Revelations (Mists of the Fae Book 1)

by Jaime Marks

  “Thanks for driving me to school, Mom, and don’t let Dad get to you he’s just an ass sometimes.” Star leaned over and kissed her cheek, hopping out of the car before Reyn could call her on her language. She rushed over to meet up with some of her friends.

  Reyn watched her smile and laugh, glad to see she at least had some normal in her life outside of home. She knew that Star felt the strain as much as she and Sean did, just in different ways. As she pulled away she tried to put all that out of her mind and took a deep breath. Hopefully after yoga and the healing she would feel more at ease and have a better perspective on things.

  Marcus stood outside the yoga studio in the mist between the Earth and the spirit realm. He knew that she would be here soon and he wanted to make sure that the shadows and alleys around the building were clear and safe before she arrived. There had been too many attempts lately, too many times had they tried to take her. He knew it was because the time was upon them. Even their best shields and her own boundaries she had cast around her home no longer masked her for long. Her power was growing and it was a beacon for every ethereal, spiritual, and magical being. He had to stay close to her. In her current form her body was unstable. If the Light erupted and no one was there to see her through the awakening as she transitioned from her current form into her true existence, well he wouldn’t dwell on such consequences. He would simply be sure it was never a concern. As for the other potential, he simply couldn’t fathom that. Reyana had always been the purest of the Light. The very notion that she could awaken Dark was deplorable.

  How many years had it been that he had watched her since her rebirth? So far from her though so close to her side. She had been five when Alysse had come to him and told him she lived. At first he was confused, he had held the empty shell that was left of her in his arms seventy-five years before hand. How could it even be possible? His mind couldn’t even wrap itself around the idea. It wasn’t that he doubted the truth in what Alysse said. She was the oldest and wisest of the Fae; their high priestess and keeper of their knowledge and histories. She was never wrong. He just couldn’t fathom the how of it and she had never explained it to him. All she had said was that Lucerna had come to her and Reyana was alive, but in the form of a human child; that she was very vulnerable. The Darkness was looking for her because she could easily be awakened Dark or even turned and if they succeeded she would be lost forever as would all hope of the Fae.

  She had sent him to her to watch over and protect her. She hadn’t volunteered any further information, and he didn’t question she who was revered as mother of them all. He might not have been able to wrap his mind around the hows and whys, but if Alysse spoke it was to be trusted. Besides, she was alive. How could he turn away from the opportunity to see her again in any form?

  Looking back on it now, that was most likely why she had chosen him above all others. He would have given his very existence to see her again and as such would keep her safe regardless of the cost. He remembered that first night in her room, standing over her as she slept. He had wept for the opportunity he had been given. Inside this shell of a girl he could feel her life, her essence, and he knew it was true. He loved her above all else and he had lost her, but there she was in the innocence of youth and still beautiful to him. She might not be able to know he existed and there were years and age between them but he would wait for her for an eternity if he had to. He would keep her safe to ensure she had the chance to make such a choice.

  She had not had an easy life. There were times he had crossed the line and interceded to keep her safe and times when he had not been able to protect her that broke his heart. He watched her grow from a child to a young woman. Bit back his pain as he watched her walk down the aisle into the arms of another. Shed tears of joy as she became a Mother of her own child. Through it all, he had walked aside of her in veiled anonymity; guarding over her and now her daughter who he wished was his own. He would not fail her.

  “Deep in thought my friend?”

  He glanced over, not surprised to see he had company. After last night he had expected it. He knew Kato would be concerned with the growing connection between he and Reyana. Things had been far simpler when they had all thought him dead; when he had been guarding her alone.

  “What are you doing here, Kato?” He finally asked, surveying the Praetor of the Guardians in an attempt to deign whether this was official or if he was here of his own accord. Kato stood six foot three, built as strong as Marcos himself, the energy of the forest weaving its way through his essence in sparkling green hues and gleaming in his eyes.

  “I thought you could use the company.” He smiled. “There was a time long ago when you welcomed my presence, Marcus. We were close once you and I…before she died.”

  “Indeed, we were, but time changes things, Kato. I’m no longer a Guardian, but a rogue, and your King tolerates me only at Alysse’s request.”

  He met his eyes a moment, “I think you would be quite surprised what Lord Mythos does and does not welcome. There will come a time when you will come face to face and we shall see, hmm?”

  “I doubt that.” Marcus ground his teeth at the thought of once again facing the King. They had never quite seen eye to eye. Though they had been friends once they had quarreled often; especially when it came to Reyana. Since her death they had not spoken.

  “Then you are not thinking ahead.” Kato interjected. “What do you think is going to happen here, Marcus? When she awakens you must realize that she will have to return to our realm. She has a destiny upon her, my friend and she will need to rediscover who and what she is in order to fulfill it.” Kato stared up at the sky choosing his words carefully before he continued. “You love her still, even in this form?”

  “Yes, in any form.” He replied solemnly.

  “It is dangerous to be so close to her now. The way your energies, your essences interact with one another. It is as if you more than any of us bring her Light to the surface, Marcus. It could trigger the awakening. That is why we agreed to keep our distance as much as possible. She is so close already.” Kato sighed, hesitating before he continued more delicately. “You also need to realize, Marcus that she likely thinks you are a dream. She is married to another, with whom she has a young. She may not be thrilled with the idea that you knew all this and allowed things to…progress…between the two of you. She always took any vow she made very seriously. She may feel you are tricking her into breaking this one.”

  “I realize the risks, Kato.” He snarled. “Why do you think I have kept my distance from her these last four years? It certainly wasn’t to appease you or your King.” He watched Kato cringe at his tone and blatant dismissal of Mythos’ rule. He turned from him in frustration. “And think you know her better than I? It is just so hard sometimes to have her so close, especially when she needs me. I know I should keep my distance. I’ve tried to. Sometimes she is just so sad though. She doesn’t understand what is happening to her and as far as that joke of a husband of hers? I could kill him for the way he treats her sometimes.” He turned back to meet the Guardian’s gaze as his head abruptly turned to him, “Don’t worry Kato I won’t kill the human. Provided he doesn’t cause her physical harm anyway.”

  Kato’s gaze turned from apprehensive to shrewd. He had always been able to see through a Fae’s strongest blocks to their truth and fear. Marcos was not at all surprised at the question that followed, “Is he really that bad? That you worry it might come to that?”

  “At times.” He seethed thinking of how the human had threatened her this morn. He had nearly stepped in but just barely managed to hold himself back. “He seems to be moving closer to that…edge.”

  The Fae studied him, “There is more to this my friend?”

  Marcus sighed in frustration, “There is just something that causes me pause with him. In the beginning, as much as it pains me to admit, they were great together. He all but revered her. After Star was born, however, he treated her as if she were a waste of spa
ce and beneath him. It was as if all she had been good for was to serve as his incubator. When she began to talk about leaving and taking the baby, he relented and they worked through it all…eventually. She put off the entire situation as the stress of having a child and I had no recourse to step in. Now however, that the awakening has weakened her so, there are days that he is worse to her than ever.” Marcus hesitated. “There are times I wonder if there isn’t more to it but I do not sense it. There is just something not right about that man, Kato.”

  “Hmm, you sound more than a bit concerned. Are you saying he may be joined with the Darkness? A minion to it?” Kato mused. He could feel the Fae probing his mind.

  “I don’t know. I would sense it on him, but it almost appears as if he is trying to break her at times. He’s definitely trying to control her, though she will not tolerate it and the more she defies him the more rage I feel in him. There is some odd feel to the human.” Marcus pictured the smug, malicious look on his face as he watched her cry the night before; as he left her lying there on the floor. It had been all he could take. In truth it had been the breaking point that had pushed him to go to her. He couldn’t stand to sit idly by and watch her cry herself to sleep.

  He had wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into dream with him, using his ability to ease her. He had almost taken it too far. Being so close to her at last, touching her. He hadn’t expected her to respond to him in such a way. The feel of her essence joining with his, the gentle tickle of her fingers grazing his skin. He had forgotten the risks and lost himself to her. In truth if the Darkness hadn’t come he may not have stopped.

  “I know you prefer us not to be here, but allow me to check him out? If he is a danger to her we all need to be aware. He is too close to her not to be sure.” Kato suggested, treading carefully.

  They stood in silence as he considered the request. Kato was attempting to respect his connection to Reyana. He always informed him of where things stood, who would be watching her, involved him in any decisions that concerned her. He made sure the others kept their distance from her. Despite his best efforts to keep the Fae at arm’s length, Kato was slowly chiseling away at the walls he had built over the last century. The thing was, Kato had at one time been like a brother to him. He had trusted the Fae with his own life, made him his Second in Command. It wasn’t until he no longer trusted his own judgment, let alone anyone else’s, that he had forsaken their friendship. He blamed them all, every last one of them for her death; most of all himself. Trusting any of them again with her was a struggle. He had been standoffish and angry when they had first shown up four years ago to assist him in protecting her. He didn’t want to risk having any one of them near her. Fae could turn from the Light, could become Shade. He didn’t trust it. In time however, as much as he hated to admit it, it almost felt like old times. He, Kato and Grifyn had often shared missions and duties. Having the two of them around was actually…comforting, though he would never admit it. It brought him a much needed warmth and the added protection they provided was invaluable. The forces sent to abduct Reyana were stronger than ever and he wouldn’t be able to fend them off without their strength and cunning. He couldn’t have kept her safe on his own last night. There were just too many. If there was anyone he could trust, anyone who would keep her safe at their own expense, it was the Guardian standing aside of him. Kato had always been a Fae of honor and respect. He had always been a friend and in this case, he was right. As a Fae of the Forest he had abilities at his command that Marcus did not.

  “It would honor me…if you would do so.” Marcus finally replied, trying not to cringe. It may be the wisest action. He may feel he could trust Kato, but that didn’t make it easy.

  “I will do so now, while she and her young are away.” He nodded. “Thank you, my friend.” Before Marcus could respond, Kato had misted away.

  He pondered what it would be like for a moment, to work with Kato side by side again; to reclaim his place amongst the Guardians. He shook off his thoughts. The time for such things had long passed. He had forsaken his vows and deserted his own kind. He walked a thin line between the Dark and the Light. His hatred for Cymeryn and his pain at the loss of Reyana had opened a door to the Darkness in him. He would slice his own throat before he allowed it to overtake him, but there would be no joyous return to the Light for one such as he. He did not fool himself. He knew what lie ahead. He would return Reyana to the Light, save her from the Darkness that threatened to drown her. The very evil that had taken her from him so long ago would not own her in this time. He knew however, that would be it. Once she was safely home, safely in the realm of Light, he would return to his seclusion. There was no place for him in that world.

  He felt her arrive and misted over to the parking lot to keep watch. The area was clear at the moment but she had to walk through the alley to enter the building and things could change quickly when you were dealing with Shadows. She looked so tired he thought. He didn’t need to stretch his senses out to know that time was running out. He hoped Mythos could have everything ready in time. It wouldn’t be long.

  Chapter 3

  Cymeryn knelt in the shadows of the dark, musty cave. The Darkness swirled around him as he awaited his Lord. The Lord of Darkness had not summoned him directly since he had been turned. Generally he received word through the Priest or reported to the Dark Domain himself when he was prepared to submit to his sire’s will. This was different. This was a task he was being given. He could only imagine it was of great import as he had been summoned from the front lines of the war. They were gaining ground day by day against the Guardians and they could not afford to lose ground at this stature. He was the Supryn of the Umbra, legions of Shade Warriors and Shadows that comprised the Darkness’ forces. His presence at the fronts was necessary to continue the drive forth. They had gained back much of the ground they had lost in years prior but though the Fae’s numbers thinned they were resourceful and determined. He could taste the blood of the Guardians in his throat and desired nothing more than their end, the end of all Fae. He felt the icy hold of the Darkness strengthen around him as the Dark Lord approached and he relished in it. The powerful presence filled the cavern with its choking depths.

  “You may rise Cymeryn.” The voice echoed from everywhere and nowhere at once. “Are you aware of the Prophecy of Reyn?”

  “Of course, Lord Lazurys, we all are.” Cymeryn stated as he rose to his feet. Wondering where this was going, he recited the fable. “There will be one reborn of both Dark and Light. She who shall end the wars. She who has the burden of choice. Should she choose Light an end shall come to Dark and fright, but should she choose Dark, there will be forever night. She who shall be savior of her chosen race.” He quoted. “It is a myth the Fae now teach their young for comfort and whispered of victory amongst weaker Shade.”

  “It is not a myth. It is a message I whispered to Alayne as a warning to the Shade. As it spread the whispers of it made it to the ears of the Fae.” Lord Lazurys spoke as he became a corporeal form of swirling black Shadow and blood red hues. “Reyn, as she is called, is very much real. She is mine of mine own essence and I want her returned to me. The Darkness will possess her strength and then my dearest Lucerna’s Light will fade. I have had her within my grasp twice before, but each opportunity to possess her has been stolen from me. If I cannot own her, I will destroy her. I cannot allow her strength to grow to rival mine. She cannot be allowed to join with Lucerna. She is vulnerable now. She has been reborn unto human form. ”

  “Then she knows not what she is or how to wield her strength?” Cymeryn smiled wickedly.

  “Indeed, but the awakening is upon her. Her power grows with each waking day, churning between Dark and Light. Such anger and rage exists in her Darkness, such fury. I have sent Minions over the years to foster it, to cultivate hatred in her. It has made her Darkness strong, but she loves just as fiercely. To turn all that strength to Dark…her power even now is….delicious.” Lord Lazurys
murmured. “She must become one with the Darkness within her. I have sent Shadows and Minions to bring her to me, but the Guardians protect her. Where they have failed, I expect the Shade to succeed. There is one at her side Cymeryn, that I would think would be of great desire to you.”

  This peeked Cymeryn’s interest. There was only one who had eluded him through eternity, one whose blood he craved spilled before all others. One whom he had once called brother.

  “Yes, Cymeryn, your twin is quite taken with the woman. He loves this one very deeply, so much so that it rules his soul. He walks a thin line, anger and hatred grasp him but he will not relent unto me. As fun as he would be to kill, I know there is something you would like even more….” Lazurys chuckled wickedly. “How it could strengthen us to add his essence to the Darkness. The connection he has to Reyn could very well be the key to both their undoing. If it serves the purpose turn them both. If one turns, the other will follow. Use the relationship they have to your advantage. I care not how you use the woman, take her for your own if it is your desire. Just do not fail me.”

  Cymeryn grinned in contemplation. “The female would be mine? To do with as I wish?”

  “To a point. Never forget she is mine Cymeryn. I will take from her what I want, when I want it and if you kill her I shall destroy you despite how much I value your strength and Darkness. I want her Dark. I do not care how the turn is made. Take her as yours, toy with her, break her, whatever the Darkness in your heart desires, but make it so. Preferably before she awakens. Every day she spends as Fae is a risk to us all. She may be turned, but I would prefer to avoid that risk by her being awakened as Shade. If she awakens as Fae, it will strengthen the Light in them both. Turning her from that form will be difficult. I have worked too hard to get back what is mine. I will not lose her, but if she cannot be born of Darkness, if she cannot be turned; I will destroy her before I allow Lucerna to claim her. I want her Cymeryn, and I do not care the costs. If I have to destroy my Reyn, you too will suffer my wrath. If you succeed, however; if you bring her to me, I will make you ruler of all denizens of the night, and once we conquer the Light, you shall rule over all Fae as they turn to Shade.”