by Grace Lynn
“How do you want to do this, Miss Pandora? We can either go by air, or take the ground route where you can be close to your uncles?”
“Did you not follow that I can’t shift?” Pandora asked in concern. It appeared the girl didn’t understand that she would be catching a ride.
“Yep, got it loud and clear, but what I was suggesting was for you to catch a ride instead of trying to keep up with the wolves,” D explained patiently. The girl considered this for a moment, but the breathing from his mate’s brother had slowed considerably. Apparently they had tiptoed about the shifting subject, probably making the girl feel even more different.
“How am I going to catch a ride? My dad couldn’t even carry me after I turned six,” Pandora pointed out logically.
“Because like you, I’m other,” Demend answered.
“Because he can shift into a Dragon, among other things,” Nathan explained to her.
“Dragon would be easiest, but I can carry you in my tiger form. So it’s either a ride in the sky, or on the ground. Your pick,” Demend said with a smile as he hid the bag full of food and medicine that Jason had been carrying in the trunk of a tree.
“Tiger,” Pandora said with a real smile that reminded D of Nathan’s.
D nodded and put his hand on Nathan, allowing him to shift without pain. He pulled his cat to the surface and felt the skin shrink and push out the creature that wanted out so badly. He flicked his tail against Nathan’s body before turning to Jason. Can you steer us, Captain?
You got it! Jason almost yelled through the bond. D smiled at the excitement Jason felt before watching his mate poof into his Phoenix counterpart. D walked slowly toward Pandora, lying on the grass while she eased onto his back. She pushed her hands through his fur until she had her arms wrapped around his neck. D looked at the brothers as they shifted painfully slow, and D knew he should have helped them shift also. He would make a reminder to talk to the Elves about a cure to make their shift easier. It was time to move on from the curse from so long ago. Jason took to the skies, and even in the dark, D could make out his quick, darting form in the moonlight.
Once everyone was shifted, D launched into the forest setting a fast pace for the wolves. They needed to make good time here, and D didn’t have enough magic in him to open a portal, even for a moment, to contact another Elf to help. Pandora held on tightly and even squealed as they flew past the scenery. D felt Nathan a few steps behind, knowing they had so much riding on this extra half-day home. This would put them entering The Swamp at midday at the earliest. D knew that the trip was even more dangerous now without Nathan, and with the changed time frame. Incubi are weakest during the sun’s strongest hour.
Tell me if you’re struggling, D told Nathan through their bond. Nathan pushed a little harder and caught up to D’s tail, nipping in the darkness at the tip. D spurned himself to move faster, and quickly the miles flew by, with Jason leading them through the darkness. When they reached the halfway mark, where they drank from earlier in the night, D only stopped for a few sips. Nathan’s brothers were struggling to keep the grueling pace, but Nathan seemed ready to go. D set the fast pace as soon as the brothers had stopped drinking. This half of the journey had thicker foliage as the party grew closer to the Elvin realm.
D was panting heavily with the added weight of Pandora, but he wasn’t going to stop. His body could handle this pace for a while still, but flying a twelve-hour flight would be difficult. The time was passed by quickly between their conversations about the trip to The Swamp, and what room would be best for the girl, who would require a whole set of guards. When they rounded the corner that opened up into the Elvin City, D was more than grateful. He carried the girl to the town’s center before allowing her to climb off of him. He slopped up the water at the fountain before moving away to shift. His skin appeared, and D touched Nathan, allowing him to shift quickly before moving to the brothers, who were already in mid-shift. D touched their fur, and the shift was completed in seconds.
“What time will you two hit The Swamp?” Nathan asked.
“If we leave now, midday maybe, it depends on how quick we fly,” D answered honestly.
“Why in the Great Mother’s name are you going there?” the smaller of the brothers asked. D thought his name was Levi.
“Our other mate is being held captive on the other side of The Swamp. We were going there after we stopped for the meeting with Kadyn,” Jason answered with a determined expression that lined his eyes and face tattoo.
“Aren’t you going?” Pandora asked Nathan.
“No, I’m going to stay here with you,” Nathan answered with a forced smile.
“You’re going to let your mates go through The Swamp alone? To get a mate that’s mated to all of you? Why are you staying here?” Pandora asked as anger rippled through her features.
“Go with them. We’ll stay here with Pandora until you get back,” Levi stated, even though his color had faded at the mention of The Swamp.
“Please go with them. If you don’t and something happens, I’ll feel like it’s my fault. Besides, Uncle Levi, and Uncle Asher, and I can spend a few days exploring the city, and catch up. When you guys get back then we can get to know each other,” Pandora pointed out.
“If you’re sure?” Nathan asked, even though it was obvious the girl was serious. D thought that she probably felt guilty for her mother dying, though it wasn’t her fault. When the girl nodded her head, D went in search of Rain and Cole. He found them both discussing the Book of Dragons, while drinking the Dwarven mead that was older than D. He pulled them from their discussion, placing Pandora as their charge until they returned.
Rain and Cole argued that it wasn’t safe to make the journey, and most definitely not without a guard. D just wasn’t listening to their advice. There was no way he would take people into The Swamp, but now they would come back, at least Nathan would. No matter what he had to do, Nathan would come home to the girl.
D ended up back in the Center, followed by two disgruntled Betas. Nathan was talking to Pandora with pride in his voice. D had to admit she was a strong girl and had quickly earned his respect.
“Cole and Rain are in charge of Pandora’s safety. Rain will be taking you guys to my home, and getting you settled in. He’s also going to give you the grand tour of the Guardian City. We won’t be home for at least two days. That’s saying we can get in and out with no issues, but we all know that won’t happen. Rain, take care of Pandora.” D pointed a look at Rain to state how important this assignment was.
D ruffled Pandora’s hair before moving away from the group to shift. Nathan would have to ride, and Jason could easily outfly him. His shift was quick and precise, not taking the time to feel the change. Nathan climbed on D’s back, giving Pandora a farewell. Jason flamed himself to his Phoenix form, and D launched himself in the air as soon as Jason was all bird. Jason flittered, circling around D, and D felt the need to swat him with his tail. Speed was of the utmost importance, and D flew as fast as he could. He was already tired, and each flap of his wings made him feel heavier. They flew past the Higher Council, with Jason stopping to retrieve the bag D had stashed here earlier.
By the time the sun rose, D was exhausted. He didn’t slow himself, but instead pushed harder. Fatigue was even wearing Jason down, who finally had to land on D during flight to rest. D stayed quiet as Jason drifted off to sleep curled in Nathan’s arms. The sun’s rays bounced off the land in red rays that reminded D of Jason’s eyes. The ground flew by, but D had noticed the change in scenery. Instead of civilizations, the land here had become deserted. The Swamp was still hours away, but it was as if the land itself knew what was approaching. Pretty things didn’t grow here. Tangled vines swallowed dead trees, and the grass was an ugly shade of brown. Fire burned somewhere in the distance, and D had an ominous feeling in his gut.
Time passed quickly as his mates slept, and D fought against the pain in his muscles. Finally, the edge of The Swamp came into view, an
d D started circling carefully. His landing was rough, as his legs gave out beneath him, jarring his mates awake.
Are you ok? they both asked at the same time.
* * * *
Just tired, it’ll wear off after I eat something, D said as he shifted to his Elvin form.
They sat in silence as D ate every ounce of food he possibly could, amazed at the difference he felt in his strength. They all looked at The Swamp pretending it was something other than what it was. Unlike the land flying in, The Swamp was full of life. Mutated trees grew miles up, giving the area layers for predators to hide in. Vines hung like thick ropes from the trees, and D knew they had minds of their own. They could move and lock onto a person pretty quickly. The worst thing a person could do was take their time in The Swamp. “Keep moving” was the best advice he had ever gotten, and now that he was mated, sex wasn’t an option if they happened upon an Incubus.
“Ok, how bad is this going to be?” Jason asked, severing the silence.
“Bad. There are rules in The Swamp. 1. Keep moving. Always keep moving, as The Swamp plays tricks of the mind. 2. Don’t believe anything you see. It’s a lie. They will use things from your thoughts against you, so don’t believe your mother is in there being strung up by the vines. 3. Keep your mind clear. If they know you fear snakes, it’s all you’ll see. The idea is to kill you so it can eat you. 4. Don’t look any person in the eye, and if you hear someone talking, plug your ears. This is Incubus land, and they use sex as a way to feed The Swamp. Once they seduce a victim, they leave him or her here for The Swamp to finish. They use their good looks, and seductive voices to lure a person to them. And lastly, keep moving, no matter what. It’s a maze in there, and we are constantly going to be backtracking,” D said seriously.
“Shouldn’t the Incubi fear this place?” Nathan asked curiously.
“They do, but this is their land. It’s the only portal in the world that leads to the Incubus realm. They don’t have a choice, if they are full Incubus or Succubus,” D reasoned.
“Isn’t your father an Incubus?” Nathan asked.
D just nodded his head. His father had to make this trip once a year to touch his birth realm or he would die. D had gone with him on occasion, but now that he was mated he never wanted to come back. His father had some immunity from The Swamp, but not enough. D stood up and brushed himself off. He waited for his mates to join him as they collected their things. D walked toward the entrance, stopping before he crossed The Swamp boundaries. With a deep breath, he took a step forward into the realm of Wonderland.
* * * *
Zoey massaged her jaw, trying to ease the swelling. She had known the guard would hurt her, but it hadn’t stopped her from stabbing him in the eye. They had taken her concrete shank, and she was heartbroken about the loss. The opportunity had been worth it. Hours had gone into using a small rock to chip it away from the wall. They wouldn’t be so careless around her now.
It didn’t matter. Last night’s “therapy” session hadn’t gone well. She hadn’t given them what they wanted, nor did they understand she would never give the location of her people. It was one of the reasons the Dark Elves had survived so long. Secrecy was the key to success, and unlike their sunlight-dwelling cousins, they had flourished. She would take the secret to the grave. The “Boss,” as the guards called him, was truly sick of the sight of her. When his normal torture methods failed, he had run into a wall. His Glamour magic didn’t work on her, and beyond that it was only physical pain. She had dealt with worse training during her young years.
A whisper of a voice stilled her thoughts as she struggled to hear what the wood was saying in the distance. The words were mumbled, but the feeling promised hope. Zoey cried out at the sound, slamming her fist against the wall. She caressed her hand across the nonliving creation that surrounded her, and tears fell from her eyes. The wood whispered again, and the feeling of hope was stronger.
Chapter Seven
Jason eased past the vines that led into The Swamp. His heart throbbed against his chest, and the damp air was suffocating. D had pulled his swords out, and Nathan was trailing behind with his gun cocked. Jason felt that he was in over his head, and was suddenly very glad Pandora had made Nathan come along. He had the feeling they were going to need all the help they could get. Sounds skittered across the standing water, with chirping and buzzing activity. Bugs landed, nipping at Jason before disappearing from sight. Mold grew on the spindle trees, and spores launched from the green masses like a volcano spewing lava.
Is mold supposed to do that? Jason asked curiously, even though they were quickly moving past the spore-launching mold. Thick vines moved slowly like bundles of mating snakes, and Jason shuddered. The greenery thickened with each step they took the deeper into The Swamp, until nothing was left but walls of moving masses of waking night terrors. They followed the path the forest had carved out. The hairs on Jason’s neck rose with each step. A rumbling noise sounded from behind them, and Jason spun in time to see the path back to the entrance was filled with trees and slithering vines.
Did the trees just move to block our way back? Jason quizzed curiously, a spike of fear lodged in his throat. He didn’t think he could have spoken aloud if he had to. He could have probably pulled off a gurgling scream that would sound like a teenaged girl.
Yeah, they have a complex. They think every day is Halloween, and we’re in the scary cornfield maze, D answered as he continued on, not staying with the trees. Jason turned from the wall of trees to see feet between him and D. He ran to catch up, almost knocking D over in the process. Jason had a feeling that the forest would separate them if it could. Jason glanced at Nathan to make sure his quieter wolf mate was still present. Jason eyed the plants around him, giving them credit for their freaky mutations. They rounded a corner, and Jason had to steady himself against D’s back at the sudden stop.
Jason peered at the circular pathway that held six different pathways. D hadn’t moved, but Jason could feel the magic building through their bond. Nathan’s concern radiated through the bond and mixed with the magic, tainting it with worry. Elvin magic felt like the magic that Phoenixes used to shift. The only difference was the types of magic, but the Phoenix shifting was in there somewhere, calling to his bird like a song.
It’s the fire magic, D explained, but went back to concentrating on what he was doing.
Jason eyed the vines above, watching for anything that might snap down and grab his mates. Nathan seemed to have the same idea. The Swamp was cursed. Jason knew that by the look of the place. As a child he had been hatched in a haunted house. Unlike most Shifters, Phoenixes rarely hung around to help their offspring. They laid the egg, and their duty was fulfilled. Jason had spent his early childhood in a house that creaked with the wind, sang to him at night, and clattered in the day. He hadn’t been a fan of creepy places since.
“Two of these lead to a place like this. So one of the two are right, which one?” D asked as he pointed to two separate ways. One led away from the entrance, and the other led toward it. Jason pointed to the one that lead toward the entrance. It would make sense that most people would pick the one that would move closer to the other side of The Swamp. Since most people died who came here, Jason went with the less chosen course.
D nodded and walked down the path that Jason had chosen. Jason’s stomach tightened into a gem of nerves. Now, he just had to hope he chose right. They followed the path’s twists and turns. Vines snapped out at D as he passed, but his swords sliced through the vines cleanly. The parts that dropped to the ground wiggled and followed their small group much like a snake slithering after its prey. Nathan had to pick one off his hiking boot and throw it a distance away. They hurried through The Swamp’s tunnels as the little light they had disappeared. Jason was sure they hadn’t been here that long, and it was a trick of The Swamp, but the fear still rode him. The vines in the trees weren’t as thick as they rounded the bend, instead being replaced by holes of blackness. Jason stare
d at the blackened area, swearing when he saw things moving just behind the light.
He stared at D’s back as D pushed through the overhanging leaves that had replaced the feely vines. A soft, sweet voice called from above, but fear kept Jason from seeing what was above them. D swung around, pushing Jason behind his slightly larger back in protection. Whatever had called was not in sight, but fear rode through their bond from D. That scared Jason more than the voice had. It’s a Succubus. We need to move, D ordered.
Jason had no qualms about that and quickly jogged down the path. Leaves slapped his face, smearing thick ooze on anything it touched. Jason wiped the smudge away and continued to follow the path’s twists and turns. He skidded to a stop as the pathway opened into another circular opening. D pulled his gun from his leg holster and handed it to Jason. Jason looked at the weapon like an item at Victoria’s Secret. What the hell was he supposed to do with this? Throw it at the creepy black hole?
The safety’s on the side. Flip it, point, and pull the trigger. It’s a rather simple weapon, and you may need it, D said.
Jason rolled his eyes at his mate. He wasn’t a shooter either. Actually, this was the first time he had ever held a gun. The thing seemed vile, just slightly less revolting than the singing blackness that hung overhead. D’s magic came in a rush and flared in a spider web design. Jason was surprised at how much he could feel of the magic being used through his mate. It didn’t take long before the magic recoiled and slammed back into D with a shuddering sound that resonated through their bond. D pointed to three paths. One was brighter than the other two, with flowers growing along the vines. Another one was creepy, with the moving vines and black holes. The last of the choices was covered with fog. Jason knew the fog was the right choice, because that was the last path he would want to go down. He pointed to the eerie path that was filled with the thick air. D nodded and crept through the fog.
