Page 46 of Eluvonia
As we gather our things and step outside, the morning sun bathes the village in golden light, but its warmth does little to ease the chill coiling in my chest. I walk a step behind Kaida and Declan, the words I whispered to the mirror still ringing in my ears.
We walk down the dirt street we took last night, the familiar crunch of gravel beneath our feet. The air is heavy, filled with the scent of fresh bread from nearby stalls mingling with the faint trace of smoke from a distant forge.
I spot a large crowd gathering up ahead, as we get closer I notice them waiting in front of the large stage we passed by yesterday. I tug at Kaida’s, tunic my curiosity getting the better of me, halting him mid-step. His eyes narrow as he turns to face me, his expression curious. “What’s going on?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper, gesturing toward the crowd.
Kaida hums softly, his gaze flicking to the stage where a male stands, animated and confident, addressing the crowd. For a moment, he watches intently, his stance rigid. Then his fingers wrap around my wrist.
“It’s time to go, Fae,” he says quietly, but firmly, pulling me along.
“Kaida, stop! That hurts!” I protest, but my words fall on deaf ears. I struggle against his grip, trying to free myself, but then the male’s voice reaches me again, clear and cold.
“Ladies and gentlemen, let’s start today’s bidding! This Fae is fresh, recently caught from the Arboriscyne Forest, just north of the Iryndel Castle! She is a healer, and good with her hands, not to mention she isn’t bad to look at either!”
The words hit me like a dagger to the heart.Healer. No. It can’t be.
I plant my feet in the dirt, stopping abruptly, my breath catching in my throat. Kaida growls low in his chest, his frustration palpable. His grip tightens slightly, though not enough to hurt, and his eyes remain fixed on the stage.
The cage is wheeled into view, clunky and rusted, with something—someone—in it. Blonde hair is the first thing I see, messy and disheveled. My hand flies to my mouth, stifling the gasp threatening to escape.
“Esra?” I whisper, my voice trembling with disbelief.
Declan places a gentle hand on my shoulder, his voice calm but urgent. “Do you know her, Aer?”
I nod, tears spilling down my cheeks. “That… that’s my best friend. I thought she died.”
Kaida’s expression hardens, his jaw tightening. Declan groans softly beside me, his face etched with unease.
The male on the stage calls out numbers, and hands begin raising into the air, bidding for her. The sight twists my stomach.
“I need to do something,” I say, my voice a trembling plea. “I… I can’t lose her again.”
Declan’s grip on my shoulder tightens, stopping me from moving forward. “Aer, no,” he murmurs, his voice low but firm.
“Let go, Declan!” I plead, fighting against his hold. “I have to get to her!”
Kaida steps forward into the crowd, his presence commanding immediate attention. He pushes past people with a brutal efficiency. When he reaches the stage, the male freezes mid-sentence and bends down, listening intently to whateverKaida says.
“What is he doing?” I hiss, my breath catching in my throat.
Kaida’s words seem to strike the male, whose eyes widen in disbelief before he vigorously shakes his head. He straightens, raising his hand to the crowd. “Ladies and gentlemen, I apologize, but this Fae is claimed. Let’s move on.”
The crowd murmurs in confusion, but no one protests. Someone behind the stage unlocks the cage, and the sight is horrific. Esra is yanked roughly out of her confinement, her body weak and fragile as she fights against her captors causing a growl to rise from my throat.
“Easy, girl,” Declan whispers into my ear, his voice steady but soothing.
I watch in horror as they pull her toward Kaida. His grip on her hand is gentle, leading her away from the stage.Did Kaida save her for me?
“I think you’re growing on him,” Declan says softly, his breath warm against my ear. “He wouldn’t do this for just anyone.”
Once Esra is free from the crowd, I rush forward, my sobs breaking free as I gather her into my arms. “ESRA!” I cry, my voice cracking with emotion. She stiffens under my embrace, her body rigid.
“I can’t believe you’re okay!” I sob, my tears falling freely, patting her back as if that will erase the pain she’s endured.
But eventually, the shock wears off, and she pushes me away with a force I wasn’t expecting.
“What?” I say, my confusion evident as she glares at me with hatred.
“Did you buy me so you could kill me off, then?” she spits, venom dripping from every word. “Since your littleplan didn’t work?”
