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“Finnen,” I whisper.
“That’s right. He studied all Fae matters to become a priest. We’ll question him, once we get his magnificent ass out of there.”
28
FINNEN
The imprints of boots on my ribcage burn like fire. I roll on the floor of my cell and bite back a groan of pain.
I’m fucked.
The military didn’t have to know who I am. The moment they saw my ears, they patted themselves on the back and rode straight to the Summer Capital to deliver me for execution and brag about capturing a dangerous Fae-blood.
At least I hope the others are safe and hiding, staying as far away from here as possible.
It’s the only thing that kept me sane during the days I spent hogtied on a saddle with no food or water. I threw up a few times, and I’m dizzy as hell.
My ribs are fucking killing me.
It’s been… days since I was locked up in here. The first two days I found a cup with water beside me, but that was… yesterday? Two days ago.
My head is pounding a sick rhythm.
This is bad.
This might be my end. At least, when they hang me, I may be too out of it to be terrified. Less embarrassing that way. Though why I’m still clinging to my pride, I don’t even know…
I close my eyes, and when I open them, I’m back in the Temple, in the fort, talking with Councilor Kaidan, ice in my belly and loathing in my heart. My eyes are open but is this real?
I go through the rituals of Briareus and Nyx, moving through each position flawlessly and yet aware I’m flawed and doomed to fail. I walk the halls and see lights flashing. The statue of the unnamed god is speaking to me but I can’t make out the words. I’ve failed in everything I have undertaken, and I shall be sacrificed for my sins.
Gods…
Feverish dreams, I think in a moment of lucidity. It’s nothing. Don’t pay attention. Either you die or you get better, but don’t try to make sense of them.
Yet they continue, dragging me back under, into dark depths. A jaguar jumps on me, tearing my chest open, sinking saber teeth into my heart, and I try to scream but I fucking can’t.
I can’t fucking move or speak, my heart hammering. I’m so damn cold, and so alone.
Kiaran, I think, when you were in the wilderness… I know how you felt…
Did you also think you’d die alone? That nobody would ever reach out to you, nobody would ever accept you as you are and give you a home?
Yeah. At least I’ve known parental love and sacrifice, and it changes you, doesn’t it? Well, mate, I’m glad I’ve taken your place. Go in peace, Kiaran, Taj and my lovely Ariadne. Create the family I lost, and remember me as I sink into the cold ground.
A voice slowly pierces the layers of ash I’m buried under, slicing through the crushing weight on my chest, the sick pounding in my head.
“Hey. I said, hey! Can you hear me?” A male voice. A poke on my leg. “Are you awake?” Then another poke. “Are you even alive?”
I groan softly and I hear steps shuffle backward.
“You are alive. I was starting to wonder.”
I wait for the blow to land, tensing all over. The days I spent on the saddle were always followed by nights of pain where I was made an example for something.
For other Fae-bloods, I suppose.
But the blow never lands. Instead, a hand brushes over my sweaty brow.
