Page 108 of The Fallen Fae King

Wraith claps, happily.

“No more,” a commanding voice growls, “unless you want him to burst into flames.”

Through the blinding agony, I watch Aurelius as he slams the lever off hard enough to break it. Then he holds up his oil lamp, taking in the scene with piercing eyes.

I crouch, bent over. My sweaty hair tangles over my eyes, and I wrap my arms around my middle.

I wondered when Aurelius would visit me in the dungeons.

Some part of me still trusts my friend or needs to.

I know what would break me, and it terrifies me that these dragons may discover it.

If Aurelius has betrayed me, then I will shatter.

Surely, he has a scheme to save me?

Surely, he only handed me to this Guild because he had to?

I know him better than most people, and as angry as he was in the banquet room, I had sensed that he was only playacting.

Except, what had he been hiding?

Wraith sighs. “I like vampire candles.”

Aurelius doesn’t laugh. “He looks like hell. Have you been feeding him?”

Taran crosses his arms, defensively. “We don’t have brainwashed Shadow Humans here, Your Majesty.”

“I demand a proper answer. He is not unique in your dungeons. You don’t starve the others. Why is he not fed?”

Taran drops his gaze. “My apologies, Your Majesty. Starvation is one of our techniques to tame and⁠—”

“Get out.” Aurelius’ voice is low and furious.

“Your Majesty, I⁠—”

“You will feed him from tomorrow. I gave him to you, but I did not permit you to kill him. All prisoners are permitted basics such as…” His glowing gaze sweeps the empty cell. “A blanket, straw, and for fuck’s sake, a bucket. Understood?”

Taran pulls a face but nods.

Aurelius waves at them, gesturing for them to leave.

Taran slinks past him, but Wraith pats his arm.

I sneak a glance at Aurelius, who silently studies me through the bars. He looks regal in his leather tunic, which is lined with metallic thread, over tan leather breeches. The tunic is decorated in the middle with the same golden dragon design as is on my uniform.

I wish that I had a warm crimson cloak like his one.

I can’t help the pang of jealousy when I study his crown.

I push myself to sit up, before I lick at the top of my foot to ease the stinging burn.

Let Aurelius watch me. He’s the one who put me here.

To my surprise, he only watches for a moment longer, before he bends down and sets the lamp on the floor. He picks up something metal and passes it between his hands as he straightens.

He slips a key from a set at his waist and opens the cell door.