by Shona Husk
No, he wouldn’t. Did Melody realize what she was throwing away in her quest for glory? In Isaac, Melody had once had an unconditional love most fairies would never find.
“He has to give it up willingly.”
Melody’s scowl deepened. “How am I supposed to get him to agree to that?”
It shouldn’t be that hard. “That would be your problem, not mine.”
“Fine. I’ll convince him. But you won’t hurt him?”
“Does it matter? I can give you what you want.” Ella closed her eyes and pretended Melody was no longer there, even though she was aware of every move and every breath the starlet made. “One more thing. If you kill me, the spell ends.”
“You’re lying.”
Ella gave a cold laugh. “Risk it, I dare you.”
Shoes scuffed the floor as if Melody couldn’t decide if she had something else to say or not. Ella peeked beneath her lashes. She’d dismissed Melody, and the girl didn’t like it one bit.
“Next time we speak, it’ll be to make the deal.” Melody stamped her foot to reinforce the point.
She hoped so. In fact, she was almost looking forward to it. It had been so long since she’d made a deal with a human and gotten all the rewards for herself. While her blue blood thrummed with cold, she felt the magic and joy of the game. She’d run from it, played human in human courts instead of playing for power and status in Annwyn, but she hadn’t lost her edge or the love of the game. When she returned to Annwyn she’d have someone to teach and someone to play with. Isaac. “Tick tock, I’m not getting any stronger.”
Chapter Nine
Melody sauntered into the lounge room. “We have negotiated a deal.”
He didn’t need to pretend to be relieved. This was over. He’d lose his soul but go to Annwyn. His heart beat a little faster. Part excitement, part fear. The snowy battle was drawing closer; he could almost taste the cold on the tip of his tongue. “Great.”
“I thought so too.” She stared at him, her gaze carefully measured as if taking in all the details. Her smile faltered for a moment and for half a heartbeat he thought she was going to say something. Then he realized that she wasn’t going to tell him what the cost of the deal was.
“Are you going to tell me what you get?” He wanted to know what his soul was worth.
“Fame, of course. I’ll be a star.” The gleam was back in her eye. The one that made him wonder if he’d ever really known her.
No clauses or specifics? He’d never make such an open deal with a fairy, no, he’d never make deal. He wasn’t stupid. But then he wasn’t desperate either. He’d always worked hard and made his own luck. “What did you give Ella?”
There was a pause. Would she lie to him?
“Her freedom of course. I promised not to kill her after the deal was done.”
Isaac crossed his arms and looked at his sister. “Really? I thought fairies wanted things like souls?”
Melody blanched and her smile fell away. “You know. She told you. What deal did you make?”
Isaac pressed his lips together and gave her a narrow smile. “What does it matter?” He looked away unable to even look at her. They’d been so close once, each relying on the other. “You sold me out.”
She opened her mouth but he cut her off before she could say anything.
“Am I worth so little to you? Did you ever care or has it always been about you and what you could get from me?”
Melody swallowed. “I do love you.”
Isaac snorted and shook his head. “I don’t think you know the meaning of the word. Did you ask what losing my soul would do to me?” Had she even paused for a moment to think about his death or was he just another stepping stone on her path to fame?
She pointed at him. “You agreed to give her your soul, not me.”
“My soul is mine to give. Not yours to sell. Did you ever stop to think what that would mean? Or have you already planned on how to use my death to your advantage. You planned all of this, so how many months of recon did you do? How long have you been waiting to put this into action?” He stalked toward her, wishing he could shake some sense into her, but not wanting to touch her. He wasn’t angry that he was giving up his soul—for him that was just the next stage of his life and meeting his fate head on. He was hurt by Melody’s betrayal and lies. He hated that. She was just like their mother. How had he missed that? Their mother had manipulated every man around her. Somehow he’d thought his sister was different.
She stepped back from his anger. “You have no idea how much work I’ve put into this.”
Oh he did, and she’d pulled it off. No wonder she’d always been so anxious to know if he’d seen anything. She was worried that he’d learn of her plans and run.
Would he have?
No, he didn’t think he would as he knew the future he saw couldn’t be changed. All he could do was prepare for it. Trying to dodge it just meant it happened some other way. He’d tried that more than once. These days he just did what he needed to be ready. In a lot of ways that was easier.
“Since you can’t wait to get rid of me, let’s get this done.” He walked toward the hallway and the basement door. He was ready. He’d packed his bags and put them in the car yesterday in case he had to flee with Ella. Had it only been twenty four hours since Melody captured Ella? It seemed like longer. He hadn’t slept much, wanting to keep a close eye on Melody.
“I…” She glanced at the door and then back at him as if she wasn’t sure she could go through with it. “You’re ready?”
“Always.”
“You did see something. You know what happens….that’s why you’re willing to give up your soul. Do you die?” For a moment he glimpsed the sister he’d once known and loved. Maybe someone where deep down she did care, or maybe she was more worried about how she’d cope without him to lean on.
He smiled, glad that he’d kept his dream to himself. “What I see is none of your business.”
Hurt and then anger flickered on her face. Did she really think she deserved his loyalty after this? What twisted world did she live in?
He opened the door to the basement. “Get the key.”
Ella was lying down. Her eyes were closed; her dark lashes resting on her cheeks. Her skin was so pale it was almost translucent, and there were purplish circles under her eyes. She looked ill, as though she’d been sick for a long time and her body was weakening from the strain. He hoped she’d recover once the iron was removed.
He sat on the edge of the bed and picked up her hand. Her fingers were like ice against his. He wanted to see her smiling again, her eyes bright with joy, like when he’d first seen her. “Mel is getting the key so the deal can be made.”
Ella opened her golden eyes; eyes that he’d somehow once mistaken for hazel. Looking at her now, he didn’t know how he’d ever thought she was human, but maybe that was the biggest trick of all. Humans had forgotten about fairies and magic, so fairies could wander around and no one would see the truth.
“I’m sorry she accepted.”
He wanted to believe her and yet, he knew she’d have done anything to get free. The same way he’d have done anything to get to Annwyn. “Are you?”
Sadness flickered over her delicate features. “It always hurts to be betrayed. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. Am I sad that you’ll be coming with me? No.” Her fingers gripped his hand with surprising strength. “You have a bigger fate. And while I don’t know what it is any more than you do, I’ll help you reach it. I’ll make sure no harm comes to you in Annwyn. I’ll cradle your soul as if it were my own.”
He looked at her. “You’ve never had one.”
“I’ve taken many, though few I’ve ever wanted to hold on to. You intrigue me, Isaac son of…who was your father?”
“Robin Greenfellow.” He waited to see if she recognized the name. Hoped that she would, but doubted it. If Ella had changed her name in the mortal world he had no doubt that his fairy father had done the same.
<
br /> “Ah, a common false name fairy men give to mortals who don’t need to know more. For the moment, you will be Isaac ap Robin. Not the first changeling to be uncertain of their fairy line. Maybe we can unravel the truth in Annwyn.”
“I’ve lived this long without knowing. Does it matter?” But a part of him was curious.
“Fairies trace their lineage through the fairy parent. If you’d been born in Annwyn, you would’ve been fairy, not changeling.”
He nodded but was glad he’d lived in the mortal world. He didn’t regret his life or anything he’d done with it. However, he was ready for the next challenge. He’d always known there was something more, and now that he knew what it was, he wasn’t going to give it up. “I’ll take care of you until you’re better.”
“It won’t take long across the veil.” She paused and glanced toward the stairs. “I’ll school you in the ways of Annwyn.”
“Is that a deal?” His lips twisted into a grin.
“I won’t ever trap you in deals, Isaac.” The corner of her mouth turned up. “You aren’t like fairy men, and despite the circumstances of our meeting I want to know you better.”
The images of the battle’s aftermath filled his mind.
Her running over the snow and embracing him, the touch of her lips and the elation in his heart at having her in his arms again. She cupped his face and whispered three words that held no fairy magic yet were worth more than any treasure. “I love you.”
He drew in a breath and blinked, back in the dingy basement instead of on the bright snow of the battlefield. She squeezed his hand.
Ella would hold more than his soul; she’d also have his heart eventually…the worry in her golden eyes as she’d run toward him held him trapped for a moment as the scene replayed again. He’d have her heart too.
The rush of love and desire burned through him before fading like a dream on waking. For a moment he wasn’t sure he could trust what he’d seen or felt. It was more than what he was used to seeing, and unsettling to know that she would come to mean so much to him. His whole future was tied up with Ella. Had he been waiting his whole life for her? As he thought it, it felt right. He’d been waiting for her as much as he’d been waiting for Annwyn. A smile formed as he realized he could stop searching.
She looked him in the eye as if realizing he’d just seen something. “You should know that once in Annwyn, you’ll lose that magic. Fairy magic only works in the mortal world. It’s why fairies like coming here. Here they have power, if not status.”
He nodded and then remembered Ella’s warning about how hard it was for fairies to fall in love. He was about to ask more when he heard Melody’s footsteps in the corridor. Ella dropped his hand and the life faded from her face. She was making herself look smaller and weaker for Mel’s benefit.
As Mel came down the stairs, he wondered who was getting the better deal, him, Ella or Mel?
If she wasn’t so tired and drained from having the iron near her, and her skin wasn’t already burned and not healing because of the iron’s presence, she’d have been more excited to get the shackles off. As it was, sitting up was a challenge and she felt lightheaded, as if she’d forgotten to eat all day—which she hadn’t, since Isaac made sure she’d eaten.
As Melody came down the stairs, Isaac tensed slightly. He was standing next to the bed, alert and ready in case something went askew, like Melody trying to kill her. Ella doubted that would happen though, since Melody wanted to be famous too badly to let anything, or anyone, jeopardize that.
“I have the key.” Melody opened her hand. Her gaze flicked between Isaac and Ella.
“Hand it to Isaac.” Even her voice was sounding thready, but it was no act. Another day and she might’ve been too weak to make the deal.
Melody fisted her hand. “Deal first.”
Ella laughed, a cold, jagged sound she almost didn’t recognize. Annwyn’s winter was settling in her blood. When she looked at Melody, she saw another gullible mortal. “Do you think if I could work magic while surrounded by all this iron I would still be here?”
“You promise to not run away when you’re free?” Melody eyed her warily for the first time. Silly mortal child. Three hundred years ago, she would have known better than to trifle with a fairy.
“You’ll get your deal and I’ll get my soul.” She glanced at Isaac. “He’s willing to make that sacrifice for you.” Of course, when it all went wrong she’d blame the fairy. Humans always did instead of looking to themselves. “Are you sure this is the deal you want?”
Melody nodded. “It is. Isaac and I have spoken. His soul for my fame.”
Ella kept her face neutral. Melody didn’t ask for any clauses or even ask what would happen to her brother. What a self-obsessed bitch. Few fairies were quite that self-centered.
“Wait, will it hurt?” Isaac looked at her, and for a moment Ella wasn’t sure if he was playing the game for Melody’s benefit or being serious.
Ella touched his hand—he was so warm that she wanted to curl up against him—and smiled. “It won’t hurt at all. You might even enjoy it.”
“When will I get my wish?” Melody asked.
Ella snapped her gaze back to the starlet. “Once the deal is made, the magic will start turning. Be sure to wear the dress I made to your party.”
Melody handed the key to Isaac. He didn’t flinch, even though the iron must be burning his fingers. With a couple of swift movements, he unlocked the shackles and removed them. The relief was instant. Magic flowed through her veins, filling her. She wanted to dance, but she didn’t have the energy, not yet.
Isaac helped her to stand, clearing a space on the floor with his boot so it was free of deadly nails that could stab her foot and leave iron in her body. Ella beckoned Melody closer. She’d love to be standing on her own but she didn’t want to risk falling down because of her pride. Doing the deal would be taxing enough and she had to do that to even be able to get out of here.
Melody looked at Isaac. “Why are you helping her?”
“She’ll own my soul, and I want her to treat it nicely.” There was an edge in his voice as if he were implying Melody had treated him poorly.
Ella stepped forward, well aware of Isaac’s hand on her back and the warmth of his body just behind her. It was so tempting to lean back against him. But the sooner this was done, the better. “State your request.”
“I want to be famous. I want everyone to know my name.” Melody smiled as if she was already picturing it.
“I want Isaac’s soul. Since he’s agreed to pay the price for you, I grant you your heart’s desire. We have a deal, mortal.” She felt the magic shimmer around her.
Isaac’s grip on her tightened a fraction. No doubt he felt it to.
“Did it work?” Melody glanced around as if expecting a shower of sparks or rainbows or something.
“Of course it did.”
Melody looked at her brother and frowned. “Isaac is still alive.”
“Yes he is.” Ella gave Melody a cool smile. “He’ll come with me to Annwyn, where I’ll relieve him of his soul.”
“What?” She blinked as it she didn’t understand. “Annwyn? You’re taking to him to the land of fairy?” The shrill tone of a child who’d just realized maybe she hadn’t made the best choice crept into her voice.
Was she regretting her deal already? Too bad. “Annwyn is no place for a mortal with a soul.”
“I thought…” Melody pressed her lips together.
“You thought I was going to die. To you, I’m as good as dead.” Isaac’s voice was cold and flat, as if he couldn’t be bothered sparing any emotion on his sister. Ella suspected that beneath the mask he was wounded, badly.
Ella glanced at him, and he gave a slight nod. “The deal is done, and I’m leaving.” And she was pretty sure she wasn’t going to be standing for much longer. She needed to sleep and let the magic heal her and give her strength again. “Isaac?”
“Yes. Enjoy your fame, Melody.
I won’t forget the way you sold me to earn it, and I hope you don’t either. Friends and family aren’t there for you to stand on in your climb.” While there was an edge of bitterness in his voice, there was less than Ella had expected.
He hesitated as if waiting for Melody to say something. When she didn’t speak he picked Ella up and walked past his sister and up the stairs. She let herself lean against his chest and bask in his warmth. His heart beat fast against her ear and his muscles were tense around her. It was only once they were outside, and he’d helped her into his car, that Ella realized his cheeks were wet.
Chapter Ten
He took a couple of breaths before getting into the car. Even though he’d known how it would play out, it was still like an unexpected piece of shrapnel catching him in the chest and making it hard to breathe.
Melody had been quite happy to watch him die but had been shocked that he was leaving with Ella. He’d known that Melody was driven and willing to do anything to succeed, but this was a new low.
He got into his car and shut the door harder than he needed to. Ella glanced at him but didn’t speak.
“Where am I driving to?” he asked as he started the engine. His fingers were stinging from the iron burns.
She smiled and while she still looked rather pale, like she’d fade away with her next breath, the light was back in her eyes. “I want to rest before going to Annwyn. I can’t go back like this. I’m too weak. Can you take me home?”
She gave him an address in town. He pulled out of the driveway, glad to put Mel behind him. He never wanted to see her again.
“How do we get to Annwyn?” He was sure it wasn’t on any map. Was there a secret wardrobe or a spell? He had no idea what he’d signed up for. He swallowed and glanced at Ella, the new guardian of his soul, when she took it. Every time he blinked he saw her in the snow, her hand on his chest. There was no pain. He had to have faith. He was doing what he was supposed to; he could almost feel the world starting to turn faster. That wasn’t right either, but there was tension and the waiting for release.
