Twisted Bonds

by Brandy L Rivers

  “And had you seen Isadora’s plan to unite our kingdoms?”

  “No, but I think she came up with the idea on a whim. I’m not sure what she saw, but I think it might have been different than what I saw.”

  Xander sighed. “Why can’t she have a sister?”

  “Not sure you could handle her. She would put you in your place every time you get out of line, and let’s face it, you get out of line often.”

  “I haven’t found a woman who can put up with me.”

  “Because you don’t give a damn about anyone but yourself.” Reance shook his head. “One day, perhaps you’ll find someone who will put up with you. Much luck, my friend.”

  Xander leaned against the table. “So, what did Isa do to change the lands?”

  “That was mostly Toryn.”

  “Toryn? The man who can burn an entire forest with a touch?”

  Reance lifted a shoulder. “I can do that too.”

  “You haven’t.”

  “No, but Toryn needed to dig deeper, and with Isa’s help, he unlocked some talents that came from his mother. He can do more than destroy. Much like you, when you put your mind to it. Though Toryn doesn’t believe the Fire Realm had anything to do with him.”

  “Why do you believe it does?”

  Reance chuckled. “Saw more than I wanted after they finally got a chance to be alone. His magic was very much involved, more so than Isa’s, though his always calls to hers and vice versa, as it does with any truly mated pair. And it’s only getting stronger.”

  “Hmm, I still think half of that is horseshit. There are plenty of powerful Fae who have never found their mates.”

  “Ah, but something more happens when we find our partner. Something you don’t understand until it happens.”

  Had he found Aeryana before Saressa found Ankou, he may have been on her side. Then again, their biggest problem was their need for revenge.

  Something he worried about where Isa was concerned. Though, she had become friends with Alenathos after he’d nearly killed Toryn.

  Reance sighed.

  “What’s the matter with you?”

  He shook his head. “Trying not to dwell on the past and things I cannot change.”

  Xander huffed. “You realize you can’t trust Saressa, right?”

  Nodding, Reance stared out the window. “Don’t need the constant reminders. It’s why I’m staying out of it. I don’t trust myself not to try to mend things between us, when I know she only wants to destroy me.”

  A big hand clasped onto Reance’s shoulder. “At least you’re smart enough to stay away.”

  “Saressa can’t get back into Faery, but Kasai and Gebiet can,” Reance warned. “If they show up in your realm, get word to me. I’ll be there.”

  “You got it. Though, I’m hoping they’ll stay with Saressa, since Gebiet is bound to her.”

  Reance nodded. “We have dragons on our side as well. I think most of the free ones will come to our aid, if needed.”

  Xander turned toward him. “You don’t think we will need them?”

  Meeting his gaze, Reance shrugged. “Honestly? I don’t have a clue.”

  “You haven’t seen what’s coming?”

  “Not reliably. No.”

  Xander’s brow pinched. “Is your vision failing?”

  “Not exactly. Isadora has a point, though. I guide, making decisions without explaining the consequences either way. She nearly lost Toryn because I tried to convince her to wait.” He drew a slow breath and let it out. “I’m not straining so hard to see, and the future is changing, though the current path, without my guidance, is better than what I foresaw all those years ago.”

  “Let’s hope it stays that way.” Smiling, Xander stood and walked to the window. “I still don’t understand how Toryn managed to capture her heart.”

  “They were made for each other.”

  * * * *

  Toryn took Isa hiking from the hut, into the middle of the realm. No longer endless sand, and there seemed to be trails of deep red stone. The foliage was shades of red, orange, and browns. Colorful, stunning, but nothing she’d ever seen on Earth.

  The flameshock flowers were beautiful. They looked like crimson lilies, with orange patterns. And if you got too close, they spit tiny flames.

  The creatures were all manner of lizards, even some that flew. It seemed prehistoric. And then it hit her.

  Isa turned to Toryn. “I haven’t seen the other realms. I think we need to explore soon.”

  “Not on Earth?”

  A laugh escaped, a smile spreading on her lips. “Now that I’m here, I don’t feel so out of place.”

  “Because you put your touch on each of the realms.”

  “Maybe.” She leaned into him. “There’s still more of Paris I want to see.”

  “We have forever to come back. And I still want to take you to the Louvre.”

  Isa took a last look around. She was ready to commence her honeymoon on Earth.

  She opened a portal to Toryn’s home—their home. She stepped through, pulling him with her. Then she sighed. “I feel like I don’t bring much to our marriage.”

  Toryn spun her toward him. “You bring you. That’s all that matters.”

  Her nose scrunched. “How many homes throughout the world do you own?”

  “Isa, we’ve been through this. I’ve had a few centuries to acquire the funds for everything. You haven’t. And for your age, you’re doing pretty damned well. You own a bar, a house, a cabin, and you’re well invested.”

  She snorted. “Because I pay someone to help me with that. I’m not good at that.”

  “Maybe not, but you’re good at delegating and finding help and allies. You are a problem solver. Like today, you brought all four realms together in a way only you could.”

  “Thanks.”

  He caught her face, tipping her head back. “Isa, I want for nothing. I don’t need more homes, more things. I just need you in my life. And soon, this little one, right here.” He covered her belly and placed a kiss on her forehead. “That’s all. I swear to you, Princess.”

  “Same. But I think about all you have, and I have to wonder if I’m enough.”

  “More than enough.”

  She wrapped her arms around his neck and grinned. “I do have something no one else can give you.”

  His brow arched. “And that is?”

  “Our child.”

  “Fuck, Isa, I can see you round with our baby. So fucking sexy.”

  She giggled. “You’re insane.”

  “For you, definitely. Now, let me make love to you, and I’ll take you to the Louvre, where we have a private tour.”

  “Ooh, how private?”

  He winked. “You and I already know where all the cameras are. I plan on giving you a night to remember, but we’re going as Drake and Reshanta.”

  “Hmm, I do love Drake.”

  He threw Isa over his shoulder and carried her to the bedroom.

  * * * *

  Her belly writhed, pain twisting through her body. Saressa pushed herself from the bed, turning toward the pull of Isadora. She stumbled toward the door.

  Gebiet caught her, hoisting her into his arms. “Oh no, Saressa. Whatever has you this determined can wait until the ichor is ready and you’ve rested.”

  “Need to finish killing Toryn and destroy Isadora.”

  “Relax, we have time. I’ll send Kasai to find her. You’ll only make the pain worse. Especially since I’ve finally tracked down Brynhilde, who is willing to help with your problem, for a price.”

  “A Paineater?”

  “Aye, a Paineater. She’ll cut Damha’s spawn from your belly, kill them, then heal you.”

  “What price?”

  “She wants your ability to portal.”

  Saressa froze, took a breath, and let it out.

  “You’ll need documentation in this world,” Gebiet exp
lained. “You have the means, thanks to Aeremaius’ stashes throughout Earth. Question is, can you adapt?”

  “I need time to think.”

  “Figured you might. Which is why the ichor is already brewing.” He deposited Saressa on the bed. “Rest. It will be ready shortly.”

  Saressa collapsed on the bed and tried to pull an image of Reance, Isadora, or anyone related to any of them. She was having trouble concentrating as the pain doubled, then quadrupled in seconds.

  Clutching her belly, she rolled, trying to smother the children…knowing she couldn’t.

  * * * *

  Preston dropped into a seat before Robert. “I need you to do me a favor.”

  Robert’s head lifted. “What’s that?”

  “Take me to Paris. You don’t have to stay, but my father and stepmother are in danger.” Shaking his head, he rubbed at his eyes. “That’s weird to think. She’s a third of my age.”

  Robert smirked. “What’s going on?”

  “Gebiet has been seen in France. I want that bastard dead before he comes for Dacia.”

  “Didn’t he say he’d leave her alone?”

  Preston combed his fingers through his hair. “If he’s on Earth and helping Saressa, then there’s no reason for him not to come after Dacia, or even me. Remember, I did put a couple mana-blades in him. I can’t imagine he wants to let it go, especially if the queen of grudges is walking on Earth.”

  Robert pulled his phone out and presumably sent a text to either Liz or Tremaine. Then he smiled. “I’m coming with you.”

  Preston dipped his head. “Thank you.”

  Chapter 36

  Toryn, make that Drake, made a wonderful tour guide. Glamour always made things interesting. Neither Toryn, nor Isa, looked anything like they normally did. They both wore their skin darker, and his hair fell to his ass in dreadlocks. Isa’s hair was cropped short, a cap of curls, and she went without makeup. Isa was still playing with her African accent, attempting to find a realistic one.

  If asked, they claimed to be shaman. They had gone mostly unnoticed as he led her through the Louvre. They found a few dark corners to wrap in magic, keeping the tourists and employees from hearing their passionate cries.

  Now, they strolled through the streets of Paris, looking for somewhere to eat.

  “You know, I’m happy with whatever you want,” Isa offered.

  He pulled her closer and whispered against her ear, “All I can think about right now is how damned good your mouth felt wrapped around my cock in the alcove.”

  Licking her lips, she glanced away. She could still taste his cum on her tongue. “Fuck, I love you, Drake.”

  He nipped her ear. “Decide, Reshanta.”

  She pulled him into a café and into a seat, before quietly asking, “Were you expecting Preston?”

  He shook his head.

  “He’s close.” Isa scanned the restaurant and out the windows. “Saressa is at the outer reaches of my limits, but I feel her presence.”

  “Which means she can probably feel yours.” He rubbed at his face and pulled his phone out.

  Before he could dial, Preston walked into the restaurant with the magister of the Silver Council. Robert shook his head as Preston led him toward their table.

  Preston looked at Isa, then at Toryn, and pinched the bridge of his nose.

  Leaning over, Isa touched his shoulder. “So happy you found us. We’ve been exploring secret places in the Louvre. Quite glamourous, if you know what I mean.” She hoped he got the hint.

  Understanding broke across his face with an amused smirk. “I see. Could we find somewhere more private for this conversation? We need to talk. It’s urgent.” He glanced at the window.

  “Of course.” Toryn threw down some money and stood, taking Isa’s hand.

  They left the restaurant and walked around to the back where Isa opened a portal.

  A smile spread across Robert’s face as he stepped through, into the villa. “This place is magnificent.”

  A smile lit Toryn’s face as his appearance became his own again. “After our honeymoon, if you’re interested, you and yours could vacation here.”

  “Where are we?”

  “Giverny, France. Not far from Paris.”

  “We may take you up on that.” Robert nodded at Preston. “Right now, Preston has news.”

  “Less than happy news, unfortunately,” Preston stated. “Your glamour is damned good. If I couldn’t track your essence, I wouldn’t have found you.”

  Toryn chuckled. “Sorry. I was showing Isa the Louvre. One of those guided tours, only I was the guide.”

  “Hmm, and what a guide.” Isa giggled.

  Robert dropped his gaze.

  Preston jumped right in. “Gebiet has been spotted in Paris. Not far from where you were. I believe he was trying to track you. Luckily, I managed to stay ahead of him.”

  “Your tracking sure does come in handy,” Isa stated. “I’m sure they’re looking for us. Saressa isn’t far, but I don’t know France well enough to guess where.”

  “I can help with that, if you don’t mind me stepping into your head with Preston.”

  “What do you need from me?” she asked.

  “Permission, and you may have to actually let us in.”

  She glanced at Toryn and back at Robert. “You got it. I can see her, what she’s doing. Apparently, my father can’t. I’m not sure what changed.”

  “That will certainly help.”

  Isa stepped forward and closed her eyes, pulling up the scene.

  Robert touched her forehead, while Preston took her shoulder.

  Kasai sat on the bed next to Saressa, pulling her up to lean against her while Gebiet fed her something in a bowl.

  Her stomach started to move, misshapen bumps rolling and squirming.

  What the fuck is wrong with her? Preston asked.

  Isa snorted. Pregnant with Damha’s babies. I don’t even want to know how many evil spider runts are in there.

  Saressa started to convulse, the dragons soothing her.

  Shit, I’m going to have nightmares, he answered.

  Robert joined the conversation. I don’t think she’s going anywhere right now.

  Isa pulled them back out of her head, into her living room, not that their bodies were anywhere else. Just their minds. “Damn it, did you track her?”

  Preston nodded. “Somewhere in Normandy, but her signature is broad, like it’s being dispersed through the whole city.”

  Isa paced away.

  Toryn rubbed at his face. “Is it possible that she’s attempting to alter the environment?”

  “Why would you think that?” Isa asked.

  He elaborated, “The Water Realm used to be a giant rain forest. Over time, it became a swamp. I’m told it’s going back to the way it was.”

  “Because of one woman?” Robert asked.

  “Yup. The leaders of a realm hold power over their lands. The theory is that the land conforms to its king or queen,” Toryn explained.

  “Why didn’t the Fire Realm go back to how it is now? And shit, please tell me that doesn’t make either of us the ruler in the Fire Kingdom.”

  Toryn shook his head, but his brow pinched. “Don’t believe so. It’s not that simple. Outside forces can affect the land. Reance didn’t create the desert. That happened in seconds, but I don’t know why.”

  “Phew, that’s a relief.” Isa turned back to Toryn. “Think she can manipulate the environment here? She’s not a queen on Earth.”

  “I’m honestly not sure.” Toryn paused before nodding. “Maybe Reance can give us some information, and maybe he can even help us find her.”

  “No. I mean, he can answer our questions, but I don’t trust him to help us find her. Part of him wants to forgive her and help her change. Too late for that.”

  “Why?” Toryn asked softly.

  Isa sighed. “If we could guarantee we’d neve
r see her again—maybe.” She groaned. “I did forgive Alenathos.” Isa glanced away. “I don’t know, Toryn, she still wants revenge against my father. She’s not going to give up on that.”

  “Maybe not.” Toryn gripped the back of his neck.

  Preston smirked. “What about Kellan? He’s proven he isn’t on her side. Even if he only helps you find her that gets you a step closer.”

  “True.”

  “And I want to help,” Preston said.

  “You have a baby on the way. No need to put you in Saressa’s path,” Toryn told him.

  Preston shook his head slowly. “If you don’t remember, Dacia was promised to Gebiet. And that dragon helped Remus hurt my mate. I want a piece of that bastard.”

  Toryn scrubbed a hand over his face. “Fair enough.”

  “Hey, you’re doing the same for your mate.”

  He snorted. “She’s doing most of it. And I know she won’t let me keep her home, so I’m not trying.”

  Preston chuckled. “As long as Dacia considers this Council business, which in a way it is, she won’t ask to join in the fight unless it directly involves her, like the issue with Remus.”

  Isa’s eyes narrowed. “And how does something happening to you not directly affect her?”

  Preston pushed his fingers through his hair. “Shit, that didn’t come out right. Look, she doesn’t ask about Council business, and this is partially Council business. So for now, while we’re here, trying to figure out what to do, it’s not like I’m in a lot of danger.”

  Isa rolled her eyes.

  Preston nodded at Toryn. “Besides, like he said, he’d keep you away from all this if he thought he could.”

  Isa took a step toward Preston. “If you haven’t noticed, Saressa wants me dead too, so it’s not like I can just sit back and let that happen when she almost killed Toryn.”

  “You want Dacia involved?” Preston asked calmly.

  She huffed. “No. Just pointing out that if anything happens to you, she will be upset. I’m not asking you not to go. But you should tell her what’s up. I’d want to know.”

  “I will. Not this moment.” Preston turned to Toryn. “Make sure you call me when you know what’s going on.”