Page 49 of Claimed By Shadow and Blood (Of Fae and Wolf Trilogy #2)

“The earthquake in Firellan’s Spine happened at approximately the same time as here.

That’s just further proof that what’s happening here is impacting more than just our kingdom.

I also saw the condition they’re keeping her in,” she responded, lifting one eyebrow.

“But if you’re not interested in that, we can skip it. ”

Fecking void. I stood upright. “How are they keeping her?”

“She wore some ill-fitting wool gown that was damp, especially at the hem. The only good thing I can say about it is that it wasn’t moldy. When the material moved up and exposed some of her skin, I could see that she has a rash.

"They’d given her no shoes, and her feet were bleeding.

She smelled like that awful black bread, blood, and bad water.

From the state of her hands, it looked like she’d been clawing at the rocks, but it didn’t seem like she was being tortured, beyond being kept in that place.

Some of her sores are infected. But...she’s strong.

Best to get her out sooner rather than later, I’d say.

” She pursed her lips and glared, and then said, “Anything you’d like to add, Silas? ”

He cleared his throat and adjusted his stance, folding his arms across his chest. Still, he didn’t say anything.

“ Do you have something to add?” I let iciness fill my voice.

Silus lifted a brow, and I could practically see a sarcastic response forming in his mind, but he licked his lips instead. “While I do think she is a pawn and that there are matters for concern?—”

Elara cleared her throat.

He glanced at her, and his expression softened. “I do not believe Briar is evil, nor is she weak. She does not deserve to be there.”

A little bit of relief eased some of the weight I carried. I’d accept this small concession from him and hope that he continued to see that he’d misjudged her.

But then my annoyance returned. “Was that what you didn’t want to tell me, Elara? How does this change everything?”

Her eyes narrowed, her expression pinching. “Saying it changes everything was overdramatic on my part.”

Silus sighed as his grip on his arms tightened. “Her glamour failed. It sapped her dry while we were in the prison. Her condition has worsened significantly, and she is in a bad state.”

“Silus!” Elara’s eyes widened.

He angled himself once more toward her, his voice tight.

“Be angry with me all you like. But if there were an arrow headed for you, I would intercept it and take the blow myself. Do you think there is any realm in which I could permit you to suffer in silence when intervention might help? If protecting you earns me your ire, then so be it. But do not ever expect me to stand idly by when you are at risk, Elara .”

Spots of color emerged on her cheeks despite the glamour. She twitched her shoulders as if she wasn’t sure what to say. “Noted.” She moved her hands to her waist, bracing herself as she looked at both Silus and Thalen. “I…love you both, but I want to discuss this matter with my brother in private.”

Thalen spread his arms and inclined his head. “As you wish, Shadow Princess, though it feels wrong to deny you both my scintillating wit. However, I do need food…and alcohol. Silus?”

Expression somber, Silus’s gaze flicked from Elara to me. “I could use something too.”

Elara watched them go, not turning to look at me until the door sealed shut and a few breaths had passed. She said, “You don’t need to worry about me. I promise I’m fine.”

“Are you? Really?” I stepped closer to her, wanting to banish her glamour. But that would be a violation that would be hard to forgive, and I didn’t need anything further to come between us. “Will you let me see you without your glamour?”

She lifted her chin, wearing the same stubborn expression she’d had as a child when she wouldn’t move out of a doorway so I could pass, despite being half my height.

“Not now. I look worse than I am, and I’d rather no one see me looking like this.

I have my vanity, after all.” She set her jaw as she arched her eyebrow once more in the manner she did when she was feeling defiant but also a little self-conscious.

“And don’t be mad at Silus for any of this.

He had no idea I was going. We exchanged a great many words on the subject once it was safe, and he scolded me more than any noble should scold a princess. Even if he is like family.”

I grunted, still not pleased but somewhat mollified. “I’m surprised you left so swiftly.”

She cleared her throat. “In truth, Silus carried me out as soon as the earthquake struck. It is difficult to argue with someone when they have just…picked you up like you weigh nothing.” Her cheeks reddened a little more.

“I’m glad he had the sense to get you out quickly.”

“He’s a good friend.” She rubbed the back of her neck before her hand trailed away.

My eyebrow raised slightly, but I didn’t comment on her reaction. “Who all has seen you without your glamour?”

“Three of the guards in Firellan’s Spine.

Colm saw me when I arrived and it wasn’t so bad.

Then Briar, of course. Before Silus picked me up, he put his cloak over me.

As soon as I was back, the Shadow magic started replenishing for me.

I had no idea that the prison would make me lose control so swiftly.

It’s a dreadful place.” She ran her hand along the cloak that covered her shoulders.

My throat tightened. Even though I wanted to believe she was all right, that wasn’t the only piece of evidence against her. “Regardless… I spoke with Physician Morlo.”

She stiffened, then shook her head. “I know what he told you, and you know how much I love and appreciate him, but he isn’t a prophet.

I had this same conversation with Silus.

Part of the reason my condition has worsened so much is what was happening with Father and his death.

Once you’re coronated and the magic vests, I’ll start improving. ”

I tilted my head and studied her. “Are you in pain, Elara?”

She stepped closer. “It isn’t comfortable, but you know what that’s like,” she said firmly.

When I refused to concede the point, she sighed and drew back.

“Vad, there are dozens of matters of far greater importance. I’m not going to fall over dead in the next two days or even the next two months.

You wait and see. I’m certain that, after the coronation and the final vestment of the magic and stabilization of our kingdom, I will improve.

I intend to be there for both your coronation and your wedding. ”

Emotions battled inside me, making me feel caught in my own personal war. “I love you, and I’m proud of you. You fight so damn hard. Not many know what you’re capable of.”

“Guess that strength and fight runs in the family.” Her eyes glistened, and she smiled sadly. “I’m proud of you too. It must feel like your world is falling apart right now, but I promise you, I’m not going to fall apart.”

I rested my forehead on hers and hugged her again, trying not to react to how small and bony she was but focusing instead on her spirit.

She returned the embrace, pulling me in close.

“Besides, you know I intend to see those who murdered our father and framed Briar suffer. Do you think there is even the smallest of chances that I would risk not seeing that bloody justice done? I will be there in all black with daggers for earrings and a heart that thrills to the sounds of their screams.”

“If anything changes, you tell me.” I drew back and squeezed her hand. The fine bones shifted beneath my grip, and I let go at once, though she didn’t complain.

“I will. Don’t worry about me.” She peered at me with that stubborn look but also a little more of a smile. “You’ll have to endure my presence for centuries to come.”

I scowled at her, fighting my own smile. “Well, if there can be centuries, I suppose I can accept that. But know I will always worry for you.”

If Briar had been able to stay with us, they would have become fast friends.

The urge to tell her about the plan to save Briar rose within me, but I held back.

Letting Briar go would be hard enough. I didn’t want to ask that of Elara.

Besides, I suspected she’d be angry that I’d vowed to let my beloved leave.

Kissing the top of her head, I took my leave. Now the real planning would begin.

Approximately 5 ⒈／⒉ hours later

It was remarkable how much had changed and yet how much looked the same.

I strode onto the rail-less balcony of the black- and-gold Ascension Hall, leathery wings spread and shadows dark and heavy.

The air was thick with tension, a palpable force that shortened my breaths.

My shadows coiled restlessly around my ankles as I scanned the hall for any sign of Briar.

She would be arriving soon if Bryn's plan had worked.

My stomach twisted. I hadn’t heard an update, and I hoped to Fate that Bryn was able to pull it off.

Time had passed swiftly and lagged all at once, each second tipping me closer to madness and doom as if I were a dead man walking. Without Briar, I might as well be.

A brief conversation with Vyraetos confirmed much of what I had discovered, as well as his reluctant agreement with Bryn. I retrieved the blade and took it to Physician Morlo, along with the hair sample.

Rhielle’s hair sample had swiftly proven she had not drained any magic, element, or blood from another.

He assured me that if the venom was indeed a match, he could administer a direct antidote that would be even more powerful.

Rhielle was both perturbed to hear the news of the third trial and relieved to hear of the antidote, but her focus also went to Briar, and she proposed a solution to one of our problems with the rescue.

Standing in the hall below me, Rhielle appeared unnaturally pale, even for her, with her arms folded tight over her chest. Velessa and Yuki stood beside her, neither attempting to talk.

Based on the closeness, it looked as if they had chosen their positions so that, if Rhielle needed to lean on them, she could.

Of course, she kept her back ramrod straight.

The only sign of weakness was that she kept her gaze focused on the opposing wall, unblinking and barely acknowledging the others.

Thalira spoke in soft tones with Calla Lily, who looked like she was on the verge of tears, and Quen, who had an even more sour expression on her face than she had the last time I saw her.

Siray, one of the other Ignis fae, stood in the corner with her arms crossed and her head down in an uncharacteristic fashion.

Ceana was on the other side of the room, her hand to her head and knotted in her purple hair.

Kaylen stood alone in the center of the room, shoulders back and posture immaculate.

All of the women wore simple but elegant long-sleeved gowns with thigh-high slits and slim-fitted trousers beneath them, as well as thick-soled boots.

To my right stood most members of the assembled councils, the Aureline council members in gray and the Shadow council members in black.

The High Aureline Council had not yet joined us.

As best I could tell, all of the Aurelines present were part of the joint council.

They had their hoods up and their heads down, which made spotting the two who had stopped me in the garden at Father’s death far trickier.

But we would soon find out exactly who they were.

Thalen had particular skills in tracking people down. Soon enough, all would be unveiled.

But where was Thalen?

I glanced to my left again. Elara stood in her usual spot, hands loosely clasped and gaze soft but neutral as she peered down at the candidates. She had changed into a midnight blue gown with black embellishments and a lace neck. The sleeves reached to her elbows, and veils flowed from the rest.

Silus stood directly behind her, arms at his sides. His attention seemed focused on some general point below, but I knew full well he was watching her from his periphery.

I crossed my arms and surveyed the area below us again. The black winged guards stood at attention at regular intervals around the room. Golden torchlight flickered and danced across the sleek marble and made the shadows dance. Mine remained still.

The door behind me scraped open, causing me to turn.

Thalen entered, his stride unusually quick, his brow furrowed, and his smile forced.

The left edge of his mouth twitched as if he was struggling to hold his pleasant expression, and his gaze settled on the main entrance to the Hall as Thalira motioned to someone I hadn’t yet seen.

Myantha slipped in and hurried over to Thalira. But then she looked up at Thalen.

Thalen’s shoulders tensed, and his smile wavered, but he mouthed a single word.

She rubbed her arms nervously, then ducked her head. A tremor shook her hands before she tucked them against herself.

A surge of realization cut through me. Myantha had barely survived the last two trials.

I had no comfort to offer either. In this trial, the candidates would truly be alone against whatever elements were present in the testing chamber.

Some part of me longed for my initial dull coldness of not giving a feck about what happened to any of them. But life was not easy.

Why did this scaffing abomination of a trial have to continue?

I wanted to reject it entirely and announce that Briar was my queen, though just thinking of breaking the vow made my skin bristle and discomfort rise.

But I could endure that. It was the knowledge that to keep Briar here was to doom her that gave me the strength to let her go.

No one was in a playful mood. Thalen didn’t even glance in my direction as he remained close to the edge, arms folded and gaze unabashedly fixed on Myantha.

Where was Briar? Bryn had mentioned that this trial was time sensitive, and it could not be delayed.

The heavy tramp of booted footsteps approached. A familiar aching tug sent me closer to the edge of the balcony. I wanted to crane my neck to see her, but instead, I straightened my shoulders.

The tug became a yank, intensifying a hundredfold.

Then she stepped into view.

Pure rage flamed through me. This is unacceptable.