Page 50 of Claimed By the Fae Lord

Instead of sharing this timidity aloud, I asked, "Are you sure this is the best option? What if someone actually does figure out I'm there?"

"Raina," Liam said firmly, his gaze unwavering, "I will do everything in my power to ensure your safety."

His words were like a lifeline, but he'd misunderstood mine. "It's not my safety I'm worried about."

He lifted a single eyebrow. "Are you actually concerned that the clan can't handle whatever is thrown at them? They live for this shit."

"No, Liam. They love a good fight, and they may enjoy picking off their enemies, but they certainly do not live formyshit. In particular."

Understanding donned across his face. "I may have left the clan to find my own path, but I am still Liam Duersi, beloved son of Brahm and Otsonna. My fight is theirs."

"Liam–"

"And your fight, this time, is also mine. Those who threaten you also threaten Nox. They already killed his father. This isn't only about you, Raina."

For that, I had no retort. In fact, I felt horrid.

I swallowed hard, forcing down the lump that had formed in my throat. "Do they hate me?"

He opened his mouth and I quickly recovered, horrified the question had escaped my mouth.

"No! Donotanswer that!” I rapidly fired out. “I don't want to know. Just promise me your mother won’t try to removemy spleen or hold me prisoner. I won't be forced to stay there indefinitely."

"You won't be a prisoner in Ephandor. Once the danger is over, you'll be free to leave. Besides, Mother will be in the Otherland for another two weeks. You might not see her at all."

My fingertips rubbed my temples. I felt a headache coming on, this time from tension.

"Raina," Liam's voice cut through my thoughts, his red-brown eyes searching mine. "I know this isn't easy for you, but leaving Thornewood is the best way to keep everyone safe."

"Are you being nice to me just to make sure I'll go to Ephandor?" I blurted, hating myself more and more the longer this conversation went on.

You're weak, Raina!

He slanted his head. "Why else would I be showing you such kindness?"

My cheeks burned, and I looked away, feeling foolish for even considering that he might be letting go of his anger. Liam was doing his job and I wouldn't stand in the way.

"Alright," I agreed quietly, "Ephandor it is."

Energy charged into his hand as he held it out to me.

"You want a binding? I'm not going to run. In fact, Liam, I'm completely insulted."

"Shake my hand."

I glared.

"Shake it so I can tell my king it's done."

His response was the only reason I reached out. Our skin touched and electricity charged up my arm. I pretended it was the magic of the bargain.

Pulling my hand out of his, I asked, "When do I leave."

When he didn't answer, I turned my head to look at him.

"You meanwe," he corrected.

"Excuse me?"

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