chores and asked her to rest. However, Islinda knew that this was the opportunity that she had been waiting for. So after taking her bath and looking more presentable, she changed into worn-out leather pants and a tunic with a vest over it. 

Even in her small room, Islinda had secret spots where she hides her valuables. She pulled out the small box where she keeps her medicine and took a bit of each - ointments and pastes - which she placed in smaller leavy wraps that she could easily conceal inside her shirt, which was another reason for wearing the vest that would keep it from slipping. 

There was no one in the living room when she passed which was kind of a relief and made it easier to sneak out. Islinda picked up her coat from the hanger and was relieved to see that it was dry. But her boots were in a more sorry state and were already gaping through the front, the sole open. However, nothing could stop her from being creative, until she buys a new one. 

Islinda managed to find a string and tied the sole together with the toe box so It didn't gap anymore and she could walk with it. Done, she put them on and stole a glance behind her to check if anyone had noticed what she was up to. When there was nothing, she quietly opened the door and left. 

The cold bite into her skin as soon as she was out and she slid both of her tattered gloved hands into her pocket for more warmth. It had stopped snowing which was a blessing because Islinda didn't want to get frostbite again and arouse suspicion, but the streets were still hard to traverse with the piled snow.

Islinda was extremely careful and nervous on the way as she kept glancing over her back to see if she was being followed. Tension coiled in her stomach at the thought of Valerie leaving already because she had hoped to see him once more. She couldn't get the thought of him out of her head and Islinda attributed it to the fact that she was merely curious about his kind and not because she was attracted to him. No way, it was impossible! 

By the time she made it into the forest and spotted the familiar creepy hut, it sent both anticipation and apprehension crawling down her spine. Meters away from it was the glowing walls of the Divider heightening the dread in the air. What if the Valerie she had tended to his wounds was not the same person she would meet today? What if his kindness had only been a farce and now he was going to have wicked fun with her as all Fae do? 

Nonetheless, Islinda decided to take the chance. It was now or never. So she pushed the door in and went inside only for a scream to leave her lips the next seconds and barely bent in time as a beam of light missed her head by mere inches, singeing a few strands in the process. 

Islinda found herself falling back on her bottom in shock with her jaw dropped open and her eyes wide in fear. 

Did she just make a wrong decision by trusting Valerie?