by Sarah Bale
“We’ll just have to run faster if that happens.”
“Okay,” she dragged the word out, trying to pump herself up. “Let’s do this.”
Ian pulled her into his arms and caught her lips with his own. Their tongues danced together in a wild tango and she couldn’t help feeling as if he was saying goodbye. She blinked the tears in her eyes away so he wouldn’t see them.
“I’m so sorry that you were thrown into our chaotic world, Lexi. You don’t deserve to be in this much danger.”
She wrapped her arms around his waist. “Ian, everything happens for a reason.” She looked up at him. “And when we get to the palace, we won’t have to worry about the Witches ever again.”
He wouldn’t meet her gaze as he nodded. She tried not to let it bother her but it did. He didn’t think they were going to make it. Something cold touched her back but she ignored it, wanting to savor the moment.
“Are you ready?” he asked.
“As ready as I will ever be.”
“Good.” He paused and then added, “If something happens to me, you have to promise you will keep running. Do not stop running until you can touch the walls of Sapphire City.”
She started to protest but he stopped her with a single look.
“Promise me, Lexi.”
She looked at the ground. “I promise.”
A relieved look flashed in his eyes as she glanced at him. “Thank you.”
It suddenly hit her. He knew the Witches were close and he was planning to sacrifice himself to make sure she was safe. The thought of losing him made the breath leave her lungs.
She might have promised to go on without him but that didn’t mean she had to keep her word. If he didn’t have to be honest with her then she could go back on her promise and save him.
“On the count of three,” Ian said as he took her by the hand. “One. Two. Three.”
They both began to run and he didn’t let go of her. The flowers slapped against their ankles but she didn’t look down. Her inner voice screamed for her to turn around but it was too late.
The wind began to blow behind them. The whipping current of air caused her hair to cover her eyes. She knew the Witches were causing it. The once silent air now screamed around them as fiercely as it would during a blizzard.
“Fuck,” Ian cursed.
It was only one word but it said volumes. Without being told, she let go of his hand and picked up her pace. She tried not to look at the flowers surrounding them, knowing the wind would soon awaken them.
Ahead, the walls of Sapphire City became a beacon of hope to her and she focused on nothing but them.
“Halfway there,” Ian said from behind her.
She knew he could pass her with ease but he stayed a step behind. She wanted to risk a glance behind her but her fear wouldn’t let her.
The wind howled around them, angry that they were making such good progress. For a split second, Lexi swore she could hear a woman’s voice on the wind.
“Hurry,” the voice moaned. “Your time runs out.”
She knew that voice and it had never led her astray before in her youth. It was the voice of her mother. Lexi didn’t need another warning. She pushed herself harder than imaginable knowing this was her last chance to get to safety.
Behind her, the world erupted in small explosions. She could smell rain and wild roses in the air and every once in a while she caught the musky scent of Ian’s skin. She knew the flowers were releasing their liquid.
The flowers in front of her began to sway back and forth and then began clenching as their climax built.
“They’re about to blow,” she yelled.
Ahead of her, she could see a man standing near the edge of the Enchanted Fields. He was pacing back and forth in an anxious manner.
“Help!” she screamed at him.
“You must hurry,” he called and she realized it was Hank.
Seeing him ahead gave her hope. If he had made it through then surely they would make it.
“Get her out of here,” Ian called out behind her.
Hank nodded and ran toward her. He reached her in a moment and picked her off her feet.
“I am so sorry,” he said as her carried her out of the fields.
She wondered what he meant. She looked over his shoulder and her heart stopped in her chest. With each step they took, Ian fell farther behind. He had been right behind her.
“He’s using himself as bait,” Hank said as he ran.
“Why?” she asked. She could hear her own heart breaking in her voice.
“They hate you. But they want to destroy him.”
Hank’s feet reached the hunter green grass where no flowers grew but he didn’t stop.
“Wait. We have to get Ian.”
“No. It’s too late for him. He’s not important.”
She tried to get out of Hank’s arms but his grip was too strong. She watched in horror as three women appeared in front of Ian. She couldn’t see their faces but she knew they were the Witches. He stood still, waiting, and Lexi held her breath. They didn’t attack him. Instead, the wind blew in strong gusts and the flowers all around Ian erupted, shooting their liquid into the air.
“Ian!” she screamed. “Use one of your weapons. Don’t just stand there.”
Ian wobbled on his feet for a moment, fighting the inevitable. His eyes closed and his chest lifted as he inhaled.
“No!”
The Witches paid her no attention but cackled as Ian fell to his knees. As if in slow motion, the Witches circled around him and he dropped to the ground.
“Hank, let me go! I have to save him.”
Hank didn’t slow his pace as he ran to the gates of Sapphire City.
“Hank!” she shrieked. “Stop!”
Hank pounded on the gate and yelled, “I have the One. Take me to the king.”
The gates opened, creaking as if it had been a long time since the hinges had moved and a blinding flash of blue light swept over her. Lexi covered her eyes and could feel someone ushering Hank through the gates. Something warm spread through her body and then the sensation was gone a moment later.
She looked back to the fields and saw the Witches lifting Ian up. One of the Witches looked at her and glared. The look said everything. They had gotten what they wanted and now she had nothing.
The gates slammed shut and Lexi was forced to look around. Hank still held her close as they made their way down a blue stone path. Little stone houses lined the path and in the distance, she could see a stream with aquamarine water. It was beautiful and she was in hell.
People stepped from their homes to watch as they passed. She couldn’t look around anymore, though, and buried her face in Hank’s jacket.
“Lexi!” someone yelled.
She looked up to see Andrew running toward her. Hank let her down and she ran into his arms, thankful to see him there.
“What happened?” he demanded as he held her close.
“Andrew, we have to go back. They have him. He…he needs me.” Tears streamed down her face.
“Lexi, who has him?”
Hank cleared his throat and answered, “The Witches have him. He succumbed to them in the Enchanted Fields.”
Andrew’s entire body tensed up. “What in the fuck were they doing near the fields?”
A horn sounded nearby and Andrew ran a hand through his hair. Lexi held onto him for dear life, knowing the king was coming. It was all too much. She had just lost Ian and no one seemed to care.
Andrew pointed at Hank. “You have a lot of explaining to do.”
Before Hank could say anything, a tall man surrounded by guards came toward them. Lexi looked him over, realizing that she did look like him. Their gazes met and she saw her own golden eyes staring back in surprise. Hints of a memory long lost began to surface but before her mind could understand what it meant, it was gone.
The king reached them but did not speak to her directly. “What has happened, Andrew?”
He nodded. “He’s dead, then.” He turned to Hank, a dark frown on his face. “I forbade you from stepping foot in Sapphire City. What makes you think I’ve changed my mind since the last time we spoke?”
Hank flinched. “Your Highness, I brought this woman to you. My Brian told me—”
“Silence. How dare you mention that traitor’s name in my presence?” His anger rolled off his body in waves. Lexi realized he hated Hank.
“But—”
The king waved his hand and two guards took Hank by the arms. “I’ll show pity on you for bringing her here safely but do not think I forgot what your lover did to my family.”
He nodded and the guards dragged Hank away.
“Brian is alive. He told me you were the only one who could save him.”
Lexi thought Hank had spoken to the king but she realized he was talking to her. How could she save Brian? She hadn’t even been able to save Ian.
The king finally turned to her.
“Lexi, welcome to Sapphire City. I am King Loren. I have long awaited your arrival. Please, follow me to the palace so that we may get to know each other better.”
She looked up him incredulously. Was he serious? She counted to ten and said, “With all due respect, Your Highness, we need to get out there and find Ian. I know he’s still alive but our time is running out.”
The angry look on his face told Lexi he didn’t like being told what to do. But there was more. His thoughts sat in the front of his mind and she could see them all. It was strange that the most powerful man in the realm was also the easiest to read. Right now he was about to say something that was going to piss her off.
King Loren frowned and turned to Andrew. “Take her to the palace and directly to the veiled room. If she struggles, then use force. We’ll have our answers then.”
He turned and let his guards usher him away to safety. Andrew bowed and lifted Lexi off her feet.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “I have to obey him. He’s my king.”
She didn’t blame Andrew for following orders but she didn’t have to like it. “He’s not going to try to find Ian, is he?”
Andrew shook his head. “No.” He sighed. “Lexi, for Ian’s sake, please go along with this. It may be your only chance to save him.”
She nodded. She would do whatever it took to save Ian.
Chapter Nine
Andrew carried her all the way to the palace, despite her repeated requests to walk. Ian had been right about the palace. Decorative sapphires covered every surface, putting most palaces she’d ever seen on the internet and TV to shame. It stood tall and proud, much like the airs its king put on.
They went through the main door and she could see guards standing everywhere, ready to protect their king. They didn’t trust her. It was a strange realization. Andrew turned and strode down a long hallway. Sapphires reflected the light from the candles on the walls. It felt very medieval inside. She noticed there was no one in the hallway.
“What is the veiled room?” she asked.
He would not look her in the eyes as he replied, “I’m not really sure. Only a few have ever been inside the room. It’s where King Loren will determine if you are the One or if you were merely an innocent bystander.”
“And if I am the One?”
He sighed. “Lexi, I don’t know what will happen if you are the One. The prophecy suggests you will come into your powers in the veiled room and then defeat the Witches. It’s pretty vague for the most part.”
That had to be the vaguest prophecy she had ever heard in her life.
“You’re not kidding,” she huffed. Then she asked, “And if I am an innocent bystander?”
“Then we’ll find a way for you to get back to Oklahoma and this will become nothing more than a dream.”
His words sent a tremor of fear through her body.
“Are you saying I would forget everything that’s happened? Forget Sinoda? Forget you and Ian?” Her voice broke with the last few words.
He looked at her this time, his green eyes full of sympathy. “Yes.”
She used her tongue to moisten her dry lips and asked, “And if I am a Witch?”
Andrew stopped. “I would kill you. Immediately. My only solace would be that Ian would not have to be the one to do it. He cares for you too much.”
He was hurting at the loss of his friend and his pain matched her own. It killed her that everyone was giving up on him when she knew he was still alive. She also feared for her life. No one had ever said she’s die. She thought they would just send her back to Oklahoma. She knew the truth though. She wasn’t a Witch.
She grabbed onto his arm. “We have to try to save him, Andrew. I can’t leave him out there.”
“I know, Lexi. I love him too. He’s like a brother to me.”
She rubbed her face with her free hand and blurted out, “He knows you were at the Wooden Brothel.”
She needed him to know this.
“It doesn’t surprise me that he knew. He probably saw the marks the clamps left behind.” He paused. “Lexi, you can’t tell anyone you were able to summon me. Others would fear the worst.”
“Ian explained that it was unusual to be able to summon someone. I didn’t even know I was doing it, to tell you the truth.”
His lips lifted in a slight smile. “I was surprised when it happened but I was also honored.”
“I doubt it will happen again, Andrew. I love Ian.”
He nodded. “I know, Lexi. I know.”
They reached a large black door. Covered in ornate and graphic carvings of skeletons killing people in various ways, the door scared her. Was this to be her fate? There was no turning back. Even the light seemed to hide from the door, casting shadows.
“I’m half expecting to see a monster behind the door.” She tried to laugh after the statement but it came out weak. She wasn’t just scared. She was terrified. Her heart pounded against her ribcage and breathing was difficult. She would probably die in that room but she owed it to Ian to go in. Andrew gently put her down.
“This is as far as I am able to go. I’ll wait for you right here, though. One way or another my face will be the first thing you see when you’re finished.”
His words didn’t ease the fear that made her want to vomit. She rolled her shoulders and took in a deep breath.
“Okay, here I go.”
Andrew leaned down and lightly kissed her forehead.
“Good luck, Lex.”
She reached out to open the door but it swung slowly open on its own. It made a horrible creaking sound. The room ahead was dark but she could see something in the center of the room glowing a soft blue. With each step she took, the glow became more intense.
The door closed with a solid thud and a lock turning indicated she had no way out. She continued moving toward the glowing item. As she reached it, she was surprised to see it was a large glass bowl filled with water. The water swirled around, causing the blue glow. She put her hand out and touched the water but nothing happened.
“Shit. What am I supposed to do?” she asked.
A door opened from the other side of the room and she could see a man coming toward her.
“King Loren,” she acknowledged with a bow of her head.
“This is the veiled room as I am sure you have figured out. Only a few have ever entered and even fewer have left alive. There are no secrets in this room. I cannot lie to you and you cannot lie to me.” He paused and looked into the bowl of water. “I fear you are not the woman we are looking for but it is not for me to decide.”
His thoughts mirrored his voice. There were so many things she wanted to ask him while he couldn’t lie but she knew her time was precious.
“Why am I here then?” she wanted to know. “Why aren’t we out there, looking for Ian? I know he’s alive, Your Highness. I can feel—”
He held up his hand to silence her.
The kin
g sighed. “We must find out who you truly are. If you are the One, your powers will begin to flow through your veins right away. You will then face the Witches and destroy them once and for all.”
She could see his thoughts—he really believed the prophecy even if though he didn’t think it was about her. She also saw the fear that kept him awake at night. The Witches were almost strong enough to take over Sapphire City and without Ian, there was no chance in stopping them. Her heart ached. Ian, her sweet Ian.
“And if I am here by mistake?”
“Then I must send you home. If you are here by accident then each moment you are out of your realm, your body grows weaker. Soon, you will die here and your soul would be lost forever. You would spend an eternity stuck between where you want to be and where you are and never feel the relief that comes with death, as a mortal should.”
She shivered as an image of her trapped between the two realms crossed her mind. She would be a ghost to both sides and never know true rest. A sob rose in her throat but she swallowed it down. Now wasn’t the time to think about herself.
“And if I am a Witch, then Andrew will kill me.” It wasn’t a question.
“Yes.” He answered without hesitation. “But I promise you one thing, Lexi. If you believe Ian is alive then I will send out my best team to retrieve him. I just pray it won’t be too late, though I fear it is.”
She took in a slow breath. “Then that’s all I can ask for. What do I need to do?”
King Loren stood on the other side of the bowl.
“There is a great power that lies in this bowl of water. It is the same power that the Witches seek and that I vowed to protect. You must submerge your head under the water. I warn you, you will not be able to lift your head until the time is right.”
“So I could drown?”
The king shrugged a shoulder as if it didn’t matter to him. “It is a risk you have no choice but to take.”
His voice was cold and uncaring. He truly didn’t think she was the One nor did he care if she died. Her stomach clenched as panic swept through her body.
She finally nodded and said, “I hold you to your promise, Your Highness. Find Ian and bring him back safely.”
She owed the king no loyalties but she owed Ian her life. She took in a deep breath, filling her lungs with oxygen. She held onto the handles on each side of the bowl and slowly lowered her head until it was completely under water.
