Page 14 of Bonded to the Fallen Shadow King (Of Fae and Wolf Trilogy #1)

Chapter Fourteen

Briar

T he shadowy wolf logo appeared underneath my feet as I clutched my outfit in my arms. Tears blurred my vision as Aelir’s smile for winning stuck in my mind.

How could Fate be so cruel to allow someone as kind-hearted as Aelir to die like that? Fate had to be bitch. I’d always thought Ember was being dramatic, but not anymore.

The cold floor of the Ascension Hall bit into the bottoms of my feet. The entire room spun like I’d been drugged, likely from the venom or shock. Probably both, but at least I knew without a doubt I was alive.

I took a shaky step forward as Myantha crouched beside me. “You should get dressed. You'll feel better and safer.”

Nodding, I held on to the shirt and handed the pants to her. At this point, I wasn’t sure I could balance, so I slowly pulled the shirt on.

Quen and Yuki stood a few paces in front of me, fire snapping from Quen’s hands. Yuki raised a barrier, her expression as hard as the stone she wielded.

Velessa and Thalira flanked us, their eyes on me and then on Kaylen and her group and up to the platform where the dark gray and light gray reapers continued to watch us.

I could feel their eyes on all of us. Damn perverts.

Still, my heart warmed as my friends clustered around me, close and protective. For the first time since getting here, I didn’t feel alone.

Myantha handed me the last piece of clothing, her fingers trembling and her expression still shell-shocked. “I can’t believe we’re back.”

Not all of us though... I gritted my teeth, trying to push the sadness away and focus on the living. Not the dead. I’d remember and mourn Aelir later. She would never be forgotten.

I slipped my legs into the pants, hot rage coursing through me. “I’m glad you’re all here.” My voice cracked. “Alive.” Kaylen and her posse would pay. I’d make sure of that.

“Thanks to you, Briar,” Myantha said, helping me adjust and smooth out the shirt. As she did, she offered me a small, uncertain smile.

Kaylen and her mean girl squad gathered at the far end of the hall, pointedly ignoring us as they spoke in low, conspiratorial tones. Even still, Kaylen cradled the forearm I’d injured.

My hands balled into fists. They didn’t deserve to be here. They didn’t deserve to even breathe. My entire body tightened. They should have died a slow and painful death.

Rhielle had her arms crossed as she shifted her gaze between them and us. Her face was tight, and the way her nose wrinkled made me think she felt the same way as me.

“Why are they still watching us up there?” Quen pursed her lips.

“Because they must observe how everyone reacts after the trial as well.” Elara approached with a quiet grace, her steps silent. “You will all see the physician before heading to your rooms, where dinner will be served.”

Silus trailed behind her, his tall, stoic frame radiating calm.

I laughed darkly. “Don’t act like you care. You, Your Royal Highnesses , and your reapers stood in safety and watched us suffer and die. You didn’t do a damn thing to stop it.”

My friends gasped while Myantha drew back and dropped her glass disc. It clattered on the floor.

Elara didn’t flinch, and she didn’t look away either. “I offer no justifications for it, but I assure you I took no pleasure in this trial either.” Her gaze darted up toward the platform, and her throat bobbed.

My insides twisted, and I feared that I would never feel normal or happy again.

Kaylen’s sharp voice cut from across the room. “She should see the physician last! She’s a fecking animal, and she bit me!”

Crossing her arms, Elara turned and arched a brow. “You murdered a fae after the Council declared the winners. You and those who supported you will go last, as you deserve.”

Something on the platform rustled, and I glanced up. None of the reapers had moved, but the sound had come from up there.

Strange.

Kaylen looked a moment longer, then straightened her shoulders. Her expression smoothed into one of indifference, and she tipped her head slightly. “As you say, Your Highness.”

The words were so uncharacteristic, I swallowed a snort. But Elara turned to me again.

“You seven, follow me.” She headed toward the doors that led to the hallway.

I couldn’t help but note the stiffness in her movements. Something had to be going on. My heart ached for her, but I pushed the feeling aside. I couldn’t feel bad for the people who’d had me dragged here to die.

The heavy doors swung open, and my allies and I followed her out of the Ascension Hall. A few servants in gray, dressed similarly to the servants who’d helped me in the morning, stood waiting. Their fitted robes were lined with sleek black cloth, and on the left side of the bodice was an embroidered golden mortar and pestle set above coiling iridescent black shadows.

“Come with me,” the tallest of the three commanded, and all three turned, leading us in the opposite direction of our rooms and through a set of doors that was already open.

Just before the doors shut, I glanced over my shoulder, watching Kaylen and her friends grow smaller as they remained deep in conversation. At least they were far enough behind us that they wouldn't easily reach us. I tapped into my wolf magic, enhancing my hearing. I didn’t want them to kill anyone else. I’d learned several people would be willing, if given the opportunity. Stabbing people in the back was literally an option.

As we made our way deeper into the palace, bright light spilled over us. We bunched together, probably feeling safer that way. The walls were dark with flashes of gold spreading through areas, but not as stunning as the Ascension Hall.

The servants led us into a ginormous room that once again screamed royalty, healing, and leisure. A pool of crimson water shimmered in the center, and four light gray beds sat along each side. Dark wooden tables stood between beds, filled with jars and bottles. A huge fire flickered at the other end of the room under a great window that allowed sunlight to fill the space. The air smelled of various herbs and salts.

I headed to the farthest bed on the right side, wanting to keep watch on the doorway. I had no doubt that Kaylen would march in here as soon as possible, unless Elara made her group wait. Rhielle took the bed next to me and leaned back as if she hadn’t a care in the world. Her long wavy pink hair flowed over her shoulders despite being streaked with ichor.

A little bit of jealousy slunk through me. If only I could even pretend to relax an eighth as much as she was and remain in such control.

The others lay on their own beds, not quite as at ease as Rhielle, but more so than me.

The fae attendants returned, their steps quick as they brought in trays of clothing, sponges, and ointment. They stripped our filthy leathers away and deposited them in a single bin and then bathed us with the cool red waters, making observations about the injuries and who needed what. They gave all of us steaming mugs of red tea and urged us to drink. It tasted like hazelnuts and chamomile.

Our injuries weren't nearly as bad as they could have been. Thalira had one especially bad scorpion sting that showed signs of infection, Velessa's arm was badly sprained, and several others had bites that required tending. Rhielle was mostly unscathed, aside from a nasty bite mark on her calf. Apparently she had some sort of shadow magic armor. Myantha had taken multiple bites and stings, but none were infected. Quen and Yuki were in the worst shape, with numerous purpling welts and bite marks, resulting in the servants suggesting they needed a specialist and then moving them to another room. Other servants entered with soft loose pastel dresses that looked as comfortable as sleep shirts. They worked with fast, efficient hands, but despite their speed, they were gentle, even kind.

After being bathed, I sat on the edge of a table as a gray-and-green robed fae pressed my shoulder. Another rubbed salve over my skin, saying something about protecting against the venom's side effects. It warmed my skin and smelled like lavender, peppermint, and chamomile. They seemed surprised when I barely flinched.

“She’s not even bruised,” the first said, disbelief in her voice.

“Are you certain?” asked the green-robed fae as he approached, arms clasped behind his back. He was older, with fading blond hair and murky brown eyes. The embroidered emblem on his chest included a staff and a dark cloud in iridescent black. “Were you hurt, young one? I am one of the head physicians in the palace. You have nothing to fear from any of us, and if we can give you aid, we will.”

“Yeah,” I said, shifting on the linen cot. “But I’m fine now.”

They exchanged a glance. “She’s the one who turned into the weird shadow beast,” said a small gray-robed fae who stood near the door. Fear tinged her voice.

"Does the change allow you to heal?" the green-robed fae asked. Fascination softened his voice. "You are the one from Earth?"

"Yes." I shrugged. "It's my wolf magic shooting through my body."

"What's a wolf?" He frowned, his forehead scrunching with thin lines as he tilted his head.

I paused, searching for the right words. “It’s what you call a shadow beast, I guess. I can shift from human to beast at will.”

The fae looked as if he wanted to ask more questions, but I was already slipping off the table. I left them to puzzle it out on their own and made my way back down the hall, pulling the fresh clothes tighter around me. When one of the other fae started to follow, he shook his head and said to let me be.

“Briar,” Myantha shouted, but I hurried out the door and slammed it behind me.

I needed solitude and to try to make sense of everything. No matter what I did or said, everything went wrong here. Even though he simply seemed interested, there was no telling what the physician would tell the reapers and the royals. I quickened my pace.

When I jogged down the hallway and knew the other women wouldn’t catch up to me, my lungs filled easier than they had since I’d walked into the Ascension Hall at noon. The sense of relief was overwhelming—no bug guts, no blood, no stings.

But every step away also drew my anger and twisted my heart. This entire competition was an excuse for sadistic assholes to get their jollies. Aelir had died, and for what? So Kaylen could look like a coward, though I suspected she believed the move was badass.

"You do know it's not safe to wander alone out here, Chaos?”

A knot formed in my throat as I spun around. Thalen was leaning against the dark wall. Shit. I’d been so focused on my emotions and my inward spiral, I hadn’t even noticed someone right on my heels. What kind of wolf-shifter was I? Clearly not strategic and smart, like Ember and Ryker.

“Oh, wait. I forgot.” He grinned and pretended his fingers were claws. “You can turn into a wild bitey shadow beast."

I rolled my eyes and turned my back on him. He was all mouth, which meant he had to be lacking in other areas. I doubted he was a serious threat.

“Do you plan on biting my head off?” he teased.

Of course, he didn’t know when to stop. He reminded me of Gage from my pack, and for the first time, I wished I had alpha-will power to make Thalen shut up. "Don't tempt me." I lifted a brow and looked over my shoulder.

"I knew you liked me.” He held up a hand, examining his fingernails as though they were of great importance, and scurried to my side. “Always said you were a smart one."

"You all watched someone I care about die and didn't do a damn thing. Six others died too, for absolutely no good reason." My voice shook, and I stiffened. "Rules or not, that's not okay."

Thalen sighed and ran a hand through his shaggy hair. “It isn’t, and I know.” His eyes darkened and an unreadable emotion flickered through them before he caught it and drew it back in. “None of us could get through the veil to assist you. And believe me, some tried.”

My mouth dried. No, he wasn’t going to twist this and get me to soften to him once more. “You all are the royal family.” I took a step back from him. “What do you mean you couldn’t get through it?”

He hesitated, then put a finger to his lips. With a sly smile, he looped his arm with mine. I tugged back, but he held on tight. My heart pounded. Maybe he was a threat.

“If you come with me, I can explain things better.” A line of concern etched into his forehead as he studied my reaction.

This could be a test, but was I willing to give up an opportunity to have some things explained to me? I needed to understand this world and what the hell this whole competition was about, but at the same time, what if he was leading me to Kaylen so she could kill me?

“Why should I trust you?” I had to use the one thing I had to my advantage—see if I could catch him in a lie.

He looked me dead in the eye. “You shouldn’t. I've given you no reason to, but I’d like to now.”

His honesty caught me off guard, and the barrier I’d put up between us became less sturdy. Still, I couldn’t agree. Not yet.

“Are you going to hurt me emotionally or physically if I go with you?” I tilted my head, searching for any sign that I should be cautious.

“Only if having good conversation and laughter harms you.” He shrugged. “But I won’t put you under any physical or emotional duress. I like you, Briar. I want to trust me.”

“And you’re going to tell—” I started.

He placed a hand over my mouth and lowered his voice. “Yes, but we need to go now, before someone catches us.”

“Fine.” I hoped to Fate I wasn’t making a bad decision. Wait. No. I didn’t want Fate involved, or I’d probably wind up flung out a window, based on my luck with her lately.

“Good girl.” He winked and led me down the hall, past guards who stood as still and cold as statues. We moved into a darker section of the palace, and every step away from my allies gnawed at me.

The decor became even more fancy and the furnishings richer, and the quiet had the hair lifting on my neck. I should’ve changed my mind and left, but honestly, if I had to choose, I’d rather die by his hands than Kaylen’s. Still, not dying would be preferable. “Maybe we should turn back.”

“Don’t fret, Chaos. It’s unbecoming.” He headed to two huge wooden doors and pushed them open.

My feet froze in place.

The space was huge, a massive bay of glass windows curving into a domed ceiling. Dark wood and gleaming metal bookshelves lined the walls. An enormous telescope stood in the center.

It was like nothing I'd seen before—magical, surprising, and somehow, more like home. Dusky notes of sandalwood, parchment, and smoke with just a hint of peppermint curled into my nose, easing some of my tension.

Thalen closed the door and headed to a large cabinet in the corner. "We need this right now." He removed a dark bottle from the back and filled two glasses. His eyes were serious. “Sit with me, Chaos.”

I didn’t argue. My legs felt like water, and I followed him to the back corner, where two massive leather couches sat. I sank onto the seat farthest from him but on the same couch, and he handed me a drink before settling beside me. The liquid smelled like smoked cider, but it tasted far sweeter.

He took a long drink, then sighed. “Politics.” He clicked his tongue and then draped his arm across the back of the couch. "Politics among our kind are far more complicated than just royals and the people who do what they say. There’s one council for each kingdom and another neutral council that oversees the entire realm of Nytharia. The recommendation for the queenship is decided by these councils, and they use magic that is beyond our abilities, because it’s combined with the magic of the Aurelines."

I froze.

My many-greats-grandfather’s voice replayed in my mind. Whatever you do, don’t let them know you’re an Aureline. That would be even worse than them knowing you’re a wolf.

“The Aurelines ensure Fate's will is done, while the specific kingdom's council looks to the well-being of the kingdom. In the end, the prince can choose, but he is strongly advised to follow the will of the councils. Most people follow the councils' advice." Thalen didn’t seem to have noticed the change in me. "King Merrick didn't follow the advice. He married for love. The old fae is a romantic at heart, even if he hides it now. And the queen’s death nearly destroyed us all. I still remember where I was that day." He swirled the dark liquid in his glass and stared at it. "But what's relevant is, he did not follow the councils’ wishes, and King Maverick and Queen Valora had many happy years together before tragedy struck."

Queen Valora. Vad’s mother.

Some of the anger left me. I understood what losing a parent felt like. I’d lost both of mine at the hands of vampires. I didn’t know what to say, because "I’m sorry" wasn’t enough.

Thalen took another drink, and his expression softened. "I just wanted you to know that, after what you did today and how you’ve handled everything—well, I'm proud of you. Hard as it was, you were out there being my feisty Copper Chaos. And if I wasn't already proud of you for fighting for the women who were betrayed, I'd sure as the scaffing void have been proud of you for biting that fecking harpy on the arm. I just wish you’d snapped it off and fed it to her."

I choked on my drink and began a strangled combination of coughing and laughing. Thalen joined me, as we held our glasses toward each other for a cheers.

The door crashed open, and I jumped from the couch, nearly spilling the drink in my hand, ready to confront whoever it was.

Vad stood in the doorway holding a bottle of wine, his face reddening with a scowl. My heart stopped.

Thalen stayed relaxed and seated. He grinned and motioned for Vad to come inside. “I wondered how long it would take you to get here.”

“Thalen?” Vad slurred, his eyes wild beneath his tousled dark hair. He staggered into the room and dropped his bottle. “Thalen. Tha—”

The glass exploded against the floor, and a dark red liquid similar to the crimson water of the healing pool gushed everywhere.

Vad didn't seem to notice. Instead, he charged at Thalen, pure hatred narrowing his pupils.