Page 93 of Don't Fae With Dragons

“We need you to lure her here, Mili.”

CHAPTER 55: CORY

Chrysthinia helped us devise the plan, although theydidemphasize that it’s incredibly risky. Since Aurora is the core of the Black Lady, although she’s being manipulated by the White Warlock in some way, her affection for Mili is what guides her actions.

To lure her here, then, we have to pretend like we’re giving Mili up. The Black Lady should know that Kar tried to claim Mili, since she’s working with the White Warlock, so the only way to really convince her that we’re giving Mili to her is to allow her to be claimed as we claimed her.

“I don‘t like it,” Chrysthinia had said, “But if you put these specific trap knots in the ropes so Mili can escape, it willlookconvincing enough to seem like you’re giving her up.”

I didn’t like the idea, either –the thought of Mili tied and left for someone else to claim, fills me with rage. Unfortunately, none of us had any other solutions. We have no choice but to go through with the plan.

We’ve only just tied Mili up when my entire being starts to scream for me to stop this. It’s too risky, the whole scheme hinging on the Black Lady’s jealousy being enough to keep her oblivious to our trap. I don’t know Aurora well enough to know if that’s going to happen, and it’s terrifying.

“Cory, look at me,” Mili says suddenly, snapping me out of my panicked trance. I realize I’ve tied a knot tighter than is safe in my agitation, and I scowl loudly as I loosen it. “Cory.”

I snap my gaze up to Mili, and her gaze bores into my very soul. “This was a horrible idea, Mili.”

“No,” she snaps. Despite myself, I rear back slightly at the harshness of her voice. Her eyes soften as I straighten back up, though, and she continues. “I just –this is the best we’re going to get. Auroraisjealous. She’s always wanted more from me than I’m willing to give. This will get her here, and it will probably weaken Kar’s hold on her, too.”

Port nods and chimes in, “Her genuine love for Mili will make her harder to manipulate.”

At that, Mili winces, and Max punches Port in the shoulder. I hear him whisper, “Not the time, Port,” and Port smiles sadly at Mili.

“I’m sorry to bring it up, Mili. I do think it will help, though – her ... sentimentality.”

“I know,” Mili exhales. “You’re right.”

My heart aches as I see her here, bound for her past lover; despite the trick knots, the image still burns. It’s all a sham, I know, but my heart hasn’t caught up with my mind.

I lean in until my forehead is pressed softly to Milica’s, and I close my eyes just to breathe her in for a moment. “You’ll be safe,” I say, as much for my own benefit as for hers.

Her laugh is soft but warm as she says, “I know, Cory. You three better get to the ‘ritual,’ now, hm?”

“Just give me a minute,” I say through gritted teeth.

I feel Port and Max’s eyes on me, then their hands clap me firmly on the back. Their footsteps recede, and I hear the rustle of satchels of fake-ritual supplies opening. Chrysthinia guided us in how to create a completely ineffective ritual that willlookconvincing to a Northern faery like Aurora, so Port and Max must be setting it up now.

As for me, I just need a real moment with my love.

I lift my lips to Mili’s forehead and plant a firm kiss there. A tiny whimper escapes her as I do, so quiet I almost miss it, and my eyes shoot open to check on her. She looks scared, perhaps letting herself show it now that Max and Port have gone.

“Don’t let her take me,” Mili whispers weakly.

I shake my head firmly and take her face in both my hands. “I’ll never let you go, Milica.”

She breathes out shakily and nods. “Okay.”

Then Max’s voice calls out to me, “Cory?”

“I’m coming,” I call back. I press my lips to Mili’s, taking in her scent, her taste, and the feel of her as much as I can. “I see you, my love, I recognize you” I tell her, voice low and urgent.

“I recognize you too, Cory,” she responds. She smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes.

Still, there’s not much time to waste. I give her one more quick kiss, then tuck her hair neatly behind her ears before turning to walk to Max and Port.

It’s nearing daybreak, and we need Aurora to get here just as the Sun breaks on the horizon. The moon won’t be far gone, so she won’t be worried, but as the Sun rises her powers should weaken. Well, that’s what we hope –but I have faith in Chrysthinia, and they told us that’s how it will go.

Once I reach Port and Max, they hold out a few items to me. There’s a paper with the mock spell in Chrysthinia’s tiny, scratchy handwriting, and a sachet of herbs to sprinkle around Mili to stir up the psychic realm. Since the Black Lady is operating from there, it should lure her here.

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