Page 60 of Claimed By the Fae Lord

The male looked like he had just sucked an entire grove of lemons. His jaw was clenched, eyes flashing with anger. They darkened further when he noticed our approach.

"Absolutely not," he bit out. “Mirrelle stays here and does the job she voluntarily took.”

Aeryn cocked her head. “I already made my decision. Mirrelle stays with Raina.”

Liam's gaze flicked to me for the briefest moment before focusing back on his king’s mate. “Did you forget what happened?” he pushed. “I’m trying to keep Raina from being taken again.”

"Which is exactly why I’d like Mirrelle to act as her guard," Aeryn countered smoothly.

Nox silently watched the exchange, arms crossed over his broad chest. Whatever his thoughts were on the matter, he was deferring to Aeryn.

Liam’s handsome features twisted into a scowl. “I won’t be responsible for her safety.”

Mirrelle chuckled dryly. “Your concern for my welfare is duly noted, Sir Liam. As is your lack of interest in maintaining it. Now, if you’re finished with your little tantrum, Raina and I are ready for your escort.”

Nox’s lips twitched. Lorne, however, scooped me up into his arms and whispered into my ear.

“Don’t die,” he ordered.

“Why are you hugging me?” I murmured back with equal parts surprise and amusement.

Lorne set me down. “Just do as I say.”

“In general or the not dying part?”

“Both.”

I was about to say something back to the muscled fae, but Liam grabbed my arm and tugged me through the portal he’d conjured without saying a word.

Lorne’s chuckle echoed in my ears and I held onto it, knowing in the next three seconds I’d probably have to defend myself. Preferably with a blade because going verbally toe-to-toe with Brahm Duersi was out of the question.

Thirteen

Raina

The moment we were clear of the portal, I yanked my arm free from Liam’s grip. Ignoring him, I turned to see Mirrelle a few steps behind, her gaze watchful, her steps silent.

She’d never been to Ephandor. It wasn’t a place one traveled to for leisure, which was unfortunate because it was one of the most fascinating places I had ever visited.

From where we stood, at the edge of Adhian Forest, we could see the entrances to the cave system where many of the warriors made their homes. The surrounding hills were covered in lush, green foliage, helping the caverns blend perfectly into their surroundings, though signs of life made them visible today.

The smattering of entrances were dimly lit by flickering torches placed along the walls.

Heavily armed warriors in fighting leathers could be seen milling about, some standing guard while others trained together in the open spaces. The air smelled of earth, mist, and a tinge of sweat, heavy with a sense of purpose.

Opposite the hills was the primary section of forest where families, typically with young offspring, resided in elaborate treehouses, which they called stokrans, suspended high off the ground.

As I looked around, I realized my memories hadn’t done justice to the beauty of this land. It was hushed and mysterious, with a sense of ancient magic pulsing through the air.

"My father approaches," Liam said quietly, his voice tense.

From out of the thick forest strode the Drótinn of Ephandor, dressed in the same combat hides as his warriors. Liam shared many features with his father, including height, but he was much leaner compared to Brahm's bulk.

The male moved fluidly, his powerful frame intimidating as always. His eyes, the same as Liam’s, seemed to miss nothing. They held a fierce determination that demanded respect.

Gunnar, Brahm’s eldest son and heir, followed close behind. He carried himself with lethal grace, a slightly smaller version of Brahm but with striking hazel eyes.

Both males kept their chocolate brown hair long, secured in tribal braids hanging down their backs. I thought back to when Liam had cut his braids in an effort to distance himself from the overwhelming shadows of his father and brother.

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