GRIPPED (Romance Mystery & Suspense Box Set)

by Abbott, Alex

  Ellia froze and Lena stood in front of her. The dragon just walked down the beach closer to them and then stopped again. Lena waited a minute and then started walking toward the castle again. Once they were two kilometers away again, the beast moved too. It wasn’t trying to kill them yet. Lena hoped someone in the castle was watching and would help. If they were humans, the chances were better for them. It was possible they were in Germany or Austria. It wasn’t France. The castle wasn’t audacious enough. German’s were usually very chivalrous. They would help two young maidens.

  If it was other supernaturals, they were going to be a lot of trouble. Lena might be recognized and then they wouldn’t get help. She never thought she would be hoping to see a human face. How low Sophia had made them slink.

  They moved slowly but the castle was within striking distance. Ellia was trembling. “What does it want? Why hasn’t anyone come to help us yet? You’re a princess for Christ’s sake?!”

  “Are there other’s?” Lena asked keeping her eyes on the dragon.

  “I’ve seen many of Sophia’s people but only a handful of ours. Some have turned too. Renn and Reno are with Sophia now.”

  Lena shook her head. Of course people were turning. The Council should have killed them all. Whoever wasn’t with Sophia before would be now. That pain was too great and too long. No innocent would side with the Council now. Lena felt stupid too for not teaming up with her sister. The other supernaturals had better be preparing for the next round of attacks.

  “Hello!” someone called. Lena couldn’t look away from the dragon. Whatever language the speaker was talking Lena was having a hard time understanding them. She knew it was a greeting but the person was still yelling in gibberish.

  “Ellia what are they saying?”

  “I’m…not sure. I think they want us to stop and let someone come to meet us.”

  “Don’t they see the dragon?! What language are they speaking?”

  “I don’t know. I’m having a very hard time translating it too.”

  Ellia was far better at communication than Lena. It had always pained the queen that Lena couldn’t easily pick up the Northlands Fae unique talent for languages. Ellia was a pro and that was how she had come to be Lena’s handmaiden when they were just children. She was better at communication than the queen and Sophia too even though none would admit it. If Ellia didn’t know what they were saying, it must be an old language.

  “We’ll wait.” Lena said. She looked closely at the dragon. It didn’t look dangerous. Bored maybe would be a better choice of descriptor. It couldn’t be Sophia’s cast. It would have devoured her already. “Ellia where did you see Sophia?”

  “She was in the woods. I only came to the beach because I was confused. It was luck that helped me find you.”

  The dragon’s scales were black but also shiny. Lena wanted to reach out and touch one. She was eager to meet whoever had cast the beast. It was a magical marvel. Maybe they would show her how to do the cast too. She wouldn’t have to fear Sophia if she had a dragon in her pocket.

  “Someone coming!” Ellia said happily. “It’s a man and he is quite handsome.”

  Lena laughed. “I’m glad we will have something nice to look at.”

  “No, I look terrible. I hope he understand we’ve been through something awful. I don’t normally look this bad.”

  “I look no better.” Lena said. Her dress was in tatters and burned in places. Ellia’s dress had a few small tears in it and her hair was still perfect.

  “You’re a princess. It doesn’t matter how you look.”

  Lena dared look away from the dragon. There was a tall man striding down the beach toward them. He was very handsome. Even from far away, Lena could see his blue eyes in the purple light….the purple light.

  “Ellia. The moon is purple.”

  “Yes…so…wait. No its not.” Ellia looked up. “Maybe it’s like a harvest moon. Doesn’t that happen every now and then?”

  “No!” Lena shook her head quickly. “It never happens. The moon should not be purple.”

  “We can’t worry about that now.” Ellia murmured. The man was close enough to yell to them.

  “Who are you? Where have you come from?”

  He was suspicious. Lena smiled brilliantly. “I am Lena and this is my friend Ellia. We’re a bit lost. Can you tell us where we are?”

  “You’re outside the castle of Clan Blackfire. Who is your clan?”

  Ellia looked at Lena sidelong. “We don’t have a clan.”

  The dragon shifted and the man crossed his arms. “Don’t lie. Are you with Eternal Sun Clan?”

  Ellia shook her head. “No. We’re not with any clan.”

  “You must be with a clan or you were thrown out of some clan.”

  Lena sighed. “I’m Princess Lena of the Northlands Fae.”

  The man didn’t look like he recognized name. “Princess? I’ve never heard of the Clan Northlands Fae.”

  “We’re not a clan we’re a tribe of fae.”

  The man looked confused. “So are you from Clan Fae or Clan Northlands?”

  Ellia and Lena looked at each other. “I don’t think he understand us L.”

  “You should try speaking, Ellia. You’re much better at this than I am.”

  Ellia nodded and spoke slowly. “We are Ellia and Princess Lena of the Northlands Fae. We’re lost. Can you help us?”

  “Where do you come from?” the man asked speaking just as slowly.

  “The Northlands.” Lena said briskly. “Can you help us or not?”

  The man was obviously playing with them. There wasn’t a supernatural alive who didn’t know of the Northlands Fae. Most of the dead even knew of them now that Sophia had padded their ranks. He had to be a powerful warlock if he could conjure a dragon. Lena didn’t know what he was up to but she was sick of the game.

  “We are the north!” the man looked furious. “I don’t know what kind of trick you girls think you’re playing but I am not amused. You are no princess my dear. I know every princess in the land and I’ve seen you in my life.”

  “Excuse me sir. We must be wasting your precious time,” Lena said. She grabbed Ellia by the hand. “Let’s go. We can find help elsewhere.”

  The man laughed. “Where? There is only Blackfire, Eternal Sun, and the Outcasts. You Eternal Sun girls must be getting desperate.”

  Lena didn’t bother answering the man. She led Ellia down the beach away from the grey castle. The purple moon was getting lower in the sky even as they spoke. She had never seen the moon do that before. Something wasn’t right about the stretch of sand. She feared the warlock and his coven were trapping them in an illusion.

  “Where are we going to go?” Ellia asked. “We don’t even know where we are!”

  “We don’t need to. We just need to avoid Sophia and find help. Shouldn’t be too hard.”

  “Well you’ve already failed on the first part.” A flash of light blinded Lena and her face stung. Sophia stepped out of the trees onto the beach. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”

  Blood was caked on her grey face and her eyes were still a deep red. Her sister had never looked more hideous nor had she ever let her glamour fall for this long.

  “Leave us alone Sophia. It’s over. What more do you want from her?” Lena pushed Ellia but the girl wouldn’t move. She stood her ground next to her princess. “Lena hasn’t done anything to you. The only person you have to blame is yourself in all of this.”

  Sophia pushed Ellia into the water with a big gust of wind. “I’m sick of your stupid friend. She really talks too much.”

  Lena tried to cast, any cast, but nothing happened still. She could hear Ellia struggling in the water behind her. Sophia was churning the waves and pushing Lena to the water too.

  “Do you have any idea what you’ve done?” Sophia marched Lena closer to the water. “We could have ruled the world and now we’re not even a part of it anymore.”

  “You did this! Sto
p trying to blame your mistakes on everyone else.”

  Lena’s foot touched the water. She fell backwards into the black cold wetness. Water entered her mouth and made her eyes burn. She tried not to panic and fought to right herself. A green blaze lit the night sky and the dragon touched down between Lena and Sophia. The man from the castle was on its back

  “Leave this place you vile creature!” He yelled to Sophia. “This is your only warning before my brother incinerates you.”

  Sophia laughed dryly. “Give it your best shot warlock.”

  “My name is Troy madam not Warlock.” The man slid off the dragon’s back and came into the water to pull Ellia out. She was coughing and sputtering. Lena swan perpendicular to the beach and stepped onto the sand where the man had pulled Ellia. She watched exhausted as the dragon lifted into the air and rained green flames onto Sophia.

  Whatever Troy was, his dragon packed one hell of a punch. It sounded like Sophia was screaming right in Lena’s ear. Lena had to close her eyes as parts of her sister’s skin melted and dropped off her body. A figure ran from the woods and smothered Sophia in a clock before carrying her off into the woods. Lena couldn’t be sure but it looked like her head manor guard Gavin.

  “We haven’t had one of those creatures in many moons,” Troy said looking after them. “You are very lucky me and my brother were here tonight. Those wraiths carry maidens off into the forest to have their way with them and then they eat the resulting children.”

  “That wraith is my sister so I don’t believe she’ll be trying to copulate with me anytime soon.”

  Troy drew back and stood closer to the dragon that had landed near them. “What manner of creature are you?”

  “I’m a fae! I’ve told you many times.” Lena rubbed Ellia’s back. “How are you?”

  “I’ve been better. My hairs ruined though.”

  The dragon made a noise and Troy nodded. “I agree Tavis. You must come back to the castle with us. Remus will know what to do with you two.”

  “We will go nowhere with you.” Lena said crossly.

  “We just saved your lives,” Troy said curtly. “You said you needed help. It’s only a matter of time before that wraith heals itself. You say it is your sister but it seemed to us that it wanted you dead.”

  “Just for one night,” Ellia whispered. “Maybe your magic will return once you have eaten and slept.”

  She didn’t like the idea of being trapped behind walls without a way out. Who knows what the warlock would have his dragon do once they were inside the castle walls. The conjure had injured Sophia so there was no way Lena would be able to stop it alone. Still, without a good nights rest and food, she would be a sitting duck when Sophia found her again. And she would find her again.

  Lena nodded. “We’ll come with you but we’re leaving in the morning.”

  Troy smiled. “Deal.”

  Three

  Troy had no idea where the maidens had come from but there was something strange about them. The way they spoke was supremely annoying and he could tell they weren’t from the Outcasts. They could be Eternal Sun peasants but he didn’t think one of them would dare call themselves a princess. Queen Hera would behead a pretty girl for much less. He wanted to just leave them on the beach but Tavis didn’t want to let the wraith kill them.

  His twin thought it would look bad if the crown princes let two maidens be killed while they stood by helpless. Troy had reluctantly agreed. It was easy to chase the wraith off but it was odd the thing didn’t die from his brother’s fire. The pretty brown haired girl had claimed the wraith was her sister too. The girls were just too much for Troy to deal with at the late hour. He would let Remus look at them.

  The door to the great castle swung open as the group approached. The guard bowed to Troy. “Send men to the woods. There was a wraith that attacked these girls. She’s wounded so she shouldn’t be much trouble.”

  “She will be much trouble,” Lena said. “Don’t underestimate her because she’s hurt. My sister is very dangerous.”

  The sentry looked at the girls questioning. Troy waved a hand. “The girls are very confused. They almost died. I’m taking them to see Remus. Tavis will lead the chase.”

  His brother roared and beat his wings a few times. “He would like you to hurry.”

  Troy left the sentry to get a party together and led the girls to the castle. The village was quiet at this hour. Most would be asleep except for mothers with same babes and those who had trouble sleeping. Better for Troy because he was in no mood to explain the girls to anyone. He wanted to be off in bed himself. He had been in bed in fact when his foolhardy brother had woken him for a midnight fly. It really was lucky for the girls Tavis didn’t sleep much.

  “What is this?” Ellia asked. “I thought this was a castle.”

  “It is. This is where the villagers live.”

  “But why is it behind the wall?” Ellia asked.

  “Don’t fear woman. The gates are strong and will keep out any intruders and those who mean you harm.”

  “What is there to keep out exactly?” Lena asked. “More of my people are out there still.”

  The prince stopped. “Your people?”

  “Do you know what princess means?” Lena asked. “Ellia, explain to him that we are part of a tribe. I don’t think he understands me.”

  “I understand what you are saying.” Troy started walking again. “I believe you are confused or lying.”

  “What is there to be confused about?”

  “This Northlands Clan you speak of. I’ve never heard of that in my entire life. There are only three clans on Manna and that is not one of them.”

  “What is Manna? And I told you we are not a clan, we are a tribe.”

  “Clan. Tribe. Whatever you want to call it, it doesn’t exist.”

  “Talk to him Ellia!”

  The blonde girl shrugged. “I don’t know what he’s talking about either.”

  “If there are more people out there, they will have to fight the demons themselves. I’ve already got men going after the wraith.”

  “What demons?” Ellia said. “Are there demons are there? Christ, I thought those were only a myth.”

  “We also thought dragon conjures were a myth and that the moon was white.” Lena said. “We are in a strange part of Earth.”

  They were inside the castle now. Troy took the first staircase to the second floor and led them around to Remus’s study. The old man would be awake at this hour still.

  “Are we in the castle?” Lena asked.

  “Yes, the doctor stays here in his own tower.”

  “But there is no door!”

  “So?”

  “Don’t the peasants bother you all the time?”

  “Why would my people bother me? They can see me whenever they wish.”

  Lena shook her head. “A strange land indeed.”

  Troy rapt three times on Remus’s door. There was stumbling and the sound of crashing inside. The old man cursed a few times before opening the door.

  “Lost another lens?” Troy asked.

  “I did. It had better be good young man.”

  “I have brought travelers. They were almost killed by a wraith.”

  The old man peered at the two young girls. “Please come inside girls.”

  Troy sat at Remus’s desk and let the maidens introduce themselves. He yawned and slumped in the seat. He would excuse himself once the girls were comfortable with the doctor. He couldn’t wait up for the hunting party to get back. Tavis would do fine. It was just one wraith.

  “Where is this Northlands Clan from?” the doctor asked the girls.

  “We’re from England right now.” Lena said. “But we’ve been in different parts of Europe. You know how it is. All the action is happening on that continent now.”

  “I personally find the Dark Continent much more exciting,” Ellia said. “The humans there are so much more welcoming of supernaturals.”

  “Dark Continen
t?” Remus said. “What is a supernatural?”

  Troy sat up in his chair. He had heard of England before. “Remus. The crazy girl. The Outcast.”

  The old man’s eyes sparked as he remembered. “The beast-woman! She claimed she was from England! She didn’t look these maidens.”

  “No,” Troy looked at the girls fascinated. “Do you turn into a beast too?”

  “We most certainly do not!” Ellia looked scandalized.

  “Sorry. I was just curious.” Tory slumped in his seat again. “I’ve only met one person who turned into a beast.”

  “We are fae. Not were-creatures. Have you never heard of England before?” Ellia asked.

  “Only met the one woman.” Remus said.

  “Well where is she?” Lena leaned against the wall and yawned. “She can help us figure out where the hell we are.”

  “She’s dead.” Troy said. “She drowned herself. Said something about a witch, whatever that is.”

  Lena looked at him closely. “Are you not a warlock yourself?”

  Troy yawned too. “What is a warlock?”

  “Didn’t you conjure the dragon?” she asked confused.

  Troy laughed. He had to be tired. “You are a funny girl. We don’t have many funny maidens.”

  “What do you mean by conjure?” Remus asked looking concerned.

  “Aren’t you all warlocks?” Lena asked.

  Remus stepped forward and looked at the girl’s eyes. “How hard did you hit your head?”

  Lena brushed her hand away. “I didn’t hit my head at all. Are you a fae too?”

  Remus turned to Troy. “They might be crazy. We should be a guard in here.”

  Troy stood up. “They seem harmless. Do they look hurt to you?”

  “I’m concerned something is wrong with their minds. They aren’t making any sense and talking about imaginary things. They could be well dressed Outcasts.”