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Chapter Thirteen

T he following morning, the events of last night’s revelry still lingered on my mind as I walked out into the guest hall, my veins buzzing with anxiety. I had slipped out of Caelum’s room in the early morning hours, determined to not face the inevitable awkwardness when he awoke. Though I was still troubled by the issue with the magic—and now complicated feelings for a particularly infuriating highborn—something else tugged at my thoughts.

The water incident.

I still didn’t understand how I had done it. I’d never controlled anything other than a lightning strike before, yet I had bent it to my will like it was a thread and I was the needle, weaving it effortlessly into the annoying female faes. That wasn’t how my magic worked—or at least, not how I thought it worked.

Had it been the fae magic surrounding me? Or was it something deeper, something I hadn’t yet tapped into? I didn’t like the idea of the fae knowing more about me than I did.

I shook the questions from my mind as I headed to Caelum’s room, determined to focus on what mattered: answers from King Thalion. He had summoned us again, which meant we might finally make some headway on the magic issue—or be strung along even further. It truly could come down to whatever side of the immortal bed the king had woken up on today. All I knew was if we didn’t leave this wretched realm soon, I might end up with more questions than I’d started with.

I knocked on Caelum’s door, and he answered, looking slightly rumpled, wrapped in his traveling cloak already. At least we were on the same page there. He managed a crooked smile as he stepped out. “So...last night.” He ran a hand through his hair, clearly searching for the right words. “I’m sorry you had to deal with, well, that . Those fae sweets really packed a punch.”

I shrugged. “It’s fine. I’m just glad you’re okay.”

“You didn’t have to stay. I shouldn’t have asked, it’s just...” His eyes softened as he looked at me, hesitating before speaking again. “I can have dreadful nightmares when I’m alone.” He glanced down as if something on his shoe was absolutely fascinating.

The admission caught me off guard. I struggled to keep my face neutral, knowing it wasn’t something I could dwell on right now. We needed to focus on our mission. Nevertheless, my heart squeezed for Caelum while my blood rioted in my veins when I thought of his Uncle Tobias. I clenched my fists in fury.

If I ever see him in person, he better pray it’s not storming.

“I was happy to help,” I said instead, composing myself with a small smile. “We’ve been summoned by the fae king, though, so let’s see what he has to say so we can leave.”

He straightened, his princely mask sliding back on as he nodded. “Of course. Let’s hope our gracious host is in the mood to share today.”

“Yes, let’s hope. I’d rather not spend another night here.”

He offered a weak smile. “Yes, right. Me too.”

We were escorted to the outdoor throne area once more. Up on the dais, looking down on us, the fae king lounged on his throne, looking dangerously calm. Off to the side, though, our horses were tied to a tree, and my heart fluttered at the idea of riding out of here today.

Could we really be leaving soon? It all depended on how this next conversation went.

He greeted us as we approached. “Ah, my brave wanderers, have you enjoyed your stay so far?”

I bit back a scathing retort. “It’s been enlightening.”

The king’s laugh echoed through the open grove, a dark, velvety sound. “Indeed. And now, I assume you will want your answers regarding the ley lines.”

My heart skipped a beat at his directness. “The ley lines,” I choked out. “They’re real?”

Thalion inclined his head, his grin widening. “Of course.”

My mind erupted with questions, all while my heart brimmed with happiness. My father had been right. He was right.

But I straightened, remembering who I was dealing with. The fae were not generous beings, and he had not stated his price yet. It would do well to ask now before it was beyond something we could pay.

“I have more questions,” I stated, “but I need to know the cost before we continue.”

“Ever so clever to ask,” the fae king murmured, templing his fingers. “In return, we will require a small token of value.”

“What kind of token?” Caelum asked.

I blinked, surprised he had beat me to the question. Maybe he was finally catching on to surviving in the fae realm.

“The most precious thing you have with you here,” the fae king replied, his eyes glittering as they moved between us. “Something you would hesitate greatly to part with.”

I swallowed hard, cupping the ring at the base of my throat. My fingers brushed against the cool metal of my father’s ring, and I did hesitate. It was the one item of his I had left, the symbol of his position on the council, passed down to me after his death. But if this was the price we had to pay for the truth...

I glanced at Caelum, and he grinned with a quick nod. I wanted to ask what he would give, but it didn’t seem like a time where we could form a huddle and discuss our options. I’m sure he had some family heirloom on him to offer.

“Agreed,” I said, and Caelum echoed me, the deal struck.

“Excellent,” the fae king murmured, leaning back into his throne like he could relax now.

“Your father, Miss Blackthorn, was correct in his assumptions about the ley lines,” King Thalion offered. “There are places—locations scattered throughout this land—that can affect them, much like a dam can control the flow of a river. These places can either channel or regulate the magic, allowing it to be harnessed in different ways. We have one here in Velarune, at the top of our mountain.”

I nodded eagerly, stepping closer to the dais. “His theory before he died had been that the various onyxwood forests were suppressing these ley lines throughout the realm. Is that the problem then?”

“As with every father, Miss Blackthorn, they don’t always have all the answers. The onyxwood forests are not causing the issues Eyre faces. While it’s true the wood has a unique quality that suppresses magic, it does not reach deep enough to cause the disturbances you’re experiencing.”

A chill slid down my spine. “If it’s not the onyxwood, then do you know what it is?”

The fae king leaned forward, a slow, predatory smile spreading across his face. “Why, us, of course.”

My heart shuddered as the realization set in. “You’re...you’re stealing the magic through the ley line?”

“Borrowing, my dear,” he corrected, feigning innocence. “We’re simply borrowing it, redirecting its flow to suit our needs. Magic can be a fickle thing, and we fae are deeply connected to its currents. The ley line is a source of great power, and our people are in need of more, as I mentioned last night.”

Caelum’s hands clenched into fists, and he stepped closer as well, his shoulder brushing mine. “And when is this ‘borrowing’ going to end?”

“Oh, it should break of its own accord by the winter solstice, when the magical flow is at its lowest,” the fae king replied. “But by then...well, let’s just say the damage to the flow in your human lands may be irreversible.”

King Thalion’s indifferent tone made my blood boil. This was all a game to him—a means of exercising power over a realm he held no respect for. “You can’t do this. Magic belongs to everyone.”

The king raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by my protest. “Magic belongs to those who can wield it best. After all, we are fae. The magic is our birthright, as it is yours, Miss Blackthorn.” His sharp eyes lingered on me, and a slow smile crept across his face. “I saw what you did at the waterfall last night. I thought you could only control lightning? A feat like that doesn’t come from surface-level power. It comes from something ancient, something deeply connected. Did you feel it?”

My breath caught. So, he had seen. And though I had no intention of admitting it, he wasn’t wrong. It wasn’t the same as when I’d harnessed lightning. The water had been more malleable, more willing. It wanted to do my bidding.

But it was still new to me, and I didn’t know how to expand my powers. Gods, what I wouldn’t give for a storm right now so I could show him how wrong he was with one well-positioned lightning strike. I’d make him regret offering to take me in.

I’d raze his world to the ground.

Instead, I could do nothing. Without the proper understanding of what special gift I had, I made no difference here, just like every council meeting.

I glanced at Caelum, who stood rigidly beside me, his rageful gaze locked on the fae king. We needed to leave before he said something that got us both killed.

Slowly, I drew the ring from around my neck and extended it toward the fae king. “I think we’ve heard enough,” I hissed. “Will this suffice as my offering?”

Thalion barely looked at the ring before nodding with a satisfied smile. “I do hope you have more things to remind you of your father.”

A servant fae approached and took the ring from me. I thought I’d be sad, yes, but a deeper hollowness settled inside. All that time, it seemed like a weight around my neck I couldn’t bear, but the absence of it was much more devastating.

King Thalion turned his attention to Caelum, his eyes glinting with expectation. “And you, Prince? What will you offer?”

Caelum reached into the shadows of his long cloak and produced a slender, ornate sword with a shimmering blade and intricate designs carved along the hilt.

“An enchanted blade, crafted by your own kin, I believe. One of your friendly females was so gracious to show me around your weapons room when I asked yesterday.”

I froze, eyes wide.

The fae king’s stare narrowed, his smile turning frosty. “A bold choice, Prince, to offer a stolen item from our very halls.”

“I don’t recall you clarifying that a stolen item couldn’t count. The only stipulation was that it was the most precious thing here with me, and that I’d hesitate to part with it. And I must say, this is the finest sword I’ve yet to come across. I would truly love to take it home with me, but alas, I will part with it to settle this debt.”

It had been risky to steal from the fae, indeed. But he had a point, and I couldn’t see a way around the fae king accepting it.

The king stood, but instead of seeming perturbed, he looked delighted. “This is not enough, I’m afraid.”

Caelum’s smirk faltered, and he took a half-step back. “Not enough? I’ve brought nothing else with me of greater value. But please, enlighten me if you see a boot or a belt you’d rather confiscate.”

The fae king chuckled darkly. “The blade may be valuable, but it’s not what is most precious to you, Prince. No, what we will take in this deal is”—his eyes locked onto me—“her.”

A cold sweat swept over me as I registered his meaning. “ Me? ”

“Yes, Miss Blackthorn,” he said, his voice a purr. “You possess a bond with magic that is rare, even among our kind. Your magic flows as purely as any fae’s, and we’re severely lacking it these days. That’s why we started siphoning the magic. We need to rebuild our power here, and we will start with you. You didn’t want to stay by my invitation, so now you will stay by my insistence.”

I stepped back, alarm flaring in my chest. “I am not staying here.”

The fae king tilted his head, his expression softening into something almost affectionate. “Oh, but you are. The bargain was struck.”

Caelum stepped forward, raising the stolen sword. “You won’t be taking her anywhere .” His voice was deep and violent, like thunder across the open sea. “The only place she’s going is on the back of a horse—with me .”

The fae king’s gaze turned cold, and guards emerged from the shadows to surround us in the grove. “Are you challenging the deal, Prince?” he asked, his voice a low, dangerous whisper.

Caelum gripped the hilt of the sword tighter, taking a fighting stance. “Fuck your deal.”

King Thalion laughed. “Oh, I think I’ll enjoy this.” He waved a hand, and his guards took a step closer.