“Oh,” she spun to Ororo. “I didn’t know.”
He reached out to touch her shoulder. “Don’t worry about that. It was so long ago, and yes, a part of my heart will always belong to her, but I moved on centuries ago.”
A sad smile passed over Aquila’s face. “Which is why I can wait until after the storm.”
“Oh, I believe Kellan will create a mighty storm when he comes for Zoe,” Nightwing foretold.
“Why do you say that?” Zoe asked.
“Nemia wants revenge on all of Eldred’s bloodline. Not to mention Ororo, since he killed her mother. She would kill Kellan because Eldred is his great uncle. She may not have realized it yet, but she will.”
“Even if he kills Eldred, ending the curse, it won’t be enough?”
“Doubtful. Neither Eldred nor Nemia are right. They’ve both made horrible mistakes. Either party could have made better choices, but alas, we are in this predicament.”
“And you’ve known all along about my mate?”
He sighed. “No. Just since Kellan was an infant.”
“That doesn’t make me feel any better.”
“Do you realize how much younger your mother was than me?” Nightwing asked.
She shook her head. “You never told me.”
“She was only thirty when I met her. We managed to keep from having you for two years. I begged her to let me die, but she refused. Said you needed me more than her. I’ll never understand why.”
He took Zoe’s hands and pulled her toward the door. “Come inside and introduce me to this young woman.”
Aquila smiled slightly and held out her hand. “Aquila, Kellan’s dragon. Ororo is now Zoe’s.”
“And you two can hardly keep your hands from each other.” He chuckled. “Interesting combination.” Nightwing stepped inside and motioned for them to follow. “I’ve been expecting you. I have food ready.”
* * * *
Later that night, after Ororo and Aquila had left the home to make their way to the airport, and Lonny was working on the wards surrounding the property, Zoe sat with her father on the porch.
“Really think Lonny can keep Eldred from coming here?” Zoe asked.
“No, but if anyone can do it, Elondril can. Hyter sprites are crafty with their wards. He’s the reason the rest of the world hasn’t learned of my existence between satellites and aircrafts, and redirecting humans away from this valley through spells.”
“He is pretty amazing.” She turned to her father. “How long did you have with my mother—from mating to the curse?”
“Nearly two years. I was lucky. You?”
“A month. Then separated for almost two.”
“The curse kicks in about a month after conception. Harpies have their children within three months.” He smiled at her rounded belly. “Why’d you think you got big so fast?”
“Someone already told me that.” She smiled sadly.
“Tell me Kellan’s a good man.”
“He is. Kellan came for me when he didn’t have to. He stepped between Eldred and me when Eldred attempted to slice my wings off. I know what his mother was, but he’s not her.”
“Nor is he his father. Aeremaius would have never sacrificed himself for love.” He caressed Zoe’s face. “I’m happy for you, my darling. And as much as I wish your mother were still here, I’m glad she gave me you.”
“Why did you do nothing against Eldred, if you knew him when you were young?”
“I’m not capable of killing him. I don’t have the strength, nor the ability. A Storm Master can defeat a truly pure fae.”
“Pure?”
“Aye, he’s the last pure air fae. No other element contaminates his magic, making him truly immune to any air magic, unless combined with all the other elements. And because his body can reform fully after dispersing to air and solidifying, very few things will kill him. Even toxins are removed from his body that way.”
“But you said he was cursed.”
“That magic is based in no single element. You simply need enough emotion behind it to make it work, and Esmeralda had more than enough hatred to ensure her curse would stick, while Eldred was so full of entitlement and jealousy that he managed to stick an entire race with a curse. In fact, if you felt wronged enough you could curse him, but what good would that do in the scope of things, unless you managed to kill him.”
Pinching the bridge of her nose, she sighed. “He needs to die. My daughter will not lose her mate because of some prick who thinks he deserves a mate and finds his pleasure tearing the rest of us down.”
Nightwing moved closer and wrapped an arm around his daughter. “Tell me he treated you well in the beginning.”
“Eldred?” She snorted. “Seemed that way, but honestly, I think he was too wrapped up in getting what he wanted that it was just another way to entrap me.”
“He doesn’t understand the concept of love. His father forced his mother into a binding contract that kept them together, and for the sake of the public, it appeared they were in love, but behind closed doors they hated each other. Her, especially.”
“Why?”
“Because the better he was to her in public, the more he tightened the cage he kept her in. He saw her as property, as a beautiful trophy. Eldred believes that his parents’ relationship was love.” Nightwing shook his head slowly. “His father was obsessed with beauty and power. Eldred misinterpreted what he saw.”
“Should I feel sorry for him?” she asked, hoping that wasn’t the case.
“Of course not. I’m merely explaining how he gained such a twisted view.”
“I see.”
“Don’t feel bad for him. He did this to himself, against many warnings against this course. His brother, myself, your new companion, and others. We all told him what would happen if he tested the cunning of the harpies, but he refused to listen.”
“Kellan will kill him this time,” she said, but only halfway believed. She’d watched him die once already. She couldn’t avoid the fear that filtered in.
“Don’t worry. The enchantments I painted on his body and the sword on his back serve far more purpose than even Saressa believes. She told me what he was and who he would be to you. I ensured he would be safe, because she was positive he would not only end the curse on your people, but make you very happy.”
“I don’t think she’s dead, Father. She came to me in a dream.”
He winced. “And what did she want?”
“To make sure I knew Kellan had lived. I didn’t understand what I saw, but it makes sense now.”
“Watched him come back to life, in your cabin, no less.”
She grinned. “He bought me the cabin after I explained you took me to the mountains in New Zealand. There’s a beautiful lake behind it. Made sure there was a vehicle if I wanted to leave. He didn’t make it a prison, but the best sanctuary a girl could want.”
“Because he loves his mate.”
“I was worried he’d hate me when he found out I’m a harpy.”
“Didn’t care, did he? You have to remember who his parents are. He expects to be hated as much as you always have. Plus, he was upset he hurt you with his death. You finally found your perfect match.”
“Do you miss my mother?”
“Always will.” He smiled sadly. “Unfortunately, she’s not the only woman I’ve loved and lost. I have a thing for fierce harpies.” He nudged her shoulder. “Maybe because they can fly through the night sky with me.”
“Been around any since I left?”
He shook his head. “No. It takes me many years to bounce back, and I can’t leave my lands. I can’t glamour my wings away like a lot of fae, but I don’t go back to Faery unless called on.”
“Why not?”
“Ancient history.”
“Want to fly?” she asked with a smirk.
“You’d humor an old man?”
“No. I miss spending time with you.”
He hugged her to his side. “Then come to visit more.
”
“Promise.”
Chapter 28
“Once he’s dead, you’re mine,” Ororo murmured in Aquila’s ear.”
A sigh escaped her lips. “Once who’s dead?”
“Eldred. He’d only find a way to take you from me if I give in to temptation to mate you now.”
Laughter danced through her. “And if I choose not to bind myself to another male? Ever?”
His head cocked to the side. “I could get rid of Kellan for you.”
Her brow arched as she took a step back, shaking her head. “Oh no. And if you’re looking for a way to be released from Zoe, I’ll have you break that necklace before you harm them. She would. She never bound you to her so she could use you.”
“Don’t want her dead.” He leaned back against the car they’d driven in. “Look, I watched how badly Eldred hurt her. He claimed he loved her. What if Kellan hurts her?”
“You didn’t see him while he was suffering from the curse. He warned me against killing Zoe to allow him to live. He stepped between Zoe and Eldred to prevent him from hacking her wings off. You kill Kellan for her and she will come after you.”
He held his hands up. “Can’t blame me for worrying about the girl. And yes, I see her as a girl. She was only sixteen when Eldred took her from her father. She was so young.”
“You can’t make her choices for her. Same way you can’t make mine. If that’s what you are, we aren’t going to mate. That simple.”
“Independent. I like that. But, Aquila, I wouldn’t move against Zoe’s mate without her direct order. I happen to like living.”
Aquila finally smiled. “You care about her. I care about Kellan. Even if we don’t go there, I’m sure we’ll see each other. Just remember, I’ve already come to like Zoe. Seeing her hurt is one of the last things I ever want to see. That goes for Kellan too.”
“I’m envious of you. I was forced to serve a man I loathed for ages. The notion that I now have a master that cares is hard to swallow, though welcome.”
“Yeah, well, I’ve had a bit longer to wrap my head around it.” She nudged his shoulder. “Come on, let’s see if we can find my guy.”
He laughed. “That sounds more like you’re dating him.”
“He doesn’t treat me like a slave, or a pet. I could say friend. He’d probably prefer that.”
“What makes you think he’s your friend?”
She shrugged. “We could go round and round on this. What’s the point?”
“So, wait and see?” Ororo held out his arm. “Let’s head in.”
* * * *
Kellan stepped off the plane and found Isadora and Toryn standing near the ramp.
He made his way to them. “Hi?”
“You had us worried. We heard about your death.” Isa shook her head, a strained smile on her face. “Then my father filled me in on something that changes the whole playing field.”
“What do you mean?”
She stepped closer and whispered in his ear, “Your mother is alive.”
He nodded. “Yeah. I didn’t know until I got sick. I don’t know what she wants, but she was trying to help me.”
Toryn nodded toward the baggage claim. “Let’s get your things and head out to Zoe.”
“Didn’t bring anything. I would have opened a portal but…”
“Power isn’t online yet,” Toryn finished. “Come on. We need to talk, and we need to get you to Zoe, but we can’t take the shortcut in public.”
Worried he’d lost their trust already, he nodded. “You got it.” Kellan followed Toryn, who led them through the airport, to a green SUV.
As soon as the doors were shut, Kellan leaned over the back seat. “I had every intention of telling you about Saressa after I dealt with Eldred. Seems she’s attempting to help me, but I have to wonder what she wants, and why she waited so long to tell me about so many things.”
“Yeah, she probably has some ulterior motive,” Toryn huffed. “You are her son. It’s possible she is actually helping.”
Kellan shook his head. “Doesn’t matter. I can’t trust her.”
“Sorry, Kellan. You’re in a tough situation. We can worry about Saressa later. Right now, everyone’s biggest concern is Eldred.” She snorted. “I swear, our families are so twisted together.”
Kellan snorted, nodding. “Yeah, but a lot of Faery families are twisted together in strange ways. Look at the fact my mate was with my great uncle for ages.” He shook his head and looked up at the ceiling. “And now she has possession of his dragon, just like I have my mother’s.”
“Yeah, you have a point,” Isa answered.
Toryn pulled onto the street and took off, well above the speed limit. The scenery flew by as silence stretched on. He met Kellan’s eyes in the mirror and said, “Neither of us is worried about your loyalty. Though, I’m curious how you know about your mother?”
“I thought it was a fever dream when she first came to me. Then she showed me how to reach Zoe through dreams. By then, I needed to know how to contact Zoe. Being able to hold her, even there, gave me hope.”
“I would’ve kept that secret too,” Isa answered.
Kellan looked over at Toryn. “What do you know about Eldred? How close is he to arriving?”
“Only that he landed hours ago, but last I heard from Lonny, he wasn’t there.” He pulled onto a dirt road and climbed out. “Come on. Isa’s been practicing with portals.” He winked at Isa.
Isa sighed. “Let’s hope I can get in his head.”
Kellan walked past the car, into a field, and turned toward her. “I’ll envision the house. You just have to open up to receive the image.”
She nodded and touched his hand, then threw her other hand out with a whispered spell.
A portal opened to her left, the cabin in the distance, wind whipping around branches and leaves, making it hard to see what the hell was happening.
* * * *
“The wards aren’t going to hold,” Lonny shouted over the rising wind as he ran back to Zoe and Nightwing.
Zoe nodded, her eyes closing slowly. “We’ll have to do what we can to buy some time. Kellan hasn’t even landed yet.”
Nightwing rushed off to his shed without a word. Zoe stared after him.
“Your father is a brave warrior. Why do you think so many harpies have tried to claim him as a mate?”
She sighed. “Yeah, we do like a man with strength, but who doesn’t try to put us in a cage.”
“You’ve made him proud. You’re standing against Eldred. He wasn’t sure you would ever fight for your freedom. It was the only thing he hoped for.”
“Took me a long time to realize I wanted my freedom.”
Nightwing came back with a broadsword and a longsword. He tossed her the longsword. “Still know how to use that?”
Nodding, she asked, “I thought you said a weapon won’t permanently damage him?”
“It won’t, but it will slow him down and if his body is pierced he won’t be able to phase out. This won’t kill him, but give your mate a chance to get here.”
Lonny pulled his own daggers from his legs and darted into the overgrown grass, hiding from sight. The hyter sprites weren’t known for their fighting ability so much as their cunning. Though she had witnessed Lonny fighting at Saressa’s party, where she had met Kellan.
Just like Saressa, Eldred needed to be stopped.
Zoe was done with games. Eldred needed to understand she never was his and never would be. She wanted to make him pay for all the pain he caused her over the years.
The worst, he nearly took her mate from her.
A scream of victory echoed through the valley as thunder crashed and lightning danced over the wards domed over the property. The spell cracked, fissures erupting through the protective magic and spreading.
The light erupted in dazzling shades of blue and purple before fading. Wind rushed toward Zoe as she readied herself for battle. She’d watched him defeat many of his foes by appeari
ng where they least expected. Her senses were honed to notice the disturbance when he reformed.
The air shifted behind her. She spun, thrusting the sword into his gut as rage swirled through the depths of his eyes.
Eldred threw out his hand, sending Zoe flying back. Her wings sprouted from her back and flexed, lifting her higher into the air.
Wrapping his hands around the blade, he pulled it from his stomach and phased out.
Now she realized her mistake as the sword fell. She swooped down to grab the weapon and fly to the far side of the field. She spun to watch Nightwing swoop into action, swinging the broadsword at the empty space.
Eldred reappeared, blood running down his abdomen and thighs, and now his arm that was sliced from shoulder to elbow as he fell to his knees, clutching his stomach.
“The bitch!” Eldred roared.
“What?” Zoe asked in confusion.
Tinkling laughter rolled. Lonny asked, “Brynhilde took away your ability to heal, didn’t she?”
“Stay out of this, sprite.”
“Fat chance,” Lonny replied. Tiny specks of light swirled toward Eldred. As soon as they touched him, they sparked. Tiny tendrils of smoke rose from him.
Eldred turned toward the sound of Lonny’s voice. Zoe caught a glimpse of a hummingbird flying away as wind funneled and shot a path through the tall grass where Lonny had been moments before.
Without looking for Lonny, Eldred turned hate-filled eyes on Nightwing.
Zoe moved to intervene, but her father shook his head. “No, Zoe. We have a score to settle.” He raised his sword in a battle stance.
“What are you waiting for?” Eldred hissed.
“The impossible. The boy I knew is long since gone.” Nightwing offered a sad smile. “Somewhere along the way you forgot about your friends and family in a quest to get what you wanted, but that didn’t work out, did it?”
“No, it hasn’t. Why is that, Nightwing?” Eldred hissed, moving closer.
“Esmeralda knew what you planned, and ensured you would never find a mate.”
Storm Wrath Page 18
