Heart of Flame

《11》

Feyre

My magic collided with Maeve's, blocking it from Aelin.

Aelin whirled in surprise, the hysterics that had been clear on her face a moment ago are gone, replaced with shock. My magic had created a barrier around Aelin, protecting her from the onslaught of Maeve's power. I was honestly shocked myself, it was on pure impulse that I threw out my magic. Maeve was powerful and ancient, and yet somehow my magic was withstanding hers.

But that was something I could ponder later because now Maeve's full attention was on me now, and I could feel her magic slicing into me with a thousand paper-thin cuts.

If this magic was giving me a thousand tiny cuts through my magic and shields I could only imagine what it would have done to Aelin, still weak and defenseless. It would have torn her apart.

Finally, after mere moments that felt stretched into hours, I felt Maeve's magic ease and relent, felt it withdraw, and I fought the sigh of relief that went through my body at the release of pressure. But now I could feel the eyes of every fae in the room on me, and from the corner of my eye I could see Tamlin, his face blanketed in confusion and a hint of awe. But it was Maeve and Aelin who drew my attention.

'Get her out of here,' Maeve waved towards Aelin. 'Take her below.' She ordered Cairn when her grabbed her and replaced the chains and mask, Aelin didn't fight him as he did it, instead, I could see a glint in her eyes, one that hadn't been there before.

She had won, even if she had done nothing, she had beat Maeve and she knew it and so did Maeve.

'Everyone out,' Maeve's voice boomed, the courtiers began to leave, filing out through various hidden doors in alcoves and shadows. 'Except you Feyre, you and I my dear have some things to discuss.'

I froze where I stood as she prowled towards me, a predator circling its prey. 'Your king said you had power,' she said, as she eyed me like I was a piece of jewelry. 'But I'll admit I was skeptical, but then on the ship, you got into Aelin's mind didn't you?' She stood before me now, her midnight skirts swirling around her. 'I did,' I answer, deciding to go with honesty, there was no use in denying it anyway.

'It is a very rare gift indeed, to invade the mind,' Maeve purred, I didn't say a word. 'And with that power that you just displayed for me,' she smiled. It wasn't a lovely smile, it wasn't kind or warm, it was cruel and cunning, and it terrified me, 'well, you will be very useful to me.'

'Come to me tomorrow at dawn, I have a mission for you.' A sinking feeling began in my core as I slowly walked from the room. 'Oh and Feyre?' Maeve said, her voice like a lovers, 'do not for a single moment think that I will not end you if you disapoint me.'

It was an effort not to run from the hall, away from Maeve's dark power, away from this castle. 

Hope you enjoyed the chapter :) 

I feel like I need to do something with Tamlin, any ideas?