FULL NOVELXO Bound To The Elf Prince: Chapter 23
Bran guides us to a tunnel in the back of the mountain. It’s dark here and I notice there are not as many brightly lit stones embedded in the walls as are present in the main corridors and rooms of the mountain. I’m able to see, but just barely.
The walls feel as if they are closing in, and I struggle to take a deep breath. Closing my eyes, I force myself to fight back the panic deep inside. I cannot allow my fears to overwhelm me. I have to be strong. I cannot fall apart right now.
Caelen’s warm hand finds mine. “Are you all right?” he whispers.
Unable to speak, I nod.
Bran looks to Caelen. “This route is known only to my people.”
“I understand,” Caelen replies. “I will reveal your secret to no one.”
Bran holds his gaze a moment before he turns his attention back to me and places his hands on my shoulders. “I am sorry, Lyana. I know how you feel about dark and enclosed spaces, but this tunnel is safe. I promise. It narrows for a ways, then widens again before the exit. It’s roughly two days travel to get through it.”
I peer down the darkened corridor, swallowing thickly. Although I’ve been inside the mountain many times throughout the years of our friendship, the areas I have frequented have always been brightly lit, large caverns and wide hallways.
He hands us each a heavy pack with supplies.
“Where does it come out?” Caelen asks.
“Near the border of Solwyck.”
Solwyck. Dragon fire scorched their kingdom, leaving much of it in ruin. Everyone knows how Princess Halla was able to slay the dragon and save her people, but at great cost to herself. They say she may never walk again.
I used to be close to her and her brother, Gerold, when we were children. Our mothers were cousins. I wrote to them several times since we first learned of the attack, but have heard nothing in return. But I also understand they are no doubt busy trying to rebuild their once prosperous and shining city.
Bran embraces me tightly and whispers in my ear, “We will watch every day for your return. We’ll be ready to march with you to retake the kingdom.”
Tears swim in my eyes. “Be safe, Bran.”
“I will.” He levels an icy glare at Caelen. “Remember your promise, Elf.”
Caelen dips his chin, and we turn and enter the caves.
The path grows even darker the farther we walk, and I realize that Bran has forgotten once again that human night vision is poor. I can barely see anything in the gloom. I trace my hands along the rock wall for guidance and startle when Caelen slips his hand into mine. “Allow me to guide you.”
“You can see clearly?” I ask before remembering his words on our wedding night.
“Nearly as well as I can in the light.” Amusement laces his tone. “I honestly do not know how you humans have managed to survive as a species. You have no claws or fangs, poor vision and hearing, and—”
“Enough.” I narrow my eyes in the direction of his voice. “Or should I start listing your flaws?”
“I doubt you’d find any.” He chuckles. “We Elves are perfect compared to you humans.”
Offended, I open my mouth to reply, but stop abruptly as he says, “I am merely teasing you, Lyana.” He squeezes my hand. “I thought it might help ease your fears.”
A smile curls my lips as I decide to tease him in return. I tip my chin up. “Well, the joke’s on you, Prince Caelen of Rivenyl. Did you know that you snore?”
His head whips toward me. “I most certainly do not,” he replies indignantly.
“Yes, you do,” I insist. It’s not the truth, but he doesn’t know that. Besides, I need to find something to tease him about.
He’s silent for so long I worry that I may have gone too far and actually offended him. Finally, he says, “Well, you are short.”
“I am not short,” I huff.
“If you were a pixie that statement might be true.”
My jaw drops, but I quickly snap it shut. I’m about to tell him off when a strange scurrying noise draws my attention up ahead. Fear skitters up my spine, and despite my earlier irritation, I press closer to Caelen. “What is that?”
“You really cannot see much of anything, can you?” he asks, surprise in his voice. “It’s not that far up ahead,” he murmurs.
“What is it?” I hiss, annoyed that he hasn’t answered me yet.
Before he can answer, the sound of claws scraping against stone echoes through the tunnel and my dress flutters against my ankle as something moves past. Panic zips through me and I scream, scrambling up Caelen’s body, clinging to him for dear life.
“It’s all right, Lyana,” he says quickly. “It was only a mountain rat. It’s gone now.”
Only a mountain rat.
My heart pounds as I lift my head from his chest and scan the darkness. “I hate rats. Are you sure?”
“Yes.” Caelen’s breath is warm in my ear, sending a shiver through my body, but this time not one of fear.
Suddenly, I’m acutely aware of just how close we are. My legs circle his waist and he has one hand on my backside, holding me up, while his other arm wraps around my torso, my entire body molded to his.
With my chest pressed to his own, I can feel each beat of his heart. I lift my head, and in the dim light our eyes lock. Our lips are so close, his warm breath fans across my skin. He smells of cinnamon and spice, but his breath is something akin to mint.
His gaze drops to my mouth and his hold tightens on me a moment before he carefully relaxes his grip. “I’m going to lower you back to the ground,” he says, his voice rough.
“All right,” I reply in a breathless whisper.
I unwrap my legs from around Caelen’s waist, and he carefully lowers my feet to the ground. His hands linger a moment on my arms as he makes sure I’m steady before letting me go.
A hot flush burns my cheeks, but I smooth my hands over my tunic, raise my chin, and clear my throat. “Thank you,” I struggle to keep my voice even as my heart still hammers in my chest.
“Of course,” he replies, his voice rich and smooth as he takes my hand, interlacing our fingers. “Are you ready to continue?”
I manage to nod. “Yes.”
As we continue on, the tunnel grows even darker. It’s nearly pitch-black now. If not for Caelen, I’d definitely be lost.
I’m unsure if it’s merely my imagination, but it seems as though shadows move at the edge of my very limited vision. My fears are confirmed at the sound of claws scraping against stone. “More mountain rats?” I ask.
“Among other creatures,” Caelen replies casually.
“Other creatures?” I squeak as panic tightens my chest. “What are you talking about?”