There are moments in your life when you feel like you've hit rock bottom and there's no way you can climb out of that hole. Walking back to Kheelan's house, hands tied, with the Queen and Sal behind me, I felt like I was beneath that hole with no tools to dig myself out.

I didn't know what to do. I felt numb at what had just happened. Sal had muttered an apology as he tied my hands together but it didn't register. All I saw was the Queen's self satisfied smile and I felt lost.

Ambrus and Kheelan were outside the house, discussing something as we approached. I don't think I've ever seen faces turn so white as quick as theirs did.

"Mother," Kheelan choked out. His eyes were on me but I was giving nothing away. I couldn't react anymore.

The Queen ignored her son and spoke to Ambrus, "Ah, Sir Ambrus, would you be a dear and help Sal watch over my prisoner? I have something I need to discuss with my son and Lady Sorcha."

At the mention of Sorcha's name, Kheelan's face though emotionless grew whiter. He glanced to me again. "Mother, untie her. She is no prisoner."

"I suppose to you she is no prisoner," her voice was cold, "but only a decoy used to trick me. I see this as a crime and therefore the punishment shall be just. Now, step inside and tell Lady Sorcha to make herself known."

With a final glance in our direction, Kheelan turned and stepped inside, the Queen followed behind and the door shut quietly.

Once it was closed, Ambrus reacted. "Heavens, Laila, what the hell happened? Where's Drake?"

I felt my despair sink deeper at his name. "He left after I told him the truth. Said he needed time to think."

My voice was monotone, I think my body had gone on autopilot to keep functioning. Ambrus stepped closer. "You told him the truth? But your deal -"

"I decided to tell him. I knew what I was doing and that I was breaking my vow. I couldn't lie though, I'm sick of lying and I love Drake, I don't want to cause him anymore pain."

Sal placed his hand on my shoulder, his accent thick. "We overheard whole conversation, though I suspect the Queen already know of this. I returned from Crystal Mountains after not finding your father and Queen is waiting for me. She trick me by using false informants. I am sorry for this, Miss Laila, I do not wish to tie you up."

"It's alright, Sal," I spoke softly, "it's not your fault."

"What on earth?"

My spine stiffened at the new voice and Drake moved close to me. I was so glad Eva was still at Lady Maurelle's. I don't think I could cope with seeing her disappointed face too. Kalen had gone to collect her this morning though so it wouldn't be long before everyone knew the truth.

"Why is Laila tied up? What are you doing, Sal?" Drake demanded.

Sal explained what had happened and Drake's face turned to stone. I felt his eyes on me but I refused to look up. I couldn't bear it if I saw disgust or hate there. Drake tried to move in front of me and catch my gaze. "Laila -"

"It's alright, Drake. I knew something like this might happen and I'm prepared to face the consequences." I wasn't but I felt the need to put on a brave face. I wanted to smile, to let them know I really was fine but my mouth refused to move. It was as if I was only functioning enough to walk and respond.

I saw Drake's hand move toward me and I took a step back, bumping into Sal. I didn't have to look at Drake to know he flinched. "Sorry, Drake, it's probably best you try and pretend there was nothing between us. The Queen will probably forgive you if you do."

I heard a low growl sound from his throat and was saved from his response by the Queen walking out with Kheelan and Sorcha. They looked pale, but relieved.

She had approved then.

Kheelan looked at me and I managed a faint smile. At least one of us was getting what we wanted.

"Sal," the Queen moved over to us. "Why don't you escort everyone back to court? Sir Ambrus, you can help me with another little errand and keep watch over Laila."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The Queen turned back to Drake. "Captain, I understand you were fooled in all this and I know the truth was revealed to you only today. I can forgive you for your ignorance in this matter, I simply hope in future you will be more careful and observant."

Drake bowed stiffly. "Of course, Your Majesty I will endeavour to do so."

The Queen grabbed my arm and motioned for Ambrus to come over. He held my other arm gently. "If you'll excuse us then, we'll meet you back at court."

The Queen took a step forward and I stumbled as the word rushed past us, the last thing I saw was Drake's eyes glued to me, emotionless. When the world stopped moving, we were no longer in the forest but in a field. The Queen took another step and we left the field, entering another field near some mountains. It must have been some special trick she could do as Queen. Certainly made travel look easy.

After five more steps, we stopped and I saw the large thistle wall of the maze. In front of it was a huge castle. Bars lined every window and the castle would have been beautiful once upon a time, now though it was run down, plants overgrown and many of the glass panes in the windows were broken. I wanted to ask where we were but I kept my mouth shut.

Fortunately the Queen answered my question. "Welcome, my dear to Donella's haven, home of the tainted."

Ambrus lead me up the steps to the front door and I sent him a worried look, though he looked just as confused as I was.

Was I being sent here as a prisoner?

We passed through the front door, guards stood on either side and saluted the Queen as we passed. I couldn't see the Queen but I imagined she wouldn't acknowledge them. She didn't seem like the type to me anymore. She was simply cruel.

This place used to be the Seelie Court and I could see it. The main hall was spacious, a large fire burned at the far end and the hall was filled with fey of different breeds. There was one thing they all had in common though; they all appeared insane.

One fae was sitting on top of a table, muttering into his hand and hitting it when he seemed to get frustrated. Another was swatting at the air in front of him, telling the air to stop suffocating him. I didn't understand what he meant. It was like walking into an insane asylum.

"Laila, I'd like you to meet Mistress Donella who runs this establishment."

One of the most beautiful women I've ever seen walked towards us. She appeared unearthly, skin pale, lips a luscious red. Her hair was cobalt black, long and straight falling to her knees. She wore a red dress which hugged her petite frame perfectly. She appeared to be in her late thirties and her black eyes were cold and calculating.

"Welcome." Her accent had an English lilt to it. "Welcome to my haven. I have prepared him just as you asked, Seelie Queen."

'Perfect. Lead on then."

Donella rolled her eyes and strode off. Her disregard for protocol with the Queen was unnerving. I recalled the book I'd read mentioning she was a solitary fey, belonging to no court and wondered if this was why she didn't care.

We walked through the main hall and entered a long corridor. We passed some of the broken windows I'd seen from the outside, the cool air whistled down the empty corridor. We came to a locked room and Donella pulled out one large key from between her breasts. It was old and rusted but slid into the lock easily. She opened the door and walked inside.

"In you go, my dear," the Queen pushed me forward and I stumbled into what I believed to be my prison cell.

Instead I found something much worse.

Sitting at a small table was a single man. Dark brown hair, matted and greasy lay in clumps around his head. I saw a piece of paper stuck in his hair and wondered how long it had been there. His face was dirty, grime layered his skin and his clothes hung from him. He raised his head and green eyes stared back at me, filled with paranoia and fear. My heart jumped into my throat and I felt a sob building in my chest.

"Laila," the Queen murmured behind me and I could hear the smile in her voice. "I believe you know Avery Groves, your traitorous father?"

The childhood image I had of my father melded into the man before me and a single tear rolled down my cheek.

"Daddy," I whispered.

The pain of seeing my father, of finally knowing what had happened to him kicked my body back into action. I spun around to face the Queen.

"You knew all along where he was!" I accused. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"Of course I knew where he was. Must I continuously repeat that I know all that happens in my realm? My reason for not telling you is a simple one; because you never asked me."

Rage began to build and all I wanted to do was hurt her. I didn't care how, but I needed to hurt her like she'd hurt me. The Queen walked past me, into the room and looked at my father with disdain as he started muttering to a small green tube he held in his hand.

"Unfortunately for you, your contract with my son is void since you broke your part of the deal by revealing the vow to Captain Drake. So your father will be staying here."

Walking further into the room, I hesitantly sat beside him. "Dad?" I whispered. "It's me, Laila. Do you recognise me?"

He didn't look up from his muttering and I reached out, touching his hand gently. He flinched and his muttering grew louder. I felt it again as soon as I touched him; the darkness lurking within.

The feel of it here though was much more than what I felt in the dire wolf. This was more concentrated, like it had been festering for a long time. It'd had time to grow and seep into his soul.

Not thinking, I tried to draw it out, feeling it form into a ball in my mind. Dad's eyes grew panicky and he started shaking his tube, his muttering becoming more jumbled. His eyes flickered to mine and for a moment, I saw it; a brief second of clarity.

Before I could draw more out, my hand was wrenched from his and the moment was lost.

"No," Mistress Donella held my hand, scowling. "Unless you want to lose your hand, I suggest you don't touch my patients!"

"He's my dad, I can do what I want!" I snapped.

Mistress Donella's hand raised and connected with my cheek and I felt my teeth rattle in my skull. Pain blinded me and darkness crept into my eyes. Shaking my head I tried to push it away.

"This is my haven and you do as I say!" Her voice grew high pitched, causing my ears to ring. I vaguely remembered she was a banshee and didn't want to think what would have happened if she had screamed.

The darkness in my mind was slowly fading once again and I still didn't understand how. Frankly, I didn't care. It meant I still had a way to save my dad.

The Queen grabbed the rope hanging from my wrists and dragged me to my feet, making it look easy. "I believe our purpose here has been fulfilled. Thank you for your time, Mistress Donella, we will take our leave now."

Donella muttered something and I gathered she didn't like the Queen that much. She seemed like a woman who was used to being in control and didn't like others lording themselves over her.

My eyes never left my dad and when the door closed, blocking him from view I felt something inside me snap. I pulled against the Queen and she turned to stare at me, her eyes cold.

"Leave me here." I declared. "I know you're not going to let me go so why don't you just leave me here? These people are prisoners and at least I'll get to be with my dad."

"Oh but my dear," she smiled. "I can't have you being happy, that's not fair at all. No, I have bigger plans for you, plans that will involve you getting to save your father if everything works out."

Her next words made my stomach drop. "Since your deal with my son is now void, why don't you now make a deal with me?"

Ambrus inhaled sharply beside me and I felt his hand on my arm tighten. Everything around us faded away until all I could see was the Queen in front of me, her sickly sweet smile didn't match the hardness of her eyes and in that moment, I don't think I've ever hated someone as much as I hated her.

I quickly ran through my options at this point. Make no deal and become a prisoner of the Seelie Court or make a deal with the Queen and have a possible chance of saving my father.

I fell deeper into my hole as I straightened my spine, glaring at the Queen. "What type of deal?"

Her smile widened.

* * * *

After moving to a private room, the Queen made Ambrus wait outside so we could discuss our deal.

I felt Ambrus' panic. I wanted to reassure him but I was too busy trying to reassure myself I was doing the right thing. Inside, the room was bare, with no furnishings to speak of. Two chains hung from the wall and what looked like bloodied scratched lined the walls.

I really didn't want to know what this room was used for.

"Well, Laila, let's get down to business. Let me ask; if there was one thing you wanted in this world, what would it be?"

I was surprised by the question. In the past, my father would be the first thing I asked for. In this moment though, Drake's face appeared first. Pain ripped through my heart, knowing that was no longer a reality.

"My father, safe and well with me in the mortal realm." I whispered, trying to ignore the Captain's face burning in my mind.

"I thought that may be the case." The Queen hadn't moved since we entered the room, hands clasped in front of her, eyes on me. "This is my one and only offer, so I suggest you consider wisely. What you want most in this world is your father. What I want most in this world is my daughter, returned to me."

She continued to surprise me. "Your daughter?"

"Yes, I'm sure you've heard how we lost her to the Dark Forest. I keep track of all fae who make it out of that horrid place. My daughter has never returned. So, my deal is this - You will go into the Dark Forest, find my daughter and return her safely to me. If you do that, then I will give you your father and grant you safe passage back to the mortal realm."

I just stared. "You're telling me to go and look for a girl I've never met, in a forest that will send me mad?"

Either way, this was good for her. She would either get her daughter back or lose me to the dark forest and be rid of me. There was no downside for her with this deal.

"That is my proposal, Laila, take it or leave it."

Would I be safe in the dark forest? The darkness hadn't affected me yet but if I spent all my time in its source, would my mind be able to cope? My hands fisted and I tasted blood as I bit my cheek. Releasing a shaky breath, I held out my hand trying to remain calm.

"You have a deal."

The Queen placed her hand in mine, eyes triumphant and I felt the spark as our vow was set. There was no escape now.

"Excellent decision, my dear. Now, to show you my daughter, I must give you some chance of success."

I gasped as she sent an image into my mind of a little girl. Beautiful blond hair and pale skin. Her eyes were a clear blue and I saw a small freckle on her collarbone.

The Queen released my hand and I stumbled back. "That should be enough, I think. It's getting late and I should let my son say his farewells, I am no monster after all."

I really wanted to refute that but held my tongue. The door opened by itself and the Queen walked past me. Ambrus' eyes fell on me as we walked out and I knew he was dying to know what had happened.

We made our way back to the main hall and the Queen stopped at the front door. Mistress Donella and another guard were waiting for us.

"Sir Ambrus," the Queen turned to him. "I believe it is time you served your time at Donella's haven. You shall remain here."

"What?" I didn't realise I'd spoken out loud. "Why are you leaving him here? Ambrus hasn't done anything wrong!"

"In your eyes, maybe not, but he has proven a distraction to my son and I must remedy this. With one son engaged, I must set my sights on Kalen now."

Ambrus paled and I grabbed his arm. She knew about them. Kalen had been right, she wouldn't allow them to be together.

I opened my mouth to argue but Ambrus silenced me. "It's alright, Laila. Let it be."

"But -"

"No," he murmured. "Please explain to him for me."

"Ambrus," I felt myself starting to cry. This was all my fault. "I'm so sorry -"

Ambrus surprised me and crushed me against his chest. "Don't cry, this isn't your fault. I don't know what deal you made with her but I hope it's worth it."

"I hope so too."

Ambrus released me and stepped back, bowing to the Queen. "I am yours to command, my Queen."

"Indeed," she looked amused at our little scene and I wanted to slap her. "Come, Laila. You shall get one last night in my court before you are sent on your way. It will probably be the last night of comfort you ever know, let's not waste it anymore by staying here."

The front door opened and I looked back at Ambrus as the Queen grabbed my arm. The world started to melt away as the Queen took a step and the last thing I saw was Ambrus mouthing something to me, making me want to cry all over again.

I'll look after your father.

@sXU