Rafelius hadn't failed her.
Elain realized it the moment she saw who had blasted the vampire away with that sudden force.
She had known for days that someone had been following her whenever she went out. Whoever it was possessed remarkable skill in stealth, but she'd grown far too observant not to notice the smallest details in any situation.
She also believed the person hadn't been particularly careful, likely assuming there was no way a sickly noble lady like her would notice she was being followed.
At first, she tried not to dwell on it. Then fear crept in, and she began wondering if she had somehow made enemies without realizing it. But as the days passed and the stranger never acted against her, she became convinced it was one of Rafelius's men.
The Dark Fae must have been curious about how she intended to fulfill her end of the bargain and had sent a spy to watch her.
She found it irritating, sure.
Today, however, she was grateful for it.
