Page 27 of Twisted Bonds
It’s not worth risking it.
I could leave this place, let my two bloodthirsty guards watch her until Malicryn comes to fetch her.
The thought of leaving her here in their care fills me with dread. I know they are capable, but the idea of what they might do to her makes me sick. My stomach churns thinking of their cruel and sadistic tendencies taking over, especially if she tried to resist.
Despite my unease, I continue down the unfamiliar staircase leading into darkness, likely a servant access stairwell I’d long forgotten in the blueprints. The only source of light is a small candle embedded in the stone wall, casting eerie shadows as I descend further. My instincts kick in, and I summon a disgusting orb of plum Chroma to guide me, its ominous glow adding to my tension as I delve deeper into the bowels of my fortress.
Usually, I find myself climbing up the stairs on these walks, not descending them.
Perhaps I could hire a few new fae to come keep watch, but I don’t think there would be anyone I could train and trust in such a short amount of time.
No, it seems my only option is to keep my distance from her and wait.
Unless…
A thought slams into me with such force that my feet falter, tripping over the corner of a razor-thin runner that lines the cold corridor floor on this level.
Malicryn never said not to bond her.
In fact, she’s given no explicit instructions beyond keeping the Vessel here until she comes to collect her. My fingers trace the sharp edges of my jaw as I consider this interesting thought.
Receiving my Chroma through the mate bond, rather than Yurghen’s dark magic, would undoubtedly enhance my powers. And once I fulfill my duty and he restores my soul, I would be one of the strongest mages in existence. With such strength and influence, I could finally take action against Malicryn and repay her for all her petty deeds. Perhaps I could repay them both for the years of torment.
Tempting, indeed.
Bond her, let the mate bond amplify my existing Chroma, and then deliver her as planned to Malicryn.
Simple enough.
A plan takes shape in my mind just as the damned pink Chroma pulses in the corner of my eye again. As I pause my descent into the foreboding stairs leading to the dungeon, my mind is torn between anticipation and dread. Her presence pulls me in, but I growl in frustration at my weakness.
Why am I here?
My feet seem to have a mind of their own, betraying my better judgment. Rage and desire war within me as I reach the bottom step, unsure of what lies ahead.
Creating a bond between us will require careful maneuvering, not just before the bonding process, but also after. If I’m already aware of the draw I feel towards her, I can only estimate how much stronger that will be once the bond is in place. But my desire to be complete is so strong that I will do whatever it takes. I will not fail at this. I’ve already given too much of myself to meet this goal.
I will deliver her to Malicryn and accept whatever fate she has planned for the Vessel if it means I can finally be whole. With determination, I pivot on my heels and head towards higher ground.
Far away from the prisoner ahead.
But as I cautiously take the first step away from the dark, damp dungeons, the ancient stone floor groans deeply beneath me. And then, a low rumble shakes the ground, as if the very earth is protesting my escape. The walls seem to tremble, and the vibrations shake through the soles of my shoes.
In the distance, the echo of her scream runs through my core, and then my feet are moving.
thirteen
Mira
After spending all morning bending and twisting a rusted metal spring from this so-called bed, I finally can pull it free. The satisfying chink pulls a relieved sigh as I wipe the sweat from my brow.
“Did you get it?” Callum asks from his cell.
“Got it! Now I just have to figure out what to do with it.”
It’s just a rusted metal coil, but surely it’s better than nothing. I wonder if fae are susceptible to things like tetanus. I could scratch Tairyn up really good and hope he gets lockjaw seven to ten business days later.
“You’ll find a way.”