Chapter 20- Fallen and Found

Naps and Naughtiness

Kate’s POV

Liam’s grip tightened on my hand as we plunged into the swirling vortex, his emerald eyes locking with mine, a mischievous glint dancing in their depths. “Hold on tight, my adventurous dove,” he drawled, his voice a comforting melody amidst the chaotic symphony of colors and sensations. “Wouldn’t want you getting lost in the multiverse now, would we?”

The world twisted and warped around us, a dizzying kaleidoscope of fleeting images and disorienting sounds. I held my breath, paralyzed by a mixture of awe and sheer terror as I caught glimpses of fantastical landscapes, alien cities, and swirling nebulae, each more breathtaking than the last. The sheer vastness of the universe was both exhilarating and terrifying, a reminder of my own insignificance in the grand scheme of things.

I stumbled, my senses reeling, but Liam’s strong arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me close. I instinctively clung to his chest, seeking a solid anchor in the swirling chaos. “Just a little further, my love,” he murmured, his breath tickling my ear. “We’re almost there.”

With a final lurch, we emerged from the vortex, my knees buckling as I gasped for air. The world around me finally stopped spinning, and I had to blink a few times to make sure I wasn’t hallucinating.

The cavern we’d arrived in was like something out of a geologist’s dream. The walls were encrusted with crystals, throwing rainbows of light across the space. It was the kind of place that would make even the most hardened skeptic consider the possibility of magic.

The cavern floor sloped down to reveal a massive, naturally formed amphitheater. Giant pillars of limestone jutted out at odd angles, like Mother Nature had decided to take up abstract sculpture.

And then there was the lake. It was an impossibly vibrant turquoise, the kind of color you’d expect to find in a box of Crayola crayons labeled “Mystical Lagoon” or something equally ridiculous. The water was so still it was like a mirror, perfectly reflecting the dazzling light show above.

Lounging around the lake were a group of women who could have stepped straight out of a classical painting. They were draped in sheer white dresses that left very little to the imagination, their long hair cascading over their shoulders like waterfalls of silk. They were all so ridiculously beautiful, it was a little intimidating.

I glanced down at my own attire—torn jeans, a dirt-smeared tank top, and let’s not even talk about the state of my hair. “Fashionable,” I muttered to myself, “real fashionable.”

Liam, ever the charmer, kissed the back of my hand. “You look radiant, my dear,” he purred, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

“Right,” I retorted, raising an eyebrow. “Because nothing says ‘radiant’ like a face full of dirt and a wardrobe that’s literally been through a war.”

He just chuckled, that deep, throaty laugh that always seemed to send a shiver down my spine. “I find your rugged charm quite… endearing,” he said, his gaze lingering on my face a little too long for comfort.

Heat crept up my neck, and I quickly averted my gaze. Damn this Fae and his ability to make me blush like a schoolgirl.

Liam’s arm tightened around my waist, and a smug grin spread across his face as he gestured towards the women. “Allow me to introduce you to my… acquaintances.”

The women rose in unison, their gazes fixed on me with a mixture of curiosity and something that looked suspiciously like appraisal. They began to speak in a language I couldn’t understand, a melodic blend of sounds that reminded me vaguely of Latin and Romanian, but with a strange, otherworldly twist.

Liam responded in kind, his voice a low murmur that sent shivers down my spine. The women’s eyes narrowed as he spoke, their expressions hardening with suspicion. One in particular, with eyes like molten gold, seemed especially wary.

“What are they saying?” I whispered, nudging Liam with my elbow.

He hesitated for a moment, then replied, “They’re simply welcoming you to their realm.”

The golden-eyed woman stepped forward, her voice sharp with suspicion. “He… not speaks the truth,” she said, her words deliberate and heavily accented, each syllable carefully pronounced. “We… question… his motives. Why… he brings… you… here?”

Her speech was a strange blend of familiar sounds and unfamiliar inflections, a musical lilt underlying each phrase that hinted at a language far older and more lyrical than my own. I felt a chill run down my spine. So, even the Iele weren’t immune to Liam’s questionable reputation.

Liam chuckled, but the sound lacked its usual warmth. “Always so suspicious,” he said, his tone laced with a hint of annoyance. “I assure you, my intentions are pure. I merely seek to protect this… treasure.”

The women exchanged glances, their expressions unreadable. Finally, the golden-eyed woman spoke again. “We shall see,” she said, her voice cold and measured. “But know, Fae…. We will not… tolerate…. harm to come to her.”

Liam bowed his head in mock submission. “Of course, my lady,” he declared, his voice an odd mix of sarcasm and genuine respect. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

The tension in the air was palpable, but the golden-eyed woman eventually relented, a hint of curiosity softening her expression. “We welcome you, saintess,” she said, her voice still heavily accented but less hostile. “It is honor to have you as… guest.”

She then added, her voice dripping with venom, “And fear not, you are… safe here. No demon can enter this realm… uninvited.”

A cold tendril of unease snaked through me at the malice in her voice. It was clear that the Iele’s beauty masked a power and fury that even demons would fear to cross.

Liam chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “They’re quite taken with you,” he murmured in my ear, his warm breath making the hair on my arms raise. “Perhaps I’ll have to share you.”

I elbowed him playfully, a wry smile tugging at my lips despite my nervousness. “Don’t push your luck, Fae,” I whispered back, my voice barely audible over the pounding of my heart.

“For now,” he replied, his gaze lingering on my lips for a moment before he turned back to the Iele, “we rest. And then… we celebrate.”

The realization hit me then, a wave of cold dread washing over me as I remembered the state of my belongings. My clothes, my research, my entire life, or at least what was left of it, were all back at that forsaken safe house.

“Don’t worry, my love,” Liam assured me, sensing my unease. “I’ll retrieve your things later. But first, we have… other matters to discuss.”

My heart hammered in my chest as I met his gaze, the unspoken question hanging in the air between us like a thick fog.

“The price of my services,” he finally said, his voice a low purr that made my heart race with a combination of fear and longing. “A night of harmless revelry with you and the Iele.”

I swallowed, my throat suddenly dry as sandpaper. “Harmless?” I echoed, my voice barely a whisper.

“Oh, entirely,” he chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “But the definition of ‘harmless,’ my love, is entirely up to you.”

A wave of conflicting emotions washed over me. Fear, curiosity, anticipation, and a reluctant thrill. I knew I had little choice, and the Fae lord before me was far from the worst company I could imagine. Besides, I had a sneaking suspicion that a night with Liam and the Iele would be anything but ordinary.

“Alright,” I agreed, my voice barely audible over the pounding of my heart.

“Excellent,” Liam exclaimed, his hand finding mine once more. “Now, let’s rest and refresh ourselves. The night is young, and our celebration awaits.”

As I glanced down at my battered body, the full weight of the day’s events finally hit me. My hands were raw and chafed from the ropes, my cheek still throbbed from the slap, and my knuckles ached from where I’d connected with that bastard’s jaw. I was exhausted, famished, and in desperate need of a bath.

Liam, too, bore the marks of battle, his previously pristine clothes torn and stained with blood. The familiar surge of warmth flooded through me as I reached out, my fingers glowing with the soft light of healing magic.

“Easy, dove,” he murmured, his eyes widening in surprise as the wounds on his arms began to knit themselves back together. “I can take care of myself.”

“Humor me,” I said, my voice gentle but firm. “Consider it a… thank you.”

He chuckled, a low rumble in his chest. “Very well,” he conceded, his eyes softening as he watched me work.

The Iele, their curiosity piqued by my display of magic, gathered around us, their eyes wide with wonder. They exchanged glances, then with a wave of their hands, a feast materialized before us. Golden platters appeared out of thin air, laden with exotic fruits that shimmered like jewels, succulent meats that sizzled with unseen heat, and goblets filled with a sparkling liquid that seemed to glow from within.

I gaped at the display, my mouth watering. “Well, this is… unexpected,” I managed to say.

Liam chuckled, his eyes dancing with amusement. “The Iele are known for their hospitality. And their… appetites.”

As I ate, the exhaustion of the day finally caught up with me, my eyelids growing heavy. Liam leaned close, his warm breath tickling my ear. “Tired, love?” he whispered, his fingers tracing lazy circles on my back. “You know, my love, the night holds many delights, and I’d be more than happy to… help you explore them.”

“Liam!” I whisper-hissed, a piece of meat nearly lodging itself in my windpipe. I shot him a look that was half-exasperated, half-amused. “Honestly,” I muttered under my breath, “must you always turn everything into…” I trailed off, unable to find a word that adequately captured his particular brand of playful innuendo.

I nudged him with my elbow, but my heart wasn’t really in it. Truth be told, his words sent a flutter through my stomach, despite my exhaustion. I couldn’t deny the thrill of his attention, even if it was wrapped in innuendo.

“Perhaps a nap wouldn’t be such a bad idea,” I conceded, trying to ignore the suggestive lilt in his voice. “But just a nap, mind you,” I added pointedly, though I could feel a blush creeping up my neck. Does this man ever quit?

He chuckled softly, his emerald eyes twinkling with amusement. “Oh, my adventurous dove, I merely meant you should get some sleep before our celebration tonight. You’ve had quite the rough night, haven’t you?” His tone was innocent, but the mischievous glint in his eyes told another story.

Annoyance flared in me. How did he always manage to rile me up like that? “You’re impossible,” I muttered, crossing my arms and glaring at him.

Liam turned to the Iele, his demeanor shifting to one of respectful request. “Ladies, may we take our leave for a brief rest before the festivities begin?”

The Iele exchanged glances before the golden-eyed woman nodded. “You may,” she said, her tone still holding a trace of suspicion. “We… prepare in the meantime.”

Liam took my hand, guiding me out of the cavern. We walked through a winding path that led to a clearing, where a large ring of mushrooms encircled a patch of lush, velvety moss. The air was thick with the scent of wildflowers and earth, a calming blend that made my head swim slightly less.

He sat down and patted the spot beside him. “Come, join me. You’ll be surprised how comfortable this is,” he said, a sly smile playing on his lips. “It’s quite… accommodating.”

I raised an eyebrow, skepticism clear on my face. “You expect me to believe that a bunch of mushrooms make a good bed?”

He chuckled, grabbing my hand and pulling me down onto the moss. I landed on top of him, straddling his hips, and we stared at each other, our faces inches apart. The warmth of his body seeped through my clothes, his heartbeat a steady rhythm against my own racing pulse.

“Well, someone’s eager,” he murmured teasingly, his voice a low growl. He reached up and gently cupped my cheek, his thumb tracing the curve of my jawline. I felt a shiver run down my spine as he leaned closer, his lips parted…

Suddenly, one of the Iele appeared, holding a bundle of sheer fabric in her hands. Her sudden presence was like a splash of cold water. She stared at us with a blank expression before turning and walking away. I scrambled off Liam, my face burning with embarrassment.

His expression turned dark, frustration evident in the tight set of his jaw. “Of all the times to be interrupted,” he muttered, running a hand through his tousled hair. “I swear, these Iele have the worst timing.”

I muttered a silent curse under my breath, the only response my flustered brain could muster as I closed my eyes, a silent prayer for the earth to swallow me whole echoing in my mind.

After a moment of silence, we both agreed to rest. Liam lay on his back, arms crossed under his head, one leg propped up. I rolled onto my side, my back turned to him, feeling the warmth of his body near mine. Exhaustion finally overcame me, and I fell into a deep sleep, the scent of moss and earth comforting me.