Page 87 of Ransomed to the World
The guard gave a short, precise bow, understanding it was an order. He turned smartly on his heel, clearly not pleased to be assigned to a half-breed like her, a sneer curling his lips. He didn’t touch her, but she didn’t have a doubt he’d take great pleasure in beating her to a pulp if she tried to disobey.
She followed the guard, keeping her pace slow and measured, still able to feel the council studying her every move, taking her apart to see what it was about her that would motivate Daxion to face public humiliation by claiming her.
As she and the guard exited the council room, the doors closed with a resounding thud that reverberated in her chest like a coffin sealing her fate. A young man a few years her senior strolled down the hall, sharp, intelligent eyes landing on her, but what caught her attention was the small ferret loping down the hallway behind him, darting in and out of the shadows.
Prem!
Her breath caught in her chest, and she hurriedly dragged her gaze away before she gave away his location.
The man came to a stop in front of her, his hands behind his back. He towered over her, a little over six feet tall, but everyone was tall since she barely topped five feet.
The guards and Sadie snapped to attention, but he didn’t even bother acknowledging them. He gazed at her for a moment, not speaking, his regard a bit intrusive, but not cruel like the council. “I’m Cedwyn Dairi.”
When she remained quiet, his lips twitched in amusement. “And who are you?”
Fuck if she wanted to tell him, but saying nothing would only make him more curious, which she couldn’t afford.
“Annora…” She hesitated for a second. “Daxion.” Even saying his name left a bad taste in her mouth, but she had no choice, at least for now.
His eyebrows inched up, and he nodded, then turned to the side and offered her his arm. “Will you allow me to show you home?”
Annora stiffened at his offer, but she didn’t dare search for the guys or look at Sadie. Something told her it’d be best not to be alone with the guards, so she gave a small nod and accepted his arm. “Thank you.”
His hand landed on hers, his grip firm, and she suspected that she didn’t really have a choice.
Chapter Twenty-four
Annora allowed herself to be escorted from the building, figuring it was better to go with Cedwyn Dairi than the guard. As she passed through the wards, she braced herself for another interview, but other than a crackle of static against her skin, she made it through without a problem.
As the connection to her mates snapped back into place, a rush of warmth tingled along her veins, the relief at having them back nearly making her giddy. Her hold on the darkness lessened, flooding her system, and it was a struggle to hold back the surge when it wanted to seek out her mates to make sure they were safe.
She remained quiet as she followed Cedwyn down the steps. She thought about sneaking away to join the guys, but she didn’t want to reveal the extent of her abilities. She didn’t doubt that at least Daxion, and probably some of the others were having her watched.
She eyed Cedwyn, wondering if she was being led to her death. Annora glanced at Sadie, who was following them a pace behind, trying to gauge her reaction…and saw a small smile play on her lips.
So either Sadie was happy to be marching Annora to her death or she trusted this guy.
Cedwyn patted Annora’s hand, then nodded and smiled at a group of passing people. He spoke to her through his teeth, his lips barely moving. “We’ll explain everything when we get you to your father’s house. There are too many people watching us now.”
Annora wasn’t sure she believed them, but she didn’t have a choice. Only when she caught sight of a small fox darting along the buildings, following them, did she allow herself to relax. Her team would find her.
They strolled through the city, away from the busy streets, away from the shops and carts. On the opposite side of the main building were half a dozen or more stately buildings, each more majestic and imposing than the last.
“Welcome to Elite Row, or that’s what the people on the lower side call it.” Cedwyn gave her a mocking grin, his grip firm as he dragged her along with him. “This is where the elite families live, away from the riffraff on the other side.”
Sadie was alert as she scanned the streets, but there were more guards than people loitering. “Can it, Cedwyn.”
He tossed Sadie a sharp grin and a salute, his pace slow as he sauntered down the street like he owned the place. Maybe he did. “As you can guess, Daxion’s family seat is biggest.”
“Of course.” Annora glanced up…it was the house at the end of the street, house being a massive understatement—it was a fucking mansion. The lawns and gardens were well maintained, not even a leaf or a blade of grass out of place, everything so lush and green it almost hurt the eyes.
They said no more as they approached the gates. Sadie placed her hand against the guard post, and the gates slowly slid open, like it recognized her. The fragrance of flowers was almost overwhelming as they walked up the well-groomed pathway, Sadie poking and prodding at them to keep moving until they entered the front door.
Cedwyn looked around inquisitively, then shrugged and smiled when he caught her looking at him. “I’ve only been here a handful of times. My family deals in illusions, which Daxion finds beneath him.”
Annora frowned at his mocking tone, but Sadie spoke before Annora could muster a reply. “Shut it, Cedwyn. She hates Daxion even more than you do.”
Sadie headed straight for the grand staircase, and Annora followed, glancing around curiously. The place was stunning, everything gilded with gold or draped in flowers…and it left her cold. This wasn’t a home, it was a business. There was nothing personal around the mansion but a bunch of old portraits.
