She eyed his hand skeptically for a moment, then took it. His palm was warm and calloused in all the places that might indicate familiarity with a blade and its hilt.

“That was quite the performance back there.”

She responded on instinct, attempting levity.

“What can I say?” She smiled. “I’m prone to theatrics.”

He laughed in response. His teeth weren’t pointed like that of the full fae, but his amber eyes, a swirl of honey, gold, and chipped bronze on their outermost lines, were slightly too large to belong to a human. His ears betrayed the fae half of his lineage.

“Won’t the men be pleased to hear all their thoughts of women have been correct.”

“Which thoughts, exactly? That women are dramatic? Or is it that we’re remarkably persuasive?”

He seemed to be good-natured with his jest. He smirked. “A little of this, a little of that. I think a few of us are just excited to watch how much you’ll irritate Grem.”

“He seems like a joy to be around.”

Ash grinned. “He’s not that bad. At least, I don’t think so. Malik doesn’t like him—you’ll meet him later, though I guess you got a fine enough impression of him in the meeting. He’s a good egg—Malik, that is. Don’t be surprised if Grem doesn’t warm up to you anytime soon. He’s not known for his warmth.”

“What is he known for?”

Ash arched a brow. “He’s our bladesmith. You can’t be in Uaimh Reev without being useful.” He looked her up and down before amending, “Clearly, Samael thinks you’ll be useful, though you don’t look like you’re about to give Grem a run for his money in metalworking.”

Amaris brushed it off, fully unwilling to engage in his line of questioning. Why Samael found her an asset to the team was a secret that would die with her and their fae leader. She eyed her would-be sparring partner.

Amaris changed the subject. “Samael mentioned we’re supposed to train together.”

He nodded. “I figured as much. I have fifty pounds on you, but better me than a warrior with thirty years of experience. I guess you could also fight Brel, but his training is pretty limited to the kitchen. He’ll get there—he’s just a bit young to go through the rite.”

She almost repeated the name as a question, but through process of elimination, there was only one child in the keep younger than either Ash or Amaris. Brel must have been the child who had been responsible for delivering her meals. She made a note to use his name the next time the boy visited.