The Silver Wolf
She filled my cup to the brim, set it before me, and said sweetly, “To new beginnings.”
I stared at her before allowing my gaze to settle on the cup. I could feel all eyes were on me now. It was like I was in a silent circle of predators, waiting to pounce on me.
I lifted the cup, meeting the queen's gaze. “To beginnings,” I echoed. Then I paused, just long enough for the silence to thicken, and set the cup down again, untouched.
“Forgive me,” I said softly, “but this blend, I don't think I will be able to drink it. It looks and smells exactly like an herb that I am quite accustomed to. It is quite harmful and could endanger one's life if consumed.”