Chapter 10

CHAPTER 10

" Y ou will not!" I roar, stepping between Zoe and the elders. My heart pounds as I face down the leaders of our village. This is madness.

"Thokk, stand aside," Elder Faelar commands. "The law is clear. Humans cannot be allowed to live once they've discovered our realm."

"To hell with your laws!" The words burst out before I can stop them. I've never spoken to the elders like this. Part of me is horrified, but a larger part feels... free. "Zoe is no threat to us. In fact, she may hold the key to our future."

"What nonsense is this?" the fairy elder, Luminara, scoffs.

I take a deep breath. Here goes nothing. "We can prove that humans and monsters once lived together in harmony. There are murals, ancient records—"

"Lies," Tree Elder Oakenheart rumbles.

"It's true!" Zoe pipes up. I admire her bravery, even as I wish she'd let me handle this. "I've seen the evidence with my own eyes. If you'd just let us show you—"

"Silence, human!" Faelar snaps.

I growl low in my throat. No one speaks to my mate that way. Zoe is my other half. And I'll be damned if I will let anyone hurt her.

"She speaks the truth," I insist. "Let us prove it to you."

The elders exchange glances. Finally, Luminara nods. "Very well. Show us this ... evidence, if any exists."

I lead them to the narrow alley where Zoe first discovered the hidden chamber. As we approach, doubt gnaws at me. What if it's not enough to convince them? What if they decide to kill us both anyway? I push the thoughts aside. I will not be separated from my mate. We have to try.

"It's through there," Zoe explains, pointing to the crack in the wall. "The chamber opens up inside, but the entrance is too small for most to fit through."

The elders peer at the opening skeptically.

"How convenient!" Faeler crosses his arms.

"I can go in and describe what I see," Zoe offers.

"Absolutely not," I growl. The thought of her out of my sight after their threats makes my skin crawl.

I sigh, frustration building. "Perhaps we can find a youngling who can fit. They can verify the truth." I think for a moment of what Zoe had described. "Actually, scratch that!" Now I try to think?

Who would fit?

The elders huddle together, whispering furiously. The elf turns back to us. "No. We will not risk. For all we know, this could be a trap."

"A trap?" I sputter. "Do you think I'm in league with her now? Have you all lost your minds?"

The fairy narrows her eyes. "I should ask you just the same. You are awfully protective of this human, Thokk."

I feel my face grow hot. "I'm simply doing my duty. Protecting the innocent."

"Innocent?" the tree-person scoffs. "She's an intruder! I don't need to tell you this!"

I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself. "Elders, please. I know this situation is ... unprecedented. But I give you my word as a warrior and protector of this town – she means us no harm. And the murals do exist. If you'd just—"

"Enough!" Faeler the Elf elder cuts me off. "We've heard quite enough, Thokk. Please give us a moment."

It takes all of my inner strength to remain silent.

The elders exchange glances again, seeming to communicate silently. Finally, Luminara speaks. "Very well. In deference to your... standing in our community, we will take the unusual step of conferring further on this matter."

I feel a glimmer of hope, but it's quickly extinguished by the elf's next words.

"In the meantime, you are to keep this human under lock and key."

Luminara steps forward. "Or a very tight leash. Understood? We will reconvene to decide her fate... and yours, Thokk."

A chill runs down my spine. "My fate?"

The tree-person nods gravely. "Yes. Your behavior in this matter has been... concerning, to say the least. We must consider whether you are still fit for your duties."

I clench my fists, anger bubbling up inside me. How dare they question my loyalty? But before I can say anything, Zoe places a gentle hand on my arm. I look down to see her shaking her head slightly.

Right.

Now is not the time to lose my temper.

"I understand," I manage to growl out.

"Good," the elf nods. "We'll be watching you both closely. Don't do anything... rash. This is just a precaution. You give us no choice." With a wave of his hand a few ogre guards take up positions watching us from across the way.

Fantastic.

"Well, that went... interestingly," Zoe says, her voice shaky but trying for lightness.

I grunt in response, surveying our surroundings. The village suddenly feels hostile, every shadow potentially hiding another set of watchful eyes.

"Hey," Zoe says softly, placing a hand on my arm. "You okay? Thokky?"

I look down at her, this tiny human who's turned my world upside down, unable not to smile. "I'm fine," I grumble. But it's a lie.

"Come on," I say, gently taking her hand, as I look over my shoulder at our new guards. "We should get back to the house."

As we walk, I'm hyperaware of every movement around us. The ogre guards follow at a distance, not even trying to be subtle. Villagers whisper and point as we pass. I pull Zoe closer, glaring at anyone who looks at her wrong.

Things are getting worse by the minute. So much for my grand plan. For the first time I am wondering if staying in Fablewood will even be an option.