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DRAGAN

“So, when will you open a portal to Oronrel?” I ask as I face Baron and Pyre, who both just chuckle to themselves like I just told the best joke. Flumph and Noni have already gone to Oronrel ahead of us to find the safest way for us to get inside.

“We’rewalking, aren’t we?” I continue as I frown at them both.

“Yes, and we’d both appreciate it if you wouldn’t complain the entire way,” Baron says.

“There isn’t enough magic in the mortal realm to create a portal there,” Pyre explains. “And though Baron is being an asshole in telling you not to complain, it should be noted that there are still Precincts and demons in the air,” Pyre starts.

“So, shut up or we’ll be forced to gag you,” Baron finishes with a polished smile.

“I’d like to see you fuckers try!” I respond.

We walk for what feels like an eternity plus a few years before we reach the gateway leading to Earlann. Finding the entrance is easier than before, but when we arrive in the fae realm, I immediately notice the numerous scouts in the forest surrounding the city. Sentries with enchanted bows walk along the walls and the roofs of the homes within Earlann’s walls.

“We must move quickly,” Pyre says as he crafts a portal to send us directly into Oronrel. Baron passes through immediately, and I follow him. Pyre comes through last, in order to close the portal behind him.

We appear near what seems to be a bathhouse for members of the Unseelie court. Naked Unseelie women with supple curves splash about in the waters. I can recognize the beauty in their naked forms but I feel nothing… no sexual desire, no stirring of my cock… nothing.

I glance down at my crotch and frown.

Baron takes notice and gives me a knowing expression. “I see Eilish has a hold on you, as well.” The vampire’s words are almost pitying.”

“What the fuck are you talking about?” I ask.

He shrugs. “It seems we both have been beguiled by the angel as much as we’ve been seduced by the demon.”

“Then you feel nothing for those women either?”

“Nothing,” he affirms with a quick nod. “And what an exquisite fall from grace it’s been.” He glares at me. “It’s a shame I have to share.”

“You didn’t seem to have a problem sharing her before,” I fire back.

“Yes, that was an experience I don’t regret. Pyre and I were able to give Eilish the most incredible sexual encounter she’s ever had.” He finishes his comment with a deep smile and I want to smack it off his face.

But, all the while, I wonder if it’s true. Does Eilish prefer fucking Baron and Pyre over me? It’s not a thought that’s plagued me before but now I can’t rid myself of it. At the thought that Baron does things to her I don’t… I almost can’t handle the possibility.

Pyre leads us through a door that was barely visible to the naked eye. As we turn a corner, Flumph and Noni reunite with us. The sun sets beyond the palace as we creep through the halls, undetected so far

But when we turn the next corner, Baron lifts his hand in the air in order to stop us. I listen to the sound of retreating footfalls as they disappear down the corridor. Noni directs us to a part of the dungeon I’ve never seen.

Noni stutters to a stop outside a large iron door. “Theren in there, Master. But iron not good for faeries like Noni and Mr. Flumph. We can’t go inside.”

CHAPTER FIVE

CAMBION

Mercenary Stronghold

Sunlight spills over the horizon and I watch the colors of the sky change with each passing moment. The city is bustling with activity. I’d nearly forgotten the sound of laughter before I came here. King Galmer has built something I can only hope to give my people when this fight is over. Those who dwell within the walls of the stronghold live in peace and prosperity, guided by a firm but loving hand of a ruler who thinks not of himself, but of the good of the people. We could all learn something from the great centaur king.

When the sound of clashing swords reverberates from the training yard, I hop down from the wall and make my way over to where Eilish trains with some of the mercenaries. It fills me with awe to see just how far she’s come. Before, Eilish fought with inexperienced fumbles and a rare flash of luck, but now she’s a warrior. Each step she takes is carefully measured. Each strike is unpredictable and performed with great skill.

Eilish has consumed my thoughts for a long time, but now the fantasy of her that once lingered in my meditations no longer slakes my lust or eases my weary heart. When she catches me watching her, she turns that vibrant blue gaze my way and I’m helpless. I approach her as she fights, appreciating the way she tosses her dagger from her right to her left hand depending on where her opponent stands. The way she throws her weight into each block and the way she uses her surroundings to her advantage are something to be admired.

“You’re very talented with your blade,” I say. “You’ve made much progress.” I think for a moment that she’ll be offended by my words, but she isn’t. Instead, she finishes her training and Isee that faint glow surround her, just like it did before I left the Veil to find Theren.

“Thank you,” she says and smiles but I can see she’s still guarded with me. She doesn’t trust me—as well she shouldn’t, owing to the things I’ve done. The mistakes I’ve made.