Chapter 3:

Author's Note: I'm back after a busy few weeks!

Recap: Aelin, Aedion, and Elide encounter Manon.

Aedion squinted, "Is there a reason that you are here, blackbeak?"

Manon rolled her eyes, "I wouldn't be spending my time with you - low life, but you are fortunate to have such a brilliant cousin, who just so happens to pique my interest."

Aelin flipped her hair, "Finally someone who sees my radiance."

Manon scoffed, "Not you." Manon gave a mischievous look, "I'm talking about Elide."

Elide's eyes widened. Her? Of all the powerful and trained people, she wanted a rather small, limping, maiden? That didn't sound right.

But, Manon held an arm out for her. And Elide - being wise, took it. Though Elide did look back at Aelin in confusion.

After they were out of witch earshot, Aedion turned to Aelin, "Don't you think we should go after them? I don't trust those witches."

Aelin nodded, "I agree, but if we want our heads to remain intact - it would be best if we didn't eavesdrop."

13 witches circled Elide, each watching her like a lion ready to pounce on its prey. Manon stopped, so did the rest.

Manon stepped forward, calculating Elide from her weak ankle to her budded lips.

Elide knew better than to talk. But she was nowhere near weak. She shifted her eyes in an attempt to formulate a plan for the quickest escape.

A stinging sensation went through her left cheek. Elide's eyes snapped back to Manon - who had swiped her cheek with her talon.

Manon growled, "Don't you think about doing anything. I know those soft lips hide a razor-sharp tongue." Her clan tensed - ready to spring into action.

Elide held her gaze, though she wanted to clutch her cheek. How was it that the tiniest injuries hurt more than the major ones?

Manon probably knew that too - and acted as such.

Manon put the bloody finger to her lips. Elide wanted to cringe.

Manon tilted her head to the side - contemplating something. After a moment, she looked at her second and nodded. The second stepped forward with an envelope.

A letter for Elide.

The second tore the package and read allowed,

"Name: Elide Lochan.

Origin: Perranth Terrassan.

Special case: Rightful heir to Perranth.

Bloodline: Part fae. Part witch. Part of the royal family as well as the Blackbeak coven."

The rest of the witches froze. All of the witches - including Elide. Manon nodded again - dismissing her second.

Manon smirked down at Elide, "Part fae. Part Witch, huh?"

Elide kept a straight face, despite her world spinning, "I don't see why it matters to you."

Manon stepped even closer, and she whispered in Elide's ear, "It matters, because my dear, have a new family."

Elide swallowed, "My blood runs red."

Manon shook her head, "Ah, but your heart runs a different color."

Elide's eyes glazed, she would never accept another family, her heart ran the colors of Terrassen, the colors of her queen, "I don't wish to be a part of your clan. I will be of no assistance, and please do not try to encounter me again."

Elide knew this was probably a dumb mistake and she would have her neck snapped for it, but she could not tolerate anyone telling her that her destiny as the Lady of Perranth was anything but that.

The second blocked her way as Elide turned around, "It's hard to do that because as far as we are concerned…" Asterin pulled out Elide's paper again and cleared her throat, "Elide Lochan - class 5 - Blackbeak Wyvern training."

Elide sucked a breath, she wanted nothing to do with these witches. It was her job to take care of her queen, not go wandering into her own journey. Invisible shackles - her duty and her desires.

Asterin smiled sweetly and handed her the paper, "See you tomorrow."

Aelin was walking with Aedion, the latter was yet again yapping about the lovely males and females at this school. Aelin however, had no interest in such gambles, not yet at least. A scrawny boy, with hair that fell over his face, joined them. Aelin paused, she didn't know this boy.

The stranger grinned, "HI! I'M LUCA!"

Aelin raised her brows and nodded slowly. Aedion stopped his yapping and assessed the boy - which held no threat.

Aedion stepped forward, "Hello Luca. Do we know you?"

Luca jumped around, "You don't know me, but I sure know you! You are Princess Aelin Ashryver Galathynius." He put his hands in his shaggy hair. "That feels so weird to say. I'm standing right next to the princess of Terrassan."

Aelin couldn't help but feel quite smug. Even living her whole life being addressed by this name, she had never grown used to it. Some strange part of her that yearned to be normal.

Aelin raised her head, "Is there any reason you are here? Because we would really like to get going."

Luca's face fell and he pouted, "Look, the thing is, I am on your side."

Aedion jumped in, "What do you mean by that?"

"Queen Evlain helped me in a time of crisis - no need to get into the details. So I want you to know that if her daughter needs any assistance, you can find me in the kitchens."

Aelin nodded, he could prove to be useful. With his insider's knowledge.

Luca stepped closer to them and his voice lowered, "I also thought that you should know something about the history of this place."

Aelin frowned, she might have been a princess, but she knew history was just as important as the future. "Tell me."

Quiet as the wind he spoke, "I heard that those big guys on the stage go on top secret missions, and they are actually blood-bound to her."

Aelin stepped back, her eyes widened, and her breath quickened. Blood-bound? That was an ancient and evil sorcery used by the cruelest of people. Aelin couldn't imagine herself selling her soul to someone. She couldn't imagine controlling someone else's soul.

Luca nodded, "And that's not all, according to school records, the only person that stood up to Maeve was found whipped and bloody on this very estate. People say it was because of those men. The men that call themselves the cadre."

Aelin held her breath and dismissed Luca. Aedion looked worriedly at Aelin. She had kept a staid face for the longest time. Contemplating. Scheming.

He took a deep breath, "Aelin, on a scale of 1 to 10, how dangerous is this plan you are concocting."

Aelin didn't say anything. For the danger of her newfound plan was unknown.

Author's Note: Have you read Tower of Dawn. Let me know because I am contemplating adding them.

Quote of the chapter:

"The best opportunities often hide in the shadows of your biggest threats." - Instagram quote.