by A. M. Hodges
"Have it your way then," Rune pouts before giving me yet another one of his cruel smiles, "This way is more fun anyway."
With another wave of his hand, mist fills the room again. When it clears, hundreds of creatures fill the throne room surrounding us. The Mages break into frantic movements, sending a signal for back up as Rune stands from his throne. With the
numbers we are facing, there is no way back up is going to reach us in time to spare casualties. Nineteen against hundreds are not fair odds, but if we go down, I'm taking Rune with me.
The creatures attack, blocking my path as I charge the throne to get to Rune. He flops back down into his seat on the dais and lounges casually like he is preparing to watch a dinner show. I wave a hand in front of me and watch as four creatures implode before turning a throwing one of my daggers into the back of a creature’s head as it moves in to attack Josie from behind. Josiah and Jeb seem to be holding their own, so I focus my attention on getting through the swarm of creatures and to the throne.
A scream of agony draws my attention to the left just in time to see a creature imbed its claws into Lucah's shoulder. He stumbles in pain as he works to rip himself free of the claws, completely oblivious to the next creature attacking his front.
"Lucah!" I scream, but I am too far away to interfere and am cornered myself. Dread pools in my stomach and I am so distracted by the thought of watching him die that I don't see Connelly blurring across the room. He jumps in front of Lucah at the last second, the creatures fist sinking deep into his chest. A garbled noise escapes from his chest as blood runs from his mouth and he drops to his knees.
Lucah's animal side takes over as the creature rips his hand from Connelly's chest with a sickening squelch and he drops to the floor. The shift is immediate, and the room trembles with Lucah's roar before he locks his teeth around the creature's neck and rips his head from his shoulders. My heart breaks for him as I return my focus to the mass of creatures forming to block my path, unable to rush to comfort him. I throw my hands in front of me and push out a wave of power, setting off bodily explosions like dominos and clearing a path for me.
I cut my way through the creatures throwing themselves in my path, slicing through necks and limbs. The ground rumbles as Jeb channels the earth to knock a dozen or so creatures off their feet. Josiah swoops in to finish them off as Jeb moves to the next swarm. I catch a glimpse of Isaac's lifeless body being torn apart of the ground by three creatures and that is the last thing I needed for the empath to push herself forward.
I lose track of time and everything going on around me, only maintaining minimal control over the empath. Everything becomes a blur of blood and limbs until I hear someone frantically shout my name. On instinct, my head whips around towards the throne where I last saw Rune. Jackson dangles in the air with Rune's fist clasped around his throat.
"NO!" I scream at him, but he seems to have some kind of shield surrounding the dais. The usual power my voice holds bounces off harmlessly. I charge towards them as Jackson turns his head as far as he can manage and smiles at me with tears in his eyes.
"I love you baby girl," he struggles around the hand that is crushing his windpipe, "I will always love you. Remember that none of this is your fault. Okay? This is on him. Don't let him turn you into a monster too. Promise me."
I shake my head as tears fall unnoticed down my face and I drop to my knees by the barrier. No matter how much power I throw at it or how much strength I put into my fists as they slam frantically into the barrier, I can't get through.
"Promise me Reyna!" he demands.
"I promise," my voice cracks, no longer holding any power.
"I love you," he says again. Rune grins manically at me before snapping Jacksons neck in one swift movement and letting him drop to the ground.
The scream that tears itself from my throat is so laced with power that my warriors drop to their knees and clutch onto their ears. Windows and chandeliers shatter as creatures erupt into a firework display of blood and gore. When my scream comes to an end, Rune is still safely behind his barrier standing over my father's dead body. Still fucking grinning at me.
Jeb and Josiah recover first and charge the dais. Jeb slams his foot into the floor, sending a web of cracks arcing towards the barrier to split it. They falter as soon as they reach the dais steps. Josiah bombards the barrier with wave after wave of roaring waters, but nothing is getting through. Rune cackles with glee as he turns to look at me.
"I will rule this realm, dear sister. The Fae will bow at my feet. You are the most powerful Fae of all, and that power will be MINE. You will rule beside me, willingly, or I will make you so miserable that you will beg for death."
"Never!" I spit.
"We'll see about that," he smirks, "After all, never is a very long time for an immortal. And you still have so much left to lose."
He winks at me and gives me a cheeky wave like the psychopath that he is and then he shutters out. As soon as he is gone, the barrier dissipates, and I rush to the dais where Jackson lies lifeless on the floor. I pull his head onto my lap and stroke his face as I begin to sob in earnest.
"I'm sorry," I sob, "I am so, so sorry."
Josiah and Jeb try to comfort me and pull me away, but I shove them off me. The strength I put into the shove sends them flying across the room, but I don't care. Nothing matters as I hold on for dear life to the man that raised me and stare down into the empty green eyes that once held so much warmth.
The rest of the army comes and goes as I remain on the dais, rocking back and forth with Jackson's head cradled in my lap. I don't know how long I sit there, sobbing my apologies to the person that can no longer here them. Eventually my strength wains and I settle into a hazy numbness. A hand reaches in and closes Jacksons eyes. Two more lift me up and drag me towards the door. No more tears fall, my mind lost to oblivion as my mates lead me out of the Royal Residence and back to our cabin.
Chapter 49
There is nothing in the world quite like a Fae funeral. They do not bury their dead, choosing to burn them in ceremony instead. A pyre was built, large enough to hold five bodies and standing about five feet tall. Jackson, Connell, Isaac, Sage and Brenjun lie on top of the pyre peacefully with their eyes closed. The warriors are clothed in a fresh set of Malatian armor with their weapons placed at their sides. Jackson has been changed into a light blue tunic and a pair of black cotton pants.
My eyes burn with unshed tears at the respect my people have shown me by honoring Jackson as well in the warriors’ funeral.
Flowers of all types and colors cover the pyre from the ground to the platform where the bodies lay. Sprites and Sprigs hover in the air around them, shining like living stars as they wait to pay their respects. Warriors stand in formation on one side of the pyre as the rest of the Fae surround the remaining sides in a half circle. I stand at the head of the formation with the fifteen remaining members of our team, all of us decked out in full armor.
Jeb barks an order in Malatian and the archers in the back of the formation knock their arrows and draw their bows seamlessly in sync. Josiah barks out the second command and fire elementals light the arrows' tips as the rest of the formation salute the fallen. Maddox gives the final command, and the archers loosen their arrows into the sky before they arc gracefully and fall onto the pyre with perfect precision, setting it ablaze.
Rashana steps forward and leads everyone in a heart wrenching song of mourning. The symphony of voices rises and echoes through the mountains and the forests. It's one of the most raw and beautiful things I have ever heard, and I don’t even attempt to stop the tears from rolling down my cheeks in a silent cry. If they were capable of it, even the trees would weep.
I stare blankly into the fire as the singing stops, and the ceremonial words of respect are spoken. As the glow from the Sprites and Sprigs fades and the warriors leave. As the flames die down to embers. As the embers turn into ashes. I don't know how long I've been here, staring at smoke and ash,
when a gentle hand rests on my shoulder.
I look up to see Rashana standing above me. That's when I realize, at some point, I had dropped down to my knees. Her eyes shine with tears of her own as she takes my hand and pulls me to stand. She reaches up and pulls a long silver necklace over her head. A small vial with an iridescent liquid hangs from the chain.
"A gift," she explains softly, "A life given for a life taken. It cannot return to you the life that was lost, but it can grant immortality to one that is deserving. It is a rare item, one of the rarest that exist in this realm. The cost for it to work is too high for most to pay, but you have already paid it. Use it wisely, young Queen."
She places the vial into my hand and closes my fingers around it. I stare down at my hand for a moment before bringing my gaze back up to meet hers. She raises a hand to cup my jaw gently as she fights to hold back the tears welling in her eyes. With a sad smile, she turns and leaves me to my mourning.
∞∞∞
Three days. I allowed myself three days of mourning. Three days to lock myself in our cabin and ignore my duties as Queen.
Three days to be the human girl, crying over her human father.
Josie has been holed up with Lucah, keeping an eye on him and helping him through the grief of losing his father. Miles has been bouncing back and forth between the cabins to check on both of us. Jeb and Josiah are always here, making sure one of them is always with me. They've been taking turns holding off Maddox and the others while I get control of myself.
But my three days are over, and the time for grieving has passed. Now, I find myself sitting in yet another War Council. The missing warriors bring a solemnness to this meeting. There is no pleasant chatter, no smiles and jokes. The absence of their presence is felt deeply.
When Lucah finally walks through the door with Josie, I launch myself out of my chair and across the room to get to him. I almost knock him over with the force of my hug as I wrap my arms around him and bury my face into his chest.
"I am so sorry," I whisper. He takes a deep breath as his arms come around me and he starts rubbing my back.
"Me too, Princess. Me too," he whispers as he kisses the top of my head like a big brother. Everyone respects our moment and waits patiently for me to return to my place at the head of the table.
"After recent events, you are all now well away of the power Rune possesses," I begin, "There is still much that we don't know about this threat and Rune has surly gone into hiding to plan his next movements. He won't want to be found now that his treachery is out in the open. I fear that, despite our strengths and numbers, it still won't be enough to overpower these unknown forces. We don't know their true numbers; we don't know the abilities these mutations possess. Those of you that have had the displeasure on encountering these creatures can attest to the wrongness of them."
Grunts of affirmation sound around the room.
"So, we need help."
"What are you suggesting?" Maddox asks respectfully, even though he foregoes using my title.
"I am not suggesting anything," I say bluntly, "I am telling you what is going to be done."
"Apologies, my Queen," he bows. I nod my head in acceptance before continuing.
"We will be going to Angof. As you can see from the existence of my little brother, the previous King of Malatia is very much alive. We will go to him and ask for aid."
Disgruntled murmurs and arguments fill the room.
"This is not up for debate," I snap, "The time for this feud has ended. If we do not band together, Rune and his army will decimate Malatia. Anyone who refuses to kneel will be killed, and he won't stop there. After he has taken Malatia, Angof will be next. Once he has conquered this realm, what's to say he won't go after another? And then another? He will rain death and destruction until we surrender or there is nothing left. You WILL put your differences to rest. Is that understood?"
"Yes, your Majesty," they agree in unison.
"So, what is our next move?" Yanna pipes up from her spot in the corner where she's twirling a dagger between her fingers like a baton.
"We go home. The people began their journeys home yesterday. The threat is dormant, for now. Go, recover and visit your families. In six weeks’ time, we will meet in Pyra before continuing our journey south to Angof. I will send word to the King requesting an audience on neutral ground two months from today.
The War Council is adjourned. I will see you all soon."
Everyone shuffles out of the room and I grab onto Miles and pull him to hang back with me. Jeb and Josiah pause at the door, looking back and beckoning me with a raise of their brows.
"You guys go ahead, we'll catch up," I smile, knowing that my mental walls are still firmly in place like they have been for the last three days. They nod and exit the room, closing the door behind them.
"What's up Rey?"
"I need you to do something for me, something that needs to stay between us for now."
"Okaaaay," he drawls skeptically, "What do you need me to do?"
"I need you to go back to the human realm."
"What? Why?" his voice raises an octave, the shock clear on his face.
"I need you to find Paisley and bring her back to me."
"Wh-"
"I can't explain right now. I just need you to trust me. I must keep her safe. You heard his threats. Please, Miles. Can you do this?"
He sighs in defeat and all the questions and arguments die before they reach his lips.
"Of course, I will. When do I leave?"
"Tonight. In five weeks, I will meet you guys at the portal. Take Dahlia with you for back up," I pull him into a tight hug, "Thank you, for doing this. And for trusting me."
"You bet," he smiles as he pulls away and heads for the door, "I love you, Rey. We'll see you soon."
I take a few minutes to gather myself before walking out the door and heading towards the cabin. Lucah, Josie, and my mates are waiting for me when I walk inside. Josiah is moving about and packing our things while Jeb boils water for some tea in the small kitchenette. Josie and Lucah sit at the table in quiet conversation.
Everyone stops and looks at me as the door closes behind me.
"So, we're going home?" Josiah grins.
"Yes, we're going home," I confirm.
"What about the mating ceremony?" Josie asks curiously from her spot at the table.
"Rashana has already agreed to travel back to Pyra with us and conduct the ceremony there. That way Mom, Bramble, and Briya can be there," Josiah answers as he goes back to packing.
"It's for the best," I sigh, "We all need some time to gather our thoughts. I need some time..." I trail off. Jeb places fresh cups of tea on the table and leans against the wall as he inhales deeply through his nose and crosses his arms over his chest.
He stops mid sigh, and his arms drop swiftly down to his sides. He sniffs the air a few more times before his head snaps towards his sister. His eyes narrow on Josie before his gaze snaps across the table to focus on Lucah. Josie catches the sudden change in his demeanor and visibly pales.
"Jebediah, please. Don't," she warns, pleading him with her eyes.
Jeb continues to ignore her, his glare locked on Lucah across the table. The cabin goes quiet as Josiah pauses his packing, causing Lucah to finally look up from his cup of tea. He startles, realizing that Jeb's rage is currently focused entirely on him. Lucah doesn't even have a chance to ask what's going on before Jeb is in front of him, yanking him up by the collar of his tunic and launching him out the window.
A scream rips from Josie as Jeb launches himself out of the window after Lucah, Josiah barreling out of the door after him. Josie rushes to the front door and I follow her. We falter on the front steps as we take in the scene that is now drawing way too much attention.
The males are engaged in full combat in the small side yard between cabins. Josiah is yelling at Jeb and doing his best to restrain him, but Jeb keeps getting free and going after Lucah. Lucah is doing his best to
dodge Jeb's relentless blows, but inevitably ends up having to defend himself. I tug on the mating bond in an attempt to snap Jeb out of the haze that has taken over him, but I am only met with unbridled fury.
"Have you lost your mind!" Jeb roars, "She could have been killed! What were you thinking, allowing her to go into a fight like that! Do you have no care or respect! Was she nothing to you!"
His words make absolutely no sense. Why would he be so upset that Lucah let Josie fight? He let me fight, and he loves me. Why are they any different? Josiah and I share a confused glance as he steps out of the way, unable to calm his brother down.
Soon, Lucah finally has enough of taking Jeb's beating. As Jeb throws him towards the side of another cabin, Lucah shifts in midair and lands gracefully in his panther form. He lets out a deep, rumbling growl in warning as Jeb charges him again. Before Jeb can reach him, Josie shouts above the commotion.
"Jebediah! Please stop!" she screeches, "He doesn't know!"
Jeb freezes, stopping only inches from Lucah. He turns to face Josie, his body still braced for a fight as Lucah shifts back into his Fae form, panting. Lucah cautiously moves around Jeb, taking tentative steps towards Josie.
"What don't I know," Lucah pants as he narrows his eyes at Josie. She looks everywhere except for at Lucah and her brothers. Her hands fidget nervously as she racks her brain for his answer.
