Disclaimer: I do not own the Throne of Glass series or any of the wonderful characters and stories told by the lovely Sarah J. Maas.

Summary: "Elide, my darling girl. It's time to come home." (OR what if Vernon doesn't go down without a villainous, manipulative fight). KOA what if scenario.

A/N: **Hiding my face behind a stack of pillows** Hi friends. A lesson learned with this one. Posting an idea without actually having a full story outline in mind- maybe not the smartest move. BUT, we're back and I have a plan because I could not let this idea go. Planning bi-weekly updates. Welcome (back) aboard!

Whereareyou whereareyou whereareyou.

He heard Yrene behind him desperately asking what happened, and Fenrys stepping forward to quietly explain. Lorcan said nothing. He shot away from the camp straight for the forest, in the direction she had walked. He didn't know where the scent led, he just knew he needed to move. Move now. His magic billowing behind him like spindly wings.

So stupid. They were so stupid. He had left her exposed, unprotected. And Vernon had counted on it. Anticipated they would leave her. Label her unimportant. Expected it. No. Not just expected it. He knew it.

Lorcan jolted to an abrupt stop. His knees hit the ground hard as his hands fisted in his hair and he leaned forward head to the ground. His heart felt like a lead weight in his chest, pounding painfully slow.

It wasn't just Vernon now. It was Vernon and Erawan and Maeve. Maeve had seen Elide. Maeve would have told Erawan about the beach. About how Aelin nearly died for her. Lorcan had pleaded for her. And he had fucking left her when they knew they were in enemy territory. Damn it.

DAMN IT.

His magic was screaming.

Fenrys body slammed into him as he shouted, "LORCAN, stop. You have to calm down and think. For a minute. We'll get her back. But stop." He was panting as he continued to pin Lorcan's shoulders down, nearly sitting on top of Lorcan. It would have been ridiculous in any other type of situation.

Lorcan nodded into the dirt and released a deep breath. It was apparently enough for Fenrys because he rolled off Lorcan's back and moved away. Lorcan sat up, then stood up shaking his head.

Fenrys was right. He couldn't panic.

Fenrys said, "I was on that beach too, Lorcan. I was with Aelin in the box. I know, okay. I know. We'll get her back, but we need to go back to the others."

"No."

"Lorcan-"

"There's NO time, Fenrys. No. You go back. But I have to find her."

I will always find you.

"I understand, but-"

"She has to be nearby still, Fenrys. I know it. Vernon is a godsdamn coward. He wouldn't have put this plan together without an exit strategy. He won't let himself be left behind with us. Not for Elide." Lorcan turned away and looked towards the darkening forest straining to catch any scent of a trail.

"Exactly, that's why we need to regroup," Fenrys said, "we also need to let the others know there's a fucking enemy shifter running around camp."

Lorcan shot him a look his eyes blazing, "I know, but s-she's gone, Fenrys." not able to hide the waver in his voice. Elide needed him. Now. They were wasting time even talking about this. The others could wait. Lorcan stalked forward.

Fenrys sighed behind him as if resigned, "Okay… okay. Then how do you want to do this?" Lorcan was surprised and spun back around to meet his gaze.

"Shifters aren't all powerful. And it didn't have that much of a head start. We would know if other creatures were around, like Ilken. Yrene only said ten min-"

Fenrys abruptly reached for his sword at the same time Lorcan pulled his hatchet. Both moving back to back in a defensive position. Before relaxing almost immediately as an icy wind swooped by them and Rowan changed from his hawk to human form.

"Gavriel and Aelin aren't letting Vernon out of their sight. Along with Chaol, Sartaq and Nesryn." At Fenrys upturned eyebrow, Rowan only said, "Lorcan's magic isn't exactly subtle."

Lorcan growled, but Rowan held his hands up. "Look, I'll take the skies. Fenrys cover our tracks south back towards Anielle. Lorcan, track her as best you can here. I know your magic is already searching. We'll meet back at the compound. Two hours." Fenrys nodded and turned to head back towards Yrene's tent, to start there. Rowan reached out and gripped Lorcan's forearm and gazed into a face of fury, "We will find her and bring her home." Lorcan gave one curt nod. Then Rowan was gone in an icy wind.

Lorcan didn't waste any more time. He was already sprinting toward the Northern Fang. His magic shooting tendrils out in all directions.

Fenrys found his pace slowing as he approached the wyvern training compound. He had found no trace of Elide, no scent of valg. He had scoured their camp and scouted as far south as he could. He traced back north up the banks of the Avery, both sides. Nothing. He had returned and gleaned as much detail from Yrene as he could, and she had promised to make sure the soldiers and camp were aware of the presence of at least one shifter. Defenses would be heightened and they would be vigilant down on the ground. They had both found their gazes drifting up to the cliffside. Fenrys caught sight of a hawk angling for the cliffside compound. Rowan.

"What happens, now?" Yrene had whispered. Fenrys just shook his head.

"It's easy. We find her." Before leaping into his magic to return to the compound. His steps slowed as he entered the compound courtyard. He stalled entirely as he came to stand beside Rowan at the end of the hall.

"I thought your magic was gone," Rowan's quiet inquiry wasn't judgemental. Just curious.

"Apparently, I just needed the right motivation and purpose. Never would have guessed it would come back to help Lorcan," Fenrys attempt of a joke fell flat as both of their gazes turned toward their Queen at the end of the hall. In a matter of hours, she had wilted. Looked so weary.

"What happened after Lorcan and I left?" Fenrys inquired.

Aelin scoffed, "You're not nearly as important as you seem to think you are. And Elide is no longer your concern."

"I think you'll find she is." This time all banter gone. "Erawan has plans for her and so do I." His smug gaze shifted to Lorcan. Then Rowan watched Lorcan's face go absolutely blank before he was sprinting from the room. Fenrys right on his heels.

Rowan would have followed if not for the blast of terror then fury emanating from his mate. He reached out and grabbed Aelin. She was livid, glaring daggers at Vernon, "You FUCKING asshole. What have you done?". He said nothing, only continued to smirk. Aelin struggled in Rowan's grasp.

It was Gavriel who quietly sidestepped Rowan and calmly punched Vernon in the face. Aelin sagged as Vernon fell unconscious tied to the chair.

"Bastard," Gavriel quietly intoned. Rowan released Aelin and she dropped to her knees.

"Rowan, what are we going to do? Elide...I can't...he wouldn't….Elide can't be gone."

Rowan couldn't hide his concern or forget the stark fear he had felt from Lorcan.

It was Gavriel who responded, "Lorcan will not fail her." Aelin lifted her head and met his steady gaze. Then nodded slowly. And rose back to her feet. Her mask collapsing back into place once more.

"What are we going to do with him in the meantime?" she said. "I don't think I can stand to look at him and definitely can't stomach listening to him."

"We can-" but Rowan was abruptly caught off by the fierce black wind that suddenly flooded the room. The agony wrapped in its tendrils.

"No," Aelin breathed. Levelling a devastated look back at Rowan.

"I'm going to go help them," was Rowan's response, "Gavriel?"

"Don't worry Rowan, he's not going anywhere. And I"ll loop them in." Aelin answered with conviction before giving a nod to Chaol and Sartaq who were standing at the door clearly wanting to know what the hell was going on. Gavriel only folded his arms and took a defensive stance besides Vernon. A silent sentry.

"I will not let Vernon destroy my family." It was a vow. And a threat.

Then Rowan was gone.

"She carries too much, Rowan," Fenrys sadly whispered, "this was not her fault."

"Vernon's treachery runs deep. And it's personal for my Fireheart. Elide makes it personal." Rowan replied moving forward towards Aelin.

Aelin didn't move as they approached. Their failure to find any kind of lead was left unsaid. She only closed her eyes and blew a long breath out.

"I left that asshole with Gavriel, who's a saint by the way, he hasn't let him out of his sight. Nesryn and Sartaq are with him as well."

It quieted in the hall. They could hear Vernon's muffled tones as he apparently continued to chat up the group watching him.

"We need to decide where we want to keep him for the night," Rowan intoned. "I think it makes sense to leave him here. We'd be more exposed down in the camp."

"Agreed," Fenrys offered his support, "but we also need to consider bolstering the camp's defenses. Yrene is aware and informing the sentries, but we may want to send some of us back tonight to oversee that. Especially considering the presence of a shifter."

Aelin nodded as well but her eyes blazed, "I also agree, but I'll tell you now it's not going to be me leaving Vernon. I'm staying right by his side until he leads Elide back to us."

"I'll go." Chaol had heard the end of the conversation. "I'll take Borte and Falkan with me. The rest can stay with you. We'll regroup in the morning. I'll wait to hear from you directly."

"Thank you, Chaol." Chaol only nodded before turning to walk back down the hall to collect the others. They could hear Vernon's muffled laugh coming from behind the closed door.

Aelin sighed again, "Lorcan isn't coming back tonight, is he?"

"Would you?" Rowan responded.

Fenrys ruefully shook his head.

"I'm going to do a thorough search of these training facilities. Lorcan was right. Vernon is too much of a coward to sacrifice himself for a prize like Elide. He will need to bring her here before returning to Morath."

"I'm coming with you," Aelin had walked toward them from her position down the hall. She swatted Rowan's hand away when he reached for her. "NO, Rowan I need to do this. I can't sit still and continue to do nothing. I need you to stay here and support Gavriel and the rest. Let Gavriel out of that room if he needs it, Gods know how he hasn't yet. And do not let Vernon so much as move."

Fenrys only bowed his head before turning to walk toward where he and Lorcan had originally found Vernon in the cellars. Rowan only pulled her in for a fierce hug before walking to join Gavriel on watch. He knew what his Fireheart needed from him. They would not fail.

The creature didn't break pace, even with the added weight of the unconscious girl slung across its shoulder. It had been exactly as the Lord had foreseen it would be. The creature had masqueraded as one of the enemy. The other young woman who seemed to be the least threatening. And the girl, Elide, had walked away without a hint of concern. No, it was only when they reached the treeline where she realized her mistake. The creature saw it in her eyes, the second the clever girl connected the dots.

It was a good thing her leg makes her easy to catch. The creature had tackled her to the ground and knocked her out with the powder the Lord had supplied.

Fool girl, there was no escaping the wrath of Morath.

The creature finally slowed its pace and paused in front of a roiling dark shadow at the foot of the cliffside, masking the entry point. Swinging Elide down from his shoulders into his long, spindly arms. Before continuing forward into a sea of shadows where no light escaped and the dark magic frantically called for the girl in its arms.

Elide's body hung like a rag doll in his arms as they entered a pitch black room of pure obsidian. "Poor creature," the creature hissed.