Page 84 of Cursed Evermore

“A Veylteher spell. One that combines the strongest Galdrlore tracing spells with Fray magic. We’d need to useElariya’s blood and mine to guide it, so the ring recognizes me.” I drew in a slow breath, choosing my words carefully. “I believe the structured magic and control of Galdrlore will temper the raw energy of the Fray, giving us the power we need to cross planes. The Fray magic should also provide enough stability for Elariya's human side to withstand any side effects.”

On hearing my plan, their expressions shifted, becoming hopeful.

Bastian leaned forward, nodding with enthusiasm. “That idea could definitely work.”

Arielle's eyes brightened and she looked intrigued. “The balanced approach of both magic systems makes complete sense. I think it would work.”

“I’ll be using dragon scale parchment from Gaelthorne forge to ensure a seamless blend of magic.” I explained further, making it clear I’d be sourcing only the best. “The piece I have in mind is from one of my young drake’s first shedding. It’s been alchemically pressed and laced with binding glyphs to hold incantations.”

“That sounds perfect, Wolfe,” Alaric agreed with an easy grin. “So, the parchment itself would respond to whatever spell you cast on it.”

“Exactly. Once our blood hits the parchment the spell will activate. Then it will map the ring’s path. Not just its location. The journey. It’ll show us where it is now… and what it’s passed through to get there.”

“Blessed Mother, like a living map,” Arielle muttered.

I nodded.

“That’s one hell of a plan, Wolfe.”

“I think so, too. I’ve thought of everything to reinforce it. I also hope the bond Elariya and I share through the curse will amplify the spell.” My curse might be different from Elariya’s, but it came from the same source. Whether we liked it or not,we were bonded through the ring’s magic. That bond would only grow stronger now that we were in each other’s lives.

“If we play this right, things could be resolved quite soon,” Alaric said.

“I hope so.” I could almost see myself taking back my kingdom and being free of the curse. It was a bittersweet desire. Only the Gods knew what awaited me on this journey and what I may have to go through to get what I wanted. But it would be worth it in the end.

“What will you do with Elariya once we take her to your home?” Arielle asked in a tentative voice. “I hope you don’t intend to lock her in the dungeon.”

I gave her a thin stare. Arielle was clearly testing me again. Testing the extent of my cold-bloodedness. She was right to do so. She didn’t want me to hurt Elariya.

How I killed the rebel Fae was no secret. Arielle knew I didn't care that I'd destroyed him in mere seconds. I was sure she also knew I’d enjoyed it.

All prisoners belonged in the dungeon. Elariya should be no different. Yet she was. No one had to know that though. Not yet. “I’ll make that decision once we dock.”

“Wolfe—”

“Arielle, I said I’ll decide when we dock.”

Disapproval filled her eyes. “Just remember things will be easier for you if she’s compliant. Some compassion couldn’t hurt.”

“I’ve already shown sufficientcompassion. She has a room onboard this vessel and plenty of food to eat.” Another captor would have forced Elariya to her knees and shoved his cock down her pretty little throat.

“I’m not saying you have to give her a royal bed, but please don’t put her in a dungeon.”

My mind snagged at the mention of a bed and continued down the pasture of filthy thoughts. I imagined Elariya spread out in a royal bed.

Mybed.

I’d lay her out like a sacrificial virgin with nothing on but fear robbing her skin of color and the scent of her arousal. The thought made my cock stir and the flow of hot blood tugged on my gut like chains.

I clenched my jaw and leaned in, trying to control my wandering mind. And my damn cock. That reaction had been happening to me a little too often for my liking. I needed to do better to control myself.

“When we return to Galaythia, I have specific tasks for all of you.” I schooled my mind, returning my focus to the present conversation and ignoring Arielle’s plea. Of course, that infuriated her, and she looked like she wanted to burn me alive. “Bastian, Alaric, you handle the rebels. Keep them contained while we work on the spell. We can't afford any distractions. I need as much time as I can get in case we need to test different options for the spell.”

“At your service.” Bastian smiled.

Alaric nodded his acceptance. “We'll double the patrols around the palace perimeter. After what happened at the festival, we’ll make sure we have all bases covered.”

“Good. We also need to keep up the appearance that we’re investigating. That will throw Dreynthor and his spies off our scent.” That fucking asshole was always watching me. And he knew that I knew.