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Chapter Text

Allana Reys never expected her entire world to disappear before her eyes because of books. Well, she didn't expect it because of where she was about to end up.

Her journey through the simplistic woods around her home left her feeling rather calm. Nothing could compare to her sense of calm as the wind blew past her hair. She wore a simple green dress that made her hazel blue eyes appear a sea green and a pair of black flats that she had been carrying in her hands. What she didn't tell her parents was that on her ribs were the years of their births as well as the one for her best friend. She looked around until she stopped near a creek. Then what seemed to be her falling forwards made everything stop. There was silence as her eyes couldn't recognize the sounds around her. 

Birds that weren't familiar to the area cawed as her pale eyelids opened to be greeted with a man crowned in golden hair. The tattoo on his throat bobbed as he came around her so she could see him properly. That was when she went to scream. His ears were pointed like an elf out of the Lord of the Rings, while his teeth looked fairly feline.

His hands gripped her and covered her mouth, "Don't scream. Who are you and how did you get here?" 

His voice was hard, but she could sense his good intentions. Her hand moved to pull the large had off her lips when he did it for her.

"A-Allana Reys... I don't know how I got here." Her lips trembled from the cold as he took note of her chill. 

He took off his cloak and wrapped her in it. She shivered and he helped her into a standing position, her small figure dwarfed by the man before her. She watched as he pushed her hair back and his eyes narrowed.

"You're a Fae yet I've never seen you." His voice was rough and she hurriedly touched her ears, feeling the elf-like point. 

She looked to him with wide eyes, "My ears weren't like this..."

"Come, child." He led her with a had to the middle of her back. 

She was led into a small house and she sat beside the fire while he watched her. Tears fell from her eyes and she felt grief hold her heart in a cage. She leaned against the wall and covered her mouth with one hand as the other clung to the warm fabric around her. 

"My name is Gavriel, child." The man offered while kneeling near her. 

She looked to him, "This... This isn't my world, my home. I don't know how I came here or why I'm here... My family is not here... I'm all alone..."

His eyes softened at her words as she sobbed for her loss at that moment, then he thought back on her words.

"Your world? Where is your world, Allana?" He inquired as she tried to calm her cries.

Blood shot eyes met his, "Far away from here... Past stars... I... I don't know..."

He rubbed her auburn hair gently, "You should rest and we will speak in the morning."

She looked at him cautiously, "Why are you helping me..?"

"Because you're just a child and you're lost. Not all men are terrible." He chided.

Her cries became sniffles as she listened to him carefully. She was led to a cot where she stayed wrapped in the cloak before she laid down. His hands brought a blanket over her shoulders before patting her head. For some kind of warrior, he was nice...

---

The next morning, she awoke when he began moving because her ears were sensitive to sound. She pushed herself up and looked around carefully. Her shoulders shook slightly as the man smiled at her.

"Wh-What do you do as a job?" She inquired immediately with a scratchy throat.

His eyebrows shot up, "I am a soldier."

"Close to, but you're different." She noted with the way he moved, as if to keep her on the back end of him. "You're a guard of some sort."

"I will teach you when I can, but you need to stay here Allana." He held out a hand for her as she got off the cot. 

She sat beside him and he served her some sort of meat. Her stomach rumbled and she didn't care what it was, just that she was ravenous. As she ate, he began to give her a lesson of history when she stopped eating just to listen. Curiosity won her heart, even stomach. The ancient man sat before her and she was listening intently to his stories. 

"What of the people across the ocean?" She replied as he began to eat.

He looked at her, "They lost their magic about ten years ago. They have a darkness spreading across their lands and Maeve wishes to wait it out."

"That's ridiculous, those magic users need your help as well." Allana retorted with anger tinting her eyes.

He sighed, "I wish, but I am under a blood oath to do as my queen wishes. You are something she would take pleasure in taking apart, which is why I'm not telling her about you. You need to stay hidden from everyone here, Allana, until I can get you something like a book or clothes."

"Honestly, clothes would be a good start." Her lips quirked slightly, which was as far of a smile as he would see.

He nodded and rubbed her head before leaving the tiny house. She sat in wait before cleaning up the food and looked around before finding a few books on the wall. She couldn't bring herself to take one because something held her tightly, causing the pain in her chest. She sat on the cot with a lost look as Gavriel came back holding a dress and watched her. 

In his view, she was just a child, but the next few months would be the hardest on her. He set the dress down and watched as she cried again, for her lost life, family, and a world no one had seen.

Chapter Text

She had been taught how to fight by another member of the cadre. His name was Rowan if she remembered correctly. She wasn't bad, as he had put it, but she would want to favor her right side less. She trained for hours on end when they were there and kept alive when they left. 

Two years before she had even heard anything about the continent across the sea. The king of Adarlan's champion, a Celeana Sardothien. She was known as a master assassin, but what Allana knew was that she had to be the one to help her get home. She hadn't given up, but the resources in Wendlyn were tight. She couldn't get much even if she managed to scour the Queen's libraries herself, which was too dangerous according to both the men that had been helping her.

Another year and she was visited by both men at the same time. They looked troubled until they saw her standing there dressed in tan riding pants, a loose black shirt, and a sword strapped to her waist. 

"Rowan, Gavriel, what's troubling you?" She inquired before they looked to her. 

"You will be going to the continent with Rowan to see Aelin. She might be able to help you." Gavriel spoke up and looked at the girl who had grown only a little in her years under his watch. 

She was lost when he first found her, but she had blossomed into a gorgeous woman. She grew at the rate a Fae female would when first Settling. Her hair was around her waist, but tied into a twist on her head.

"Am I really allowed to leave Doranelle?" Her eyes were wide as she watched him pack a bag for her. 

"Yes."

"What about you Gavriel?" She looked worried as he handed her the pack.

He touched her forehead, "I'm staying. You're an element of surprise if you're here long enough to being in the war." 

Her eyes narrowed for a moment until she hugged the man tightly. "Thank you for being here and making sure I'm alright. Thank you Gavriel."

His arms held her briefly before he pushed her back, "Go now."

Rowan took her arm and they made it just aboard the next boat headed across the ocean.

---

"Your feet are always off, Allana." He jabbed at her with a sparring stick. 

Her eyes narrowed when he went for her again and she bent back from his stick before sweeping his feet from him in one movement. She cheered as he fell to the floor, but it was short lived when she was knocked down.

"Ow, Rowan, did you have to do that?" She looked to him unhappily.

His feline grin met her eyes and she glowered slightly at him. They each stood up on their own with one hand on the side of the ship. She was ready for Rifthold, but he wanted to make sure she wouldn't be taken by a Vlag at any point. She grinned as she hit him and they went back into their sparring stances.

---

She watched as he was hugged by the woman dressed in black and she wondered how she was a queen until she saw the look given to her.

"Who are you?" She looked at her with narrowed eyes. 

"I'm Allana Reys, I need your help Aelin." Her eyes looked straight at the Queen of Terresen. 

She bowed her head and the queen grabbed her arm. 

"Come with us." She spoke and led the smaller woman away with the looks of a blond man who looked exactly like Gavriel.

She was led into a lavish apartment and she looked around rather cautiously. She had yet to be exposed to the lavish expenses some spent in this world. Her hands went to the sword and knives at her hips.

"Do take those off." The queen spoke as she moved around comfortably.

Allana slowly removed her cloak to reveal her thin body accented by a long braid down her back. Her ears picked up on the sounds around them until she was sitting across from the young woman.

"Why do you need my help, Ms. Reys?" Aelin looked to her.

Her eyes traced the room, "I came here four years ago out of nowhere. My real home is across what I believe to be a dimensional plane. I knew nothing about this world, the people, and I was human. Now it seems I have become Fae, I have magic in my blood, and I am trapped here with no other path home. If you want proof, I have tattoos I can show you."

The woman before her gestured to a room where Allana followed. No men trailed after them as she had left her weapons behind her. She stood in front of the master assassin before shedding off her torso of clothes. The numbers on her sides stood in stark contrast to her pale skin before she turned and there were tattoos, ones Rowan had undoubtedly done, of names in an unfamiliar language of curves. Rowan had tattooed it there when she began her training. She needed something as a reminder of who she was. 

"It's my family." She spoke as the taller woman traced the ink.

"Well, I can see now that you're not one to lie." 

"I do not lie. Gavriel and your carranam can attest to this. They trained me and helped me strengthen my bond to this world." Aelin growled when Allana mentioned Rowan and she sighed, "He is like a brother to me. He's the one who trained me how to fight."

She got on her knees and let the back of her neck show to the queen as a submissive pose. She would only bow to one and choose her side. She was rather frightened that she would be cast into the pits where no one would find her again. She would never see her home again.

"Why are you bowing?"

"Because I am begging you for help. I have no one but Gavriel and Rowan as guidance. I was kept away from Maeve's eyes so she could not try to figure me out. It was something they did not wish to see happen. I beg of you Queen Aelin of Terrasen, please help me."

She felt a hand on her head as she was forced to lift it, "I will give you as much help as I can so you may get home. Is your allegiance with me then?"

"My sword is your's." She grinned and stood.

Chapter Text

Aelin walked with Allana, rather grateful for the female company among the brooding males.

"If you're going to have a pissing contest, can you at least do it on the roof?" The queen leaned against the sink.

Allana was quite close to smacking both males, knowing she would be forced to train by the elder while the golden haired one was unpredictable at that moment.

The golden haired one spoke up, "She says we're no better than dogs, so I wouldn't be surprised if she actually believes we'd piss on her furniture."

"I wouldn't be surprised if you managed to ingrain your scent in this entire apartment. You smell horrid." Allana piped up in retort to the male.

His eyes shot to her and Aelin chortled. The two watched each other until there was silence again.

"Your mothers were cousins, Prince, but who sired you?" Rowan asked.

The golden haired prince lounged in his chair, "Does it matter?"

"Do you know?"

"She never told me--- or anyone."

"I'm guessing you have some idea?" The queen finally spoke.

"He doesn't look familiar to you?" Rowan looked confused.

"He looks like me."

Allana inserted herself, "Yes, but according to what Rowan has told me, you have met his father. A few weeks ago. Gavriel."

The room went silent and the prince stared at them.

"He asked me," Aelin spoke up, "He asked me how old I was, and was relieved when I said nineteen."

The silence filled the room and Allana felt the need to go clean herself. She desperately needed it since they had stowed away on the ship.

"The Lion is my father?" The males voice was hoarse. With a nod from Rowan, "Does he know?"

Rowan kept watching the male, " I bet seeing Aelin was the first time he wondered if he'd sired a child with your mother. He probably still doesn't have any idea, unless that prompted him to start looking."

Aelin touched her cousin's hand, "This changes nothing. About who you are, what you mean to me. Nothing."

Allana looked to the queen who pointed to a bathroom just down the hall. She knew she would have to be careful with the decor. She closed the door behind herself and stripped off her traveling clothes and drew herself a warm bath. The bathroom was luxurious with the beautifully colored red walls, golden curtains, and the porcelain vanity. When she looked in the mirror she was shocked. She had forgotten what she looked like because she had asked them not to give her any mirrors aside from when she saw her tattoo.

Her pale skin was flawless aside from the ink that stained her skin as well as the freckles that had adorned her shoulders and cheeks. One mole was right near her eye. Her lips were a perfect bow and a bright pink with the slight upturn of her nose above. She was shocked to find that she had changed none of the slightest. Her eyes were tired and she knew that there was nothing but sleep that could help. Her breasts bounced uncomfortably and she knew that she would have to be careful around the males. She looked at the flat, toned planes of her stomach and shook her head before slipping into the bath.

She scrubbed her skin until it turned a bright red and didn't register that tears had begun to form until her vision was clouded. She laughed wryly and covered her mouth slightly. She wished she was alone, back in the cabin and able to sob her heart out. She wasn't there and she knew she needed to be strong. Her heart ached for the warmth of her parents' embrace.

She finished cleaning her hair and stood while wrapping herself in a towel.  There was no time until the door opened revealing Aelin holding a bundle of clothing, a pair of form fitting pants and a man's shirt. She took them and noticed the underclothes as well.

"Thank you, Your highness." She bowed her head.

Aelin touched her shoulder, "Don't bow to me. I'd rather you act like you did out there than this. You can fight, as Rowan has told me. I want you to show me against Aedion."

Her lips drew into a slight smile, "Alright, but I would like to rest a bit tonight."

"Get dressed then." She nodded before leaving.

Allana dressed in the clothes, the shirt rather large on her, and walked into the living room. She settled on the couch, but as she dozed there was a light discussion between her mentor and the queen.

"She's slept on much worse."

"She can take the spare room that Aedion has so kindly abandoned. It's best she get used to something other than this. It's not even her home."

There was a shuffling, "Fireheart, she's asleep by now. Her training has her wiped each day."

"Because you train her to the point of exhaustion."

"We go longer each time. I'm building up her stamina. I have been fore a few years now."

"How long has she been here?"

"According to Gavriel, four years."

"Shit. Move her to the spare room where she'll be more comfortable."

She felt the warm arms of her mentor pick her up and was surprised that the queen did nothing to protest. She was tucked into smooth sheets and felt the warmth blanket her in sleep.

~*~

The morning sun disturbed her and she sat up with the faint smell of sweat. She looked around before finding different clothes laid out for her. She changed into the tight shirt, familiar to the tank tops she had at home. Her heart ached again and she forced herself into the leather pants. She walked barefooted to the warehouse below where she saw Aedion, the golden haired male, battling her mentor.

"Aelin, would you like to spar?" The auburn haired girl looked to the golden haired one.

They grinned and she was tossed a fighting stick. She stood lazily until they began to go full speed at each other. It was a blur, and she was surprised at how easily she matched the queen's pace. They were far quicker than the males, but she disappeared for a moment before reappearing behind the queen.

All three stopped to stare and she just shrugged. She stumbled as she braced herself on a crate while the others talked, that was until she saw Rowan take down the golden haired man rather quickly. It was quick and she knew her mentor always went fairly easy on her. There was a bright hello and she turned with the rest to point her fighting stick towards the opening of the warehouse.

It was a rather beautiful woman holding boxes and bags. She would have been rather attracted to her lest she go for women. Aelin steered the woman up into the upper levels where she knew it would be best she not get involved with yet.

"Is that Lyssandra?" Rowan inquired.

Aedion replied, "Not too bad on the eyes, is she?"

"Why is she here?" Allana quipped earning the attention of the males.

"She probably has information about Arobynn."

"Who is that?" She was confused by what she had missed while she slept.

"He was the one who took her when she was younger, turned her into an assassin, then turned her to Endovier." Rowan informed her quietly.

"Bastard." Allana hissed lowly and her eyes narrowed.

Rowan turned back to Aedion, "Yet she doesn't want you to hear it?"

"I think she finds everyone but Aelin boring. Biggest disappointment of my life." Aedion quipped.

She could tell it was a lie as she moved among the crates. Her hands were quaking and she slinked to the top of a pile before lounging in the rafters.

"When you need me, just call." She called as she began to stand, balancing on the beams carefully, practicing her fighting as Rowan had shown her before.

Chapter Text

Allana had stayed in the rafters all morning and she was lounging across one, listening to the plans with a rather nice looking man, but she second guessed herself when she noticed how tired he was, and how much he stank.

Aelin crooned, "You know, he won't bite."

She had to stifle her laughter as she watched them.

"Can you just explain what these maps are for?" The man stared.

"Anything you, Ress, or Brullo can fill in regarding these gaps in the castle defenses would be appreciated."

"For you to bring down the clock tower?" The man asked as he folded up the map.

"Maybe."

"I haven't heard from Ress or Brullo for a few days. I'll make contact soon."

She stood up and dropped to the floor quickly, earning a quizzical look from Aelin and the man. She was used to using the warehouse as a playground, as Rowan had grown used to. He had learned that she was rather agile and made for moving around as if she were in a jungle.

Her eyes trailed the room with a calculating look before leaving to the apartment. She was annoyed that she had to be locked in the apartment, but Aedion was in the same basket. She lounged in a chair while he raided the kitchen for food.

"How did you do what you did earlier?" He inquired as she looked around.

Her eyes bore onto him, "Quite frankly, I have no idea. I was told that magic on this continent was locked away years ago." She leaned over her legs, "I don't even know how I got here." Her lips were curled in dismay.

He sat in front of her, "You will be able to go home soon enough. Maybe you will have a better batch of luck than us."

"I used to feel hopeful, like you, but when you get stuck at seventeen in an unknown land, you tend to grasp onto what even isn't there." Her eyes narrowed, "I've started to forget their faces. All I have are dates now to remember them by. It's scary what time does to the mind."

He sat there for a few moments and gestured for her to follow him. She begrudgingly followed him into the warehouse where he threw her a sparing stick. He let her shed the unneeded clothes she didn't wish to wear before attacking.

He bore down on her and she saw the similarities between his fighting and a little of his father's. She blocked his attack and aggressively pushed back as her ears twitched. He stumbled and looked at her rather surprised.

"Take your anger out in fighting. Use it." He encouraged.

She snorted, "Do you wish to get yourself hurt? If I remember correctly, I'm only three years younger than you."

"Well, then you're battling your senior."

She rolled her eyes as he attacked again. Her movements became fluid, unpredictable as she turned into the shadows themselves until he tripped her. She fell to the ground and growled. Before he knew it she was breaking crates one after the other. Tears slipped down her cheeks and she just shook her head when he came closer.

"Don't... Go upstairs now. I don't wish to be seen this stupid mess. I meed to clean this up anyways..." She murmured and heard him leave.

She cleaned the warehouse slowly and for the rest of the day, which she knew Rowan and Aelin would ask what happened. When they walked in, she was silemtly moving the splinters into the back corner where they would be missed from sight. They didn't take notice as they walked up the stairs. She sat on a crate before deciding to go into the rafters. None of them bothered her that night and she must have fallen asleep in the rafters when she heard the warehouse open again. She jolted and gripped her knives at her waist until she saw it was Rowan and the queen.

She slid into the furthest corner where she decided to tune the two out and slid into a comfortable position. She dozed into slumber when she was jolted awake.

"What are you doing up there?" A melodious voice inquired.

She looked down lazily at the woman, Lysandra, who was watching her.

"I was asleep... Keeping my distance." She added as she dropped to the floor quietly.

She looked to the woman in front of her and stood near the crates. They assessed each other until the other grinned.

"You're rather pretty."

"Thank you, but I think that the ears and fangs kill the look." She spoke sarcastically.

"Well, I'm headed upstairs if you wish to join us."

"Later."

The dark haired woman left and Allana went about her training routine until her stomach forced herself to go to the kitchen.

She looked at the group and snatched up what they weren't eating. She ignored the looks and continued eating.

"Is there a reason behind this visit, Lusandra, or are you here just to make my friends squirm?"

The darker haired woman held up a sack and was weighed down by a box. It was set down on the table, "What you requested."

"Thank you."

"Arobynn is going to call in your favor tomorrow, to be delivered the following night. Be ready."

"Good."

Aedion leaned in, "Does he he expect only Aelin to deliver it?"

The woman looked to them, "No-- All of you, I think."

Rowan spoke up, "Is it a trap?"

"Probably, in some way or another," Lysandra looked at Allana, "He wants you to deliver it and then join him for dinner."

"Demons and dining. A delightful combination." Aelin said.

"Will he poison us?" Aedion inquired.

Aelin was scratching at the table and Allana frowned. She left the room to change and bathe before she could hear any more.

~*~

A letter arrived in the morning and she was seated near Aelin as the letter opened.

"It smells like almonds." Aedion said.

Allana looked at the invitation and frowned. It was a formal invitation for dinner the mext night at eight- for Aelin and three guest- and a request for the favor owed to him. Her eyes went to the end of the note and she knew immediately that that was why it smelled as such.

"What the hell is that?"

Allana stepped up to Aelin and gripped the younger woman's arm.

"Perfumed skin oil." Aelin spoke flatly.

"Why does he want you to wear it?"

"It's just another move in the game we've been playing."

"Are you going to use it?" The prince spat.

Allana leaned back and looked out the window hard.

"Tomorrow, our one goal is to get the Amulet of Orynth from him. Agreeing to wear that oil will put him on unsure footing." Aelin spoke again and Allana growled.

Their eyes went to her, "He knows how many of us are here. He's been watching us."

She stormed from the room and sat unhappily in the warehouse. She sat in a cross legged position with her hair down her back. As soon as the two came down, she was ready to speak, but Aelin touched her head.

"Stay here and watch Aedion. He needs his rest. We're going hunting a Vlag." She spoke.

Allana huffed, "You're going to have to get me a dress or I'll borrow one of your's."

"I have one that will fit you." Aelin grinned.

"Thanks."

The two left and she paced until the early hours of the morning when the two left. She was asleep on the couch when Aedion forced her up and to the spare room. He had been forcing her in his place so she could sleep properly.

"Fine..." Was her muttered response as she settled in the bed.

Chapter Text

Allana stared at the dress laid out for her and sighed. She changed from the towel wrapped around herself into the silken dress. There were two diamond shaped holes in the arms of the dress and then one at the back that the edges on her sides were drawn so her sides, including the numbers on her ribs were visible. She let her straight hair fall around her shoulders. She had Aedion cut it because she was tired of the long hair. She pulled on some shoes and walked out and into Aelin's room after knocking.

"It looks much better on you than it did myself. Sit." Aelin ordered and Allana sat on the stool.

She fidgeted, "Aelin, what does family mean to you?"

There was a brush running through her hair and there were a few tendrils of hair in between her shoulders. Then a comb was dragged into her hair, a jeweled comb that was like the skies of night and the ocean. Aelin brushed some kohl across her eyelids and then painted her lids a deep burgundy.

"Perfect, and family, Allana, is those like my cousin and Rowan. They are my family. As are you, no matter what happens in the end, you are family to me now." The queen spoke and she had a hard time not crying.

She stood and hugged her tightly. They stood silently until she drew back.

"Since I've been here... In your world, I haven't felt comfortable or felt like I have a place here. Now I know what I need to do." She swallowed, "If we... If there is no way back for me, I am yours to command. I will be a loyal subject, or if you'll have, member of your court, but that will have to be filled by now, no?"

"I can always make room for you." The queen grinned and they walked out arm in arm.

Aedion faced them, dressed in a tunic of deep green, and whistled, "Well, if you didn't already scare the living shit out of me, you've certainly done it now."

Allana grinned at her mentor's gaze on the form fitting black velvet then to the golden dragon on the back. It made her feel better when Aedion looked at her gown rather kindly.

"You look nice." He noted to her and she turned to show him the opening where her tattoos were stark as day.

"I rather enjoy this. At home, people would frown at the tattoos." She laughed and the males noted the true joy in her eyes for once.

~*~

As the rode up to what she now knew as the Assassin's Keep, seemed inviting. She knew otherwise due to Aelin.

"Be on your guard, and you two keep your fat mouths shut. Especially with the Blag commander. No matter what you hear or see, just keep your fat mouth shut. No psychotic territorial bullshit." Aelin ordered and Allana hugged her friend.

"Remind me to tell you tomorrow how charming you are." Aedion grinned.

Aelin stepped out first and Allana followed with a blank face. She was slightly behind Aelin on the stairs when the front door opened. She was rather unhappy on the inside, but she kept her face blank as her ears twitched. A man with auburn hair and white teeth greeted them.

"Welcome home." He purred.

It took everything not to cringe inwardly. He beckoned them into the hall, "And welcome to your friends." His eyes lingered on her figure generously.

"Your favor." Aelin noted.

The Vlag commander made Allana's skin crawl and her eyes were narrowed slightly as it hissed.

"I would have preferred the servants' door for our guest." He spoke tightly.

She noticed his green tunic and was suddenly grateful she was in a deep navy, offsetting her eyes instead of her hair. She stood beside Aelin and Rowan towered over the two women. She was uneasy and watched as her friend held the man's hands.

"You look ravishing, but I'd expect nothing less. Not even a bruise after trapping out guest. Impressive." He sniffed her causing Allana to look away slightly, "And you smell divine, too. I'm glad my gift was put to good use."

Rowan was bristling and she left her hands at her sides. The slits up the sides of her legs were meant to distract most of the men there, she knew. Aelin wanted her to utilize her eternal beauty to entice them, draw their attention elsewhere and it was working.

"You look well, I suppose you already know my companions." Aelin smirked.

He turned to Aedion, "I haven't had the pleasure of meeting your cousin."

His eyes looked over the golden haired male as if trying to find any weakness, "You've recovered well, General. Or should I call you 'Your Highness,' in honor of your Ashryver lineage? Whichever you prefer, of course."

Aedion grinned lazily, "I don't give a shit what you call me. Just take this rutting thing off my hands."

Arobynn slowly turned to Allana and Rowan.

"You two, I don't know," He mused, "It's been an age since I saw one of the Fae, let alone two. I don't remember them being quite so large."

Rowan walked deeper into the hall and stood over the women, "You can call me Rowan. That's all you need to know." He tilted his head and she knew something was coming. "Thank you for the oil, my skin was a little dry."

Arobynn blinked in surprised and looked to the smaller female.

"You may call me Allana." She stood with her hands folded in front of her waist.

He then turned to Aedion, "Third door to the left-- take him downstairs. Use the fourth cell. Allana, dear, how about waiting in the drawing room? It's the fifth door to the right."

She bobbed her head slightly and looked to the three before going into the drawing room. Lysandra stood and hugged the smaller woman.

"I want to talk with you." She smiled and she noted as she took in what Allana wore, "That looks wonderful on you."

"Thank you, and what exactly would you like to chat over?" She saw on the couch and the two women leaned close.

"Where exactly do you come from? Fae normally aren't as... Small as you or come looking as if you're something else."

"I'm from a different world, Lysandra. I'm afraid that this can be saved for later though." She looked to the doors where Aedion and Rowan walked through.

The two stood while Rowan paced impatiently. She waited with them chatting with Lysandra until called to dinner. She stiffened when she was forced to sit to the left of the King of Assassins. She sat silently as Rowan sat to her right and Aedion was sitting on the other side of her mentor. Lysandra was silent and she was grateful to know what went on in the shifters mind.

"I have to say," The tall man to Allana's left mused, "You're a rather quiet group. Or has my protégée scared you into silence?"

Allana bristled unhappily when she saw his hand on her knee. Aedion watched Aelin eat, but she was silent.

"You want us to make small talk after you just interrogated and butchered a demon?" He lifted one eyebrow.

Arobynn took his hand off her knee, waving it, "I'd like to hear more about you all."

Allana heard the quiet, "Careful."

"Shouldn't I be concerned about who my protégée is living with?" He questioned.

His hand was back on her knee, causing her lips to turn to a frown and had to bite back a growl.

"You weren't concerned about who I was living with when you had me in Endovier."

"Is that what you think I did? Lysandra can tell you the truth: I fought tooth and nail to free you from the prison. I lost half my men to the effort, all of them tortured and killed by the king. I'm surprised your friend the captain didn't tell you. Such a pity he's on roof top duty tonight."

Allana gritted her teeth and closed her eyes slightly.

"He did try, you know. For months and months." Lysandra spoke.

She was instantly glad she was on their side and she would feel even better when they left.

"Do you plan on telling me why you insisted we stay for dinner?" Arlin drawled.

"How else would I get to see you? You would have just dumped that thing on my doorstep and left. And we learned so much-- so much that we could use together." Her skin crawled even more, "Though I have to say, this new you is much more... subdued. I suppose for Lysandra that's a good thing. She always looks at the hole you left in the entry wall when you threw that dagger at her head. I kept it there as a little reminder of how much we all missed you."

Arobynn began to rattle on about a few moments Lysandra and Aelin brawled. They were interesting until Allana felt the table rattle. She glanced to her mentor and almost laughed. His eyes were lust filled and she knew she would wish to stay in the warehouse possibly for the rest of the night.

Her attention went back to the conversation when it went silent.

"Did you ask me something?" Aelin glanced at the man at the head of the table, who had a good grip on her thigh.

"I asked," He spoke, "if you've had fun these past few weeks, wrecking my investment properties and ensuring that all my clients won't touch me."

Chapter Text

Allana gave Aelin a look before Rowan looked annoyed. The grip on her leg tightened enough for her to hiss slightly and shoot a narrowed eyed look to Arobynn.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Aelin replied with a smile.

"Oh?" The man swirled his wine as he rubbed her thigh gently, "You mean to tell me that when you wrecked the Vaults beyond repair, it wasn't a move against my investment in that property-- and my monthly cut of their profits? Don't pretend it was just vengeance for Sam."

She gripped onto the table edge tightly, "I would hate to interject myself into this, but I do not take being touched by a man like this lightly."

The hand loosened on her leg, "I do apologize my dear. I hope you do take that."

Her lips quirked into a sneer that Rowan knew and her pointed teeth showed, "Of course."

Aelin spoke up, "The king's men showed up. I had no choice but to fight for my life."

"And I suppose it was an accident that the lockbox was hacked open so it's content could be snatched up by the crowd."

"You know how lowlifes get. A little chaos, and they turn into animals foaming at the mouth."

Lysandra cringed and Allana sighed breathlessly. They each did their jobs of acting certain ways.

"Indeed, but especially the lowlifes at establishments from which I receive a handsome monthly sum from, correct?"

"So you invited me and my friends here tonight to fling accusations at me. Here I was, thinking I'd become your personal Vlag hunter."

Allana had zoned out while the accusations came out of the Assassin King's mouth and looked at them rather bored. Few of the men had paid any attention aside to get a look at the two Fae that were in their presence. It was only when they rose to the sitting room that she came to. Aelin shot a grin at the older female, knowing she had paid absolutely no attention to the last portion of the conversation. She was light on her feet and shot a glower to the man.

"Stay here while Celeana and I speak." His voice was filled with rage.

She looked to Lysandra rather curiously as they left, followed by Aedion and Rowan.

"Now, I can tell you a little more." She spoke softly.

The shapeshifter looked at the blue eyed Fae with one of surprise, "Here, in the heart of his operations?"

Allana rose from her place with a shrug, "I can kill them all if you so desire, but where would the fun be in that?" She kicked his chair back and lounged across it in the most unladylike way possible.

"Where are you from?"

"A world quite unlike this. I'm not sure why I appear as Fae, but that's another mystery. The technology, I can only imagine has progressed wildly since I've been gone." Her fingers played with the silverware left abandoned.

Her eyes rose gently to the shapeshifter who spoke.

"What is it like?"

"Rather dull. Politics is a mess and I honestly would rather it burn. However, I enjoyed being with my family..." Her voice faded for a moment, "It was never as lavish then as it was in the past. Now, I'm here and my parents are more than likely mourning me."

"I deeply apologize, dear."

"Do call me Allana, it's rather boring being called something endearing to a younger girl when I'm older than you."

"Is that so? How old are you?"

"Twenty-one, almost twenty two. I'm rather intrigued by you. However, I believe that this visit will be cut short right now." Her ears pricked before standing and sauntered over to the side of the two Fae males.

They were escorted out to the carriage and she noticed the blank look on Aelin's face as well as the anger radiating off her mentor. A plan that she knew would take to twisting the planes of the men in front of her. They were deathly silent, which annoyed her immensely. She kept her jaw clicked shut as she looked to the card having been given to her by the despised man himself.

When they arrived at the warehouse, they all walked through it and to the main apartment. The curtains were shut and she slipped the slippers off her feet while letting her hair loose from the comb.

"Aelin?" The golden haired male inquired with a hoarse voice.

She turned after pulling off the blasted ring, "So that was what he wanted. I honestly expected something grander."

"He didn't check Stevan's other hand?" Rowan frowned after Aelin slapped the ring on the table beside the couch.

"No."

Aedion looked upset, "One of you needs to explain now."

Allana stretched, "I have a good idea of what just happened. I'm going to clean off the rutting man's scent as best I can."

Aelin seemed to think it amusing as she  sauntered from her point, the sounds of her bare feet echoing on the walls. In moments she was soaking in the tub with her hair damn. She glowered at the water while it warmed her cold skin and sighed lowly. She felt of no use to them.

"Knock knock." Aelin spoke as the door opened.

She placed clothes down by the sink and looked to the woman soaking in the water. She closed the door and sat next to her.

"Aelin, I'm not of much use here at the moment."

"You are, Allana. What's on your mind?"

She looked up, "I'm barely doing anything while here but being a pretty little distraction. I need to do something, to train on my own. I know it's dangerous, but I don't feel like I've done anything but do that. I can head North early and see what I can find of myself, if I can convince the people in your home to aid us. I'm just not feeling useful..."

"Then... Rowan may not agree with me, but you need to do what you believe is right. Maybe go South to Skull's Bay. I would personally like you to see what you can provide there in ways of convincing an old friend to join us."

She stood from the bath as the door was opened by her mentor. There was a warning growl from both females as he barely opened the wood. The door rattled back into its frame before she settled into a towel.

"Then I'll leave early tomorrow."

"It must be for the best, Allana."

Her eyes closed, "You have grown to be a friend, Aelin. I hope that if we find anything, then I can find a way home." Her eyes opened sadly, "If I can't, then I will lay down my life for you."

Chapter Text

Allana had snuck out into the predawn light after a soft bidding of farewell to the queen who had given her a purpose. She walked along the inside of her quarters, given to her by someone who owed Aelin a favor. She was hidden by a hood and kept to herself as the waves passed in slow rocks. She was growing bored and began to reminisce in the memories of her home.

Her friend, Wendy, would've been pulling her along towards something they had joked about or something. They had just graduated and got into the same school. What would she do? If she managed to go back, she would be adorned in tattoos, ones her parents would demand get removed.

Her parents... That was one thing she missed with a passion. Her pale fingers worked along the sill until she saw another ship. It was one she recognized from Wendlyn, which was not good. She looked amongst the crew as it pulled up next to them and saw quite a few Fae among the crew. It caused unrest to billow out among the crew on the ship she was on. Her long ears twitched as she heard one walking towards the end of the ship, in her hall. She had masked her own scent rather skillfully and hid in the corner packed with crates. Her fingers were wound around one knife as the other braced against the wood.

The door opened to the cabin then closed. She could smell that the Fae male hadn't left and was searching the room carefully. Her body was in the corner, frozen in wait. She was small enough to be able to fit there, which was a blessing in disguise. He briefly stopped beside the crates before leaving, the distinct smell of the forest following with him.

Through a glimpse she got in the cracks, he was rather tall, built like Gavriel and Rowan, but with darker skin and golden hair. Her fists refused to loosen until after she knew he was off her landing. Now, how to get out from between the crates...

She didn't have to think before she was in the middle of the room, looking confused. Her hands went to the edge of the bed as she pushed herself onto the hard mattress. Her blue eyes went outside, where the other ship was pulling away from the side. Her eyes widened when she saw the man who had been in the room. He was talking to Gavriel, whose tattoos were stark against the pale skin of his throat.

Her lips quirked upwards as they began to move past, her hood drawn over any feature that he could've seen. As the men talked, she could just barely see Gavriel's face as his eyes focused on the window intently.

---

"You told me that there were no passengers in that room." Gavriel turned to Fenrys with a frown.

The younger male growled, "There was no one. If that person was there, I would've known."

"You can be so oblivious, Fenrys." He groaned.

It was familiar, the hood across the person's face. That was until the hood was pulled back and auburn hair tumbled past shoulders with only a black wide necked shirt.

"Gavriel-" Fenrys began only to be stopped by the old warrior.

"Leave this one be. We'll make it to the shore and then make our way to the bay. You can rest easy until then."

The two sat there with a silence growing as Fenrys watched the figure in the window. A woman, petite in figure with a black shirt that let the bare skin of her shoulders catch his eyes. On them were tattoos that he instantly recognized.

"Who exactly is she?"

---

Allana left herself confined to the room and slept most of the trip, gathering her rest for the days she would spend in Skulls Bay. From what she heard, it was tropical and there was nothing but humidity. She would be fine adapting to the environment, hopefully.

Her eyes looked around in boredom, wondering about what she would do. Her left hand lifted above her face, the crinkles next to her eyes from smiling becoming prevalent. The pale extensions flexed elegantly and the pang of longing that shot in an arrow-like form through her heart. She turned from lying on her back to curled on her side, the stiff bed creaking.

The room was cold, silent. There was nothing to hold onto as she fell. Her fingers tightened on the sheets significantly, the cloth scrunching under each pale limb. Her eyes were screwed shut as the tears leaked from her entrapment she meant to hide them in.

I need to be strong. She thought and took a shaking breath before sitting back up.

She dashed away the tears, thinking of all the people, especially Gavriel and Rowan, who had helped her. They protected her from the worst of what had happened, but it didn’t stop the longing of seeing her friend and family members. They weren’t there for her and things just kept getting worse with no end in sight. No news of being able to return to her home only made her mood worsen.

No! She had slapped her cheeks and took another breath, I will return to my family. I will see Isle again. Now say it dammit!

“I will return to my family, I will see Isle again.” She spoke hoarsely before picking up the scent that lingered.

Woods, at least the smell of rain at dawn as well. Some form of hope that lingered in her chest made her second guess that scent. She shook her head in order to get intruding thoughts to shake loose.

“Damn bastards.” She huffed before getting ready to sleep.

It was no use worrying about things as they were right now. Keep moving forwards, achieve the goals you want. That was what her mother had told her when she struggled in school at least. She would keep moving and make sure that she could get home.

Whatever home was when she got there .

Chapter Text

The sun hadn't been out for the days she spent in Skulls Bay. There was little for her to do except help and train. She earned her own wages, even while keeping her pointed ears hidden from all sight. The Pirate Lord, Rolfe, was biding his time, waiting for someone to request an audience with him. Her hair was wild around her face due to the humidity and there was no sight of her pointed ears. She walked around with slight smiles to the locals, who had made their lives there.

"Ms. Reyes, are you okay?" The small flower shop owner looked to her gently.

"Of course, are you in need of any help?" She looked softly at the woman.

The lady nodded and she picked up the basket in the older woman's hands. They walked into the shop and she felt eyes on her. She glanced back and noticed two rather burly men standing there, watching. She went back to work and refused the bunch of money offered to her by the older woman before walking along to the nice inn she had been staying in.

She glanced in the shops of windows every so often, noticing they were still following her. Her smirk grew when they were stopped by someone and she disappeared into a crowd before going to an alley. She stood there as the two men passed by the alcove before she began following them back to the pub where the Pirate Lord was waiting.

It was silent, she was silent, and then she heard the shrieks of something abominable. She turned and saw creatures, some of which looked disgusting. Her hands went to her legs and growled lowly at the skirt over her legs. Her hands tore the annoyance to the middle of her thighs and pulled the two knives out as they dove.

They smelt of death. The one thing she took note of when delivering the Vlag male. Her teeth gritted as one came right to her. Her knife went right through the throat, decapitating it.

"What the-"

"Get inside and gather weapons you idiot!" She turned before one grasped her throat from the back.

Her under clothes were getting soaked, rather unsavorily, by the black blood. Her fear crawled into her throat when she saw them attacking the harbor, where she knew children played. Her bare feet barely moved her before she was there. Vlag with wings were going for the people on the boats.

"Please!" A woman begged and Allana's eyes went wide as she saw the thing kill her.

Her hands shook with rage as she took no notice to the moment she was on top of the disgusting creature, cutting it down. It took her moments to realize how quickly her magic was drained as she hopped, ship-to-ship, aiding in the protection of the people.

Her breaths were short as she gripped onto the edge of the ship as the winged Vlag flew away as well as the foot soldiers left. Her blackened skin was quite the show as she made her way back to the inn. She was untouched, but she knew the people were scared of her now. Best for her to leave the area while she could.

The Inn-maid watched with wide eyes as she marched back to the room she was in. She quickly scrubbed what she could off her skin before changing into pants and the white blouse she had hidden. She let her wild hair stay to cover her ears as she paid the maid a hefty sum for how long she had stayed.

"Thank you for letting me stay." Her lips drew back slightly as she walked and made her way towards the forest on the outside of town.

---

There were moments of peace, but eventually things began to appear out of nowhere. Food, money, and other things such as clothes. It confounded her and left Allana with a nagging feeling. Then she listened to the people in the town. They were grateful for her presence.

Her eyes slid shut on her own slightly until her ears twitched. There were two, rather ungraceful, men stumbling through the muggy air. It annoyed her to the point she hid in a tree, waiting to spot the men. As soon as one blond head popped out, she dropped to his shoulders while wrapping her thighs tightly around his neck. The other quickly attempted to remove her from him, but she snarled while pushing her hair from her eyes to get a good look only to find it was Gavriel she was attempting to strangle. Her grip loosened and he quickly removed her from his shoulders before rubbing his neck.

"You sure have a tight grip..." He chuckled, "Allana, this is Fenrys-"

The other Fae male grasped the scruff of her neck while turning her, "How did you avoid me on that ship?"

Her blue eyes blazed rather unhappily, "You don't get to question me."

"Gavriel, who is she to you?" The dark skinned male inquired while keeping his grip on her.

The older male sighed rather loudly, "She is my ward, one I did not disclose to Maeve."

Allana grabbed the wrist behind her head tightly, "Can you let go already?"

Her hiss was enough to get the other to free her of his grip and she turned with a glower. Her fist flew into his gut before she turned in a huff. She had sweat enough for a day and walked off towards where she had housed herself in a cool cave. She took note that the men followed and turned once inside the mouth.

"What are you doing here, Gavriel?" Her lips moved to a frown.

The tattooed male gripped her shoulders, "You weren't found, were you?"

"I found Aelin, there might be something in Terrasen for me to find. She just has to free up the North and talk to the men. I have a terrible feeling about it..."

Her soft sigh made it obvious that there was something other than that bothering her. Gavriel sat next to her while the air grew tense with something else. It wasn't until there was movement that she remembered that the other man, Fenrys, was there. Her hand shot out with a sword aimed towards him.

"You better watch it, little girl. I'm not a weak boned human like you." He snapped.

Something snapped. Allana stood with her eyes glinting unhappily.

"You know nothing. I'm glad you said that though." She disappeared from sight before pining him to the wall.

Her small body was nothing compared to the absolute wall of muscle he bore for a body. His growl signaled something else as she disappeared again. The magic took a while to trickle back, but she had managed to save it up until her temper flared.

"Allana, you need to calm down." Gavriel reprimanded while gripping her arms before pinning her to the floor.

Her snarls quieted after a while, but there was no shortage of annoyed struggling. Her head turned to the side so she could observe Fenrys carefully. He stood tall and she knew that in a fight, he would be deemed a winner.

"Let me up." Her voice was muffled.

Gavriel kept her wrists held tightly and pulled her up while staring to the dark skinned male. He watched before walking closer and carefully took in her petite figure. His arm reached out, tucking hair away from her pierced ears. The metal was still there from her days at home, ringing the points, even a bar through one.

"Well, now I understand why Gavriel kept you a secret." He went to pull his hand back and she quickly bit his wrist out of annoyance.

Gavriel carefully forced her to let go and the blood on her lips was sweet. It satisfied her to find the man holding his wrist and swearing. Gavriel sighed again and sat her away from the other one.

"Stop being rude. Sleep." He offered her and she turned away from the men.

"Just don't bother me." She uttered before shutting her eyes in the muggy cave.

Chapter Text

"Mom!" She screamed as she ran for the door.

The house was fine and she had been playing with a few neighborhood children. She pushed the door open and suddenly it wasn't home. She was surrounded by Vlag and there was blood coating everything, but there was no end. She needed to get out.

Save them.

She would throw her life away if it meant she was keeping them safe. Keep her world safe. She stood in front of the gates to the world with two blades in her hands. Her hair was pulled taught by a black hand and she cried angrily, but then sadly. There was nothing there but a black man shrouded in anger.

"Your world will be mine." He grinned.

Her swords swung into the figure, but to no avail as the claws pierced her chest.

-|-

"Wake up, Allana." There was a hand on her arm and she pulled a knife from the strap on her thigh while straddling the elder Fae male she considered a father figure.

"Don't," Her breathing was pants with a mild panic set in her eye, "do that again."

"Was it Aelin or Rowan that taught you to be armed in sleep?" His eyes shot to her knife.

She stood silently before walking off towards the pond she had found where she could wash herself. There was silence except for the moment she stripped her clothes and the weapons she carried fell to the ground loudly. There was a certain stillness as she submerged herself into the water and rose while wiping the water from her face.

There was a whistle, "Now that is something I haven't seen."

Her head turned over towards the shore where Fenrys sat with his head leaning back. Her bared teeth did nothing as she sank to protect her dignity.

"You better not have been there earlier." Her teeth ground.

He watched her with onyx eyes, "I swear I wasn't."

"Good." Her voice lost it's edge as she slipped into the darkest corner of her mind.

"But I am joining you." He jeered while hopping down.

Her head snapped up, "Then let me get somewhat decent."

"You're fine. You need to wash off anyways." His voice seemed cheery.

She moved to the far end and kept her back to him, the shivering from the memories of nightmares past plaguing her. His splashing footsteps resounded before she felt him behind her. She turned and squeaked when her head smashed into his chest.

"Well then, are you that keen to bed me?" He joked.

Her arms protected her bust from any gaze, but that didn't mean he wouldn't see the numbers inked on the sides. His eyes trailed the damp hair circling her head and pushed it away to draw her gaze upwards.

"You don't seem happy, why?"

Her lips quirked in annoyance, "Like you would understand."

She turned away before a hand touched her waist carefully.

"I might understand more than you think."

"Being torn from your life in another world leaves possibilities open." Her voice was sour. There was a heavy air until she turned back. "I was originally mortal and I came here out of nowhere, you understand. If Maeve ever found me, I would probably be used as a toy. I'm not from your world."

"Then what is it that's making you upset?"

"I may never see those I love again. I'd throw my life away for Aelin if I have no way back." Her fists clenched as her head hung, "I don't belong here."

"As far as I can tell, you are no stranger to this land and you belong. There is nothing stopping you from going your own road." His voice caused her to relax.

She shook her head before making a move towards the shore and was halted with his hand on her hip.

"Fenrys, you'd best mind that hand before I remove it." Her voice was low and her fingers were flexing for something to claw.

He chuckled, "Let me wash your back, Young One."

"I have a name you know."

"Ah, yes, Allana Reyes. I think you're fascinating." His lips were placed beside her sensitive ear.

She turned and snapped at him, her hands going to slap away his hands. His eyes drifted down and towards her breasts, tongue darting out.

"Stop harassing me." She hissed and he laughed wildly.

He turned her away from him and began to wash the dirt from her skin with the water. His large palms were flat against her skin and seemed to trace every muscle.

"Why the tattoos?" He spoke up and she hissed.

"I know exactly who you are. You're the one chained to Maeve's bed. She uses you for sex. Stop touching me." Her voice was clipped short as she managed to get out of his arms.

He sighed lowly, "I'm not there for the sex. I'm there for my brother."

"Yes, the twin who vies to be different from you. She wanted both of you from the start, and in the end she got you. You're her willing slave whether you like it or not." She turned with her eyes blazing.

He looked down at her rather carefully, "I already know this. I do not need to be told by a little girl."

"For your matter, I am twenty-one! I am no little girl, you blathering old man!" Her teeth bared and he grabbed onto her arms rather painfully.

"I am still older than you, so behave." His voice was strained.

One of her hands gripped his wrist as tightly as could be, "I don't care how old you are. You're still annoying."

"Get used to it, because now that Gavriel insists that we help train you, I'm not going anywhere, princess."

"I am not royalty or anything of that sort!" Her hand came straight across his jaw causing him to release her in shock. Her fist shook, "I don't care who you are or what you decide to do, but don't, and I mean don't touch me. I don't want to be touched by you ever again."

She turned with her hair flinging water towards him as she disappeared out of the water and to the shore. She didn't take notice of his eyes on her the entire time. When she got back to the cave, she was greeted with Gavriel cooking meat and she sat along the far wall. Her head was turned to watch the opening with one hand gripping her cloak.

"Is there anything you would like to talk about?" Gavriel inquired as he looked back to her.

"No."

"Are you sure?"

"I'm positive." Her fingers told another tale.

Chapter Text

The two Fae glowered at each other until Gavriel stepped in between them and sighed.

"Show her again, Fenrys, she may be stubborn, but she'll come around." He looked to the dark skinned male tiredly.

Allana grabbed the staff in her hands while watching Fenrys carefully, his Onyx eyes trained on her Sapphire ones. He jabbed at her, in which she snapped backwards, disappearing, then appeared right behind him, kicking his back. He didn't fall over as she stumbled back and growled.

"You're really not that frightening, little one." He turned only to be smacked in the face with the tip of the staff.

"I can at least hold my own against the Vlag." She snapped.

Gavriel stopped her, "You almost drained yourself of magic which is not good, Allana. You need to reserve it for times of emergency."

Her teeth bared, "Fae males are frustrating, more so than Aelin says."

Fenrys rubbed his eye before looking down at her, "I pity the poor fool who is your mate."

"Well, I pity the poor woman you abandoned before becoming the queen's whore." She snapped before his hand dropped.

His face darkened considerably, "I never met my mate, Allana. She doesn't even know I exist, I bet. I hope that you're mated to someone that's human."

"Fenrys-" Gavriel began only for Allana to snap.

"I was originally human you ass!" Her fist met his gut, "I wish I could get home so I don't have to deal with you ever again!"

Gavriel sighed and just shook his head as the two went on brawling each other angrily. It wasn't until Fenrys was on top of her while holding her down by the nape of her neck that something just snapped into place.

"Are you going to stop being childish?" Fenrys snarled.

"Get off, Fenrys." She snapped before disappearing from his grip.

She stood across the clearing and grabbed her staff silently. Fenrys just watched and her fists were shaking as she left the two Fae males to themselves.

~*~

It was late before they even saw her again, a dead animal dragged behind her and she left it in front of Fenrys to clean, as it was his turn to cook that night. Gavriel looked at her before standing and gestured for her to follow. The two were silent until they came to the edge of the little pond she had washed in a few days prior. He sat and she sat right beside him.

"Allana, is there anything you want to talk about?" He glanced ot her blank face before she nodded slightly.

"Do you know what mates feel like?" Her knees drew to her chest.

He raised an eyebrow, "I'm not entirely sure, but I know what love feels like. Why do you ask?"

"Because I'm... I'm not entirely sure, but I think, just think, that Fenrys might be my mate..."

Gavriel raised an eyebrow, "Well, when did you come ot this conclusion?"

"When he pinned me. Gavriel, don't tell him. I don't want to just go back on my words that I said that I'm leaving. Once I find a way home, I'm definitely going back. He deserves his freedom of choice-"

"Allana, it might be better to tell him. You two are destined to be together." He frowned and touched her head.

Her eyes lifted to his, "Gavriel, you've heard what he's said about me. It's fine, I deserve it."

The older man sighed, "It's your right to tell him, but don't keep it from him. You will tear each other apart if you just keep going on like this."

"Fine," Her cheeks puffed, "but you don't get to tell him anything."

"Tell who what?" Came the familiar voice of Fenrys, causing Allana to clam up.

"Tell the poor sap who's my mate anything." She snapped quickly.

Fenrys snorted, "You're an insane little girl."

"Is dinner ready or are you here being a neglectful ass?" She snapped.

"By the gods, yes. Are you on your bleed?" His voice dropped.

Allana stood and turned to him with bright red cheeks, "You two go eat. I'm going to wash the blood off my skin seeing as you have no respect for boundaries, Fenrys. Gavriel, please make sure he doesn't try anything."

The two males left and she stripped off the clothes before stepping into the water. Her palms brushed against the crusted blood before she heard another body entering the water.

"You underestimate the hearing of Fae males, Allana." The voice brought chills to her spine and she attempted to move away before an arm stopped her in her tracks.

His warm arm was wrapped around her waist and his large hand gripped her waist. His nose trailed up the side of her neck before she felt his lips touch the tip of her ear.

"Fenrys, let me go." She wriggled and he turned her around.

The two stared into each other's eyes. Fenrys grabbed the side of her neck gently.

"I'm not leaving you alone, Allana."

"Territorial Fae bastard." She snapped and attempted to move away before he pressed her flush to him.

"You picked that up from Aelin, did you?" He chuckled.

Her movements stopped and her eyes wavered.

"Fenrys, I'm not even positive what mates are like, okay?" Her eyebrows furrowed.

His chin dropped, "Then let me show you."

Her mouth opened slightly before his lips dropped to the base of her throat. Her eyes trailed down to him as his lips latched to the side of her neck before her hands slipped away from his chest towards the muscles of his back.

"Fenrys..." Her voice came out soft.

His lips lifted from her neck before he looked into her trembling eyes.

"I won't hurt you, Allana. Trust me." His nose brushed her forehead.

Her fists balled against his stiff muscle, "I need time..."

"Then I'll give you time. Just... Let me do this one thing." His hand brushed her hair back gently.

"Fine, but please... Be gentle..." Her eyes slipped closed.

The larger male trailed his lips to her shoulder, "This may hurt for a moment, but trust me when I say, I will make you feel better after."

Her eyes opened as soon as her shoulder was pierced by his sharp canines. Tears slipped down her cheek and he lifted his head while watching the wound heal slowly.

"Wh-what did you do?" Her lips trembled as she saw her own blood on his lips.

"I'm letting you know that that's the only time I will willingly hurt you, Allana." He kissed her forehead before rubbing her shoulders.

Her head rested over his heart and he stood while holding her to his body.

"Okay... But you're still-"

"Let's not focus on that right now. Would you like to wash off all this dirt?" His hand was gentle as he stroked her head.

"Fine, but I get to wash your back this time." Her head lifted before his thumb traced the healing spot.

He chuckled and grinned, "Then let's get started, little one."

"Stop calling me that."

Chapter Text

The night grew annoyingly cold and Allana held her arms around herself tightly before looking at the other two males unhappily.

"I envy Rowan. He has Aelin as a little heater." Fenrys sighed and Allana shot him a look before bringing her knees to her chest.

Gavriel shook his head while getting ready to sleep, "Allana, if you're cold, come over here."

"Yes, we'll keep you warm." Fenrys teased lightly.

"I'll be fine on my own. You can go back to day dreaming about Aelin, Fenrys. I can definitely see how she fills your fantasies." The small female wrapped herself into her blanket before shutting her eyes.

The next hour was spent listening to the two Fae males snore, which didn't stop the shivering of Allana, who finally gave up. She lifted herself silently before making her way over to the two. They had ironically cleared a space between the two of them for her earlier although she had refused. Once she had laid down, an arm was thrown over her side.

"Warm..." Fenrys muttered before moving closer to her.

Her cheeks went red and she grasped his hand in attempt to remove it when Gavriel backed up to her. She put up her hands to keep him from sandwiching her to Fenrys, but it was too late when the darker skinned male pressed his head into the crook of her neck.

"This was a mistake...." She murmured before squeaking as Fenrys cradled her into his chest.

His body was completely in contact with her's and she could feel every muscle as she adjusted herself to attempt to move away.

"I would stop moving and just sleep." His breath blew into her ear, past the piercings that ringed the point.

Her cheeks turned pink, "Fenrys, I may be a woman, but I've never been touched like this."

His right arm came to rest under her head, "Just sleep, I just want to hold you."

"You rutting-"

"Do you kiss your mother with that mouth?" He grinned.

Her muscles locked before she began to move, facing him.

"I've been here almost five years, I think that you need to think twice before you say something like that again. I was seventeen when I arrived here." Her eyes narrowed before he nodded.

"One thing you should know is that Fae males search for a strong person to follow. I didn't willingly bind myself to Maeve because I thought she was strong. I did it for my brother." His hand came to the side of her head gently, "I would've waited for Aelin, even you had I known that there would be a brighter star."

"You... When the hell have you had such a way with words?" Her cheeks went a darker shade of pink before she decidedly rested her head closer to his shoulder.

He chuckled before kissing her head, "You're the only one I will talk like this to, little one."

"Fine, just stop calling me that and go to sleep."

The two of them remained still for the rest of the night until the sun began rising, when Gavriel woke to find the two curled into each other. He gently roused Allana, who startled into a seated position and looked around.

"What time is it?" Her bleary eyes scanned the cave before she registered where her other hand was, "Fenrys! You need to take care of th-the... Just get up!"

Her hand drew back and she stood up while hugging herself. The darker skinned male looked around before groaning.

"I didn't think that would happen..."

"Please just go take care of it." Allana waved her hand covered her eyes with the other hand.

He sat up, "I could always use an audience."

"Fenrys, go take care of yourself." Gavriel pointed out of the cave while the youngest member began to grab things from her bag.

The middle most member left and Allana turned to Gavriel.

"I hate to ask this, but could you go outside too? I need to change." Her arms held a bundle of clothes.

He nodded before leaving. Allana undressed and was pulling on her trousers when Fenrys came walking back in. He was half dressed and looked at the bright red face of Allana before realizing just how naked she was.

"Let's just pretend I didn't see anything." He offered before backing out of the cave.

Allana finished dressing and hugged herself tightly. She walked over to the opening of the cave and saw just where the dark skinned male had gone. He was standing off to the side working something with his right hand.

"You better stop walking in on me when I'm either naked, or partially so. It's uncomfortable." Her voice piped up.

His head turned slightly, "You, Uh, Allana, you might want to go away before you see something that you wouldn't want to see just yet."

"And what is that?" She marched over towards him before halting, realizing just where his hand was.

Her hands flew over her eyes and he went to hide himself from her view.

"You really are an interesting young lady." He grumbled.

"I-I can't really go anywhere, so either you finish here and now or we just remain at a stand still." Her voice broke nervously.

"Are you sure? I don't want you to feel uncomfortable."

"Just finish up." Her palms dug into her eyes.

The sounds of his hand working on his... It made for an interesting morning, but the last thing she expected was her name to slip through his lips.

"Shit... Allana..." His groan caused something new to rise in her and she peered at his face when she heard him shuffling to fix his clothes.

His eyes focused on her and she looked away quickly.

"Why my name..?" She muttered.

"Because why else would I be a mess like this? Only the woman I'm meant to love makes me feel this way." He moved to kneel in front of her and took her hand in his left one, "You're my mate and I won't hurt you or touch you if it is not sanctioned by you next time." His lips met her palm gently.

Her other hand dropped so she could look at him, "Okay. Just... Please just try to not walk in on me like that, or when I'm bathing."

"That's fine. Now, how about I go catch us all breakfast?"

"Go you idiot." She pushed him lightly.

"That's not being kind to your mate."

"So help me I will scream for Gavriel."

"Going!"

~*~

The warm day filled with training only led to more comments between all three. The more perverted that Fenrys became, the more Allana ignored him. Her long hair was tied behind her neck in a braid that ended between her shoulder blades.

"Try attacking him with more force, Allana." Gavriel chipped in.

She made a mocking face and muttered along with Fenrys as he made a lewd comment.

"Try to use your entire body. It's more enticing." He commented.

Her mocking face threw him off before she disappeared. His shock came in when her legs were wrapped around his neck, her body pinning him to the ground with her body to the side.

"Those lewd comments don't get you much of anywhere." Her teeth gritted.

"My tongue does." He choked.

"Allana, stop trying to actually kill the poor bastard." Gavriel crossed his arms.

Her thighs loosened before moving around and stationing her in a sitting position.

"He was pissing me off." Her pout caused the eldest male to sigh.

"You can kick him, just don't kill him."

"If I was trying, he would've been dead."

"I am not letting you kill me! Are you kidding me? There is no way that you could kill me." Fenrys piped up.

Her Sapphire eyes focused on him, "I killed plenty of Ilken before you two came."

"How many?"

"Seventy at the least."

"Allana, how is it you weren't covered in blood?"

"Oh, I was soaked in the disgusting stuff."

The two males just shook their heads.

"Crazy females..." Fenrys muttered.

"Mm, I'd say Territorial Fae Bastard." Allana chimed in before disappearing.

"Damn woman."

"I heard that!"

Chapter Text

Allana had packed her bag once again with the intent to arrive in town as the storm began to rage, her hair slicked to her back. Annoyance crept over her as the rain slid down the back of her shirt and cloak.

"I rather hope to dry off soon." She spoke sarcastically.

"Don't be quick to pounce, Little One." Fenrys grinned from in front of her before they entered the tavern.

Her snarl silenced any person in the close proximity, "I want to dry off, rutting male."

"Well, I think Aelin influenced her too much in the time she spent with her." Fenrys commented.

Allana sniffed the air and hummed happily, "Well, there's someone here I can't wait to see again."

The three made their way up to the second floor, Allana ready to pounce and hug her second tutor, but her entrance blocked by the two other males.

"I liked your hair longer." Fenrys commented with a wicked grin.

The knife that flew towards him almost hit Allana, had she been taller. Her eyes narrowed when she saw her teacher before crossing her arms.

"First they make me walk without my hood then I almost get impaled by my teacher. Thank you very much." Her sarcastic tone was enough to spur Rowan to look to the smallest Fae in the room.

Her pale hand wrapped around the dagger before pulling it from the wall.

Fenrys still smirked, "Was your aim that shitty when you cut your own hair?"

Gavriel raised his tattooed hands, "Rowan, put your blades down. We're not here for you."

"Oh, Fenrys, for your information, I cut his hair. Cross me and I will cut your's." Allana pointed the knife at the taller man before crossing the room and handing the blade back to her second mentor.

The man at the desk eyed her, "You are the one who assisted us in the attack."

Her eyes focused on him, "I recall that Aelin sent me to talk to you before these two men. Seems like I wasn't able to do much, hm?"

"You saved many people that day." He countered.

Her hands braced on the desk, "Then I do hope you enjoy having Fae in town."

His eyes went to the slight exposure of her neck, "A tattooed woman is most peculiar."

"Trust me, that's not all." Her wicked grin caused Gavriel to pull her back.

"Go dry off." He ordered.

"Fine." She shrugged his broad hand off before turning and following Fenrys down the hall.

Her cloak was shed and she took the towel offered to her. Her hair was dried off first and then she patted her clothes dry. Her exposed shoulders drew the attention of the two males that had yet to see them once they came down. She nimbly pulled her hair up and tied it into a tight knot.

Fenrys was digging into the stew by the warm fire, which she sat closest to while curling up. He, surprisingly, handed the bowl he had first served up to her. She began eating slowly, savoring the warmth before she saw the black haired human stare at the ink on her shoulders.

"You can just ask, King." Her voice was quiet before the other four looked to her.

"What does it mean? Who are you?" The male, seemingly older than her, asked.

"My name is Allana Reyes, and they are to remind me of who I am, where I came from." Her hands set the bowl down, "Now, I'm assuming that you're the King Dorian Hallivard that I heard Aelin talk a bit about."

He nodded before her attention turned to the other men.

"Maeve's armada sails for this continent." Gavriel offered.

Allana slammed her hand down, "You had the gall to keep that from me?"

His eyes drew to her, "I will talk to you later, Allana-"

"Gavriel, you shouldn't keep information from her. She has a right to know." Rowan cut in tersely, "Allana, have you gotten any information on how to return home?"

"No. I'm not allowed in the North, according to Aelin. She wanted to go there herself."

The white haired male sighed, "That did not go as well as we had anticipated."

Allana growled lowly, "I should give the bastards a piece of my mind for being so-"

"Calm down." Fenrys placed a hand on the young woman's shoulder and forced her to sit back down.

Her eye went to him before she fell silent. Rowan and the others went back to discussing the matters that had become dire. The small female had seemingly begun to blend with the woodwork until the Pirate Lord looked to her.

"You were to be an envoy of a sort, I assume?" His grin was annoying.

Her eyes bore into him, "It was to give me something to do while I figured a way to return to where I belong."

He nodded before becoming rather disgruntled. The five went to a lodging, the woman happily receiving her and letting Rowan and the other four in due to a gold piece.

"I do hope you four are content with tearing each other's throats out." Her snide comment caused Rowan to raise an eyebrow.

"She seems more annoyed than usual." He commented.

Gavriel groaned, "She has been like this since Fenrys decided to make... comments when training. Believe it or not, she's just about ready to kill him."

Her eyes shot to the dark eyed male who was watching her.

"I will make you regret them, Fenrys if you keep watching me like that." Her teeth bared.

"How you manage to walk with that much steel on you, Whitethorn, has always been a mystery to me." Fenrys toyed with his hair.

"How no one has ever cut out your tongue just to shut you up has always been a mystery to me as well." Rowan replied.

Allana mocked Fenrys as he spoke.

"I've been told it's my best feature. At least the women think so." Fenrys chuckled, rather looking towards the only woman in the room who was mouthing along with an annoyed face.

"You better not try anything." Her eyes flashed towards him as Dorian let out a low laugh.

Fenrys moved over from the dresser and leaned over her.

"And if I do?"

The heel of her palm met his chin before she was gone and in the doorway.

"I'm bathing, you overgrown territorial bastards. That's excluding the one male I don't know. Good night." She turned and left the room rather quickly.

The room she was staying in was quaint and private as she refused to share. The moment her soaked clothing was shed brought the chill to her skin. Once she heated the bath, her cold skin was screaming in joy as she sat happily while washing all the actual grime from her skin. She curled in the still warm water before sighing.

After she had dried and clothed in a nightgown, gifted by Aelin, she settled into the bed, sighing happily. The short silken garment was colored a dark blue to offset her eyes. The knock on her door was the last thing she desired.

She lifted herself from the bed, grumbling while adjusting the nightgown, as it was short and her long legs were exposed to the cold before she opened the door.

"Will- What in the hell are you wearing?" Came the strangled voice of Fenrys.

Her eyes shot open and went to hide behind the door.

"Aelin gave this to me. What do you want?!" She snapped.

He peered past the door, "Will you be fine sleeping by yourself?"

"Why are you so concerned?" Her lips tugged downwards.

“Gavriel had told me you had trouble sleeping in the past." His voice was sincere.

Her voice faltered before she attempted to assert herself, "I... Dammit. I don't know."

"Would you like to let me stay here beside you then?" His hand was offered through the crack she had left.

Her fingers dug into her palms before she took the hand silently. He was let into the room and he looked at her carefully before lifting her up. Her head rested against his chest, bare as it was. He shut the door and settled the both of them on the bed.

"Sleep only." She muttered as she went ahead and turned away, pressing herself into the sheets.

"I understand, Little One." He blew the candle out.

Her hand found his in the dark before tears slipped down her cheeks silently. His hand remained in her's while she quietly cried until a soft sound escaped her.

His arms wrapped around her tightly before she pressed her face to his chest. Her shaking body was enough to make him cave.

"Allana?"

"If I can't get to the north then what do I do..? My family... I could be dead to them... I miss them so much..." Her fingers dug into his hair.

His lips went to her forehead, "Shhh. We will find a way for you to see them again."

"H-how..? I barely remember their faces...."

"I promise you, Allana. You're going to be alright." He rubbed the tears away from her eyes.

Her eyes peered up through the dark, "You mean it..?"

"I wouldn't lie to you, My Little Mate."

"That's the first you've even bothered to call me that today..." Her nose was brushed by his lips.

"I mean it when I say that."

"Thank you..."

"You need to sleep now."

"Then you sleep as well, idiot."

Chapter Text

The air was stiff as the morning came rolling in. The nightgown gifted by Aelin was welcomed since she wouldn't overheat, but there was the slight problem of the warm arm snug to her waist. Her hand went to push on his arm, which only tightened.

"Fenrys, I'm awake." She hissed slightly.

The male in question tightened his arm slightly before turning while letting go of her.

"It's hot..." He complained.

She slipped to the floor and grabbed her clothes to train with Rowan and the poor king.

"It's to be expected. I've been here a week longer than you." She slipped on her clothes before stretching, "See you later."

"Where are you going?" He lifted himself onto his elbows.

"Training. Unlike you, I'm still trying to fine tune my technique." Her pony tail swung in the air as she walked out, knocking on the white haired prince's door.

It opened and he looked at her, "Good. Be ready to go in a moment."

She nodded silently and looked to the dark haired king who was just peering out into the hall.

"Good morning." She chirped with a light smile, attempting to be kind then remembering the elongated canines and sighed.

Humans were the last thing she wanted to be like. She halted and rubbed her face.

"Are you training with us?" Dorian stood beside her as she muttered to herself.

"You used to be human, you dingbat..."

"What?" The king looked confused.

She jumped, "Gods dammit! Sorry, I was talking to myself. I am joining you for training. I've been enduring his training for four years or so."

He nodded, "Well, it's at least nice to know I'm not alone."

"It would be nice to have the company. Usually Rowan and Gavriel tag teamed me. It was horrible..." Her hand gently rubbed her nose.

He nodded and as the two walked outside to meet the white haired prince, they talked.

"I am curious why you told yourself you used to be human." He offered as they descended the last stair.

She went stiff, "My reason as to why I'm here is complicated. I think I can relay it to you on a later day."

His eyes went to her exposed ears, "The jewelry in your ears is most peculiar."

"It's just another reminder of who I am." Her voice was low.

His eyebrows rose before Rowan appeared.

"You two are running to where we're training magic. Do not use it until we get there." His eyes were specifically on Allana.

"I know you too well to even try." She took off jogging and hummed slightly.

Rowan flew overhead in falcon form while she glanced back to find Dorian lagging behind. Once they had made it to the jungle clearing, she went right to training.

"Allana, you have to try and kill me." Rowan looked at her, deadpanning.

She snarled lowly before ducking the attack and disappeared from in front of him. Her fist was met with his arm from the back, but her foot met the back of his knee, causing the ancient man to sway slightly.

"I could try, but where's the fun in that?" Her wry comment caused the king sitting across the clearing to laugh.

Rowan grabbed her wrist before flinging her across the clearing, but she disappeared before hitting a tree. Allana yelped from where she had reappeared, in a tree on the opposite side with her body upside down.

"And there is where you go because of you comment." Rowan nodded when she managed to get down to the ground.

"I'm still working on the whole traveling thing. I'm not as good as the other annoying ass." Her arms crossed before being blown back by wind, "Fuck you too."

The two Fae were busy annoying one another that Dorian seemed to be distracted until Rowan looked his way. Allana kicked her mentor from behind and earned a sharp look.

"It's almost lunch time. Run back." Rowan ordered, the female poking her tongue out before running back towards the inn.

The choice between eating and working out wasn't easy, but she chose to eat after working out and Dorian decided to eat. He didn't know what he was in for, obviously. By the time sweat had decided to start on her skin, she was sparing with the older male, who had slipped into his training routine with her, the two exchanging comments every now and then.

Her staff met with his and they snarled at each other before a whistle was heard. They kept going when she heard a comment.

"I never expected her to look this alluring with sweat. It works for me." Fenrys chuckled.

It only took a split second for her to appear at his side with a blade to his neck.

"You better watch your comments in front of me." Her eyes were narrowed slightly and she turned away before walking back towards Rowan.

Her staff met his and Fenrys watched as her hair came slipping out of the tie. Her hand pushed the locks out of her face in an annoyed manner before they finished, her stomach growling.

Dorian stood and went to begin the physical part of training while Allana sat on the steps, eating what had been provided for them. Her hand gripped the spoon gently before Fenrys leered over her shoulder.

"You really are alluring when you fight." He murmured in her ear.

She almost choked before muttering, "Don't get yourself killed because you're too distracted."

"I'd rather be killed by you." He chuckled.

"Go fuck yourself." She snapped while drinking lukewarm water.

"Only if you're on my mind." He chuckled.

Her head was turned away from him before she finished eating. Her shoulders were tense when Rowan came up and looked between the two.

"Fenrys, you should teach her how to hone her skills with magic. The fact that her abilities are like your's makes it more acceptable that she train her magic with you. I do not appreciate that you are harassing her, though." The older male looked towards the golden haired one unhappily.

Fenrys grinned, "Well, that means I get her in the mornings and you get her after I decide I'm done with her. It's-"

"It sounds like a divorced familial agreement between parents." Her eyes were looking between the two males before she stood, "That's where I'm from, anyways. I do hope that you two don't mind me making references to my homeland since I'm in the mood to."

"You're an odd female." Fenrys chuckled.

The look she shot him caused him to raise an eyebrow. Her silence only caused Rowan to shake his head. After the young woman left, Dorian decided to speak up.

"Well, she certainly is interesting."

"We still need to finish your training for the day." Rowan turned and led the poor king back towards the center to finish what he had planned.

Chapter Text

Hello all! I know this isn’t a regular chapter, but I have something to say as a writer of this story.

I started writing this a few years ago just for funsies and my writing was a bit lack luster to me. I still very much love writing and it’s a side gig of sorts for myself. I’m a full-time college student going into my technical Junior year of college. I also work part time at a bicycle shop.

Back to the reason why I’m putting this out. So, I’m not entirely in love with how this story is at the moment. As I said, I started this story a few years back. I’ve since then developed a different writing style and become a tad more critical of my own writing If I’m completely honest. It’s a passion that I have the tendency to flit to and away from here and there.

A reality for myself is that I often find myself dropping stories and picking up new ones and never finish the old ones. I do plan to come back to this story one day, but I also have a lot of other stories I want to put out there in its stead.

Now, I will come back to it. Some of my other stories seem similar yet not as I will explain: I am but a simp for fictional men that can easily snap my neck. What can I say?

I’m not abandoning it, all I ask if for time to be able to return and fix it to the point I love it again.