It feels like I'm on a bumpy ride, but one thing I can say for sure is I am tired of being knocked out. My eyes snapped open, I find myself yet again tied up. It looks like I'm some sort of cage, it has iron bars but the cage itself is made out of wood.
I do a mental head slap, I really shouldn't of trusted that Fae. I peer around a bit more, I'm on a cart that is being pulled by horse back. It's still dark out though, so I can't see for sure where we are going all I know is I'm tied up and in a cage.
The horses suddenly halt and I hold my breath in anticipation. A figure approaches the back of the cage and grins up at me.
"Well, well, it seems someone has finally woken up." The man's voice is almost melodic as he speaks.
Lysander.
I refrain from speaking to him, knowing that my bubbling anger is futile. I should have been more cautious and not trusted a Fae, but here I am once again, abducted.
Lysander's smug expression sends a wave of frustration through me. How did I let myself fall into this trap again?
"What are you going to do with me? Turn me into your slave?" I hiss.
He let's out a laugh, "You won't be my slave, rather I'm going to take you to the auction house. I'll become pretty rich thanks to you. I can't believe I found the rarest piece, a hunter."
My eyes go wide, how did he find out?
"You're probably curious about how I found out, aren't you? Thanks to you, it wasn't too difficult. Humans don't usually wander into Silverest, especially not with a sword in hand. Most humans who enter this between realm do so by accident and eventually find their way back. The inhabitants of Silverest are mostly Fae who are unable to enter the kingdom, as well as less fortunate humans who were born here. I had assumed all Hunters were long gone, but then you showed up, Sam. A true Hunter. If it weren't for that sword of yours, I may not have suspected anything, but only Fae and Hunters can wield or touch these weapons." He grins slyly.
I grit my teeth, feeling a mixture of anger and regret wash over me. How could I have been so careless? I should have known better than to trust Lysander, a Fae.
My hands tremble as I stare at the iron bars of my cage, confined like an animal. Damien's threats ring in my ears, making me fear for my life. But now, to make things worse, I'm being sold off like a piece of property. Tears threaten to spill from my eyes and my heart aches with anger, sadness, and pain that I try to keep bottled up.
"I'm sorry Sam," Lysander says, almost apologetically. "I truly wanted you to see my performance in front of our queen. But the coins I'll receive for you are too tempting to pass up." He pats the cold metal bars before walking away.
The horses pulling our cart continue to trot along the dark road, their hooves clattering against the uneven terrain. I look up at the night sky, wishing Will was here with me. My voice barely above a whisper, I say his name, longing for his presence and grieving over the fact that I'll never be able to see him again or visit his grave. The thought is crushing and tears finally fall down my cheeks as we continue on this journey into unknown territory.