10. Rhyland
Rhyland
10
I 'm burning off nervous energy, caged in this gilded 'cell,' combing every inch for some crack, any way out.
The room is a den of debauchery, decked out in exotic furnishings that scream wealth and power. Plush rugs and intricate tapestries adorn every surface, a feast for the eyes that leaves a bitter taste. In the far corner, there's a bed big enough to fit an army, draped in silk sheets that practically ooze sin. The lighting is some dark fae magic, casting an eerie glow that sets my teeth on edge. I hate every inch of this place, and I can't wait to burn it to the ground.
This damn collar clamped on my neck is mocking my every attempt to break free. No magic, no escape. I'm stuck playing by the queen's twisted rules.
A soft rap at the door, and I'm instantly alert. The door nudges open, and in slips that slight Fae girl, the same one as before.
She sets down the decanter of blood on a table without a peep, giving me a quick curtsy, her gaze glued to the floor. But then, she edges closer, her voice a low murmur, "Good day, My Lord. I'm Meadow."
Acknowledging her with a nod, my arms remain firmly crossed. "Right. So you're here to help me, huh?"
Her response is to raise a finger to her lips, a sharp "Shhh," her big brown doe eyes swimming with anxiety.
From the adjacent room, Lucian quips, "Hey bro, try to dial back the thrill a notch. We wouldn't want your wild enthusiasm to spill over, would we?"
I ignore him and lock my focus on Meadow. "Don't just freeze up now, spit it out. What's your grand scheme?" My voice barely rises above a whisper.
Meadow lifts her gaze, a glint of determination in her eyes. "In the eastern library, there's a book that can break the queen's grip on you. Slip in there when the castle's asleep tonight, and I'll decode the spells to set you free."
I let out a derisive snort, but beneath the scoff, a flicker of hope flares up. "I'm barred from leaving this room, remember? The queen will string me up if she finds me snooping around."
I throw the words out quietly, laced with skepticism.
Lucianchimes in from the next room, "What, did your sense of adventure take a vacation? Come on, they say luck's a lady for the daring—and I have a feeling she's quite the catch!"
I throw a killer glare at the wall—might as well be screaming at the brick for all the good it would do—then pivot back toMeadow. "And just why the hell can’t you grab the book yourself? You seem to know this place like the back of your hand."
Meadowsmirks. "I assure you, I have my methods. A special concoction will ensure the guards remain in a deep slumber until dawn. However, acquiring the book itself falls to you. It is placed on a shelf beyond my reach."
We keep our voices down, a thread above silence. I size her up, noting her tiny stature.
Letting out a long breath, I level a no-nonsense look at her. "I'm not sold yet. You're weaving a tale that's stretching my patience. But pull this off tonight, prove you're not bullshitting me, and maybe this crazy plan might work."
Meadow lifts her chin. "I seek only to undo the injustices plaguing this realm."
My suspicions are locked tight, but they're beginning to crack. Meadow has a knack for risk—it might just be my golden ticket out of here.
A blend of concession and the thrill of defying the queen stirs within me. "Fine. We'll play your game tonight. But remember, if this is a trap, you'll regret it." The threat is uttered in a guttural growl, razor-like in its intensity.
Victory sparks in Meadow's eyes, and her voice drops to an excited hush. "Come nightfall, you'll break free from these chains."
Staring down at Meadow, I can't help but wonder out loud. "What's your angle in all this? Why take the heat for me?"
Meadow holds my gaze, unwavering. "I have my own reasons. Your freedom represents more than just your own—it’s hope for every soul oppressed by the queen."
I try to spot any hint of a con, but all I see is raw honesty and a solid streak of guts. She gets the risks, but she's stepping up for something bigger than us. That kind of self-sacrifice hits a nerve.
"People don't usually throw themselves into the fire for someone they don't know—especially for a vampire," I say slowly. "You're either brave as hell, crazy, or dead serious about knocking the queen off her throne."
Meadow tips her chin up. "I follow my gut and pay the price, whatever it is."
My guard drops a notch, suspicion melting. But trust? That's another beast, and I'm not there yet.
She takes a deep breath, opens her mouth, then shuts it again as if choosing her words carefully. I shift impatiently, arms folded across my chest. "I was torn from my family, and because... I have visions," she hesitates. "I've seen you in them, saving this realm from darkness."
I keep my face composed, trying to gather more. “You see anything else when these visions hit you?”
“Only an element—light,” Meadow tosses back.
Her words light up a firework of questions. Could her sight be tangled with the secret mission that set Dani and me on this path?
Is there a link to the prophecy we're trying to nail down?
I release a breath I wasn't aware I was holding, grateful Meadow seems oblivious to Dani's importance.
No act here; she's the real deal. I straighten up, her talk of premonitions snagging my interest. "Does the queen know about your... talents?" I prod.
Meadow shakes her head. "She thinks me a rebellious servant. My visions are a secret I guard closely."
If Meadow's been using her visions under the radar, that's gutsy. It tells me she's got skin in the game. And if the queen's clueless, we have a secret weapon.
My usual wariness cools—breaking out isn't just a personal vendetta anymore; it's critical to the cause.
Meadow's proving herself an ally worth having. "Those visions might be the game-changer we didn't know we needed," I tell her. I lean down, my stare drilling into hers. "Okay, Mouse. We'll do this your way. But let's get one thing straight—it better work. I'm done playing prisoner in this twisted fairy tale."
Her grin flashes bright as she nods confidently. "My oath to you. Come nightfall, you'll be free."
She throws a quick curtsy, then disappears, probably off to prep for tonight. If this goes south, we'll both be in a world of hurt, but I'm ready to bet it all on this play.
Lucian murmurs with dry humor, "Can I get an amen? It's about time we vacate this dumpster fire."
I continue pacing, feeling restless. "Assuming Meadow's plan isn't a trap by the queen," I mutter darkly.
With a sneer, Lucian retorts, "Shocker, Mr. Sunshine is all clouds today. What'd you do, pawn your sense of adventure? I don't see anyone else willing to help us out of this fae pornucopia ."
Despite myself, a smile quirks up. "I shall leave the boldness to your reckless ass. I prefer keeping my head firmly attached."
Lucian scoffs, "Oh, that's rich, brother. The gratitude is just overwhelming here. Let's not forget who's pulled your ass out of the fire a time or two."
His jab hits a nerve, triggering a flashback—Lucian, charging into that bunker, facing off with the Shadow Brotherhood to drag Erik and me out. He didn't bat an eye at the danger. A flicker of thanks warms me, but I crush it. Lucian's ego doesn't need more fuel. We're bound by blood, but we knock heads just as often as we have each other's backs—his wiseass mouth never fails to light my fuse.
I let out a snort, covering up the churn inside. "Sure, sure. Just remember, if this goes sideways, we're up to our necks in it together."
The image of Dani flickers in my head, and I reach for her—through our connection. But I hit a wall—nothing. A string of curses flies from my lips. It's been days since I felt her pulse in my veins, and it's screwing with my head. This connection—it's like a fuse burning down, and with each moment we're separated, I'm edging closer to losing it.
My control is fraying, and my temper flares like wildfire. I need Dani's calming touch. I'm teetering on the edge; if I drop, it'll be straight into fury and chaos.
She's got to be feeling this too, right? Is she out there, fighting her own demons? What if this distance is gnawing away at what keeps us grounded?
"Get your shit together, Rhy," Lucian snarls from the other room. "You're losing it, and I don't know shit about this mate crap. But if what they say is true, buckle up, or I'll kick your ass to next Tuesday."
This isolation's eating at me, but I can't let it twist my head. I can’t drown in rage and panic—not if I plan to hold Dani again. I've got to play smart, keep my cool. It’s wits over brawn.
And when I do reach her—when we're finally side by side—come hell or high water, no force in this world or the next will have the balls to split us up again.