The Portal to Sidhe: Book 1

by Kelsey Schaeffer

  While Damon and I waited for our food, we mostly sat in silence. I was trying my hardest to ignore my sadness, but my father’s words were polluting my mind.

  “Is something wrong?” Damon asked politely.

  I sat quietly and shook my head, but suddenly a tear dripped from my eye. I couldn’t hold back any longer. I told Damon everything my father told me. Although I tried to avoid them, tears continued to fall from my eyes. Damon offered to use his magic again to help me relax, but I declined. I couldn’t use magic to dull every emotion I felt. I couldn’t enjoy my dinner. I just wanted to go home.

  I tried to take a few bites of my dinner, but I kept wiping tears from my eyes.

  “I would like to go—”

  Suddenly Damon’s phone rang and interrupted my plea to leave. It was his mother telling him he needed to go to the mansion to help the other fairies. Sophia was sending Ben to look after me and Damon could go as soon as Ben arrived. I felt relief that we could finally leave, even if it meant Damon leaving my side.

  As soon as the two of us arrived back home, Ben was waiting on the front porch. I knew Ben very little and was still a bit freaked out after he zapped me at the party, but the warriors and fairies were all very busy. The vampires were stepping up to help keep everyone safe.

  Damon kissed me on the cheek before I headed up the porch stairs. When Ben saw me, he sent me a friendly smile and said, “Hi!”

  I nodded at him, as I wasn’t in the best mood. I headed in the front door and Ben followed behind. My father didn’t look thrilled when he saw Ben entering behind me, but he said hello and gave him a grin.

  “Where would you like me?” Ben asked my father.

  “You can stay in the library, I’ll be up for awhile anyway.” My father said.

  “Are you sure? Why don’t you get some rest?” Ben replied.

  “I’ll be fine.” My father replied sternly, as he didn’t move from his seat in the library.

  Ben took a seat in the chair that was mine. From the way my father was acting, I didn’t think he would actually go to sleep. I headed up to my room for the night and went to sleep.

  I awoke early the next morning as rain was lightly pattering against the window. To my surprise, I was awake before my father. I assumed my father stayed up all night. I headed downstairs to make something to eat before heading to the mansion, but Ben was already waiting at the bottom of the staircase; he must have heard me heading down.

  “Good Morning,” he said kindly.

  “Good Morning,” I smiled. “Would you like something to eat?”

  Ben looked a bit embarrassed and said, “I don’t think it’s a good idea for me to drink your blood.”

  “Oh! I am sorry. I don’t know what I was thinking! I am not around vampires often.”

  “It’s okay,” he laughed. “I can keep you company while you eat.” He said as he followed me to the kitchen and I made myself a bowl of cereal.

  Ben sat across from me at the table while I ate. I felt a bit shy as I had never been around him much before. The two of us made small talk and I was surprised how nice and polite Ben was. Besides Jewl, I had always thought of vampires to be so dark and mysterious. Until my party, I had only really seen Ben in passing and at town events in the mansion. Ben seemed like a loner who kept mostly to himself.

  Ben was going to be my guard for awhile, as the other warriors were very busy keeping the mansion protected. Damon would be working with the other fairies quite a bit the next few days, so the vampires would be looking out for my family. I finished my bowl of cereal, while Ben talked about a book, we both liked and we walked to mansion to continue my orientation.

  The next several days were very busy and overwhelming. I spent every day from seven in the morning to seven at night, in the mansion learning about being Queen. While I was preparing to be Queen, the fairies were busy researching magic to learn more about Roger.

  I saw Damon and my father very little the remainder of the week and spent the majority of my free time with Ben. I was surprised as to how much I enjoyed his company. He was over one hundred years old, so he knew a lot about almost everything. Ben loved to read as much as I did and we both enjoyed nature. Similar to Ben, I was quite an introvert, so the two of us didn’t mind spending quiet time with one another.

  As the week went on, I grew very fond of Ben’s company and he seemed to enjoy his time with me. Although Roger’s presence did not seem to stir much chaos, Ben sat in our library each evening while I slept. I looked forward to breakfast with Ben each morning when I woke. It seemed that during orientation was the only time Ben slept, as there were many warriors guarding the mansion. Ben seemed to be very concerned for my safety.

  The fairies decided that Friday evening they would perform magic on Roger, my aunt Allison and me, to see the amount of fairy blood we each had. If all went well on Saturday, we would have our emerging ceremony. I was nervous and excited all at the same time. Ayden warned me not to be disappointed if my magic was not strong. I had such a small amount of fairy blood in me.

  After eighteen years, it was a bit disappointing to not know my superhuman powers, but even having a small amount of fairy magic made up for that disappointment. My father told me my superhuman powers may not present themselves until I was older, but I was looking forward to learning more about my fairy magic in only a few days.

  After an overwhelming week, it was finally Friday evening. Ben walked me to the mansion, and like always, he headed to the parlor to nap while waiting on me. I went to the conference room to meet up with the fairies. Ayden and Addison were sitting at the middle of the table. Delia and Damon were to their left and Nikolaus was to their right. The three other fairies from town, Carmen, Lilly and Florence were sitting across the table from them. My father and Aunt Allison were sitting at one end of the table and Nathen was sitting at the other. I assumed Roger was still downstairs in the holding cell.

  I sat in an open seat next to Nathen as my father smiled at me from across the room. Damon and some of the other fairies waved hello. In the center of the table were a few bottles of dust and potion. A large ancient magic book was sitting in front of Ayden.

  “Allison, let’s start with you.” Ayden said as he stood up. He directed Allison to the seat. Then he gave some direction. “It is fairly simple magic. We will mix a potion for you to drink, then sprinkle some dust over you. I will place my hands on your shoulders and all of us fairies will chant. Once the magic works, I should be able to feel your fairy magic and tell how much is in your blood. I will also know if you are an ice fairy or something else. The potion may make you sick for twenty-four hours, but it is otherwise very safe. Miranda, you may go next and we will test Roger last. If the test proves you are a fairy indeed, we will invite you to the emerging ceremony tomorrow to find your dominant power.”

  Ayden nodded at Delia and Damon. Delia lit a few candles and Damon turned off the lights. The dark would help the fairies concentrate on the magic as magic required deep focus and concentration. Ayden handed my aunt a bottle and she quickly drank the purple fluid floating inside. Addison stood up and her and Ayden slowly sprinkled dust over my aunt’s head. Once my aunt was covered in dust, the other fairies stood up. They all joined hands, except Ayden who placed both hands on my aunt’s shoulders.

  All eight fairies began to chant quietly in a language I did not know. As they chanted, I saw Ayden’s hands begin to glow. The glow from his hands looked like a flashlight peeping through his fingers. It looked as if energy was pouring out of my aunt’s shoulders and into his hands.

  Ayden had a very uncomfortable look on his face as he captured her magic through his hands. His eyes were scrunched shut and his hands began to shiver. As the fairies continued to chat, their voices became louder and the energy emerging from my aunt grew brighter and larger. Ayden was shaking profusely and could hardly keep his hands atop the glowing energy. Sweat was dripping was his face and he was turning pale, but he kept going.

  Finally
after a final loud chant, the fairies stopped and Ayden collapsed. My aunt looked sick and quickly ran to the trashcan to vomit. My father ran to her side to help her as Addison helped Ayden off the ground. The other fairies looked shocked and concerned.

  When Ayden gained consciousness, Addison helped him back to his chair. My father helped my aunt return to her seat as she looked clammy and sick.

  After a few moments of rest, Ayden began to speak. “She is not ice fairy; her magic comes from a much more powerful line of fairies.” He rubbed his hand over his head and thought a few moments. “Dark fairies…maybe?” The room gasped. Allison looked panicked and my heart began to pound.

  Addison continued, “Do not be afraid, as dark fairies are not bad fairies. I know little about the dark fairies and very few exist. In fact, I have never met one until now. What I do know, dark fairies carry the most burdensome magic.” As Addison spoke I felt faint in fear of what my new power may be.

  Ayden finished speaking, “Allison is indeed a quarter dark fairy. Her sister Lexi would have been a quarter dark fairy as well.” He put his head down, “May her soul rest in peace.”

  My father spoke with concern, “If that is the case, it isn’t necessary to test Miranda. It is obvious she carries an eighth of the dark fairy magic.”

  “I think we should continue,” Ayden replied.

  Addison spoke up, “I don’t know if you can handle two more tests, especially not Roger’s. His powers will overwhelm you.”

  Florence spoke, “Ayden you are the most powerful, but I am the eldest. Addison can handle Miranda and I can take Roger.”

  “I can’t put that burden on you!” Ayden cried.

  “I can handle it,” Florence said, “I have been doing magic for years. I have handled much worse.”

  Ayden nodded his head and motioned me over.

  “Please be careful,” my father cried.

  “She will be okay,” Addison spoke in a kind voice.

  I walked to Addison. She placed her hand on my shoulder for encouragement as she handed me the purple potion. I quickly drank it. It tasted sweet and I was not disgusted, but within moments a feeling of sickness rushed through me. I swallowed as I took a seat. Addison began sprinkling dust over my head. The dust surprisingly felt warm and calm. I began to feel drowsy and in peace as Addison placed her hands on my shoulders.

  I felt as if I was in a daze as the fairies began to chant. The room was spinning and tilting around like I was on an intense ride. It looked like the fairies and flames were dancing in front of my eyes as the dust continued to infiltrate my skin. I lost focus on the chant and was amused by the entertainment in front of my eyes. The candle flames were waltzing around as they bounced up and down and swirled in circles. Everything felt interesting and unreal as it continued to spin around.

  Movement and colors and lines were all I could see. I felt as if an intense drug enchanted me. As the room spun and danced before my eyes, I felt as if I was the only presence in the room. I felt intense pleasure and excitement by the sensations before me.

  My delight was cut short when I felt Addison release my shoulders and I heard a thump as she collapsed. As soon as Addison let go, another sick feeling washed through my stomach and I felt it erupting towards my mouth. I stood up and ran towards the trash can, but before I could reach it, I fell to my knees and vomited on the ground.

  Within seconds, my father and Damon were on either side of me. Delia was running towards me with the trash can as Lilly ran out of the room to get towels. Before I could stand up, I felt another wave of nausea and stuck my head in the trash can once more. Damon held me as I threw up again.

  After I was sick a second time, my stomach felt better. Lilly was back and began cleaning up my mess. Delia set the trash can outside of the room and Damon walked me to my seat, while my father fetched me a glass of water. I felt queasy, but much better than before.

  Addison was already back in her chair and began speaking as I took my seat. “Just as we expected, she is an eighth dark fairy. Her magic is extremely powerful as well.”

  I was feeling too tired and sick to worry much more about my powers. I was ready to go home and rest, but I wanted to stay to see how powerful my grandfather was.

  After a few moments we heard the door open and Sophia and Virgo escorted Roger in the room. I could see Melody was behind them. Melody stayed outside the room to guard the door, as Sophia and Virgo continued inside the room with Roger. They sat Roger down where I had been seated only moments before. Sophia and Virgo stepped back a few steps as Florence came to Roger’s side. Florence and the fairies repeated the same process on Roger as they had done so before.

  When the glow erupted from my grandfather’s shoulder, it was much more intense than before. I could see Florence was having trouble staying conscious and holding on. She was trembling and having trouble standing up. Fear washed over Ayden’s face as he continued to chant.

  Suddenly blood began to drip from Florence’s noise and the candle flames blew out. The fairies chanted their final words in the dark just as we heard Florence collapse. Someone quickly turned on the lights, just as Roger began to vomit. As soon as the room was lit once more, Sophia and Virgo were standing by Roger’s side as Delia quickly began to clean up his mess.

  Ayden and Addison were on the ground helping Florence, but she wasn’t waking up. I stood up to see if she was okay, but she was on the ground lying very still, blood was pouring from her nose. Nikolaus, the healing fairy, was immediately to her side, chanting healing magic. I placed my hand over my mouth in shock and quickly went to Damon’s side to hold him. Florence was Damon’s family.

  “Put Roger back in the cell,” my father shouted to Sophia. They nodded and began to escort him from the room.

  “Clear the room, Fairies only!” Ayden ordered. I saw my father and Nathen head out the door. My aunt and I looked at one another just as Ayden corrected himself, “ice fairies only.”

  I squeezed Damon’s hand and followed my aunt out of the room. My father and Nathen were standing outside of the doorway pacing around. None of us knew if Florence was alive or dead. Florence had been around for a long time and everyone was very distressed.

  As the four of us waited outside the conference room, I heard footsteps coming down the hallway. In moments, Ben was standing by our side. “Is everything okay?” he asked.

  “I don’t think so,” I said, trying not to cry.

  My father and Nathen had tears coming down their eyes. They had known Florence for many years. Surprisingly, Ben reached around and put his hand on my shoulder and rubbed it gently. Within seconds I felt a warm jolt. It was as if energy had jumped off his fingers and entered my skin. In that instant, I completely forgot our friendship we had developed during the week, and I was filled with fear. I quickly jumped away and began to tremble. He looked very confused as I crossed my arms against my chest and backed away.

  “Are you okay?” my father cried.

  “I have to use the restroom,” I lied as I continued to back away “I am sick.”

  I turned around and ran to the restroom, but Ben was following behind me. I quickly went into the bathroom and slammed the door behind me before Ben could reach me. I stood in the bathroom for several moments trying to understand what I just experienced. I used my fingers to caress my shoulder, where I had felt the jolt only moments before. The feeling was completely gone, but I was scared and confused.

  “Miranda,” I heard Ben call my name as he knocked softly on the door.

  Although I had lied about feeling ill, I suddenly felt sick once more. I went to the toilet and began to vomit again. After I was finished I heard another knock at the door.

  “Are you okay?” I heard Ben say. He was still waiting for me.

  I was so embarrassed I didn’t respond. Moments later I began to vomit once more until there was nothing left in my stomach. My skin was damp and cold, and I felt very woozy. My stomach was now empty, but sickness continued to swim through my stom
ach. My stomach muscles pulled tight as I continued to dry heave and tears fell from my eyes. I began to sob in pain, as my stomach continued to churn. Suddenly, I heard the doorknob begin to turn as I had forgotten to lock it. Ben walked in and came to my side. At this point, I was too sick to feel embarrassed as I trembled and cried.

  Everything began to blur and I felt weak. I started to fall back, but Ben had me in his arms before I could hit the ground. I felt warmth as he held me tight and I could feel small sparks enter my skin. I was so sick, I hardly noticed the intensity of his touch. The simple comfort was enough to calm me down as I dropped my head against his chest. Ben picked me up, and at vampire speed, he raced back to my home. In just seconds, we were upstairs in my room and he placed me in bed.

  Just after he placed me in bed, I began to dry heave once more. He ran to the bathroom and in a moment, he was back at my side with a damp towel. He wiped my face and handed me the towel to clean up. He rushed out of the room once more, and I heard him quickly run down the stairs and back up. He had a glass of water and said, “Just sip on it.”

  I took a few sips and handed it back to him. Within a few moments, I began to feel drowsy and fell asleep.

  When I awoke the next morning, it was storming outside and Ben was gone. I felt much better than I had the night before, but I decided to relax the remainder of the day, since our emerging ceremony was tonight. I had been so sick the night before, I never found out if Florence was okay or what was discovered about Roger.

  I reached over and took my phone off my nightstand and called Damon. He sounded tired when he answered, but said he would come over immediately.

  I climbed from my bed and took a quick shower and dressed. Damon was already waiting for me in the sitting room when I was done.

  “How is Florence?” I asked before sitting down.

  Damon looked down with a frown and said, “She isn’t well. Nikolaus did everything he could. They have her on an IV drip now, but she is in bad shape.”