Page 78 of The Court of Thorns and Wings

“Did one of the Unseelie do that to her?” Caelan’s unswollen eye widened, and a cut on his bottom lip reopened. Black blood oozed down his chin.

“They won’t be Unseelie for much longer,” Tavish answered, stepping close to me.

“Finnian, I need your help,” Eiric commanded. “Can you assist me?”

“Of course.” Finnian helped Caelan prop himself against the stone wall and moved to stand next to Eiric. He winced as his eyes skimmed my injury.

Eiric rubbed her hands together. “I need you to hold down her wing there. It can’t move when I break the arrow in the center. If it jerks, the arrow could rip through her wing.”

I swallowed loudly. I wished they could speak telepathically so I didn’t have to hear this.

“Understood.” Finnian nodded sternly.

“Good.” Eiric stared at Tavish and said, “I need you to calm her the best you can and make sure she faces you the entire time.”

Not wanting this moment to drag out longer than it needed, I turned to face Tavish again. He lowered his forehead to mine, the tingling thrum between us, and placed his hands on my shoulders.

You’re going to be fine.He kissed my lips.We’ll get through this.

“On the count of three,” Eiric said. She stepped between my wings and squatted. When she touched both sides of the arrow, the pressure made the throbbing deeper and more uncomfortable.

“One…”

Finnian stepped behind Eiric, getting into place. Though I couldn’t see him, I felt his presence.

My ears rang from anticipation. I wasn’t sure I could handle what came next.

“Two…”

Two large, strong hands gripped the top part of my wings, and the arrow jerked. A cracking sound split the air as agony ripped through me.

I tried leaping forward, but Tavish’s hands secured me in place. And when Eiric yanked the arrow from my wing, I was certain this was what dying felt like. It hurt worse than when I’d actually died after the gauntlet.

I cried out, a sob racking my chest. I hated sounding so weak, but I couldn’t contain the sound. I crumpled into Tavish’s arms while Nightbane tossed his head back and howled heartbreakingly.

Sprite, I’m so sorry,Tavish linked, kissing my forehead as Finnian released my wings.I never should’ve taken you from Earth.

I couldn’t stop my chest from heaving again.Don’t you dare say that. I wouldn’t change a thing, even with all the chaos. You’ve made me the happiest I’ve ever been.

I don’t deserve you. I should’ve let you live and be happy. You wouldn’t have known any differently.

Not true.I stepped toward him, staring at his blurry face.I never found anyone interesting and always felt alone. I never dated anyone… kissed anyone… never wanted to until you showed up that night to bring me here. Even then, I felt a connection to you. There’s no going back, and I wouldn’t change it. You’re my home now… not Gleann Solas, Cuil Dorcha, or Earth. Just you.

He ran one hand through my hair and used the hem of his tunic to dry my eyes. When I could see clearly, what I found destroyed me.

Tears rolled down his own face.We will get out of here and regain the throne, and if I have to burn this realm down to keep you safe, that’s what I’ll do. I will do anything for you.

The warmth surged between us, and the truth behind his words had blood pumping through my body, making every cell come alive. I understood what he was saying. The past twelve years had been one hardship after another for him, and it needed to end. We deserved to be together and find joy and peace. We shouldn’t have to face challenge after challenge.I feel the same for you. I left Seelie to come here and be with you.

“May I examine the arrow?” Caelan asked, bringing me back to the present.

“Sure,” Eiric answered.

“Maybe we can use the arrow tip as a weapon?” Finnian shuffled backward.

Folding my wings in to give us more room made them feel as if they were being ripped apart again despite the arrow being removed. The damage was done and needed time to heal. Unable to fully close them, I pulled them back, and Tavish moved so we could face everyone and took my hand.

“It’s two inches long.” Tavish arched a brow. “And the guards know we have it… so what do you propose?”

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