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Fine. “Play your power games,” I hissed. “I’ll save our people without you.”
Tymrielsmiled. “You have seen more horror than anyone of so few winters should have to. But you are still hiding. Become the queen we know you can be, and we will do whatever we can to help you.”
Ysara watched me, this time with sympathy in her eyes. “And enjoy your time with your fae prince. But know this—you cannot keep him.”
* * *
Thankfully, I didn’t have to drag myself up the spiral staircase. Tymriel waved a hand, and the wall slid open, revealing the forest. I scampered out before they could change their minds. Likely, the staircase had just been another way to unnerve me.
I wanted to scream at them, but I bit back the curses on my tongue. Ysara could probably hear me anyway.
The forest was far too quiet and peaceful after everything I’d just seen. I sucked the fresh, earthy air into my lungs.
The Drakoryx opened one eye, its head still on its paws.
I eyed it back. “Thank you for not eating me.”
It slowly got to its feet. Perhaps I’d spoken too soon.
No, it was wandering toward me, that strange fluffy white tail flicking through the air. “Any chance you know how I can get back to my friends?”
It turned and stepped off the main path. I hesitated, and it looked over its shoulder, as if waiting for me.
“Fine.”
The ladder was where I’d left it, and I blew out a breath. My trip here had been an epic failure, but at least I could get back to the others. Fendrel’s face flashed through my mind, and I froze.
All for nothing. One of our people was dead, and it was for nothing.
The elders had taken one look at me and found me wanting.
The Drakoryx nudged my hand with its nose.
“Fine. Goodbye.” I hauled myself down the ladder, took a few steps, and whirled as the Drakoryx landed next to me.
It was probably escorting me through the tunnel so I didn’t get any ideas about returning and begging for help.
This time, the walk was much shorter. Also unsurprising.
Another ladder was at the end of the tunnel, but I saw no hole for me to climb through to the others. My gut clenched. I would find a way to let Lorian know I was here. Maybe his power could break through the stone.
I climbed the ladder and pushed against the ceiling.
My hand went straight through. Something grabbed it, and I yelped.
And then I was hauled into Lorian’s arms, and he was carrying me away from the ladder, pressing kisses to my face.
“I take it you missed me.” I attempted a lighthearted grin, but he nuzzled my cheeks, and I realized he was kissing my tears away.
He went still.
My head whirled as he thrust me behind him.
“What. Is. That?”
“A Drakoryx. I think you’re supposed to throw down your weapons and bow to him.”
Outraged silence.
