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**Chapter 10 — Blackthorn Reach**
The sky was turning pink with the first light of dawn when Cairis finally stopped walking.
Liora almost collapsed against a tree. Her legs felt like they were on fire and her whole body ached from walking all night.
"Are we there?" she asked, breathing hard. "Please tell me we can rest soon."
Cairis looked ahead through the trees. "Yes. Blackthorn Reach is just beyond this ridge. But we do not walk in openly. We watch first."
Liora followed him slowly up the small hill. When they reached the top, she saw it — a small settlement built into the side of a rocky cliff. Dark stone buildings, tall iron gates, and faint red torches burning along the walls. It looked rough and dangerous, not like any human village she had seen.
"That's the outpost?" she whispered.
Cairis nodded. "One of the smaller Abyssal strongholds that survived the Schism. Demons, half-bloods, and a few outcast witches live here. They trade information and forbidden goods. The Church has not found it yet."
Liora felt her stomach twist with fear. "There are other witches here? What if they hate me? What if they sense what I did to you?"
Cairis turned to her with cold eyes. "They will sense the bond. They will know you carry my heart shard. Some will fear it. Others will want it. You will stay silent and stay close to me. Do not speak unless I tell you to. Understand?"
Liora nodded quickly, her voice small. "Yes. I understand. I'll be quiet. Just… please don't leave me alone with them."
They waited until the sun was higher, then Cairis led her down toward the gates. Two large demon guards with gray skin and curved horns stood watch. They straightened when they saw Cairis.
One guard narrowed his eyes. "Who goes there?"
Cairis stepped forward, his presence dark and commanding. "Prince Cairis Vaelthorn of the Vaelthorn Court. Open the gate."
The guards looked shocked. One of them bowed quickly. "Prince Cairis? We thought you were dead. The rumors said your brothers killed you."
"They tried," Cairis said coldly. "Now open the gate before I lose my patience."
The gates creaked open. Liora stayed right behind Cairis as they walked inside. Many eyes turned to look at them. Demons with different horns and skin colors, a few shady-looking humans, and two witches who wore dark cloaks stopped what they were doing to stare.
Liora felt very small. She kept her head down and stayed close to Cairis's side.
They walked toward the largest building in the center — a rough stone hall with red banners. Before they reached it, a tall female demon stepped out to meet them. She had long silver hair, black horns, and sharp yellow eyes. She wore armor made of dark scales.
"Prince Cairis," the woman said with a dangerous smile. "It has been a long time. We heard you were exiled… or dead."
Cairis stopped. His voice was hard. "Lady Nyxara. I see you still run this outpost. I need information. What has happened to the Vaelthorn Court since I disappeared?"
Nyxara's eyes moved to Liora and narrowed. "And who is this little mouse hiding behind you? She smells like shadow magic… and like you. Did you take a pet witch?"
Liora froze. She wanted to disappear into the ground.
Cairis stepped slightly in front of Liora, his tone turning threatening. "She is mine. That is all you need to know. Answer my question."
Nyxara laughed softly, but her eyes stayed cold. "Very well. Your brothers have taken full control of the court. They told everyone you betrayed the Abyss and made deals with the Celestial gods. Many believe it. Some want you dead. Others… are waiting to see if you return with power."
Cairis's hands clenched into fists. "Fools. I was betrayed, not the other way around."
Nyxara looked at Liora again. "And the witch? The bond between you two is strong. Did she do that to you?"
Liora's heart pounded with fear. She wanted to run and hide.
Cairis answered in a low, dangerous voice, "She stole a piece of my heart in a desperate ritual. The bond is permanent for now. Touch her and you die. Speak against her and you die. Is that clear?"
Nyxara raised an eyebrow but smiled. "Very clear, my prince. You may use the upper rooms to rest. I will bring food and information. But be careful. Word travels fast. If your brothers hear you are alive and bonded to a mortal witch, they will send assassins."
Cairis nodded once. "Prepare a room. We stay until tomorrow night."
He took Liora's arm and pulled her toward the stone building. They climbed stairs to a simple room with a bed, a table, and a small window covered by iron bars.
When the door closed behind them, Liora let out a shaky breath.
"She looked like she wanted to eat me," Liora whispered. "Are all demons here like that?"
Cairis locked the door and turned to her. "Most of them are worse. Nyxara is one of the smarter ones. She wants power. She may try to use you against me later."
Liora sat down on the edge of the bed, exhausted and scared. "I don't belong here. Everyone was staring at me. I felt like prey."
Cairis walked over and stood in front of her. "You are prey. But you are my prey. As long as you stay with me, no one will touch you. But if you wander off or speak too much, I cannot protect you from everything."
Liora looked up at him with fearful eyes. "I won't wander. I promise. I'll stay close. Just… tell me what to do. I feel so lost here."
Cairis stared down at her for a long moment. His voice was low and firm. "For now, rest and stay quiet. When Nyxara brings food, say nothing. Let me do the talking. Tomorrow we decide our next move — whether to fight for my court or find a way to break this bond safely."
Liora nodded. "Okay. I'll rest. But… can you stay in the room? I don't want to be alone right now."
Cairis gave a short, cold laugh. "Scared little witch. Fine. I will stay. But do not think this makes us friends. You still owe me for what you stole."
He sat down in a chair near the window, watching the door.
Liora lay down on the bed, pulling the rough blanket over herself. Even though she was terrified of Cairis and this new place, a small part of her felt safer knowing he was in the room.
Outside, she could hear voices and the sound of metal weapons. Blackthorn Reach felt alive with danger.
She closed her eyes, but sleep did not come easily.
The real test was only beginning.
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