“Ever has been exiled from camp for calling off his engagement with the chieftain’s daughter,” Maddox announces. “We tried to warn him, but he has not been in his right mind since the two of you parted ways.”
Hold on. Did he say Ever has been exiled for breaking off his bloody engagement?
“As I am sure he told you, our lands are dangerous. Because of his decision, he is no longer welcome in our camp and has been cut off from our resources.”
No longer welcome in camp…
Cut off from resources…
“This is my fault.”
When Maddox nods, Nia pinches him again.
He bares his sharp teeth in a snarl. “That fucking hurt.”
“Good. Next time, don’t blame my cousin for your friend’s mistakes.”
They can squabble later. Right now, there are more pressing matters at hand. “How do we help him?”
Maddox’s face falls into a frown. “Once you are exiled, there is no coming back.”
What about forgiveness? What about mercy? Ever makes one mistake and is expected to pay for it with his life? “So he’s supposed to live on his own for the rest of eternity?”
Maddox’s shoulders sink even lower as his hand falls to the bone-handled dagger on his belt. “Ever is more than capable of surviving, but it will not be for eternity.”
But we’re all immortal as long as we drink from a well.
Cut off from our resources.
“The treaty with the Seelie only applies to those within the community,” he says, confirming my worst fears.
“What contract?” Nia asks.
“The one that lets them access the well on Wednesdays,” I whisper.
Maddox nods.
And now, because of me, Ever is going to die. He may be young and healthy for the moment, but his youth will fade and that’s the best-case scenario. For all I know, he could have already fallen prey to a bloody wolf.
There must be some way to undo this. Some way to save him from himself. Maybe if I speak to him—hell, even speak to his chieftain, he will change his mind.
One thing is for certain, I cannot sit around and donothing.
“I need to see him.”
Maddox nods. “I can bring you.”
Nia’s hand grazes mine. “If you cross now, everyone will see you.”
She’s not telling me not to go, simply alluding to the consequences. If anyone sees me crossing The Divide alongside Maddox, no man in the city will come near me. I won’t be welcome in my aunt’s home.
“Let them see.” I refuse to hide my feelings any longer.
I’m in love with an Unseelie fae and I don’t care who knows it.
40
“While most Lethan wolves live alone, some have been known to hunt in packs.”
