Something clanged in the distance, and a low whoosh sent air cycling through the area. It brought with it the rancid smell of decay.
I scrambled back to the corner of my cell.
Whatever was down here was not something I wanted to mess with.
"Miss Maderoth?" a man's calm voice echoed through the chamber. It was vaguely familiar … Lord Ellingsworth?
I scooted further into the shadows, trying to put distance between me and whatever was coming. What if he brought a wraith with him?
I had nothing to fight with, but I might be able to figure out a way to overwhelm him while he opened the cell doors and came in.
Maybe …
A deep orange light illuminated the cell as he moved closer, and I blinked at the sudden brightness.
"How lovely of you to join us this evening," he said, voice warm.
What kind of person made small-talk to a prisoner? "Why yes, what a lovely party you're throwing here," I said, scowling.
He chuckled softly, and the sound sent a shiver down my spine. How had I ever thought this man was kind? He was rotten through and through.
"I'm glad to see that you're settling in, Miss Maderoth." He gestured to the surrounding room. "I apologize for the surroundings. My wife felt that you'd be safest down here, and I had to agree. She's usually right, you know."
My breath came quickly as my mind struggled to put the pieces together.
"My Aunt. Is she okay?"
His eyes flashed and thin lips pressed together. "Yes. I'd never let anything happen to dear Grace. The vicar went beyond his authority with her. I apologize for that."
He apologized for that? He was even more mad than his wife! "Why am I here?"
Eyes sad, he gripped the bars and leaned closer. "You're our last hope, Miss Maderoth. Without you, hundreds of people are doomed to die."
I stared at him, incredulous. "What? How?" This made no sense at all!
He just shrugged. "You're going to heal us all, of course."
Heal them? Me? I was not a healer! "You want me to heal you all? Gods. I don't know what you've heard, but I fear that you've been gravely misled, Lord Ellingsworth."
He just smiled, the kind of smile a grandfather would give to a frustrated child. It made my stomach turn.
"Trust me, dear. I have it all set up."
"What does this have to do with the vicar, though, or the vrytra? And what's wrong that you need healing? You look perfectly healthy to me."
His jaw tightened again, and he looked away. "You'll have to ask my wife and the vicar about that."
I sat up taller, back straight. "Look. Whatever you're wanting me to do, I won't do it." There had to be some sanity left in him. Surely he couldn't be all mad? If I could just convince him …"Not only that, but I can't do it. It would be better for you to send me home. I won't tell anyone about this if you promise to leave Aunt Grace and I alone."
He cleared his throat. "Unfortunately, Miss Maderoth, I cannot trust that you'd keep your promise." That was rich coming from him! "No. You will help, Miss Maderoth, because I cannot stop what my wife will do to your aunt if you do not." He turned away, taking his light with him, and called back over his shoulder. "A maid will be down to help you prepare for the ceremony; then my wife will be here to escort you and explain more."
I sat back on my heels as the door clanged shut in the distance. There had to be some way to stop this mess …
50
Eli
"Liam, what did I tell you. If you're to go into a Ball as a lord, you must dress as one," Jaiel said, opening the cabinet to pull out a completely outrageous outfit. It was the most stereotypical Fae thing I'd ever seen, complete with a small vest and voluminous pants.
I cocked a brow at him. "Really? Are you sure that's necessary?"
"You'll see." He shrugged and took the outfit to the bathroom to change.
When he came out a few minutes later, he was smirking, that silver left canine glinting in the lyphos light. "Now do you understand?"
He shook his hair a few times, so it fell neatly around the delicate coronet covering his forehead, then he created twists with half the hair and pinned them to one side so it showed off his ear. A very pointed ear, covered in rings from base to tip.
"We want all eyes to be on me and not grumpy-pants."
"Must you be so obvious about it, though?" I gestured to the outrageous garb. "People are going to know this isn't real!"
He winked and leaned close enough for me to smell his natural charisma wafting off.
I swallowed hard.
"Trust me. It'll be fine. People see what they want to see, and this is exactly what they expect from a Fae." Then he winked and ran his eyes down my body.
My cock tightened uncomfortably. "Damn it, Jaiel. Do you really have to do that?" I couldn't look away from his blue eyes, heavy with desire …
He laughed, the sound hypnotic. "Feeling a little uncomfortable?" Leaning closer, he ran his hand down my chest, the heat sending off sparks in my body as it drew nearer the buttons on my pants … the no longer flat buttons …
"I could fix that, you know," He whispered, letting his hand drop lower until he was cupping my growing erection. I tipped my nose into his neck and inhaled more of that intoxicating scent.
Blood pounded in my ears, and for a moment I let myself imagine it — his hands stroking my cock, those fingers moving along the hard length as he dropped to his knees and took me into his …
"No." I swallowed hard and stepped away, breath shaky. "That's not fair, and you know it. Just because you're feeling angsty about your magic, doesn't mean you can test it on me. We both know it works just fine."
Jaiel smirked and stepped back. "Fair enough. That girl really has worked a number on you, hasn't she?"
I ignored him and took a breath of the clean fresh air. Phew, that stuff was potent.
Jaiel was already off, moment forgotten as he stood by the door and tapped his foot impatiently. "Let's go. Hopefully, someone at the party is up for some fun! My monster is hungry."
I grunted and followed him, still a bit flustered.
We met Lynk outside. He'd dressed up in a full suit like Jaiel had told him to, and I wondered what Kaiya would think of the three of us.
"You two ready for this?" I said, smiling widely.
Lynk just grunted and Jaiel's smirk grew. "More than ready, little lordling."
I shook my head. "Well, then. Have fun, and please don't get Kaiya killed."
Jaiel winced and Lynk hailed the carriage.
I wanted to follow them and make sure they did everything right, but I had to let them do their jobs. I had my own job to do.
They'd do the fun work of locating Kaiya, while I gathered creatures to help us.
It took me about twenty minutes to get to the entrance of the library, and I grinned as I slipped off my harness and tied up the rope.
To think, a week ago I hadn't been able to do any exploring on my own! I felt like a real Rogue, now. Perhaps when all this was done, they'd even let me have my own position!
I jogged through the ruins to the entrance of the pool room. I'd brought supplies to clear out the rest of the rubble, but a path had already been cleared, thank the gods!
I slipped into the large room, taking care to be as quiet as I could to avoid any unnecessary interaction.
"Are you still here?" I asked.
"Yes, mage. I'm still here." Solyn slid towards the cage bars, and I cringed at how weak she looked. Her tail barely moved and her eyes missed that spark that had been so obvious last week.
Chest aching, I leaned into the bars. "I have a proposition for you …"
She dipped her head so her eye was level with my face. "You know I owe you everything, but whatever could you need from me?"
"Oh, nothing much. Just a horde of vrytra to save the day …" I explained the plan, praying she'd agree.
Her white eyes swirled wildly, and she lashed her tail in the cage. "Mage. If I could
force this, I would, and I know my people would come, but I have no way to reach them!"
Riarlo and the red revyn we'd rescued swooped in, landing on top of the crates beside the cages. The red revyn hadn't deigned to speak to me yet, but she seemed less skittish today.
"I have the perfect solution." His tone was cool, but he'd come. Just like every time before, he was there when I needed him. "Do you remember how I said I'd stopped some gremlyns from attacking Kaiya back on the day you met her?"
I gaped at him. He'd said he'd encountered some gremlyns and an interesting human, but had never elaborated that the human was Kaiya. "Yes. I vaguely remember that. What about them?"
"Do you remember what they eat?" He tilted his head to the side, orange eyes steady on mine.
Aha! He was brilliant! "But how do we get them here?"
"Just leave that up to me. You go save your girl, and I'll be there soon."
"Okay, fine. But I'll bond Solyn so you two can communicate. And you'd better stay safe!"
"Oh, like you're one to talk," he snickered.
Shaking my head, I turned back to Solyn. "Riarlo here has a plan. Would you let me bond you so he can ask some questions?"
She dipped her head, "It would be my honor."
I reached out and pressed my hand to her head, letting my korra reach for hers. The bond snapped into place, a hollow pop behind my ears, and then I could feel her. Every ache and pain, every bit of sadness, the aching loneliness after the others left, but above all, fresh hope for them to have a happy future.
Gods be damned, she was strong. I could hardly imagine how she'd be at full strength. "Thank you, Solyn."
She dipped her head.
"Are you ready to be free?" Riarlo projected through our bond.
She jerked back from the cage. "Free? What do you mean? That wasn't in the plan …"
Riarlo hopped up to the cage and explained the new plan.
When he finished, she pushed her nose against the cage, white eye completely calm. "I'm already indebted to you, mage, but if this works, I'll owe you everything. Thank you."
I nodded and turned away.
This had better work.
51
Jaiel
Lynk and I crowded into the carriage outside the Harlsteds, then waited in line at the manor house for what felt like forever. He was an irritatingly quiet man, and I missed the happy spark of Liam.
"Are you ready, old man?" I asked, winking at Lynk and hoping he'd respond with something more than a stony glare, as we pulled up to the front.
He just shook his head, then stepped out, holding his hand out for me to grab as planned.
I smiled and rested my palm on his.
He'd dressed up, and I had to admit I was impressed.
The butler held out his hand, and I slipped off my cloak to pass it to him, hoping Lynk would follow suit. "Lord Jaiel Kierstall," I said in my most haughty voice.
The butler gasped, and I widened my smile, making sure that silver canine was in view.
Eyes sparkling, he bowed. "I see. Well, please follow me sirs."
He ushered us towards the ballroom entrance and paused at the top of the stairs leading to a large room. Lyphos lights glinted off gems and glass everywhere. People dressed in vibrant gowns and suits swirled inside, like eddies in a tidepool, and I couldn't help smiling. This was familiar. I could relax here.
I adjusted my hair once more to make sure my ear was visible, then shifted my weight to one hip as the butler announced us.
When people's attention turned our way, I winked and drank in all the attention. Saints, it felt good to play the game again.
At least here people weren't immune to my charisma. Damn Kaiya and the monster hunter.
We wandered through the crowds and were stopped every few seconds by another person wanting to introduce themselves.
Lynk waved as he slipped off to find answers from the guards, and a warm woman with vibrant red hair slipped to my side and wrapped her arms around my neck. I carefully removed them, but smiled to remove the sting. "My lady, you must be parched. Here, let me grab you a drink to wet those luscious lips." I slid my fingers from her cheek to her neck, enjoying the merry sound my rings made as they tapped each other.
She giggled, cheeks rosy and hands all aflutter.
I turned her towards the drink tables and motioned to a server. "This woman is quite thirsty, sir. Could you help her?"
The lady, now fully drunk on charisma, followed him to the table, tittering and flirting with him the whole way. I hoped some fresh liquid would help dissipate the effects a bit.
Wouldn't want her making too many mistakes …
Now, to get some answers.
I ran my tongue along my teeth and surveyed the room, zeroing in on a group of women near one edge. All were dressed in opulent jewel-toned gowns covered with glittering gems, and they stood with backs straight and noses lifted in the air.
Now those were the ladies I needed to speak with.
I slipped through the throng of cheerful people until I reached the women.
"Excuse me, my lord, but these ladies do not wish to be bothered this evening," a tall man in a burgundy coat said. He was the tallest man I had ever seen, and I had met a lot of people.
Breathing deeply, I let his scent mingle in my nose, then I leaned in and smiled, letting the breath out slowly.
His eyes remained clear. What? Gods. How did this keep happening to me?
It had to be relics interfering! But how?
"They are just such lovely women. I'd hoped to dance with them." I motioned towards the couples dancing at the center of the room. "Perhaps you would entertain a round instead?"
His jaw tensed. "N --"
I didn't let him finish, though, and grabbed one of his enormous hands and pulled him out to the crowd, feeling for a ring or bracelet. This was one benefit to making quick decisions. People had a hard time resisting if they didn't know what was coming.
Success! Around his thumb was a smooth, round ring. I slipped it off, running my other hand down his chest while I did so. His jaw dropped, and I slid the ring into my pocket before stepping closer and releasing more charisma.
His pupils immediately dilated.
Mission accomplished!
Now it was time for some fun.
Waggling my brows, I picked up his hands and waved them around us in time with the orchestra. "Do you feel it? The way the music runs through you? Relax. Enjoy! You deserve it. In fact, the quadrille is about to begin. You should tell your guard friends to come join us."
The man nodded, completely in my thrall, then began to sway.
Wow! It wasn't usually this easy! That poor man must be seriously repressed.
Smiling at him one more time, I spun away, making my way back to the women. A shorter man tried to intercept me, but this time I knew what to look for and pocketed his ring immediately.
Finally, I stepped into the ring of women. They all turned to me, shock straining their features. Time for the magic …
Breathing deeply, their scents coalesced into an intoxicating cloud of femininity that mingled happily with the energy inside my lungs. I leaned into their group and sighed deeply. "Hello, beautiful ladies!"
"Lord Kierstall," one woman said, pupils wide, "We were just speaking about you. You are beauuuutiful, you know! In a verrrry distracting way …"
I chuckled, ignoring the slight twinge of guilt at how my charisma was affecting them. "Thank you, beautiful lady," I said, bending over and nuzzling at her neck, sending a shiver through her body. "What else were you speaking about? Any … secrets?"
She arched into me, running her hands down the bare skin beneath my vest. I gently removed her hand, but smiled. It had been fun to needle Liam, but I was in no mood to take advantage of these women.
I preferred my partners fully awake and aware of how I rocked their world.
"I — my husband hasn't fucked me in years!" she tittered and leaned closer. "His member is st
ill fully functional, too. Sometimes I see him taking his own relief, so I've started doing the same." Her eyes glittered with mischief and my heart ached for her.
"My lady, you're doing exactly what you should. He's simply missing out on a beautiful, sexy woman. You deserve more."
One of the other ladies leaned in. "My husband takes the money he says he's donating to help Ellesmere and spends it on liquor and brothels." Her words were slurred, and I winced. Perhaps that had been a bit too much charisma. Then again … sometimes it helped to get all the nastiness out. Maybe they'd wake up feeling like new women, ready to conquer the world.
Saints. I hoped so!
"I'm actually looking for a girl … she's tall, blonde, often wears britches instead of skirts, and is maybe with our hosts?" I tried, hoping the details might shake something else loose.
They all just stared at each other. Saints. Had this been a complete waste?
No. They had to know something!
I tried different questions, but they just kept looking at me like I was crazy.
Finally, I tried using more charisma.
The third lady leaned in almost immediately, lips wide with dreamy excitement. "You know, Lord Ellingsworth and the widowed Lady Maderoth had an affair. Lady Ellingsworth found out and was furious! But we all knew the Ellingsworths weren't a love match. He's been in love with Grace since they were kids. Gods, they were so romantic when they were young …" she trailed off, staring into space.
Gods damn it. I'd pushed too hard!
Frantically, I turned to the other ladies. The first one was dazing off into space, too, lost in her own world.
But the second one was staring at me, lips curled in a seductive smile. "I know what you want, Lord Kierstall. You want to see the mage girl, don't you?" She leaned close enough for her tongue to lap at my ear. "I could pretend to be her, if you want."
She dropped her nose to my neck, and her teeth nipped at the pulse there. It sent a shiver through me, but I pushed the feelings away. Now was not the time!
"Lovely, darling …" I let my finger drift along the edge of her bodice, letting my charisma do its work. "I'd really enjoy seeing that. Could you tell me where they'll be?"
Forsaken Secrets: A slow-burn new adult fantasy romance (Isle of the Forsaken Book 1) Page 23
