Page 43 of The Vanishing Throne

The only difference between me and any other human who returned from theSìth-bhrùthis that my Falconer abilities have given me the power to withstand more physical damage. That meant Lonnrach could torture me longer and his bites would be nearly healed before his next visit.

It always heals. See? It always heals.

I push down the memories that threaten to rise. ‘How can I reassure you?’

Gavin calls for Derrick, who flies from his perch in the nearby trees, leaving a trail of gold across the air. ‘Is the hugging done, because I can’t – wuh. Did someone kick a kitten? What happened?’

‘I’m taking her to the underneath,’ Gavin says tightly. ‘Go get Daniel.’

‘No,’ Derrick says sharply, his halo suddenly tinged in red. ‘I don’t believe I will.’

‘It needs to be done,’ Gavin replies. ‘Youknowwhy.’

At that moment, I swear the forestgoes silent. The trees are entirely still around us. And even the breeze has paused.

Derrick stares at Gavin for the longest time, as if considering what he’ll say. ‘She’s not like the others. She’s—’

‘A Falconer,’ Gavin replies, his gaze rising to meet mine. ‘I know.’

Oh, for god’s sake, enough of this. ‘Sheis right here,’ I snap, ‘andshewould like an explanation.’

‘It’s a test,’ Derrick says. He flies over to my shoulder as if in solidarity against Gavin. His wings tap my cheek. ‘An unpleasant one to prove you’re not undersìthicheancontrol. You’re not doing it.’

Gavin glares at him. ‘Aileana is still a human. She’s been influenced by the fae before, and there are no exceptions.You’rethe one who made that rule. Remember?’

Derrick’s wings flick my skin painfully fast. ‘We’re making onethis time, you—’

‘I’ll do it.’ I almost shout the words. Thank goodness, they both immediately cease their bickering. Derrick’s wings stop tapping my cheek. ‘I’ll do it,’ I say again more calmly. ‘I have nothing to hide.’

After a moment’s silence, Derrick whispers in my ear. ‘You don’t want to do this. You don’t have to.’

The way he states it can only mean one thing:This will hurt. I shut my eyes briefly before saying, ‘If this is what it takes to earn his trust again, then I do.’

Derrick sighs. ‘They won’t let me in there with you, but I’ll have Daniel come get me when it’s over. All right?’ He flies off my shoulder and hovers in front of Gavin. ‘Aileana’s test won’t be like the others.’

‘I beg your pardon?’

‘Her being a Falconer will make it worse. I’m not leaving until you promise me.’ Derrick crosses his arms. ‘Once. No more.’

‘Fine,’ Gavin says tightly.

Derrick nods. ‘And I want you to know that I loathe you right now,’ he says. He flies off before Gavin says anything. His halo illuminates the entrance of the cavern for only a moment before he disappears into the darkness.

‘I take it I’m not going to like this,’ I say, trying to keep my voice calm. ‘What, exactly, does it entail?’

You went throughdaysweeksmonthsyearswith Lonnrach. You can endure this, too.

Gavin waits until the flutter of Derrick’s wings fades before he speaks, his features softening slightly. ‘One ofthemwill need to test your blood.’

I try to control my instinctive response, my urge to back away. My blood. My tainted, faery-venom-filled blood. What if that affects the outcome? A sudden flash of Lonnrach’s face crosses my mind. His whispered words, a promise of pain.I just need to use your blood to see.

I have to take the risk. If I don’t, Lonnrach will find me again. I’m not ready to fight him off, not yet.

As if he senses my thoughts, Gavin says, ‘If you really are the girl I grew up with, then I’m sorry for this.’

Chapter 16

I’m blindfolded with Gavin’s kerchief. He quietly leads me through a long hallway, then down so many steps that eventually I lose count. His hold on my hand is gentle and patient. I descend slowly so I don’t trip, trying to listen for some indication of where we’re going.

---