Faye's POV
"Does it always feel like this?" I asked Selena, who remained close to my side.
We stood near the largest bonfire blazing in the center of the outpost courtyard. Orange flames shot sparks toward the starless sky while the entire area reeked of woodsmoke, charred meat, and harsh spirits.
Warriors filled every corner of the open ground, some stumbling through an uneven dance circle, their heavy boots pounding against frozen earth and slush, while others bellowed over cups and flasks being shared hand to hand. A drummer kept an unsteady beat somewhere in the crowd. Another voice attempted a drinking song but lost the melody halfway through, sending the men into roaring laughter.
Selena pressed a dented metal cup into my palm. "Drink this. It makes you forget how much their awful singing hurts your skull."
I took a careful taste. The liquid scorched my throat, though it wasn't completely unbearable.
Heat immediately spread through my chest and settled in my belly.
