Horizon

by Christie Rich

  Ainessa stared at me for a long few seconds. “Why have you summoned me here?” she asked, surprising me with her bluntness.

  I motioned for her to sit and her eyebrows shot up. I’d never considered that she might find me a threat, but from the careful glance she gave Luke that was exactly what I was to her.

  I smiled, pushing as much kindness into the gesture as I could manage. “Please,” I said. “I’ve—we’ve called you here because we were hoping you’d help us.”

  She laughed. “My dear girl, what would ever give you the impression that I would help you do anything?”

  My back wanted to stiffen, but I kept myself relaxed, at least on the outside. “I’m sorry for not listening to you. I know there’s a lot of bad blood between you and your brother, but that has nothing to do with me. I think I understand more about your motives than I ever thought possible.”

  She closed her eyes briefly before she strolled over to the couch. Her fluid movements were hypnotizing. She had to be the most beautiful creature in existence, yet she might just be the most miserable, too.

  “Thank you,” I said, wasting no time getting to the point. “We want different things. I know that, but I was hoping we might come to an understanding.” I took a chair opposite her, leaning forward slightly. I held her gaze the entire way and for once I didn’t find the act frightening. “I’m not blind,” I continued. “The way women are treated in the realms is detestable. You’re right to try to change things. I don’t even blame you for wanting to bond with me.”

  She gave me a trite smile. “All of this would mean the world if I cared what you thought.”

  I nodded. “You hate me because Luke wanted me, right?”

  She looked away. “You know nothing. Do not pretend to be my friend. You want to use my knowledge. Nothing more.”

  I clasped my hands in front of me to keep myself from blasting some sense into her, that was if I could get my power to work. I still hadn’t really tested it out. Part of me wondered if that curse Zach told me about had stolen my power. Maybe I could only use my power in Faeresia?

  Ainessa acted like a jealous ex-girlfriend. When was she going to realize how much danger she had placed everyone in? “I want to help you, Ainessa.” She cringed when I said her name, like I’d injected the sounds with venom. I ignored her. “But I can’t do anything until Valen is dealt with and Lambert no longer resides on this planet.”

  She laughed. “At least we can agree on one thing. That man’s vision for this world is truly horrible.”

  I honestly didn’t want to know. Evil masquerades as many things, but I had no idea it could be so charming. It made me wonder if all tyrants had the quality.

  “I’m not going to make you a bunch of promises. The truth is I don’t know if we can work together, but I’m willing to try if you are. Lambert has my brother and the rest of my family.”

  Her green eyes flared to life. “So you admit it?” I nodded; she smiled. “And your sire?”

  “I won’t speculate about something like that. With Travis, it’s different. I feel a strange connection to him, and I think he’s in trouble.”

  She stood up. “Of course he is, child. He’s been living with the devil for months now.”

  Giving me a once over, she strode over to the doorway. “I shall return shortly.”

  “Where are you going?” I asked, not exactly comfortable with the smug set to her mouth.

  “I’ve got a deal to settle with a certain Troll.”

  My eyes flared, but that was the only outward sign of trepidation I allowed myself. I squared my shoulders as if I could make myself taller. “Don’t hurt him.”

  Laughter. “Your emotions will get you into trouble one of these days, Rayla.” Her expression shifted, looking me over again. “That name still does not feel quite right on the tongue.” Darkness ate through her expression. “If I had your true name, we would not be having this conversation.”

  I nearly rolled my eyes, but figured I had better keep my annoyance to myself. “You don’t trust me,” I said. “I get it. I don’t trust you, either, but Gibbit is my friend. You so much as look at him funny, I’ll—”

  Her scowl charred my resolve. “You’ll what?”

  Threatening her was probably not the best idea, especially because I still needed her help. “Forgive me,” I said. “I’m assuming things. Would you mind telling Gibbit I need to see him when you’re finished?”

  She frowned at me, her pretty mouth nearly forming a pout. “What need could you possibly have to see my servant?”

  It was my turn to frown. “Gibbit is a free agent, as you well know.”

  She laughed. “If you really knew that you’d be able to summon him yourself.”

  “Just tell him,” I said, my temper sifting to the surface.

  She gave me an arched brow with a shallow nod then left the room, her floral scent lingering. I sat there a few moments alone attempting to calm down.

  Jett sauntered through the doorway only moments later. He barely even glanced at me as he took a seat. His deep voice held a sharp edge. “I hope you know what you are doing.”

  Had he been listening in from the hallway or what? I didn’t bother with explaining things he probably already knew. “She’s our best shot of figuring out what we’re up against in the sanctuary.”

  “I don’t dispute that,” he said. “I am merely surprised at the course you are taking. Considering what has happened between the two of you, I never expected you to forgive her, let alone seek her assistance.”

  I scoffed. “Who said I’ve forgiven her?”

  A smile spread across his lips. “Tell me I’m wrong. It is nothing to be ashamed about. Your compassion is an asset.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind,” I said, taking in the hard set to his mouth and shoulders. “What’s troubling you, Jett?”

  He gave me what I supposed was a smile. “Just keeping an eye on you.”

  “Is that so?”

  He studied his hands. “You don’t exactly have the best track record of staying put.”

  I let out a chuckle. He thought I was going to face the Order myself?. “I’m not stupid.”

  “I’m not implying such a thing, my lady.” When he looked at me, his face was filled with trepidation.

  I narrowed my eyes at him. “What’s really going on?”

  He hesitated, but only for a second. “Word has it Valen has come to the human realm seeking his rightful bondmate.”

  I nodded, refusing to acknowledge the ice racing up my spine. This was all we needed. How were we going to face Valen and Lambert at the same time? If Luke was right, Valen was behind this anyway. I couldn’t let my mind travel that path right now. I had to stay focused. I had to save my family. “They completed the tournament then?”

  Jett gave me a solid smile. “Not yet. There are four of us that failed to show to the final battle.”

  Despite my fear, my lips twitched. “What does that mean?”

  He shrugged. “He has to best all of us to truly claim you.”

  This couldn’t be happening right now. We needed more time to sort things out. “So you think he is coming here?”

  “Luke has his machine running, but it is only a matter of time before he will find your signal.”

  My fingers tapped a steady rhythm against my jeans. My lungs refused to expand all the way so my words came out frail. “What would you do if you were me?”

  He tipped his head to the side and stared at me. “Stay close, Rayla. Do not make these decisions based on emotion. Keep your head.”

  “Easy for you to say.” I stood up, not able to keep still a second longer. I walked the perimeter of the room. My mind raced with thoughts, but I had one question for Jett I couldn’t let go. “Did you know Mom had a son?”

  It took him a little too long to answer. “I’ve only just heard.”

  I glanced at him, skirting the pool of sunlight blocking my view. “I find it hard to believe she never told you.”<
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  He gave me a placating nod. “I’m quite certain she doesn’t know.”

  That was always a possibility. She’d told me she had her memory erased, but I had just assumed it was to help her forget my dad. The more likely reason had been to protect Travis. This whole time everyone had been after me, for my power, but what if Travis had just as much or more power than I did? He was the true game-changer in this scenario, and I knew it.

  “Makes sense,” I finally said, speaking over my raging thoughts. “How is my mom, anyway? I’ve only seen her in court once, and she didn’t come see me afterward.”

  He shrugged. “She’s aware she’s been compromised. It’s why she hasn’t attempted to contact you.”

  That made sense, too, but it didn’t change how much I missed her. It didn’t change how much I worried about her. “Is Theran working with Valen?”

  “I believe so.”

  “How much of a problem is that?”

  Jett came to my side, pressing his hand against my shoulder. “We need to keep you focused on what matters at the moment.”

  I shook my head at him. “What does matter at this moment?”

  Jett merely shrugged. “Until we have the Order under control we cannot hope to find a resolution to your situation or your brother’s. If we don’t make a decision soon, we may not get to decide anything.”

  Taylor peeked his dark head into the room bringing his fresh scent with him. It was like my mind just had the benefit of a spring breeze blowing through. “My lady, we have need of you.”

  I gave Jett a nod and followed Taylor. His body held a visible tension. I’d heard bits and pieces of conversation from the other room, but I could have never prepared myself for the scene that greeted me.

  Luke hunched over a large table covered with maps. When he ran his finger over an area in the far corner, Creed shook his head, tapping a different spot a couple times. “Here,” he said. “High ground has always been the preferred position.”

  Luke grunted. “That’s why we can’t use it. He’ll expect it.”

  “What are you discussing?” I asked, voice as strong as I could make it.

  Creed gave me a hearty smile. “Now we will make some progress.”

  “Someone want to get me up to speed?” I asked, ignoring the gnawing rent in my heart for my family. What I really wanted to do was barge in there, guns blazing, but we needed a better plan than that.

  Creed spoke first. “A group of my men will work on the shield, the rest of you will gather forces…here.” He pointed at the original spot he’d chosen, the corners of his mouth quirking.

  Luke shook his head, but this time he didn’t argue. I felt Heath before he entered the room. His soul seemed to rub up against mine in a caress. I turned, meeting his gaze the minute he walked through the door.

  For the tiniest of moments I allowed myself to want him, to throw my love toward him. He gave me a nod of acknowledgement, but that’s all I got.

  I couldn’t stand this. He and I were supposed to be together. When Valen and Lambert were out of the way, I was going to make sure everyone knew who my true bondmate was. I cared for Zach, but he’d never be my Heath. It wouldn’t matter if five centuries passed. I would always love Heath. That love may not have been enough to convince the elements, but it was all that mattered to me.

  I made myself look away from him, concentrating instead on the diagram in front of me. Zach came in a few minutes later with a few men and women in tow. All in all we had maybe fifteen dark fae to sort out taking down the shield while the rest of us waited at the border to attack.

  We waited in the woods just outside the sanctuary perimeter. For all I knew we could have been somewhere in the Pacific Northwest. Bright green moss covered nearly every surface and the brisk air carried the scent of pine and wet leaves. My lungs greedily expanded, taking in every ounce of oxygen they could get.

  If air could be pure in this world, I had no doubt this would be the place to find it. Despite my tranquil surroundings, I paced a line between two trees. Jett watched me, shaking his head a few times. He’d already told me to calm down, but my blood pressure didn’t seem to want to obey his command.

  The lords were unusually quiet, which didn’t exactly give me much confidence. We had so much riding on one simple mission. If Creed failed, I had no idea what we’d do.

  Ainessa had been gone way too long for my liking and I worried that she was ratting us out to Lambert, or worse, to Valen right now. Gibbit still hadn’t shown which didn’t give me any comfort.

  Zach had tried to console me several times, but the truth was I needed Heath. He hadn’t said more than two words to me and his input about the mission had been minimal. It was like he was holding back for some reason, and I just couldn’t figure out what was wrong with him.

  If I had to guess I’d say pride was involved. He’d been bested by Levi of all people. Back in Ignis when he’d first tried to compel me he’d gotten me to do simple things while I was able to swat away every attempt Levi made. It didn’t really matter that Levi had taken his one chance to win against Heath. Everyone fell under Valen’s sword. It wouldn’t matter if the four remaining lords went up against him. They’d lose. He wasn’t exactly playing fair. Even after she’d abandoned us, I wanted to talk to Tabitha.

  I still couldn’t get Jett’s story about Braesal out of my head. If that story was true, Valen was probably the underlord that had made a mess of things. What was really weird was no one could seem to see the obvious connections I had formed. Tabitha—the girl. Creed—Braesal. The underlord—Valen. It was like their minds were blocked or something.

  Man I was stupid. I’d had Creed here with me for hours and hadn’t asked him the one question that might give me the upper hand. If I could find out Valen’s true name, I might be able to compel him. Styx had warned me that compulsion went both ways, but I still didn’t really know what he meant by that.

  It had already taken half an hour longer than it should have for Creed to get back here. Chances were they’d been discovered. We were all risking so much to save my family, but no one had complained.

  I wandered over to Zach, taking in his rounded shoulders and permanent frown. Something was wrong. When I sought a mental link it rebounded back toward me. I didn’t want to draw too much attention toward us, so I made my approach as casual as I could manage.

  “Hey,” I said.

  He gave me a knowing glance. “Hey yourself.”

  “Worried?” I asked when he didn’t say anything else.

  His beautiful eyes found mine and that’s when I realized his sulky attitude had more to do with my inner resolve than the impending battle. My heart gave a little at that moment. I felt like I was on a seesaw. One minute I was up and all I could think about was Heath and getting him back then the next I was down and all that mattered was the bond I had with Zach.

  Conflicted emotions swirled side by side through me. What could I say to him? Sorry for leading you on, but once I’m safe to do it I’m outta here. Even if I tried to slather this with sugar, it would still be me dumping him. Again.

  I reached out and clasped his hand. The moment our skin touched electricity shot through me. It ricocheted from place to place until it found my source. I stiffened when my mind succumbed to a memory that wasn’t my own.

  I stare at delicate hands placed in my lap. I’m seated at a table in front of a window that overlooks a garden. Despite my calm demeanor sweat drips down my back in rivulets while my heart pounds out an anthem.

  No—this is not me. I have to remember that.

  Faine’s foot taps against the wood floor, creating a rhythm to match her heartbeat. She sucks in a deep breath, and suddenly, I’m connected to her mind, her thoughts.

  She’s not sure this will work. She’s risking so much but if it works it will be worth it.

  Now if I could only figure out what it was.

  Her mind flits over the details, and I want to stiffen but this isn’t my body. I’m not
in the driver’s seat. She is, and it’s like she knows I’m here.

  A man enters the room, his effect washing over her. He’s tried for centuries to compel her into wanting him. She’s taken the challenge with a determination to win, a determination that has withered through the years. If she doesn’t do something soon, she could lose everything she loves.

  Ammon waits for her outside, oblivious to the machinations of the evil man in front of her. He should be a trusted friend. He should be like a brother to her bondmate, but this man is brother to no one. His charming demeanor has nearly disarmed her several times, but she always sees through to his rancid core. Her gift and her curse. She can see the heart of everyone.

  Valen smiles at her, but he doesn’t look the same. I don’t know how I know it is the same man, but I do. His face is completely different, except for the eyes. Suddenly I realize it’s how he makes her feel. I’ve felt the feeling too many times to mistake him for anyone else despite his appearance.

  Wearing full glamour, he shines like the sun at noonday. His long brown hair brushes past his shoulders, and his velvet blue eyes caress her. She stiffens as she always does when he’s near. Despite his promises, he’s always made her nervous and never in a good way.

  Ammon is her protector, her life, and this man wants to take her from him. She will do anything to keep that from happening, including sacrificing a girl she knows nothing about. Her daughter generations removed.

  Me.

  Faine reminds herself that her actions cannot affect my decisions. She can’t bind me to a man. Only I can do that.

  My body shakes in tremors, threatening to expel me from this dream.

  My mind detaches from hers momentarily. She could have given me anything and this was the memory she sent with her gift. Zach’s deep voice called out for me, beckoning me back to my own time and place. I shoved that voice to the surface. I was staying deep.