Page 8 of Quest for her Knights
I glance at each of them, trying to convey the urgency without sounding completely insane. My stomach twists as I see the confusion on their faces.
“What could she have to say that would warrant us interrupting our wedding celebration?” Arlo demands, his frustration bubbling to the surface.
“I can’t explain it. But trust me, you’ll want to talk to her,” I say, hoping they’ll understand.
Arlo looks at me, then at the others, and finally nods. “Alright.”
I lead the way back down to the cells, the four princes and Princess Freya following me, with Arrow and Draven bringing up the rear. The atmosphere is tense as we descend the winding steps into the cold, dark dungeon.
My heart races, but I try to steady myself. I’m worried she’ll have changed back by the time we get down there, and that thought terrifies me, even if I don’t fully understand why.
As we near her cell, I see her small hands gripping the bars. Her eyes widen when she sees us approaching, her mouth hanging open in surprise. I feel a sense of relief to see that this new, bright-eyed version of her is still here.
Everyone stands still, silently watching her like they don’t know what to say. It’s the same way I felt when I first saw her.
“Wow, are all the men here massive hunks or what?” Her words shock me, making my jaw drop open.
Did she really just say that?
“Elora!” Arlo hisses, anger and confusion battling in his voice. “We’re your brothers! Why would you say such a thing?”
I see a flicker of surprise cross her face. “Brothers?” she asks, almost sounding hopeful. But then her expression falls. “All of you are my brothers?” I see her eyes dart to mine quickly before returning to Arlo.
“No… us five are your brothers,” Prince Talon says with a frown, pointing to each of his brothers.
Relief flickers in her eyes, then she points directly at me. “So, I’m not related to him then, right?”
“What? No, why?” Prince Cash asks, clearly just as baffled as the rest of us.
“’Cause he’s super hot,” she says matter-of-factly, her gaze sweeping over all of us before locking onto Draven and Arrow. “So are they.”
Arrow coughs like he’s choking on his own breath, and I see a spark of confusion in Draven’s eyes before he schools his expression into his signature scowl.
“Elora, did you hit your head?” Prince Grayson asks, stepping closer to the bars, his eyes scanning her for any sign of injury.
“No, I don’t think so. Why?” She tilts her head in confusion.
“You’re not making any sense,” Grayson says, concern etched in his features.
Suddenly, her face lights up. “Oh! I guess you don’t know what’s happened. Let me start by introducing myself. My name is Elora Silverthorn, and I’ve switched places with the Elora from your world, your sister.” She says it with pride, hands on her hips and a broad smile on her face.
“Excuse me?” Cash’s grip tightens around Princess Freya’s hand as he frowns at her.
Her smile falters slightly as she continues. “Well, you see, apparently I belong in this world. My soul was sent to the wrong place, or something like that.”
I exchange a shocked look with Arrow. Could she really be from another world, like Princess Freya was?
“She’s lying. Elora already knew Freya was from another realm. She’s making this up so we’ll let her out,” Prince Pyke says, his eyes narrowing as he studies her.
“Look at her. Really look at her,” I tell them, my gaze locked on Elora. The look she gives me says she’s grateful for the assistance, and I can’t help but offer her a small, tight-lipped smile in return.
“What is she wearing? Blaze, did you give her that?” Pyke asks.
“Of course not,” I scoff. “But it’s not just that, look at her hair.”
Right now, it’s hanging down her back so they can’t see the full length, but Elora seems to understand as she pulls it in front of her shoulders.
As soon as she does, Princess Freya gasps. “Oh! It’s so long now!”
