Page 25 of The Court of Thorns and Wings

“Be careful, you two, and I’ll tell the guards not to bother you.” Caelan sighed. “Just return as fast as you can.”

“Don’t worry. I don’t want to be around the Seelie lands any longer than I have to,” Finnian reassured him.

I didn’t bother to respond and instead flew out the window.

Finnian was right behind me, the two of us flying close to the castle underneath the section of windows. Each flap of my wings became easier as adrenaline pumped through me, masking some of the fatigue.

Within a few minutes, we were over the hill and flying low, just above the ruined lands, to prevent anyone from spotting us.

I scanned the area for signs of Eldrin. However, all I saw were rocks, dirt, and volcanoes. Nothing that signified any sort of life.

“Do you really believe he’s out here somewhere?” Finnian asked as we approached the edge of the island where we’d soon fly over water.

That question had been plaguing me. I didn’t understand how he could live out here, especially since I’d pulled back my magic from the entire blasted desolate island to force him backhere because of his affinity for cold and darkness, the same as me. “I’m not certain, but they’re checking the village in case someone is hiding him.” I hated that some of my citizens were still loyal to Eldrin, but most of his followers had died in the last gauntlet because they’d been traitors who had risen against me.

“Once we get Lira back, we’ll return and make Eldrin pay for his betrayal.” Finnian wrinkled his nose as he caught up to me. “I told you I didn’t trust the blasting wildling.”

He had. Many times. But I’d needed to believe that Eldrin had changed and learned his lesson after the one time he’d moved against me. “I won’t make that mistake again. He just—”

“Saved you.” Finnian rolled his eyes. “Something he likes to remind you of regularly.”

We flew past the last bit of land and over the beautiful sea-green water. My heart squeezed. The color matched Lira’s wings… further proof of her connection to water. “None of it matters. Once I save Lira from her kidnappers and bring her back home with me, I’ll allow her to handle Eldrin’s punishment. After all, he handled the gauntlet—it seems only fitting that she get some justice.”

“You do realize you kidnapped Lira, right?” Finnian smirked and raised both brows. “In the Seelies’ minds, they saved Lira fromyou.”

I clenched my hands, ready to punch him. “They saw that she was with me willingly, and they still took her.”

“Because she’s their princess and future queen.” He tilted his head like I’d lost my mind.

“I thought you were coming to ensure I made it safely so I could bring her home?” I gritted my teeth, my muscles working. “Instead, it sounds like you’re on their side.”

He lifted his hands, the wind ruffling his blond hair. “I’m onyourside. I care for Lira too.”

I snarled and fisted my hands.

“Obviously, not like you do.” Finnian shrugged. “She’s like a sister… the sister I always sort of imagined.” His voice cracked on the last word.

My anger vanished as quickly as it’d come. Finnian had a baby sister who had never been born. Slaine. His mother hadn’t been strong enough to birth her, and both of them had perished. His father, overcome with grief, died a couple of years after our arrival in these ruined lands that we’d been forced to call home.

Caelan’s parents had been killed during the Seelie attack, and while the three of us had already been friends, our losses had strengthened our connection. Something most fae didn’t understand because we tended to live forever.

We flew on in silence. I wasn’t sure what to say. Finnian seemed lost in his thoughts, and my mind circled around Lira.

The spot in my chest that connected me to her flared as if she were waking. I was both relieved and upset that she was coming to because I wasn’t sure what would happen when she woke. I pushed myself harder to get to her.

Lira,I connected. I’d give anything to hear her voice, but instead of a response, a sensation like the one we’d experienced when she’d regained her memories soared between us. Her emotions mingled, confirming what I’d suspected.

The rest of her memories and magic were returning now that she’d entered Seelie land.

“They just arrived,” I rasped, flying faster than ever before.

“Tavish, wait up!” Finnian cried, but the fact she was there and might need me pushed me harder. “Nothing bad will happen to her there.”

He was right. Her parents wouldn’t harm her… not at first. They’d want to understand what had happened and learn what we’d done to her here.

I slowed enough for Finnian to catch back up to me.

After a few more minutes, our bond leveled back out as she went back to sleep.

---