The Cruel Lord

t the base of her neck. Groaning, she struggled to open her eyes, the dim light of the dungeon flickering before her like di

, enveloped in darkness save for the flickering torch mounted on the stone wall. The air

blanket. Alone in this desolate chamber, she couldn't help but wonder about Edina, her father, and home. We

ense of longing. She had made that decision in a haste, in the last moment without even thinki

d torment until her dying breath. Yet, amidst the despair, she was glad she had caught that doe. It would help them to a few me

o find herbs to soothe the wound before it worsened, potentially succumbing to infection. The physical st

y succumbing to the embrace of death. And when her time came, her lifeless body would be dis

existence, the dungeon's oppressive silence was shattered

in shadows. With skin as dark as midnight and pointed ears reminiscent of mythical beings,

vements fluid and graceful. Despite her attempts to speak, her voice

, their touch surprisingly tender against her skin. Despite her initial apprehension, Maerwynn found herself surrendering to their ministratio

rs. The women remained silent, their expressions inscrutable as they tended to her

nce. As the last vestiges of dirt were washed away, leaving her feeling strangely

Discomfort prickled along her skin, their eyes seeming to dissect every inch of her

of relief, she hastily dressed, their presence lingering only momentarily before they vanished into the shadows, their depar

he silence of the dungeon, Maerwynn stood alo

eps reverberated through the corridor once more. Her heart quickened as

uction to your new accommodations," he remarked, his t

the urge to lash out. "What do you want?"

t to-the gravity of her situation. "Straight to the point as before.

re in the face of his insufferable demeanor. "Cut the pleasant

you to my High Lord, of course. He's been quite eager to make your acqua

r skepticism palpable. She was only here to be tortured for her ancestor's sin, not to be graced with anyo

pare yourself. The Lord doesn't like his goods unkempt," he quipped, before turning on his heel and disappearing down the corridor. The door u

dgeting with nervous energy as she navigated the dimly lit corridor. "What's yo

iable charm?" he quipped with a smi

snort of derision. "You wish," she retor

arlier jest, she couldn't deny the undeniable allure of his smoky grey eyes, chiseled features, and dark, tousle

o fuel her irritation. "The High Lord will find you quite ente

under her breath, her heart poundi

d with exaggerated formality before striding off down the corridor, leav

I thought I was supposed to be a prisoner,

a prisoner. You'll be confined to your quarters, obeying the Lord's every whim and command

warned me about Faes invading our town," she remarked, fixi

re so easily deceived," he retorted, inserting a key into the lock and swingin

ing stars. Flowers? She was expecting something more sinister. Perhaps barren trees swaying

ul," she

le. "I know I am. Thank you," he repli

the flowers," Maerwy

ncredulously. "Of

olled along, her fingers danced across the velvety petals, eliciting giggles as they tickled her skin. Th

ord has a fondne

tched hands a curious sight. "Hardly," he remarked. "This isn't his domain, and those b

ily retracted her hand from the plants. "

possess potent and lethal properties." Rhaenan brushed an imaginary speck from his

the garden. Once they were a safe distance from the dungeon, R

detest

ae asked,

when he finally released her, the world had shifted. No longer were they amidst the Faeblooms, nor was the dungeon in sigh

you done? W

," Rhaenan

ha

lying, but with the added benefit of arriving at your destinat

" Mae was dumbfounde

That's a rather odd way to desc

kle us out of the dungeon? Why w

surroundings are hexed, preventing such a feat a

ight green complexion, purple fingernails and lips, and silver hair adorned with cornrows framing her face gave her an ether

ritatively. "You've returned." Her gaze

ae simply stared back, focusin

ver," Rhaenan said, taking her hand an

'll escort the prisoner to her chambers,"

ed off, leaving Mae under Cal

g her form and leaving her back bare. Mae followed cautiously, pa