30.

  Faelwen

  Ash’s fingers glided over my skin, leaving trails of goosebumps in their wake. The heat of his touch seemed to seep beneath my flesh, making my breath catch in my throat. I tilted my head slightly, a teasing grin tugging at my lips.

  “I thought you said, ‘not tonight’,” I murmured, my voice a soft challenge as I pushed my hips back against him. A low groan escaped him, deep and resonant as his lips hovered close to my ear.

  “And what better time is there,” he whispered, his voice like warm honey, “than right now?”

  Before I could respond, he shifted, his hands finding my waist as he gently guided me onto my back. He loomed above me, his dark hair falling like a curtain around his face, his emerald-green eyes locked onto mine with an intensity that made my heart race.

  I reached for him, my fingers tracing the strong line of his jaw before cradling his face. He leaned into my touch, his lips meeting mine in a kiss that started soft, but deepened quickly.

  There was something grounding, something deliciously safe, about the feel of him over me. A soft sigh escaped my lips, but it turned into a quiet gasp as I felt him harden against me.

  Ash’s lips left mine, trailing down my neck in featherlight kisses, then lower. Every brush of his lips was a promise, and when his head dipped between my thighs, my breath hitched.

  His tongue moved with maddening precision, and I arched into him as heath coiled low in my belly, building with each flick of his tongue, each press of his fingers as they explored and teased. My body tightened, my pleasure spiralling higher, his name spilling from my lips in a breathless whisper.

  “What was that, little fox?” His voice broke through the haze, amused yet wicked. I opened my eyes, my chest rising and falling rapidly, but froze at the sight before me.

  It wasn’t Ash’s familiar emerald eyes looking up at me… it was Spook. His sharp, playful grin was unmistakable, his light blue eyes dancing with mischief.

  “You want me to keep going?” he teased, his voice dripping with pleasure as his fingers pressed just the right spot again, making me gasp despite myself.

  “Spook!” I managed to grit out, my voice thick with frustration, embarrassment and the remnants of desire. He chuckled low in his throat, unbothered.

  “You’re almost there, aren’t you?” he said, his grin widening. I tried to focus, to say something, but then another voice—deeper, commanding—cut through the moment.

  “Don’t stop, Spook,” Ash ordered, and I nearly jumped as I felt his breath on my neck. Turning my head, I found Ash’s face mere inches from mine, his emerald gaze burning into me.

  “Ash…” I started, but my words were swallowed by the overwhelming rush of sensation as Spook obeyed, pushing me over the edge. My body trembled as I reached my climax, his name escaping me before I could stop it. I could hear Spook stifling his own moan as he heard me come.

  “That’s my girl,” Ash murmured against my ear, his voice low and possessive. He shifted, his weight pressing into me once more.

  “Now be a good girl and…”

  “Wake up!”

  The sharp words shattered the dream like a crystal dropped onto stone. My eyes flew open, and the world around me came into focus. Spook’s face hovered above mine, his cocky grin too real and too close for comfort.

  “Did you have a nice dream, little fox?” he asked, his voice thick with amusement. Heath flooded my face as the vivid remnants of my dream lingered, my body still tingling in places where it shouldn’t. I shoved him back with more force than necessary, scrambling to sit up.

  “Where’s Ash?” I demanded, my voice sharper than intended as I fought to steady myself. My body shouldn’t feel this way for him. I belonged with Ash.

  My limbs trembled, the dream clinging to me like a shadow. Spook chuckled, unbothered by my tone, and leaned casually against the edge of the bed, seemingly unaware of the battle inside my head.

  “He’s out with Artemis, gathering provisions. Left me here to keep an eye on you since you were sleeping so soundly. Until, of course, you started calling my name.”

  His words sent a fresh wave of warmth to my cheeks, and I shot him a glare over my shoulders as I yanked on my cloak, trying to mask my embarrassment.

  “What?” he asked, feigning innocence, though his eyes sparkled with mischief as if he knew what I had dreamed about. He was far too amused by this.

  “You know what,” I hissed, clutching the edges of my cloak tighter. I knew I wasn’t angry with him. I was angry at myself. Spook tilted his head, his grin growing wider.

  “I thought you needed me, but clearly, I was mistaken,” he said, his gaze sweeping over me in a way that made my stomach flutter.

  “Don’t look at me like that,” I snapped, my voice sharp as a dagger.

  “Like what? Like I’m undressing you with my eyes?” he replied, his tone infuriatingly light.

  “Yes!”

  He stood then, moving with a lazy confidence that only made my frustration deepen.

  “Sorry, little fox,” he said, the smile disappearing only for a moment as he brushed a hair behind my ear. “But you moaning my name in your sleep… let’s just say it stirred some thoughts of my own. I’m still a man, after all.”

  My fists clenched at my sides, but I refused to give him the satisfaction of a response. Instead, I turned on my heel and strode toward the door, my steps quick and unsteady. Spook’s footsteps followed close behind.

  “Where are you going?” he called after me, his voice dripping with a combination of desire and worry.

  “Anywhere you’re not,” I shot back, not daring to look at him. The image of his grinning face, both in my dream and now, seemed burned into my mind and made my cheeks flush. And despite my annoyance, I couldn’t shake the warmth still simmering beneath my skin.

  ? ? ?

  Spook

  The sitting area stretched before us, its hearth glowing faintly, but my thoughts burned hotter. The memory of Faelwen, her hands clutching the edge of the bed, breath hitching as she moaned my name, lingered like a phantom on my skin.

  It wasn’t just her voice, it was the way she looked, utterly undone, her lips parted and glistening, her body trembling as though I were the one she ached for.

  At first, I’d frozen at the sight of her dreaming of… me? My mind stumbled over itself, torn between disbelief and the wildfire of desire she’d ignited. A flush scalded my cheeks, and my heart hammered with maddening rhythm.

  I wanted her… no, I needed her in a way that was almost unbearable. A darker, wilder side of me stirred, whispering temptations I couldn’t allow myself to indulge in.

  When I’d placed my hands on her shoulders to wake her, the softness of her skin beneath my palms unraveled me further. Her lips, those perfect lips, had parted with a sound that made me ache in ways I couldn’t suppress.

  Images of what I could do to her, with her, flooded my mind and I had to fight the primal urge to give in. I swallowed hard, the taste of restraint bitter and sharp. My chest tightened with the aching feeling of guilt at the thoughts stirring in my mind.

  My voice came out as little more than a rasp when I called her name, pushing my own desire deep down until they were smothered under sheer will.

  Now, as we entered the sitting area, my gaze drifted to the back of her head, her dark waves spilling over her shoulders.

  Questions haunted me, unbidden and impossible to silence. Did she feel even a fraction of what I felt? Could she ever? The thought was snuffed out almost as quickly as it had come, crushed by the stark reminder of Ash… her beloved Ash. The weight of that truth was suffocating, and yet, my foolish heart refused to give up its quiet rebellion.

  “Good morning, Elora,” Faelwen’s voice broke through my storm of thoughts, her tone light yet melodic, grounding me in the moment.

  Elora’s beauty was the kind that didn’t belong to mortal words. Her almond-shaped eyes gleamed with knowledge, and her smile carried the warmth of a sunrise breaking over an untouched glade.

  Her gaze flicked to mine briefly, and I felt something stir within me, though not with the ferocity that Faelwen commanded.

  “Good morning, Faelwen,” Elora replied with a grin that practically glowed. She spoke in a language I could understand as well. Common. The language used by us mortals in the Ancestral Region.

  “I’ve got some news, good news, I hope. I’m coming with you to the Fae Lands.” My heart skipped, the unexpected declaration catching me off guard. Elora had a way of doing that, always surprising others, always daring me to keep up.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

  “You are?” The enthusiasm in my voice betrayed me before I could mask it. Faelwen’s questioning glance burned into me, and I quickly summoned a cheeky grin to deflect her curiosity and break the tension.

  Her cheeks flushed, a fleeting pink that I couldn’t help but find intoxicating. She turned away, flustered, and I felt my own body respond in kind, a tingling sensation pooling in places I dared not acknowledge.

  “Isn’t it exciting?” Elora teased, her tone playfully challenging. “Maybe I’ll even get to see you grow into a man, Spook.”

  Her words struck like a spark, and I couldn’t help but rise to the bait.

  “I’ll show you what I’m capable of,” I huffed, though a smile tugged at the corner of my lips. “Then we’ll see if you still think of me as a boy.”

  Elora laughed, a clear, vibrant sound that filled the space with ease. I couldn’t help but think we might become good friends, her sharp wit and welcome distraction from the chaos that churned inside me.

  The door creaked open and Ash strode in with Artemis. He was burdened with packs brimming with provisions for the journey. My chest tightened instinctively as Faelwen all but flew into Ash’s arms, burying herself against him as though he were her anchor.

  The way he held her, protective and sure, felt like a dagger twisting between my ribs. I tore my gaze away, the pang in my chest a familiar yet unwelcome companion. Artemis’ head brushed against my leg. A comfort I really needed. It almost felt as if he knew how I felt.

  Breakfast passed quickly, the food a blur of textures and tastes I barely registered. Soon, we would set out to find Lord Elandor and Lady Amisra, and I could only hope the open road would dull the sharpness of what I felt or at least keep me too distracted to drown in it.

  ? ? ?

  Elora guided us through the labyrinth of corridors. The shrines to gods and goddesses lining the walls caught my attention again, their statues silent yet commanding presences. Some were draped in fresh garlands, offerings of fruit or polished stones resting at their feet.

  One was forgotten. The one we passed before, its beauty cloaked in moss and shadow. Its figure worn and weathered by time. The statue’s golden eyes glimmered faintly, as though they could pierce the veil of my thoughts and lay bare my soul.

  A strange chill prickled my skin as if the weight of unseen centuries pressed against me. For a fleeting moment, I felt tethered to something far greater than myself. As if I were a mere speck in the universe.

  A warm, wet nudge at my hand shattered the spell. I glanced down to find Artemis, his golden eyes mirroring the shrine’s glow, urging me forward. With a reluctant sigh, I tore my gaze away from the ancient figure and followed the others, leaving the mysteries and strange familiarity of the forgotten god behind.

  At last, we emerged into a small chamber, stark and unadorned save for a pristine white circle etched into the stone floor. Intricate elven runes wove within its boundaries, their curves and angles pulsating faintly with dormant magic. Great, I thought begrudgingly, the most unpredictable power in the universe. A shiver ran down my spine.

  Outside the circle stood Elora’s family and two robed elves whose faces were hidden deep beneath hoods. It made me want to pull on my hood to hide myself. Their presence seemed more shadow than substance, their movements as fluid as mist.

  Elora’s family stepped forward speaking words in their native tongue. Her parents’ expressions were serene, though their eyes shone with unspoken emotion. Elora embraced them one by one, her whispered prayers to each member carrying a weight I could feel even without understanding their language. At least she got to say goodbye to her parents.

  Her eldest brother stepped forward, cradling a parting gift in his hands. It was a suit of elven light armour, masterfully crafted from green leather and studded with golden accents. The armour gleamed faintly as though kissed by starlight. A magnificent piece of work, I must admit.

  Elora slipped it over her travel-worn clothes, the fit so perfect it seemed the armour had been shaped just for her. Her father presented the next gift: a magnificent longsword. My eyes went wide. Now that was a beautiful gift, I thought.

  The blade glinted with a faint, iridescent glow, the morning light dancing along the polished steel. The sheath was encrusted with tiny jewels that sparkled like dew on a spring dawn. Elora held the sword aloft, her face aglow with reverence, before strapping it to her back.

  I glanced down at my own gear, a couple of daggers and plain leather armour dulled with wear, and chuckled under my breath. Compared to her, I looked like a common beggar. Then again, I thought wryly, at least I wouldn’t glint like a beacon, calling every enemy within miles.

  My gaze shifted to my companions. Ash stood nearby, his dark robes embroidered with crimson sigils. His black hair curled slightly at the ends, framing his face with an intensity that never seemed to leave him.

  Faelwen was his contrast. A fragile beauty in a simple white blouse adorned with green leaf patterns, her leather corset snugly protecting her ribs. Green trousers peeked from beneath an oversized brown cloak, and a dagger hung at her hip while a bow was slung across her back. Artemis waited at her side, his gaze patient but alert.

  “These magi will open a portal to Eryndalis,” Lord Elandor announced, switching to the common tongue. His voice was steady, but carried the weight of goodbyes. “It is the oldest elven city in this realm nestled beyond the mountain range. There, you will begin your search for the Runes of Creation.”

  We stepped into the circle, the etched runes beneath our feet sparking to life as the robed elves began to chant. Their words hummed with power, ancient syllables resonating through the chamber.

  The air grew thick with magic, small crackling charges leaping like static across my skin. A low buzz filled my ears, rising in pitch as the circle blazed with light. My stomach churned, dread crawling up my throat.

  Suddenly, the world around us shimmered, the edges of reality bending and warping like water disturbed by a stone. The ground beneath me seemed to fall away, my stomach lurching as I instinctively spread my arms for balance. I clenched my teeth, forcing myself not to cry out.

  ? ? ?

  Merely a few seconds later, with a jarring thud, my feet met solid ground. Relief washed over me like a wave, though my legs felt weak and unsteady. I hated magic, especially teleportation I just found out. It left my head spinning and my stomach in knots.

  As the world slowly steadied, the shimmering haze around us faded, revealing a narrow alleyway opening onto a vast square.

  The square was alive with motion, the air thrumming with activity. The city rose in layers carved directly into the crevices of the mountain. Overhead, bridges of stone arched gracefully across the sky, connecting buildings of polished stone that blended seamlessly with the mountain’s natural contours.

  Everywhere, greenery flourished. From vines draped from bridges and windows to ancient trees with violet blossoms. The air was cool and fragrant, carrying the subtle perfume of flowers. It was a far cry from the oppressive heat of the Ancestral Region or the grimy streets of my home city.

  The elves who walked the streets were a multicoloured diversity, some with dark, rich skin, others pale as moonlight. Their hair ranged from silvery white to jet black, with every shade in between. Many bore intricate tattoos that curled across their faces like living runes, much like Elora’s. Their clothing was elegant, flowing robes in soft, natural hues that seemed designed to blend with the city’s beauty.

  I took a deep breath, savouring the clean, floral scent. It was astonishing how the city remained so pristine despite the bustling crowd. My instincts kicked in, and I melted into the shadows, keeping myself inconspicuous among the throng.

  “We should find an inn,” I whispered to Faelwen, leaning close enough to make her jump. She recovered quickly, nodding before tugging on Ash’s sleeve to relay the suggestion. Ash turned to Elora, stopping her before she could wander off.

  “If elven cities share similar designs, you should know where to find an inn,” he said. Elora inclined her head, thoughtful for a moment before she nodded.

  “Follow me,” she said, her voice brimming with excitement. She disappeared into the crowd, her braided hair swaying behind her like a beacon. We hurried after her, weaving through the mass of people. Artemis kept close to my side, his golden eyes scanning the bustling square as we moved deeper into the heart of the ancient city.

  ? ? ?

  The city sprawled before us in golden twilight, its buildings and beautiful adorned bridges casting long, elegant shadows. After wandering its long and winding streets for what felt like an eternity, we finally found refuge: an inn nestled between two silver birches, its peaked roof and warm lantern glow promising a place to rest.

  My feet hurt, every step a reminder of our endless trek, but the sight of the inn’s grand size brought relief. Large enough to swallow us into its embrace without drawing unwanted eyes.

  Elora, trained to be diplomatic, murmured in soft Elvish to the barkeep. With a nod, she led us through the lively hall, past tables of other patrons and flickering firelight, to a secluded corner at the room’s far end.

  The scent of spiced wine and roasted meat curled through the air, and the low hum of conversation wove around us. We weren’t the only wanderers here.

  My gaze flicked over the other patrons. Weathered travellers, armoured mercenaries, a hooded figure stirring a drink with measured patience. We were among kindred spirits, in a way. Survivors of distant roads, each carrying their own burdens.

  As drinks and food arrived, I leaned forward, breaking the momentary lull.

  “So… where do we start? A city this vast must have an underground network with smugglers, informants, mercenaries, thieves. I speak from experience.”

  Elora arched an elegant brow.

  “Elves do not cultivate such shadows the way humans do. We have no thieves’ guilds. But there are those who sell their blades such as bounty hunters and assassins. They work alone, and I doubt they’d entertain idle questions.”

  Ash nodded, his fingers tapping idly on his mug.

  “Still, it’s a lead. They might know things others don’t,” he said.

  I smirked at Elora. “And you, daughter of a lord, think every city leader knows everything about its underbelly?”

  Her brown eyes narrowed, challenge glinting in their depths.

  “Fine, Spook. If you know so much, go ahead. Find them.”

  Grinning, I rose. “Watch and learn, princess.”

  I heard Artemis huff sceptically from underneath the table. As I wove through the tables toward the bar, a few elves tracked my movement, their gazes unreadable. None stopped me, but their watchfulness prickled along my spine. I perched on a stool, waiting until the bartender, a broad-shouldered elf, sturdier than most, finished filling a mug. When he turned, I met his sharp gaze.

  “Do you speak Common?” I asked. A pause. His almond eyes studied me before a slow smile ghosted his lips.

  “You from Ancestral Region?”

  His accent was thick, his Common rough but understandable.

  “Yes,” I answered. “New to the city. What can you tell me?” He looked me over, his focus lingering on my weapons.

  “Not much adventure here,” he said. “Just simple city life.”

  I hummed in acknowledgement, then leaned in slightly.

  “And those who work in the shadows? Any way to contact them?”

  His gaze darkened, and with a final swipe of his cloth over the counter, he sat down his mug.

  “No,” he said flatly. “No shadow workers.” Then he turned away. Frustration simmered under my skin as I stalked back to our table. Elora’s smirk was already waiting for me.

  “Judging by your sad little pout, I assume you found nothing?” She grinned.

  I scowled. “Language barrier.”

  She laughed. Ash clapped a hand on my shoulder.

  “We’ll find another way.”

  “Noticeboards,” I suggested. “Sometimes they collect messages or use codes to communicate.”

  Faelwen’s smile bloomed, soft and sweet.

  “That’s a good idea,” she answered. I smiled back at her, feeling a warmth rise in my chest. Ash’s arm slid around her shoulder, a casual but unmistakable gesture of possession. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes and let my gaze drift. Where was Artemis? I was in need of his comforting warmth. Over the days I’d come to appreciate him being around us all the time.

  I spotted the wolf beneath the table, belly full, snoring in blissful ignorance. I chuckled. Strange creature. Elora’s voice pulled me back.

  “We could try speaking to the magi in the tower.”

  Ash nodded.

  “Then tomorrow morning, we’ll check the noticeboards and find this tower.”

  We agreed, and as the evening wore on, conversation turned light. Elora taught me and Faelwen snippets of Elvish, her voice weaving the lyrical language into something tangible. I committed every phrase to memory, a habit born of necessity.

  By night’s end, she secured us two rooms. One for her and me, another for Ash, Faelwen and Artemis.

  As we climbed the stairs, I lingered, embracing Faelwen in a quiet goodnight. Artemis brushed lightly against my leg before heading upstairs as if to say “goodnight”.

  She held me a breath longer than necessary, or perhaps it was only my heart imagining things. When I released her, I felt the weight of what could never be settled heavy in my chest again.

  The room Elora and I entered was small but adequate. Two narrow beds, a modest wardrobe and a wash basin. I tossed my pack down and sighed, weary in more ways than one. Elora flopped onto her bed, propping herself on one elbow.

  “You look heartbroken. Were you hoping for some romance tonight with me?” She said teasingly.

  I scoffed, running a hand through my hair.

  “Not everything is about you, princess.”

  Something in her expression hardened, her mouth pressing into a thin line. I exhaled, then smirked.

  “But if you’re offering…”

  She shot me a glare before rolling onto her side, her back to me.

  “I’m tired. We should sleep.”

  With a sigh, I extinguished the lantern, letting the darkness wrap around me. Tomorrow would bring new paths, new chances.