I looked up into ice-blue eyes, stunned. His brow was drawn tight, his other hand braced against the wall as he angled his body around mine, shielding me from view in a narrow, empty alcove.
A strangled sound tore loose, and I realised it had come from me.
Reagan’s gaze searched my unfamiliar face warily. “Jane?”
I tried to pull my arm free. Cautiously, he loosened his hold just enough for me to lift it. I touched the choker, shaking my head.
His eyes dropped to the onyx band, and his mouth parted, understanding flashing across his face.
“She was right,” he murmured, reaching for my nape, then swearing when the shock snapped against his fingers.
He nudged me to turn around and went for the clasp. Cedar-scented mana slipped on the back of my neck. Something clicked, and the prickling sensation slithered down my body in a rush.
“It’s you,” Reagan breathed.
He spun me back, and then I was nestled against his chest, his power roaming along my limbs, over my pulse, as if he were counting me piece by piece.
Each piece that was mine again.
“You found me,” I murmured.
His hands rose to cradle my face, his eyes tracing every detail as though to make sure it was me. “Did you think I wouldn’t?”
The density of his access was so thick, like an invisible shield had risen around us, sealing this small space from the rest of the world.
“I knew you would,” I whispered. “How did you know it was me?”
He shook his head. “I wish I could say it was me, but I owe your sister for that.”
She knew. “Where is she?”
“With Finn. Gwin is keeping the Scion occupied so I could confirm it was you. We’re leaving now.”
He pressed his mouth to my temple, his scent alone settling my frantic pulse, soothing every rattled nerve.
I wouldn’t go back to that room, to that mansion where horrors were happening within well-painted walls. Where other captives still suffered, with no one to come for them.
“Are you all right?” Reagan asked. “Are you hurt anywhere?”
Bruises. Ragged clothes. A stranger’s lap.
They needed rescue too.
“Yes,” I breathed.
Reagan angled my face toward him, his mouth thinning. “Did they mend you?”
“I mean, no. I am not hurt.” I reined my thoughts back into place. “But the humans are. In Madden’s mansion. I think they’re the ones who vanished.”
Reagan’s brows creased. “We will get them,” he said firmly. “We find Finn and Gwin first, then we leave.”
As I nodded, he wrapped an arm around me.
Did I even know where the mansion stood? Somewhere north, if the landscape meant anything. Though that didn’t narrow it down. We could search for it, but I would wager the entire place was glamoured.
I caught his arm and stopped us before we fully left the alcove. “Do you actually know where his mansion is?”
Reagan frowned. “The Order keeps a townhouse near Ashenagth Hall. In the main city. Most of the hidden locationsthe Elven Lords shared are in Ashenagth, but we couldn’t find you in any of them.”
