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Zetipher picks it up and immediately drops it to the ground. As soon as it hits the grass, a dark oval appears in the air, creating a doorway with a watery-looking film.
So this is a portal. It’s a lot different from what Ellister can do. Stagnant and stable. Less hectic.
When I squint at the shadowed place inside, I recognize the texture and color of the rock walls.
The caves.
Now that we’re at our destination, I scan the familiar mountain in the distance. We’re quite a way back, stopped at a clearing in the forest. The tall peaks rise above the trees, and clouds are floating around the highest mountaintop. Sun rays cast little rainbows in the mist.
Ellister doesn’t have to say it, but I can gather from what I’ve learned that these guys are probably a group of wizards or other powerful fae in hiding.
I’m just not sure if that’s good or bad for us.
We won’t be at the mercy of King Zoren, but we’ll be answering to someone. Someone who obviously doesn’t abide by laws or play by socially acceptable rules.
ELLISTER
Flanked by Zetipher in the front and his men behind us, Hannah and I are led through a tunnel. With the net restricting me, I can’t go very fast, but that might be a lucky thing. Because Hannah’s having trouble keeping up. Every time she steps with her right foot, her gait is uneven, and her hand tightens around my arm where she’s holding onto me for support.
Worried, I give her a side glance. She’s lost weight today. The pink dress that had been well-fitted around her bust is looser than it was when she put it on this morning.
I want to ask her if she’s all right, but the less we say—the less information we give away—the better.
I just wish this damn tunnel would come to an end. It’s lit by torches, and I’ve counted at least twenty by now. Every five feet or so, the sconces are drilled into the walls, telling me this place is lived in. This is someone’s home.
A permanent hideout.
When I first brought Hannah to Yelissa’s Peak, I searched for signs of life. I even hopped around to a few different caves to make sure they were empty. I never would’ve come to the mountain if I’d known it was occupied, but I couldn’t find evidence of anyone.
Probably because this area is new.
While the dank smell inside the cavern is familiar, I don’t recognize the tunnels we’re walking through.
Back when I lived with Vaeront and his gang, the hollowed-out spaces were simpler than this winding passage. Over time, I guess the wizards have had to get craftier, making mazes that would confuse anyone hunting them.
At this point, I can guess Zetipher found me because I came here and used my vortexes. When I traveled, he must’ve sensed it. And if he has a Seeker at his disposal, it would’ve been easy for him to locate me using the tattered blanket Hannah and I left behind.
Up ahead, I see a colorful drape hanging over a doorway. A carpet runner. Good quality. Red, blue, and gold symmetrical designs are woven on the rectangle, and the edges are intentionally frayed.
Zetipher stops right outside it and gives me a serious glare. “You will be respectful. Speak only when spoken to.”
Then he dramatically bows and sweeps the drape to the side. “Your Majesty, I present to you, Ellister and his fated mate, Hannah.”
Your Majesty?
In the round room illuminated by more torches and surrounded by armed soldiers at the perimeter, there’s a man sitting on a throne of rock.
And he isn’t the Day Realm king.
His long brown hair is tied back, and a gold crown—most likely stolen—sits on his head. With a rounded face and smaller facial features, he’s obviously not the regal picture I saw posted in the cities.
Not this shit again.
I’m so tired of power-hungry men. They’re all the same. Entitled and pompous.
I sneer at the person in the seat chiseled out in the stone. “Where’s King Zoren?”
Now I’m just being cheeky.
