A whole new world (ToG/ACOTAR crossover)

Chapter 6

Disclaimer: The incredible art displayed above was not created by me, and all credit goes to the artist who made it. 

Elide grimaced as she mounted her horse, fighting back the urge to yelp as the muscles in her back tensed and shrieked in agony at the sudden movements. They had been riding almost nonstop for two days now, and despite her best efforts to remain comfortable throughout the journey, her body simply wasn't used to the constant travel. She never complained, conscious of the fact that the rest of them likely felt the same as well. Still, a hiss of pain escaped from her as she settled into the saddle, making Lorcan turn almost immediately, a look of concern alighting upon his face.

"I'm fine, I'm fine," she said exhaustedly. Overprotective Fae bastard indeed. "Don't – "

He was already making his way to her, maneuvering his horse around Aelin's and trotting over.

" – come over here," she finished, sighing. Lately his protectiveness of her had almost seemed to increase, although until now there hadn't even been a reason for it. When it first started, she had found it surprising, maybe, but sweet. Now it had become significantly less endearing.

"I'm just sore from all the riding," she added, determined to banish his worried expression as the group began to move forwards again. "It's no big deal, really."

"We can stop," he offered immediately, "Or slow down."

"No, we need to get there quickly. We have no idea what could be out there – who could be out there. Besides, I've been fine by myself for a while."

A flash of hurt appeared in Lorcan's eyes, so quick Elide just barely noticed it.

"I mean, I appreciate it," she amended, "but I'll be alright. Okay?" She attempted a convincing smile.

Lorcan relented, his face smoothing over ever so slightly. Elide quelled a sigh of relief.

Up ahead, Aelin was silent, her head scanning in between the trees. She and Dorian had been following the source for days now, but it was beginning to take its toll. Already, she could feel her stomach swirling as they started up again, heading north into the jagged mountains. It seemed that the closer they go to the origin of the power, the worse the nausea got. She and the king had practically become walking detectors for the group, albeit sickly ones – point them in the right direction and they almost puked.

She knew the rest of them didn't like that fact whatsoever, Aedion and Rowan especially. She'd had to convince them both three times now that it just didn't make sense for her to remain at the castle and send someone else to look for it, because they could spend years searching the land for a source Aelin might be able to find in days. Plus, Aelin had refused point-blank to allow Dorian to go by himself, with a few guards – he had his own kingdom and people to look after as well, she'd added.

Nonetheless, a sense of nervous foreboding came over her as she looked up at the soaring peaks they were about to ascend. Despite everything they'd been through, despite all the opponents she'd faced, their newest conquest felt...different than the rest. It was almost like she could feel the whole forest, the whole world on its toes, waiting for something, and she had a sinking suspicion the something centered on the pulse of magic they'd felt at the castle.

Dorian's voice drew her from her thoughts, sharp amid the silence of the woods.

"Wait," he beckoned, turning his horse towards a thicket of trees a ways off the path. "It's stronger there."

Aelin realized that the dark feeling was, indeed, worse when she faced in that direction, and she mentally scolded herself for not paying enough attention to have noticed. Looking back at the party, she saw apprehensive glances being traded between them. This was the first time they had been called of the trail. Swallowing her sudden fear, Aelin nodded and coaxed her horse forwards, heading into the gloom.