Page 94 of Bonded Chaos

As I scanned my surroundings, I found no windows or exits. Only unending darkness.

“This tunnel runs underneath the castle. It’s the quickest way to reach the outer walls.”

I remained quiet as I followed him. My mind was busy processing and storing the information I had gathered for later. When I stumbled in the dark, Riordan’s hand flung out to catch me.

“Stay close. We’re almost there.”

We made the rest of the journey in companionable silence, and my heartbeat picked up speed the closer we came to the end. Ryker hadn’t wanted me to witness the Wild Hunt, which only strengthened my resolve to see it through.

The tunnel ended abruptly up ahead, and before I could question Riordan, he said, “This is it.”

He reached for a heavy steel lock and slid it out of the way. As he pushed the door open, moonlight flooded the narrow tunnel, and I was surprised at how late it had gotten.

The frigid night air kissed my exposed flesh, and I shivered. Riordan shrugged off his cloak and wrapped it around me.

“Won’t you get cold without your cloak?” I asked, even as I snuggled deeper into its warmth.

“Fire Fae, remember. I can always warm up.”

“Hmm, that’s handy.”

Riordan winked at me before he reached out and took my hand in his.

“Where is everyone?” I asked as I searched the surrounding forest.

“There is a clearing up ahead. If we hurry, we’ll make it in time for The Howl.”

“The Howl?”

“You’ll see,” Riordan smirked.

We moved through the forest, careful to avoid making any noise. The task proved harder than first anticipated, as every hidden branch in the darkness threatened to betray us.

“See there?” Riordan asked, and I followed his outstretched hand to where he pointed.

Through the trees, a large bonfire roared toward the heavens as men and women danced, laughed, and teased one another.

Then I did a double take.

Some women were completely naked. Not a stitch to be seen anywhere on their person.

“What kind of hunt is this?”

“It’s a fertility ritual. The women call upon the gods to bless their wombs, and then they run off into the forest. After a short head start, the men quickly follow, and whoever they catch, they —”

“I get it,” I said, interrupting him.

Riordan flashed me a mischievous grin, and right when I thought he was going to finish his sentence regardless, a commanding voice from within the clearing called the gathering to order.

Ryker.

“Ladies and lords, if I could have your attention,” he called.

The crowd grew quiet as the anticipation grew. People buzzed with excitement, shifting restlessly as they awaited the commencement of the hunt.

“Tonight, we stand on the threshold of two worlds: the civilized and the untamed.”

I could hear the smirk in Ryker’s voice, and the participants whooped and cheered for their prince.

---