Crown of Shadows

Chapter 19-Aelin/Kodlak

As the morning light filtered through the windows, I stirred from my restless sleep, the events of the previous night still fresh in my mind. Kodlak's gentle touch roused me from my troubled dreams, and I blinked away the remnants of sleep as I sat up in bed.

"Come on, Aelin," he said softly, his voice filled with concern. "We need to get you to the healer."

I nodded silently, pushing back the covers and swinging my legs over the edge of the bed. With Kodlak's steady support, I made my way to the healer's quarters, each step a painful reminder of the bruises and cuts that adorned my body.

The healer's eyes widened in shock as she took in my battered appearance, and without a word, she set to work tending to my wounds. Her gentle touch brought both relief and pain, but I endured it stoically, knowing that I needed to heal both physically and emotionally.

After what felt like hours, the healer finally finished her ministrations, her expression grave as she met my gaze. "You need to rest," she advised, her voice tinged with concern. "And take it easy for a while. Your injuries are severe."

I nodded in understanding, grateful for her care and attention. As we left the healer's quarters, Kodlak turned to me with a reassuring smile. "You did well, Aelin," he said softly, his eyes filled with warmth. "Now, rest up. I'll see you later."

"Where are you going?" I asked. Kodlak looked at me with a reassuring smile. "There's something I need to deal with. You just rest up. I'll be back darling."

With a nod, he left, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I wandered aimlessly through the corridors of the Keep, trying to clear my mind and make sense of the events that had transpired. But before I could gather my thoughts, I felt a sudden pressure on my shoulders, and I looked up to see three menacing figures looming over me.

Before I could react, they grabbed me, pinning me down and binding my hands. Panic surged through me as they dragged me away, their cruel laughter echoing in my ears as darkness enveloped me.

———

Meanwhile, I marched purposefully towards Phantom's office, my anger simmering beneath the surface. With each step, my resolve hardened, fueled by the injustice and cruelty I had witnessed.

As I reached the door, I wasted no time in kicking it open, the sound reverberating through the silent corridor. Inside, Phantom sat behind his desk, a smug expression on his face that only served to stoke my fury.

Without a word, I crossed the room in quick strides, seizing Phantom by the collar and pulling him roughly out of his chair. "You bastard," I growled, my voice laced with venom. "What have you done to her?!" I demanded.

Phantom's eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly regained his composure, a mocking smile playing on his lips. "Ah, Kodlak," he said smoothly, his voice dripping with disdain. "Always so quick to jump to conclusions. What makes you think I've done anything?"

I wasn't fooled by his words. I tightened my grip on Phantom's collar, my gaze burning with fury. "Don't play your bullshit games with me," I spat, my voice low and dangerous. "I know what you're capable of. Now tell me what you did or so help me, I'll-"

But before I could finish my threat, Phantom's mocking laughter filled the room, cutting through the tension like a knife. "You'll what?" he taunted, his eyes gleaming with malice. "You're nothing but a pawn in my game, Kodlak. And you'll do as I say, or suffer the consequences."

With a snarl of frustration, I released my grip on Phantom, my hands trembling with suppressed rage. I knew that confronting Phantom would only lead to more trouble, but I refused to let this son of a bitch get away with what he did to her.