Darkness Bound

-14-

"Lily?" Evrin said and walked over to her, "What are you doing here?" he looked over to Tieran. His eyes widened in recognition. Before he left Elyria, an informant had shown him a picture of Lord Tieran, and the man standing in front of him had a striking resemblance. Evrin suddenly grabbed Lily and shoved her behind him.

"Lily, get behind me,"

Tieran's eyes turned red, "Touch her again-"

"Is she your prisoner?" he demanded, "Lily has he hurt you?" he looked over his shoulder.

"What? No, he-"

"Do you even know who that is?"

"Of course I do," she walked around him, "He's my friend,"

Evrin grabbed her arm, "Lily, that is Lord Tieran. The ruler of Darkhaven,"

"I know,"

"You know?" his grip loosened.

Tieran grabbed Lily's other arm and pulled her toward him, "So what if she's my prisoner?"

A sword materialised in Evrin's hand, "Then I shall have to kill you,"

Eiden suddenly appeared, the blade of his sword against Evrin's throat. Eiden lifted his chin slightly.

Tieran smirked, "Travelling alone, fae prince? Not a wise choice,"

"I-I think we should all just calm down," Lily's hands began to shake as fear travelled up her spine. Tieran wouldn't really kill Evrin, would he? Tieran felt Lily tremble. He looked at Eiden who dropped his sword and walked to his side. Evrin made his sword dissipate as well.

Evrin released his breath and extended his hand, "Lily, come home with me. Lady Sirelle has been worried about you,"

She shook her head, "I can't,"

"Why not?" his eyes glanced at Tieran, "Did he threaten you?"

"N-no he, I, i-it's complicated," she unconsciously took a step closer to Tieran.

Evrin swallowed, "Lily," he said, "Tieran is not who you think he is, okay?"

If this was any other circumstance, Lily would gladly leave with Evrin, but at the current moment, the thought of leaving with him made her anxious. All she could think about was Kind Fjord finding her. And she didn't know what would happen then. Even Evrin would not be able to protect her against his own brother.

She tugged on Tieran's sleeve, "Can we go?" she asked softly.

"No," Evrin took a step to the side, blocking the exit. She had to be confused, or brainwashed. That was the only explanation Evrin would accept for why Lily would even consider leaving with Tieran.

Tieran clicked his tongue, "You know, Lord Evrin, the last we met I felt this burning urge to wipe you from existence. I didn't then, but I might now,"

Evrin scoffed, "I must admit, Lord Tieran, last we met I thought you were no more than a stubborn scholar. Did you fool Lily as you have fooled me?" Tieran clenched his jaw. "I expected no less from the Lord of the Dark himself,"

"Perhaps we should find out if I further meet your expectations,"

"O-or maybe we can pretend this never happened," Lily quickly intervened upon seeing the sparks dance on Tieran's fingertips.

"Eiden," Tieran simply commanded. Eiden walked behind him and pulled Lily away from them.

"Bear, please!" she exclaimed. He hesitated. His eyes flicked toward Evrin who watched him with a frown.