Grave Secrets (A Sam Cortland Fic)

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Find me. 

Aelin Ashryver Galathynius was not one to beg for help. All her life she'd been able to save herself and she was content with that, but now, with her back torn and bleeding, there was nothing she could do. Healing had been harder than usual thanks to the iron box Maeve had thrown her in, but she forced all her energy into healing the wounds as much as she could. Each whip had thrown her back into the salt mines of Endovier. Nothing would ever erase those memories and all her enemies knew it was her weakness. Losing Sam had broke her back then, sending her into the lowest, darkest hole she'd ever been in. And Maeve thought rekindling past sorrows would bring her back down again, but it wouldn't, not this time. She had people to fight for now. A whole kingdom was to be hers and she wasn't going down without a fight, even if that meant being whipped, she'd take it. She would sacrifice her life. She'd do anything for Terrasen. 

The iron kept her magic at bay, though it wasn't strong enough to keep her from reaching deep down within herself, into that dark, powerful part of her soul. She could still feel her magic running through her veins, wanting nothing more than to burst out of her in flames of brilliant light. But not yet. She had to contain it, which was easier now because of the iron encasing her but she knew once they let her out, she'd rain the heavens down on them all. Letting them know that the Fire-Breathing Bitch-Queen was not someone to be reckoned with. 

She knew they were traveling over water. The silent sounds of the water splashing against the boat was clue enough. Doranelle. Of course she was being taken back there, across the sea, away from her court--away from Rowan. The thought of being so far from everyone made her blood boil, her magic screamed wanting to be released but she held onto it. And no, she wasn't going to let herself burn out, not this time. But if she did would it be so bad? She'd take Maeve and her court with her. Her final victory and she'd go out with a bang. 

The gods only knew what Maeve had in store for her once they arrived in Doranelle. Torture was number one on the list of many possible outcomes. Not so bad, Aelin thought to herself. Frankly, if anyone could torture her worse than Arobynn had all her life, she'd applaud them. And she knew they could only do so much with whips until she bled out, and Maeve didn't want her dead, not yet. So, what was she planning? In any case she was ready. With the two Wyrdkeys with her, she could unleash a reign of chaos unto Maeve and all of Doranelle if she had to. But she prayed it wouldn't have to come to that. 

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Rowan flew hard and fast, faster than he'd ever gone before. He could feel his magic wearing out but he wouldn't stop, not until Aelin was safe in front of him. Not until Maeve's blood was spilled.

He cursed himself on his way to Doranelle. How could he have been so blind to not see that Maeve would pull something like this? And from right under him, too. He could feel a low growl deep in his chest that wanted to escape but couldn't because of his form. And he wouldn't let it come out not until he faced Maeve for taking Aelin, his queen, his wife.

They had come so far, all of them, and he wasn't going to let Maeve take that away from them, from Aelin. Finally she'd found her home, her purpose, there was no way she was dying on him. Pure anger made him fly faster and he soared through the air, passing over Wedlyn. To think, not too long ago they had met here on this land. And he knew, of course he knew. How could he not? The moment he saw her he felt that tug drawing him closer to her, and that need to protect her over anything else, even himself. His shoulder throbbed a phantom pain where the arrow had stabbed him. Gods, he'd give his life for her.

Just as he passed between Wedlyn and Doranelle he stopped in mid air, circling. He could smell her and not just any part of her, it was her blood. The thought of Maeve's hands on her, hurting her. An ear piercing screech came out of him, frightening birds off near by trees. He landed on the same tree and fluffed his feathers. Aelin was close and — something was wrong.

A part of him could feel a heavy weight connecting to her. Something was wrong, very wrong and if he didn't find her fast...He took off of the branch he had been perched on, let out another piercing scream and flew deeper into Doranelle.

I'm coming, Fireheart.