World of Dreamers (TOG/ACOTAR crossover)

Chapter 7

Aelin woke to the sound of the door opening. She jolted out of bed, trying to figure out where she was. In an instant the events of the past day came back to her: the fight, the healer, her child. She rubbed her eyes and stood, finding Cairn stare back at her.

She wasn't in the mood today. "What do you need?" She asked, folding her arms across her chest, chains clattering.

He looked at her. "You've seen better days. How are you holding up?"

"Don't act like you care. What did you come here for?" Aelin said, walking to the small bed and wrapping the blankets around her.

"I came to inform you that your days with me are over. Well, at least the days we spent with my weapons. Connall will be taking over now. We need to know where that witch was headed it we stand a chance of acquiring the keys." Carin said, pacing the room as he spoke.

"Great," Aelin muttered into her pillow. "Memories. Yay."

Carin walked over to the bed and yanked the blankets off of her. She looked up at him, snarling, but was cut off as he lifted her by her neck. Her air was cut off and she clawed at his hands, trying to breathe. "You are going to do what Maeve says and if you do otherwise, I'll find a way to get you back into the dark. I hate to break it to you but you being pregnant won't save you. Understand?"

Aelin couldn't answer so she just stared at him, trying to stay conscious.

"Carin!" Someone yelled from the door. It was Connall, with Fenrys on his heels. "Put her down," Connall said. "Maeve told you to leave her alone unless told otherwise."

Carin snarled but let go of Aelin. She fell to the floor, clutching her throat gasping for air. Fenrys ran to her side, supporting her as she gained her strength, and Carin stalked toward the door. Connall grabbed his arm as he walked by. "Don't get on my bad side." He said, voice low. "You don't want to find out what I am capable of."

Carin rolled his eyes and left, but Aelin could have sworn she saw a look of fear on his face. Connall walked over. "Are you okay?" He asked, genuine worry in his eyes.

"Yeah," Aelin said breathlessly. "Just trying to breathe here. Don't mind me." After a few minutes of her coughing and struggling to breathe, Aelin leaned against the side of the bed, closing her eyes. "I hate him." She muttered under her breath.

Fenrys chuckled. "Don't we all."

Aelin looked up at Connall. "I heard you were in charge of my torturing now. How fun. What painful memory are you going to make me relive today?"

"Aelin," Fenrys started but his brother cut him off.

"You're right. I was put in charge of making you talk, but..." He stopped looking around. The door was open and servants and guards were walking by. But I have a proposition.  Connall said in her mind. Fenrys looked confused for a moment but he just shrugged and went to stand by the door, watching.

I'm listening.  Aelin said back.

Help get us out of here. You're our one shot. When your friends save you, which we both know they are going to at some point, take Fenrys and I with you. 

Why would I do that? Aelin asked.  I know Fenrys and I trust him, but I just met you and all you've done is force me to relive the darkest parts of myself. 

You need to face the dark parts of yourself. You need to face them and forgive yourself, it's the only way to move forward. 

Aelin started at him.