Remy
We land in a lush green landscape, the sun is blindingly bright. It looks like Luna dropped us in the middle of what looks like a pool party. There’s laughter, Demons in the pool, play fighting, squeals as people come down waterslides, and I blink.
This is not what I expected.
I look again at what is happening around us and my stomach rolls when I notice them… the souls here, chained, slaves for their Demon masters.
I think back and remember that this level is Sloth, which explains the servitude, but it still makes my bones hurt. Shadow Realm or not, no-one deserves to be enslaved like this.
Except maybe Archer. They can have him with my thanks.
My eyes flit around in front of me, the guys to my right all just kind of gaping at our surroundings. That’s when I notice they're all looking in one direction. I follow their line of sight and feel my jaw drop.
He's blue.
The guy, sat in a throne, being fed and watered, is blue... with fur... and cat ears.
Roman starts laughing first, relieving the tension I felt building and it’s not long before I'm crying with laughter. This is easily the weirdest thing I've seen in a while and it’s brilliant.
The other good thing, is that everyone is so involved in themselves, that no-one has noticed us. They haven't even looked in our direction.
“I guess that's Magnus,” I murmur, recalling the Demon’s name looking to the guys. Now the laughter has died down, they're each watching me carefully.
“What the fuck happened back there, Remy?” Levi asks first and I sigh.
“We’re going to need alcohol for this conversation,” I tell him, and each of them looks wary. I sigh again and try to find a spot where we won't be noticed instantly, and spy a small alcove by the bar to our left. “Come on,” I say, and head towards it.
I leave them at the alcove and head to the bar, considering they all only came out of whatever trance they were in a few minutes ago, I'm the only one I'm willing to risk being captured again. There's only a few souls here so I sneak behind and grab a bottle before ducking out back to where I left the guys.
They're sitting, quiet when I return. It's so strange for them to act this way, and I just hope it’s lingering effects from whatever Luna did to them rather than anything permanent. I sit down between Creek and Roman at the shaded table in the alcove, and open the bottle, taking a swig, hissing when I realize that my lip is cut as it stings against the glass bottle.
“What the fuck happened, princess?” Roman says, meeting my eyes and I place the bottle down in the middle of the table before launching into the story of what they missed, what Luna did to them, and how I got them back. They let me speak without interruption or question, but their faces are stony as I finish.
“So, now you're all caught up, and now we're here, yet another level, still no clue where Fallon is, but at least a little closer to reaching the queen.” I shrug and lean back in the chair, wincing as the aches and pains from that last fight make themselves aware.
“Are you okay?” Creek asks softly, noticing my wince and I smile at him.
“I'm fine. I'm just worried about you guys.”
I look up as a crack sounds and see that Levi has snapped the table top off in his bare hands. Apparently reduced strength still isn't that reduced. His power reaches me, as if he can't contain it. I stand and move to him, sitting in his lap. “I'm okay. We're all okay,” I whisper softly to him, wrapping my arms around his neck. I can see Roman’s eyes glowing, and I know he's trying to keep his wolf under wraps, but I focus back on Levi for the minute as Roman seems to be doing okay. Kain is deathly still, only Creek seems to be handling what I told him with any sort of reason.
“I'm going to rip her head from her body,” Levi growls.
“How the fuck did she have a Lycan?” Roman asks through gritted teeth and I shake my head. I place a hand on Levi's cheek and move his gaze to my own.
“That would just get you trapped. But we're all safe, we're okay, and we got out. That’s what matters,” I tell him, kissing him softly and he grips me tightly, devouring me with his kiss.
I'm breathless when he pulls back, but his power has pulled back, and he looks a little more himself, so I turn to Roman, not leaving Levi's lap with his iron grip around my waist.
“As for how she had a Lycan, I have no idea. He seemed... so lonely, but he seemed thankful to have the opportunity to finally escape her clutches,” I tell him softly, and he growls lowly.
“I cannot believe you fought for our freedom. That we let our guard down enough that she had the opportunity. We are meant to protect you, mon amour,” Kain says quietly, his eyes full of shame.
“No,” I tell him firmly. “We protect each other, I am not some precious thing that needs to be protected at all times.”
He looks up at me, and I can see him wrestling internally with it all, I can feel it through our bond. I reach for that path between us, and send my love and calm down it. Letting him feel just how okay I am. Letting him see I'm not broken.
“It could have been much worse,” I tell them all softly. “Hell, I've been through worse. We all have at some point I'm sure.” I don't want to downplay the violation they each suffered, but I also can't deal with them getting any more protective alpha asshole on me. Keeping the four of them from crossing the line of smotheringly protective is already somewhat of a challenge.
“We should focus on how we're going to get from here to the next level,” I say to them, though I'm really not looking forward to the next level. Lust.
At least here it seems pretty relaxed, despite the slavery of souls.
“We'll need to speak to the cat man,” Creek says cracking a smile, and the mood lightens again as they all laugh and I let out a relieved breath. I never thought I'd be thankful for a cat man.
I laugh with them and feel Levi relax some more beneath me.
“I guess that's our plan then? Just stroll up and ask him for passage?” Roman says, skeptically.
“Did you see him? He looks pretty chilled, maybe that's all it will take.” Creek shrugs.
“Or maybe he's too lazy to open the door at all,” Kain adds and I groan.
“But of course, he's Sloth. We have to at least try though.”
“We will. But first, you should rest,” Levi says, burying his face into my neck and kissing me gently as his fingers draw circles on my ribs.
“I'll rest once we have Fallon, I promise I'm fine,” I say, a little breathless from his teasing. “Shit, I don't have our pack.” Being stuck in this leather get up really isn't how I want to stay.
“We'll figure something out.” Creek smiles at me reassuringly. I know it’s only a small thing in the grand scheme of things, but it pisses me off that she has anything of ours.
“And who... pray tell me... are you?” My head whips up to the edge of the alcove where who I'm assuming is Magnus looks down at us, an amused smile on his face. The guys go tense, and Magnus chuckles at them.
“Ahhhhh, you must the Hunter I've heard so much about,” he says, his eyes twinkling as he smiles. “I heard you royally pissed off Luna, which makes me extremely happy. And if you're the Hunter, that makes these pretty fellows your consorts. Very nice choice, darling.” His smile widens and I notice his pointed teeth, his grin riding the line between creepy and terrifying.
“Right?” I smile, because yes I’m also happy I pissed off Luna, and my guys are definitely pretty. “I assume you're Magnus?”
“The one and only,” he says winking at me, and I can't help but laugh. It's the strangest thing, to have a blue cat/man hybrid wink at you. “And I'm the one who can grant you access to where you need to go.”
“To the queen?” I ask hopefully, my guys all still on alert, watching for any sudden threats.
“Oh no, darling, I don't have a death wish,” he says and my shoulders slump a little. “But I can send you on your merry way to see Scarlett.”
“She's the higher D
emon of the next level?”
“That she is, just maybe, don't let her too close to you're pretty little harem.” He winks again, and I swallow the laugh that rises.
“You'd just help us like that?” Roman asks skeptically.
“For the Hunter who pissed Luna off that much? You bet your ass I would.” He laughs, a deep belly laugh, and woops. “That stuck up bitch needed someone to knock her down a peg or two. I just wish I could've seen it!”
Roman looks perplexed, but I just smile. I kind of like this guy, even if he is a Demon.
“So, do you want to get going, or do you want to join the party?” He asks me directly.
“We should get going. We've spent too much time trying to get through levels as it is,” I say, sighing a little. It'd be really nice to dip in that pool and just relax for a minute.
“Okay, well it’s your choice,” he says shrugging.
“Oh, one thing, since you're being so generous,” I say fluttering my lashes at him, its not a me thing, and it feels weird, but I need something to work so I’m willing to try anything at this point.
“Oh honey, no. No point using those pretty eyes on me, I'm more likely to crumble to one of your boys.” He winks at me again and I let the laugh out this time.
“Okay, well, dammit. But still, I left our pack with all of our clothes in on Luna's level. Is there anywhere I can get new clothes?” I ask him, aware I'm pushing my luck since he's already being so open and willing, but don't ask, don't get and all that.
“For you, sweetheart, sure thing.” He winks at me and snaps his fingers and the pack appears on the table I look at him wide eyed. Man I love magic when it’s on our side.
“Tha—”
“Ah-ah... don't go and ruin it,” he says, wagging his finger at me.
“Oops.” I laugh, because wouldn't that just be fitting for how this day has gone. Survive everything to sell my soul for thanking someone for helping us.
“Now then, seeing as you have your things, let’s get you on your way shall we.”
“That would be awesome,” I tell him, my guys still pretty quiet. I guess after everything with Luna, it’s understandable that they'd be wary of another Demon, but fuck it. I'm realizing that much like all other races, not all Demons are assholes.
I stand, Levi not fully releasing me from his grasp stands with me, grabbing the pack before it gets left behind again and the others stay close as we follow Magnus out of the alcove. He leads us back to where we first saw him, lounging on his throne by the pool. Such a very strange set up. He sits and claps his hands and the souls who were fawning over him earlier reappear and start all over again.
“Where were we? Oh yes, the doorway,” he says as he settles in. He leans back, murmurs under his breath and waves his fingers and the doorway appears before us. “Remember what I said about Scarlett,” he says, winking at me once more.
“I will.” I smile at him as Roman moves forward and opens the door, mist flows through to us and I roll my eyes. Oh goodie, more mist. He waves me through, and I wonder what could possibly be waiting for us on the other side.
Chapter Nineteen
Colt
“What the fuck do you mean she’ll be trapped there!” I try to keep my anger in check, but I’m failing. Epically.
Bauer flinches at my words, but I can’t find it in me to care right now. He was a part of this, and because of it all, our baby sister is risking everything, and now she might not ever be able to come back.
“I don’t know everything, Archer is so paranoid, he never tells anyone the entire story. I just know what I heard,” Bauer says, his regret obvious in his tone. A lot of fucking good his regret is going to do us now.
“We need to call Marie, there has to be a way to fix this,” I say, standing and grabbing my phone from my pocket.
“Without help from the Shadow Realm, I doubt there is much that can be done. And it’s unlikely anyone over there is going to help her,” he says sadly.
“I swear to the fates Bauer, if she doesn’t come back, if any of them don’t come back, I will never forgive you.” I fire off a message to Marie explaining everything Bauer just told me while he sits there with his head hung.
“What else do you know?” I ask him, I can feel his shame, and yet it’s not enough to stop my biting tone. He made his bed, I saved his ass from it, but now, now he has to live with what he did.
“I have names. Witches that are helping him create hybrids. Helping him create the momentary tears into the Shadow Realm. And I know locations. Where he’s keeping his armory, where the people he’s gathered are training,” he says looking at me hopefully. This change in our roles is enough to make my head spin, but god damn he fucked up. This, at least is good news.
“Awesome. I’m going to call Elijah, so you can give him and Danny the locations. They can do with it what they will. You’ll forgive me for not including you on our plans just yet.”
“I get it. I need to earn your trust back. Everyone’s trust back. I know I fucked up, Colt. I know. I have a lot of people to explain myself to, but I’ll do whatever it takes.” I believe him, I don’t want to, but I do. Much as I hate to admit it, my big brother hurt me more than I thought possible. What Remy did was one thing, but at least no-one got hurt. What he did… So many lives have been lost already, and with Remy and Fallon in the Shadow Realm, suffering through god knows what.
“The council is aware of your role in everything that has happened too, hopefully this will go some way towards making their ruling regarding your status less harsh, but I can’t guarantee anything. Elder or not,” I tell him, and sit back down scrubbing my hand down my face.
“I understand,” he says softly and leans back on the sofa staring at the ceiling.
What a fucking mess this all is.
I send off a quick message to Dad, Nate, and Maddie to let them know that he’s back and talking. I have no doubt they’ll all want to see him. Even if Dad still isn’t talking to me.
“Where is Dad?” Bauer asks softly.
“Staying with Maddie and Nate. After the reshuffle of the Elders, and the new laws regarding hunting he was, well he was pissed. He’s barely spoken to me since I accepted the position.”
“I’m sorry, man.”
“It is what it is. He was already pissed at me before anyway since I sided with Remy against the two of you and your bigotry.” He shakes his head and sighs.
“I didn’t mean to be such an asshole to her about everything. I was angry, because she’d lied for so long, hypocritical I know, but also because it put her in more danger. But trust me, these last few weeks have shown me that the shades of grey are more prominent than I ever thought. It’s hard to overcome hundreds of years of conditioning, even working with them with Archer, those prejudices are still rife, but they were working for us, for him. But I’m trying. I am.”
“Well, that’s something at least, I guess,” I say as my phone starts to buzz on the coffee table. Messages flooding in from Elijah, Dad, and Nate. Well today is going to be a fucking barrel of laughs.
“Dad and Nate are heading over. Prepare yourself, it’s not likely to be pretty. Though Dad is likely to forgive you easier than the others. He won’t talk to me or Remy, so maybe it’s a good thing.” I sigh, flicking my tongue bar against my teeth. Terrible habit, but I can’t seem to stop when I’m stressed. “Then Elijah, Danny, and the boys are coming over later. Maybe we can hurt Archer just enough that he focuses on us, rather than on trying to find Remy, or fuck with Fallon too much.”
“Whatever I can do to help.” He shrugs. “I’m going to go grab a shower and freshen up before everyone heads over. I’ve been in this shit for weeks.”
“It’s your home as much as it is mine.”
“Thank you, Colt. For not leaving me to rot,” he says softly as he stands.
“You’re family,” I tell him. Because that’s the long and short of it. My family is everything to me.
I’ve never been one to
hide from confrontation, hell, I fucking revel in it.
But confronting my dad, after everything he said to me, the way he spoke about Remy. It might’ve taken me a minute to get over what my sister had hidden from us all, but considering everything between Fallon and I, well, I got on board pretty fucking fast. And if I have to hear my dad talk about my sister like that ever again, I’m likely to lay him the fuck out. Family or not.
He might be my dad, but my sister has been there for me, no matter what, through everything. Even at a cost to herself. She’s selfless to a fucking fault, and much as it hurt me when I found out that she hadn’t trusted me enough to tell me the hidden parts of herself, I got it.
I’ve been an asshole my entire existence, I’ve taken what I’ve wanted, done what I’ve wanted, and fuck the consequences. Except once all of this rolled around, I realized that I can’t be a dick any more. No matter how much it’s in my nature. I’m an Elder now, people are looking to me for guidance, for leadership, and for everything my sister has fought for, I need to step the fuck up.
Even Bauer is owning his fuck ups.
It’s time for me to own mine.
Which is exactly why I took this stupid fucking title. I’ve never wanted anything less in my life, but if this is what the guild wants, I can sacrifice for my people, the way my sister always has. It’s something to be schooled and have your ass handed to you by your little sister, let me tell you that.
So, because of all of this bullshit, I’m hiding in the garden while my dad and Nate talk to Bauer. I can hear them, if I want to, but I’m shutting it out. I can’t deal with anymore rage today. My hand still tremors a little if I let myself think about everything too deeply.
I pull the string of the bow back, the arrow lined up, holding my breath before letting the arrow fly towards the target at the other end of the yard, before nocking another. It’s not quite punching Archer in the face, but imaging his face on my target board is doing all sorts for my inner happy right now.
A Crown of Shadows and Secrets Page 17
