14. Lira

14

LIRA

T avish turned toward me, sensing my dismay.

I swallowed, not wanting to speak the words out loud, but that was foolish. Not informing them wouldn't make the situation vanish or change.

"You have our attention, Lira," Caelan said gruffly with his head tilted.

Nose wrinkling, Tavish flicked his gaze at Caelan, giving him a stern warning.

"Fae don't have exploding rocks in our kingdoms." I didn't want any more tension and disagreements between our group, so it was best to move this conversation along. "The rocks were created by dragons—they're tied to their magic. Right?"

"Yes. Their magic isn't the same as that of the fae." Father steepled his hands. "It isn't tied to their land—it comes from within them. That's why they eventually ruin any land they live on. It isn't able to tolerate their magic."

That bit of information confirmed my suspicion. "The exploding rocks the Unseelie were throwing caused the cave to collapse, and now bits of those rocks are embedded in it. When people moved the debris out of the way to get back inside, the dust from those rocks must have gotten on the mushrooms and killed them. The residual dragon magic is now all over the cave."

Both sets of parents took in a shaky inhale while Mother asked, "So even though the dragons haven't lived here for years, their magic is still impacting the land? How is that possible?"

"On Earth, many people believe that gemstones and rocks harness energy and promote different types of things, such as claiming amethyst channels balance, black onyx blocks negativity, and hematite helps with courage, like the minerals themselves carry a type of magic, though it's not the same as here." None of my classes ever confirmed the theories, but Eiric and I had always felt a connection to earth and water, which made sense now. We were fae and had an affinity for the elements. "But the logic still holds here. This island clearly had volcanic eruptions, which spread the leftover dragon-magic residue throughout the island. That could be why the mushrooms struggled to grow outside the cave and why more things don't grow here, even after all this time."

Tavish froze, resembling a statue.

"Which means living here isn't a viable option for anyone long term." Caelan shook his head. "Yet we were forced to suffer through the entire situation." Bitterness hung heavy on each word.

"Our intent wasn't for you to lose half your people." Father ran his fingers through his beard. "We thought the earth would heal itself easily with the dragons gone and you could survive. But now we have an even larger problem. If the dragons kill the land they live on, they'll eventually need to find yet another place to settle, and Aetherglen will be the next place they'll want to take over.

"That must be why Pyralis is determined to marry Lira, and if he's aware that Eldrin knows something that would free her from the vow, then he won't want to wait." Tavish's features twisted. "That way, they'll be set when they need to relocate again"—he turned to me—"and all the dragons would need to do is kill your parents. Then you'd reign over the island, and he'd be—" He didn't finish that sentence.

Father's nostrils flared. "The dragons approached us about the alliance. They pressured us for the betrothal, which we agreed to so we could eliminate the threat of darkness quicker because our land had already begun dying. That isn't enough to void the agreement, so there has to be more."

"We must focus on one issue at a time, or we'll be overwhelmed." Mother pursed her lips. "Right now, we need to get off this cursed island and back to Aetherglen. We have three injured fae who we assume won't be able to fly tomorrow, so we need to find a solution for how to get them to our land without straining others too much."

A part of me wants to resist returning to Aetherglen merely because your father was the one to decide it on our behalf, but it would be a death sentence to my people if I let my pride get in the way. Tavish closed his eyes. If it weren't for you and the safety of my people, I'd harm him right now. He exhaled and braced himself. "We'll leave at first light."

I forced my mouth closed, though I wanted to scold him for still wanting to hurt Father. I understood why Tavish still harbored resentment, but my father was trying to make things right. However, I'd need to discuss that with my mate later, not now.

My wings fluttered, causing my back to spasm. After flying to Father and Dad, my wings were in just as bad of shape as yesterday, despite my healing magic. "I fear I won't be able to fly." I let it hang there because only Caelan and Tavish knew about my healing magic. Even though I trusted both sets of parents, I also trusted Tavish when he'd said we should limit the number of people we told. If it got back to Pyralis, there was no telling how he'd react to the news.

You used your magic to quicken Finnian's and Lorne's healing instead of using it on yourself. Tavish leaned his head against mine. Maybe you shouldn't do that and let yourself heal.

My magic still wasn't working despite the rest I'd gotten last night. I was barely at a quarter strength, and I hadn't even healed myself that much. Something had changed, but I had no clue what it could be.

"We'll figure it out." Dad rocked back on his heels, using his wings to balance himself. "Don't worry. We're not going to risk losing you too. Once we arrive back in Aetherglen, we'll have the resources to focus on keeping you safe and retrieving Eiric."

Eiric .

My heart squeezed. Once again, she'd sacrificed herself for me… and this time, it could quite possibly cost Eiric her life.

"She's alive." Tavish kissed my forehead and continued, "He won't risk her because he knows how much she means to you."

"I agree with the Unseelie king, which is the only reason I haven't raced off to save her yet. We'll get her back, you'll heal, and we'll figure out how to handle the dragon prince." Mom smiled. "Trust us. When have we ever steered you wrong?"

They hadn't, but there was always a first time. However, I kept my mouth shut, knowing that she hadn't said it only for my benefit but also her own.

"All I know is if we're leaving that early, Lira needs her rest." Tavish placed his hand at the center of my back. "And just to be clear, if Lira isn't able to fly on her own, then I will be the only person carrying her tomorrow. I don't blasting care who handles Lorne and Finnian, but my sprite is all mine."

Head jerking back, Dad frowned. "I'm more than capable of carrying her as well. After all, I'm responsible for her protection."

"Protection, yes, but she's my mate." Tavish lifted a brow. "And I expect everyone, Seelie and Unseelie, to assist in her protection."

I leaned into his side, trying to ease his aggravation. You going to kill my dad if he tries to carry me once you get tired?

No, but I still don't like the thought of anyone but me touching you. He lifted a brow.

Fair enough. It wasn't as if I wanted anyone but Tavish to carry me. Still, I'd rather be able to fly and not be a hindrance to anyone.

"Let's inform the guards so we can ensure everyone gets adequate sleep to make the journey tomorrow." Father flapped his wings, ready to execute the plan. "King Tavish is right. Lira should get some rest, and I'm sure he has matters to attend to."

"Since we're leaving, we should have plenty to eat for dinner, so we'll regroup then." Tavish lifted his chin, authority ringing from his voice. "In the meantime, if you need anything, please let Caelan know."

I lifted a brow. Caelan? Where are you going to be? I didn't like the thought of him being in the village when people were eager to attack him. I understood that they wouldn't kill him since that would result in the Unseelie losing their magic, but that didn't mean they wouldn't hurt him.

With you. He guided me toward the hallway that led to our bedchamber. There is no other place I need to be with you injured and a sadistic ashbreath desperate to take you. The sluggish sensation of jealousy bled through our bond.

I wanted to reassure him that there was no reason to be jealous, but the words died on my tongue. Technically, the dragon prince was my fiancé, even though he'd never proposed to me. It was more than an arrangement, it was a vow, unbreakable without significant consequences.

Both sets of my parents left the castle, and Tavish said sternly, "Caelan, come with us."

"Is something wrong?" Caelan asked, taking the spot on my other side.

"I want to know how the entire kingdom discovered that the cave was destroyed."

I flinched. In all the turmoil, I'd forgotten the true issue that had caused the problem in the first place.

"I'm unsure. The two guards got to the food distribution site a few minutes before I did. Nothing seemed amiss when I arrived, but someone alerted the village to the problem. Did anyone fly by the cave while the six of you were attempting to heal the ground?"

I thought back. I'd been focused on Dad and Father. "Not that I noticed, but then again, I had reinjured my wings, so I wasn't very alert."

Tavish's guilt filtered through our bond. "We can't be certain, but I never sensed anyone else's presence."

Since neither of us was certain no one else had been there, we couldn't even assume it was the two guards. They could be on Tavish's side.

The Unseelie were going to return to their land, but they were more divided than ever. Returning home and becoming stronger only meant the fighting would be more deadly if they didn't unify.

"I wish I could heal Finnian and Lorne. It would be helpful to have two more people we trust in our midst, assisting in determining who's loyal."

"Wait." Caelan paused.

Tavish and I took another step before realizing he'd stopped. I glanced over my shoulder at him.

"Your wings aren't healing where the arrow hit them, right?" Caelan turned his attention to one of my wings and reached out a hand like he was going to touch it.

On instinct, I folded my wings in, the pain searing me.

"What the blast?" Tavish seethed, moving quickly between Caelan and me and shoving him away. "Do not touch her."

"Fine." Caelan brushed a piece of hair out of his face. "I was only going to look at the wound. Remember, the arrow was a Seelie weapon, but the tip felt slightly porous and rough, and not like the wood from the trees back home, despite the rest of it being made of that."

My breath caught. "Like lava rock after it's exploded." If the rocks could hinder Seelie magic from restoring the ground, it made sense that the substance would also impact my healing magic. "But I took a bath."

Tavish scoffed. "That doesn't mean traces of it didn't remain behind. I should examine your wings."

Knowing that he'd be the one doing it and not Caelan, I extended them again, pushing through the pain.

Tavish stroked the edge of one wing, and my body warmed at the intimate touch. He stepped directly behind me and examined where the arrow had pierced one wing and lodged in the other.

"I see small pieces in several places." Tavish's unhappiness inundated the bond between us. "That thornling was mine to kill. I hate that she didn't die slowly by my own blade."

I suddenly understood the point of killing the woman who'd shot me. Eldrin must have known what the arrow was made of and that I wouldn't be able to heal. He'd want to make sure Tavish hadn't achieved justice for me, thus making him feel not in control.

I should go in there and punish Eldrin. Tavish's rage boiled over again, but his fingers remained gentle.

That's what he wants. I spun around and cupped his face with my hands. I needed to get through to him before Eldrin had Tavish playing right into his nightfiend hands. This has to be part of his plan. The best way to punish him is for him to see me healed and flying once again.

His anger didn't ease, but he hung his head. "You're right. I can't wait to watch him bleed out, but for now, let's get you to our room so we can take care of your wings."

"In the meantime, I'll give notice that we're leaving and make a plan with Struan and Finola." Caelan spread his wings, ready to take action.

"Excellent. Let me know if you need me for anything," Tavish replied, taking my hand and leading me toward our bedchambers once again.

We walked the rest of the way in silence, the throbbing in my wings worsening.

As soon as we made it into the room, Tavish went to the table where his chessboard used to sit and picked up the mending kit. I turned my back to him so he could easily access the wounds.

I felt him settle behind me, and he gently touched my shoulder. I'm sorry. This is going to hurt, but I'll be as careful as I can. And then he began working.

Each time the needle prodded at the small pieces, pain almost as bad as during the gauntlet rocketed through me. Tears streamed down my face as he worked, each spot worse than the last, as if he was ripping the skin from my bones.

After what felt like hours, the agony was over. My knees gave out, and I landed on the bed. Tavish lay down beside me just as unconsciousness descended.

A blowing horn woke me from my slumber. I opened my eyes to a hint of sunlight streaming through the windows. Tavish's chest pressed against my wings and back.

When I'd last awoken, after several hours of sleep, my wings had greatly improved, and both my water and healing magic had recovered to about half strength. Against Tavish's protests, I'd healed Finnian and Lorne as much as I could before I'd grown fatigued again and headed back to bed.

This morning, my magic spun within me once again, and my wings felt like they were back to normal.

Nightbane whimpered and lifted his head, his green eyes focusing on me.

My blood turned to ice, and Tavish jolted upright and reached for his sword.

"Are the dragons here?" he rasped as his chest heaved.

"No." I winced, regretting that I'd worried him, but we had a different problem I hadn't fathomed. "Nightbane. We can't leave him here." The thought of leaving him alone to starve had me ready to carry the beast myself.

Tavish chuckled. "Don't worry, love." He leaned over and kissed me. "I already discussed him with Caelan. He'll have a solution. I knew you wouldn't leave him behind."

The sounds of flapping wings and busy villagers reverberated, even through the glass windows of our chamber. Everyone was brimming with excitement about returning home, so at least today, there shouldn't be any fighting.

"We need to hurry." Tavish threw off the covers, his excitement flickering through our bond. "I don't want the dragons showing up right when we're trying to leave."

The two of us dressed and hurried to the door. I paused for a moment to take in the place. Even though the island never should've been home to the Unseelie, this room was where Tavish and I had completed our fated-mate bond.

He wrapped his arms around my waist and connected, We can come back here from time to time, and we'll make memories in our new place.

Right. Leaving today didn't mean we couldn't ever visit. But while I'd never forget our bonding, this place was also full of memories of threats and attacks. Hopefully, our new home will have better memories.

A knock came on the door a second before it opened, and Finnian strolled in.

My breath caught, and a smile spread across my face. His complexion was still slightly gray, but he looked significantly improved.

"The prisoners are in the hallway, surrounded and ready to go. We don't want to move them until the two of you have left." Finnian pulled me into a hug. "Thanks for making it not hurt to be alive."

Tavish scowled, but Finnian let me go before he could make any threats.

My jaw dropped. "Did you just thank me?"

"I did because that's how much of a difference you made for me." He held the door open. "But we can talk on the way. Right now, everyone is waiting on you two."

Tavish took my hand and led me into the hallway. All the prisoners stood to our right with at least fifty Unseelie guards.

My gaze landed immediately on Eldrin, who wore a massive smirk. Anger jolted from Tavish into me.

Don't let him know he upset us, I linked, needing our plan to make him feel unimportant to work. Wanting to knock him down a peg, I spread my wings, revealing that I was healed.

Eldrin's face paled, and he frowned.

"What's wrong, Eldy?" Finnian asked, exiting our room with Nightbane in his arms.

I smiled. The cù-sìth was almost the same size as he was.

"That's not my name." Eldrin seethed, his face darkening.

I pressed my lips together, trying not to laugh.

Then Finnian whispered in my ear, "Oh, wait. It's about to get better."