Ugh, my head is splitting. I rub my temple, brushing my hair away from my face. My blood pressure is too high for this. I trudge down the hall, gazing down to watch my steps. The hallway was so quiet you could hear the castle creaking with the wind. It was an eerie sound. A giggle echos from a nearby room; it was soft but still audible. My ears perk up to the sound; mentally, I roll my eyes. Where the hell is our rooms, Kurky said they were down here.

"You're just so different, Crane." The soft voice says lowly, "You know what you want, and you'll do anything to get it."

My steps come to a halt as I turn to gaze back at the closed door to my right. I move my hands down to my sides as I approach the door. I take note of my surroundings in the long corridor. I'm the only one here.

A low chuckle rumbles from behind the door. "And how exactly am I different, my Queen?"

This is what she desperately needed to speak with him about? I roll my eyes, fidgeting with my pinky.

I hear the footsteps shuffle as my eyes peer to the floor. Two shadows are standing only inches apart. My breath catches in my throat; my hands burn from the warmth they're admitting.

She chuckles again, "You're just so logical, calculated, and sneaky. The kind of man I like. The type of man that can help me rule it all."

I just need to walk away. I place my back against the cold wall, gazing down to the floor.

"Oh, really?" Crane chuckles; I could hear his smirk in his words, "You're quite forward with your hands, Your majesty."

This has nothing to do with you. My legs feel like cement, and no matter how much I tell them to move, they refuse. I bring my hands up to my eyes. Every beat of my heart causes my palms to flash a bright amber color, scorching and bursting. The heat rises to my cheeks, warming them. I hate this. I hate how this is affecting me.

Before a faint groan emerges through the door, the heavy air surrounding me falls silent. As the two shadows merged, a loud crash echoed through the door. I spring from my place and dash along the dimly lighted corridor.

Why was I even listening? Me and this eavesdropping, I did this to myself. I don't care what he does, but why with the Queen. He's disgusting. My vision was hazy. I was irritated and outraged. I don't understand what has gotten into me; this is ridiculous and so dramatic. I hate everything about this.

"Woah, Meli!" A hand grasps my forearm, pulling me from my inner thoughts. I look down to see Kurky staring up at me with concern across his face, "What happened? I thought you were going to your room?"

"Yes, I was just on my way there." I inhale.

"Our rooms are this way," he points in the opposite direction. His eyes study me. "Why is your hand so hot? My Gods! They're glowing like melted iron." Kurky's eyes fall to my palms.

I yank my arm from his grasp, rubbing my hands together. I let out a sigh, "It's my wild magic; it kind of goes off of my emotions sometimes. I need to control it better."

"I see; what has you so worked up?" I turn my face from him, placing my hand on my forearm without thinking.

I cry in agony, ripping my fingers away from my flesh. Tears sting my eyes and trickle down my cheeks. My skin tingles with the sting of blood as a red welp the size of my hand forms on my forearm.

"Fuck." I hiss.

"Meli, let me-" Kurky reaches out to me.

"No, just let me deal with it." I bark. I take a ribbon of cloth from my pocket, wrapping it over the print, "Where is our rooms again, Kurky?" My arm throbs and stings under the fabric, causing me to wince, scrunching my nose.

Kurky's mouth was gapped before pointing down the hallway. "It's four doors down on the left."

I let out a sigh, tucking the end of the cloth under itself. I smile at him, "Thank you, I'm sorry."

◈ ◈ ◈

Crickets chirp, and frogs croak. I peer down to my covered arm, the ribbon of fabric a warm cream color from the sweat and dirt that covers my body. My skin stings underneath it, pulling a pained expression across my face. We were headed east to retrieve the sphere of the God of Chaos. The three of us had strayed from any path or road a while back. We walked along under the trees, brushing twigs and tall plants that laid in our way. Two days have passed since we first met Queen Lyra, and the three of us have barely spoken a word. I could feel the anxiousness from within me, but I forced it down. Since the night back at the tavern with Farris, I haven't completely understood myself too well. My views of Crane have changed to some extent; however, he's still frustrating and a complete ass. I trail my eyes along the grassy floor and up Crane's body, studying him for a moment. Typically his robe was tied at his waist, keeping it secure. Instead, it was blowing in the subtle breeze trailing behind him. It whipped the tall grass, causing the plants to bend.

I mentally giggle to myself, a slight smirk pulling at the corners of my lips. I so just need a bit of relaxing. Lewd images cross my mind, both of Farris and Crane. It's honestly annoying to think of Crane that way, but a part of me can't help it. I bite at the skin on my lips, peeling the dried bits off with my teeth. Even though Crane slept with the Queen, of course, I am only assuming. I feel I let my emotions get the best of me. What were those emotions exactly? I have no idea. Maybe I should express my remorse for digging into him that way. I am here for a mission, and I can't keep letting my feelings better me. I shouldn't have called him disgusting. I'm no better than him thinking these lewd thoughts of those two. Knowing I'll never see Farris again is saddening. Just to have one night with him would be so erotic. I slow my pace, bringing my clenched fist to my head knocking it gently. Ah, stop! Don't be so horny!

I just absolutely despise how back and forth I am with Crane. One moment, I can't stand him the next; he doesn't seem like a completely terrible person. It gives me a headache.

Crane looks back over his shoulder, his eyes tracing along my distressed state. "Have you gone mad, half-blood?"

I stand to attention, quickly hiding my hands behind my back with an awkward smile, "No, why you ask?"

He stops to turn to face me, his eyebrows cocked, "Kurky, I believe the elf is ill."

"Oh no, is your arm infected?" Kurky asks me, his face genuine.

I giggle, earning me weird stares between the two. "No, I'm just in my own head." I shoo them with a wave of my hand.

"What is with this?" Crane gestures to my suspicious stance with an outstretched hand.

"What about it? I'm just standing here." I lean back on my heels, hugging my arms close to my body.

"You're so annoying." Crane heaves. My face falls to a frown, rolling my eyes. To think I was just thinking of apologizing to him. Yeah, definitely still hate him.

Kurky lets out a long-drawn sigh, "I am really getting exhausted from you two constantly bickering. Like c'mon, it's literally none stop."

I bite my lip, knowing Kurky is right. If he weren't such an ass, we wouldn't have that problem. I decide to keep my remarks to myself for the sake of Kurky's mental health. Crane's pace slows as he holds his arm to his side, signaling us to wait.

"Look." He says, barely above a whisper. Crane points ahead, just past the trees. My eyes trace his arm, landing on a small tower overgrown with plants.

"What about it?" Kurky adds, "It's just an abandoned fort?"

"This is where the coordinates take us; that should be where the orb is." Cranes eyes narrow.

"Oh great, let's get to it then." Kurky pops his knuckles, a cheeky grin beaming from his face.

I place a hand on Kurky, bringing his attention to me. "We might need to go into this a little more stealthy, we have no idea how many people or things are inside."

Kurky waves me away with his hand, "We can handle it."

Crane turns to face the two of us, "Half-elf is right this time; we need to do our best to at least get a feel for what we are up against. Rushing in would be suicide."

I roll my eyes, "Gods, why can't you just call me by my name. Meli is easier to say than half-elf or half-blood!"

"Shh." Crane places his finger over his lips, walking forward quietly.

I grit my teeth, hovering close behind him. We reach the edge of the forest, hiding behind a couple of shrubs. A snap of a twig echoes through the air, causing Crane and I to jump from our spots. I glare behind me at a red Kurky, his smile nervous and his hands up in defense.

"Sorry!" He mouths, inching closer to my side.

I turned my attention back to the tower that stood in front of us. It was only a few yards away, and two soldiers stood in front of the door leaning against the wall. Their armor looked different; that was the only difference I could spot compared to the Unseelie. One carries a long sword that was stabbed into the ground only inches from him. The other wielded two hand axes that were tied to his side. Faint laughter could be heard from the two as they talk about Gods know what.

"Let's just fireball them," Kurky says lowly, elbowing me in my side.

I shake my head at him, Crane doing the same. Why would they keep something so important all the way out here? Something just doesn't sit right with this situation, but I can't put my finger on it.

The three of us lay still and silent. My eyes never leave the tower, my throat becoming dry with anticipation. My eyes reach the balcony of the abandoned fort, four shadows dance from its warm glow. Streaks of blue light mix with the warmness before disappearing, only to reappear moments later. I nudge Crane, pointing to the flashing lights. His eyebrows furrow before peering into me, deep in thought. He knows something. Kurky gazes up at us, giving us a worried look before taking in the lights again.

"Another wizard," Crane whispers as he scratches at his beard.

Another wizard... I repeated the words in my mind. This wizard was no ordinary wizard; they couldn't be. Someone appointed by a Queen? A fey Queen? The more I thought about it, the more; this quest wasn't worth it.Why did we say yes to this? It's not like we had much of choice in the matter. Queen Lyra never asked she told. My tongue feels like sandpaper in my mouth, and my hands shake. I grip my ankle to steady myself, studying the shadows again.

"Altogether, six people," I state lowly. Crane and Kurky nod in my direction. Kurky stretches out his arms before rolling his daggers in his hands.

"I have a plan," Crane gives a sly smile, making my stomach churn.

"Go on," Kurky's carefree demeanor was replaced with an antsy one. It's like he couldn't sit in his spot any longer. He was ready to take them out, even if that meant on his own. Cranes eyes snap to me, his smirk only growing.

"Whatever you're planning with me, no." I sit on my butt, crossing my arms across my chest.

Crane gives a small chuckle, taking me aback. "You'll walk up to the two guards and simply act like you're lost. You're good at talking and reading people; this should be easy for you."

"Flattery won't win me, Crane," I say firmly.

He rolls his eyes, his smirk falling, "It's our best option besides just running in there. Once you have them distracted, Kurky and I will take them out."

"C'mon, Meli, you trust us, doncha? You know we wouldn't throw you to the wolves." Kurky beams, his glowing smile returning.

"I know you won't," I say, my eyes never leaving Crane. The two eye me a bit longer, a breath releases from my lungs, and my arms fall to my side.

"Fine," I say, my body tensing.

Kurky quietly cheers, nudging my arm, "It's gonna be fine!"

About ten minutes pass as Crane gives the details of the plan. Each passing moment makes a sickness fill my gut. I am not the courageous type; I only fight to survive. How the hell have I ended up here?

I make my way away from Crane and Kurky, pushing past the branches and shrubs. I walk as lightly as I can, the dead leaves crunching under my boots. Why couldn't we make Kurky dress up as a child? Why me? A sigh escapes my lips. Once I was a good way away from them, it was time for me to walk out. I gulp, shreds of light from the twilight glow pass through the leaves.

I lift my head and begin walking forward. I eye the entrance to the tower, holding my hands tightly behind my back. The guards weren't laughing as much as they were before. They leaned against the walls, quietly chatting back and forth. The closer I got, the more distinct I could hear their voices; one was deep while the other was light and young.

"Uh-" I stammer, "Excuse me?" The one with a deeper voice was already eyeing me before I had even spoken; his eyes made me nervous.

They lean up from the wall, taking in my appearance. The one with a deep voice was as tall as Crane, his ears poked out from his helmet. His long sword was grasped tightly in his hand, the blade propped up on his shoulder. The man with the axes was only a bit taller than me; his expression was shocked.

"State your business," The long sword elf spoke his demand, his voice low and booming. I flinch, clearing my throat.

"Yes, I apologize; I am not trying to bother you," I stated, "You see, I am lost. Could you point the way to the closest path?"

His eyebrows cock, and his eyes scan over my body; I shutter.I fucking hate men."The nearest road is three and a half miles away." He twirls the sword in his hands, "How did you get so far away from the road?"

I gulp, "A faerie coaxed me; I am not sure what happened. I remember seeing her and then nothing. I woke up in the middle of the woods. I am just trying to get home to my family." I give him a weak smile.

He gazes over to the younger elf, then back to me, "I see." He slowly walks closer to me, closing the gap between us.

A confused expression crosses over me, "Yes, so could you please point me in its direction?"

He lets out a chuckle, "What do I get in return, little elf?" He was too close now, only inches from me.

"On other thought, I am sure I can find it myself," I back away, my nervousness quickly turning to anger.

He quickly snatches my chin, pulling my face forward to meet his. I feel my body heat within me, bubbling, wishing nothing but to murder him where he stands. I have to follow the plan. He yanks my head to the side, moving strands of my hair away from my ear with his free hand.

"Ah, a half-elf," His breath brushes over my ear; it reeked of ale, "You're pretty exotic in these parts." I strain against him attempting to free myself from his grasp; he wraps his other arm tightly around my waist, pulling me to his body.

"Sergeant, I don't think..." The younger elf pipes up, rushing toward the two of us.

"Keep your mouth shut," He barks, "I will murder you, little boy." The elf swayed in his motion now. From the first encounter, I couldn't tell he was drunk until now.

I grab his gauntlet, trying to burn him in any way, but he snaps his attention to me. He lets out a wicked laugh, "Oh, so she knows magic? Do you really think you can burn through this armor? It'll take a fireball, you ignorant bitch." His grip on me tightens, scrunching my face.

"Serge-!" The young elf yelps before a loud thud echo around us. The sergeant's attention snaps to the now bleeding-out axe wielder. The elf squirms and pulses, gripping his neck as red liquid squirts from him, staining the ground below. A cough and a gargle follow the blood oozing from his lips and teeth. Kurky, a small man with a bloodied knife in his hand, looms over the collapsed elf. His mischievous grin beams as a trail of blood travel down his cheek.

How did he even reach his neck? Did he jump?

"What the hell!" The older elf turns back to me with fury burning in his eyes. He lets go of my chin before gripping the handle of his long sword.

"You know, it is very rude to touch a woman without her permission?" Crane's sly voice rings through my ears. He already had his hand wrapped around the back of the elf's neck. Smoke emits from his palm, rising into the air around us.

The elf squirms in Crane's grasp before his eyes roll back in his head, and he shakes violently. His grip loosens around me, allowing me to pull away. I take a couple of steps back. Bits of his face exposed from the helmet turned a dark purple, and his eyes bulged from his skull. The skin turns from purple to a grayish decomposed color. My eyes widen in absolute horror. He reaches for me again as his skin and flesh fall from his bones. It was ash. Pure ash. Some of it blew away in the breeze. There was no blood. His chest piece, helmet, and gauntlets fall to the ground with a cling. His lower half sinks to the ground, twitching.

I cover my mouth with my hand, staring at the body before me. I had never seen this kind of magic. I swallowed hard. The smell begged to bring up the contents from my belly. Blood has a horrific smell, but nothing could ever compare to this. It was death, rotting death.

Kurky walked over, relatively unphased by Crane's display of magic. "Now what?" He side-eyed the body, keeping his distance.

Crane smiled, not hearing a word Kurky spoke. I stared at him, my mouth a gap. I have never seen Crane smile this wide or happily. It didn't sit too well with me.

Crane kicks the lower bit of the body, causing bits of dirt to cover its leg. "That's disappointing; I guess I went too overboard to have fun with this one." He chuckles to himself.

"Crane..." My voice trembles.

Crane slowly looks up to me, his eyes almost crazed. "What is it?"

"That..." I trail off, "What was that?"

He looks at me confused, his expression becoming somewhat normal, "I removed the guard so we can go retrieve the orb?" He adjusts himself, "Don't be so annoying with questions, Meli."

I look to Kurky for reassurance, but he only gives me a sad smile. What is going on?

"It's best to talk about it once we have finished recovering the orb." Kurky trudges over, whispering up to me

Kurky was right, but my mind couldn't think straight after what I had witnessed.