Chapter Twenty-five

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

" W hat's your name?" Morgan came to a stop before the dark fae, doing her best not to panic at the thought of leaving her mates behind and vulnerable.

The fae eyed her warily, then pursed his lips before finally answering. "Cashure."

"Very well, Cashure, I will go with you willingly, but I will have your word that the coven and my people, including my mates, will not be harmed in any way or our deal is off. No attacks from the fae, either direct or indirect. Understand?" It was her only demand, one she refused to compromise on.

Though he didn't overall react otherwise, amusement sparked in his eyes. He thought he had her trapped and at his mercy. A cocky smile kicked up the corner of his mouth. "And if I refuse?"

He looked so smug, it was all she could do not to go over there and castrate the asshat. Her smile held more of an evil edge, and she lifted a brow. "I open a portal to the light fae and turn myself over to them. I'm sure I can make the same deal with them. Knowing the fae, they have us under surveillance even now."

His face hardened, any hint of emotions vanished, and he straightened slowly. Watching him turn so serious, Morgan realized that the whole evening had all been a game to him. Plotting her death had amused him. He'd been toying with them the whole time, certain he had them trapped.

Fuck him.

He'd conspired against her coven and poisoned her wolves. Like hell she wouldn't ask for her own pound of flesh in return.

He deserved to pay.

A muscle ticked at the corner of his eye, betraying him. He was either pissed that a human had outwitted him or that she dared mention the light fae.

Probably both.

Her smile widened at his reaction, but it didn't stop her stomach from churning at the thought of leaving her mates.

"Very well, you have my word. The coven shall remain untouched." He spoke grudgingly, like agreeing with her was physically painful.

If she were a vindictive person, she'd hope it gave him indigestion.

Oh, who was she kidding? She totally hoped it gave him incontinence.

The little shit deserved it.

"We must go." Cashure looked at her like he smelled something foul.

The feeling is mutual, buddy.

"I'm going with her." Caedmon stepped forward, coming to stand next to her before she could cross the wards. "She is officially allowed a guide of her choosing to help her navigate Faerie."

Morgan turned toward Caedmon, opening her mouth to refuse him, wanting to keep him safe, but she couldn't do it. He stared straight ahead, a muscle ticking in his jaw, waiting for her to refute him.

Deep in her soul, she feared denying him would wound him in a way that she might never be able to repair. "You heard Aoibh—if you go, you won't be allowed to leave ever again. "

The back of her throat burned at the thought of never getting the chance to know her mate.

Of all the time they'd wasted because of fear.

"They'd have to catch us first." A small smile curled the corner of his mouth, his expression both confident and cocky. "You forget just how old I am. I'm an ancient. I know secrets to Faerie that have been lost to time. Trust me."

The dangerous, reckless glint in his eyes said that if she denied him, he would find a way to follow her anyway.

As much as it pained her, she couldn't refuse his plea.

She very much feared she would need his help if she wanted to survive.

With a sigh, she conceded defeat. "Very well."

Before Cashure could say anything, Atlas strode to her side, his shoulders brushing hers. "As her mate, I formally request to join her quest."

"Her fate will be your own if you choose to accompany her," Cashure warned, his brows furrowed in confusion as to why two fae would risk everything for a human.

"I understand." Atlas tipped his head in acceptance.

"Say what?!" Morgan shrieked and whirled to glare at her two fae mates. "What the hell does he mean you will suffer the same fate?"

"Fae must abide by their own laws." Caedmon didn't look at anyone but her, his yellow eyes intense. "Since Atlas and I are fae, we can't be denied our mate. They can't reject our request to accompany you."

Morgan licked at her suddenly dry lips. "If I'm found guilty, you?—"

"If the roles were reversed, you would risk everything for us." Atlas tipped up her chin, a scowl on his face. "Why would you expect any less from us? Do you think we love you any less? The only chance for us to survive is to stay together. You said that. You will allow us to accompany you and keep you safe."

He wasn't asking .

And damned if she didn't find the way he stood up to her sexy as fuck.

If she were honest with herself, she was grateful for the support. She didn't want to go alone. And he was right—the only way they were going to survive was if they stuck together.

Placing her trust in her mates, Morgan conceded defeat. "Very well."

His shoulders relaxed slightly, and he grabbed her arm, stepping over the wards before she had a chance to change her mind. Caedmon followed so closely behind that he could've been her shadow, the heat of him warming her back.

A furrow appeared between Cashure's brows, as if unable to figure out why two renowned fae would risk their lives for her. He searched her face, his purple eyes troubled. Then he shook his head, turned away, and lifted his arms.

The air in front of them rippled, a tiny spark flared, then spun until it looked like a ring of fire. Morgan leaned forward and squinted when she saw shadows move inside the darkness. Her lower spine tingled with trepidation, everything inside her demanding that she run.

Before she could put thought into action, a shove sent her pitching forward, and she went stumbling through the portal headfirst.

Magic from the portal felt like razor blades scraping against her skin. It only lasted a second before she was flung out the other side. She pinwheeled to catch her balance, just managing to gain her footing when Atlas and Caedmon leapt through the portal and landed as gracefully as cats.

Bastards!

A glance showed the area was shrouded in darkness.

All she could see were hills and valleys and lots and lots of trees and vegetation. While it was similar to Earth, the resemblance ended there. Not willing to be distracted, she plopped her hands on her hips and waited for Cashure to appear, fearing she would strangle the bastard if her hands were free.

But no one else followed .

Her brows furrowed, and she shifted uncomfortably, taking a step toward the portal, when the gate folded in on itself and closed, leaving a circular cloud of smoke behind before the wind took that away too.

Which left Cashure behind with the rest of her mates.

"What the fuck?!" Morgan whirled and glared at Atlas and Caedmon. "Why didn't he follow?"

"He's no longer needed." Caedmon surveyed their surroundings, his eyes narrowed, his body tense, as if waiting for an attack.

"What do you mean?" Morgan marched toward him, getting right in his face until he had no choice but look at her. "Are you telling me we left him back at the coven? He's a threat?—"

"He's not interested in them," Atlas countered, but Morgan wouldn't be appeased.

"You don't know that." Magic stirred in her bones, heat tingling down her arms, ready to rip open a portal to get back. Before her magic could take shape, Caedmon lashed out and grabbed her wrist, his hold brutal.

"Don't," he warned, ignoring the sting of her magic that crackled along his skin. "Cashure isn't interested in them, but if you try to go back without finishing the trial, you will be found guilty and sentenced accordingly."

"But—"

"They will be fine," Atlas assured her, coming to stop in front of her, cupping the back of her neck. His skin darkened, once again becoming her beloved dark elf. "Trust me.

"I do, but I refuse to believe this is the last time I'll see them." Panic twisted her insides at the very thought.

"Then stay alive long enough to beat Cashure's ass the next time you see him." Caedmon released her slowly, searching her face for reassurance that she wouldn't do anything foolish. "You feel vulnerable without your mates near—that's normal. Just remember that you are not alone."

Morgan blew out a heavy breath, then gave a jerky nod.

Vulnerable was exactly how she felt .

She wasn't worried about herself, she could handle whatever was thrown at her. She just hated not knowing her mates were safe.

"You must resist using your magic here in Faerie." Caedmon cupped her elbow, squeezing her arm to emphasize his point. "Not only will it draw attention to us, it will make us a target."

"Not at all?" Morgan was appalled, then exasperated and jerked away to glare at him. "Why the hell didn't you tell me that sooner?!"

She'd come to her powers late in life, but she'd become accustomed to using them to stay alive. They were so a part of her that not being allowed to use them was like losing a limb.

"It's not forbidden." Atlas tried to soothe her. "But every time you use them, you will put us in more danger."

"Well, when you put it like that," she huffed and grimaced.

How the fuck was she going to remember not to automatically reach for her magic?

They were so screwed.

"We need to go." Caedmon nodded in the distance, then began walking. "We don't want to be out in the open after dark."

She trailed after him, falling into step behind him, while Atlas brought up the rear. "So this is Faerie. Tell me about it."

Caedmon peered back at her from over his shoulder. "Everything on Faerie can kill you—the plants, the animals, and most especially, Faerie itself."

"Well, that's not ominous at all," she muttered to his back, eyeing their surroundings more closely. The vegetation was wild and beautiful, the greens and blues so vibrant, it didn't look real. If she stared long enough, she'd swear it actually moved, then she shook off the sensation, because that would be foolish, right?

The air was so fresh that it almost hurt to breathe. Magic soaked the atmosphere like a living beast. It was almost peaceful…if it didn't feel like it was hungry and wanted to eat them.

The sounds were different from earth. Insects still buzzed, birds still chirped, but there was a more ominous tone to it .

Like they were being hunted.

"Faerie is similar to Mount Olympus, though there are a few big differences. Consider Faerie like it is its own continent. While other places have progressed with technology and made advancements, fae retreated from the world. It's one of the last places that remain wild and free. The people revere the old ways. Lots of the mythological creatures migrated here to stay safe."

A touch of longing entered his voice, and she realized that this was the first time he'd been able to return to his home in centuries, maybe even longer. She spoke softly, not wanting to disturb the silence and draw attention to themselves. "You miss it."

Caedmon shrugged, staring off into the distance, not once slowing his brisk pace. "It was home a long time ago."

Sensing he didn't want to say more, Morgan let the matter drop. As the night continued to darken, she frowned in confusion. "I thought I was being taken to trial. Where is the judge and jury and court? Where are the people and buildings?"

"It's not that kind of trial." Atlas caught her arm when she would've turned around to confront him, forcing her to keep moving. "You have to survive Faerie and pass three trials if you want to get out alive."

She became slightly sick at the thought. "There is no way in hell that they're going to allow me to pass."

Atlas didn't immediately disagree, and her stomach churned.

"Faerie is the one who will judge you. The fae aren't allowed to interfere, but they don't leave anything to chance either." He reached up and began to braid his hair as he walked—war braids that showed off his ears and lavender tinged skin. "That doesn't mean we can't win."

Morgan grunted in agreement…because no other option was acceptable. "So Faerie is sentient?"

"Yes and no," Caedmon answered. "Though the source of our magic, it has a will of its own. It will do whatever is needed to survive. If it sees you as a threat, then we will never leave. If we pass the trials, we'll be brought before the light and dark fae queens and be judged."

Morgan chewed on her lip, debating the wisdom of asking a question when she wasn't sure she wanted to know the answer. The darkness continued to thicken so it was harder to see, and it gave her courage to plow ahead, curiosity getting the best of her. "You've met her."

There was a slight hitch to his stride, something so infinitesimal, she almost missed it, and she instantly regretted bringing up the subject. Not only because it brought him pain, but because she didn't want to know if they'd had something special.

Didn't want to know if he missed the other woman.

Then a new worry entered her mind, and she wondered what would happen if the queen decided that she wanted him back.

The very thought made it feel like she'd been kicked in the chest.

She wasn't used to feeling jealousy and possessiveness when she thought of him. Then she felt very small when she realized that it was because of him. He always went out of his way to seek her out. He would give her the best foods, make sure she always had tea at the ready.

He never flirted, keeping a respectable distance from others. In fact, the more she thought about it, she didn't remember him being around any females.

He did that for her.

To show her that he was available.

That she would never have to question his loyalty.

He was so devoted to her that the thought of another woman wanting to claim him put her in a rage.

"Morgan." Caedmon was suddenly in front of her so fast that she nearly plowed over him. She'd been so lost in her thoughts, she wasn't even aware that they'd stopped. He caught her shoulders, steadying her, and she gave into the urge to hug him close.

He took a shuddering breath, then wrapped his arms around her and pulled her against his chest. His arms were tight, but instead of confining, all she felt was comfort.

"The light queen and I knew each other a long time ago. We both knew our duty to Faerie. So while we enjoyed each other's company, we were both careful not to take things too far." He rested his chin on the top of her head and snuggled her closer. "Fae live a long time, friends and lovers come and go. We've learned not to get attached like humans."

Morgan pulled back with a frown. "But you and Atlas aren't like that. You're not cold and dismissive like the other fae."

Atlas chuckled as he neared, then tapped her on the nose twice like he thought she was adorable. Affection transformed his face, and her stomach twirled like a ballerina at seeing his stunning beauty up close.

"We are exactly like them, maybe even worse." The smile slipped away, replaced by a hungry expression that made him look like he was on the verge of devouring her. "Only you bring out our softer side. You brought our bleak world back to life, made our rusty hearts beat again. It's painful and messy and something I didn't know I wanted so badly until you stumbled in my life."

Then he swooped down and kissed her like he needed her to breathe.

When he finally lifted his head, she nearly demanded he come back and finish the job. Maybe she would have if Caedmon hadn't tightened his arms around her when her legs wobbled. She should've been embarrassed to be caught between two men, but being with them felt natural, like they were pieces of a puzzle, none of them whole without the other.

"As much as I would love to continue this, we need to find shelter." Caedmon ran his fingers along her spine, the simple gesture soothing her ragged nerves.

Despite his words, he didn't pull away, and she felt his erection pressed against her stomach.

For the first time, she imagined what it would be like to be intimate with him, how overwhelming it would be if he ever stopped holding himself back, and she shivered at the thought, surprised by how much she wanted that chance.

She pulled away to clear her head, then squinted when she saw lights in the distance. "What is that?"

Both guys immediately snapped into warrior mode in a blur of motion. Atlas was at her side instantly, while Caedmon stood in front of them, his sword drawn.

Damned if she even saw him draw it, much less move.

He was that fast.

When nothing jumped out of the dark and attacked, Caedmon spoke to them from over his shoulder. "Stay here. I'll go investigate."

"No." Morgan threw herself around Atlas before he could catch her, magic giving her a boost of speed. She stepped in front of Caedmon, glaring up at him and refused to budge. "No separating. You go, we all go."

"It's not safe?—"

"It will be even less safe with only one of you to protect me." She crossed her arms, seconds away from tapping her foot. Then she blinked and looked away from him, her anger leaving her in a rush, her shoulder slumping. "Don't leave. I don't think I could stand it if anything happened to you."

After a short pause, Caedmon nodded, then leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Very well. Let's go."

She sagged in relief.

Just as she fell in step with them again, Atlas looked over at Caedmon. "Trap?"

Caedmon stared off in the distance and nodded. "Trap."

Well fuck!