Page 60 of Courting the Fae Captain
“We do not stop,” Raithe roared. “They can handle themselves.”
“The females?—”
“Chose to fight. This is their story, Aeris. Let them decide how it begins and ends.”
He was right. This was their choice. This was their moment. Because their choices had been stripped from them for so long. Because they deserved to fight, even if it killed me to see so many fall after being confined to that prison. But Raithe wasright. I looked at the fighting one last time, then turned to see the final member of the Pentad disappear through the castle’s doors. My power may have been temporarily put to sleep again, but a heady concoction of adrenaline and rage cycled through my bloodstream. It was time to change the narrative once and for all.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
‘Cinnamon, vanilla, or clove are perfect components to cover the scent of poisonous potions. (And they’re downright delicious for a spot of freshly baked banana bread.)
An Alchemist’s Guide to Herbal Remedies
Raithe and I raced through the corridors of the castle, skirting panicked servants at every turn.“We need to get those vials,” I shouted over the booms and battle cries of the chaos outside. “Without my power, I won’t stand a chance.”
“Lead on,” Raithe said as we ran. “I’ve got you, baby.”
I grinned, wild and feral. I’d never felt so free. Never felt so empowered as the moment those females rose up and fought back. We just had to secure the castle and round up the Pentad. Once they were dead, the battle would be over.
The way was relatively clear of danger, with an odd soldier popping up along the way. One rounded a corner and faced uswith a weapon drawn and a face of contempt. I threw my dagger, which landed directly in his heart. We continued, plucking the dagger up without ceremony as the soldier bled out on the floor. Raithe destroyed another soldier who tried to bar our way with a clean sweep of his sword, so fast I barely saw it happen.At last, we arrived at the apothecary, and I trudged downstairs into the small basement, while Raithe took watch above. I ran to the wall, removing the chunk of stone I’d gauged out and stuffed the vials in several days prior. I blew out a breath at finding them still there, grateful, then shifted as a floorboard creaked behind me.I palmed my dagger, gripping the hilt tightly as I spun to see the healer poking her head out from behind a stack of crates.
“Margaery?”
“Kill them, Aeris,” she said firmly. Her eyes gleamed with fear, but there was resolve in them, too. Pain. “Offer no mercy.” I nodded and placed a hand over my heart. No words were needed, but I did appreciate the quiet “Good luck” she added as I stormed back upstairs.
“Bottoms up,” I said to Raithe as I unstopped the cork from one vial and took a small sip of the contents. Earthy, yet slightly sweet, thanks to the cinnamon I’d added.
His narrowed blue eyes raked over me expectantly. “Anything?”
I slipped my fingers between his and waited. We’d planned on testing the vials ahead of the trial, but this was it. The first test of my alchemy skills—one that could very well decide our fate today.
“Perhaps I need a bigger dose?” I whispered, thoughtfully. “Unless I got the mixture wrong. Oh gods, please work.”
Raithe squeezed my hand at the same moment I squeezed my eyes shut. It felt like eternity passed me by until a soft warmth began to disperse in my stomach, slowly filtering out through myveins until the steady flow of power thrummed to the discordant thumping of my heart.
“Aeris,”Raithe said softly in my mind. “Look.”
I opened my eyes to see shadows spiralling across the room, licking up the walls in a plume of fluid black. I grinned, a sense of pride fuelling me. “It worked,” I said aloud, a little bewildered. “It really worked.”
“Of course it did,” Raithe said with a laugh. “As if you’d allow any other outcome.”
I laughed, still a little shocked, then sent a silent prayer of thanks to Sherai. Without her research, I’d never have figured out the compounds needed to make this happen. My boots thudded as I ran to the top of the stairs and called down to Margaery. She trundled up shortly after, her face wary and her steps hesitant.
“These vials contain a cure to the power-blocking magic the Pentad gave to the Rite participants. I need you to get this to them. Can you do that for me?”
Margaery’s brown eyes widened. “You want me to go out there?!” She gestured at the battle unfolding beyond the walls with trembling hands.
“I know it’s scary," I admitted. “But they need you now. We all do.”
Her chin wobbled as she nodded slowly, still processing. Then she took the vials in my outstretched hand, her fist tightening around the tinctures. The floorboards creaked again as she turned and found a belt to stuff the precious bottles into, then she clipped it over her hips. “I won’t fail you,” she said, her voice steady.
I nodded and offered a grateful smile. “Stay safe and avoid any direct conflicts. Just get the vials distributed, then get out of there, okay? You can do this.”
“I know,” she huffed. “I’ve never let a few males stop me before.”
I grinned. “One small sip, Margaery. That’s all they need. Get it to Sherai and Akira if you can.”
She ran out the door and didn’t spare us a second look. A battle axe, that one. Even the kindest of souls could make the most formidable of opponents.
