Chapter 87 CHAPTER EIGHT

Chapter 87 CHAPTER EIGHT

HAVEN

“Here's your meal. Eat up so you won't starve to death, we still need you alive for better things," a harsh voice says as a hand pushes the plate of food beneath the iron bars.

Slowly, I raise my head from my lap and drag it upwards towards the man standing at the cell door the same one who brings me food everyday for the past three days. He's a witch, I can smell the stench of dark magic from here.

I say nothing and simply pull the food towards me. I open it and take a bite of the bread. I open the satchel of water and have a drink. Satisfied that I have eaten within, the man turns around and heads away.

I close my eyes and lean my head against the wall, trying to focus on Lyra. It's been a long long time since we spoke and I'm not sure the bond is still functional. A fragile bond between two sisters isn't strong enough to stand the test of time, especially one that has been dead for centuries.

I feel around for her warm presence and almost weep for joy when I find it. There, at the edge of my mind, lonely and waiting.

“Lyra," I call out, silently hoping she'll hear me. Whatever I need to do, I need her help in it. “Lyra, can you hear me?"

“Fucking gods, Haven!" Her voice comes, heavy with relief. “Do you know how worried you got me Haven? I've been trying to get to you for the past two days no, ever since Imogen told me that you were held captive by Draven."

I nod like she can actually see me and get straight to the point. I spotted the magic receptor herbs in the hands of one of the guards this morning and have no doubt that Draven is having it placed around. If he finds out I'm using my magic, it'll be over. “There's no time, I need you to listen to me."

I quickly explain to her what I want her to do. It's not complicated, but we'll need to act fast and smart. I made the mistake of underestimating my enemies once, and that's not something I'll do ever again.

“When you get there, tell her I sent you, and she'll know exactly what to do," I finish. “There's no time, Lyra. I need you to hurry."

I shut her out before she can say anything else. The sound of footsteps reaches my ears and I heave a sigh of relief when I see who it is.

“You shouldn't be here," I whisper moving to the iron bars. “You'll be severally punished if you're caught."

He chuckles, and speaks in a whisper. “Don't worry about me. I am attoning for the sins I committed in the past and besides, Draven and his little clan of witches are no match for me.”

He reaches into the pocket of his cloak and pulls out a small bottle. He reaches for me, takes my hand in his and places the bottle in my palms. “When Draven and Isolde come for you, drink this. Whatever spell they cast on you will not work, and you can pretend it did to go along with their plan."

I nod and close my hands around the bottle. “Thank you, " I whisper softly and he nods.

" I must take my leave now. If you ever need me, never hesitate to each out to me." He pulls the hood of his coat further down and heads back in the direction he came from.

I stare at the bottle for a while before opening it. I take two corfulls and my head instantly goes dizzy. I'm not sure when I'm going to be summoned before Draven, who has now taken the position as king, but I know that it will be soon. And I won't have the time to drink this when they come for me.

I sit back down and lean my aching head against the wall. The ache I've been trying to bury for days now threaten to climb up my chest, but I suppress it back down.

This is not the time for weakness. Normally, I'd rely on Auren to make the decisions, but with him gone it's left to me.

Another pair of footsteps approach the cell and before long, the food delivery man stands before the cell, a scowl on his face. “The king wants to see you."

I nod and rise to my feet. He puts the key in the lock and turns it, causing the gate to swing open. I step out of the cell, the wind instantly blowing my thin dress.

I follow the guard to the throne room, where Isolde and Draven are seated on the thrones like they own it.

I stand before them and keep my head high. Draven is amused while Isolde is pissed.

" Greet your betters, imbecile!” She spits out with disgust. I don't show any sign of hearing her, rather I focus on the one who actually calls the shots, Draven.

“Did you make up your mind," he asks, voice so soft it reminded me of the times when he'll stand behind Auren and give his proposal on war strategies. “Are you going to channel the Ethereal Essence like I asked?”

I shake my head, refusing to say a word to him. He rises from his throne and walks towards me with slow, measured steps. When he's standing right before me, it takes me all of my willpower not to turn around and bolt, or make a face filled with disgust.

“Haven," he calls in a sing-song manner. “We shouldn't make things difficult on us. Just accept to channel the magic for us, and everything will be fine. It'll be like nothing ever happened. We can put this behind us and let you return to your human realm.”

I still don't say anything.

Isolde heaves a sigh of despairation and nods at the guards standing by the door. " Bring in the woman. Seems our queen here needs a little more convincing.”

The doors open a second later and a woman's distressed cry is what has me turning around. Her face is pain stricken and her dress is torn like she was dragged here. The moment her eyes land on me, she falls at my feet and a whole new badge of tears start falling.

" Please, I beg of you. Don't let them hurt my baby!” She cries, her tears washing my feet. I clench my feet and glare at Isolde.

She smiles and leans back. " This woman's child is about to be used for a portion. You know babies are pure and they possess great essence.”

" You can't!”

" Oh, I can girl. The only way you can be of help to this woman is if you accept to channel the Ethereal Essence."