Page 21 of Claimed By the Fae Lord

The males stood uncertain, shaken, and I couldn't blame them.

"Keep this secure," I barked, voice rough. "No one else comes near it."

"Kiel," I turned to the gruff redhead, "return to Thornewood and bring back the team we left on standby."

Kiel portaled away without a sound.

"Zeke?"

"Yes, sir?"

"Find some tools to help comb through this. We'll need tarps and whatever else you think of."

"We've made a bit of a plan to, uh, match up the ... parts."

I felt my brow lift.

"If you trust us, sir?" he hedged, not elaborating.

"Very well, but I need to know how many are in there, as soon as possible. Some of them have families out there who will need to be notified."

"I'm not sure how fast we can be."

"Count the skulls first, then do whatever you planned when that task is complete."

Zeke gave me a shallow bow and jumped into action. I approached the two nearest the pit, features hardening at their pale faces.

"You two, when Zeke returns with supplies, you'll sort. Until then, find the skulls and start counting."

The soldiers exchanged a look, swallowing hard. One nodded. "Yes, my lord."

They moved to the edge of the pit, peering in with expressions caught between horror and determination.

Shouts rang out from the courtyard, accompanied by a burst of magic. I portaled over the hill in time to see Nox and Aeryn lifting Lorne from the ground.

My heart lurched at the sight of the arrows protruding from his back. I started forward, gaze fixed on my friend, needing to assist.

I ground to a halt when Nox exchanged a look with Aeryn before shadows took them away from Snowfall, Lorne in tow.

My hands curled into fists at my sides, nails biting into my palms. I forced a breath through the rage clogging my throat.

Kiel appeared with the team in tow. Good. Now we had over twenty on the grounds.

"Zeke is in charge of the pit. Kiel, find your captain. He's in the manor house. Update him. I want the entire estate secured, locked down, and every square inch searched." My voice came out flat, devoid of inflection.

"I'll send reinforcements. You'll stay here until you hear from me or your king."

I didn't wait for any replies, too focused on getting to Thornewood. I portaled directly to the infirmary.

The only sound was coming from the exam room at the end. I hurried, pausing in the doorway.

Lorne was barely conscious, face pale, his clothing soaked in blood.

"Nox," he whispered.

"I'm here," Nox said gently, clasping his hand. "I won't leave you."

Lorne's gaze found mine, grey eyes dim with pain but still determined. "Raina," he said, the single word strained.

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