Page 45 of Fae Trials

Stifling a yawn, I nodded and closed my eyes. This time, when Helen guided me through the twilight walk, the tips of my wings tingled in unison with my palms. The faintest hint of air swirled over my skin, but it felt more like a draft than something magical. I inhaled deep, energizing breaths, trying to connect to the magic that Gladiolus had said was locked deep within my core, but I drifted off to sleep.

* * *

A large hand on my mouth broke me out of my slumber.

“Unity?” A voice whispered into my ear.

My heart jumped into my throat, and my eyes flew open. I jerked away to find a dark figure looming over me and filling my nostrils with the familiar scent of jasmine.

He drew back, revealing the worried eyes of my former boyfriend. Elijah ran the pads of his fingers down my cheek and said, “Don’t make a sound. I’m here to help you escape.”

My heart flip-flopped. I’d been right. He had recognized me!

Elijah removed his hand. “Why is everyone saying you’re fated to the four princes?”

“It’s a long story.” I swung my legs out of bed and glanced around the room. Moonlight shone through a narrow window at the far end, providing silvery illumination. None of the girls sleeping in their beds appeared to have stirred, and my shoulders slumped with relief.

I turned back to Elijah and whispered, “Dark faeries have taken Sicily, and we need to—.”

He placed his fingertips on my lips. “I’ve found her.”

Hope surged through my chest, bringing tears to my eyes. “Where?”

“An associate of mine works in an auction house in the Mound. They’re planning on selling Sicily on the new moon.”

“What?” I said in a gasp.

“She’s safe for now, but there’s a viewing in two days. If we can stay low until then, we’ll be able to make an offer for her before the auction.”

My eyes bulged. “Do you have enough money?”

“Maybe.” He shrugged. “If I can’t buy Sicily, we can always steal her.”

As I dressed, a memory floated to the surface of my mind. It was of Sicily blocking the door and insisting that Elijah help me evade Lady Gala’s plan to have me buried in hot drake shit. Stealing a girl from an auction house was risky, as was stealing a supposed fated mate of the princes.

I turned to Elijah, whose gaze raked over my half-dressed body. “Why are you helping me?”

“Since our eyes met in the dining hall, I can’t stop thinking about you.” He balled his fists. “Whatever it takes, I’m not losing you to a stupid trial or those entitled princes.”

A lock of golden hair fell into my face, and I tucked it behind my ear. Was this extra effort because I was a half-blood and no longer a lowly human? Or had he been swayed by the new, improved appearance and the wings? I slipped my feet into my boots and shook off those thoughts. The only thing that mattered right now was rescuing Sicily.

“Hurry,” he whispered from the door.

I walked across the room and caught up. “Where are you taking me?”

“My family has a small vineyard in the Courage district. The vintner’s hut is empty right now, but you can hide there until it’s time to rescue Sicily.”

“Thanks.” I rushed into his arms.

Elijah squeezed me to his chest and pressed a kiss on the top of my head. “Things will be different now. We can finally be together like a real couple.”

Tilting my head up, I stared into his dark blue eyes. Did I want a future with a guy who had abandoned me once? Absolutely not. But if he could lead me to my sister, I wasn’t going to refuse his help.

I trailed my fingers down his strong biceps, down the muscular forearms I adored so much, and squeezed his large, calloused hands. “Let’s go.”

Elijah reached into a shoulder bag. “I have something for you.”

“What?” Instinct made me step back.