Page 51 of Eluvonia
He huffs, slapping me on the back. “You worry too much. We’ll handle it.”
I snort in response, shaking my head as he strides toward the door. I glance back at the map one last time.
“We’re coming, Aeris.”
Chapter 20
AERIS
My face hits the ground hard, dirt and damp leaves filling my mouth. The metallic tang of blood lingers on my tongue as I spit the mess out, coughing. The impact jolts me awake, pain radiating through every inch of my body. My ribs ache with each breath, and my right eye barely opens, swollen and tender.
The air here feels heavy, suffocating. It isn’t just the physical pain making it hard to breathe—it’s this place. The forest around me is dense, the kind that swallows light and sound, leaving only shadows and whispers. Trees loom overhead, their gnarled branches reaching out like skeletal fingers. Moss drapes over everything, thick and wet, while strange fungi sprout from the bases of ancient trunks, glowing faintly. There’s no birdsong, no rustle of wildlife, just the faint hum of something unnatural in the air.
It feels wrong.
Not like my forest. My forest had life, a heartbeat, a rhythmthat made you feel part of something larger. But here? Here, it’s like the forest itself is watching, waiting.
I try to push myself up, but my arms are tied behind my back. The ropes dig into my wrists, rough and unyielding. Huffing out a frustrated breath, I wiggle backward, dragging my battered body until I can position myself onto my knees. My vision blurs for a moment, the movement sending a sharp pain through my head.
When the dizziness fades, I finally take in the scene before me. Fae are scattered throughout the clearing, busy with their tasks. A group crouches by a stream, filling bottles and jugs with water. Others sit in clusters, talking in hushed tones, their expressions grim. Some glance my way, their gazes sharp and distrustful before they quickly look away.
And then the silver-haired male standing at the center of it all, barking orders. His voice carries over the clearing, commanding and cold. Every point of his finger sends a Fae scrambling, disappearing into the dense forest. There’s something about the way he moves—he’s like a wolf circling its prey.
His eyes lock onto mine, and a slow, smug grin spreads across his face. He starts toward me.
“Ah, you’re awake. Fantastic,” he says, crouching until he’s level with me.
He takes my chin between his fingers, tilting my face left, then right. His touch is light, but the condescension in his grin makes my blood boil.
“Must hurt,” he says, his voice dripping with mock sympathy.
I yank my head out of his grasp, glaring up at him.
“What do you want?” I spit, my voice hoarse but laced withdefiance.
He sucks his teeth, shaking his head like I’ve disappointed him. “Well, Dragon fucker, I need information.”
My jaw tightens as he continues. “What does Iryndel Castle look like? How many soldiers defend it? Any weaknesses the commander’s son or the golden prince might have?”
I blink, my brows furrowing. “The golden prince?”
His grin widens, and he scoffs. “Please, like you didn’t know your golden-haired friend is the golden prince. Next in line for the Dragon throne?”
The confusion on my face must be clear because he suddenly bursts into laughter. A harsh, mocking sound that draws the attention of the Fae around us.
“You really didn’t know!” he exclaims, clutching his stomach. A few of the Fae snicker, their eyes glinting with cruel amusement.
I grit my teeth, trying to keep my composure.
“Well, if you’re so out of the loop, at least give me the other information,” he says, his grin still firmly in place.
I scoff, lifting my chin. “I don’t know how many times I have to say this. I was taken. I was forced to become his Líðr. I only ever saw the inside of his bedroom. Nothing else.”
A ripple of laughter spreads through the group, and my stomach drops as I realize how that sounded. Heat rises to my face.
“Not like that!” I snap, my voice sharp.
A loud snort comes from behind me.
