Page 72 of Eluvonia
The commander steps forward, plucking one document from the pile. “This one was found on a dead Fae’s body inArboriscyne. The rest were found in your room, under her clothing.”
Declan runs a hand through his hair, frustration etched into every line of his face.
“We also have a witness,” the king adds, his voice heavy.
“This isn’t right,” I say, my voice low but firm. “She would never do this. This has to be a setup.”
The commander sighs, his gaze softening for a brief moment. “Even if it is, the proof is ironclad. I have no choice but to publicly execute her.”
He places a hand on my shoulder, a gesture of sympathy that feels like salt in a wound.
“I’m sorry, son.”
I brush his hand off, my jaw tight. “We’ll prove that isn’t real,” I say, turning on my heel.
Declan follows close behind, his footsteps heavy on the cold stone floor as we descend into the dungeons. The air grows thick, oppressive, each breath tasting of iron and damp stone. My heart pounds in my chest, terror clawing at my insides. What if they’ve already hurt her? What if she’s already beyond saving?
I shove a guard out of my way as we round a corner, my eyes fixed forward, every inch of me burning with purpose. I will tear down every wall, break every damn lock, and crush anything that stands between me and Aeris. They won’t keep her in this hell. Not for another second. I don’t care who gets in my way. I don’t care what it costs.
No one touches what’s mine.
If I have to, I’ll burn this place to the ground to save her from it.
Chapter 29
KAIDA
The air grows heavier with each step down the spiraling stone staircase leading to the dungeons. Torchlight flickers against damp walls, casting long, twisting shadows that seem to follow us like predators. I keep my head high, shoulders squared, and strides purposeful, though the stench of mildew and despair turns my stomach. Declan walks beside me, his jaw tight, eyes ahead.
He’s quieter than usual, which means he’s worried, though he’d never admit it—not until Aeris is safe.I didn’t realize how much she’s managed to worm her way into our hearts.
I spot her—in the last cell at the far end of the dimly lit corridor. Even through the gloom, Aeris’s vibrant crimson hair, usually so full of life, is a tangled mess that clings to her face. She’s pacing, arms wrapped around herself. When she sees us, she rushes to the bars, gripping them with trembling hands. Her cheeks are smudged with dirt, her clothes torn and stained. But her eyes, despite everything, burn with adesperate kind of hope.
“Kaida! Declan!” she calls, her voice cracking.
“Aeris,” I say, my voice hard as steel. I march straight to her cell, scanning every inch of her as if I can piece her back together with just a look. “Guard!” My voice snaps through the air like a whip, making the young man stationed nearby jump.
He stiffens, his spear rattling against the stone floor as he turns to me. “Yes, sir?”
“Open the cell,” I demand, not even glancing at him. My focus stays on Aeris—the faint bruises on her wrists, the shadow of exhaustion under her eyes.
“I… I’m sorry, sir,” the guard stammers, transferring his weight. “I’m under strict orders not to open it for anyone but the commander or the king.”
I finally turn my gaze to him, slow and deliberate. His face goes pale as I take a step forward, my boots echoing ominously on the stone floor. Before I can do more than growl low in my throat, Aeris’s voice cuts through the tension.
“Kaida, stop!” she pleads, gripping the bars tighter. Her knuckles whiten as she presses her face against the cold iron. “It’s not his fault. He’s just following orders.”
I snarl under my breath but stop advancing. The guard exhales a shaky breath, relief plain on his face, but he doesn’t relax his grip on the spear.
Declan is already at the bars, his hands reaching through to clasp Aeris’s. His touch is gentle, but his worry is etched in every line of his face. “Aer, baby, what happened?” he asks softly, his voice breaking the fragile silence.
Aeris’s eyes flit between him and me, her lips trembling. “I didn’t do it. I swear,” she says, her voice cracking. Tears wellup, threatening to spill over.
My chest tightens at the sight. The idea that she thinks we—that I—would doubt her loyalty hits me harder than I care to admit.
Declan squeezes her hands reassuringly. “Of course you didn’t,” he says, his tone firm, leaving no room for doubt.
She looks at him, then at me, as if searching for confirmation. The disbelief in her eyes twists the knife deeper. I nod once, curt and decisive. Her tears finally break free, trailing down her dirty cheeks.
