Page 35 of Claimed By the Fae Lord

"Fucking hell, Saxon," I growled.

Portalling took a second, it wasn't instantaneous. If one of their poisoned arrows hit our prisoner before I could grab him and disappear, we risked his death.

I moved between the male on the ground and the invisible danger I felt beyond the trees. Pointing, I looked at the hound. "Get him to Aeryn. And be careful."

Fermac gave an acknowledging huff and latched onto the bloody ankle he'd had a hold of earlier. I shielded them until they were gone, then turned back to face the encroaching threat.

"Let's make this quick, shall we?" Saxon quipped, a wicked grin spreading across his face.

"With pleasure," I agreed, joining him side by side as the first wave of Vendeca bandits emerged from the shadows.

In seconds, the clash of swords against swords and the unmistakable sound of metal slicing through flesh filled the air. The steady rhythm of our boots moving along the forest floor coincided with screams of pain.

We fought back-to-back, cutting down our enemies with ruthless efficiency. Blood stained the forest floor as we dispatched Vendeca after Vendeca, their numbers dwindling with every passing minute.

I kept an eye out for archers, but the only one with a quiver on his back was already dead. My blade stabbed him again, imagining him being the one who put those arrows in Lorne's back.

Finally, only one remained, bloodied and battered, but still standing. I glowered at him, tempted to strangle him with my bare hands.

"Listen closely," I snarled, grabbing him by the collar. "Do you know who I am? Who he is?" I glanced at Saxon.

"N-no," he panted.

"Then allow me to relieve you of your ignorance. I am Hilmr Liam Duersi, son of the Drótinn of Ephandor, Brahm Duersi, leader of the berserkers,” I pronounced, using my and my father’s official titles. “My companion is the Son of Lugh."

The male gasped, his attention wildly swinging between us. He might not recognize me, but he would know what messing with a Duersian meant, especially the warrior son of the clan’s leader. He would also know Lugh was the god of light and his offspring would be a demigod at the very least.

"I gave a message to one of you already but I’m thinking he never made it back to your base, what with his dead comrades and broken femur.”

“How unfortunate,” Saxon hummed with mock sadness. The Vendeca’s gaze flitted to Saxon.

“Don’t look at him,” I ordered. “You look at me.”

“Sorry,” he panted.

Satisfied I had his full attention, I continued. “You will return and tell your leader who you attacked this night. Tell him King Nox ismostdispleased. Lady Raina is a close friend of his mate, the future queen, and the lady is under the king and future queen’s protection.”

“Lady R-Raina?” he stammered. “I don’t know who that is.”

“I don’t give a shit. You’re a messenger, remember?”

He quickly nodded.

“If the Vendeca continue to hunt Lady Raina, or lift a single finger against her or her allies again, we will return and eradicate the Vendeca from existence. In fact, I may still do so. That's the consequence of the decision to take such a contract. Do you understand?"

The man nodded frantically, terror flashing in his eyes. Satisfied, I released him, watching as he stumbled away into the darkness.

"Let's get to Thornewood," Saxon said quietly, his gaze lingering on the carnage around us. "We've wasted enough time."

With a final glance at the scattered corpses, I opened a portal to Thornewood. As we stepped through, I couldn't help but hope that Saxon and I had captured the right Vendeca to question.

The moment we arrived at the castle, my brain had to adjust to the scene unfolding before us. Fermac stood proudly, head held high, with the unconscious captive draped across his back like a hunting trophy.

Aeryn, Astrid, and Mirrelle stood not far from the warhound, concern and mild annoyance etched onto their faces.

"He won't let us near the male," Astrid informed us.

Mirrelle sighed. "I told you dogs don't like to let go of their toys."

---