Forsaken Secrets: A slow-burn new adult fantasy romance (Isle of the Forsaken Book 1)

by Olivia K Moto

  I trudged through the maze of halls towards the storage room, pausing wherever I could to catch my breath and push back the dizziness. Finally, I passed the broken spryke cage.

  Almost there.

  "Liam, what were you thinking?" The voice was strange, deeper than Eli or Lynk's, and it had a unique accent — like silk and heat.

  I pressed my fist to my lips and slumped against the wall. Those people were not Eli and Lynk!

  Had Ellingsworth found our entry point?

  My stomach churned, and I fought the panic. I was in no shape to confront strangers or to get out of here.

  I was stuck.

  "If you found a bond mage, you should have immediately reported it to Dimiri or I. Can you imagine how helpful she would be to the Rogues?"

  The Rogues? Were these the notorious Rogues? A fresh spasm across my back broke that thought. I was running out of time.

  My body could only be pushed so far.

  "Come on." That voice was Eli! I was sure of it. He sounded more serious than I'd ever heard him, though. "You were busy with your own work and I thought I could handle this. Besides, do you see those relics? You know Dimiri will be happy to have them — especially if it keeps them from the hands of the Empire."

  My heart leaped. If he was here, this person must be someone he knew. They sure sounded like they knew each other. But how did he know someone from the Rogues?

  "I suppose. How did you convince her to help find them, though?"

  Convince her to help find them? My hands balled into fists at my sides.

  What in the seven hells was going on?

  "I told her I needed help learning to explore safely."

  My heart twisted, and my eyes burned. I'd fucking trusted him — I'd come down here so I could warn him … and he'd been lying the entire time!

  "And I may have promised her a cut of the proceeds in return for her help."

  I should have just left the damn lordling on the cliff that day. It would serve him fucking right!

  The other voice chuckled, the sound frustratingly cheery. "Of course you did. We'd better take them and get away before Dimiri finds out about that! Did she teach you anything at least? You're one sorry climber."

  I couldn't handle it anymore. With every word those men said, my heart broke further. Was anything he'd told me true?

  I took a steadying breath, then grabbed the wall next to me and tried to pull myself up. The movement tugged on my shirt, though, and fresh heat poured down my back.

  Pain split through me, my head spun, and my stomach lurched.

  The darkness that had been pressing into my vision expanded until it was all I could see and I finally gave in.

  44

  Kaiya

  "Kaiya. Kaiya! What the hell were you thinking? Gods. When I find who fucking did this to her …" Eli's voice pulled me out of the darkness and I looked up to see him, green eyes tight with concern and freckled cheeks flushed.

  Another darkly handsome man stood to his right, but where Eli's face was wide and welcoming, this one was narrow and sharp. And that grin … it was so damn arrogant.

  I disliked him immediately.

  "Eli? Wha — what's happening?" I asked, my words slurred. I pushed to sit and gasped. I expected more of that fiery pain from before, but it was just a dull ache.

  Eli held out the little relic he carried around. "I was trying to heal you, but you were resisting. If you'd just relax, I could finish it up. Gods. What were you thinking coming down here with those injuries?"

  I shook my head and scooted away from him, the conversation from before flooding my brain and drowning out his voice.

  My hands tightened into fists.

  He'd lied to me, betrayed me, and had made me trust him! I'd come down here to help him escape!

  And for what?! What would have happened if I hadn't overheard that? Would he have just disappeared one night?

  Anger pulsed through me as I pushed to my feet.

  The stranger was already standing, but Eli pushed to his feet as well, holding his hands out. "Look — Kaiya. You're in no shape to be walking around, let alone climbing. You need to sit back down and tell me what happened."

  I slipped the little knife from my shirt and closed the two steps between us until I was directly in front of Eli, my knife pressing into his throat. He looked down at me, those green eyes wide with surprise.

  His jaw pulsed, and I leaned closer.

  "Oh, I told her I needed help adventuring." I mimicked his tone from before.

  His eyes widened.

  "Yes. I heard what you said. Who in the seven hells are you?" My voice was little more than a furious hiss.

  Eli stared at me, his green eyes soft with regret.

  "Ahh. So this is the bond mage?" That silky voice came from behind me. I looked out the corner of my eye to see the stranger lounging against the wall. He tilted his head to the side; one black brow quirked, and let his blue eyes drop to my feet and then back up.

  That smug grin never faltered and the strange confidence he exuded tugged at something in me. I pushed it away to focus on Eli.

  "Tell him to back up. I'm not kidding. I need answers, and I will dig this blade into your pretty throat if you don't fucking answer me. Today has been a mess of a day, and I do NOT have patience for this shit."

  Eli winced and stared into my eyes, his own wary and unsure.

  "Jaiel. This is not the time. It's obviously not working. You should do as she says."

  Jaiel? This was the Fae prince? Gods. No wonder he was such an arrogant prick. I regretted any moment of sympathy I'd felt for the bastard.

  He stared at me, his brow creased. "She should be on her knees or passed out right now, Liam."

  Eli swallowed, the motion jostling the knife in my hand and sending a small trickle of blood down his throat.

  I froze, my gaze stuck on that trickle of blood. It was deep red and slid slowly across his skin. It made my chest ache.

  No. No. I was not this person.

  I dropped my hand and stepped back, the knife clattering to the stone floor. My breath came fast, and I had to look away to make myself calm.

  I wouldn't let them turn me into this person.

  He wasn't worth it.

  "Eli. Liam — whatever your name is — explain. Now."

  He rubbed his throat, then winced and adjusted his spectacles. Spectacles? How had I not noticed those? The sight of them perched on his nose made my chest tighten a little. Damn him.

  "Well, you already know that I'm a mage."

  I nodded, steadfastly ignoring the confused glare that bastard Jaiel was sending me.

  "I — uh, well — do you remember the Rogues?"

  The Rogues, again? How were they connected? "Yes. The group that you insisted were not related to this mess underground."

  He grimaced. "Yep. Those Rogues. They are a group of mages who are working against the Kings. We have positions throughout the kingdom gathering information, and we're working to destabilize their rule."

  My jaw dropped as the word we registered. "You're working with rebels? That's why you were so certain it wasn't the Rogues all those times!" I started pacing. "Why didn't you tell me? Why'd you let me think you worked with the Reapers?"

  Gods. I must have looked like such a fool!

  "I couldn't, Kaiya. You have to understand that."

  I glared at him, then Jaiel, then back. "And Lynk? Was he in on it, too?"

  "No. Absolutely not. I don't know who he really is, though it seems the Rogues know about him."

  Jaiel smirked, and my stomach plummeted.

  "Look. I don't actually care who you are. We were just helping each other out, and now that's done." My voice broke, but I tightened my fists at my side and pressed my tongue to the roof of my mouth. This was not the time to break. "Lady Ellingsworth knows about your involvement with turning them in to the Seekers."

  Both men stood tall at that. "Was she the one who did this to you? I'm going to kil
l that fucking woman — "

  "No. Don't even think about it. You need to get away from here! She's coming after you next."

  "But what about the Overseeker? I thought he was on our side. How'd she get to him?"

  "She didn't. She had all the Seekers killed." And she'd been so very pleased with that fact.

  "Gods be damned." Eli stepped forward, his hand brushing my shoulder before I could step away. "What should we do?"

  I glared at him. "I'm going to figure something out, but it will have nothing to do with you. I just wanted to make sure you knew …"

  "Kaiya. I'm so sorry — "

  My eyes burned. I needed to get out of here.

  I swallowed the painful emotions that threatened to overwhelm me and turned to go.

  "Wait. I can still help! I'd planned — "

  "No! Eli. Liam. Whatever your name is. Gods. I don't even know your damn name!" The truth of the situation made my head spin.

  So many lies!

  I relaxed my hands and forced my voice to remain steady. "Thank you for healing me, but I do not care what you had planned. This is my life. I may have forgotten that for a bit, but I do not need your or anyone else's help."

  His eyes widened, and he stepped back. "You don't understand! I think I'm starting to fall …"

  My fist met his cheek before I could stop it, and the ache spread from my knuckles up to my chest, merging with the pain already there.

  He staggered backwards, cupping his cheek.

  Whatever the fuck he felt, it was NOT love. You didn't lie to people you loved.

  Jaiel laughed dryly from his spot on the wall, "Fuck, Liam."

  I stalked past them both.

  My chest ached, and I desperately wished this was all just a terrible dream.

  How had things gotten so bad?

  45

  Eli

  Kaiya stormed out of the room, and I turned to Jaiel. "What in the seven hells?!" I stalked over to him, my cheek throbbing. "Couldn't you have just waited until we were back at the rooms to talk? I was planning to tell her, but not THAT way."

  My chest ached, but I didn't want to think on it right now. I just needed to do something.

  "You really think she would have reacted differently if you'd just said it another way? You've lied to her the entire time you've known her. I may not be the best at feelings, but even I know people don't like to be lied to."

  I groaned and gathered my supplies, the ache in my chest blossoming into my throat. I swallowed the sudden lump that formed there. "Gods be damned. I fucked up, Jaiel."

  He pressed a hand into my shoulder. "Eli, you did what you had to. It wasn't like you had a choice! You can't go telling every girl you like that you're part of the Rogues. Imagine if a Seeker found out. Our entire operation would be compromised! I'm just saying that her response was valid, too … and it has nothing to do with me."

  I glared at the handsome Fae man. He was dressed in full leathers, the brown fabric molding perfectly to his body. I'd tried to emulate the style many times, but could never pull it off the same way he did.

  He gathered the wavy black hair from his shoulders and pulled it back, tightening it into a low bun and showing off those pointed Fae ears.

  "Nothing to do with you? What was that shit you pulled trying to charisma her?"

  "Well, she had a knife to your throat. I was just trying to save your lying ass." His brows dropped for a second. "It didn't work, though … why didn't it work?"

  "I told you. She's something special …" And I'd gone and ruined it. Gods. Why hadn't I just broken the damn rules?

  "Could you recruit her? Obviously not now, but once this blows over … I know you said she's worried about her aunt, but the Rogues would be much better for her than those damn Reapers, let alone Frexin's team."

  I shook my head. "There's no way. She needs money, and they are the only way she'll get enough of it. Especially now."

  "Do you actually love her? Or were you just saying it to make her stay?" Jaiel asked, his voice teasing. I wanted to say something scathing or brush it off, but it felt too raw. So, I cleared my throat and pulled my pack onto my shoulder. "I don't know."

  He shook his head, sending the single earring he wore jangling, "She's certainly a fiery one … I mean, that punch! And when was the last time a woman held a dagger to your throat? I could have some fun with that one …" he laughed softly.

  His words made my fists clench. No. She wasn't mine. If she liked him, who was I to say otherwise?

  "But where's the sensuality," he continued, "the sultriness? She wears britches for saint's sake."

  And there was the vain Jaiel I knew and … tolerated. I rolled my eyes. "Oh come on. We both know you're just pissed because she didn't respond to your charisma. When was the last time a woman actually turned you down?"

  One of his brows rose, and his nose flared, "Is that what you think?" He shook his head. "No. I know you like her, but feelings like that are just dangerous … for everyone … especially in our line of work."

  My cheeks heated, the bruise from her punch throbbing. "You wouldn't know true love if it bit you in the perfumed ass."

  Jaiel laughed, the sound warm and rich. I wanted to punch him. "Of course not. Love is for fools." He rolled his shoulders, then shrugged. "If you want to be foolish, who am I to stop you, though."

  "You're such an ass, Jaiel."

  He grinned impishly and motioned towards the entry. "Shall we? If your lady is correct, we should probably get out of town while we still can."

  I grimaced. "I can't just leave her. You don't need to stay, but she's about to lose everything … I need to figure out how to help."

  "Well, then. We'd better get to work. Tell me your ideas as we walk."

  I stared at his retreating back, mouth agape. He was going to help?

  "This charisma has to be used somehow. Besides, I'm assuming this Ellingsworth fellow — "

  "Woman," I interjected.

  He shrugged. " — well, if she's smart, I'm assuming she already has all the exits out of town blocked."

  "Well, then … you should know that I don't actually have a plan, yet."

  "Of course," he scoffed.

  "It's not like I've had all that long to think on it," I muttered, tying the rope around myself like Kaiya had taught me.

  Jaiel watched, brow quirked and lips twisted in a smug smile. "I see she's taught you some useful skills, at least."

  I glared at him and leaned out of the entry, spotting my ascent to make sure it was clear. He prepped his own rope and joined me.

  I had to hold my grin back when I beat him to the top. Gods, it felt good to beat that ass for once!

  "Where's Riarlo?" Jaiel asked as he clambered over the edge.

  I motioned towards the ocean. "He's out hunting. I think he's miffed at how much time I've been spending with Kaiya and Lynk. He said he's researching this Druid and Drake myth that everyone is obsessed with, but I think he's just having fun with the lady revyn we rescued in the ruins."

  Jaiel laughed and shook his head. "I still can't believe you two have been working with the infamous Lynk!" He grinned. "Is he as big of a dick as people say?"

  I winced. "Bigger." Then looked around guiltily.

  Knowing him, he'd pop out, call me kid, then say something sarcastic. Though it could be fun to see him and Jaiel go head to head …

  A rustling in the woods had me shaking my head. Damn, he was predictable.

  But it wasn't Lynk who emerged from the forest …

  Two large men wearing black cloaks sauntered towards us.

  "Well, fuck," Jaiel muttered, dropping into a crouch.

  I pulled a blade from my pack and followed suit.

  Who were these guys? Could they have followed Kaiya to us? "I think they're with Ellingsworth …"

  "So they probably have relics, then?"

  I nodded, reaching out for Riarlo. "I know you're pissed, but I could really use some help down here."

 
"I'm coming," he said.

  "Hello, gentlemen," Jaiel said, stepping forward. His lips curled into a smile, and the men faltered. "What brings you to this part of the woods today?"

  I watched as the man on the left stepped forward. He wore a strange silver pin on his cloak and held up a dagger. So no relics then? Perhaps these people weren't associated with the Ellingsworths after all.

  "Which of you is Elimri Westin?" said the other man, swinging an oddly shaped bat.

  My brows rose. So much for that hope. But why didn't they have relics?

  I stepped to my left, and Jaiel moved to the right, so we were shoulder to shoulder. If they came after us, we could move back to back and fend them off together.

  Based on what I'd seen, I'd say that we had the advantage. Especially with Jaiel's magic.

  He couldn't force them to do something they didn't want, but he could slow them down and make them confused.

  A loud cawing sound came from above and Riarlo dove in, talons raking into first one man's head and then the other, ripping off their hoods and taking bloody chunks of hair with them.

  Both men screamed and held up their fists, letting loose some kind of sparking arc through the air towards him.

  Hmm. They did have relics. Had they been ordered not to injure me, then?

  Gripping the dagger by the blade, I pulled my elbow back and released, sending it end over end towards the man nearest me. He spun to avoid it, his silver pin glinting in the afternoon light, but it caught him in the left eye.

  He fell lifelessly to the ground, and I suppressed the brief twinge of guilt in my chest. I'd killed enough people that it didn't make me sick anymore, but still …

  Jaiel already faced the last man, lips twisted in a cruel smile. "I'll let you run, if you want."

  The man just laughed and swung that wooden bat. "I won't be so easy to kill, Fae scum."

  Jaiel's laughter was bitter. "So you say." Then he was next to the man, curved blade at his throat. I turned away as red seeped down the black cloak and the mage fell to the ground.

  "You sure we shouldn't just go kill this Ellingsworth person? It doesn't seem like their people are quite up to snuff …"