by Ciana Stone
“I’ll be happy to do—“
“No, please.” He cut Ily off.
She nodded and watched as he left the room. Augustus looked from her to Severin. “I will join John and give you some privacy.”
“Thank you,” Severin replied and turned his attention to Ily.
She flew across the room and wrapped her arm around him in a tight hug. “I didn’t know if I’d ever see you again.”
“I’ve missed you, Ily.”
Ily pulled back to look at him. “I would say the same but until just today…”
“Yes, I know. But now you’ve recovered your memory?”
“I have.”
“All of it?”
“I believe so, yes.”
“And how do you feel?”
Ily gestured toward the sofa. “May we sit?”
“Of course.” Severin took a seat and waited for her to get situated. “I imagine it is…disconcerting to have memories of such a different life suddenly return.”
“It’s a challenge to assimilate,” she said and then asked, “But what is it you really want to ask, Lord Severin?”
Severin smiled. “Always the direct one. That has not changed. But you’re correct. Ily Scythiana. I want to know how you feel. King Michael is dead, and I know your heart belonged to your King. I want to know if you are in pain.”
Ily mentally cursed the tears that filled her eyes and hastily blinked them away. “I failed him.” There, she’d said it. As much as it pained her to do so, she had to accept responsibility.
“Ily, you did not fail him.” Severin took her hand.
“I did. I wasn’t strong enough, and so I wasn’t there to protect him when it mattered. If I had been there, he would not have died.”
“You don’t know that and no—don’t argue with me. Listen. You above everyone know how strong his magic was. The spell he cast upon the Portal would have killed most of us. It was only because of your Scythian blood that you survived. No one holds you accountable for what happened to Michael. His blood is on Asha Iltani’s hands.”
“Queen Asha? I’ve heard stories about her. How is she responsible?”
Severin stood and pulled her to her feet. “Let’s step outside.”
“Sure.” She walked outside with him and he tucked her hand in his. They wandered to the edge of the clearing and Severin looked up at the night sky.
“It is lovely here, but I miss the stars of home.”
“It is the same set of stars.”
“But viewed from a different perspective.”
“Yes, that’s true.”
He turned his attention to her. “When you attempted to follow Michael, you nearly died. He was the one who found you and took you to Oma. He kept watch over you until he had to leave.”
“Why did he have to go?”
“Dark Fae in service to Asha began a system of attacks against him. He had not planned to leave so abruptly but the danger was too great. He had time only to place a call to me and asked that if you should one day regain your memory you be given a message.”
“What message?”
“This. In his words. ‘Ily Scythiana, I release you from your duty but not from our bond of friendship. The love we share shall bind us both throughout our lives and beyond. Should I die before we have been reunited, I make one request of you. Make sure that my daughter receives what she requires to seek her birthright and the power to reopen the Portal.
“’Do not attempt to use your ability to phase for I have cast a spell that will render your power inert until such time as Elena has come into her power. Have Severin decipher the enchantment hidden on your arm and you will know what you must do to complete this one final task I ask of you. Finally, forgive me for not bringing you with me. I missed your company and your counsel. May we meet again, my loyal friend.’”
Ily swiped at the tears that flowed down her face and then looked down at her arm before finally looking at Severin. “Will you help me?”
“I will.”
She nodded. “And once we have completed the task, I will return home and avenge my King.”
“You think to destroy Asha Iltani?”
“It is my duty.”
“Then you will not need to return home.”
“She’s here?”
“She is. She and Augustus have been here for many centuries.”
Ily felt a jab of concern. “Then why are you in the company of her son?”
Severin smiled. “Augustus and his mother do not share a common ideology. His goal is for our kind to integrate and live peacefully with humans. Hers is to enslave and subjugate humanity.”
“And she killed King Michael to further that goal?” Ily felt rage start to simmer.
“She did.”
“Then you know she must pay.”
Severin’s gaze met hers, and for a long time neither of them spoke. The communication shared between them was not one of words, as none were needed. Their bond was strong enough to circumvent the need to voice their thoughts.
Ily was shocked to learn of all that had happened to her people here on Earth and what was happening now with the sickness that was running unchecked through the Were population.
John and Augustus entered the room, and the mental link between her and Severin was terminated. He smiled, and she nodded. She understood what they wanted from her, and she would do all she could.
As a matter of fact, something had occurred to her that she wanted to start investigating right away. “Senator Legacy, John Luke mentioned that he’d taken a concoction created by his mother almost his entire life that she’d claimed was for allergies but in fact, hampered his ability to shift.”
“Yes, that’s true.”
“I need a sample of that serum.”
“Absolutely. I have a vial I took from another of my children, and I believe it’s in my desk drawer at the ranch. I will be happy to—“
Connor and John Luke’s return interrupted. “Steve’s not a threat,” Connor announced as they entered. “His nervousness was that he was going to catch hell for Ily discovering he’s a Shifter.”
“Not likely,” Ily commented, then added, “But I don’t need protection.”
“We all need protection,” Severin argued. “And you in particular if you’re going to try and undo what is being done to the Weres.”
“You think you can help?” John Luke asked.
“I have an idea. If your mother’s serum prevented you from Shifting, then perhaps what is happening to the Shifters stems from something similar. If I can get blood samples from some of the infected and a sample of the serum, I can determine if there’s a link and that will give us a starting point.”
“But my mother made that.” John Luke pointed out. “And she’s been—locked up so to speak.”
“Yes, but she has a vast network,” his father pointed out. “And chances are our family was not the only ones being given the drug.”
“And you think she, or her people, our family would work with Asha against the rest of The Seven?” John Luke asked.
“I think they are in service to what we call the Dark Fae,” John answered and looked at Ily. “The Umbra.”
Ily looked at Severin. “Umbra? The Vanquished are here?”
“The Vanquished? What’s that?” John Luke asked.
“Please, sit.” Once everyone had a seat, she looked at Severin. “Would you please explain?”
“Certainly.” He directed his attention to John Luke and the Senator. “As stories often begin, once upon a time there was a great war on our world between the forces of Dark and Light. It was long, brutal, and bloody, and many lives were lost.
“In the end, Light won and those who started the war, the Dark Fae, were Vanquished to another realm. They came to be known by different names in the various Clans, such as The Vanquished or The Shadows.
“These labels were used to identify them as they gathered each year at the Portals, using all the magic they possesse
d to try and break through. Their power was not strong enough to gain entry, but it was strong enough to cast shadows through the Portals—misshapen, hideous shadows with a degree of darkness one witnesses at the innermost and darkest part of a Shadow. That place where the light source is completely blocked. The Umbra.”
He looked around the room. “If that is who leads the humans here who have banded together against the Light, then we do indeed face a formidable foe.” His gaze fell upon Ily. “Fortunately, we have a most powerful weapon.”
“Iliana?” John Luke blurted. “You’re calling her a weapon?”
“Indeed. Only a Scythe has the ability to destroy the Umbra.”
“But we’ve seen them destroyed, haven’t we?” Senator Legacy asked. “When my son Logan and his wife Sabine fought them.” He looked at Augustus. “You were there. With Gabriel.”
“We drove them back,” Augustus said. “Severely wounded several and perhaps fatally wounded a few. But not even the power of the Angels can destroy the Umbra. Only the Scythe.”
“How?
Augustus nodded his head in Ily’s direction. “This, I believe, would be best explained by you.”
“Of course,” Ily agreed. “I’ve never personally battled an Umbra, but every Scythian Warrior is taught what to do in such a battle. We essentially absorb them and convert the darkness into light and then expel the light so that their spirits are set free.”
“Say what?” John Luke asked. “Absorb?”
“I don’t know how else to explain it. It was told to me as almost breathing them in—allowing them to fill you and once it’s inside you, you have to change it with your will.”
“And if that doesn’t work?” he asked.
“Then you are taken by the Darkness.”
“I don’t think I like the sound of that.”
“Nor do I.” She turned and her gaze locked with Severin’s. “But I don’t intend to fail.”
Severin nodded and looked at Connor. “Will you leave your man stationed here?”
“I will. I can have others here within a few days, if you feel it necessary?”
Severin looked at Ily, and she shook her head. “No. This must appear to be exactly what it is. Steve’s job here is as a ranger, so his presence doesn’t raise suspicion. Besides, as you pointed out. I am the only one among us equipped to deal with the Umbra.”
“There’s more to face than the Umbra.” Augustus pointed out. “Asha Iltani has many followers among the Clans. We do not know who she might send against us.”
“Then we will be watchful,” Ily said firmly. “And will call should the need for reinforcements arrive. Until then, our focus here should be to analyze the compound created by the Senator’s wife against blood samples from the victims. Can you provide that?”
“We can,” Augustus promised.
“Then let’s get to work as quickly as possible.”
“I can get you the compound,” John Luke offered. “I kept the bottle given to me by my mother.”
“Thank you. I’ll start the analysis in the morning.”
“Excellent.” Augustus stood. “I will have blood samples delivered to you within a few days’ time.”
“Your majesty.” Ily stood as well and then bowed.
“Please.” Augustus walked over and put his hand on her shoulder. “While I appreciate the honor, here we dwell as equals.”
“I merely offer the honor that is deserved.”
He smiled and backed away. “Shall we, gentlemen?”
“Yes,” Severin agreed.
They all headed for the door. Senator Legacy hung back for a moment, and Ily gave him and John Luke privacy. She walked the others to the limousine that waited. Severin put his hand on her shoulder and squeezed gently. “Let us meet again in private tomorrow and discuss what must be done to fulfill King Michael’s request.”
“Yes, please.”
Severin looked back at the building. “I sense strong emotions between you and the Senator’s son.”
“Maybe.” She said, unwilling to lie. “It’s unfamiliar ground to me. I haven’t had feelings for anyone since—“ Sudden embarrassment had her stumbling on her words. “I mean, what I meant to say—“
“I know what you mean.” He smiled and kissed her gently on the cheek. “Since the time you experienced a youthful infatuation.”
“It wasn’t infatuation,” Ily protested softly. “I did love you. I still do. You started as my master, were my first love, and ended as my best friend. I feel blessed to have you in my life again.”
“As do I,” he agreed. “I will see you in the morning. Before dawn.” He slid into the car, and she turned to see the Senator leaving the cabin.
“Watch over him,” Senator Legacy said when he reached her. “He’s got a lot of heart and excellent training from the government to handle a lot of things, but he’s new to all this.”
“I will guard him with my life, sir. You have my word.”
“I couldn’t ask for more. Take care, Iliana.”
“Ily,” she corrected.
“Yes, Ily. I’ll see you soon.”
“I will look forward to it, sir.”
Once he was in the car, it pulled away. Ily turned to see John Luke standing on the small stoop, watching. She walked to the stoop and stopped at the bottom, looking up at him. “This has to go down as the craziest date in history.”
He smiled and extended his hand. “Well, if you’re not opposed to it lasting a little longer, I thought maybe we could take a ride to the lake. It’s a nice night for a swim.”
“I don’t think I have a swim suit.”
“I don’t think you’ll need one.”
She took his hand and let him pull her up the steps and into his embrace. “Well, when you put it that way…” She eagerly accepted his kiss.
To her surprise, she felt a mental connection with him and saw his motivations. He knew she’d suffered a great loss in learning that her King was dead and that she blamed herself for not being there to protect him.
John Luke was also a warrior and understood duty to king and country. He understood the blame one put on oneself when the person or persons you were supposed to protect lost their lives.
But more than that, he cared for her. He didn’t understand why he had such strong feelings for her. They were virtual strangers, and yet he genuinely felt something for her and wanted to ease any pain she felt.
He wanted to comfort and protect her. She’d never had anyone want to do that and it both shocked and thrilled her. And at that moment, Ily fell in love with John Luke.
Chapter Nine
Ily felt rather than heard his approach and gently unwound herself from John Luke’s embrace. Or tried. She was just about to slide off the bed when he pulled her back.
“Where’re you going in the middle of the night?”
“To answer the door.”
“The door?” He sat up. “Something you want to share?”
“Severin is on his way here.”
“For?”
Ily turned to face him and quickly told him the purpose of Severin’s visit.
“Okay, whatever you need, I’m with you.”
“You don’t have to--“
“If you don’t mind, I’d like to assuage my insecurities and stick with you. Unless you’d rather I didn’t.”
“Actually, I’d appreciate it.” She gave him a kiss, and then climbed off the bed.
John Luke rose and they both dressed. By the time coffee was brewing, there was a knock at the door. “Would you get that?” Ily asked.
“Sure.”
She heard him crossing the room and the sound of the door opening, followed by his voice. “Morning, Severin. Come on in. Coffee?”
“No, thank you.”
“Well, Ily’s in the kitchen. Come on back.”
Moments later, they entered the kitchen. John Luke poured himself a cup of coffee as Ily gestured to the table. She and Severin took a seat across from one
another. John Luke poured her a cup of coffee, took both cups to the table, and sat beside her.
“I’ve told John Luke everything.”
“That was wise,” Severin said. “Relationships rarely fare well in an atmosphere of dishonesty and secrets.”
“I agree,” John Luke said. “And I’ll do whatever I can to help all of you.”
“That is appreciated,” Severin replied and then turned his attention to Ily. “May I see your right arm?”
She laid her arm on the table. He whispered an incantation and then ran his hand over her skin. Writing appeared from her wrist to her biceps in three lines.
“What does it say?” John Luke asked.
“I don’t have a clue.” She looked at Severin. “Do you?”
“I do. It is a very ancient form of Fae.”
“What does it say?”
“This is…quite remarkable.” Severin looked up in surprise. “Did Michael ever mention prophetic dreams?”
Ily shook her head. “No, why?”
“Because of this.” He gestured toward her arm. “It’s essentially a set of directions.”
“For what?”
“Helping his daughter Elena find what she needs to realize what she is and banish his spell on the Portal.”
“Why would you ask about prophetic dreams?” John Luke asked.
“Because he thought to do this, and because of the message he left for Ily.”
“What exactly does it say?” Ily asked.
“In a nutshell, we must take a trip.”
“To?”
“Florida.”
“What’s in Florida?” John Luke asked.
“A home Michael owned that must be bequeathed to his daughter and a set of clues that must be left for her to find.”
“Wouldn’t it be easier just to find and tell her?” John Luke asked.
“No,” Ily argued. “This is what King Michael wanted and it’s what I’ll do. But neither of you has to go with me. I can do this alone. Just tell me where to go.”
“I’m afraid you’ll need assistance with this,” Severin said. “Someone with abilities in magic.”
“Any type of magic, or Fae magic?”
