"Funny thing about the old paths into the realm. They all burned away when the new king was crowned." The old king's smile was filled with a dark humor. "Anyone who tried to use them was ripped apart in the attempt."
The king patted Alches.
"It seems my old enemies took a few losses," he said, sounding light hearted.
That hadn't been my intent when I’d made my choice, and a small portion of regret tried to attach itself to my heart.
He caressed my hand, his touch as cold as ice. "Don't feel too guilty. You probably saved them from a much more torturous fate. Had they breached my realm, my little pets would have gorged themselves on their flesh. Some of them can be quite sadistic."
Was it weird that my Fae grandfather was trying to console me by pointing out they'd likely had an easier death because of my actions?
I wasn't sure. This whole encounter felt more surreal than the one in his realm.
"When you see my son, tell him I wouldn't mind a visit in the future." He hesitated. "But perhaps not for a small spell. That crown is a bit contrary. It'd be best if it bonded with the king before we tempt it with another."
My grandfather stood to go.
Alches lifted his head but didn't move otherwise, seemingly content to stay where he was.
Wait, I tried to say, the word not quite making it out of my mouth.
Turns out speaking wasn’t necessary as my grandfather paused to look questioningly at me.
What about Alches? Shouldn't he take the dog monster with him?
My grandfather's expression lightened with amusement. "I think he’ll stay with you. Evidently, he now sees you as his new master. Your need was what called him back from the shadows where he was sleeping, after all."
My grandfather walked into the dark shadows in the corner of my room before I could gather myself to argue.
Seconds later, my eyelids grew heavy again and I dropped back into sleep, not knowing if the last few moments had been a weird waking dream or not.
*
The next time I opened my eyes the room was shrouded in soft darkness and my head pounded the way it sometimes did when I had slept too long. Unlike the last time I thought I remembered waking, my muscles only contained a slight soreness.
"You're awake—finally," Thomas said from a chair next to my bed.
A lamp clicked on.
Thomas was dressed casually in jeans and a comfortable looking long-sleeved t-shirt. In this environment, he seemed younger and less like the manipulative master of the city.
Beside him on the floor, Alches opened one eye, his tail thumping a greeting before he closed his eye again.
Thomas glanced to where I was staring. "Do you see something?"
"Just a shadow."
Alches yawned and rolled onto his side, stretching.
"How's Connor?" I asked, Thomas's presence reminding me of something very important.
"He's fine," Thomas said with a glance at my door. "His pride is hurt, and he has refused to leave his post at your door since we brought you here, but he'll survive. Your medusa was kind enough to inject him with a sedative that had no lasting effects."
A harsh breath left me as relief flooded me.
With everything that had happened, I hadn't been able to let myself dwell on his fate. Somehow, the bastard had wormed his way under my guard. If he'd died, it was a wound I wouldn’t have recovered from for a long time.
"That's good," I said.
