A Court of Ash and Fire

Chapter Twenty-Six

Aelin stood abruptly, her chest heaving.

"Fireheart?" Rowan said, his eyes questioning.

Aelin ignored him, striding straight out of the room. Her heartbeat increased, her breath quickening as she began to jog, running out of the mansion.

The walls were closing in; that iron mask was being tightened over her face; Maeve's cruel laughter echoed in her ears...

She crashed into a marble wall, gasping for breath. Turning so her back was against it, sliding into a sitting position on the floor. She tucked her knees into her chest, ducking her head and squeezing her eyes shut.

You're out

Maeve is dead

Cairn is dead

Erawan is dead.

You're out

"Aelin?"

Aelin didn't lift her head as Feyre sat next to her, their sides brushing each other. She didn't say anything. Neither did Aelin.

"Look, I know how hard this is for you," she said, her voice quiet. "I couldn't imagine what you have been through, but-"

"I cant do this again," Aelin whispered, raising a tear streaked face. "I try to be brave, but I'm scared. I'm so, so scared. I can't do this again." She sobbed, her fingers contracting.

Aelin felt Feyre hesitate, then her hand gently rubbed her back in soothing circles. "There is just one thing I don't understand," she said. "The prophecy we heard... It said we need to aid of the Star. Do you know who that is?"

Aelin shook her head, sniffling as she subtly wiped her eyes. "I-"

~

Aelin's head flung back, her mouth gaping. I gasped, scrambling away from her as she burst into turquoise flames, her eyes glowing with silver light.

I shielded my eyes as the others came sprinting around the corner, just as Aelin's flames died out. Her head flung forward, her hair covering her face.

"Aelin," Rowan shouted, dropping to his knees beside her.

Aelin lifted her head, a sly smirk on her face.

Rowan's quick inhale was all the confirmation I needed to know. This wasn't Aelin.

A core of pure silver burned around her pupil.

"Deanna," hissed Rowan.

"Hello, Prince," Aelin-Deanna-crooned, her voice otherworldly. "Long time, no see."

"How is this happening?" he growled, his fists tightening.

What is going on?

I have no idea.

Deanna waved a hand. "That's a story for another time. But for now, I'm here to help."

"We can't trust you."

"Well, you'll have to," she replied, her voice grave. "Because the fate on this world- and all the others- relies on it."

Rowan sighed, his eyes hard. "What do you want?"

Deanna stood, waving a hand. A red portal burst into life, glowing with burning ferocity. "This portal will take Feyre and Aelin to the Star," she said, and grabbed my wrist. I struggled, but the grip was too tight. Rhys lurched forward, but was help back by and invisible force. It was god-like in its strength. "They will return when they have succeeded in their mission."

Rowan opened his mouth, but Deanna cut over him. "There is no time to waste. I will see you soon, Prince."

And, without further ado, shoved Aelin and I into the portal.