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He waggled his brows. Didn’t your sister take them so we could have some time alone?
I averted my gaze, sorrow twisting a knot in my chest. Not without your brother.
He gave me a funny look. Which one?
Ash, I answered, bothered that he’d even ask.
We emerged into that narrow slate tunnel that led to our rooms. A musty breeze blew through the dark hall, lightly ruffling my hair. I looked in both directions. A pinprick of light could be seen at one end of the tunnel, and I knew that was the way to the cavern where we’d dined. The other way was dark, reminding me of the entrance to a fathomless pit. I got a strange feeling while I stared into the blackness, almost as if my destiny was somehow waiting there.
Finn’s nostrils flared as he scented the air for Ash, and I couldn’t help but still be bothered by his question. I hadn’t even mentioned Helian since I’d climbed into bed with Finn. Why would he think I was waiting for Helian?
I stopped an older satyr woman as she passed by carrying a basket of soiled linens. “I beg your pardon. Have you seen my mate?”
She pulled down her hood, pointing to the other end of the long, dark hall. “He’s down there.”
Finn frowned after she walked off. “I think this is the wrong way.”
I pulled him down the hall. “She said he was down here,” I said, irritation lacing my words. Why had he asked which brother? As if I’d choose Helian over Ash?
Finn stopped me, tugging on my hand. “I think she might have meant Helian.” He turned up his nose, sniffing the air. “I smell him nearby.”
My heart did a backflip. “He-he’s down here?” I rasped. Oh, goddess. Did I want to see him? Then again, how could I pass up this chance? I had questions, and I deserved answers.
He nodded toward the end of the tunnel. “His scent leads that way.”
“Should we check on him?” I asked, anticipation and dread coursing through my veins.
He frowned, squeezing my hand. “We should return to bed.”
“No.” I pulled away. “I want to speak to him.”
“Ash won’t be happy.” The look he gave me made me want to sink into the shadows behind us and never come out. Why did Ash and Finn shame me whenever I mentioned Helian? He was my mate, too.
I turned up my chin, summoning a courage I didn’t feel. “Ash doesn’t rule me, Finn.”
His face fell, and then he handed me the lantern. “You go ahead. I’ll stay here.”
I swallowed at the look of disappointment in Finn’s eyes. He’d always been my loving, supportive mate, but now I felt like a pariah.
Ignoring the pounding in my skull and the crushing feeling in my chest, I held up the lantern and made my way down the hall. Why were there no lights here? Didn’t Helian deserve to see? Once I reached the end, I swore as I shone my light into a dark, damp cell that smelled of mold and piss. Helian was in a cage smaller than a horse stall with chains around his wrists and ankles. It was so low he could only stoop. At least he had blankets and what looked like an empty food tray at his feet. He leaned against the bars of his cage, his head hanging between his knees, his shoulders stooped, his clothes soiled and torn, dirt caking his bare feet. He looked absolutely miserable. Even worse, he looked defeated. I never wanted to see my mate this way, no matter how much he’d hurt me.
I stood there a moment, trying to find the nerve to summon my voice. “Helian.”
He lifted his head, lamplight flickering across his grimy face as his eyes met mine. His mouth fell open, and he looked at me as if I was a spirit before recognition finally dawned in his eyes. “Anya!” His chains rattled as he tried to stand.
“Don’t get up,” I said, frowning at his chains. “They’re treating you like a dog.” I swallowed back my fury. “Worse than a dog.”
He vehemently shook his head. “I’m demon possessed.” He slumped against the bars behind him. “This is what’s best for everyone’s safety.” Dark circles framed his eyes, the silver in his irises muted to a dull gray. “How are you...and the baby?”
My hand flew to my stomach. “We’re fine.” I ignored the thick fog swirling in my head.
“You sure?” His brows knitted together, concern reflecting in his eyes. “You don’t look like you feel well.”
All moisture evaporated from my throat, and I was shocked that Helian had noticed I wasn’t feeling well. Was he that attuned to me, and why now when he ignored my suffering back at Peloponese? I reflected with bitterness how I’d chased after him, cornering him in that cave. I’d pleaded with him, baring my soul, and he’d shredded my heart to pieces.
I still remember his words. I don’t love you, Anya. The woman I thought I loved wasn’t real.
I remember asking him about the pull between us, and instead of answering, he’d told me he was marrying Arabella. He’d denied our bond and chose to break my heart instead. And here I was chasing after him again. This time he was no longer denying our bond, but did I have it in my heart to forgive him after all he’d done?
