Page 29 of Eluvonia
“Oh, don’t worry,” I cut in, grinning. “I’ll still call him an ass.”
Declan snorts, bumping his shoulder against mine. “Good. Someone needs to.”
We fall into a comfortable silence after that, the kind where you don’t feel the need to fill it with words. The distant crackle of fire and the occasional clatter echo down the corridor, but here, it’s quiet. And for the first time in what feels like forever, I’m not on edge.
He may be a Dragon, but… he’s kind of sweet. Not that I’d ever say it out loud.
I’m close to nodding off when Kaida finally returns, Declan is the first to notice him, standing up with a lazy stretch, his hands sliding into his pockets.
“Welp, my duty’s done,” Declan says with a grin. “Nice talking to you, Aer.” He gives me a wink, then strolls off toward the tents, whistling a low, off-key tune as he goes.
Kaida’s movement is fluid, his shadows curling and flickering at his heels like restless hounds. There’s a satisfied gleam in his eyes, like he’s just returned from something far too enjoyable.
“Oh, look at you,” he says, voice rich with mockery. “Didn’texpect you to be so well-behaved.”
I huff, sitting up straighter. “Not like I had much of a choice since you left me with a babysitter,” I mutter, deliberately looking away. Of course, he hears me anyway.
Kaida’s laugh rolls out, low and smug, the kind that makes my skin crawl. The shadows around him pulse in time with his amusement, slithering and curling closer like they’re eager to join in.
“Don’t worry,” he says, “Declan’s much better company than me. You should count yourself lucky.”
I glare at him, but before I can snap back, he reaches out and grabs my wrist again, pulling me along with his usual force.
“Hey!” I yank my arm back as best I can. “I can follow without being dragged, you know.”
Kaida glances over his shoulder, amusement glinting in his gaze. “I’ll let you walk on your own when I’m sure you won’t sprint off the second I turn my back.”
Together, we make our way to the center of the camp, where a large tent is set up. He pulls me inside and finally releases my wrist. As soon as I step in, I can’t help but roll my eyes. It’s decked out just like his room back in the castle, rich red fabrics draped along the walls, an over-the-top bed piled with pillows, even a round table with cushy chairs.
I plop down in one of the chairs, crossing my arms. “Can you survive without luxury? Or do you have a… cha-lin-deer stashed in here somewhere?”
Heat rushes to my face as Kaida arches a brow, his smirk widening as I fumble over the word. His low chuckle fills the space. “You mean chandelier,” he corrects, his tone as insufferable as ever.
“Whatever,” I mutter, sinkingdeeper into the chair and crossing my arms tighter.
He smirks, “We’re going on a hunt soon. Can I trust you to stay here?”
I sit up, surprised, and I can’t keep the excitement from leaking into my voice. “Can I… go with you?” I ask, almost hesitantly. “Hunting was the one thing I was actually good at.”
He studies me, his expression unreadable. “If I give you a bow, you’re not going to turn it on me, are you? Because I can burn you alive before the arrow even leaves the string.”
Not yet. “No,” I say instead, giving him an earnest look. “I just miss the forest. I want to feel the earth under my feet again.”
He sighs, though I catch the softening in his expression. “Fine. Don’t make me regret it,” he says, reluctantly handing me a bow from the side of the tent.
A grin splits across my face, and Kaida grunts, clearly begrudging this small victory. “Let’s go, Fae,” he mutters, dragging me out of the tent, though his grip is lighter now.
Once we’re out of the camp, I take a deep breath, letting the scent of damp earth and pine fill my senses. The tension in my shoulders melts a bit, replaced by a sense of calm I haven’t felt in ages. Kaida tosses me a quiver, and I strap it on, feeling the weight of the arrows settle comfortably against my back. He watches as I string the bow, and for the first time, I swear I catch a hint of approval in his eyes.
“Not bad,” he mutters, before turning and leading the way into the woods.
The forest air clings heavy with the earthy scent of damp leaves and pine. Each crunch beneath my boots feels sharp against the noise of the guards’ clumsy, heavy steps. Theirlack of grace grates on me, breaking the harmony of the whispering wind, the distant bird calls, and the occasional rustle of unseen creatures. This forest is alive, and I drink it all in like it might vanish any moment.
A loud snap echoes—a twig beneath a guard’s foot—and I grind my teeth. My hands ball into fists at my sides as a frustrated groan escapes me. Beside me, Kaida catches the sound. His head tilts slightly, and with a sharp flick of his wrist, he raises his hand, signaling a stop.
The guards freeze, exchanging uncertain glances as Kaida turns to them, his voice low but cutting. “Let’s split up. I’ll take the Fae this way. You three, go that way,” he orders. One of the guards protests, “But, sir—” Before he can finish, shadows flare out around Kaida, silencing the protest with a threatening crackle. The guards stiffen, quickly nodding in agreement. They turn and head in the direction Kaida pointed, muttering under their breaths.
As the noise fades, I exhale, tension bleeding from my shoulders. He sent them away.Why?The thought lingers, sharp and unwelcome. He doesn’t trust me—he’s made that abundantly clear—so why would he willingly leave himself alone with me?
