Page 20 of Surrendered to Mate

He shrugs, a small smile playing on his lips. "It seems my appetite isn't what it used to be."

I step closer, studying him. Despite the untouched meal, Cassius looks... better. The wounds I've been treating for days now look weeks old, healing far faster than anything I've seen before. His skin, while still pale, has a healthier sheen to it. Even his cracked lips seem less severe.

My eyes narrow as I take in these changes. "How...?" I start to ask, then shake my head. He wouldn't give me a real answer anyway.

Unease crawls up my spine. This man – if he even is a man – is becoming more of a mystery by the day. And as much as I hate to admit it, I'm both wary and intrigued.

But with everything I learn about him, I'm starting to wonder if I made a mistake by saving him.

10

CASSIUS

Ijolt awake, my senses instantly on high alert. The taste of animal blood lingers in my mouth, a poor substitute for what I truly need, but it's taken the edge off my hunger.

With the injuries I've sustained and the amount of time without feeding, I need more blood. A lot more. But for now, it's helped alleviate most of the burn in my throat so it's more manageable. Even if I can't break free of the ropes and my wing is still injured, I don't feel nearly so dizzy.

I strain my senses, trying to determine what it is that woke me. My ears twitch, catching the unmistakable sound of footsteps approaching. Then, voices.

Dark elves.

"Shit," I mutter, straining against my bonds. "Faye!" She barely moves. "Faye! Untie me, now!"

Something in my voice must wake her because she shifts. And then a particularly loud voice echoes outside of the cave as she jolts upright, staring toward the mouth of the cave.

Faye's eyes go wide, panic etched across her face. "No, no, no," she whispers, pacing. "They found me. How did they find me?"

"That doesn't matter," I hiss, struggling to keep my voice low. "We need to move. Release me!"

She hesitates, conflict clear in her golden-brown eyes. "I can't?—"

"For fuck's sake, woman!" I growl, my patience wearing thin. "You want to end up in chains? Because that's what'll happen if they find us. I can help, but not like this."

Faye's gaze darts between me and the cave entrance. The voices are getting closer.

"Sweetheart," I say, forcing my tone to soften. "I know you don't trust me. But right now, I'm your best shot at getting out of this alive and free. Let. Me. Go."

She curses under her breath, then rushes over. Her fingers fumble with the knots, working quickly to undo them. As soon as my hands are free, I start on my legs.

"We need to move," I say, standing up. My wings unfurl, stretching after days of confinement. The left one is still dragging, but it'll do for now. Dark elves aren't that hard to dispatch anyway. "Is there another way out of here?"

Faye shakes her head, gathering her bow and quiver. "It's a cave. I wanted to make sure that there was only one entrance in case something tried to come in here."

I can't fault her for that, but it leaves me limited. I'm still weak, too, which means I'm going to have to rely on my speed and fighting skills, not magic or power.

My eyes sweep the cave and Faye pushes something toward me. My chest loosens with relief when I realize it's my sword.

I creep out of the cave, every muscle tense and ready for action. It's best if I go find them, not waiting to get trapped in a small space with them.

The forest is silent, save for the approaching voices of the dark elves. I count at least three distinct tones, maybe more. Mywings twitch with anticipation, but I force them still. No need to give away my position just yet.

The undergrowth provides decent cover as I slink forward, my bare feet silent on the mossy ground. I grip my sword tightly, the familiar weight a comfort in my hand. As I near the edge of the clearing, I catch sight of them.

Five dark elves, all armed and alert. They're scanning the area, clearly searching for something - or someone. My jaw clenches. Faye.

I take a deep breath, assessing my options. In peak condition, five wouldn't be a challenge. But I'm far from my best. Still, there's no choice. They can't leave here alive.

I burst from the undergrowth, my sword a silver arc as it slices through the air. The nearest dark elf barely has time to register my presence before his head topples from his shoulders.

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