Chapter 10
Cambria
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You’d think that aridiculous statement like that would make you feel different, like a piece you’ve always been missing clicked into place and the world finally makes sense. But the words just fall flat, and I feel like the same outcast I’ve always been.
“If I’m some mythical protector,” I scoff, “then why does everyone hate me?”
Achlys turns her sad eyes in my direction, and I wish she’d just keep looking off into the sky. Direct scrutiny always leaves me feeling nauseous; I’ve spent far too long where that sort of attention just led to pain. There’s a massive difference between being the center of attention when I’m soaking up faceless adoration so I can feed, where no one knows who I am, and actually beingseen.
And right now, she sees right through my defenses to the person hiding inside, and is forcing a spotlight where I’d rather cling to my shadows.
“Because Elorie twisted their memories so they wouldn’t turn on her-“ she sighs- “and damned us all in the process.”
Dorian settles back against me, a living chair. It’s positively ridiculous, like the four of us are getting cozy for story time around a campfire, but I’m glad that we listened to Atlas’ gut and pushed for this. I’ve spent far too much time refusing to look at anything too deeply in favor of living to see tomorrow without going mad, that it’s a long time coming. That doesn’t make it easier to swallow, but thankfully, I don’t need to face things alone.
“I think you need to start at the beginning,” Dorian suggests quietly.
Atlas comes to sit on my free side, since Luce already claimed a spot. Being surrounded by them; it helps, gives the illusion of safety, even if it’s just a silly dream in this world.
No matter how much she tries to appear casual, her muscles tense at whatever direction her thoughts take her. Finally, she clears her throat, refocusing her attention above her like she’s reading a script made of constellations.
“Thousands of years ago, things weren’t like this. There was no divide between the courts or separate kingdoms. It was just a constant state of survival and fear.” She drifts into silence, like she needs time to find the right words.
“You were there, weren’t you?”
That tremor in her voice can only come from experience, too authentic to be merely a story passed down through the generations. She nods, closing her eyes.
Atlas stiffens beside me. “Just how long does a fae live?”
Biting my lip, I waver, because this is one complication that we didn’t address before deciding to jump into a relationship. Not that it would have truly mattered in the end, since we were forced to live together anyway, but the emotional part might have been easier to manage.
“Until we’re killed. Whether that’s from being murdered, an accident, or staying human side too long.” I pause before adding, “Though apparently if we sacrifice our abilities, that last one wouldn’t be a factor anymore.”
“So what about us?” Dorian murmurs into my shoulder, like I could have any answers for this situation.
“Not sure, honestly. The couple of times I’ve seen this situation play out back home, Elorie never let them live for more than a few years before they ended up tortured to death.”
Achlys cuts in to assuage our fears. “Your lives are bound by those marks, with Cambria as the center. So long as she lives, you will as well. Though, that’s not to say it will protect you if one of you humans gets tossed off a cliff or snaps your neck. Fae rules apply in this instance.” She taps her finger on her chin. “Though, that’s with a normal tethering. Your bloodline is a force to be reckoned with, so that might change matters. Add in the fact that you have another fae involved, and you truly are in a unique situation I’ve yet to witness in all of my centuries.”
