Page 43 of The Calling of Caellaias
You have three days, Princess.
-Emrhys
I was too late. He took her. Dropping to the floor, I went into a full-blown panic attack. I couldn't focus, and I could hear my heart beating in my ears. My breathing grew ragged, and I began to feel dizzy. I had to find a way to get myself out of this house and to my sister.
Trying to calm down, I skimmed the note again.Emrhys—so that was the name of the vampire actively trying to ruin my life. He was right; Maeyvecouldhelp me get to Caellaias and save Eiri. But how could I possibly ask that of her after everything she had told me? There had to be another way.
As my breathing returned to normal, rapid footsteps ascended the porch steps. I scrambled to my feet and rushed to the window to see who it was. Maeyve was already at the door, pounding on it and looking frantic.
Clenching the note, I hurried to open the door for her. Relief washed over Maeyve's face when she saw me, but I started crying again as soon as my gaze met hers. She hurried in, slammed the door shut, and pulled me into her arms. She carried me over to the couch, sat, and held me tight.
“What happened?” she whispered.
Pulling back, I handed her the note that was now crumpled and damp from my clammy hands. “He took her. She's in Caellaias! I have to get her back, but I don't know how to get there, and you're the only person who can help me. How could I ever ask you to return to that terrible place?”
“Take some deep breaths. We'll find a way to bring her back, even if that means we have to go to Caellais and get her. I will do anything to bring her back to you, even if it means going back there,” Maeyve whispered into my hair as she rocked me.
Taking deep breaths, as she suggested, I sat up and looked at Maeyve, who was waiting patiently. As she looked over my face, she had a deep sadness in her eyes.
“You weren't gone very long. What happened?” I asked, not sure I wanted to know the answer.
She hesitated for a moment before answering. “I found your sister's car, abandoned, down by my house and immediately knew something was wrong, so I came right back.”
Tears welled in my eyes again.Eiri's car was abandoned. By Maeyve's house. Was she coming to check on me when she encountered the vampire?None of that really mattered.He hadtaken her, and I needed to bring her back home.
“We will get her back. Can I see the note?”
When I handed her the note, I climbed out of her lap. I paced in front of her while she studied it. As she finished reading, she growled and threw the note on the couch beside her.
She stood, walked over to me, and pulled me into her arms. “This vampire—Emrhys—seems like a fucking asshole. I will do everything in my power to make sure he never touches you again. Never. Again.” Huffing out a breath, she nuzzled into my hair and took a deep breath.
“You said there's a portal in these woods?” I asked.
Maeyve stepped back and gave me a sad look. “Yes. There is.”
“Can we go into Maiviraea and make our way to the castle from there?” I asked, hopeful for the first time since I found the note.
“I think that's the only way we'll get to Eirvanna without traveling elsewhere. Caellaias has many outlets in the Earth realm, but they are spread far and wide. We would risk time going elsewhere. My biggest concern is that Emrhys is likely using that route to get to Eirvanna. He could try to intercept us on our way to the castle.”
“I don't want you to go to Caellaias just because you want to protect me. I can try –”
Maeyve leaned in close, making sure I met her gaze. With furrowed brows, she spoke, “All you have to do is say the word, and I'm right there. I don't care what I went through in Caellaias. If you need me, I'll always be there. We've only known each other for a short time, but being with you brings so much happiness into my life; I cannot imagine a life without you anymore.”
Tears welled in my eyes as I whispered, “You bring about feelings in me that I've never experienced before. I've never been this connected to someone. I get this sense of peace and unending happiness when I'm around you; you calm every storm that has been wreaking havoc in my mind for so many years. I don't ever want you to leave because I'm afraid of how I'll feel if you do. But I don't want you to feel obligated to go to Caellaias with me and regret it.”
She tilted my chin up lightly and softly kissed my lips. Then, she placed her forehead against mine and murmured, “I will never leave your side unless I am forced to or you tell me to. I will never regret anything I do as long as you're by my side.”
Smiling, I pulled back from her hold. A tear rolled down her cheek, and I wiped it away. “I think I'm beginning to fall in love with you,” I admitted softly.
Chapter thirty
Anevae
The next day went by in a blur as we devised a plan to rescue my sister and packed for our journey to Caellaias. I was nervous about leaving but knew I had to find Eiri. Momma's stories of my grandfather made him sound cruel, and Maeyve's impressions of him weren't much different. I couldn't wrap my head around what he wanted with us—especially since we were half-breeds. Of course, I also had to create a diversion for my parents so they didn't rush to the area and not find us, so I texted my mom.
Hey Momma. I went to check on Eiri, and everything was fine.
She's been denied several jobs, and she'sfeeling really discouraged.
