A Court Of Fire and Darkness

Chapter 8

Rowan-

    The large scars run down her back, a reminder of her past. I wish I could strip them from her flesh and make her whole again. A flash of light, and a new image of her. Three valg princes surround her, finding glory in her misery as the memories tear her apart. Having to relive it all.

    Once again that light blinded me and I was on my knees. The sand was warm and smooth. I look around and realize it's the beach where Maeve hurt her even more. But this time I'm not in my body, I'm in Gavriels. A terrible feeling fills my- Gavriel's gut. Probably because he was just stripped of his honour. I look up and see Aelin. Her eyes are closed tightly as if waiting, her face contorted in pain. I try to move, but I can't. I try to scream but no sound comes out. I can never change what happened down on that beach. I can never change the fact that I let that bitch get to her again.

Celaena/Aelin-

    Rhysand didn't wait to get down to business. Question after question spews out of his mouth. "If you can deliver your questions in a civilized manner then I can answer them," I state. He stops for a moment, and when he's about to speak again Feyre interrupts him. "What did the man, Orcus, want?"

    "I don't know." This is a mostly honest answer.

    "What did he say to you?" She asks skeptically.

    "He said things concerning my own life back at home, I don't think he has intentions to hurt you." At least I hope he doesn't.

     "Do you know what kind of danger we're in?" Feyre is holding back asking more at the moment.

    "If Orcus had business with either of you, it would be a shit storm. I am... acquainted with some of his family." Thinking of all the possible outcomes of having Orcus attack here, while my home is under attack from Erawan puts me in a dark place. 

    "Elaborate," Rhysand demands through gritted teeth. 

    "He is very powerful, and I don't say that lightly. He has hundreds of thousands of willing soldiers if you challenge him." I say this bluntly, my voice vacant. Suddenly my palms become more interesting than looking at the fear in Feyre's eyes.

    "Can you help us? Or make this go away since you decided to bring it here?" Feyre asks, desperate. I slowly look back up at them. "Listen, I don't know. I didn't bring it here and I don't know how the hell he found me here! I will try to help you if you can do something for me in return." My tone grows serious but I try to portray the perfect picture of serenity on my face.

    "What is it you need?" Asks Feyre.

    "I need to get home. I only have so long until..." I trail off, my home could be in tatters by now. Erawan could've won. Everyone could be gone. "Do you have a library I could use?" Libraries seem to always have the answers, right?

    "Yes, we will help you. Let's make it a deal then, shall we?" I turn to look at Feyre and her outreached hand. I take it in mine and we shake on it. I begin to squirm as my back tingles, and a beautifully inked tattoo appears on Feyre's arm. "What..." I begin to question, brow furrowed. 

    "Whenever you make a deal a tattoo will appear. You should have one too." She states, her eyes linger on me, trying to find my tattoo. Rhysand whispers something to Feyre that she nods at, and together they leave. 

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Edited 1/16/21