Page 42 of Bonded to the Fallen Shadow King

Not all of us though... I gritted my teeth, trying to push the sadness away and focus on the living. Not the dead. I’d remember and mourn Aelir later. She would never be forgotten.

I slipped my legs into the pants, hot rage coursing through me. “I’m glad you’re all here.” My voice cracked. “Alive.” Kaylen and her posse would pay. I’d make sure of that.

“Thanks to you, Briar,” Myantha said, helping me adjust and smooth out the shirt. As she did, she offered me a small, uncertain smile.

Kaylen and her mean girl squad gathered at the far end of the hall, pointedly ignoring us as they spoke in low, conspiratorial tones. Even still, Kaylen cradled the forearm I’d injured.

My hands balled into fists. They didn’t deserve to be here. They didn’t deserve to even breathe. My entire body tightened. They should have died a slow and painful death.

Rhielle had her arms crossed as she shifted her gaze between them and us. Her face was tight, and the way her nose wrinkled made me think she felt the same way as me.

“Why are they still watching us up there?” Quen pursed her lips.

“Because they must observe how everyone reacts after the trial as well.” Elara approached with a quiet grace, her steps silent. “You will all see the physician before heading to your rooms, where dinner will be served.”

Silus trailed behind her, his tall, stoic frame radiating calm.

I laughed darkly. “Don’t act like you care. You, Your RoyalHighnesses, and your reapers stood in safety and watched us suffer and die. You didn’t do a damn thing to stop it.”

My friends gasped while Myantha drew back and dropped her glass disc. It clattered on the floor.

Elara didn’t flinch, and she didn’t look away either. “I offer no justifications for it, but I assure you I took no pleasure in this trial either.” Her gaze darted up toward the platform, and her throat bobbed.

My insides twisted, and I feared that I would never feel normal or happy again.

Kaylen’s sharp voice cut from across the room. “She should see the physician last! She’s a fecking animal, and she bit me!”

Crossing her arms, Elara turned and arched a brow. “You murdered a fae after the Council declared the winners. You and those who supported you will go last, as you deserve.”

Something on the platform rustled, and I glanced up. None of the reapers had moved, but the sound had come from up there.

Strange.

Kaylen looked a moment longer, then straightened her shoulders. Her expression smoothed into one of indifference, and she tipped her head slightly. “As you say, Your Highness.”

The words were so uncharacteristic, I swallowed a snort. But Elara turned to me again.

“You seven, follow me.” She headed toward the doors that led to the hallway.

I couldn’t help but note the stiffness in her movements. Something had to be going on. My heart ached for her, but I pushed the feeling aside. I couldn’t feel bad for the people who’d had me dragged here to die.

The heavy doors swung open, and my allies and I followed her out of the Ascension Hall. A few servants in gray, dressed similarly to the servants who’d helped me in the morning, stood waiting. Their fitted robes were lined with sleek black cloth, and on the left side of the bodice was an embroidered golden mortar and pestle set above coiling iridescent black shadows.

“Come with me,” the tallest of the three commanded, and all three turned, leading us in the opposite direction of our rooms and through a set of doors that was already open.

Just before the doors shut, I glanced over my shoulder, watching Kaylen and her friends grow smaller as they remained deep in conversation. At least they were far enough behind us that they wouldn't easily reach us. I tapped into my wolf magic, enhancing my hearing. I didn’t want them to kill anyone else. I’d learned several people would be willing, if given the opportunity. Stabbing people in the back was literally an option.

As we made our way deeper into the palace, bright light spilled over us. We bunched together, probably feeling safer that way. The walls were dark with flashes of gold spreading through areas, but not as stunning as the Ascension Hall.

The servants led us into a ginormous room that once again screamed royalty, healing, and leisure. A pool of crimson water shimmered in the center, and four light gray beds sat along each side. Dark wooden tables stood between beds, filled with jars and bottles. A huge fire flickered at the other end of the room under a great window that allowed sunlight to fill the space. The air smelled of various herbs and salts.

I headed to the farthest bed on the right side, wanting to keep watch on the doorway. I had no doubt that Kaylen would march in here as soon as possible, unless Elara made her group wait. Rhielle took the bed next to me and leaned back as if she hadn’t a care in the world. Her long wavy pink hair flowed over her shoulders despite being streaked with ichor.

A little bit of jealousy slunk through me. If only I could even pretend to relax an eighth as much as she was and remain in such control.

The others lay on their own beds, not quite as at ease as Rhielle, but more so than me.

The fae attendants returned, their steps quick as they brought in trays of clothing, sponges, and ointment. They stripped our filthy leathers away and deposited them in a single bin and then bathed us with the cool red waters, making observations about the injuries and who needed what. They gave all of us steaming mugs of red tea and urged us to drink. It tasted like hazelnuts and chamomile.

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