Page 52 of Sunken Empire

Zale takes a break every now and then to ask Aukai questions that have obviously been weighing on his mind. Such as how he was able to break the two strangers out of chains.

To which Aukai replies, “My father crafted those chains. Only his blood can unlock or break them.”

“What was the light show?” Zanthus asks.

For the first time since setting to work, the stranger speaks, weariness weighing into his voice. “No sunlight ever permeates the pit. Some of those creatures haven’t seen it in hundreds of years. That was the only thing I knew to do before the portal closed.”

By the time he’s done, I’ve got a question of my own. “So, who’s the naked dude?”

Zeph snorts softly and Zanthus jerks his chin to the bed where the stranger lays. Merrick drags the blanket at the foot up over him to hide his nakedness, drawing a snort in return from me.

“He’s one of the only friends I’ve ever had and the one who has kept me from turning like the other monsters that reside down there,” the stranger says. “I wasn’t going to leave without him.”

Holding my hand out to him, I introduce myself and wait until I’ve gotten his name in return before telling him, “Thank you, Dain.”

Several loud gasps sound out around us, and I wonder what error I’ve made now. Dain smiles, and I see small fangs poking down from his gums as he replies, “You’re welcome, Rubi of Yhalwgon. Now I must beg to take my leave to private quarters. I’m quite tired after not having so much excitement in so long.”

One of the mer leads Dain out of the room. His scent still lingers in the air as Zanthus warns, “Never thank the fae, love. If you thank them, you’ll owe them a favor, and according to them, no favor is too large or small.”

Sucking my lip through my teeth, I worry what he’ll ask for in return.

Aukai comes to stand at the foot of Zephyr’s bed as he says, “He didn’t call for the favor, which he’d know better than to do with my mate. So, you’re safe.”

I nod, giving him a thankful smile. I don’t think I could handle being indebted to a fae on top of everything else right now.

Though... “He did save Zephyr’s life,” I finish my thought out loud.

“That was a favor owed and a favor repaid. Plus, we not only rescued him but Ladon at his behest as well,” Aukai reminds me.

Okay, he’s got me there. I didn’t get firsthand experience through that portal, but between their haggard appearances and the stench rolling off their clothes, I don’t think I need it. Whatever kind of life we can offer Dain and Ladon has to be better than where they were.

“Rubi?” Zephyr implores.

“Hmm?” I offer back, still kind of lost in thought.

His smile is soft. “Tired, little siren?”

As ashamed as I am to say it considering the others must be way worse, I can’t help but admit the truth with a nod.

Zanthus holds out a hand to help me up. “Come on, love. We’ll go get settled into our rooms.”

Letting him tow me from the room, I wonder if Zeph should be up and walking around so soon after being so badly injured. There’s no chance I’ll be asking him that, though. He’s already going to have enough trouble defending himself against his brothers about the monster.

My brain can’t soak up the beauty of the palace in its intoxicated state of exhaustion whilst thinking about all these other things. Zanthus meanders through the hallways, not stopping for anything. By the time we make it to his destination, my feet are dragging, and I’m contemplating just falling straight into bed. What stops me is the smell still coming off Zanthus. All of us are in dire need of showers.

As though he’s reading my mind, we head straight for the bathroom where he sets to turning on the water.

“Relax, but don’t fall asleep in here,” he tells me.

“You won’t join me?” I ask, letting disappointment leak into my words.

His smile is soft, and I can feel that blue thread hum to life. “I’m going to grab some food. Just take your time and get out when you’re ready. There’s a robe on the back of the door.”

There may be rules against thanking fae, but there aren’t any for mer.

“You’re so brave, Zanthus,” I tell him, sliding my arms over his shoulders to bring our faces together. “Such a good brother and mate. Thank you for helping him and bringing all of you back in one piece.”

“Purely selfish reasons, love,” he replies.

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