44. Everly
Everly
Chapter forty-four
Restless, I shift in bed. Kian’s currently sprawled lazily on the sofa, the gentle sound of his snores filling the room. I punch my pillow a few times and flop back down. Nymeria and Anika are curled up at the end of the bed, fast asleep. Seeing everyone else sleeping so peacefully only intensifies my frustration.
Rolling over, I wince as the two knives on my thigh dig awkwardly into my leg. This isn’t working. The tea may have relaxed me, but I can’t get comfortable. Maxon's absence had left a void, a longing for his strong arms to envelop me in their embrace.
Climbing from the bed as quietly as I can, I tiptoe toward the secret passage, doing my best not to disturb either the wolves or Kian. Without looking back, I hold my breath as I press the small stone button on the wall. The door slides open and I make my way toward Maxon’s room in the dark. The only sound to be heard is my breathing and the soft click of my boot on the stone floor. My fingers trace the wall as I walk, the stone smooth and cool beneath my hand. I find the lever in the dark and pull. The moment the door slides open, I'm greeted by Maxon's unmistakable scent.
For the first time since he left yesterday, I feel at peace. Without bothering to remove my boots, I crawl onto the bed and collapse. The softness of the bed cushions me, providing a comfort I've been seeking. Within seconds, my eyelids grow heavy, weighed down by the fatigue that has accumulated throughout the previous day. The gentle rhythm of my breath matches the peaceful silence in the room. I feel the outside world slowly fading away as my body sinks deeper into relaxation. Thoughts and worries dissolve into the abyss of my subconscious, replaced by a blissful stillness. I pull the blanket up to my chin, the warmth of it adding to the sense of comfort, lulling me further into a state of blissful surrender. Tendrils of sleep wrap around my mind, gently pulling me toward its realm. The world around me becomes distant and blurry as my consciousness drifts away, succumbing to the irresistible pull of slumber.
‘Come to me . . . ’
With a jolt, I wake to find myself standing amidst the dense, eerie darkness of the forest, where shadows dance and whisper. Slowly, I pivot. The unsettling silence is broken only by the rustling of leaves and the distant hoot of an owl. An icy shiver runs down my spine, my heart pounding in my chest, as I realize I am still clad in the same clothes I fell asleep in—a chilling confirmation that I am trapped in a nightmarish realm.
‘Come to me, Everly . . . '
The piercing glow of those red eyes, haunting me since my first night in these woods, flicker and shift around me.
“Everly!” a familiar voice yells from somewhere far away.
The voice sounds so real.
I watch the horrible black beast approach, its ruby red eyes glowing in the darkness, its hot breath misting in front of it. I tremble in fear, the blood freezing in my veins.
‘Everly . . . ’ the voice sings followed by a chuckle.
“Everly, wake up!”
I shoot up in bed, my eyes scanning the room frantically. Maxon’s room. Tristan and Kian are standing over me, concern lining their faces. The room is darker than normal, vines covering the windows and doors to the balcony. One vine trembles as it snakes over the sheets toward me, wrapping around my wrist as if to soothe me.
“I’m okay,” I mumble, trying to adjust to being woken so suddenly. Though I’m glad I’m not facing that hellish beast again. “It was just a nightmare.”
My voice wavers slightly, and I repeat it again, not sure if I’m trying to convince them or me. Kian and Tristan exchange worried glances.
I scrub my hands over my face, causing the vines that have wrapped around my wrist to loosen their grip. As the tingling sensation of magic slowly fades away, a sense of relief washes over me. The emerald green leaves that have entangled the balcony within their thorny embrace now begin to recede. Reflecting on the experience, I realize how terrifying that dream was. My heart is pounding so hard in my chest, it seems like it’s about to burst free. The lingering fear has engraved itself into my mind, sending shivers down my spine. It feels as though the nightmare has seeped into reality, leaving me feeling utterly vulnerable and on edge.
“I spoke to the queen last night, and she is currently questioning Madeline. We will know soon enough if she is the traitor,” Tristan’s voice breaks through my inner thoughts.
I swing my legs from the bed and stand. I have an overwhelming desire to be there, to lock eyes with her and see it for myself. The countless years of being mistreated and bullied in foster care left a lasting impact. I have finally reached a point where I refuse to let anyone think they can treat others badly without facing the repercussions.
“Then let’s go.”
With each step I take toward the door, my footsteps resonate with a resounding echo, a declaration of my unwavering commitment to dealing with the traitor. The world around me fades into insignificance as my focus sharpens, honing in on the task at hand. Nothing else matters now except finding the one responsible for Maxon’s betrayal.
Before I can reach the door, sounds erupt in the halls, and some screams. I halt and suddenly Kian and Tristan grab me, dragging me to the door, both drawing their swords.
The piercing screams resonate through the hall, causing a surge of adrenaline as I try to free myself.
“We have to help!” I yell.
Kian's eyes dart between me and Tristan, and a silent understanding passes between them. A sense of unease hangs in the air, making it hard to breathe.
“Your safety comes first,” Tristan argues.
Shock has my mouth dropping open in protest. “No. We need to see what’s happening.”
“We will go. You stay here.”
“What? No. I can help.”
“We are wasting time!” Kian snaps his eyes darting toward the door.
“You will wait here.” Tristan growls a second before Kian lifts me.
“Let me go, Kian!”
“This is for your own safety.”
Before I can comprehend what he is planning, Kian swiftly places me in the wardrobe. My mind slows down, and it takes me a moment to gather my wits. Before I can even utter a word of protest, they swiftly close the door, trapping me inside and filling me with sheer terror. I manage to push myself onto my knees, desperately pounding on the door. Through the narrow crack, I catch a glimpse of Kian securing something around the handles, and then both he and Tristan exit the room, leaving me behind in a state of confusion and fear.
A surge of adrenaline courses through me, causing my heart to race uncontrollably. Betrayal slices through my chest at how easily they left me in here. My stomach churns, and spots begin to dance before my eyes. Digging my nails into the door, I drop my head, resting it on the wooden surface.
Why? Why would they do this?
I needed to get out.
“Please . . . ” I whisper into the dark.
I can feel tears begin to roll down my face, and I know I need to be stronger than this. They will come back. They weren’t like my foster brother. But still I desperately try to push on the doors, but they only budge a tiny bit, held closed by whatever they have tied them shut with. I try calling out, but my voice emerges as a raspy wheeze, fear clogging my throat. I bang my fists on the doors, resting my head on the cool, smooth surface.
Shouts can still be heard from outside, and I know something is wrong. A knot tightens in my stomach, a primal instinct warning me that danger lurks just beyond.
Is this Madeline’s doing? Alivar?
My chest squeezes painfully as I only manage to draw in the smallest amount of air. I lean all my weight against the doors and begin whispering the lullaby my mother sang to me as a child, my eyes falling closed.
I don't know how much time has passed before the doors are suddenly ripped open, and I fall forward. My heart stalls as I brace for the impact, but strong, secure arms wrap around me, catching me as I fall. The relief that consumes me is instantaneous, and I find myself unable to suppress the sobs that emerge from deep within my chest. Maxon’s arms spasm around me, and his resounding growl moves over my skin.
“Shit!” Raiden curses, his voice sounding furious. “Who the fuck put her in there?!” he bellows.
I don’t lift my head from where I’ve buried it in Maxon’s neck as he rocks me. I can sense his confusion at my reaction, but only Raiden knows of my fear.
Maxon’s large palm smooths over the back of my head as he carries me over to the sofa and takes a seat with me in his lap.
“Stóirín?” he whispers, his deep, rough voice full of emotion.
I can’t sense his emotions right now. My own are front and center, overriding everything else, embarrassment now replacing the fear I was trying to overcome moments ago.
The sound of Kian's voice reaches my ears. “I just needed her to stay put and not leave the room while we checked out what was happening. I didn’t think she’d react like that.”
“You should never lock someone up unless it’s in the dungeons for a fucking crime. That’s where I should send you two for the shit you just pulled. Everly cannot be locked up!” Raiden yells, the walls seeming to tremble with his anger.
“Stóirín, talk to me.”
I know I need to explain myself, but now it feels incredibly foolish.
“You are not foolish,” Maxon growls.
My heart skips a beat, and I pull back enough to meet his gaze. I can feel my eyes are puffy from crying, and wish like anything that I could be rid of this damn fear.
“Seeing you like this breaks me.” Maxon leans down, rubbing his nose along mine.
I wrap my arms around him, holding him as tight as I can for several moments before taking a deep breath and turning to face the room. Slowly, I raise my eyes to look over at Raiden. The fury burning in his eyes steals my breath. I push from Maxon’s lap and make my way over to him, wrapping my arms around his massive form.
“It’s okay,” I whisper into his chest.
“It’s not,” he replies, his voice harsh and gruff. “I should throw them in the dungeons.”
“They didn’t know.”
“I still don’t even know,” Maxon snarls as he stands.
He’s still in his fighting gear, his armor still hugging his frame. He looks stunning, a vision of striking handsomeness that makes me feel like the luckiest woman alive. His features stand out even more thanks to the way his long, dark hair is pulled back in a half-up, half-down style.
Dragging my eyes from him, I face everyone. My hands rub down my pants nervously. “It’s silly, really.”
“Don’t do that,” Raiden snaps. “Your fear should not be diminished or trivialized.”
“Right.” My eyes drop to the floor. “Look, I’m scared of being trapped in small spaces, especially in the dark.”
“You have claustrophobia?” Maxon asks gently.
“Yes, it stems from my childhood. My foster brother frequently locked me away, sometimes for long periods of time. He enjoyed–” I pause, feeling the tension in the room grow. Maxon’s eyes are glowing, and not just the violet and silver combination I’m used to. Flames swirl and twirl in their depths, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.
His attention snaps to Raiden. “You knew about this?”
“Don’t blame him. I asked him not to tell anyone. He was being a good friend,” I answer before Raiden can.
Maxon storms over to me, taking my hand in his. “Where does he live?”
“What?”
“This foster brother.”
“What? No.”
“Tell me.”
Instead, I push up on my toes, my lips meeting his in a soft embrace. “It’s very sexy of you, wanting to avenge me, but please just forget it. He isn’t worth it.”
“But you are,” Maxon states firmly, his expression softening as he stares down at me. His fingers thread through my hair as he pulls me closer. Butterflies swarm my stomach and I rest my cheek on his chest, listening to his heartbeat as it beats in sync with mine.
“Everly.” Kian’s tone is low, pleading.
Reluctantly, I shift my body in Maxon's arms, unsure of what to expect.
Kian's eyes hold a deep remorse, a silent admission of regret. “I’m so sorry I put you in there. Had I known, we never would have done that.”
“I know,” I whisper.
“We are truly remorseful, and are ashamed of our actions,” Tristan adds softly.
‘Want me to put them in the dungeons for the night?’ Maxon offers, his deep voice caressing my mind.
‘No, we have more important things to do.’
‘You sure? Because I really want to see them in there for upsetting you.’
I squeeze his arm, which is still wrapped around my waist. ‘I’m sure.’
The door to Maxon’s chambers bangs open, making all of us jump. Within a second, I am swiftly maneuvered behind Maxon, and his sword is drawn.
“Thank the goddess Aine, you're all here!” Zaria says.
“We’ve been looking everywhere!” Nix agrees.
As I step out from behind Maxon, my eyes land on a disheveled-looking Zaria, flanked by Nix and Rayna.
“What are you guys doing back already?” Nix asks, glancing from Maxon to Raiden.
“We heard about Alivar,” Maxon growls.
“How?” Zaria asks.
“Everly.”
“You can mindspeak over that great of a distance?” Tristan breathes, his wide purple eyes bouncing between us.
“Seems like it,” Maxon responds.
“That’s amazing!” Rayna gushes. “But why haven’t you confirmed your mating status? It is obvious from Everly’s markings, but I thought this would be something you’d be shouting from the rooftops.”
“There has been a lot going on, and I didn’t want to overwhelm Everly.”
“Right. Your memories returning and the prophecy.” Her casually spoken statement catches me off guard, and I blink in surprise.
“Sorry, I told her.” Zaria looks contrite.
That’s when I notice Zaria is bleeding from a cut on her arm. The vivid crimson of her blood catches my attention, standing out against her sage dress. My eyes zero in on the gash, the sight of it sending a surge of concern through me. It seems I’m not the only one to notice. Raiden, with a determined stride, storms over to her. Zaria’s brown eyes widen in surprise as Raiden gently lifts her arm. I can’t see his face; all I can see is the tension radiating from his shoulders.
“What happened?” His snarl echoes through the room, startling Rayna and causing her to retreat a step.
“An arrow nicked me. It will heal soon enough.”
“It would heal quicker if you could shift,” Raiden snaps.
Hurt lines Zaria’s eyes, and I can see tears building. A sharp pain pierces my chest at her obvious distress. Maxon's attention shifts to me, as if he can feel the weight of my pain.
Zaria’s tail pokes Raiden in the chest twice. “You don’t think I know that?”
“I didn’t mean–”
“Yes, you did.”
Raiden reaches up, cupping her neck, his thumbs grazing her jaw. “I didn’t.”
Then, surprising us all, Raiden leans down, dropping a gentle kiss on her forehead. My heart swoons, and my gaze catches Maxon’s, his lips tipping up in a knowing smirk.
Zaria and Raiden take a step back, creating a space between them. I watch as Zaria makes her way toward me, her hands sending a chill through my skin as she clutches mine. Zaria is never cold. As a shifter, her body heat keeps her warm, even in the coldest of temperatures.
"Are you okay?" Her concern is evident in her voice. “I tried searching for you when you weren’t in your room, but then with the Outcasts and everything, I needed to get to Rayna.”
“There is no need to explain. I was fine. I came through the tunnels to Maxon’s chambers when I couldn’t sleep.”
Raiden snorts. “She was not fine. These fools locked her in a wardrobe to stop her from leaving the room when the commotion started.”
Zaria’s ears twitch, understanding lighting her feline eyes.
“Raiden told you?” I whispered.
“Yes. But I swear I have told no one.”
“It’s fine.”
Tristan steps forward. “Would you stop saying everything is fine? It’s not fine.”
“He is right,” Maxon agrees, his eyes narrowing on him.
Ignoring them, I pull Zaria down next to me on the sofa and tilt her arm so I can see the gash better.
“It’s still weeping blood,” I murmur. “And you’re cold to the touch.”
“I know . . . ” Zaria sighs. “I suspect the arrow was poisoned.”
I reach up, covering the cut with my palm, and close my eyes. The tell-tale tingle sensation of magic moves through me, and I feel my body warm. The room goes completely silent, and I open my eyes to see a green leafy bandage forming around her arm. The glow of the green magic is visible as it swirls around her arm. Moving my hand, I sigh and look up into Zaria's shocked face.
In the reflection of her eyes, I see mine are glowing a vibrant green. The unexpectedness of it takes me by surprise, leaving me momentarily breathless.
“You can heal now?” Kian asks as he comes around the sofa and leans down to inspect Zaria’s arm.
“Yes.” I shrug.
“Holy shit,” Rayna breathes.
Feeling embarrassed and hating being the center of attention, I stand and clear my throat. “What happened out there?”
“Outcasts stormed the castle,” Raiden surmises.
“They were looking for something.” Rayna takes a seat next to her sister. “Moving from room to room.”
“Do we know what?” Kian inquires.
“Nope, but Madeline is dead, and so are a few other nobles.” Zaria’s words make me jolt.
I’m overwhelmed by a sinking feeling, as if a heavy weight has settled in my chest. Surprisingly, her death fails to bring me any sense of relief. “What?”
“Was she the target?” Tristan asks. “We suspected her of being Alivar’s spy.”
“Alivar wouldn’t kill his spy. They’d be no use to him dead, and I can’t see him working with the Outcasts either.”
“True, but if the spy was about to be discovered . . . ” Kian considers.
Maxon paces. “It just doesn’t seem like something he’d do.”
I frown, sensing Maxon’s inner turmoil. “You seem to act like you know him well.”
“We were close as children.”
My eyes bulge. “Really?”
“Yes, before the uprising. After your parents were killed, everyone settled on sides. The realm was divided. Seelie, unseelie, Outcasts . . . There was a line drawn, and we weren’t to cross it. Like I’d mentioned before, the Druids kept the peace.”
“But because of their fear of me and what I could do, they waged war?”
“Exactly.”
I see Asrai float up and land on Raiden’s head, holding onto one of his horns. Her orbed eyes take in the room before landing on me.
‘Madeline wasn’t the traitor,’ she signs.
My pulse kicks up a notch. ‘Do you know who it is?’
Asrai shakes her head and hides behind Raiden’s horn just as the doors to Maxon’s chamber bang open for a second time. Nolan strolls in, an air of urgency surrounding him. He draws up short, his eyes widening in surprise, as he catches sight of all of us, his face paling when he spots Maxon.
“Maxon, y- you're back?” he stammers.
We all frown at Nolan as he stands there. “Yes, I only just arrived as the Outcasts were fleeing.”
“The queen will want to debrief you about Escalle,” he replies, composing himself.
“I will get to her soon enough.”
My curiosity gets the better of me. “Why are you here?”
“To summon His Highness.”
“But you weren’t aware he was back,” I note, feeling my heart trip up.
The blood drains from Nolan’s face, and he backs up as if realizing his mistake. “Right.”
My awareness shifts to Asrai, and I quickly realize that she is visibly shaking.
“It’s you,” I murmur, my eyes drifting back to Nolan. “You’re the traitor.”
Unease slithers down my spine, and everyone in the room freezes as they all turn their attention to Nolan. Understanding ripples through the room, followed by disbelief.
One second Maxon is beside me, next he’s across the room, his hand around Nolan’s throat. “How long?” he demands.
Nolan doesn’t answer.
“I’m giving you five seconds to answer me, Nolan.”