The Ravaged Fairy

by Anna Keraleigh

  There was a thump, it sounded like the back door that lead to Breena’s bedroom. Had she returned that way or did trouble finally find him?

  “And we expected to find you screaming at the troll’s hands instead of lying with a smile in a willing woman’s bed.”

  Chapter Seven

  The voice was so familiar but unexpected Thame blinked twice before sitting up. Flance stood in the door with his wings displayed proudly and a grin from ear to ear.

  “Sweet Goddess!” Bray sounded behind Flance and shoved him over so she could run into his opening arms.

  They’d found him. He hugged her as tight as he could and closed his eyes in relief. He was no longer the lost fairy.

  “Thame!” she mumbled against his chest as her butt landed on the rickety bed.

  He felt her hands roam his back before she locked eyes and her hard features turned soft.

  “I’m well,” he assured her with a tight smile

  “We found your wings man.” Flance maneuvered his wings through the door.

  A ping of jealous surfaced but he quickly shoved it down. His wings were already growing back; there was no need to be envious when they had come to rescue him.

  “So, you ready to come home?” She renewed the hug.

  Was he ready? He had a king and queen to protect, a war to fight, and a score to settle with the trolls. He stood on shaky feet and leaned heavily on Bray who just hugged him closer.

  “I can’t believe the mighty Thame let a few trolls capture him.” Flance said with a smug grin.

  His quip was a low blow, but he knew they were meant good-naturedly. The words brought memories crashing in and his voice was thick with emotion as he spoke. “It wasn’t a troll.” The room settled into silence.

  “What are you talking about?” Flance asked. His tone lowered as his brows knit.

  “It was the trolls but they didn’t defeat me alone. Someone or something else was there. It was agile enough to catch me.” He didn’t understand the fragments assaulting his mind, but he did know the trolls had a dangerous ally that helped in his abduction. What did he see that night? The memoirs were too dark to wade through. The need to protect his family took precedence over the aching in his heart. Beside Breena was safer here away from him. The question was answered. He was leaving.

  There was a gasp that seemed to echo through the room. Whisper was suddenly behind Breena’s Gran. His blade wined at the little ladies throat. “No!” Where had he come from? Her chin was high despite the threat that loomed near the delicate skin of her throat. “No, it’s okay. She helped me.”

  “Your fooking right, I did,” She spoke in an unwavering voice.

  Whisper raised a dark brow, and lowered the sword then slunk away until Thame could see nothing of him. She studied Flance’s face then a frown enhanced a few lines around her mouth. “Will you tell Keyn that Abigail says hello?”

  Flance’s mouth flopped open and shut. He looked confused.

  “I’ll tell him.” Thame offered. “Breena...” What to say. What to do. Should he wait for her?

  “I’ll tell her you said goodbye.” She clasped her hands together and moved to the side of the door. Her eyes lingered on Flance’s brown and orange wings.

  He had to say goodbye. No, he had to say he would return for her. She had become a big piece of his lonely heart. Never before had he felt such loneliness. He was the solitary fairy, the one that didn’t mind living alone, and his sole purpose for waking in the morning was to protect his king. She’d changed that. Breena brought his heart back to life. “Tell her I will return.” It was safer if the trolls didn’t know about her and the only way to do that was to go home as quickly as possible. “I will return.” There was no reply and he didn’t bother to wait for the cold shoulder response.

  He wobbled with Bray and Flance’s help through the house and out the back door. His eyes lingered on Breena’s bed as the doors opened and the chilled breeze swept over his flesh. The sun tried to warm him but there was a persistent chill in the air.

  “We’ll carry you home.” Flance murmured as they stepped from the house that had become so close to home. His heart actually ached at the thought of leaving, but he did have his king to protect. A decision had never been so hard in his life. “Are you bare-assed under these human clothes?”

  Thame nodded which received a snort from Flance.

  “I think he looks hot in them. Maybe we can get you a pair.” Bray offered and wink at her beloved Flance.

  Instantly, Flance looked over the material that slung low on his hips. “You want me to wear them.” His grin was boyish and naughty then he wiggled his eyebrows playfully.

  Thame looked away. His eyes drifted back to the bed, and as his feet lifted off the ground. His eyes remained locked on that little thatched cottage where his life changed. Bray had one side and Flance the other as they flew into the darkening sky. He was finally heading home. So why did he feel like he was leaving it?

  ****

  Breena walked with her head in the clouds, her thoughts rampant on who could have possibly thrown that bone. She stumbled down her rocky driveway as the last rays of the sun decorated a few clouds on the horizon. The front door to her home was closed but not locked and she quickly shoved it closed behind her.

  There was a chill in the air, and it seemed to seep deep into her core. She flipped the lock, intended to walk right up to Thame and kiss him. There was definitely a foolish feeling about her reaction to Thame’s advances. After all, this might be the start to a beautiful thing. The moment she walked into the room, she noticed the quiet loneliness envelope her. He had such a presence and the room was so flat. Where was he? She stepped from the room and glanced at the bathroom door. It was ajar and revealed another empty area.

  “Gran,” she called loudly and heard the familiar creek of the stairs. Her face said it all. Something was wrong; sadness like she’d never known suddenly snapped her composure. She was never one to cry like a girl over a guy, but she felt her eyes blurring with emotion.

  “I’m sorry, Iníon. He left,” she stated quietly as she continued down the stairs.

  Breena’s heart shattered. “What?”

  “His friends found him and took him home.”

  She couldn’t breathe. Her lungs were heavy and her head throbbing. She didn’t remember walking into his room, but she was here and landed on his bed without a word. Despite everything, this was Thame’s room. It always would be.

  “He said to tell you goodbye.”

  Those little pieces of her heart fractured. Thame was gone. He hadn’t even waited to say goodbye personally. A tear slipped free and slid down her cheek. Why was her heart aching so? He was just a guy, but she wanted to crumble to the floor and fade away into the corner. Had she really come to love him? The thought brought another tear cascading to her chin.

  “Aw, little one. He said goodbye, but that he’d return.” Gran added.

  Breena’s head jerked up, she looked at Gran’s frown and her eyes welled with tears, this time it was all hope. “He said that?”

  She nodded and moved to sit beside her only family.

  Gran’s strong but old arm wrapped around her shoulders and she leaned into her with a shiver. If he said he would return, she could only hope he was a man of his word. Maybe some time alone would fill the void that seemed to have sprung inside her. When had he become so damn important?

  ****

  Thame waded through the thick fog that seemed to cover Ireland. Bray and Flance still held him upward as they finally reached home. Those familiar bright domes greeted his eyes then the castle style buildings, with giant sunflowers and the distant rumble of the waterfall. They passed the big willow tree and his eyes shifted to the spot where his wings were ripped from his back. He almost expected to see the blood, some form of evidence, but it was simply an unmarred patch of grass. As if his life hadn’t been changed forever in that one spot.

  The homecoming was bittersweet. He missed this
place like no other but part of his heart was back on Inis Mór with Breena.

  They began the quick descent to the ground, and he watched as a few figures gathered around. His pulse quickened. There was no mistaking the King and his new Queen. The sun was down and despite the shadows lurking, a warmth came over him. The land was suddenly beneath his feet and he fell to his knees as the Queen rushed toward him. She knelt before him in her floral printed sundress and wrapped her arms around his neck. He didn’t quite know what to do with this reception.

  “Thame!” Brook hugged him as tight as Bray had and she swiped at tears. “We missed you!” she whispered the words into his ear.

  He hugged her back, awkwardly; this was not a common occurrence. King Carrick was by her side and helped them both to their feet. “Sir.” He bowed his head, shame suddenly clouding his thoughts. He’d let himself be captured and spent his days in Breena’s care when he should have been here. “I’m sorry.” Those were the only words he could muster.

  The sounds of the night accompanied Carrick’s deep voice. “We had feared the worst.”

  Was that a tear? The king’s eyes were glassy. Thame nodded his head and clasped his outstretched hand. He was quickly pulled into an embrace that defined the word friendship. They had been boyhood friends, but as time passed, Thame was pulled into his solidarity while Carrick flourished.

  He was different now. Something had changed. He had changed. Thame walked on his own into the main palace. Just thinking the word instantly reminded him of Breena. He stiffened his body, which caused pain to lance through his tender back.

  “Sweet Goddess!” Wick exclaimed as he ran toward the group. “You scared us to death! And what the hell are you wearing?”

  Leave it to Wick to notice the jeans. “I missed you, too,” Thame muttered dryly.

  “Was that a joke?” Wick grinned. “I think they messed with his head!”

  Wick then began poking his fingers into his scalp. Laughter echoed through the hall, and Thame smiled as he pushed the jokester aside.

  “We did miss you,” he muttered and the jovial tone turned serious. His eyes drifted to his back. “I’ll get Brielle and you’ll have those wings back in no time.”

  The serious tone turned deeper but Thame couldn’t dissect it. They walked the few feet into a lounge area with glass walls and ceiling. He sat a bit fatigued on the beige couch, his head falling to the high backed cushions. From here, he could see the beautiful night cloak the fairy kingdom.

  “We’re going to get Brielle. You just rest,” Brook spoke softly and rushed from the room.

  He would have been content to just sit there and enjoy the sights. This kingdom was heaven to a fallen angel. It was beauty with its high buildings and giant sunflowers. He wanted to close his eyes beside the waterfall and spend a few hours dreaming of Breena. One day he wanted to bring her here. Thame longed for her to go to his house and make it a home. His thoughts were turning when the soft flutter of wings sounded. He opened his eyes to a gorgeous sight and a smile grew upon his lips. “Brielle.” She was like a sister to all of them, and she held her hands to her face as tears began to seep free.

  “Oh, Thame!”

  Her sweet voice punched through his weariness. The moment she was close enough he wrapped his arms around her and held tight. No matter how hard he tried to push away from everyone, she never let him run far. “You’re a beautiful site.”

  “I missed you so much.” Her voice cracked and she pressed her face against his chest. “Look at me crying like a twit. I do believe we have some healing to do.” She smiled as she pulled away and sat beside him.

  “Yes.” He wanted to shout with joy. His wings would soon be sprouting from his back. Soon he’d leap into the air and fly.

  “Lay on your stomach.”

  He did as instructed, his ankle throbbed heavily from the walk. Her cold hands pressed against his back then the warmth began to radiate. That slight heat turned to roast and felt like his tender skin was burning. He grunted; ground his teeth and slowly the ache turned into a throb.

  “The skin was nearly healed, it’ll take longer to get your wings grown and able to use.”

  He nodded, his eyes drifted closed. Maybe he would sleep through the process, which sounded like the best course of action. Warmth once again pierced his composure and that burn returned. He could feel his skin stretching and the dull throb of his wings as they pushed through all barriers to grow. Pain became intense as his back stiffened and his pulse slammed against the thin layer of skin. It should have been worse. He was there the day they brought back Wick. His wings weren’t cut off but severely mangled and the memories were unforgettable. His mouth parted and a gasp sounded before the sweet beauty of darkness swept his vision.

  When Thame opened his eyes, he instantly bit back a groan. His back throbbed; the small wings could not fully develop yet. The pain radiated to his head. It was like listening to a screaming banshee. The moment he turned onto his side, he knew he wasn’t alone. A shadow moved from the corner where a brown overstuffed chair resided.

  He was in his home, in his bedroom and tilted his head to watch Keyn move in front of him. There was this connection between them now. They both had their wings violently hacked off, but Keyn still bore the deep ragged scar down his face. Humans had tortured him when he was just a child and Thame winced as the quiet fairy knelt before him. He didn’t speak, just settled there with a frown on his lips. What could one man say to another when they both were violated so horrifically? “I feel like killing some trolls.” There were only two things he’d dreamt about, his sweet Breena and troll blood welling from each slash of his sword.

  “The feeling never fades.” His words were barely a whisper.

  Did Keyn feel this way about humans? Was this dark violence always present? Would it ever retreat? “I met a friend of yours. She helped save my life.”

  He shook his head. “I have no friends.”

  “Abigail.”

  His gaze shifted, darkened and his good eye squinted. Keyn’s mouth opened, but he didn’t say a word.

  “She wanted to say hello.”

  Keyn simply stood and walked from the room.

  Even if he had the strength to go after Keyn, he wouldn’t have. The man was a solitary creature like himself and Thame was happy to comply. There was that bittersweet emotion as he heard Brielle’s familiar footsteps. He wanted his wings, however the pain that came with her intense healing was debilitating. He grunted and waved her in when she stopped in the doorway.

  “Are you feeling ill?”

  “No.” He shifted carefully to his stomach and felt the blanket pulled down to his waist. His bare back was chilled by the sudden burst of fresh air. Then her hands were near. The heat intensified; oddly, this round of healing was less painful. He could still feel his wings enlarging, but the pain that knocked him into sleep last session was blissfully absent. Thame couldn’t tell how much time had passed. He waited and remained silent as his wings returned to nearly perfect size. Brielle however, groaned and landed with a gasp on the bed. He caught her in his arms and maneuvered her to lie on his bed.

  “I’m well,” she mumbled, pushed against him and walked unsteadily to the nearest chair. “I think I’ll sleep for a bit.” Her words slurred as she sat and her eyes slowly shut. “When I wake...” she swallowed hard. “We’ll finish your lovely...wings.”

  She was out cold, and he returned to his side of the bed. Brielle pushed herself too hard. She always did, but he couldn’t stop her. He wanted his wings returned with a passion. Maybe he’d be able to fly to Inis Mór and check on Breena. Thame desperately held on to that thought as his lids descended.

  ****

  The sounds of swords clashing instantly brought Thame awake. He jerked upward and pulled out his blade, only his trusted sword was not under his pillow as it usually was. What in the Goddess’s name? There was a scream and he jumped to his feet, pushed away the pain as he ran bare-assed out of his bedroom. More s
lashes, a male grunted as Thame charged down the corridor and toward his front door. Had the trolls attacked again? Was that the queen or Brielle? Where were the others? He burst through the front door, his dick rising, excited about the fight and rush of testosterone to come. All thoughts fried as he skidded to a stop.

  Queen Brook’s eyes instantly went to his semi erection, her eyes went wide and she lost all focus on Wick, her sparring partner. The other fairies stop watching the mock battle and glanced in his direction.

  What was a man to say at this point? He pressed his lips together, shook his head and turned around. There were a few whistles and catcalls followed by laughter, all in male tones. He walked back into his house, shut the door and felt just like Breena. Had she wanted to laugh at herself when she tripped over every little thing around him? Were his cheeks red like hers had become?

  Thame looked around his big house and really viewed his home. It was dull, bare. The walls empty of personality. The furniture was sparse, but not one thing reminded him of what a home should look like. The palace, Brielle’s home, even Bray and Flance had homes that looked cozy. His looked staged. There was another whistle and the battle began again. Swords began to clash as he walked down the hallway and back into his bedroom. He awoke ready for battle and now all he could do was wallow in loneliness. His wings fluttered and pain shot through his back. Things were almost back to normal but did he want it to remain normal? He landed in bed on his stomach and closed his eyes, but didn’t sleep. He brought up the image of Breena’s smile. The way her cheeks flushed when he kissed her or she took a tumble into his arms. Would she make his house a home?

  Nerves made his stomach flip. He stood in front of the mirror and gazed at the giant gold wings on his back. It felt right, like the world was once again spinning on its axis. Thame never thought twice about his wings, but now doubt lined his face. Would Breena like them? Would she accept him as a fairy and not a human? He hadn’t attempted to fly yet. Brielle finished the last healing session nearly two days ago.