by R L Medina
Fire lit in Aunt Cindra’s hands, matching the spark in her eyes.
Mom moved to intercept her, shaking her head. “We brought some from the Black Court.”
As she spoke, the carriages floated toward us. The fae cheered. Their relief spread in the air.
The queen sneered. “So, you have chosen the Black Court.”
Aunt Cindra growled. “I choose to save my court.”
Tension grew. The fae skittered toward the carriages and paused, unsure of what to do. The ground trembled once more eliciting whimpers and shouts.
My eyes snapped to the hole as more elves were brought up. Alarm shot through me. The rest of the slaves were still down there along with the rest of the courtiers.
“Now. We must do it now,” the king boomed.
The queen nodded and raised her hands. Mom followed, to my surprise.
“Wait. What are you doing?” Panic edged my voice.
A cold wind whipped around them. Their power weighed heavy in the air.
“Get in the carriages!” Aunt Cindra ordered.
The fae scurried inside as another group was flown to the surface.
Beneath us, the ground shifted. A chant rose up from the king and queen. Even B’Zahir had his hands raised and was following along. Fear washed over me.
“It’s not working. We have to get out of here.” Mom’s voice echoed above the wind.
The queen’s eyes narrowed. “One more time.”
I gaped as they raised their hands once more, mouths chanting in unison.
“You cannot do this without the elders,” B’Zahir yelled.
More tremors shook the earth. A howling wind pierced our ears. My heart leapt into my throat.
It was the same wind that had destroyed the Gray Court.
Mom’s hand grabbed my wrist. “Get in the carriage! Now!”
Screams erupted as the ground cracked. Mom pulled me to herself, saving me from a fall. Fearless dove into the air, wings spread open. Wind whipped around us. What was left of the castle began to sink.
“It’s too late,” the king boomed.
I gaped as he and the queen disappeared.
Aunt Cindra swore. “Cowards! These are your people too.”
Shock reeled through me. They’d left us.
“Renée, come on!” Mom yanked on my arm. She pulled me toward an open carriage.
“What about the others?” I struggled out of her grasp. “We have to get them out.”
Sorrow poured from her as she shook her head.
I glanced at my aunt, waiting for her to step in. Her face was slack. Horror radiated from her before Des yanked her toward a carriage.
This was her court. These were her people. Cold dread washed over me. They were leaving the poor fae to die.
“No. We have to get them out.” My words fell on deaf ears.
Mag ran to me and clung to my leg, her little body shaking with sobs. Tears filled my vision.
Her family was still trapped down there.
Hurry, halfling. Fearless shouted into my mind. I looked up as the dragon took off into the sky.
Mom shoved me into the carriage, Mag still clinging tightly. I landed hard against the seat. My heart pounded.
Screams echoed from beneath us. Bile rose in my throat and it wasn’t from the jerky ascent into the air. Their emotions slammed into my barriers, a sharp pain piercing my head.
I clenched my eyes shut and covered my ears. My breath was loud and ragged. Mag buried her face into my side, her emotions mixing with mine and the others.
Summoning more power, I reinforced my walls. I steadied my breath and moved closer to the window for a look out. Beneath us was nothing but darkness.
Chills crept over me. The Red Court was gone.
I scanned the sky, relieved to see the other carriages floating alongside ours. Worry filled me. Had Mom and B’Zahir made it out? And Aunt Cindra and Des?
They are safe. In their own carriage. Only the fae in the ground did not make it.
I jumped at the sound of the unicorn’s voice in my head once more. Its words calmed me, though guilt trickled in. Mag had lost her family. I wrapped my arms around her as she cried. Her grief made my heart twist. How would she recover from this?
Fear spread through me, chilling me down to the bone. In one day, the abyss had wiped out two courts. The two courts that had meant the most to me. I blinked away tears. We had to stop it. Somehow, we had to salvage what was left of Feylin and the fae.
It was a somber flight back to the Black Court. Mag’s silent sobs shook me as she continued to cling to me. I fought the urge to wipe away her pain. Even if it was just for a moment, I could give her a reprieve.
My eyelids grew heavy, my body weary and bruised. I leaned my head against the carriage and watched out the window as we neared the large black cliff. A bright moon and starry sky greeted us, making my breath hitch. How much longer would the Black Court last? Or the others?
Anger replaced my sorrow as the king and queen’s actions replayed in my mind. Why hadn’t the destruction started in their court? Guilt filled me at the thought, but I couldn’t help but wish they’d been the ones to suffer first. Not us. Not Sacha. Not Mag.
I summoned more power, using it to renew my strength. The emotions of my friends weighed heavy on me along with my own.
You will get through this. There is still hope. You can save what is left.
The unicorn’s words rang in my mind. I took a deep breath and steeled myself. I didn’t want to think about what it would take for us to survive what was coming, but I knew once we arrived in the Black Court, I had to do what was necessary.
I glanced down at Mag and found my resolve. They were all counting on me. This was our final chance.
Voices drifted into the window, snapping me out of my thoughts. I leaned forward and blinked, trying to see in the darkness. Dizziness struck me. I turned away, unable to stomach the view from our height. Soon we would be back at Aunt Maloret’s court and though grief shrouded me, I was thankful, as wrong as it might have been, that my family and friends had made it out.
We were still alive.
Sacha’s face flashed in my mind. I blew out my breath. How was I supposed to tell him what I’d done now? I didn’t want him to know I’d betrayed his trust. He needed a friend more than ever and I couldn’t hurt him further.
“We’re here.” I nudged Mag as the carriage landed in the courtyard.
She sniffed and released me. The door flew open, and I turned to see Mom motioning us out. I led Mag across the bench and into the courtyard. She clung to my leg as I faced Mom.
“Go get some rest, Renée. With your friend. I will see to everyone else.” Mom gave me a grim smile.
My eyes met hers. A pained expression written on her face that I was sure I shared as well. She, unlike anyone else, knew the emotional toll the events had on me. We shared the same power, after all.
“Okay. I just want to check on Sacha first.”
She walked us toward the castle and nodded. “Of course. Just make sure you get some rest. Tomorrow will be a hard day.”
I scoffed. “Yeah. I know.”
Shaking off the grief that threatened to grip me once more, I squeezed Mag’s little hand and led her past the doors. Her body trembled as we stepped into the dark entrance.
I groaned and paused to adjust my eyes. Her dress rustled and a little light appeared.
“Here, Princess.” She offered me the glowing rock.
A lump grew in my throat. Even after all she’d been through and she still thought of me. I held the rock up, lighting our path. Her eyes were downcast as we passed through the artwork. It was better she didn’t see the disturbing images, anyway.
Your friends will need you now more than ever.
I nodded at the unicorn’s words. Using my power, I let it course through me and strengthen me.
I wouldn’t let them down.
11
Mag cried most of the night, even
with me trying to use my magic to calm her. The next morning came too soon for both of us. Sacha had been asleep when we’d arrived, and I was eager to see him and make sure he was okay. As okay as he could be given the circumstances.
Breakfast was a somber affair. Everyone was still on edge after the recent events. I pushed fruit around my plate, my mind drifting to the dark memories.
“It’s gone. It’s all gone.” Aunt Cindra’s words startled me.
Her eyes were haunted, and her lip trembled. Des sat by her side, face grim.
“What now?” She glanced around at us.
Mom and Belle shared a look. Aunt Maloret sat at the head of the table, sipping from her goblet and watching us. Uncle Mortemer had just arrived, his presence setting me on edge. Why had my aunt summoned him? Were they planning another attack?
B’Zahir hadn’t shown up, and I wasn’t sure if it was because of our new guests or if he was busy elsewhere. Sacha was also absent.
“We must release the Raj’ani,” Belle answered simply.
Aunt Cindra frowned at her. “The Raj’ani are gone.”
“Not quite. I have one.” Aunt Maloret smirked.
All eyes turned to her.
“And how is such a creature going to help us?” Aunt Cindra looked back at Belle.
“We will use its power to destroy the abyss.”
Aunt Cindra scoffed. “And then what? Let it loose to finish Feylin off?” She shook her head. “The Raj’ani devour worlds. Have you all gone mad?”
Belle set down her fork and stared at my aunt. “We will control it and send it back into prison or to another world.”
“Control it? How?”
“Mind control,” Mom answered.
Belle nodded. “Yes. With the power of all three of us, it could be possible.”
Aunt Cindra’s eyes widened. “All three? You have mental magic?” She gasped. “You. Yes, I remember you.”
Aunt Maloret chuckled. “Took you long enough. Yes, Aubri’s birth mother. Back from the past. The king was quite shocked to see her too.”
Belle’s eyes flitted to her, but her face showed no emotion. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. I didn’t want to be a part of this discussion. I needed to get back to my room to check on Mag and find Sacha.
“I will not let Renée be a part of this.” Mom’s voice hardened.
Belle sighed. “Without her magic, we will not be strong enough to control the creature.”
Aunt Cindra glanced at me and back to Mom. “The whole future of our race, of Feylin is at stake, Aubri. We cannot think with our hearts. We must do whatever is necessary.”
Mom’s lip curled. “Spoken like a true royal. No one would ever accuse you of having a heart, Cindra.” Her eyes flitted to Des.
Aunt Cindra stiffened. Her anger stirred in the air. Des remained unmoved, staring straight ahead. If my aunt’s abandonment hurt, he didn’t show it.
Aunt Maloret laughed. “Isn’t this a warm family reunion.”
Aunt Cindra shot to her feet, Des following. “You’ve brought this destruction upon us all. With your foolish war.”
Anger rolled in waves from Aunt Cindra. I could feel her fire magic stirring and Mom’s quiet attempt to sooth it with her own power.
My eyes met the assassin’s. That was one blessing of the abyss opening—it had given up Des. Alive. It hadn’t been so long ago that he’d been under the curse cast by the wild fairy queen. A never-ending sleep only broken by true love’s kiss. Except that he hadn’t been kissed. At least not by Aunt Cindra, his bondmate. How he had been awoken was still a mystery.
“Stop.” My voice echoed. I blinked in surprise as everyone looked to me. I hadn’t meant to speak up, but I was glad I did. They needed to stop being children and deal with our current problem.
I turned to face Mom. “I know you are worried about me, Mom. But if this is our only chance, I must do it. There isn’t another way.”
She shook her head. “No. No. It’s not safe.”
Belle sighed. “We do not have a choice, Aubri. This is what must be done.”
Anger radiated from Mom. She glared at the older elf. “Unlike you, I will not throw my daughter into danger.”
I scoffed. “Are you kidding me? What do you think I’ve been doing since I got here?” Rage flushed through me. “Do you know what I’ve had to do? What I’ve seen? And where have you been?”
My voice shook with emotion. Pain flashed in Mom’s eyes. I averted my gaze and took a breath to steady my heart. The strength of my emotion was startling.
“You must let go of the past and learn to control your power.” Belle gave me a pointed look.
Heat spread across my face. “I know,” I bit out.
The others fell silent. I could feel their pity and worry. Though I couldn’t read their thoughts, I could see it written in their eyes.
She isn’t ready. She’s too weak to save anyone.
I blinked back angry tears. I wanted to throw up my arms and scream. The truth was, I wasn’t ready. I knew I couldn’t do what they wanted. Maybe in another year or two, I’d be strong enough, but we didn’t have that time.
“There is one way to give us more time.” B’Zahir’s voice broke the tension.
He stood, his massive green form filling the doorway. Aunt Cindra’s eyes narrowed at him. Des shifted in his seat, a hand near his weapon.
“How?” Mom voiced the question we all had.
The Goblin King walked toward us. “An ancient spell. A fairy spell.” His eyes flicked to Aunt Maloret.
She grinned. “Ahh. Yes. The legendary sleeping spell.”
I glanced at Des. “How would that help us?”
Aunt Maloret waved a hand in the air. “No. Not that kind of sleeping spell. A spell that makes time sleep. Slow down. A time freezer, if you will.”
Belle’s eyebrow arched. “And you could perform such a spell?”
She shrugged. “Maybe. With the help of an ultra-powerful ancient.” She glanced at B’Zahir.
He nodded. “Yes. It is possible.”
“But that won’t save Feylin.” Mom frowned.
B’Zahir glanced at her. “No, but it would give us more time to stop the destruction. Even with the magic here in the Black Court, we are not safe. Eventually the abyss will destroy this court as well.”
His words shook me. I knew that was the outcome but hearing it from him somehow made it more real. More immediate.
“Then you should proceed. But first, we must begin with the Raj’ani,” Belle answered.
Aunt Cindra’s lip curled. She didn’t like Belle, I realized. Was it because she was technically a lower caste or maybe the fact that the king had cheated on her mother as well as the queen?
“I want to check on Sacha,” I whispered to my Mom.
All eyes turned to me. I flushed under their scrutiny and disapproval. I lifted my chin and shot them a glare. I would not abandon my friends right now.
“You can go, Renée.” Mom nodded.
I shot out of my seat and ignored Belle’s objections. I knew she wanted me to start training, but I had to check on Sacha and Mag first. Part of it was because I wanted to delay the inevitable, but the bigger part was because I truly was worried about my friends.
My heart raced as I fled the room. Once outside, I sighed in relief. Already the burden felt lighter. I scanned the empty hall and made my way back to my room. The corridors were empty, and I was thankful for it. I hadn’t seen any of the fae yet and I was dreading having to face them again. Their pain was so strong.
The sound of my boots echoing against the stone filled my ears. I pushed away the memories of the tragic events of the past day and tried to come up with words of comfort for my friends. What could I say to help them? My fingers twitched, ready to summon my magic. I didn’t like the idea of manipulating their emotions, but I hated seeing them under such distress.
As I entered the hall to my room, I stopped short. Sacha stood outside my door. He turned toward me a
nd offered a bleak smile. My heart twisted at his pain.
“Sacha.” I moved toward him and reached my hand out.
He glanced around before taking it. His hazel eyes grew sorrowful as I held his hand. Tears filled my eyes. I wrapped my other arm around him and pressed myself against him.
His heart beat loudly in my ears. I blinked away my tears and used my magic to clear my mind. He let go of my hand to wrap his arms around me. Though he built a shield around himself, I could still feel his grief.
“I’m so sorry, Sacha.” My voice broke.
He shut his eyes. “It is not your fault, Princess.”
I shook my head. “No. I know, but I hate seeing you in this pain.”
His brow furrowed. “I apologize, Princess. I shouldn’t have come here.”
He started to break away from me.
“No! That’s not what I meant, Sacha.” I held him tighter. “I’m here for you.”
A deep sigh escaped him. The memory of using my power on him made me cringe. I couldn’t tell him what I’d done. Not now. I pushed away the thoughts and looked up at him.
He gave me a small smile that warmed my heart. My eyes flitted to his lips, remembering the kiss we’d shared. Heat flushed over me as I averted my gaze.
Stop staring at his lips, idiot. The poor guy just lost his mom. Kissing is probably the last thing on his mind.
If Sacha had read my thoughts, he didn’t show it.
My bedroom door creaked open, making me jump in surprise. Mag’s eyes widened before she slammed the door shut.
Sacha released me. I blushed, already missing his warmth. Though I still sensed his pain, I was glad I could offer some comfort.
“I should go check on her. I don’t know if you heard…” I lowered my voice. “The Red Court has a fallen too.”
He nodded. “Yes. Des told me.”
I blinked in surprise. When had Des talked to Sacha?
“Oh. Well. I should go.” I motioned to my door.
Sacha bowed and stepped away. I glanced back at him as I entered my room. He gave me a sad smile that tore at my heart before bowing once more and walking down the hall.
“Wait! Sacha… did you want to come in?” I paused in the doorway.
