by Lynn Landes
Bastian gives the battle cry, and the Fae pour through the Vale, as Morgan leaps to fight the Fallen. A shaft of brilliant light breaks through the chaos and all movement stops. The Fae King rockets to the earth, and the sky becomes illuminated by shooting comets. They rain down around the shadows and fallen, completely cutting off any chance of escape. Rising up out of the dust and debris are the Warriors of Heaven. Morgan joins his brethren as they await the Fae Kings command.
“Death to the betrayer!” Drake orders, pointing at the one that killed Aiden.
The body of the shadow is lifted into the air, and Drake lifts his hand calling on his power. His screams are cut short, as his body is riddled with tiny comets rained down from heaven. Each one penetrates like a bullet, detonating inside his body with magnificent light until there is nothing left but dust.
A final beam, luminous and brilliant descends over Aiden. The Fae Queen touches her chest and finds she is too late to save her. Caderyn rises magnificent in her fury and approaches Reese. “My dagger?” she demands.
Dropping to his knee, he offers the dagger to his Queen. She smiles and takes it from him. “Thank you.” In a flash, she is by her Kings side. The moment Caderyn takes Drake’s hand, they radiate a blinding light. The twin souls walk forward amongst the shadows, the innocent are left untouched while betrayer’s souls are seared by the spiritual glow.
Morgan’s army of Angels seize the fallen angels and holds them as they are judged for their betrayal. “Ashes to Ashes!” Morgan cries and the Fallen turn to dust. The Vale goes silent, as all stare stunned by the power of the new King and Queen.
Reese turns and walks slowly to Aiden and lifts her body. He does not ask permission to return her body through the Vale to her family. His sorrow is intense, “Forgive my failure?” he asks of them.
“Reese,” the Fae King calls out, “the failure is not yours. You never abandoned your people. You watched and protected in every way possible. Against all odds, betrayed by your own kind yet still you fought, for a Queen we did not even know existed. Your loyalty knows no bounds; we pardon you and welcome you home.” Wild cheers resound, pride fills his soul as his daughters, and their families rush to surround him, weeping with joy.
“My King, what of the Shadows?” Caderyn asks quietly. Now the Fae Queen, she turns to the remaining shadows that stand in fear and speaks. “We will not pretend to understand what you are feeling, but we will promise that never again, will a Fae be falsely accused of becoming shadow. We all have shadow and light within us. It is our choices, which truly defines who we become. All souls have value, and you are welcome to come home.”
Slowly they move, some stay where they are, and others run through the Vale back to family and friends. Reese steps back through, away from his now grown children.
“My Queen, I am honored to know you, but my heart has found a place in the shadows. There are more Fae who need guidance, and I find I have a fondness for humanity,” he says touching her cheek softly. Caderyn smiles at him in understanding.
King Drake steps behind Caderyn and places his hands on her shoulders.
“Reese, thank you for coming to me and guiding my destiny. Thank you for not letting me give up, even when I thought I might.” Her tears flow freely as she thinks of all he has done for her. “Drake?” she calls to his mind. He squeezes her shoulders in support.
With a soft smile, Reese says, “You remind me of my Wynn, her compassion for others was beautiful to watch. With your permission, I would like to continue guiding the lost Fae who were pushed through the Vale. I can still be of use, from the other side, and I find I’m no longer ready to fade.”
“Very well, Reese,” King Drake says with a smile, “From this moment on you shall be known as the Shadow King.”
Caderyn says, “Do not forget where home is, Shadow King,” and with a twinkle in her eyes, she reaches up and touches his temple. It warms for a moment as the Fae Queen returns his magic.
Morgan steps up with a gift of his own, “You have been watched by heaven, Reese.” Crafted by the Angels, he bestows a crown upon him worthy of his new title. “It is not your time yet, Shadow King. Your Wynn watches from the other side, and she wants you to find happiness. Keep your heart open, and the gifts of Heaven shall be yours.”
“Thank you,” he says in a hoarse whisper. He turns slowly and walks away into the shadows, followed by the ones who remained behind.
Chapter 16
The Angels surround the Fae King and Fae Queen. Morgan steps forward to join them in the circle. “Thank you, Morgan.” Drake offers his hand, and Morgan grasps it in a warrior’s handshake. “The Fae are indebted to you, should you ever have a need, we will come,” Drake promises.
Caderyn looks at the Angels in awe. “I don’t know what to say. Thank you, doesn’t seem big enough.”
“You are a Queen worthy of the Fae, but it is your humanity that gives you the edge. Do not lose that part of your soul that is compassionate, and forgiving. The danger is not passed, but anything worth doing has its risks,” the Angel Gabriel says with a smile.
“Do not forget the betrayal started within the Vale. You still have those who seek to destroy you,” Morgan responds, and in a rush of wings, they shoot to the sky.
In the Vale, the sound of music drifts through the night. “Dance with me, my Queen?” Drake asks, holding out his hand as his eyes heat with desire.
“I thought you’d never ask, my King,” she replies, smiling brighter than all the stars in heaven.
Two shooting stars explode across the evening sky, they circle, dancing, and spinning, until the two become one, in a dance made only for them.
Epilogue
A tiny mouse watches the star and scurries towards the woods. With no choice left to him, he was forced to use the body of this rodent, until a suitable replacement can be found. One gift they did not destroy was his ability to possess a body. The moment before his body was destroyed; he chose the only animal available.
His beady eyes watch the dancing and merriment through the Vale. He turns sniffing the ground and follows the scent of the Shadows. He will need a powerful body in order to bring down the Fae. What better body, than the Shadow King! His magic is powerful, and he will use it to open the Vale to all the Shadows. There are more powerful Shadows than Fae, and they would pay heavily for a chance to possess an immortal soul!
The End
Before you go!
If you enjoyed this title
You might want to check out Reese’s story
In the next installment to
The Fae Series:
Shadow King
The
Shadow
King
Book 2
Lynn Landes
The Shadow King
By:
Lynn Landes
Published by:
Lynn Landes
Edited by:
Shane Landes
Cover art by:
http://amdesignstudios.net/
Copyright © 2014 by Lynn Landes
[email protected]
http://followlynnsthread.wordpress.com/
All rights reserved.
This book is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, and events portrayed in this novel are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
License Notes:
This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only, and may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, recommend them to the Kindle website where they can purchase a copy.
Thank you for respecting the author’s hard work, and please enjoy.
Other titles by Lynn Landes:
Dragon Singer
Dust & Dreams
Perilous Dreams
The Angels Covenant
Covenant Breakers
Blood Cov
enant
Fae Queen
Serenity’s Song
Arctic Moon
Secret Friends
Chapter 1
Dublin, Ireland
Katie loves to work in the early hours before the streets of Dublin come alive. Katie’s Chocolate Café is quickly becoming a favorite destination. She grew up working in the kitchen with her Granny, and the recipes she uses are a modern twist on traditional favorites. Her blonde ponytail bops as she dances to the music from her cell phone and slides the next tray of molten cupcakes into the oven. As she snags the trash bag, she sings aloud to Macklemore and dances her way to the back door.
She props the back door open and hurries toward the trash can. Katie tosses the bag in the can and turns, screaming as a shape appears out of the darkness. She strikes out instinctively.
Anya’s high heels are not made for that kind of impact; she loses her balance and flies back onto the ground with a thump. “What the hell, Katie!” she says as she looks up from the ground. Her long black hair is tussled and her green eyes are full of indignation.
“Thundering Jesus, Anya! You scared two years off my life!” Katie replies as she tries to help her friend up.
“You didn’t have to knock me on my ass, Katie!” she roars scrambling to get up and find her purse.
“I’m sorry,” Katie says, struggling not to laugh.
“Be off with ya!” Anya says jerking away from her. “I can’t believe your laughing! My bum will be red for days!”
“You shouldn’t sneak up on me! Come in for coffee, Oh! Damn, muffins…” she yells as she spins and runs back inside.
Anya watches Katie run back into the café and sighs, rubbing her rear. She bends over to pick up her lipstick and catches a movement out of the side of her eye. Gazing into the darkness her mouth goes dry with fear as she pauses for a moment. Not seeing anything, she follows Katie quickly inside trying to shake off the peculiar feeling.
“Anya, are you alright, then? You startled me,” Katie says handing her a plate with a double chocolate molten muffin and hot coffee. “Forgive me?” she asks with a sweet smile.
“No fair, Katie. You know I have no will power when it comes to these!” Anya’s mouth waters as the mingling scent of hot coffee and chocolate permeates the air.
She smirks at her friend, “Aye, I know. You never could resist granny’s muffins. What are you doing here so early?”
“I was on my way home and thought I would stop in.” Anya smiles, “I have a tour scheduled at lunchtime. I was hoping to bring them to your café around three today.”
“It’s five o’clock in the morning. Anya, you are so bad. Where have you been all night?” Katie asks.
“I don’t kiss and tell love,” she replies smiling as she sips her coffee.
Katie smiles at her friend. Anya is a tour guide in Dublin. Her father started Shamrock tours and it has been a huge hit. One place they routinely stop is Katie’s café. It has been a blessing for Katie’s business.
“Alright, how many people should I expect, and do you want anything special?” Katie asks excitedly.
“No, everything you make is perfect, so I would not be worrying about it. This group has ten people in it. I am taking them to Dublin Castle, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral and then to Saint Michans Church to visit the crypt,” Anya says taking a bite and moaning in ecstasy. “Oh my God, I would skip a good shag for one of these!”
Katie laughs at Anya’s expression. “Maybe I should rename them and put a sign out that says, “Come in and try my Molten Muffin!”
Anya chokes on her coffee, “Or, It’s an explosion of pleasure in your mouth! You would have them lined up down the street to try it!” The girls laugh until tears run. A cold breeze drifts through the shop and blows Katie’s hair back. Her smile fades and her eyes go serious.
Chills erupt as the temperature in the shop drops and Anya slowly stands up moving toward her friend. “What was that, Kathleen?” she asks looking around the shop. The doors are shut and locked. There should not be any air moving.
“It has become a regular occurrence,” she tells her moving closer. Katie fingers the cross necklace her grandmother gave her and looks at her friend. “Sometimes, I feel like someone is watching me, it’s really starting to freak me out.”
“I will stay with you until you open, Katie. I will have my Da come over and check your locks and HVAC system.” The air returns to normal and Anya looks at her friend.
“You are the best. That would make me feel better.” Katie is thankful to have her friend. Since losing her grandmother, she has no family left. They are sisters of the heart and she is reminded once again of the legends of Ireland her Granny used to tell them as little girls.
“Has there been anything else, Katie? Any unusual visitors? Any hot guys?” Anya asks with a wiggle of her brows.
“No, you know I have no time for that. I can’t remember the last time I went out.” Katie begins cleaning up and mixing a batch of mini banana bread loaves.
“Well then, tonight we are getting steamed! I will pick you up and no arguing!” she says pointing at her with red fingernails.
Katie looks at her own hands covered in dough and frowns. Yeah, definitely time for some fun. “What time?” she asks.
“Yes!” Anya says doing a fist pump. “I have missed going out with ya.” The girls laugh and plan until eight o’clock when Katie flips the open sign on and unlocks the doors.
“I will close at six tonight and meet you at The Arden House,” Katie says over her shoulder. It is a pub, locally owned and not a tourist attraction. They have an eclectic mix of music and food.
“Perfect we will start there and then move on to the new club in downtown. Lasair Mill is the hot spot! Wear something sexy!” Anya says laughing as she leaves.
Katie smiles and gets started on her day.
Chapter 2
Colin is hungry. He wants the Shadow Kings body. He is powerful and his magic will be useful in destroying the Vale. He has waited in the shadows lurking in the body of the rodent, seeking out those with any magical abilities. If properly trained the Fae have the ability to absorb magic and build the power; storing it until needed.
As magical beings, they can sense, smell, see, touch and taste magic at all times, but as Dark Fae forced to leave the Vale, they lose that ability. Colin was desperate and it was only by chance that he found the first Fae. Lurking in the shadows, he was eating from the dumpster when the fight broke out.
The rat watched distracted by the scent of blood. They were fighting over a woman, of all things. How ridiculous! He watched as the two men beat the smaller man senseless. Drunk and overpowered he tried to fight but he had no chance. Colin waited to move until they returned to the bar. When his nose catches a familiar scent, he scurries over to investigate. The fallen man is Fae!
As a rat, he absorbs magic from graveyards, churches, forests; anywhere he could find traces of power. He stored it, holding on to it for a moment just like this! Colin drops the form of the rat like an old coat and leaves the body twitching on the ground below. His spirit seizes the fallen body of the Fae and with a magical push, he shoves the spirit out, forcing it from the wounded body.
Finally, in Fae form once again, Colin stands, slowly, and feels. Pain washes over him as he stumbles against the onslaught of sensation. One eye is swollen shut, and his nose is broken and bloody. The left arm feels fractured and when he tries to breathe, he discovers broken ribs. He uses his leftover magic and forces the alcohol from his system while healing the wounds. He stumbles bracing himself against the alley wall. He feels the magic strengthening his body and he smiles. “Time to find some humans to recharge this body,” he thinks as he turns to enter the bar with a wicked gleam in his eyes.
Chapter 3
“Katie!” Anya says breaking away from the grip of a hot man. Temple Bar is a favorite hot spot. She has to yell over the noise of the music and people. Stomach fluttering with excitement, Katie smiles, an
d pushes through the throng of people waiting to get inside.
“Okay, I’m here Anya. What’s the plan, then?”
Anya grins at her friend. “We are going on the lash tonight! My treat. We will start here and work our way to the North side. I promise to get you home, sometime!” She slips her arm through Katie’s and drags her in the first bar, laughing.
Four hours later Katie is nursing her feet. “Don’t be such a mother hen, Anya!” Katie says shoving her. “Go on now. I’ll just be waiting here for ya!” she insists as she drinks her espresso martini.
“Fine! But you’re dancing with the next guy! My feet are killing me!” She says as she slips out of the booth and follows the gorgeous guy onto the dance floor.
Katie sips her drink and sways to the traditional Irish music, looking down at the cocktail napkin she holds. Lasair Mill, she traces the name of the club with her finger, Lasair means flame or blaze in Gaelic. Odd name for a club, she thinks looking around. It is beautiful and eclectic. Everyone in this club is perfect, too perfect. Her senses are tingling and that is never a good thing.
