The only way to survive was to leave. Escape. It was better than relying on a Fae who would rather shove poisoned food down my throat.
Pausing, I bite my lip. Spending days with his avoidance, it was easy to build him up as the monster. He’s done enough to claim that title.
But now, seeing how peaceful he looks in slumber, it’s hard to see him as a true beast and not the charming Fae who stole my heart in the forest. Who has yet to return it.
Who has been forced to be the monster, like me. Who has seen me and never coward.
I shake my head.No. Escape. That’s the only way the world—and I—survive.
Grabbing my bag, I slip the cloak over my shoulder, throwing on worn training boots covered in sand. Fee had started training me and my body aches from her fists. Soon, she wanted to try swordplay.
Thankfully, I’ll be gone before that.
I sneak out of the bedchambers, into the deserted hall, my mental map showing me where to go. I stay to the shadows, hand to the wall while the other palms the dagger’s hilt, keeping my steps light. I’m atrocious in the dark, and Dark Fae can see better, but I have to move. My only chance is to be quick and get out before being found.
I finally find the door that leads to the gardens. No guards are on patrol, and none are stationed at the exit. I’m not sure what to make of that, nor do I care. I just need to get out.
Maybe the heir was right—I do tend to run head first into danger, whether fleeing or helping.
The dry heat of the Shadowlands strikes me in the face, a welcomed breeze that stirs back my hair. The red haze is gone, only inky black skies and white stars shining overhead. They shine so brightly that they guide my path as I stumble through the lava rocks, to the far back trees. The gardens smell like burnt lilacs and black jasmine, and I inhale.
It smells like freedom.I’m almost there.
I don’t breathe again until my hand touches the bark of the first tree.
Glancing up and back, I wait. No shout of alarm, no stomping boots of guards ready to take me back. There’s a tingling on my cheek, but there isn’t anything else.
Inhaling, I stare into the pitch-black hole of the forest. Here, not even the light of the stars enters, the black gnarled trees blocking all essence from penetrating.
At least that much, Fee was right. Licking my lips, I wait and listen. There are no sounds, nothing to alert me of another presence. No animals, bugs, critters. Just complete emptiness.
I grab my courage and dart inside.
“OnCella’s Crown,” I grumble, promptly tripping over a branch. I can’t see anything more than a few paces in front of my face. The trees are large, with long roots that kick up the sand and rocks, looping along the path.
I trip twice, my boots snagging and I curse under my breath. It’s going to be a long walk. But I have little choice, picking my way through. There weren’t any candles to grab and even if so, a light in here would be detected easily. My only choice is to go slowly so as not to twist an ankle and ruin myplans.
It’s only a few fumbling steps into the tarry mess when a branch snaps behind me.
Cold fear dampens my brow, my spine stiffening. My hands wave into the air, falling against the rough bark and I still. Nothing should be here.
Is it an animal? A creature? Fee didn’t indicate anything was haunting this area, but it would be just like a Dark Fae not to give all the information.
Brushing my hair out of my eyes, I grab my dagger. If it’s a beast, I’m not going to be easy prey, because I’ve had enough of that to last a lifetime.
I quickly rush forward, hands outstretched to catch against the next tree, knee knocking into the trunk. Biting back a curse, blood scents the air as I press my cheek to the side, willing the pain to pass. A deep scrap but I’ll live. I just need to stay silent and see if whatever is tracking me will move on.
“You didn’t think you’d escape, did you, Max?”
My body locks, fear and adrenaline coursing through my limbs. Panic claws at my throat, but I fight it down.
Of course, he found me. I was stupid to think the Dark Fae prince would be asleep long.
I have little in the way of defense without my magic, but I have my dagger. I have my wits. And I’m desperate. I might not be able to kill him, but I can take a few blows. If I injure him enough to stall him without seriously injuring myself, I have a chance at escaping.
It’s a long shot. But it’s the only option I have because if not, my freedom is gone and I’m back in chains.
Carefully, I pick my way through the trees, keeping them to my side to block me from his impeccable sight.
