Page 70 of Claimed By the Fae Lord

Her face turned to granite. She didn’t say anything so I believed for a moment we could avoid this discussion for a while longer.

Mirrelle quirked an eyebrow. "Really? Just a house?”

“That’s what I said.”

“When did you build it?" Mirrelle pressed, her insight cutting through my attempt at nonchalance.

"Does it matter?" My annoyance sharpened each word.

Raina remained unfazed, her eyes never leaving mine. "After the contract was negated?"

“Yes.” The single word fell from my lips, heavy with things unsaid. That was all I would allow to escape. The rest would remain buried deep within the stone walls of my guarded heart.

I wasn’t ready to open up and reveal that particular wound.

"Let's head back," I suggested abruptly, eager to leave behind the ghosts of memories best forgotten. “Night’s nearly here.”

Mirrelle looked at me with curiosity but didn’t say anything. I didn’t take another peek at Raina, instead taking quick strides towards the woods to give myself a little distance.

I was almost clear of the training grounds when the air shifted, heralding my paranoia. Instincts honed by years of training snapped into place as I scanned the area.

I didn’t see anything but I was spooked enough to worry. "Raina, get—"

Chaos erupted before the words fully left my mouth. Shadowy figures were on us, swift and merciless, a blur of dark cloaks and darker intentions.

And there was Raina, in the thick of it, her spear a silver flash against the darkening sky.

"Mirrelle!" I barked, even as I deflected a blow meant for my head. "Cover her!"

The frustration in Raina's eyes blazed brighter than any torch as she ducked another assailant. Mirrelle was a wall of pure tenacity between Raina and the attackers, absorbing hits that were meant for her friend.

"I can fight, damn it!" Raina shouted, voice ice-cold with anger.

But Mirrelle was unyielding, shoving Raina back each time she tried to engage. The nymph did her best to shoot daggers of ice but Mirrelle continued blocking her view.

I fought with everything I had in me, every strike a promise of retribution. Yet, part of me, the part that knew the terrain, the darkness, and the odds, screamed to order Raina to run. But where? There was no safe path, no clear escape.

"Stay close!" I yelled over the clash of metal and the grunts of exertion.

A surge of protectiveness welled up, fueling my blows as I cut down one assailant, then another. But still, they came.

Our guards should have engaged them first, or sent up a signal. We’d taken precautions—so what the fuck happened?

"Mirrelle, to your left!" I called out, even as I spun to intercept a blade aimed at my side.

"Stop it!" Raina growled as Mirrelle pushed her back yet again. “Let me help!”

But Mirrelle's resolve held firm—she had chosen her role, and she would die fulfilling it if need be. My respect for the blood fae rose instantly.

Raina wasn't just fighting the kidnappers, she was fighting Mirrelle's protective instincts too, determined to stand her ground. Mirrelle was handling both her friend and the enemy remarkably well.

But I needed Raina to follow orders.

I needed her to stay alive.

I needed her …

And through the frenzy of battle, something fierce and staggering swelled within me. I would not fail her, not like I had Nox’s father.

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