“Yes. Well,” I pause, trying to think of how best to phrase this. “It wasn’t really me. I was in someone else’s body. I’m telling you, it was really strange.”
“Sounds like it.” Jordan agrees.
“Where’s Amanda?” I turn around, scanning the mountainside, but I don’t see her anywhere.
Jordan takes a deep breath, then exhales sadly, “She’s gone.”
“Gone? What do you mean?”
Jordan shakes her head, and I see a tear fall from the corner of her eye. It’s the first time I’ve seen her cry, and I’d witnessed her break her hand during combat practice before. She hadn’t shed a tear while she waited for the Fae healer to arrive and mend her hand.
“After you fell, Amanda reached out to help you back up. She breathed in some of the fog, too.”
“Did she hallucinate?” Again, I search the area of our fellow contestant. She’s nowhere to be seen. Where could she have gone?
“Y-yes.” The crack in Jordan’s force draws my attention back to her. The pain in her eyes is undeniable, and I’m scared to hear what she’s about to say. “But I didn’t know that’s what was happening. After you inhaled the fog, you sort of just… stopped moving. Your eyes were open, but you lied still, staring blankly at the ground. But Amanda…” Jordan pauses and swallows, closing her eyes for a brief moment, preparing herself for what she’s about to say, “Amanda completely lost it. She started screaming and thrashing around. She threw rocks at my head, yelling for me to stay back. I tried to stop her. I tried to tie her up with rope.” She gestures to the coiled rope gathered near her feet. “But she got away.” The defeat in her voice is caused by more than Amanda’s evasiveness. Something else happened.
“Where did Amanda go?”
Another tear rolls down my friend’s cheek. “She jumped.” With a trembling hand, Jordan points behind me.
A cliff juts out of the mountainside, and it’s a direct fall to the base of the mountain below. I gasp, realizing what Jordan means.
I lean forward, feeling like someone just punched me in the gut. The drop must be at least fifty feet, but I’m not about to walk over and confirm its distance. I won’t be able to handle seeing Amanda’s mangled body.
Now, I understand why Jordan’s crying. My own tears begin to burn the back of my eyelids, blurring my vision. “Are you sure she’s d-d…” I choke on the last word, unable to push it past trembling lips.
Jordan knows what I’m trying to ask. “I’m sure,” she tells me. I feel her hand on my shoulder. She squeezes. It’s a simple gesture, but it conveys our mutual sadness. We’re not alone in this. I stand and wrap her in a one-armed hug. Jordan’s not affectionate. At least, I’ve never seen her act affectionate. But I need a hug right now. Based on how tightly she holds me, I’d guess she needs one too.
We stay that way for a minute or two. Tears roll down my cheeks, dampening the cloak against my nose and mouth. Jordan steps away. She faces the path up the mountain.
“We should keep going.” There is a raw edge to her voice. She clears her throat. “We won’t be able to make camp anytime soon with this stuff around.”
I look down and see the horrible white cloud continues to flow around my ankles. I can’t stand the sight of it, knowing its effects are responsible for Amanda’s untimely death, I long to scream at the fog like I would an animal I want to scare so it bad it flees from me.
The fog billows up, reaching my waist, and I lose it.
“Get away from me!” I kick my leg out in front of me, ungratified when the force collides with nothing but air.
The fog continues to gather. I might be crazy, but I swear the mass of cloud begins to climb up my body.
My blood boils. I drop the cloak from my face, throw my hands out at my side and shout again, “GET AWAY FROM ME!”
A flare of light shoots out of my palms, colliding with the growing cloud. The yellow light travels across the length of the fog’s surface. I’m mesmerized by the flickering beams. The mountain air weighs heavy on my shoulders, and my palms dim with the absence of power. The beam of light continues to spread throughout the cloud.
The fog rears up, protesting the intrusion. The fog creates a plume of illuminated smoke, growing into a formidable size, ten times its original height. Fear grips me as I worry the fog is about to swallow us, but before the cloud can engulf us in its massive mass, my electrifying light flares bright and burns it into oblivion.
25
I stare speechless at the uncovered rocks beneath my feet. The offending fog is nowhere to be seen. The reality of what just happened—of what I’ve done hits me. I denied the truth once, but I can’t deny it a second time. Camden had been right. I’m not human. I’d been a fool to ignore him. Now, I’ve revealed myself in front of Jordan, not to mention whoever is monitoring the contest.
Speaking of Jordan, I toss a cautious glance her way. She’s staring at me like I have two heads, but I’m relieved to see she doesn’t look mad. Not yet, anyway.
It’s another ten seconds before she breaks the tense silence, lowering the cloak from her mouth. I jerk back from the strength in her voice. “What the hell, Sera? What did you just do?”
“I really don’t know,” I tell her honestly. “It’s only happened once before.”
“Shooting light out of your body? You’ve done that before and didn’t think to mention it to me?”
I cringe. “I thought I’d imagined it the first time.” Or that it’d been caused by Frederick, or perhaps even the prince. But I’m not about to say that out loud. Again, I don’t know who’s watching. I don’t want to throw either of the Fae under the bus for keeping my secret.
“When?”
“When, what?”
“When was the first time that,” she gestures toward my offending hands and the mountain around us, “happened?”
I come up with a quick fib. “When I was training in the woods. I’d been frustrated and it just … happened.”
“The first time was here in Seelie?”
“Yes,” I nod.
“And you didn’t tell me?” she accuses again. A hint of betrayal shines in her narrowed gaze.
I sigh. I’m not sure how to explain myself. I hadn’t thought the first time was real, but now that I’ve said so aloud, that sounds like a dumb explanation.
Who am I kidding? It had been a dumb explanation.
I’d been an idiot to willingly deceive myself. I know other races exist. Fae, pixies, trolls… I could be a mix of any one of them. I should’ve sought answers. I should’ve asked Camden for help. I’m sure he would’ve been more than happy to help me figure out what I am.
But I blew that chance by choosing, instead, to ignore the indisputable evidence that I’m more than human. Now, Jordan knows, and so does anyone watching.
I choose my next words carefully, “I didn’t say anything because I was in denial. I had no idea I was anything but human before it happened. I panicked. I’m sorry for not telling you.”
Some of the anger fades from her eyes. “You really didn’t know?”
“No, I swear.” Another round of tears threatens to make its appearance. I sniffle and keep them back.
“I believe you.” Jordan steps closer and wraps me in another hug. I’m shocked by the comforting gesture, but eagerly return it. This time, I’m the one who steps away first.
“Thank you.” And I mean it. Jordan’s been a blessing more times than I can count. I don’t know what I did to deserve her, but I pray I keep it up. I need her for what’s to come.
“I should be thanking you.” At my confused expression, Jordan explains, “For getting rid of the fog. It was going to be really hard to sleep when you can’t breathe.” She gives a subdued laugh, and I join in.
“Do you think you can control it?” She looks at my hands.
“I’ve never tried,” I admit.
“It might be handy in this contest,” she points out. “Maybe you’ll be able to ignite any monsters who try
to attack.”
“Maybe,” I allow. I know the idea of having a valuable weapon to defend ourselves is appealing, but I’m hesitant to agree. That’s a lot of pressure to put on myself in a high-risk situation.
“Well, whatever you are, thank you again for getting rid of the fog.” She shoots me a smile.
I return the gesture and murmur, “You’re welcome.”
A sense of normalcy returns. We resume our trek up the mountainside, and neither of us brings up what’s happened within the last hour. I appreciate Jordan’s effort to break the awkwardness between us, and her willingness to not run away screaming now that she knows I’m not human. I’m not sure I’d be as calm as her if our situation was reversed.
No trouble finds us as the sun begins to descend. We make camp in between two boulders. There’s no stone roof this time. We extend my tarp over the boulders, tying the ends down with other rocks to keep it from flying up in random gusts of wind. Jordan’s tarp goes on the ground, and we both settle down for our second night on the mountain.
* * *
It’s the middle of the night, and I’m on watch duty. The trials of the day and our previous exertions have finally caught up to Jordan. She woke me up to take over less than ten minutes ago. She fell asleep within one minute of her head hitting the ground. I’m glad she’s able to rest despite all that’s happened. I’d had trouble falling asleep at first, but exhaustion had thankfully outweighed my racing mind. Now, I sit and stare out into bleak darkness, the trials of the day begin to take its toll.
I’m not human.
I still can’t remember the names or faces of my loved ones, but I wonder if they knew something was different about me. Logic says there must be something different about them too, considering we are related. But even as I have the thought, I don’t believe it.
I’m certain nothing about my life had been extraordinary or unusual prior to my abduction. I’d lived an average life. Aside from having the ability to see creatures other humans couldn’t see.
That should have been my first clue I wasn’t normal.
So how is it that I—a girl who’s recently learned she’s more than human—came to be taken by Seelie Sentries to partake in this contest with twenty-three other humans?
What are the chances that its purely a coincidence the Fae abducted someone more than human? My gut screams they are low, at best.
I cannot prove it, but I believe there is more to my presence here than a sick twist of fate. Supposedly, the queen uses an orb to select contestants. Maybe there is something more to the magical ball other than its ability to pick unlucky humans to come die in the Fae Realm.
Amanda’s face haunts me, as do her two friends by the stream.
That’s three contestants who’ve lost their lives in just as many days. And those are the only ones I know about. Who knows how many other contestants have died while on this journey? How many of us are left? Jordan and I are ascending the mountain at a good pace. According to the map, we should reach the summit in two days. What will we find when we reach the cavern?
Will the queen’s precious diadem be gone, already retrieved by another contestant? If so, I will know the moment it happens because the contest should be over.
Or will there be some other life-threatening ordeal to overcome before we can go home? I’d thought Jordan and I had been lucky before, but we’ve witnessed two tragedies in a short period of time. I expect things to get worse, not better.
The night is quiet. Other than Jordan’s steady breathing behind me, the mountainside has no noise.
That’s why I leap to my feet when I hear the sound of rocks shifting with someone’s step. It could be another contestant, but it might be a monster. Either way, the intrusion sends my blood pumping, ready to fight for my life.
“Relax,” King Sebastian steps out of the darkness, illuminated by the smallest sliver of moonlight breaking through the clouds.
I pause, hesitant to wake Jordan if the Fae in front of me is real. I trust Jordan, but I haven’t confessed the truth of my alliance with the Unseelie ruler. Mostly, because I don’t want anyone else to overhear when I tell her.
King Sebastian steps closer. His form begins to take shape as the distance decreases between us.
I really hope the king is actually here. There’s no denying that I feel a sense of comfort with his presence, but I can’t rule out he’s not a hallucination. Though no mind-altering fog surrounds us, any number of Fae tricks could be messing with my head.
“Stay back,” I whisper, knowing full well he will be able to hear me without me waking Jordan.
The king heeds my command and stops a few feet away from our shelter’s opening.
“Are you alright?” he asks quietly. He scans me from head to toe, his face etched with concern. I’m suddenly self-conscious of my ragged state.
“I’m fine.” I just don’t know if you’re real or not.
He frowns. “Then why must I keep my distance?”
I fumble for a decent excuse. “I don’t want to wake Jordan.” I motion toward my sleeping friend. “And should you even be here? Won’t someone see you?” I try to stress all the concern I’m feeling in that one word. I can only imagine how the queen will react if she finds out one of her contestants is getting nighttime visits from the rival court’s leader.
“Trust me, I’ve taken every precaution in coming here,” he returns with a hint of arrogance. I gather the Unseelie king doesn’t like to have his authority questioned. Or maybe it just doesn’t happen that often.
I step out into the moonlight, feeling relatively certain this encounter is not a trick of the mind. For one, I am in control of my own voice and body. And two, the concern mixed with frustration covering the king’s face isn’t something I think I could conjure.
I walk past the king, mindful of where I step. I don’t want to disturb any rocks. The king follows, and his steps are nearly soundless. I think he’d intentionally made noise a few moments ago to alert me to his presence.
I spin around once there is enough distance from Jordan to not be overheard. “What are you doing here?”
“Nice to see you too, Sera,” he replies with a teasing smirk.
I cross my arms. I’m in no mood to play games.
His lips shift into a mock pout. “I can see your experience has smothered out all charming behavior.”
I scoff. “Yeah, watching people die will do that to a girl.”
A flash of pain crosses his eyes. “I am sorry for that. I’ve done my best to protect you, but even I cannot control the actions of the other contestants.”
His sincerity causes some of the anger to leave my body, but I’m confused. “Did you just say you’ve been protecting me? I thought that only happened if I ask.”
He casually lifts his shoulder. “That is our deal, but I’ve gone above and beyond our agreement. Haven’t you wondered how you got out of the Dark Forest relatively unscathed?”
I have wondered that.
“You helped us get through the forest?”
“Indeed. You’re welcome, by the way.”
“But why?” I shake my head, unable to fathom why the Unseelie King has gone so far out of his way to help me. “Is it because I’m not human?” Is there some kind of weird connection between what I am and the kindness so many powerful Fae show me?
King Sebastian straightens. “You admit you are more than human?” A hint of hope accompanies the question, not sounding the least bit surprised.
“Yes.” I run a hand through my hair. I see no reason not to confess my recent display of power. It’s probably already been seen by countless Fae monitoring the contest.
I explain the day’s earlier events, telling the king how my powers eradicated the hallucinogenic fog. “Did you know?” I ask. “That I’m not human?”
King Sebastian nods and looks off to the side. He murmurs, “Yes. I was aware the moment we first met.”
My breath catches, and my heart begins to beat rapidl
y in my chest. The king knew I was different right away? Does that mean…
I clear my throat. “D-do you know what I am?”
King Sebastian meets my eye. I don’t know what to make of the turmoil I see swirling in his violet eyes. “I do.”
I’m speechless.
Thankfully, it doesn’t last long.
“Well? Are you going to tell me?”
“No.”
“No?” I practically screech the word.
The king has the decency to look away, but the cowardly move only further ignites my ire.
As if sensing I’m a volcano about to erupt, he looks back and quickly says, “Sera, please listen to me. Yes, I know what you are. Or, rather, who you are. Trust me when I say it is not safe for me to tell you what that is. Not here.”
I’m barely holding in my anger. He’d said the same thing when we spoke just before the contest began. I’d been willing not to pry at that time, but that’s not the case anymore.
“And why not?”
He sighs. “Tell me. Your memory wipe didn’t erase information about Fae, correct.”
I don’t understand the change in topic. “What does that have to do with anything?”
He holds up a finger. “I’ll explain. Tell me, do you remember things about Fae?”
I huff. “Yes.”
“Then you know I cannot lie.”
My arms fall to my side. I’m following his logic, and I know what he’s going to say before I even say, “Yes, I’m aware.”
“Then believe me, revealing your heritage will do you nothing but harm.”
Every fiber of my being wants to argue with the king. Just because he believes he’s telling the truth doesn’t mean it’s the actual truth.
Still, I defer to his wisdom. I don’t really have a choice. I can’t get the answer from him if he’s determined to keep it from me.
“Can you at least tell me why you can’t tell me?”
“No, I’m sorry.” The frustrating thing is: he obviously means it.
I lower myself onto the ground and wrap my arms around my knees, holding myself tight as I process this latest revelation. The king knows what I am, but it’s not safe to tell me. I can’t help but think that doesn’t bode well for me.
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