Choices (Mists of the Fae Book 6)

by Jaime Marks

  Marcus placed a hand on his shoulder and he jumped, shaken from his thoughts. “Are you both alright, Devyn?”

  He cleared his throat and nodded forcing his voice to retain its normal composure and strength despite his uncertainty. “I am, but Felycia will need a healer. I will return with her to see to her care.”

  Marcus nodded and gently examined her head then focused on her eyes a moment before speaking, “Cymeryn will be back in a moment and I will return you both to the Palace.”

  Nodding his acknowledgment he turned his attention back to her and sent a silent prayer to the Divine to guide him in this. He knew if he lost her it would be his very end. He would have to talk to her brother and see his feelings on things. He was not prepared to make the declarations, she would not yet even accept them, but he knew he needed to have her close. He needed the ability to get to know her, hold her. Once he had sorted his own mind he would court her fully but until that time he just needed to figure out how he kept her from running.

  Grifyn turned his attention away from Felycia as he ushered the unawakened over to Kato. Despite his need to be there for the girl he knew Devyn would care for her. The connection between them was clear and he was certain it was precisely what both his old friend and the girl needed to heal.

  Seeing them together was surprising. First, much like Mythos before he met Steph, Devyn had never reacted to any Fae in such a manner. He was generally harsh and abrasive to all but his family, and even them at times. Aside from that there had been complaints from the Gray in the fields that the Commander was stricter and standoffish with them. His reaction to Felycia upon meeting her as unawakened Shade, in the midst of an argument regarding the truth of the Gray, had been nothing short of a miracle.

  Felycia’s own reaction and apparent acceptance of him was just as miraculous. The girl never spoke to any aside from himself and Byryn. Really she didn’t even speak to them. She barely tolerated her brother and when Grifyn visited her she merely sat and listened answering his questions with short clipped phrases but at least she didn’t tense up as she generally did with her brother. Most days she locked herself away in her quarters and only emerged to mark time in the training rings though she refused any instruction or company even then. Seeing her with Devyn, the fact that she had allowed Trina to awaken her, it gave him hope.

  Grifyn had only taken a couple steps when he froze seeing the boy on the ground, a crimson blotch slowly spreading out across his chest. Cursing under his breath he shoved Ploxyn into Kato’s hold as he approached to investigate himself. “Take him, I need to see what I can do for Cymeryn’s ward. If they give you trouble show them the same courtesy they afforded my daughter.”

  Felycia may not yet have accepted him as her Father but she had allowed Trina to awaken her. In his mind he had claimed her, despite the lack of ritual, from the moment she came to them. The girl needed guidance and there were issues that he and Trina needed to help her address that would severely impact their family. He would not abandon the girl to find her way on her own, nor would he allow any to bring her any further harm.

  The only saving grace these boys had was they were still human. Had they been Shade he’d have killed them without hesitation. They had attacked and hurt Felycia, kidnapped his grandson and Staryana. They didn’t deserve the air they breathed.

  “Gladly,” Kato quipped binding his hands. “Should I get Byryn?”

  “No, let me assess him first.” Grifyn sighed sensing him, “I’m not sure how he will handle this. He despises this boy.”

  His son had made it clear how he felt about him but Kyle was Star’s brother and while he honestly he had justifiable reasons, he could tell that Byryn was confused about the weight they held now. Through his connection with both his son and Felycia, Grifyn had learned that things are not always how they appear. The young of the Shade endured and committed horrendous acts in order to survive. Byryn had been no exception but with the chances that Grifyn had ensured he’d been given the boy had become a Fae of honor. He’d seen similar occurring with other unawakened. This boy could not merely be judged on the sins of his past.

  Cymeryn seemed to think there was more to Kyle. Grifyn had accompanied him to discuss his training in Byryn’s stead as they were uncertain if the two could be trusted to work together yet. He had quickly realized that his old friend and former enemy had more than taken the boy under his care, they shared a connection.

  It was clear that Kyle did not trust his situation, or most of them for that matter, but he trusted Cymeryn, albeit grudgingly at times. It seemed as if he wanted to trust them but more than likely trusting anyfae was difficult for him. Still he’d been cooperative and his only concern appeared to be whether or not his sister was safe.

  All the information he had given them had lined up and proven true. Even his warning that John may have a few more tricks up his sleeve had panned out. Looking around the clearing they were holding at the moment and seeing the wound in his chest, Grifyn wished that they had been more vigilant regarding his concerns of John.

  Removing the shackles from his wrists, he reached his essence out in an attempt to rouse and assess him. “Kyle, can you hear me?”

  As he applied pressure to the wound a soft groan escaped his lips on an expelled breath but that was the extent of his reaction. Using his blade he cut his robes away to get a better look at the damage. There was a small circular hole in the center of the wound in his chest. It wasn’t good.

  As far as he could reason he’d been shot when the gun had gone off during the struggle to secure Kylion. Grifyn tried to piece together how he’d been caught in the crossfire when really he should have been clear. Running through the scene in his mind he realized what must have happened. Star had been rushing towards Byryn and Kylion when the shot rang out. Kyle was beyond range but his sister was not and no other was near her. The boy had protected her. He’d been on his feet just after the battle, likely ensuring the safety of those around him but had apparently collapsed at some point.

  Cymeryn was right. There was more to him than they knew. With a heavy breathe he began field dressing the wound. The boy had to live. There was no other option. Grifyn could not fathom why but there was some importance that he held to not only Byryn and Star but also the future.

  It was just a feeling but his feelings were something he’d learned to rely on in years gone by. When he followed his intuition it led his to great joys as it had with Trina, Byryn and he hoped Felycia. The few times he had ignored them had led to horrible days as with losing Demytria to Cymeryn and the loss of Steph for her youth. Kyle’s presence was something he felt more necessary each time they were in contact.

  He trusted Byryn but in this he suspected the bonding and years of being pitted against one another were clouding his judgment. He would find some way to save this boy and then he would have to manage to somehow help his son come to terms with his presence in his life. Given the time he suspected it would happen on its own, but at the moment he needed to ensure Kyle lived to see the day.

  Byryn kept his attention on Staryana’s mind until he was certain that she and Kylion were safe in the Palace. Cymeryn appeared beside him shocking his attention back.

  “Byryn, you must not allow it to distract you in such a way,” his Grandsire lectured. “Such mistakes could mean your death, especially here. You must learn to separate your fears until you can either manage both or ensure the danger has passed.”

  Byryn swallowed hard, “I know. I’m sorry, this whole thing just shook me up. We’re so close, Cymeryn. One more day.”

  “I know.” He clasped his shoulder, “You will both make it to your Bonding, I swear it, but I need your focus here, getting these boys back to the realm. I must return Mythos and Steph. She cannot be left alone and Felycia took a hard blow to her head. Devyn will not leave her so Marcus will return them. We need you to monitor things so we know if an issue arises.”

  “Alright.” He turned to take in the arrangements Kato and
his Dad had managed when he saw his Dad hunched over Kyle. “Shit.”

  Cymeryn turned hearing his words and followed him over to the boy. They’d all but forgotten him in the chaos.

  Grifyn looked up to them holding pressure to his ribs. “He’s alive, but unconscious. The best I can tell he’s been shot. I have field dressed his wounds, my lord, but…” he shook his head, “I’m not sure of the extent of the damage.”

  Kneeling beside him Cymeryn let his essence roll over Kyle as he tried to heal him. “His wounds are extensive. We must get him back or he will not survive them.”

  Byryn shook his head knowing he couldn’t let the bastard die. He had no idea how he felt about him but he was Staryana’s brother and he’d risked his own life to help her keep it together. She’d been on the verge of shifting continuously from the moment she saw that gun at Kylion’s head. Between seeing Kylion treated like that, what was happening with Steph, and her anger at Felycia’s injuries, she was livid and Darkness had been surging through her.

  Kyle had done his best to keep her calm, reasoning with her and reminding her that if she allowed them to sway her, Alayne would win. He had talked her through breathing exercises and tried to make her laugh. He even tried to reason with John and convince him to seek Redemption. When all that failed he put himself in her line of fire. Whether it was a manipulation or not, the fucker helped her and when she’d attacked him her guilt had nearly torn her apart. Byryn didn’t doubt that she would’ve been in severe danger of turning if he hadn’t been there for her.

  Cymeryn cursed, “He cannot be misted with such a wound. I cannot stabilize him enough to manage it. We may be able to heal him somewhat but with the internal injuries this severe it could well kill him to move him through the realms. As it is one of us will need to attempt to maintain him as we travel.”

  Byryn cringed knowing what he needed to do and gathered his resolve. “Do what you can.” He turned to find the materials he needed.

  “Where are you going, Byryn?” His Dad demanded.

  He glanced over his shoulder not stopping. “To make a drag stretcher. He will make it back to his sister. We’ll head back on foot as soon as Cymeryn finishes healing him.”

  He could feel their eyes burning into him but there wasn’t really time to get into it right now. There was something about Kyle he was missing. He’d felt it through Staryana when her brother absorbed her Light. There was more to him. He might not trust it yet but after everything he did to save his sister today he couldn’t just stand back and watch him die.

  He knew Kyle had hurt Steph and in his mind she was his every bit as much as any of his blood born sisters were. He knew it would be better for her to never have to deal with him or face him again, but he just couldn’t discount what he’d seen and heard. Hopefully Steph would understand because this was something he had to do. If it was within his power, Kyle would live.

  Chapter 7

  Mythos set her on down on his bed. Cymeryn had left them to return the others and there had not been time to discuss Stephynia’s state of mind. The twins had to deal with more immediate issues and while he needed answers and reassurances he understood.

  Marcus had been detained assisting Devyn with Felycia, apparently her injuries had been far more severe than initially anticipated. He was still assisting the Healers to stabilize the girl. Kyle had been shot and gravely injured. Cymeryn had misted them once he was sure the boy was stable enough to be moved. Byryn had laid him on a stretcher and began the journey back to the Palace while they misted. All of them had their hands full it seemed.

  If it were up to him Mythos may have been tempted to order them to allow the boy to pass from this world. He had harmed Stephynia in the past and he was not pleased that he was alive and so close to her now. Had Kyle and Staryana not been blood he would have banished him to protect his mate once his and John’s intentions for gaining access to the realm were revealed. The fact that Cymeryn had all but claimed the boy as his ward was infuriating, especially as he generally had Stephynia interests closer to heart.

  He lay beside her, his heart and soul, gathering her in his arms as he allowed his essence to flow freely between them. He needed to know she was alright, to gather the state of her mind. Cymeryn would be delayed until all were safely back in the realm and those wounded were stabilized. He could not bear to wait that long.

  Preparing himself for the worst he reached out to her through their connection and allowed himself to flow through to her mind. Graciously there was no chaos of essence swirling through her this time and her temperature remained normal. Her mind was peacefully quiet in a dream-like state as it should be. He debated if he should leave her be but he needed some assurance that she was resting comfortably and not being assaulted by John in some manner.

  Allowing himself to drift deeper into her subconscious he entered her dream. She was in a Shadow filled forest carefully making her way around the writhing forms that grabbed at her. It did not appear as if she were scared, only as if she were lost. He considered his options a moment, not wanting to frighten her. Slowly he allowed his essence to illuminate his skin, Lighting the area around him as he forced back the writhing forms. She turned cautiously and looked at him in a state of confusion.

  “I-I know you…” She stepped closer but hesitated. “In my heart, I know who you are…” He watched her as she struggled to find the information and shook her head in frustration. “I’m so confused.”

  If the situation were not so disconcerting he would have smiled as she reached up touching a tattoo of the sunstone pendant that in reality was still upon her neck. He had noticed she did that often since she put it on. It was a subconscious action to comfort herself and remind her that she had the strength to see this through.

  Mythos wondered if he should leave her. He did not wish to cause her more strain, but he could not bear to walk away from her. It was taking everything in him not to go to her; especially as he watched the Shadows curl around her, pulling at her as if they were trying to take her from him. She needed to work through this on her own, however. If he influenced her too drastically it could cause damage to her delicate human mind. He could not interfere but he could follow her lead and prompt her to continue her thoughts.

  “What does your heart tell you about me? Can you hear it?”

  She stared at him tilting her head to the side as if she were trying to puzzle him out. “The heart doesn’t talk, only the mind.”

  He smiled slightly. “I beg to differ. The heart will often contradict the mind as it knows what we need, even when it lies beyond the realm of logic.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “Maybe, but I don’t know how to hear my heart.”

  “Then how do you know in your heart that you know me?” He challenged. “Listening to your heart is a difficult thing, but it can be done. It will bring you the strongest truths of your soul.”

  She stood quietly a moment considering his words before taking a few steps towards him out of the Shadows. “Are you an angel? Did I die?”

  He chuckled recalling the human lore of such things, “I am definitely no angel and you are not dead. Merely asleep and dreaming. Why would you think such things? This does not exactly appear to be what one would consider Heaven.”

  “I can’t remember how I got here, or even anything before I came here. I know I never feel safe with anyone…but I, I feel safe with you…and you look like an angel,” she reasoned out. “Otherwise I have no clue what’s going on.”

  He tried to bite back his concern at her lack of memory but it scared the hell out of him. She should remember something before drinking John’s essence at least. “Do you know who you are?”

  She shrugged. “Steph, but for some reason the name Caria keeps echoing through my mind. I don’t think that’s my name exactly. More like a title? I think it…I think it means I belong to someone. I guess? That I need to return to them.” Her brow tightened in confusion. “That doesn’t really make sense does it?”

&nb
sp; He eased somewhat but decided it best to guard his answers. She had to reason her way out on her own. “It makes perfect sense actually.”

  “It does?”

  He nodded watching her patently. If she knew him, her name and remembered that caria was a name significant to her then she was still holding on.

  “Do you know what caria means?” She asked in curiosity.

  He smiled warmly, “I do, but what do you think it means?”

  She moved closer as she studied him. She was standing within arm’s reach now and he had to fight every urge not to pull her into his arms. “I’m not sure…I think it means heart and soul, but different somehow.” She closed her eyes a moment. “Someone that loved me very much called me that…someone I need to fight to get back to.”

  He let his essence engulf them both illuminating the area around them and she smiled easing at the feel of it. “Is that what your heart tells you? Listen to it…let it guide you.”

  They stood like that for what felt like an eternity though he was certain it had only been a matter of moments. Glancing around he wondered if this forest, this gloom represented some amount of Darkness that now permeated her soul. He wished for her to remain Light but if the risk was too great perhaps he should discuss Redemption with her. It would make her safer, but somehow he felt it would not be. Something in his being had told him not to seek Redemption as King of the Fae and he surmised that if he were truly meant to remain Light, as Queen, her destiny would be the same. He did not wish this danger and torment for her but he was not sure there would be another way for either of them. He watched her, patiently waiting, wishing he could ease her.