Choices (Mists of the Fae Book 6)

by Jaime Marks

  He could hear Cymeryn’s voice echoing through the boy’s mind. “Choose Wycelion. I cannot make the choice for you. You must choose what you want and fight the Darkness within you. I can only guide you. You must choose.”

  At first the boy’s rage flowed freely but the Darkness it brought panicked Wycelion and he forced himself to calm down. He focused internally on the two women he truly had loved in his life and on the one Fae he was loyal to and had always been, for he was certain if he was capable of love that Byryn held a place in his heart.

  The Light in him swelled and as he caught on he ran through every happy memory of his Mom, every moment of gratitude and respect he had for Byryn, and every moment Perylia had ever made him smile. Then he focused on what he truly wanted for the girl. The happiness he hoped to bring her and the freedom he felt she deserved.

  Devyn followed the flows of essence as Cymeryn merged his Light with Wycelion’s and merged it into the Darkness that still flowed through the boy. It separated and warred at first but he bound it together with Gray slowly merging all of it together. When everything had merged and Cymeryn had scanned him thoroughly to ensure no pure Darkness remained in the boy he released him and Devyn completed his own read on the boy. His essence was every bit as integrated as Felycia’s. He was pure Gray. He allowed his Light to flow through the boy more freely and sensed him more thoroughly but it held no negative impact and revealed no tricks or deception. He withdrew and stared at the boy in awe.

  “Arise Wycelion, son of Lunya,” Cymeryn requested.

  He hopped from the cot with a smile on his face and summoned an orb of Gray essence in his hand, extinguishing it before turning to seek out Perylia. The girl stood beside Byryn with tears streaming down her face taking in the changes in him. His hair was no longer black as night but more of a dark almost black brown with silver highlights. His eyes were no longer black orbs but instead held gray irises. His skin appeared to hold more color but he was still the same in every other regard.

  “Come here baby, I need to touch you to know this isn’t just a dream,” he requested holding out his hand for her. She ran too him and he caught her spinning her around as he kissed her. “I always knew you were my Light, Perylia. I always knew you would one day save my soul.”

  “Wyce?” She asked him in confusion.

  “Yeah Perl, it is still me. I’m good, I promise.” He kissed her head and met Cymeryn’s eyes in appreciation as Byryn came over and led him over near the Lucerna Lines speaking softly.

  Cymeryn came over and clasped Devyn on the shoulder. “Well Devyn? Will you tell these Fae what you have witnessed? What you now believe of Redemption?”

  Devyn turned to him still in a bit of shock, appraising his former enemy in a way he never thought he would before. Slowly he pulled the boy to his chest. No, not boy, but it had been so long since he had seen Cymeryn in such Light, such clarity, and even longer since he had held him. Cymeryn embraced him firmly.

  “How can you forgive me for how I have treated the son of my dearest friend and mentor?” Devyn gasped trying to rein in the emotion that engulfed him.

  Cymeryn shook his head. “No, Devyn. You owe me no apologies. I have put you through hell and you deserved and were entitled to your skepticism and anger. We cannot change the past and you are entitled to your emotions. We can only move forth from here. At least, that is what one wise Fae once told me when I mourned my Father’s death.” He held for a few moments giving him the time he needed to compose himself before he pulled back. “The Kingdom awaits your revelation.”

  He nodded clearing his throat and walked to the center of the throne room. Collecting himself he began, projecting his voice so it carried to all corners of the room. “I have been among the most skeptical of the changes that have occurred. My position at the fronts does not always allow me the luxury of investigation and I had only second hand accounts and rumors to make my judgments on. It was not enough hence I took my first leave in over a century so that I might be here, myself, to make the determination of what in the realms was actually occurring for the safety and preservation of not only the Lucerna Lines but also our race.

  “Since my arrival I have seen the Sacred Borne wield all three essences. A feat once thought to be impossible. I have seen two unawakened Shade awakened to Fae of the Gray. Now, as you witnessed, I have not only seen but sensed the Redemption of a Shade to Fae of the Gray as well. I can no longer deny the truth and promise of the Gray. Nor can I deny that I have seen Light in the Shade even prior to Redemption.

  “We have always deemed the Shade to be something else, something different, not allowing ourselves to see them as Fae. I believe this is because it makes it easier when we are forced to face those we love who have been turned from the Light, to view them as dead and gone, replaced by something vile. In some respects, as there had been no way to save them until now that was very much the case to us, but it is not in fact the truth. The Shade are corrupted by the Darkness, taken over by it, but Light can still exist in their hearts. That Light can Redeem them. They are Fae. We are Fae.”

  Devyn shook his head. “We have successfully taken the Umbra’s most effective weapons in the war. Their ability to turn us without resolution was by far the worst because it killed our hope and dimmed our Light, but now we know there is always hope. We can save them. We have already done so. We have Redeemed their Supryn as well as one of their most dangerous warriors and they now both serve strongly on the side of the Fae. The Umbra’s forces are crumbling. They are weak and disorganized. For the first time in a century…we have hope. We will win this war and restore balance to the realms.”

  The audience had held silent, hanging on his every word but now erupted into cheers and cries of joy. It was a sight they had not seen in the Kingdom of Fae in many generations. He turned to face the Queen of Balance and her Kings all now sitting upon their thrones. He met each in the eye and knelt before them. A gesture he had not afforded since his arrival as he knew to all who witnessed, it was a sign of his acceptance and devotion. He did not need to look up to see that the entire room had followed his example, he already knew the influence he held.

  Chapter 23

  Byryn looked up as Trycen walked over with Narysia. He was discussing changes to the duty roster with Gavyn and Wycelion and what he needed from the guards tonight.

  Trycen motioned to Wyce and Gavyn. “Narysia, this is my brother Wycelion and Guardian Gavyn a Gravylion, my friend and mentor.”

  She smiled slightly and offered a nod before turning to Byryn and bowing. “Liaison.”

  He studied her hoping she was feeling a bit better. “How are you feeling, sunshine? As much as I wish I could let you steal Trycen all day I kind of need to steal him back.”

  She glanced away but looked back with feigned confidence. “Better and yeah that’s fine. You know I always appreciate everything you do for me, but I can handle this. It’s been a long time since Mom died.”

  He nodded trying to figure out how to help her without making it obvious when Wycelion interjected, “If you’re not busy, Narysia, Perylia is new here and she has a difficult time making friends because she is so shy. Would you mind keeping her company while I attend to my duties?”

  She brightened up slightly. “Sure, it’ll be fun.”

  Wycelion motioned for Perl and she joined him immediately. He kissed her gently. “Perylia, this is Narysia, I thought you might keep her company while I see to things.”

  “Ok, Wyce. Will you be long?”

  “I’ll find you before the Bonding Rituals,” he offered. “Just remember my rules, keep to the guarded corridors and the plateau.” He looked between them. “If either of you have issue speak to one of the Guardians and they will let me or one of my brothers know.”

  Byryn smiled as they watched them go knowing that it would not only keep both girls busy but also help Narysia to feel like she was repaying him for the ridiculous notion that she owed him for everything he did for her. He never expecte
d anything from her. She just brightened his days and he knew at some point he’d find out why he felt the need to protect her. Hopefully sooner rather than later.

  “She’s familiar, but somehow not,” Trycen mused watching them. “Like a sister but not blood. It’s weird.”

  Byryn nodded. “I know. I don’t want to draw attention to her until I have more to go on though. In the meantime just keep an eye on her if you can.”

  Wycelion nodded, “I sense it to, but…” he looked hesitantly back at Staryana. “I believe she may be connected to someone else, not directly to any of us.”

  “Who, Star?” Trycen asked puzzled.

  Wycelion shook his head. “Not specifically, but perhaps one of our line or those linked to us. The feeling I get from her reminds me of what I felt when I first encountered Staryana at your school, Byryn. I did not even know who she was but as I passed her, her essence drew me in the same odd manner.”

  He arched his brow considering that information as Gavyn sighed. “It doesn’t matter, if her lineage wouldn’t warrant a guard it’s better to keep things low key so we don’t make her a target. Right now she’s no one, just another unawakened Fae that you have taken under your wing. If we have more issues and they realize that you’ve taken notice of her, Prince Byryn, they’ll target her because she’s easiest to reach.”

  “I know. That’s why I tend to keep my distance. I would’ve kept her with Staryana and I earlier if I thought we could get away with it but it would’ve drawn attention. Thanks for taking care of her, Tryce.”

  He smiled. “It wasn’t the worst duty I’ve ever had. She’s beautiful and sweet, but like I said, more like a sister vibe.”

  Byryn smirked, “I figured you wouldn’t mind. Give me a minute and we’ll head out. I want to say goodbye to my baby. I won’t be able to talk to her until the Bonding.”

  His brothers rolled their eyes but Gavyn only chuckled as he walked away. Stealing her from her brother’s side he scooped her into his arms and kissed her deeply. “How you doing, brightness?”

  “Good, you sure we have to be apart for the rest of the day?” She nearly whined but it only made him smile.

  “We do this right, baby. If I didn’t break the rules before your awakening when you were torturing me I sure as hell won’t break them now,” he teased nipping her ear. “It’ll be fine. It’s only a few hours and your Dads will keep you safe. I love you.”

  “I love you, too.”

  He looked up at Kyle. “Would you mind walking her to our chambers?”

  His brow arched high but he smiled. “No, I’ve got nothing else going on anyway.”

  “You will tomorrow. I’ve clear most of my afternoon so I can work with you and get you set. It shouldn’t be anything you aren’t accustomed to but I want to work through your options, see where you’re at in your schooling, assess your abilities and start your training.”

  With a nod he glanced to Cymeryn but turned back meeting his eyes. “How do you expect me to address you, Prince Byryn? You’re my sire, my sister’s mate, and my mentor. I’m kind of confused on how the formalities work in our case.”

  He grimaced, “Do you really need a title to call me? How about we just work on you not calling me asshole and we’ll go from there?”

  Kyle smirked as Staryana burst into giggles and had to cover her mouth before she embarrassed herself. They both shook their heads looking at her in amusement.

  “Seriously though, Kyle, unless we’re in public you really don’t need to worry about the formality crap and aside from your Dad, uncle, Wyce and Trycen it’s not like anyone would know I’m mentoring you. We hold the same status for all points and purposes.”

  He stared at him a long moment. Byryn could literally feel his surprise and confusion. Kyle never expected him to regard him as an equal, let alone a potential protégé that would amount to anything. It was amazing how skewed his opinion of him was but then the reverse was true until his awakening so it wasn’t really that surprising.

  Turning back to Staryana he kissed her. “Behave for your brother and your Dads, baby. I’m sorry but it’s time and I have things I need to take care of.”

  There was a hell of a lot he needed to do. They were holding a ball tonight and she had no clue. It was more work than he’d anticipated, especially blocking her and keeping it a secret but it would be worth it to see the look on her face. He’d do anything for her. She was literally everything to him.

  Cymeryn stepped up beside him. “Are you ready?”

  He nodded stepping back from her with a final kiss and met Cymeryn’s eyes as he reached through their link. “This has to be instantaneous or she’ll sense the surprise I’m hiding.”

  “I am already blocking her from you, Byryn. I will manage it and once I am done she will not be able to hear you until the Bonding.”

  Cymeryn rested his hands on his head and it literally felt like part of him had been cut away. Thank god this was only for a few hours because it literally hurt to have this distance from her. It was ridiculous because she was still standing two feet away but anymore it was as if they all but shared a mind and having that connection cut was strange.

  “There, that will hold until the ritual. I will ensure she and Kyle make it to their chambers. Marcus and I will need to separate from Reyana after this as well.”

  “I’ll make sure they’re all covered.”

  Returning to his brothers he paused to watch as Cymeryn misted out of the throne room with Staryana and Kyle. Having her out of sight and not being able to sense her was going to drive him crazy. Too many thing went wrong when she was out of his sight, but she knew how to handle herself and what to do if anything happened. With a sigh he nodded to his brothers and Gavyn and walked out into the corridor. It was going to be a really long day but tonight it would all be worth it.

  Astryn stumbled out of the throne room feeling disoriented and confused. She didn’t understand what she’d felt but she was pretty sure that it wasn’t something affecting her. Was she sensing that male’s emotions that completely? How was that possible? He didn’t even seem to notice her. Then again if what she felt was something he’d been experiencing then maybe he was just too distracted to notice anyfae not immediately around him.

  Talerys caught her by the elbow. “Where are you going?” He hissed close to her ear. “You are to be by my side at all times. You know this.”

  Rolling her eyes she turned to face him. “If you must know I don’t feel well and I had intended to lie down so that I am fresh for the ceremonies this eve.”

  His eyes narrowed. “I do not believe you. You mean to attempt to slip away from me again as you did earlier on the way to Claimings.”

  She couldn’t argue that. She’d been hoping to find some excuse to talk to the male she’d noticed but he was above her station and he’d been detained the entire time. Besides, Talerys was annoyingly persistent.

  “Why do you insist on gaining favor to court me?” She asked in exasperation. “You’re not my mate, Talerys. I’m never going to give in to you and I won’t perform the Bonding with you regardless of anything you arrange with my Father. What are you getting out of this?”

  He smirked running his finger down her cheek and over her collarbone. “You are quite lovely when you are angry, Astryn, and too young and naive to understand how few of us ever find our true mates. You will come around in time and if not your Father will make the decision for you.”

  She smacked his hand away. “Don’t touch me.”

  “We both know that your Father wants this union between us. It is why he brought me and why he continues to place us together.” He pulled her closer and just about pinned her to the wall. She looked around in frustration realizing no Fae would intervene. “You are headstrong and need guidance. I mean to ensure you receive it.”

  “Lady Astryn, there you are,” A deep voice cut in from up the hall. She looked up as Prince Byryn stepped up beside them measuring Talerys dismissively. “If I remember
correctly you have a decent knowledge of Earth culture, right?”

  She nodded hesitantly not really sure what this was about but it allowed her the excuse to step away from Talerys so she’d go with it. Besides, he might be able to introduce her to…his essence washed over her cutting off her thoughts. For a second she thought she felt that male through him, but that wasn’t right. She’d met the Prince the other day and hadn’t felt anything like this. Why did he feel so different to her now? Almost like…family?

  “What is this about?” Talerys demanded curtly, interjecting himself in their conversation. “You did not put in a request for her assistance.”

  The Prince arched a brow at him and rose a hand as the two males that flanked him went to step forward. It drew Talerys’ attention and he stepped back slightly as he fully realized the situation. “I wasn’t aware that I needed a formal request to speak with her. I just wanted her advice on something. I’m sure since it’s regarding the festivities this eve it can be overlooked,” he shrugged focusing on her as if he were checking her over for injury. She wondered how much of their conversation he’d overheard. “Will you walk with me so we can talk, Astryn?”

  “Of course, my lord,” she curtsied, fell in beside him as he took a couple steps but he paused and turned to Talerys.

  “There’s no need for you to accompany her. The matter is a private issue. I’ll see to it she makes it safely to her parents’ suite when we’re finished.”

  “Your majesty, I am her escort and in charge of her care.” His eyes narrowed on her. “Astryn can be quite willful and impulsive. I would not want her to be a burden.”

  Prince Byryn turned to face him and there was a fire in his eyes that made her step back but the male she had seen Redeemed earlier rested a gentle hand on her shoulder and shook his head. “I’m not sure what you’re implying but I find Astryn to be intelligent, capable, and responsible or I wouldn’t have sought her assistance. I’m sure she’ll be fine. Aside from that I assure you that I can handle any issues that arise as is my duty to do so.”