I must be crazy.
I laughed to myself. Who knew after all this time I actually was a bit insane. I pulled Midnight to me and kissed his nose. “Go!” I said to him, sending him to the trees. He listened and rode away from me too.
She was going to come through, and I was going to be waiting for her.
I closed my eyes and spoke the words Gray instructed for me to say to grant her passage. “I’m Queen Aurora of Ancora, and as a guardian of this realm, I allow her to pass.”
I kept them closed and saw my father’s smiling face. Then I saw his face before he died. And all the sadness I felt was erased and replaced with anger.
I thought about Sawyer and the last time I kissed him, in the corridors under the castle. We had always hidden our love from everyone, and just when I didn’t have to hide anymore, Raven took him from me. She took everything from me. But that was going to stop, today. Today I was going to take something from her—her life.
I opened my eyes.
****
Raven
Raven pushed through the trees and finally saw the glimmer of the Dark Forest that lay beyond her. Finally she was home. She actually couldn’t wait to see those gremlins of hers. They would make better company than the whining young girl, that was for sure. They might be ugly, but they were hers, and they’d do whatever she wanted. She would repay them greatly when they stormed the castle with Queen Hilde’s son, Hunter, and she got to kill Aurora. The other son, Aiden, was hopeless. He spent too much time trying to defy Queen Hilde instead of listening to her. He was too caring and kind and would end up being killed if he didn’t watch it. Raven noticed Queen Hilde’s jealous nature come alive whenever the King and Aiden spoke; it was like she wanted her son to be the favorite. But that was none of her business. No, her business was killing Aurora.
She couldn’t wait to see her face when she arrived with her little army. She’d be doing Queen Hilde a favor by freeing up Ancora for her to take over.
And she’d be spilling Aurora’s blood and that’s all that really mattered.
When Hilde asked her to kill the girl, of course she said yes. She hated her more than anyone, so striking up a deal seemed to be the best choice. But she had to hide out for a little while and let things cool down—that was Hilde’s idea.
“Go to the Realm of Man and see if you can find any shapeshifter Fae that will join you,” Hilde had said. “The more that join us the better.”
But she found nothing. Maybe Hilde just sent her so she could get things in order. She wasn’t sure and she didn’t care. The only thing that mattered was she was back now. And Hilde promised her a home. First, she had to kill Aurora for Hilde, then Prince Hunter would storm the castle and kill the rest. Hunter’s job was simple: infiltrate the castle and get Aurora to fall in love with the dashing Prince Aiden.
Raven laughed at the thought of Aurora being faithful to a half-dead Sawyer. There was no way she could pass up a boy like Aiden over her half-Fae boy. Their plans were all coming together. The naïve shapeshifter Fae knew what was to be done, and hopefully they would join the right queen.
She broke through the last apple tree and could smell the rotten stench of the forest before her.
“Ah, I’m home,” she said with a smile.
“Welcome back,” someone said to from the right.
She turned, slowly and saw, sitting like a pretty princess, Aurora. She was wearing a smile for Raven. Raven felt a funny chill go through her body; surely it wasn’t fear.
“Are you ready to die?” Aurora asked as she unsheathed her sword.
Raven laughed wickedly. This foolish little girl actually thought she would kill her? Sure, it shocked her and maybe she did feel fear, but that all dissipated fast as she pulled the dagger out of her pocket.
“I’m going to cut you into pieces and bury you in your own garden. Then while I live in your castle I will—”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah. You’ll stomp on my grave every day. I heard this line before, Raven. Now shut up and fight!”
Aurora lunged forward and cut into Raven’s arm, taking her by surprise.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Merry
She could hear loud noises downstairs as she sat with Sawyer. He wasn’t safe here alone in this room with Merry. She could fight, but she couldn’t fight to save him; she’d have to leave his side at some point. Needing to move him somewhere, she started to ponder.
“Think, Merryweather, think,” she said aloud.
Where could she move him that would be hidden from threats and that he would be safe? Fauna burst through the door and locked eyes with Merry.
“He’s a spy!” she yelled.
Merry stood and placed her hand on Fauna. “Who is?”
“Prince Hunter. His mother sent him here to infiltrate the castle. They’ve taken Duchess Ellie and are using her as bait. Oh, Merry, it’s awful.”
Merry’s heart sank.
“What happened to Flora and Aiofe?”
“They’re safe for now.”
Oh, thank goodness. Merry thought.
“We need to move Sawyer downstairs to the old dungeon!”
The thought burst into her brain at the last minute. It was the best place to put him until they could get rid of Hunter and the Duke. He would be safe down there.
They whistled for Aiofe and Flora, and speedily they came to their aid. Using old Fae magic, the four fairies floated Sawyer down the hall silently. The soldiers were downstairs fighting to get the Duchess free, so the fairies were on their own for now.
“Rory entrusted us to watch Sawyer, so we have to be careful,” Fauna reminded them. Merry agreed as they found the door to the dungeons. It was hidden within the walls. Merry remembered the night they had their meeting down these very steps. They all met here when Aurora was finally remembering who she was. They all vowed to save the castle from Millie’s reign. It was an awful time; one she thought was over.
It seemed that there was always a threat to them. Would it ever end?
When they reached the bottom, Fauna guided them into a small room.
“While you were gone, we found bodies down here,” Fauna explained as she opened a hidden door. She told Merry about the couple who were separated because of Millie’s evil. It brought tears to her eyes to think of innocent lovers brought down here to die alone and hungry.
“We’re actually lucky the carpenters haven’t been down here to close this section off yet,” Fauna said.
She watched as Fauna and Aiofe placed Sawyer in one of the beds inside a cell. Aiofe sat beside him and locked them inside.
“I’ll stay with him and take the key. No one will get to us, now,” she explained.
Merry thought of how horrible it would be if Sawyer would die here without Aurora just like the couple died.
No! It will not happen.
“On my honor we will save this castle and reunite these lovers. They will not suffer the same fate,” Merry vowed. The four fairies grasped hands and vowed the same.
“We have a castle to save and a duchess to free,” Flora exclaimed as she took a sword from the dungeon wall. “The shapeshifter Fae have left the castle to get their kin. They will come back; I just know it.”
Merry wasn’t so sure.
“I hope you’re correct, Flora,” Merry said as she too took a weapon. “Let’s fight.”
****
Rory
I was quick on my feet as I lunged for her face this time. Raven was already bleeding, but she fought fast and hard with her small weapon. She didn’t realize that with her small weapon she’d have to get close to me to hurt me. My sword reached farther as it sunk into her hand this time.
“You’re so fast now,” Raven said teasingly. “But you are weak and you will tire fast.”
I hated her and I couldn’t think of anything other than killing her, making her suffer for all she took from me.
“Did you know, right now, Prince Hunter has probably taken over your castle? He’s probably killing your mother as we speak. The plan was for you to fall in love with her son, Aiden, because that’s what you do best, isn’t it, Aurora? Fall in love with a pretty boy and play the damsel in distress?”
I hesitated and she lunged, slicing my arm and grabbing hold of me. I pushed her off with force and she staggered back laughing.
Was it true? Was Hunter taking over my home?
The truth was I couldn’t do anything about it. I was here and they were there. I left the shapeshifters behind for that very reason, and they would help me. They swore an allegiance to my army; they were joined forces now.
“You cheated on Philip with that half-Fae and look what good that did you. He’s half-dead now.” She roared with laughter. “Queen Hilde will let me live in your pathetic castle as long as I kill you. Hunter knew the real plan because she couldn’t trust the ice boy over there.”
She pointed toward Prince Aiden as he came out of the tree-line.
“Do you know why they call you ice boy, Aiden?” she teased. He stood still like a stone, ignoring her. “Perhaps it’s because you are emotionless, like your father. And you’re rather pale. Look at your ivory skin. Do you ever see the sun?”
Aiden was anything but emotionless. He was fearless and brave, and I wouldn’t let Raven tear him down.
“Stop talking and die already, Raven,” I said, watching her feet. It’s the feet that told me her next move. She shifted backwards, putting all her weight on her left leg.
I was prepared for her lunge and I caught her in my arms. We fell to the forest floor wrestling one another. She got on top of me and punched me right in the face.
I saw stars.
Taking my sword, I fought the pain and knocked the hilt against her head. She fell to the side, blood pouring from the wound. I sat up fast on my feet and pointed the blade tip to her heart.
The time was now. I had the advantage.
“Do it, Aurora! Kill me like a murderer,” she spat. Blood flowed from her head wound and into her mouth. She smiled at me and her teeth were filled with blood. “You’re no different than Maleficent. You kill with malice. I won’t even get a trial.”
Was she right? Was I murdering her?
“I am not Maleficent. I am a queen and I’m killing you for the torture you put me and others through for so long. Surely you’ve taken lives yourself, haven’t you? All those innocent shapeshifter Fae sound familiar? You will stand trial right here by the edge of my blade.”
I pressed it into her cheek watching the blood pool around the tip. It felt so good to be the one torturing her for a change; except I didn’t see even a hint of fear in her black eyes. She didn’t seem to have a soul.
“Rory, don’t hesitate,” Gray said to my right. “Don’t let her get to you. Remember what I taught you.”
She was right. Raven was playing me. I moved my eyes and saw Gray’s face reassuring me her words echoing in my head, “You don’t need me to believe in you to become a warrior, Aurora, because you are already one.”
I lifted my sword, readying the killing blow and swung it down in an arc prepared to end her life, when she shifted.
She turned so fast I couldn’t do anything to stop it. She took to the sky swiftly and flew away like a coward.
“Come back and fight me, Raven!”
“Rory, the blade! Get the blade!” Gray shouted. I looked down where it lay on the forest floor. I reached down and held it tight. This was Sawyer’s saving grace and I held it in my hands.
Tears sprang to my eyes. I didn’t care if Raven lived now. She could run away and try to seek solace with someone else for all I cared. I would wake Sawyer now.
I heard a caw and knew she was back.
Fine, she wanted to die then.
Bring it.
I would kill her with her own blade. I held it in my left hand, my sword in my right, and swiveled around. She was flying overhead as my archers readied their arrows and let them loose.
Gray swung around, still on her horse, searching the sky for her. Her silver hair fell gently against her face making her look regal and elegant.
When Raven appeared behind her on her horse, my throat constricted. My shout stuck and no words came out of my mouth as Raven smiled at me. It was so fast; Gray didn’t notice she was there until it was too late.
Raven took Gray’s own sword from her hilt, causing Gray to turn toward me and lock eyes with mine. She knew what was coming. She didn’t frown, she didn’t even scowl; instead, she smiled at me as Raven shoved the blade into her chest. Blood spread across her armor like a rose blooming in the spring.
“No!” I had found my voice too late. Gray fell from her horse and onto the ground.
I ran.
I ran with malice and hate. Anger pumped through my veins.
And as I ran, I left her behind; the young and innocent Aurora that woke up one day in an asylum terrified of the world around her. I let her fly freely from my body. She was naïve and weak and she couldn’t be here today. I had to run to save her life, because she deserved it.
Gray loved that girl and she had trained me for this day, for the day when I left that girl behind.
I reached Gray too late; she was already gone. Her eyes still smiled up at me, glassy with tears.
I would not cry. Not yet. There would be time to cry later when I put her body to rest. Now, I was going to kill Raven.
I looked at her as she laughed, still sitting on Gray’s horse proudly.
“That felt amazing!” she declared. My army readied their arrows and pointed them toward her.
“No,” I told them holding out my hand. “She’s mine. Ride to the castle and give them aid.”
“Aurora, we can’t leave you,” Aiden said, pleading with me. He looked so desperate to help me. I knew this had to be hard for him.
“Take Gray and place her on Midnight, Aiden. Then ride off and take your leave from your step-mother like you deserve,” I told him as I still locked eyes with Raven. “You’ve helped me. Now go. Live the life you want to live, Aiden.”
“If that is what you wish. Fight well, Rory. I will never forget your graciousness.”
Raven laughed again and got down from Gray’s horse. She took Gray’s sword from her chest and shoved Gray’s body toward the prince.
My blood boiled with anger.
“How dare you touch her, you vile scum?”
She rolled her eyes.
“She’s dead. She doesn’t care. And soon you’ll be dead too and you can join her.”
No. Not this time.
A black feather floated down from the sky and landed near my feet. I was going to kill this raven and end her wrath forever.
I took my stance and readied my weapons as Aiden took Gray’s body and placed her on Midnight.
I didn’t take my eyes off of Raven once. I looked at her feet and watched her stance. She was getting ready to shift again—I could tell from the way her feet trembled.
I let her do it, anticipating her next move. She took to the air and the world went into slow motion. I watched as her wings flapped and she flew to my side slowly. Keeping my eyes forward, I slowly shifted my body. Then she blurred—shifting again into her other form. I leaned to my left and swung the dagger around my body swiftly and with as much force as I could. As she appeared behind me, her signature move, I sunk it deep into her neck.
I spun around the opposite direction, and with my sword I cut her head from her body without a chance for her to say one thing or to roll her eyes again. Her head rolled down the hill and that was it. The raven was dead.
I took a deep breath in, sheathed my sword, and wiped the blade, placing it in my leg holster. Suddenly I tasted something sweet in the air around me. I looked up and watched as her power, that had once been Maleficent’s, left her body and floated up toward me, talking to me sweetly. It spoke to me like we were old friends.
You want to rule this whole land, and I can help you toward greatness. I can help you be beloved through the entire realm and take down all who deny you. I know what you desire in your heart, Aurora. You want power. I can get all of that for you.
Yes. I wanted that. I wanted to be feared and loved. I wanted Queen Hilde to pay for her backstabbing ways and to be put to death for her betrayal against me. She shouldn’t be able to rein Bordell after she hired Raven behind my back. She should be punished for treason against me. I should be the one to deliver it.
I wanted all to know my name; the Queen who ruled all the lands.
I felt the power rise up from the ground as it tickled my body.
Let me in, it begged. I closed my eyes and the face I saw behind them put it all into perspective and woke me up from the power’s control. It was Sawyer’s face. He was reaching out to me asking me to ride with him. He was dressed in royal armor, the royal seal on his chest.
That was what I wanted in my heart. Not power. Not greed. But love.
I opened my eyes and looked down at the red mist that surrounded me.
“No. I will not allow this. My heart is pure and full of love. Love for friends and family and love for a man I will marry. I will not let you deceive me and control me,” I told it as it swirled around me, faster now. “I, Queen of this land, order you to go back into the earth from which you came. I declare that you empower the land for good, not evil. Never again will you cause evil in this forest. I am putting an end to the darkness right now.” My throat tightened as I yelled at the power wanting to devour me. Would it listen to me? Did anyone ever defy it?
Awaken (Slumber Duology #2) Page 14
