Page 11 of Lady of the Lost Fae

“You don’t need to worry about me. I’ll be fine, and Izan will be here in case anything happens. Please, just go.” Adeena’s silver eyes are more molten than normal, an easy way to determine her mood.

Adeena and I have spent a strong majority of the morning arguing back and forth about whether I should make my regular trip to Tartarus. My gut tells me I should stay and make sure Arryn’s intentions here are pure, but Adeena thinks otherwise. She keeps telling me there’s something inside her saying she needs to help him, but I don’t really know what that means. I’m fairly certain she doesn’t know what that means either.

I’m annoyed, but my voice is calm as I try to convince her, “I can take the day off and join your training session with Geras. It’s been too long since I’ve been to one and I’d like to see the progress you’re making. Tartarus can wait.”

She finishes lacing up her combat boots, then stands to face me. “No, it can’t.” She takes two small steps toward me before gently grabbing onto my forearms. “You love going there, so please don’t stay here because of me. I’ll be training the entire time anyway.”

I run my fingers through my thick hair, stressed beyond belief as I try to decide what to do. Adeena will be pissed if I stay to keep an eye on Arryn, but will I be able to keep my head on straight being away from her? If something happens, will I be able to get back here in time? I don’t know.

“Stop overthinking,” Adeena snaps, pulling me from my head.

I glance up at her, locking eyes as she watches me. “I’m sorry,” I sigh. “I would hate myself if something happened to you.”

Her hand reaches up, cupping my face, and I wrap my hand around her wrist, holding her close for a moment.

“Nothing is going to happen.” She leans toward my face, replacing her hand with a soft kiss. “Go,” she whispers, ending the conversation without a second thought.

“Fine,” I groan, closing my eyes for a moment before opening them.

I know if I don’t go, I’ll regret abandoning Tartarus for the day and she’ll only be angry with me for staying. She needs space and independence, and maybe this is how I can give it to her… but what if something happens?

“Stop overthinking!” Adeena repeats, more agitated than before.

“Okay, okay,” I throw my hands in the air, admitting defeat. “I’m going. I will be back for dinner as usual.”

“Perfect,” she smiles, instantaneously changing moods like we haven’t been arguing all morning. “I hope you enjoy your time in Tartarus. Be safe, please.”

Before she can step away I extend my arm, reaching for the back of her neck. I wrap my hand around her, then yank her forward, forcing her into the warmest, tightest hug I can. Her vanilla and jasmine scent fills the air around me, immediately easing my stress. I rub my hand along her silver hair, gently stroking it while she clings to me.

“I’ll miss you,” she says against my chest.

I pull back, giving her a few inches of space before kissing her forehead. “I’ll miss you, too. If you need anything at all I want you to use one of the butterflies to contact me. The black ones are the fastest.”

She nods, pulling away from our embrace. “I will. I’m going to be late for training and you know how Geras can be when I’m late. I’ll see you tonight,” she beams as she skips toward the front doors.

I follow her out, stopping at the top of the steps while she continues her way to the training field.

Izan slips through the open door behind me as soon as she’s out of sight. “I’ll watch over her, brother. There’s no need to worry.”

I sigh, knowing he’s right. “It’s hard letting her go.” I turn to face him as my voice gets more serious, “Keep an eye on him. Make sure you know what he’s doing at all times.”

Izan nods, clearly agreeing with my decision to not trust this stranger in my home. “You know I will.”

* * *

Each tripto Tartarus is exhausting, but they’re all worth it. The Tartarus monarchy fucked over so many good people, and all I want to do is help. Portaling to and from Tartarus uses a decent amount of my power reserve because the distance is so far, but I have more than enough power to get back and forth once each day.

“Alaric,” I call out as I see my friend packing bags behind his family home.

I’m in Northford today, which is where I spend most of my time when I’m in Tartarus. It is one of the few villages still standing, and many people pass through the area when they’re traveling.

The villagers were mostly killed off in the attacks when King Demir went on his rampage for a human bride, but this place holds several pick-up points for people needing supplies. They’re all secret locations, only given out to those who truly need them. Alaric and I keep the drop-off points fully stocked with food, fresh water, blankets, and fresh sets of clothes for men, women, and children. They’re sort of like a small shop, but everything is free.

“Dreyden,” Alaric smiles widely as I come into view.

Alaric and I met shortly after the war with Tartarus concluded. I was in the area surveying the land, taking count of the casualties and damage. The devastation was overwhelming and chaotic, and in the midst of it all, I found Alaric cleaning up the mess, doing his best to pull the people of Tartarus back together. He’s a commoner, a low-class human villager, but he’s so much more than that. If it weren’t for Alaric, the mass casualties would have been even greater. He’s a hero to this fallen kingdom even if he refuses to acknowledge it. Honestly, he’s too humble for his own good.

Razvan, Alaric’s son, stood beside him, handing bags of rice one at a time while Alaric stuffed his drop-off bags full. He’s an eight-year-old boy, but you’d never know that based on how he acts. His maturity expands beyond a boy, reaching that of a young man. The crumpling kingdom forced him to grow up, to assist his father in providing for his mother, Ellia, and his younger sister, Braylee. Razvan’s dirty blonde hair is cut short on the sides with a little extra on the top, closely matching Alaric’s.

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