Page 22 of Bonded to the Fallen Shadow King

Had they known my sheets were that color back home?

Even the walls were black, and speckled with gold butterflies. A copper wolf mask with trailing chains hung by the bed. In between the bed and the mask was a carved ebony nightstand.

I spotted a large basin in the corner. I’d spent more nights alone, exhausted from the day’s adventures, unable to scrub the stains from my skin. I thought I’d have to have one more, but this time was different. There were dark linens set out, and clothing folded on to the side of the basin so neatly that it almost felt wrong to touch it. This entire situation seemed eerie.

I stumbled to the basin and moved the clothes.

Crimson water filled the massive tub, spilling warmth and the scent of juniper and spice. Steam rose around me, relaxing muscles I hadn't realized were tense. I shed the confection-caked Stitch pajamas and took in a shaky breath as I sat in something that resembled blood. Thankfully, the water wasn’t thick like blood, and it smelled of sugar. I leaned back, allowing the water to wash over me and make my skin tingle. As soon as the syrupy stains were gone from my body, my mind returned to everything Elara had said, the knowledge she'd given me. Then it drifted back to her brother and how, when he'd left, it had felt like he’d given up on me.

I submerged myself in the water, trying to wash my worries away. I didn’t know what to make of any of this. What had he been thinking? What wereanyof them thinking? How was Ember reacting back at home?

I should never have been brought here. Should never have been noticed by Fate, or anyone else.

I rested in the huge tub a long time, the water cooling until I finally felt like my head was above it again. I climbed out and dressed in a black silk nightgown, then went to the bed. Before I did, my gaze landed on the door. I couldn’t fall asleep without added protection.

The nightstand.

I tried to move it, but it weighed far more than I expected. Calling on my wolf strength, I pushed it over, the scuffing sound of wood on stone echoing in the room. My muscles strained and cramped as I shoved it right in front of the door before turning around and falling into the oversize bed.

I curled up beneath the sheets, letting them cling to my still-damp skin, and hoped exhaustion would take hold. The shadows cast by the crystal's light seemed to move and mock me.

A sob broke free, and tears poured down my face, soaking the pillowcase underneath me. I’d felt this alone only once before, and this time Ember wasn’t able to save me. My chest tightened…and eventually sleep overtook me.

* * *

Something sweet and savory hit my nose. Consciousness tugged at me…then the sound of the nightstand groaning against the floor had my eyes flying open. Someone was trying to open my door.

I jumped out of bed, ready to attack, as three fae ladies squeezed through the small slit in the doorway. All three wore floor-length gray gowns with simple white aprons, and their hair was swept up and pinned back from their faces.

“What the hell,” I yelped, jumping back into bed and holding the covers to my chest. I scanned them for weapons and stayed alert for any temperature changes in the room, but nothing seemed amiss.

One of the fae smiled and gestured to a tray piled high with breakfast that another held in her hands. Dark breads, thick spreads, and fruits more vibrant than any I'd ever seen were arranged in a tower that seemed as absurd as everything else in this world. “We brought you breakfast, and we’re here to help you dress for the first trial.”

My heart dropped, and I pushed my hair from my face. They probably had us eating in our rooms because of what happened last night in the dining room. That was more than okay with me.

The fae piled up a plate and handed it to me. I chose a thick slice of what smelled like banana bread, spread a thick layer of rich creamy butter with a hint of brown sugar and cinnamon on top, and took a bite. Hints of banana and pumpkin with molasses and sugar filled my mouth. The flavors danced on my tongue, making even my wolf salivate, and I watched the other two fae move the nightstand to the side and open the door wider.

The shortest fae brought over a leather tunic, pants, and black boots that were simple but elegant. “Here you are, miss.” She placed the clothes on my bed. “Please change and let us know when you’re ready for us to come back in.”

The three ladies darted out of the room as I took my last bite and stood.

As I dressed, my heart tightened at a small blank sunk-in detail framed on the chest area of the tunic. A place where a medallion could go. Perhaps the winner would receive something to put there.

The entire outfit was fitted, including black boots, and allowed me to move easily. And more important, I loved the colors—black and blue with copper accents. They made the clothing feel like mine, even though the outfit was fancier than anything I'd ever owned.

Before I could call for them, the three fae returned and raced to style my hair while patting my face all over, leaving a faint coldness behind. They were almost as persistent as Elara and wouldn’t take no for an answer.

When they finished, I looked in the mirror and froze. I looked like one of them. Well, as close as I’d ever get. I had makeup on—how was that possible? I touched my face, feeling the coolness covering my skin, and my tattoo fluttered slightly faster. Before I could investigate more, Elara appeared in the doorway.

She scanned me, then sighed. "It’s time."

The two of us stepped into the hallway, and chills ran up my spine. It was darker and cooler out here, but I sensed a strange, burning magic in the air. It nipped at my skin, a warning that I wasn’t supposed to be here.

But my steps didn’t falter. Neither did Elara’s.

Her short frame moved with graceful determination, her long hair plaited and neat. I hurried to keep up with her, our footsteps echoing along the marble floors as the stained-glass windows cast light that seemed too distant to reach us. My pulse quickened with each step.I shouldn’t be here. But maybe…maybe this time would be different.

Eerie shadows swelled around us as we walked farther down the dim corridor, and I shivered. Elara was so calm and composed, her movements serene. It was as if none of this affected her at all. But me? I felt every strange chill and stray gleam of light, every instinct telling me that I didn’t belong and needed to get back home.

---