Page 64 of Claimed By the Fae Lord

Mirrelle sauntered over to us. “And what sort of fun can we expect?”

“It’s different each time. Depends on which of the gods is awake and responsible for deciding our worth.”

A chill traveled up my spine and I lost feeling in my lips.

Mirrelle blinked. “I’m sorry, I don’t think I heard you correctly because it sounded like you’re saying we’re about to be tortured by an unknown deity.”

“It sounded like it because that’s what’s about to happen. The longer we stand here, the worse it will be. They don’t like waiting.”

I had to force my mouth to work. “Liam.”

“They won’t kill us, Raina.”

“How certain of this are you?”

“I’m positive. Now get moving, both of you.”

“Motherfuckers need to be more motherfucking transparent,” Mirrelle mumbled, moving quickly and taking the lead.

Liam slid in front of me saying, “The order we enter doesn’t matter, but maybe ask your friend to stop calling the gods motherfuckers, just in case.”

Mirrelle’s face was cast in a red glow from her eyes as she twisted around. “That was for your brother. And your father. But mostly your brother.”

“Sounds about right,” he agreed. “Carry on, then.”

The tunnel, dimly lit by our magics, wound deeper and deeper under the surface of Ephandor. The temperature had lowered a while back, but held steady at a comfortable level. For me, at least.

Liam wouldn’t lead us to our deaths, that much I could trust. My resolve solidified, refusing to let fear of the unknown take a crack at me.

If only I could ditch the worry over whatever Mirrelle was about to endure on my behalf.

"Careful here," she called back, her voice laced with a hint of mischief despite the grim atmosphere. "Wouldn't want to lose our footing and tumble into the abyss. Hate to steal the gods’ opportunity to do it themselves."

"Very reassuring, Mirrelle," I muttered, rolling my eyes at her attempt to lighten the mood.

"Can't help it," she replied with a shrug. "I thrive in adversity."

“No, friend, you thrive making fun of it.”

“That, too.”

"Thriving or not, we need to focus," Liam interjected, his gaze fixed ahead. "We’re almost there."

Exiting the passage, Mirrelle gave an appreciative whistle. “Cozy,” she joked.

The cavern was massive, with jagged rock walls that stretched up into darkness. Strange crystalline formations jutted out in places, emitting an eerie glow that provided the only natural light.

Stalactites hung randomly from the presumably high ceiling, like daggers poised to fall. The sound of running water echoed through the empty space.

A massive bronzed gate loomed ahead. We approached and I could make out ancient runes etched into its surface, glinting in the dim light.

Liam placed his hand upon one of the runes and spoke words in a language I did not understand. Apparently, I couldn’t have done this in his place. With a great groan, the gate slowly swung open.

A current of magic blew past us, hot and damp like a giant had just exhaled. Or a god.

Half of me wished we had more information about what lay ahead. The other half knew it wouldn’t change anything.

"Any last-minute advice?" Mirrelle asked Liam.

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