“I’m fine, Alexi, really. Whatever this stuff is…” Savanna said with a hint of a smile as she continued to drink.
Warren knelt beside them, “I’m sorry. Two the both of you, I never intended it to go this way. Do you understand the queens offer?” he asked Alexi.
Alexi looked up at him with her blue shining eyes which almost glowed in the pale light of the room.
“I’m no ones slave, Warren. Isn’t their another way? Look around this place, it’s dieing,” she said. It was. The walls on the inside had long since lost their luster. Behind the roasted meat was the musky smell of rot. The furniture was old and in disrepair. Even the tapestries were worn. The party continued as if none of it was out of place.
He looked to Tamlin. Alexi’s display of power hadn’t changed the deal, only made it sweeter.
“She wouldn’t be harmed?” he asked.
“On the contrary, she will be treated like a queen,” Tamlin purred, “Or at least a queens concubine.”
“If it’s the only way to save Savanna—I’ll do it.”
“Alexi, no,” Savanna said, “it isn’t worth it. We can find another way,” Savanna said with a desperate haste. There was no other way, and judging by the rot on her hand, even if there was, they didn’t have time to find it .
“You must verbally agree,” Warren whispered.
“Fine,” Alexi stood, a flash of anger on her face. A hint of that terrifying aura returned as she spoke.
“Help us find the Well, cure this,” she pointed at Savanna’s hand, “disease, and let us,” she glanced at Warren, “him included, return home afterwords, and I will stay and be your… consort,” Alexi said with a clenched jaw.
***
Alexi tossed in the too soft bed. The room that she was given for the night felt vast and empty. She pulled her knees up to her chest. The air wasn’t cold, and even if it was it shouldn’t have bothered her, but there was a chill. One which permeated her spine and left her shivering under the thick blankets. Lavish drapery, linen, and furniture filled the massive sleeping area. Even the closet was filled with clothes that all magically fit her as if tailored.
The walls emitted a soft glow as she sat up. They sensed her movement and the room lit further as she put a foot down on the rug covered stone. The sheer gown she wore swished around her as she moved to the door. It made sense for them to get a good night sleep while they were here. But there was no sleeping for her. Not with the hunger that gnawed at her. At least once she struck the bargain the mood changed. They were treated as honored guest instead of unwanted intruders. Within the hour they were fed, bathed and clothed.
For a moment, as the mead had touched her lips, she had hoped that the magic of the drink would sustain her. For the barest instant she had tasted berries—then it turned to ash in her mouth and had no effect.
Outside her room, the castle slept. Dim light seeped through the halls, from where she couldn’t tell. Footsteps echoed from the stairs that led down to the hall. She walked with care, careful of where her bare feet fell. If she couldn’t sleep, perhaps she could explore. Her stomach rumbled in the night as she moved through the halls. She feared it would wake up anyone near with how loud it was.
Savanna’s door was the first one she came to. She pushed the door open enough to check on her friend. The form in the bed shifted back and forth. Alexi smelled the sweat and felt the heat from her. She frowned. The mead they gave Savanna slowed the infection, but her time was running out. This certainly wasn’t the Fae the Savanna spoke of. They way she described them they were near omnipotent gods… instead, they were petty power mongers trapping people with tricks and who couldn’t leave their own castle.
Her bare feet padded on the stone steps as she made her way down the stairs. A yellow light illuminated the doorways above her, but not below. Three landings down and she entered the main hall. The light level raised at her entrance, but not as bright as it had been. It was empty of any people or movement. Alexi was alone for the moment.
The room had an odd appearance. Without the warmth of a fire, or the smell of meat on a spit, the despair of the Fae’s situation became obvious. How could they possibly bargain when Alexi and Savanna’s goals would help them as well? If it weren’t for Savanna’s life Alexi would have let them rot.
The magical harp they used to control her was against the wall. Her eyes were drawn to it. Made from gold with strings that glittered in the dim light. It was almost as beautiful as the Fae who played it. The men of the court were all lithe, with muscular physics but thin bodies. Alexi had never imagined what an elf would look like, but apparently, the movies had it right.
Alexi froze with her hand inches from the harp. A spark of desire exploded within her. She ran her hand along the harp, the strings reverberated as her fingers brushed them. The notes moved still air and sent goosebumps down her back. Was the magic still affecting her? Or was it something else, something about this wretched place.
“You have a gift,” a deep voice said behind her. Alexi hadn’t heard anyone behind her, which wasn’t usual for her. She spun to face him with her hands in front of her ready to defend herself.
Shaughn raised his hands in mock surrender. He wore a sleep gown that fell to his knees, and would seem ridiculous on any man, but somehow his flowing red hair and delicate features gave it an air of mystery. She let out a breath and relaxed—mostly.
“I didn’t think anyone was down here,” she said.
“You touched my instrument,” he said by way of explanation, “You could play if you wanted.”
She laughed, “?e? No. I can’t even dance, whatever whammy you put on me earlier wasn’t an indication of my musical talent,” she stifled her anger at the memory, “Which is none.”
He glided by her his feet making no sound as he straddled the bench his harp rested against. He held up the golden instrument and motioned for her to sit between his legs and the harp.
She found her feet moving on their own accord. Curiosity gnawed at her, at what it would be like to use her hands to produce music that stirred the soul. He placed his hands gently on her shoulders to seat her correctly, then his delicate fingers slid softly down her arms to her hands. She shivered as his fingers brushed her bare arms. The warmth of his skin seeped into her as he pressed against her. The rhythm of his heartbeat against her back reverberated in her. He guided her hands to the harp, gently pulling on her fingers to play the music. The notes washed over her, dragging her into their embrace.
The melody that she plucked from the harp echoed her feelings of loss and confusion. Her indecision about whether she should tell her family, her anger over losing her life. All of it encompassed within each twang of the harp. She lost herself in the motions of strumming. Her own heart swelled with the music. Each note bled into the next and lingered with the last.
Warm drops fell on her bare shoulder. She switched the notes as her sadness grew. She let it hang in the air for a moment. The music didn’t echo her feelings but drew them out. Underneath her raw emotions was something else. A reminder of who she was as her stomached tightened with hunger. With a profound sigh, she moved her hands down a few inches.
Overcome with awe at what she had done, she turned to face him. His lips were there, his brown eyes sparkled. He kissed her. His mouth salty with tears that were still fresh on his face.
His hand glided up her thigh and under her nightgown, leaving a trail of electricity where he touched. She moaned into his mouth and pressed herself harder against him. For a moment their kiss lingered, then it struck with ferocity.
He wrapped his strong arms around her waist and lifted her from the bench to press her against the wall. Alexi’s mind exploded as excitement rippled through her and she could feel the stirring of pleasure from deep within her.
His hands roamed her body as they kissed, pushing her garment up her higher revealing more of her. For a moment, Alexi lost herself in the sensations as this virtual stranger slid his hands up her clothes to
her sides.
His kisses moved to her neck and she rested her nose on his shoulders as he awoke passions in her long dormant. With her face pressed against him, she breathed in sharply. The scent of his Fae blood under his neck shook her mind awake as her stomach lurched from hunger.
He was controlling her. Perhaps not outright, as with the music. He pushed her, the way she pushed people, except she didn’t do it to rape them.
Alexi barred her fangs. Her hunger had already been consuming her when she came downstairs and Shaughn’s attention had distracted her from it. Now, it was back in full force.
Alexi slammed her fangs down on his neck. Needle sharp teeth penetrated his skin and she found his Fae blood beneath. Power rushed into her with his blood. Alexi wrapped her legs around him and pulled him tight. Shaughn gasped from the contact and his hands went to the walls to hold them both up.
“Alexi, what are you—”
She bit down harder. Her mind expanded as his energy rushed into him. Her skin lit with fire and she could feel every cell become energized. She didn’t feel his emotions anything of him in the transfer, but a connection to an enormous void. Her eyes widened as her mind expanded. She lost herself in the draw. Energy flowed through him unchecked and with it an infinite source of—
The room shook as she flew through the air. She flailed her arms to cover her head as she crashed down onto a stone table. She rolled to a stop snapping her head up to see who had attacked her.
Shaughn was the only one there, his chest heaving as he stalked toward her with balled up fists.
“How dare you!”
Alexi grinned, a vortex bubbled under the surface of her skin. She rolled off the table and squared her shoulders to face him. Perhaps the power in her was false, or she was overconfident, either way, she stood her ground.
“How dare I? You use your magic to make women your playthings and when one of them turns it around on you—”
He slashed his hand through the air, his open palm angling for her face. Alexi slammed her forearm into the inside of his elbow and open palm struck him in the chin. Shaughn fell back on his butt and slid into the other table.
“You can justify it however you want, Fae,” she spat out his race like an epitaph, “But I chose who touches me.” She didn’t wait for him to respond, turning sharply on her heel she marched back to the stairs. Her hands shook as she walked up the stairs. Alexi contained her anger for the Fae and at herself. She had made an enemy here and this was the place she would be spending the rest of her life.
FIFTEEN
“I don’t understand why you aren’t coming with us?” Alexi asked. Warren stood inside the keep, his clothing matching those of the Fae around him, instead of the more human clothes he had worn when they arrived.
“I will be more trouble than useful, the Isle is sick Alexi, surely you’ve felt it. It strikes out at the Fae as if we’re the enemy. You’re not Fae,” he said simply.
The court had gathered in the morning hours to wish them well. The hope she saw on the Fae’s faces, all except Tamlin’s, confirmed their trouble.
She glanced at the back and saw Shaughn and his twin brother Thaughn in the back. They scowled in her general direction. Alexi sighed as she turned from them, she would have to deal with them eventually.
Luckily the Fae had provided them with durable clothing and foot ware. While not modern they were strong and made of leather.
“Travel with care, Alexi, Savanna, I wish to see you again.”
“Well, we’ll see. If this map works we should find the Well soon enough,” she kissed Warren on his cheek. His face froze in shock as she pressed her lips against his face.
“Thank you for all your help, we won’t forget it,” Alexi said. Savanna nodded her agreement, “Thank you, Warren.”
“Here,” Warren said, handing her a small silver flask.
“The mead?” she asked.
“Yes but slightly more potent. Drink a small amount.”
She smiled and tucked the flask into her back pocket.
“Ready to go,” she said to Savanna.
“Yep,” she said with cheer Alexi could tell she didn’t feel. As they walked away Warren yelled behind them, “Savanna, don’t forget what I said.”
Alexi glanced at her friend who turned back to Warren and waved.
“I won’t.” Alexi wondered what she was speaking about and made a mental note to ask about it.
They set out with the castle at their backs away from the direction they arrived in. Alexi held the copper scroll case in one hand while they walked, occasionally checking to make sure they were on track. The beautifully illustrated map showed them exactly where to go and where they were. All she had to do was focus on it for a moment, and she could see in her mind the path they needed to take.
“What was that about?” she asked Savanna as they walked. The castle was far enough back they couldn’t see it over the hills behind them. Alexi glanced nervously at the trees but saw no sign of movement. Perhaps Warren was right, and it was just the Fae the land was after.
“He asked me to never come back. No matter the need or opportunity. The Fae don’t often allow visitors leave and if I ever came back—” she didn’t finish. Alexi nodded. She couldn’t wrap her mind around having to come back against her will. Would they really make her stay? Could they?
“I really wished you hadn’t made that bargain,” Savanna muttered. Alexi wasn’t happy about it either, but she wasn’t going to let her friend die from dancing to death or being turned into a zombie.
“I couldn’t agree more. I made the bargain, Savanna, but it doesn’t mean I won’t try to find a way out of it.
“I’m not looking forward to an eternity of—” she stopped. A familiar noise drifted on the wind.
“Run!”
She grabbed Savanna good hand and sprinted forward. She focused on the path to see how far they needed to go. Leathery wings beat the air behind them. Fear motivated Alexi, fear of the fire. The fire that boiled water and reduced the drawbridge to ashes in seconds was fresh in her mind.
“Alexi, it’s gaining!” Savanna cried out.
The map showed a cave off to the left—off the path. Alexi skidded to a halt. The sound pressed down on them. She looked back. The sun darkened as giant wings spread open to catch the air. Its span was easily larger than the castle. Alexi couldn’t imagine any creature on Earth being as big as the dragon crashed down into the ground sending ripples through the dirt. It’s four legs each ending in massive claws the tore holes in the dirt. It flexed its head and opened its maw. Wind rushed inward pulling at her hair.
Alexi knew what came next. She pointed and they ran. Savanna pulled her dagger out. Alexi wove her way through the trees. The cave mouth opened before them. Heat built up behind her and she shoved Savanna in with all her might. The fire licked her back as she tumbled in after her friend.
The walls shook with fury as hot wind flooded the cave. The beating of the dragons wings outside drove the fire deep within. Alexi scrambled up, lifted Savanna, and ran for the back of the cave.
“Alexi, look,” she pointed to the wall. What looked like an entrance to a back end was actually a hollow end that led nowhere.The cave was a dead end. The fire followed them in turning the ground to glass and slagging rocks on either side.
“Can you do something,” she waved at Savanna’s dagger.
“I can give you a few seconds, is that enough?”
Alexi scanned the wall of fire that inched ever closer, in time with the beat of its wings.
“It will have to be, do it,” she shouted.
Savanna slid the dagger across her leg a long, deep gash that drew forth a splash of blood. Her dagger burned with power as she chanted. The energy of her life transformed in the mystical weapon and redirected using her arcane will.
“Go!”
Alexi charged forth, blade clearing her scabbard as she threw herself into the flame. She flinched for a moment as she passed through, bu
t Savanna’s power won out. The fire rolled off of her.
She emerged from the cave entrance. The fire subsided and her vision cleared. A blast of hot hair blew her hair back and made her blink involuntarily.
Giant teeth and a gnashing tongue were only a few feet from her face.
“Nice lizard,” Alexi murmured.
***
Wind rushed over her in a hot blast of fetid breath. Alexi could clearly see the remains of something in between the gnarly teeth of the dragon. It snorted, sending hot air swirling around her. She took a step to the right…it mirrored her with a ground shaking step to the left.
Its head alone was bigger than her whole body. She imagined it could snap her up in one bite and swallow her whole, which did nothing for her confidence. The scales that protected it looked as strong as iron and as thick as a tanks armor. If she were to have any hope of defeating it she would need space and for it to be grounded. She shifted more to the right until the cave was to her left and the open field was behind her. Large black eyes followed her closely as she moved. Why hadn’t it attacked already? Surely the thing had the upper hand.
“Here boy, follow me.” She waved her sword back and forth to keep its attention on her instead of the cave Savanna hid in. The big lizard’s lips parted and it hissed. The Stalemate was over.
Alexi charged. The air cracked and a log hit her in the chest. She hadn’t seen it move and found herself being flung backward from the impact. The hard ground stopped her movement as she landed in a heap. Her head snapped back and slammed hard against a rock. Her vision doubled and a wave of nausea assaulted her. She realized as the thing moved toward her, that it hadn’t been a log, but its tail.
Massive muscled rippled under his scales as he moved with a grace all too unnatural for something the size of a house. There was something eerily familiar about the way the scales seemed to flow like water and flex with any movement. With no time to ponder the observation, Alexi rolled backward to her feet. If she were going to beat it, the likely strike point was its belly. She charged forward again. The tail snapped out. Alexi dropped to her knees and bent her torso back so far her shoulders hit her heels. The tail missed her by an inch. She counted the scales on it as it brushed her face. The ground shook from the tails impact on the cave.
Blood Sacrifice (Faith of the Fallen Book 2) Page 14
