by Jaime Marks
“How are you feeling Reyana?” Marcus asked from beside him, checking over her to reassure himself.
“I’m fine.” She replied curtly.
Marcus grimaced. Her annoyance seemed to pain him, but he moved on ahead. They were moving at a tediously slow rate for Mythos’ taste. He could not understand why they did not merely use the speed of wind to cover the ground more quickly.
As if he had read his mind Marcus began to speak. “The entrance to the Sanctuary is hidden and it shifts. You won’t know it till you are upon it. If we moved with the wind we could miss it.”
“What exactly is this place?” Mythos asked. He did not doubt its existence, Marcus had hidden so well for so long that until Alysse had come to him, they all had thought him dead. He just could not fathom how he had never known such a place existed. As crowned Fae, heir to the throne he had been required to learn of all the realms, never had he heard of one that masked its inhabitants from all who sought them. Nor had he heard of one where the entryways shifted. All entryways were fixed points, gates for lack of a better term. When one misted through the realms in fact his essence flowed through those gates.
“It is a place that exists between realms. Touching all of them and none of them at the same time.”
“How did you find such a place Marcus, not even the elders knew of it.”
He glanced over to see him shrug. “To be honest I happened upon it quite by accident. I just walked right into it. It took me a full year to figure out how to get back out and by then I knew what I had found.”
“Hmmm, strange indeed.” Mythos mused studying him.
Marcus sighed, “Not really. It was precisely what I needed. There was no Light, no Dark, there just was. I could feel the battle within me, but there was no other influence. Since her rebirth I often wonder if Lucerna had not guided me there to ensure that I survived to see her again.”
Mythos mused over his old friend’s words. Lucerna did indeed work in mysterious ways. She had not revealed herself in many years speaking only through the Priestesses of Light. Lucerna had foreseen Reyana’s rebirth. The whispers of the prophecy had been circulating through the ages becoming a fairytale that parents told their young when they became uneasy over the war. Perhaps she had guided Marcus to the Sanctuary as he called it, to protect him from the Darkness that threatened to swallow him; to protect him from himself.
She stirred in his arms and looked up at him. “I’m feeling better, do you mind if I walk? Being carried so much makes me feel like a kid.”
He had to smile as he put her down on her feet, watching to be sure her footing was steady before releasing her. She may not remember who she was, but her spirit and determination was the same. It felt good to have her so close, even if she did not know him.
She reached for Marcus’ hand and it was given welcomely. Mythos noticed the subtle caress, the way she looked to him. She was scared and unsure of all this despite her outward bravado. She needed him. His presence was the only comfort she clung to in the chaos her world had suddenly become. He was her anchor, keeping her grounded, and he suspected the same was true for him. If not for Reyana, Marcus would have given in to Cymeryn. There was no doubt. She may be a weakness for him, but she was also his strength. It worked both ways. They were bound. Whatever destiny awaited them, it awaited them both as one.
“Where are we?” She asked him.
“The woods beyond Ashland Falls.” Marcus paused studying area.
“Marcus, what is that?” She asked pointing to the center of the clearing they had just entered.
Mythos studied the area but he could see and sense nothing.
Marcus smiled kissing her forehead. “That my love, is what we have been searching for. Mythos, take my hand, I’ve never tried to go through the entryway with more than one person and I don’t want to chance it shifting away separating us.”
The three of them held hands making their way forward. Mythos felt the familiar hum of energy that he associated with the entryways to the realms, but he saw no opening. As they stepped forth together the forest began to fade. He felt himself misting from one realm to the next.
Star felt queasy as she walked through the hall. She had been up and down all day. Bubbly and happy one minute, angry and lashing out the next. She didn’t know what was with her today. She passed by Byryn who was leaning against his locker in his tight jeans and leather jacket. She tried to ignore the way he watched her over the rims of his sunglasses. He had always kind of watched her but today she felt as if he were staring right through her. He never spoke to her, just watched her and she hoped that today was no different. She wasn’t in the mood for company, especially from him. He was Hamilton High’s resident badass. She couldn’t understand why he took interest in her. He was a senior and she was a sophomore. She was an honors student, he was for all points and purposes a delinquent. She wouldn’t deny he was attractive, taller than any other kid in school with a chiseled face and solid build, his dark features an enigma. She had always had to fight an odd pull to be close to him. She wanted nothing to do with him. He was an ass. He bullied any one he saw fit and he thought he owned this place. There were times he could be downright cruel and it kind of reminded her of how her Father had been acting lately.
A sudden pain laced through her body and she leaned against the locker resting her head against it.
“Breathe through it,” a deep sultry voice whispered in her ear, “It will pass.”
Star spun around coming face to face with Byryn, their noses almost touching as he smiled devilishly at her. He was so close they seemed to be breathing the same air, a chill seemed to flow from his breathe down into her, soothing the pain from the inside out. She shivered. Byryn reach up and tugged one of her curls letting it go and watching it spring back into place as he leaned in on arm that he had braced against the lockers.
“You don’t know do you?” He smirked.
“Know what?” She choked out, barely able to talk as she fought against the pull she felt for him. His dark almost black eyes locked on hers. The pain swirled through her again but this time it felt as if the icy chill flowed evenly between them, balancing and holding her.
“Shhh,” Byryn murmured, “Just feel it, let it flow through you. You are so….delicious”
He leaned forward grazing her lips with his own a soft groan escaping his lips. His body suddenly pressed into hers and she lost herself to him, his tongue entering her mouth. Something dark and seductive flowed through her veins, flowed between them. He released her mouth, nuzzling into her throat, “Let’s get out of here,” He whispered, “Let me take you somewhere that I can taste you.” He drew the word taste out like a delicious temptation. Her hands ran up his chest of their own volition, burrowing into his clothes, she had to get closer. “That’s it Staryana,” he murmured. “Feel it, my essence flowing through you, yours through me. Let it take hold in you.” His soft words caressed her. She pulled him to her, kissing him. She didn’t know what had come over her. She couldn’t think, but she relished in the feel of it. “Come on,” he murmured pulling away slightly taking her hand in his. “Let me show you who you are.”
“Star!” Steph’s voice rang out echoing through the hall. It brought her crashing back to reality, but her head spun in confusion. “What the hell are you doin’?”
“Whatever she wants, Steph,” Byryn sneered, “Why don’t you run along and mind your business? Hmm?” She could feel a sudden pull as if something was syphoning something from her system as the world seem to rebalance and right itself. Byryn kissed her temple almost in reassurance as the connection between them seemed to ebb.
Star met Steph’s look of stubborn determination, “She,” she pointed to Star. “Is my friend and that makes her my business. And we,” She motioned between the two of them “Have Algebra so get your mitts off.” Steph reach over wrenching Star’s arm pulling her away from Byryn and shuffling her down the hall.
As Star looked back and met Byryn’s e
yes they seemed to swirl black for a moment. He smirked at her, “I’ll be seeing you soon, Staryana.” He called out as the girls rounded the corner. It almost felt like a piece of him stayed with her.
Steph pulled her into the bathroom, “What the hell was that?” She demanded, her hands on her hips.
“Ummm, I don’t know. It just sort of happened.” Star stammered straining to figure out exactly what did happen.
“I thought you thought he was the biggest ass in school!” She exclaimed.
“I do!” She threw her hands up in exasperation.
“Well you sure weren’t acting it! Hell the way he had his tongue down your throat and was all over you like that? It looked like you two were gonna have sex right there in the hallway!” Steph seemed shocked and appalled. Star couldn’t blame her, she just didn’t know what to say. She had never even kissed a boy before. “Everyone saw you two, ya know.”
“Ugh,” Star groaned kicking the wall. “I have no idea Steph, I wasn’t feeling well and the next thing I knew he was there right up against me. It just happened.”
“Looked like you were feeling alright to me.” she quipped crossing her arms. “I don’t know what happened, but unless that,” She pointed towards the hall, “Is what you really want, I would stay away from him Star. It was weird, it was almost like he had you in some sort of trance.”
She could only nod, she knew her friend was right. She didn’t know what had happened, but she knew whatever it was, he was more than she could handle at the moment. She couldn’t deny the connection she felt to him though. It still felt like a part of him was flowing though her deep into her soul. That was ridiculous though right? Seriously that kind of thing just didn’t happen. His words echoed through her, “You don’t know do you?” ”Let me show you who you are.”
What did he mean she wondered? Did she really want to know?
An odd chill ran through her blood as she watched Steph fuss with her short blond waves in the mirror. A voice sounded over the loud-speaker. “Will Staryana Johnson please report to the main office, thank-you.”
“Ugh, now what!” She wailed in exasperation. This day was seriously starting to suck.
“I hope you aren’t gonna get in trouble,” Steph said, “For that scene out there in the hall.”
“You really think I could?” Star shuddered thinking of what her Mom would think.
“Maybe,” Steph shrugged, “You guys were pretty hot and heavy for a minute there. You said you aren’t feeling well. Are you still going to cheering?”
“Nah, it might just be best if I go home to bed. I think I must be coming down with something.” Star murmured.
“Yeah, like a case of the cooties.” She laughed shoving Star.
She rolled her eyes at her friend. “Well, I better get going before they send out the search party. See you in class.”
Star entered the hall as the bell rang. No one was around so she headed to the office. When she saw her Father standing there with a grim look, his face oddly pale her heart dropped. This couldn’t be about her little make out freak out with Byryn in the hall. He wouldn’t have gotten here so quickly. She hoped her Mom was ok.
“Ahhhh there you are Ms. Johnson,” The secretary scolded from behind her thick leopard rimmed glasses. “I was just about to call security to go looking for you.”
“Sorry,” She said sheepishly. “I was in the bathroom when I heard the announcement.”
He father walked over and hugged her. “Hi honey, I need you to come home with me. There are some things we need to discuss.”
She hesitated in his embrace. Something was off but she couldn’t put her finger on it. The same cold grip seemed to envelope her that she had felt coming from Byryn. Her Dad felt cold even to the touch though and he wore dark sunglasses. She shook it off. She had to be losing her mind today because she was trying to find conspiracy everywhere.
“Here you go Mr. Johnson, just need your signature here and your good to go.” The secretary smiled sadly handing him some forms. “I hope everything improves at home.”
They walked through the halls and out of the school in silence. Her Dad had a weird feel to him and she was trying to decide how to ask why he had come to get her as they exited the building. It was strange that he was here without her Mom. He never came to the school for anything.
There was a man sitting in her Father’s truck and he got out as they approached. She flinched as she took him in. He was tall and built like a football player. His long jet black hair danced around him on the breeze and it almost looked as if there was some sort of smoke wafting up from his skin. She studied him wondering who he was. He was oddly familiar but not at the same time. Out of nowhere an odd pull distracted her. Looking passed a row of cars she saw Byryn smiling that devilish smile of his at her. He was leaning against his bike a row behind them and to her shock he stood, walking over to them.
She watched his short black hair toss about in the breeze, the sun glinting off of his dark glasses. The black t-shirt he wore hinted at the tight abs she had felt through his clothes. His hands were in the pockets of his black leather jacket as he walked over, his tight blue jeans hugging his thighs as he moved. She shook herself, blushing as she realized she had pretty much just perused him like the eye candy she knew he was.
He smiled seductively making no attempt to hide how he glanced over her form. “Nice to see you too, Brightness.”
The other man smiled coldly as he looked him over and then studied her in a similar manner. An icy chill ran through her once more as Byryn stopped beside her.
“What is your name son, you are Trevyn’s are you not?” The strange man spoke.
“My name is Byryn.” Star watched silently as he bowed in deference to the man.
“Ahhh yes, Byryn. Your essence is quite strong.”
“Yes I am blooded born.” Byryn responded as Star studied them both wondering what the hell alternate universe she had stepped into.
“Dad, what’s going on? Where’s Mom is she alright?” She asked finally finding her voice.
He just smiled at her looking to the cruel looking guy that had come with him.
“Staryana, do excuse my rudeness. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Cymeryn.” He smirked, “Your Mother will be joining us shortly.”
“And where exactly is my Mother right now?” She huffed putting her hands on her hips. She didn’t know why but she didn’t trust this man, or her Father for that matter.
Cymeryn chuckled, “You are so very much like her aren’t you. Your Mother is visiting with some…relatives. In the meantime, we should be on our way.”
As her Father grabbed her by the arm but Star jerked out of his grasp calling on the self-defense training her Mother insisted on. “I don’t think so. I’m not going anywhere with either of you until someone tells me what’s going on.” She made sure her voice was loud and carried. Her anger was a frigid chill in her veins. She braced herself to fight them. She didn’t care that her Father was here, something was wrong about this entire thing. The pain that shot through her shook her where she stood causing her to sway.
Byryn stepped forward, steadying her. “Relax Staryana, you need to breathe.” He brushed a strand of hair out of her face, smiling as he shook his head. “You’re going to hurt yourself.” He pulled her body to his and she felt the push and pull of energy between them again. It calmed her, eased the pain.
“How do you do that, Byryn? Please, tell me what’s happening?” She pleaded as she looked up into his eyes feeling as if he were her only anchor in this storm.
Cymeryn studied the two of them, “Hmmm, do you know where the girl lives Byryn?”
“I’m sure I can find it.” He replied nodding almost in reverence to man. “That is if you’re willing to go for a ride with me.” He smiled slyly speaking in a seductive voice as he spoke. She stared at him wondering if they were really talking about on his bike.
“I, I don’t know,” Star’s head was spinning as Byryn soft
ly caressed her back. He touched her so tenderly, why? Why was he even bothering with her?
“Deal with your daughter or I will,” Cymeryn grunted, obviously losing patience with the situation. “We cannot remain here much longer.”
Her Dad turned to her. “No one is gonna hurt you, Starshine.” He spoke softly, placing his hand on her shoulder. “Now we need to go home and discuss some family issues. If you would feel better letting your friend take you that’s fine, but if not you are getting in this truck even if I have to force you to.” His tone had hardened to his don’t-push-your-luck-I’m-serious tone, which meant if she pushed the issue he would literally pick her up and throw her into the truck.
She looked between her Father and Byryn. She didn’t really know Byryn, but her Father was seriously creeping her out and she didn’t want to be any closer to that Cymeryn character. “I’ll go home with Byryn.”
“Fine, but no funny business, Star. I mean it. I want you to come straight home.” She nodded and he walked away and got into the truck.
“Byryn,” Cymeryn spoke with authority, “You know who I am?”
“Of course, Supryn.” Byryn bowed his head.
“Then I trust you realize when I task you it is not a chore to be handled lightly.” Cymeryn smiled wickedly, “I will also remind you, Trevyn is my progeny.”
Byryn only nodded, “Your will shall be done as always, grandsire.”
Cymeryn nodded and got in the truck. Star watched it in disbelief as they drove away. What the hell just happened? Where was her mother?
“Come on,” Byryn murmured guiding her over to his bike, “Let’s get you home.”
Star pulled out her cell as they walked and dialed her Mom’s number. “See, not to get you in trouble with that guy or anything, but yeah. I don’t think I want to go home until I talk to my Mom, Byryn.” She quipped meeting his stare dead on. The call dumped into voicemail and she ended it, pocketing the phone.
