"Lily?" Evrin said and walked over to her, "What are you doing here?" he looked over to Tieran. His eyes widened in recognition. Before he left Elyria, an informant had shown him a picture of Lord Tieran, and the man standing in front of him had a striking resemblance. Evrin suddenly grabbed Lily and shoved her behind him.
"Lily, get behind me,"
Tieran's eyes turned red, "Touch her again-"
"Is she your prisoner?" he demanded, "Lily has he hurt you?" he looked over his shoulder.
"What? No, he-"
"Do you even know who that is?"
"Of course I do," she walked around him, "He's my friend,"
Evrin grabbed her arm, "Lily, that is Lord Tieran. The ruler of Darkhaven,"
"I know,"
"You know?" his grip loosened.
Tieran grabbed Lily's other arm and pulled her toward him, "So what if she's my prisoner?"
A sword materialised in Evrin's hand, "Then I shall have to kill you,"
Eiden suddenly appeared, the blade of his sword against Evrin's throat. Eiden lifted his chin slightly.
Tieran smirked, "Travelling alone, fae prince? Not a wise choice,"
"I-I think we should all just calm down," Lily's hands began to shake as fear travelled up her spine. Tieran wouldn't really kill Evrin, would he? Tieran felt Lily tremble. He looked at Eiden who dropped his sword and walked to his side. Evrin made his sword dissipate as well.
Evrin released his breath and extended his hand, "Lily, come home with me. Lady Sirelle has been worried about you,"
She shook her head, "I can't,"
"Why not?" his eyes glanced at Tieran, "Did he threaten you?"
"N-no he, I, i-it's complicated," she unconsciously took a step closer to Tieran.
Evrin swallowed, "Lily," he said, "Tieran is not who you think he is, okay?"
If this was any other circumstance, Lily would gladly leave with Evrin, but at the current moment, the thought of leaving with him made her anxious. All she could think about was Kind Fjord finding her. And she didn't know what would happen then. Even Evrin would not be able to protect her against his own brother.
She tugged on Tieran's sleeve, "Can we go?" she asked softly.
"No," Evrin took a step to the side, blocking the exit. She had to be confused, or brainwashed. That was the only explanation Evrin would accept for why Lily would even consider leaving with Tieran.
Tieran clicked his tongue, "You know, Lord Evrin, the last we met I felt this burning urge to wipe you from existence. I didn't then, but I might now,"
Evrin scoffed, "I must admit, Lord Tieran, last we met I thought you were no more than a stubborn scholar. Did you fool Lily as you have fooled me?" Tieran clenched his jaw. "I expected no less from the Lord of the Dark himself,"
"Perhaps we should find out if I further meet your expectations,"
"O-or maybe we can pretend this never happened," Lily quickly intervened upon seeing the sparks dance on Tieran's fingertips.
"Eiden," Tieran simply commanded. Eiden walked behind him and pulled Lily away from them.
"Bear, please!" she exclaimed. He hesitated. His eyes flicked toward Evrin who watched him with a frown.
"Perhaps another time," Tieran said and took a step back as he, Eiden and Lily disappeared.
~~~
Lily was bundled under the covers of her bed. The air beneath the blanket was stifling but she was too upset to be bothered with popping her head out for fresh air. Instead she laid there, wishing the bed would swallow her whole.
After their encounter with Evrin, Lily realised how much trouble she was in. Voluntarily leaving with the enemy of Elyria. She was a traitor now, which meant she could never leave. It also meant that she wished to hide under the protection of her covers for the rest of her life and hope Tieran forgot about her. That way, at least, he could never force her to go home, because if he didn't need her here any longer, she would truly have nowhere left to go. She would have to be careful from now on. Try not to step on any toes and be as obedient as possible.
Her ears perked, there was one way she knew she would be able to stay in Darkhaven. One way she could prove her worth to Tieran so that he wouldn't send her away. With a newfound hope, she tossed her blanket aside and shrieked. Kieran stood by the window watching her.
"L-lord Kieran," she carefully got out of bed.
"Fairy," he said as a way of greeting, "I hear you and my brother took a stroll through the mortal realm the other day,"
She chuckled nervously and walked past the bed, trying to put as much distance between her and Kieran. "I-it was not so much a stroll, more a visit,"
Kieran suddenly appeared in front of her and she squeaked as his large hand wrapped around her throat, shoving her into the fireplace mantel behind her. She gripped his arm as tears stung her eyes.
"Now, you listen here, fairy, if I get even the faintest whiff that you mean my brother ill will, I will kill you. And I will do it slowly. Do we understand each other?" she strained to nod, "I may not know why my brother keeps you here but I can assure you it's for no reason other than to use you. So give my brother what he needs and disappear,"
"Kieran!" Dana dashed into the room, ripping Kieran's arm away from Lily's throat. Lily dropped to the ground, gasping for air as she wheezed and coughed. "What are you doing!" she demanded.
"Getting acquainted," he replied and turned to leave.
Dana knelt down beside Lily. She reached her hand out to touch her, but Lily shirked back in fear.
"Hey, it's okay," Dana said softly, "I won't hurt you,"
Lily's lip quivered before she started bawling. Dana sat frozen for a second, not sure what to do. She cautiously reached a tentative hand to pat Lily on the shoulder, to which Lily launched forward into her arms and cried even louder.
"O-okay," Dana awkwardly wrapped her arms around Lily's shoulders, "There, there," she patted her head. Dana winced, not sure how to comfort Lily. "Let's, um, let's take a seat on the bed," she helped Lily up and led her to the bed, "And, um, let's dry our tears," she reached for a cloth in a basket on Lily's desk and handed it to her, "Maybe, uh, maybe we can try and take a few deep breaths," she used her hands to demonstrate a deep breath, and a long exhale. Lily copied her and started to calm down, "There we go," Dana offered a smile.
"He, he h-hates me," Lily said between hiccups.
"Kieran hates everyone," Dana said, slacking her posture. She sighed, "He's just protective of Tieran. He doesn't want him to get hurt again,"
"Again?" Lily sniffed.
Dana nodded. She took a deep breath, "There was another fairy, whom Tieran fell in love with, but, uh, things didn't work out,"
"Oh," Lily blew her nose, and wiped the last few tears away. She looked at Dana, her skin was paler than usual, her lips had lost some colour and her frame appeared smaller, "Are you okay?"
She laughed nervously, "Uh, there was a reason for my visiting you," she rubbed her hands down her thighs, "Eiden said," she pinched her eyes, "He said that you'd be able to help me. With, medicine," she looked back at Lily.
"Oh," Lily was flustered. The silence was deafening.
"But you know what, nevermind," Dana stood.
"Rhodiola," Lily said quickly. Dana looked at her confused, "It's a flower. It'll help. It works best as a tea, just don't drink it before bed,"
Dana nodded, "Thanks, Lily," she turned awkwardly and left.
Lily looked over to the bedside table and scooched closer, opening the small drawer. Inside sat the ethereal book Tieran had given her. Kieran's words echoed in her eyes. He just wanted to use her.
She opened the book. Well, then, if he wanted to use her, she would have to be as useful as possible. She had to find out who Elyna Calanthir was.