by Lynn Landes
The first thing Ariana notices is the hot water. The stars glitter and when she takes a deep breath the pain is gone! Strong muscular arms are wrapped around her naked body, her hand traces the arms reveling in the texture and feel. When she looks down at her chest, the scar is gone. She sits up slowly and touches the healed wound and tears of joy begin to flow.
“How did this happen?” she whispers.
“The Fairies of the Forest healed you,” Reese says releasing her. She spins around and realizes he never left her. Standing in the moonlight, waist high in the water, his eyes trace the beads of water as they roll off her beautiful body. Surely, she is a Goddess, he thinks.
Ariana stares at him in shock, with her hand over her wound, “I’m Free? I’m free! I’m finally free,” she says sinking into the water, sobbing. Reese pulls her close and holds her tight.
“Don’t cry, Ariana,” he says enjoying the feeling of her body close to his.
She pushes back and looks into his blue eyes, “Can it really be true?” Her tear stained face calls to him, and he can resist no longer.
He leans in and catches her gasp of shock with his mouth. Softly he traces her face with his fingertips, sinking a hand deep into her flaming hair. “Breath Ariana,” he whispers in her mind.
At the touch of his mouth, all thought stops. Ariana kisses him back, sliding her hands up his chest and into his long blonde hair. The haunting aching loneliness that marred her every moment is gone! Replaced by a hunger and a need for her twin soul. Reese groans in pleasure as her tongue dives into his mouth, stealing his breath away. His hands slide downward, skimming the sides of her breasts and his strong hands grasp her waist pulling her closer. The feel of her naked breast pressed into his chest makes his blood boil. He kisses her deeper as he lets the hunger build inside. She pulls back, out of breath and smiles with no shame. Her violet eyes glow with passion for him.
Reese stares at her swollen mouth and fights his instinct to take. He takes a step back from her and has to ball his fists up at his side to resist the urge. “My Queen, you have been through….” her hand covers his mouth.
“Don’t cheapen the moment, Reese. I have wanted you since the moment I first saw you. I have not felt anything but pain in more years than I care to remember, finding you now, is a gift.” Ariana climbs from the spring on weak legs. She is shaky from his touch, and from the ordeal, she has been through. Reese dries and clothes them with a thought and smiles at her look of surprise.
“I don’t understand any of this Reese, we have much to discuss,” she says softly as he steps close wrapping her in his arms. Once again, his eyes are drawn to her mouth.
“That we do, but not here. We should get back to the house.” Before they can move, the sound of clapping is heard.
A shadowed form steps forward, “How sweet. A lovers tryst, I do hope I am interrupting.”
She steps out of the shade and throws back the hood from her cloak. Nyssa’s pale blue eyes are full of hatred, as she stares at the pair. She snaps her fingers and Dark Fae surrounds them.
“Nyssa? What are you doing?” Reese asks as his anger grows.
“Brath!!!” she snarls. “I have fought at your side for years, waiting for you to get over your dead wife, and you betray me with that!” she screams pointing her sword at Ariana.
Reese moves to the right, shielding Ariana from view and Ariana moves closer, feeling the snap of his power around him. He knows Ariana’s powers are limited so he begins to channel some of his power to her. Instantly, Ariana feels the spark of energy flow into her, strengthening her for the fight to come. His power is rich. It floods Ariana’s spirit and moves through her body and her head falls back and she stifles a moan as the glorious sensations flood her body.
“You come to me in Shadow, Nyssa? I have not betrayed you!! Ariana is your Queen…” he rages, furious with her.
“I have no Queen,” she screams. Infuriated at the sight of them together. She points a hand at them, seizes a steaming rock from the hot spring, and shoots it towards them. Reese destroys the rock exploding it to dust as Ariana clutches tightly to his hand, unable to help.
“Soon we shall all be Free. NO Fae Queen, NO Shadow King, simply free!”
Ariana sees the insanity in the woman’s eyes, and she surveys the evil around them, fifteen Fae, all pulsating with rage. Reese knows Nyssa is stalling; she is buying time for her Master to arrive. Slowly Ariana sends his energy back to his spirit. The Fae have the ability to channel magic from any existing magic around them, be it another Fae or even the environment they are in. Only the elder Fae practice this technique, the power becomes massive as they pass it back and forth, and if not controlled properly can destroy the one wielding it.
Reese feels the energy pass back into his body, and shutters at the intensity of the magic. Ariana’s essence is in the magic and when it floods his body his hand tightens on hers. Nyssa’s eyes go to their hands and her eyes go white with rage, as she prepares to attack. Ariana sends her power deep into the ground seeking out the roots beneath the trees. With deep respect, she asks for their help, and the moment Nyssa attacks, the roots burst from the ground seizing the Dark Fae. Some are seized by the strong roots and lifted off the ground. Others are thrown into tree trunks, or simply wrapped up tight. They all fight to break free.
Reese spins and wraps is arms around Ariana, leaping straight up in and explosion of light. He longs to destroy Nyssa, but Ariana’s safety comes first. Nyssa runs screaming at them swinging her sword she finds empty air. “REEESE!!!” she screams at him.
Her rage joins her masters, as he arrives to find the empty forest. Reese takes them away, as fast as possible, thinking only of her safety. He knows where to take her. To the one place, no one will look for them, Katie’s cottage!
Ariana sighs as they shoot through the forest up into the starry sky. It has been so long since she has danced amongst the heavens and she has missed it.
“Reese, dance with me!” she cries out and spins around him, two stars seizing the moment and savoring its peace. His laughter rings in her heart as the two twin souls find harmony. Two blue stars shoot across the night sky and as they spin around each other, it becomes impossible to tell one from the other.
Chapter 11
Duncan and Samantha are in the forest twenty miles from their mountain home. The vale is not a solid place, it has the ability to go wherever and whenever it wants. Samantha walks with the mountain of a Fae she calls a mate and smiles. She can’t believe she has been given this gift. Her love for him grows stronger with every breath she takes. Remembering the way his mouth felt this morning and the hardness of his muscles…
“Enough Aghra, you keep thinking like that and we will never find the Vale.”
Her black hair is pulled up; setting off her green eyes and when she smiles at him her dimples wink at him. “Sorry, it’s not my fault that you set me on fire, Duncan.” She loves it when he calls her his love.
The moment he laid eyes on Samantha, his whole world shifted. Everything became clear and, in that instant, he understood why he had not returned to the Vale, he was meant to find her. They have not been apart since that moment and he is worried about taking her with him.
“You can’t protect me from everything, Duncan. What kind of life would that be, it would be more like a prison?” He stops and looks down at her.
“I am aware of that, Samantha, but I am afraid of what I would become if something should happen to you.” He cups her face with his large hand, and she is amazed once more by the gentleness of his touch.
“You will not lose me, my love, we are in this together,” she says holding his hand against her face. “Duncan, we are watched. I think it is found.” She watches the switch as Duncan goes from lover to warrior in a second.
Over her shoulder, he sees the Vale shimmer in the sinking sun. It sparkles reflecting the light glittering like diamonds. On the other side, a warrior stands, flanked by his guardsmen ready to protect the V
ale. Bastian is the master guardsmen and he and Duncan were once friends. Samantha holds his hand and smiles at the beauty of the Vale. She has only seen it in her dreams; she was born in the human world to parents who were forced from the Vale.
“Duncan, why have you returned?” Bastian asks looking at Samantha and back at him. Not sensing a threat, he calls off the guards and they fade away.
“Bastian, I come with a message for the Fae Queen,” Duncan says holding tightly to Samantha.
“What kind of message?” Bastian’s dark eyes stare into Duncan’s and he hopes for the sake of old friendships that he will not have to destroy him.
Samantha smiles at him, sensing his thoughts. “Worry not Master Guardsmen, we have come in peace. Our message is meant for the Queen.”
Bastian is shocked for a moment that the woman could read him so easily. He covers the shock quickly and within a moment a guardsman appears and leaves with the message for the King and Queen. “I hope for your sake that you tell the truth. Our King will not tolerate a threat of any kind.” Bastian tells the pair.
Duncan takes the warning into consideration and pulls Samantha closer to his side. “I’m not leaving you, Duncan, don’t even say it!” She snaps at him.
Bastian smiles in understanding at the look of frustration on Duncan’s face. “I can see that you have met your match, Duncan, albeit a tiny one.”
Duncan’s smile of pride lights him from his soul out. “Do not be fooled by her size, my friend. She has the heart of ten-thousand Fae.”
The guardsmen return, “They will receive them in the Garden.”
“Welcome home, Duncan,” Bastian says, and the Vale opens allowing them in.
Samantha holds tightly to Duncan’s hand and follows him home. “Wrong my love, you are my home.” He says firmly in her mind and she relaxes her grip.
Duncan feels the magic of the Vale, and his powers surge. His spirit refuels in an instant and memories of his family fills his mind. “Peace my love, they are at peace now,” his mate reminds him. He takes a deep breath and they follow slowly not sure what to expect.
They are lead through a forest and into a clearing where they hear the sounds of music floating on the air. The music of his people, wood wind instruments, dancing, and laughter spill out and they find themselves smiling. The King is watching his wife, dance. Her long black hair floats around her as she spins with abandon, dancing as if only he watches. Her love for him is clear in the way she looks at him. Children are spinning around her, and when the tempo of the music changes she flashes to her husband’s side. He laughs at her exuberance and holds her close to the cheers and clapping of all who watch.
Samantha smiles, unable to resist the intensity of the love they share. She feels a connection to the King and Queen because she understands that kind of passion. As they break apart, Caderyn turns and her eyes meet Sam’s. “Welcome home, Samantha.” She hears in her head.
Duncan jumps and his smile fades as he feels the sudden tension in Samantha’s body. At the sound of the Queens’ voice, she is driven to her knees with a vision. Duncan holds tightly to her hand when she drops to the green plush carpet below. She sees Reese surrounded by shadows and Nyssa is screaming in rage, pointing a sword at him. “Reeese…” she screams.
Instantly Caderyn is by her side and joins her on the ground. At the touch of her gentle hands on Samantha’s temples, she is able to share the burden of the vision, lessening the pain for her. Caderyn’s eyes turn white as they share the vision.
“Reese!” she says in shock. King Drake steps to his Queens side and looks at Duncan. As the vision passes, the two women find themselves staring at each other in understanding. Caderyn helps her rise up and Drake pulls her back. “Are you well?” he asks in concern.
“I am okay, but we need to talk.” Her voice trembles with worry for her friend. Reese saved her life and brought them together. She would not be the Fae Queen if it weren’t for his protection. She will do whatever he asks.
Duncan lifts Samantha in his arms, ignoring her protest and embarrassment. “Duncan, I am okay. Put me down you big oaf!” she snaps as she pushes against his mountainous chest.
Drake hides a smile as he looks at Caderyn.
“Don’t even think about it!” she remarks.
With a nod at Bastian, Drake tells them “We will need privacy for this conversation.” With a thought, the group finds they have been transported to a stone castle carved into the side of a mountain. Inside Caderyn leaves and returns carrying a tray with a steaming teapot and cups. She places it down on a table near a large fireplace and urges Duncan to put Samantha in a chair closest to the fire.
“Really, my Queen you do not have to serve me.” Sam is embarrassed. “I have visions all the time, I am alright, truly.”
“Tell me how is Reese? Bastian told us you have a message, is it from Reese?” Caderyn asks, clearly upset by the vision they shared.
Duncan tries to move forward but finds Bastian and Drake bar his way. “You said you had a message, what is this message, Duncan?” The tension in the room is thick and Duncan can only think of Samantha falling to the ground. The hair on his arms stands as his power begins to build.
Samantha stands slowly and moves through the large room to stand at his side. She slips her hand into his and his stress eases. The Fae watch as she tames the beast with only a touch, and they are moved by the beauty of the moment.
“Please, tell me of my friend. Why am I seeing Reese surrounded by Shadow? What has happened?” Caderyn asks again.
“Do not make my Queen ask again. Why have you come to us?” Drake demands.
“My King asked me to warn you. Samantha had a vision of the Vale being ripped open and the Shadows pouring in. They were exterminating the light of every Fae they could find. The Shadow King could not come himself. He sent us to warn you. There are Shadow and Light that resent the fact that a human sits on the throne of the Fae. They will not stop until they destroy you.”
As Bastian and Drake start to talk, Caderyn interrupts saying, “I saw Reese in trouble.”
At the Queens nod Samantha turns to Duncan, “It was Nyssa, she has betrayed us. She attacked Reese with a group of shadows, Duncan. He’s in trouble!”
Duncan is not shocked. Nyssa has been infatuated with Reese and has made her feelings clear, but he was not interested. He did not think she would dare to go so far. “We were told to warn you and that is what we have done. Now we will return to our people and protect our King,” Duncan states clearly.
Samantha feels the power of the Vale and knows she can do more. “I want to help them, Duncan,” she says. At his dark look, she insists, “I can do more than give a warning. In this place, I feel the power of our people, both shadow, and light. I think I can use that power to control a vision. Maybe see more than just seconds.”
“You do not know how dangerous that will be. I will not allow you to come to harm, Samantha.” Duncan tells her.
“We can shield her, Duncan.” King Drake offers. “Caderyn and I can provide a barrier so that she watches from a distance, instead of it controlling her, she will be able to control it.”
Samantha is excited, “I have lived with these visions all of my life, but never been able to control it. What a gift that would be! If I get into any trouble you can pull me out, Duncan.” Pleading with her eyes, she knows he will do as she asks.
“It is our duty to help if we can, but be warned, I will pull you out if I feel you are in danger, Samantha.”
Bastian has cleared the balcony overlooking the waterfalls outside the stone castle. As Samantha follows the Fae Queen onto the balcony, she is excited. She can feel the magic floating all around, her power is intensified by this place, and it is intoxicating. Every sensation is heightened because of the magic of her people all united.
“My people,” she whispers stepping to the edge to look down over the beauty of this land. Duncan watches with a frown of worry. He knows the power this place holds and how
quickly it can turn on you.
“Do you have a scrying bowl?” Samantha turns and asks. She jumps when a large black stone pedestal with a scrying bowl appears in front of her. The wind blows her hair as she steps forward. Duncan and Bastian each walk out carrying four large crystals. They place a crystal at each of the points for North, South, East and West.
“The crystals will help contain the power and not allow us to be seen,” Caderyn explains. “Okay then, do not step outside of the barrier once the vision starts.”
She looks at Duncan and flashes her dimples. “It will be okay.” He steps behind her and she begins. Drake and Caderyn take North and South, While Bastian and Duncan, he takes East and West. They each stand next to a crystal and wait. She pours a cup full of water into the bowl and stirs it in a clockwise direction.
“Water flows, wind blows, show me what I need to know,” she says in a strong voice. A hum fills the bowl, and the water ripples with the power of the elementals. The water radiates a luminous light and Samantha’s eyes go white. She sees two stars shooting across the night sky, two, yet one. They spin dance, loving the freedom. A scream fills the night as a comet strikes one of the stars. It shoots through the celestial sky intent upon its target. She will not escape him again! He shifts to a red dragon and with the star clutched in his hand; he turns and shoots toward the Vale. The star follows his twin soul trying to catch the dragon. A flash in his claw and the star turns to its true form, her red curls fall around her shoulder and she fights, screaming for her Mate. Her violet eyes turn to Samantha, “He will use me to breach the Vale! Help me!”
The vision fades and the water turns dark once more. “What kind of trickery is this?!” The Fae King demands! His Queen feels his anger, and pain, joining him.
Duncan pulls Samantha close as she looks at them. “I don’t understand. Why you are upset?” she asks.
