When we reach the cottage, I stop while everyone else continues ahead. I shift into my human form and begin weaving the spell that will shield us from unwanted eyes. It is an illusion of the strongest magic. No one is more skilled at illusory spells, in our group, than me. I will make certain no one can find us here. We’ll keep Ella safe both from the humans and others of our kind.
We built this cottage based on a premonition from one of my dreams many years ago. I dreamed of danger, but I did not know what form it would take, nor the context in which it might arrive. I only knew that we would need someplace hidden; a safe place to shelter from unwanted eyes.
It says much about Kai that he trusted me enough to act on my dream. And now the day has arrived that I’ve long dreaded. All our lives are in danger.
The penalty for bringing a human across the veil is imprisonment and death. I’ve no desire to face either, but keeping Ella safe is worth the risk. She is precious, cherished, and treasured beyond all measure. I know that my bond brothers feel the same as me.
Once finished, I start back for the cottage. It sits in a clearing deep in the forest. Tall trees surround us like a giant wall on all sides. Constructed of gray stone with a thatched roof, it appears much smaller on the outside than it actually is. I layered several illusory spells throughout the structure to achieve this effect. It looks as though it is only one level and could contain, at most, two rooms. Inside it is rather palatial, and I hope Ella finds it pleasing.
I walk inside to find Kai and Devon standing in the living area. “Where is—” I begin to ask, but Kai interrupts.
“Cash and Finn have drawn her a bath. They are with her now. Of all of us, she is closest to them, so I thought it best that they stay there with her.”
I sigh, knowing she is in good hands. Normally, I would be jealous, but not now, not after what happened.
Chapter 17
Ella
We’re so deep in the forest, I’m not sure I’d ever be able to find my way out of here by myself. It felt like we ran for such a long time after we left the castle and crossed the veil into the shifter kingdom.
A small burst of warmth traveled over my skin as we entered the magical barrier. I thought Kai said it was forbidden for them to bring me here, but I suppose they didn’t have a choice.
I’m worried though for their safety. I hate that they’re having to risk so much just for me.
Cash and Finn help me down off Devon’s back. It’s so strange that he and Kai are able to partially shift into a larger form than usual. I wonder if all of them have this ability.
Unbidden memories resurface as I recall my attack. Tears fill my eyes, but I blink them back, trying to appear much calmer than I feel in this moment. I could have died tonight. The thought hits me like a giant wave, and it takes everything I have to keep it together. I don’t want to break down and start crying. I’m stronger than that.
Cash gathers me in his arms and carries me toward the entrance to a small cottage. It sits in the middle of a clearing, surrounded by a dense forest full of trees taller than any I’ve ever seen in the human kingdom. Great trees stretch up toward the sky, majestic and heavily laden with thick branches full of green needle-like leaves. There are so many that they form a wall between this place and the outside world.
The cottage itself seems relatively small in comparison. Gray stone walls and a straw-thatched roof with small windows and one door in the front. It looks as if it will hold no more than two people comfortably, so I don’t know how all of us are going to stay here.
When we move inside, my jaw drops as I take in the massive space. It seems this place is full of magic to appear so tiny outside compared to what it actually is. Tall ceilings with large wooden beams span the entire length of the room. A massive fireplace against the far wall has a large gray sofa and table before it. Several plush gray rugs cover the smooth stone floors. I marvel at the intricate carvings in both the furnishings and the baseboards. Nature scenes and winding vines etched into the wood that appear so real they’re beautiful.
The living area opens up into a large kitchen with a long counter that overlooks the living space. Cash takes me up a winding staircase to the second floor.
It opens up into a bedroom with one massive bed in the center that will most definitely accommodate everyone. The fireplace beside it is not as large as the one downstairs, but it is still rather impressive and stacked with several thick cords of wood.
Cash walks to a door along the far wall and it opens up into a bathroom, complete with a large tub. He sets me down on a stool near the sink while he and Finn draw me a bath.
I turn to see my reflection in the mirror and gasp. I look terrible. The left side of my face is swollen and bruised. Bloodstains mark a gash across my cheek. My once beautiful dress is tattered, torn, and stained red, barely covering my breasts from where the wolf shifter ripped it as we struggled.
The dark memories of my assault resurface, and I draw in a shaking breath as fresh tears escape my lashes and roll softly down my face.
Finn gathers me in his arms and pulls me close to his chest. “You’re safe now,
