Page 34 of Shackled By Shadows

“Second,” I continue, ignoring their exchange, “I’m not staying in this cabin any longer. If I’m to help, I want to actually help. I won’t sit here waiting for the two of you to decide when I’m worthy of attention. Wherever you go, I go.”

Oberon’s jaw tightens, but his expression remains indifferent. He leans back, studying me in silence for a long moment. Finally, he speaks. “Fine. But I have a condition of my own.”

I narrow my eyes. “Naturally.”

Ash grins widely. “Oh, this is getting good. Should I fetch some wine? Or a sword? Honestly, I can’t tell which way this is going.”

“If you join us,” Oberon says, voice low, “you will stay close to either Ash or me. You will not wander off. You will not get yourself into trouble. This isn’t to imprison you, it’s to keep you safe. Should you choose to leave at any time, Ash or I shall escort you where you need to go.”

The room goes still. His words are calm, but there is an edge to them that lets me know the warning isn’t empty.

I hesitate, then give a reluctant nod. “Fine.”

Ash leans back with a grin, folding his hands behind his head. “Look at us, negotiating terms, so touching. Do we seal it with a handshake? Or?”

Oberon shoots him another glare. Ash holds up his hands, smirking. “Kidding. Mostly.”

Oberon exhales sharply. “Any more conditions?”

“Yes.” I straighten. “How long have I even been in this cabin? I don’t know how much time I’ve lost here.”

Ash blinks, exchanging a quick glance with Oberon. “Oh,” Ash says, voice light but eyes glinting. “Right. That.”

Oberon remains silent, his expression giving nothing away.

Ash gives a dramatic sigh, glancing at Oberon. “Well, don’t all jump in at once. I guess I’ll be the bearer of bad news.”

I stiffen. “How long?”

Ash drums his fingers on the table before flashing me a sheepish grin. “Six months.”

The words hit harder than I expected. “Six . . . months?” I repeat, my voice barely above a whisper. Oberon watches me closely.

“Yes, give or take a few days,” Ash adds, attempting a light tone. “Though, in our defense, you weren’t exactly up for a social calendar.”

I stand abruptly, the chair scraping against the floor. “Six months? And you kept me locked in here?”

“Easy,” Ash says, raising his hands. “I suggested bringing you along sooner. But you know, His Majesty here thought you weren’t ready.”

Oberon leans forward, resting his forearms on the table. His gaze pins me in place. “You needed time. You were barely alive when I brought you back.”

“That wasn’t your choice to make,” I shoot back.

Oberon’s eyes darken, but his voice remains calm. “No, it wasn’t. But I made it anyway.”

I glare at him, my fists clenching at my sides. The thought of six months slipping by gnaws at my insides.

Ash clears his throat, attempting to break the tension. “Look, what’s half a year between friends? You’re alive, aren’t you? And, hey, you look great. Honestly, the cabin did wonders for you. Fresh air, quiet reflection. Very healing.” I shoot him a look. He grins, unfazed. “Okay, tough crowd.”

“I could’ve helped,” I say, directing my frustration back to Oberon. “I should have been helping.”

“And now you will,” Oberon words land with a quiet conviction while his gaze remains steady. “Starting today.”

My breath catches. Something in his tone is final and certain, sending a shiver down my spine. “Where are we going?”

Ash flashes another grin. “Now that is a surprise you’re going to love.”

“Or hate,” Oberon adds, rising smoothly from his chair.