Page 26 of Consort

“But what if they do and we’ve just never witnessed it?” I ask, unable to just walk away from such urgent cries for help.

“You’re thinking of the Beta,” Farris says. “I get it.” He steps back and grips my shoulder. “I bet the gryphon is just protecting whoever’s inside. That’s more in their nature. Go talk to her. Maybe she can reassure you somehow. Then, we can get on our way.”

I emerge from behind the tree and slowly walk toward the cave. The gryphon spreads her wings wider as I approach, blocking the entire entrance. Her eyes pierce through me, slicing a path from my eyes down to the royal emblem on my chest.

I bow my head to her, unsure whether the crest will help me or hurt me. Some gryphons do guard the queen’s treasure, but that doesn’t mean they favor her. I decide not to address the crest.

“I heard the sounds of distress,” I say. “They remind me of a shifter from my past who died at the hands of someone wicked. Someone I recently killed for his cruelty.”

It’s not just that, though. The voice calls to me in a way I can’t describe. It’s like my future hinges on finding whoever she is and protecting her. It seems absurd. Maybe I’m losing it. I’m damaged in so many ways, so it isn’t impossible.

But the pull feels too real. It’s not something I’ll be able to ignore.

The gryphon finally reacts, folding her wings back and looking into my eyes. She’s listening.

“I was too young and weak to help back then, but I would liketo help now. If I may.”

I suddenly remember the pouch of coins tucked into my tunic. After pulling it out, I show the contents to the gryphon, offering it to her as proof of my sincerity. She lifts one of her front legs and grabs the pouch with talons the length of my entire hand.

I begin to make my way inside, but the gryphon lets out a deafening roar, throwing open her wings and stopping me in my tracks.

Did she take my offering only to deny me? I don’t want to hurt this innocent creature, but I need to get in this cave. I try asking peacefully once more, pressing my hand against my chest where the cries cut the deepest.

“You can accompany me and supervise what I do. I’m no match for you. I just want to help,” I tell her. “Please, let me help.”

The gryphon leans down so close her beak almost touches my nose. Her black eyes pierce through me in clear warning. She could wrap her wings around me and rip my face off with her claws in seconds if she wanted to.

I bow my head to her, putting myself at her full mercy. This is her territory. I have no authority here.

A scream from inside the cave makes me flinch. I look back up into the gryphon’s eyes, pleading silently for her to let me enter. She must see my sincerity because she pulls away from my face and folds her wings back, finally letting me pass.

“Thank you,” I breathe before looking back at Farris.

He’s moved closer to the cave but not enough to provoke the gryphon. “I’ll cover for you,” he says.

I hadn’t considered what would happen if the queen sent for me while I’m here. I have no idea how long this will take.

“Thanks,” I tell him. “Will you try to locate the fae on the list so I can speak to them when I’m done here?”

He nods as his features seamlessly shift to mirror my own.Blue overtakes the orange of his hair, and the locks shorten to match my length. His green tunic fades into my white uniform, and after he focuses for a moment, he replicates the queen’s crest on the cloak.

Seeing myself adorned in the queen’s attire makes me feel like a traitor. I turn my back on what I’ve become and continue deeper into the cave.

Chapter 11

Durin

As I move through the darkness, the wailing starts up again. I may not know how to help her yet, but I know I can dosomething.

My stomach clenches in anticipation as I walk down a narrow passage through the cave. This is my chance to start making amends for the life I took, as well as the one I was unable to save. But the fear of failing again sits on my chest, pressing down with every breath. What if I end up making things worse?

Despite my fears, I continue as the cave opens up into a larger, slightly brighter room. There’s nothing in the space but a small figure curled up beside a heap of straw. Based on her size, I’d say she’s a shifter or a juvenile fae. But who is she to the gryphon to be allowed so close to its nest?

A sharp cry bursts from her lips, and I instinctively step closer. Her long, black hair catches my attention first. It’s darker than any hair I’ve seen, splayed out against the straw in perfect, silky waves. It reminds me of the enchanting ripples in the kelpies’ dark lakes, places no fae is brave enough to enter. I’m shaken by an overwhelming desire to dip my fingers into the dark strands.

She drags her tired eyes in my direction, paralyzing me. They’re angular and sharply defined, intimidating despite herstate of weakness. Her long, dark lashes frame her eyes like the thick fur of an Alpha wolf. What’s left of her green irises is striking, though watery and unfocused in her pain.

She’s stunning. More beautiful than any creature I’ve ever laid eyes on. Sweaty, feverish, and exhausted... Even in this state, she’s somehow overthrown me. There’s something about how raw and vulnerable she is that threatens to bring me to my knees.

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