Page 26 of Claimed By the Fae Lord

"We should cross now," Vance urged, looking around. "The pass into Antara will be hidden once the clouds cover the sun. It only shows once a day so we'll have to wait until tomorrow if we miss it."

Another dose of power sizzled around me and Tabor grabbed my wrists, pulling up my sleeves. Jerking away was useless now that Vance had a hold of my movements.

Careful to avoid touching the iron, he kept my arms up while a gloved Vance connected my handcuffs with a short chain. Tabor yanked one arm, testing the restraint.

Satisfied, he motioned for Vance to lead the way. Llew pushed me forward. I tried to run, but my legs wouldn't listen. I'd have to wait until the spell wore off.

I suspected Vance might be part mage. If he was, I'd have to kill him first, before I took out the other two. Compliantly walking across an auction stage was not going to happen.

The jagged landscape of Antara stretched across the horizon, painting a picturesque backdrop for us as we trudged alongnarrow trails. The air itself seemed hostile here, heavy and choking. Sweat had long ago absorbed into the fabric that covered me.

Strange beasts prowled among the rocks, their glowing eyes following our progress. Everything in this forsaken land wanted us dead.

Thirsty, bound, and aching everywhere, I wouldn't be able to defend myself very well if one of these desert creatures decided I looked like a tasty meal.

I traversed over the rocky path, discomfort accompanying every step. The potion that had been forced down my gullet may be working to heal, but the iron was ensuring it was slow and incomplete.

Healing was painful business. My broken ribs grated inside me as they fused and my head still pounded. But I wouldn't give Llew and Tabor the satisfaction of seeing me weak.

A roar shattered the eerie silence. A blast of flame erupted from the cliffs above, nearly singeing my hair. I threw myself aside as a firedrake swooped down, claws outstretched and jaws howling in warning.

The cowards scattered and left me on the trail.

It spat another plume of fire, the intense heat blistering my skin. I scrambled behind a boulder, panting, grateful I'd been able to move. Maybe the spell had worn off.

There was nowhere to go at the moment, but if I behaved I was sure I'd get an opportunity.

The trio came out of their hiding spots and got back in formation. I joined them without waiting for Tabor to order Vance to force me.

As the sun sank into early evening, we reached the foothills of the Verrenora Mountains. Tired and dehydrated, I needed to rest.

Tabor eyed the narrow path leading up into the mountains, worry etched into his features. "We'll make camp here for the night."

I bit back a triumphant smile, savoring the apprehension in his voice. I could work with his fear.

Vance pointed to a fallen tree. "Sit while we set camp."

I didn't actually think they'd unlock my cuffs but I thought they might force me to help. They'd get no argument from me on it.

Making myself comfy on the wide trunk, I watched them efficiently move around, unpacking supplies, the first of which was for cooking. My stomach growled thinking about it.

Within twenty minutes, they had a small camp set up. They were probably used to living this way, staying out of sight, carrying out their disgraceful plans.

Llew crouched beside the fire, a flask in his hand. I could smell the alcohol on his breath as he spoke to me. His gaze raked over my chest, filled with a sick hunger that turned my stomach.

"You're a pretty little thing, aren’t you? There are many who'd pay top coin for a taste."

I curled my lip, defiance burning in my veins. "Hear me when I say you won't live long enough to enjoy the money."

"So feisty," Llew chuckled. "But once you're collared and bound, permanently, that fire of yours will fade. A few weeks of breaking and you'll be eager to please. To serve in whatever way your new master sees fit."

He ran his tongue over his bottom lip. "I bet you'll be a competent little whore for some lucky male."

Bile rose in my throat but I kept my expression stony. "Maybe. Maybe not. The only thing that's certain is that I'd never be a competentlittle whorefor someone likeyou, you disgusting piece of shit. I'd stab myself in my own heart before accepting your touch."

Llew surged to his feet, fists clenching. But Tabor placed a restraining hand on his arm. “Leave it.”

Llew’s flinty gaze settled on me, a silent promise of pain glimmering in their depths.

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