by Mindy Hayes
Branches scratched my arms and legs as I soared past, but I didn’t slow. As I pushed on, I heard them getting closer, shrubberies and twigs crunching under feet. They were close. Too close. I didn’t dare glance over my shoulder to gage their distance. Instead, I picked up speed. Sakari’s voice pushed me inside my head. Run, Sarai. You are stronger than you know. Keep going. Run.
An arm encircled my waist, and I opened my mouth to scream. Nothing came out. A hand trapped the sound. I spun into a solid body braced against a tree trunk. When my eyes trailed up, I saw Marcus place a finger over his lips to silence me as he removed his hand from my mouth. He kept his grip on my waist as he peered over his shoulder around the trunk, holding me close.
The woodlands were silent.
When he turned back to me, he didn’t remove his arm from around me. He held me secure and combed the land without a word. We remained quiet for a few minutes, the tension building between us. Were they gone? What if we were found? Were my Keepers okay?
When he decided we were safe, Marcus released a heavy sigh. He didn’t remove his arm around me when he quietly asked, “Did you get a look at any of the assassins?”
I shook my head. Tears began their descent down my cheeks. “One of my Keepers shouted for me to run, so that is what I did. It could have been anyone, anything.”
He nodded curtly, his jaw set tight.
“What happened to my Keepers?” I asked. “Where are yours?”
“We arrived as Gallagher was being taken. My Keepers took off after them, and I ran after you.”
“Gallagher.” I choked on tears. “What about Kayne? Or Brae and Galdinon?”
His answer was short. “I don’t know.”
I buried my face in my hands. “It’s as if they knew, Marcus. They knew you and I were meeting here. How is that possible?”
Marcus gently stroked the back of my head, pressing me close to his chest. “Shhh … Sarai, we cannot break down now. We need to get back to your castle. We are too vulnerable out here.”
“I know. I know. I just…” Lifting my eyes to meet his, I swallowed. “I’ve never been faced with anything like this before. Sakari taught me how to defend myself. I’m not helpless, but it is not second nature. When you caught me, I for sure thought I was done for.”
Marcus’s hand held my face, his thumb hooking under my chin, and he stared intently into my eyes. “I will never let anything happen to you, Sarai. Never. You have my word.”
For the first time since I lost Sakari, I felt safe. Cherished.
“My Queen.”
I spun in Marcus’s arms. Kayne approached, out of breath, sweat pouring down the side of his face. “Kayne!” I threw my arms around his neck. “Oh, thank the Fallen Fae!” His arms hesitantly hugged me back.
I remembered my place and stepped away. “Where are Brae and Galdinon?”
“I hoped they were with you.”
I shook my head. “Gallagher?”
Kayne’s head hung. “He’s gone.”
“We need to go.” Marcus stepped in. “My Keepers will know to meet me in Rymidon. We’re not safe out in the open.”
The three of us raced back to the castle. Kayne led the way, while Marcus remained behind me, ensuring my safety. When we reached the castle gates, Brae and Galdinon were outside, pacing back and forth, watching the tree line for us. Kayne embraced each of them.
“How did you make it back alive?” he asked them. “You had three of them on your trail.”
Marcus pointed to the open gates. “Let’s take this inside. We need to discuss what happened back there without the prying eyes of Rymidon.”
…
I closed the doors of the gathering hall behind us and sat on my throne. “What did you see, Kayne?”
“I was headed east, in the direction of Gallagher, on my patrol when I saw the dark figures swoop in. I yelled for you to run, Your Grace, and then I darted after the captors. They were tall. Our height, if not taller. So, I think it is safe to say we can rule out the trolls. They had hooded cloaks, so I couldn’t get a good look at them.”
I turned to Brae and Galdinon. “What did you two see?”
“The cloaked figures came out of nowhere,” Brae concurred. “I barely caught sight of them out of the corner of my eye. In one instant, Gallagher was there, the next he vanished.”
“As though … he disappeared?” I asked.
He shook his head. “He didn’t disappear. The attackers were simply that quick. Kayne, Galdinon, and I tried to chase after them, but they split up, and so did we to cover ground. Within a few hundred feet, they were gone without a trace.”
“How many were there?” Marcus inquired.
“Three,” Kayne answered. “Four, possibly. It happened too quickly.”
“Did you see my Keepers in the forest? They followed the sound when they heard you shout.”
They shook their heads. Brae said, “I came across Galdinon on my way back to the castle. When I only saw him, I thought we’d lost Kayne, too.”
“It’s possible they were able to track the attackers better than we were,” Kayne said, though he didn’t believe the words he said. It sounded more like he wanted to pacify Marcus. My Keepers were just as capable as Oraelia’s, if not more so, since they were once under the extreme direction of my father. He never settled for anything less than perfection when it came to protection.
Marcus set his jaw and nodded. “Hopefully, they made it back to Oraelia. Sarai, may you and I have the room?”
“Yes, of course. Will the three of you please wait outside?”
“Yes, Your Highness,” they said, and backed out of the gathering hall.
“We still need to discuss why we were meeting in the first place.” Marcus turned his back to the closed door. “What information did you find out from Calliope?”
“What I’m about to disclose to you cannot leave this room. Until we know how better to handle the situation. We have no idea who we can and cannot trust.”
Marcus nodded, agreeing. It was the forest in his eyes. I was pulled into their depths, feeling the sincerity and honor. I could tell him anything.
“Calliope’s family created a full documentation of our existence. Our history, our laws, our abilities, our heritage. It is meant only for the eyes of True Royals. She told me one of the scrolls is missing. A rather important scroll. One that documents the purpose of our blood and all its abilities, how it can be utilized. Calliope and I believe maybe whoever took the blood is trying to figure out how to wield our powers.”
“Took the blood?”
Had I not mentioned the missing blood? “Was the Oraelian not drained of blood?”
“No, he was,” Marcus confirmed. “But, you never mentioned yours were missing blood.”
“I guess I’ve been holding that detail close for protective purposes.”
“So, you believe the assassin drained the blood and is attempting to use it to channel our powers?” His head shook vehemently. “That’s not possible.”
“I thought the same thing, but why steal the scroll? Why drain the blood of every casualty if it weren’t going to be used?”
The rapid rise and fall of his chest looked painful. His eyes narrowed in fear. Marcus began to pace, rubbing his neck as he wore down the wood beneath him. The anxiety pouring off him cascaded toward me. Was he formulating a solution? What did he fear? Did we have any hope? Was my information worse than he’d anticipated?
After a few minutes, I let my voice break the silence. “What are you thinking?”
His hand dragged down his face as he turned to me and sighed, like the words waiting needed more room in his lungs to form. Marcus clenched his teeth. “If they are storing the blood they’ve drained, and it can be transferred to any creature in any capacity, the results are endless.” Dread laced his eyes. “And with the amount of blood the enemy now possesses, who knows how many creatures they could’ve used it on. How much blood would it require to transfer our powers?”
>
Where was the hint of optimism? I needed at least a fraction of reassurance that what we were dealing with would not be the end of our existence. “We need to find that scroll.”
Marcus nodded. “If we’re lucky, it requires a large sum of blood, but if it requires a small dose…”
“They could have transferred our blood to hundreds.”
“Someone has to have noticed something out of the ordinary. Rymidon needs to be informed. It’s time, Sarai. While it will cause some upset, it will raise awareness, and keep others from getting hurt. We will better be able to work together to seize the culprits.”
“You’re right.” I nod and put on a brave face. “I will make a kingdom-wide announcement this evening.”
“I can stay.” Marcus paused. His expression waffled with uncertainty. Was he uncertain about staying? Or uncertain that I would want him to? “If you would like me to … to be there when you make the announcement.”
I contemplated sending him back to Oraelia, so he could deliver the news as well. I could stand on my own and accept the repercussions for withholding this information from them for as long as I have. But, with Marcus’s support, Rymidon would understand we were on the same side. They would see we are not the only kingdom being targeted. This was not backlash from the Battle of Faylinn. This was an attack on us all.
One look into his eyes and I didn’t want to tell him no. I wanted him with me, as a united front. And possibly a little more.
“Thank you, Marcus. I think that would be beneficial. I will have Kayne assemble everyone in the gathering hall.”
He offered a smile that stirred inside of me. When he so rarely smiled, one turn of his lips felt special. As if he saved his smiles and only offered them to those who earned it. When I smiled in return, he extended his hand. It was more than a hand to hold; it was a gesture of unity. We would fight this together, as one.
Chapter Twenty
LIA
Adrianne was giving me a rundown of my section when Cameron walked in the double doors of Amici’s with his hand on the back of a new girl. I knew learning the other girl’s name wasn’t important. How many different girls did he have?
“Two?” Adrianne perked up, hostess mode kicking in.
“Yeah.” Cameron smiled at me in a taunting way. “And can we be seated in Lia’s section?”
Adrianne looked to me, either wanting an explanation or my go ahead. “This is my roommate, Cameron.” And I had a feeling he was going to make me work for my tip tonight.
She looked Cameron up and down, then smiled. “Well, okay. Table or booth?”
“Booth, please,” he said.
“Right this way.”
I stayed at the hostess podium in case any one else came in. Adrianne returned and stood in front of it. “You didn’t mention you were rooming with Cameron Bennett.”
I lifted an eyebrow, not understanding. “I hadn’t realized that would mean something.”
“Well.” She placed her hands on either side of the podium, leaning over and whispered, “It means something to me. He’s in my chem class. And he is a looker.”
“A looker?” I laughed. “Who says that?”
Adrianne giggled. “My grandma.”
“You should probably hang out with your grandma less. She’s set you back a few decades.”
“Whatever. My grandma is the best.”
I laughed and walked to the booth where she’d sat Cameron and New Girl. “What can I get you started off to drink?”
Cameron looked like he was studying the menu very closely. His fingers stroked his chin as he pursed his lips. I knew he was going to order a Mountain Dew, so I didn’t know why he bothered looking. “Hmm … So many choices.”
“I’ll have a Diet Coke,” New Girl said.
“What do I want, what do I want?” Cameron worked his jaw from side-to-side. Now he was just being annoying.
“I’m coming back with your date’s drink, and then you can order.”
“No, no … I’ll have … hmm…”
“Cameron, I’m bringing you a Mountain Dew. I know that’s what you’re going to order.”
He looked up from his menu. “But what if I want to try one of these Italian sodas?”
“Do you?”
Cameron grinned at me like a fool. “No.”
I tried not to scowl at him, but he was making it very difficult. “If you make me work hard for this tip, I’ll make you work hard for your food.”
“Do I need to speak to your manager?” Amusement danced across his eyes.
“You wouldn’t dare.”
He chuckled. “Just bring me a Dew, please.”
“You’re so predictable.” I turned to his date. “I’m sorry you agreed to this. He’ll be obnoxious all night.” And walked away.
While I was filling up their drinks behind the bar, Adam, my trainer, came up next to me. “Looks like table seven is giving you a hard time. Just remember to keep a smile on your face. It’s all about customer service.”
“I know him.” I brushed Adam off. “We’re roommates. We’ve been friends since high school.”
For some reason, that thought struck me. So much of our time spent together was focused on what had happened in Faylinn and my deception. It was easy to forget Cameron and I had once been friends. High school felt like a lifetime ago. I mean … it was. So much had happened since then, I could hardly remember what it was like being human before. I’d had parents and a brother who thought they’d loved me. I’d lived with them for over four years, but so easily my brain had shut them out. I suppose it made sense. Adair put me in their home as a transplant. I wasn’t meant to last in their lives or memories, but a piece of me missed them and the simpler life.
What would have happened if I’d never turned on Calliope? What would have happened if I’d never gone back to Rymidon? Would I still have a family?
“Whoa, whoa, Lia.” A hand gripped around mine and rested on my lower back. I shook my head, clearing my thought. The drinks had overflowed all over the soda machine. “You okay?” Adam asked and grabbed a rag close by.
“Yeah, sorry.” I wiped around the glasses. “Thanks. I just spaced out for a second.”
“You need me to take that table?” Adam seemed genuinely concerned. “I don’t mind.”
“No, I’m fine. Really. I’ll take care of them.”
“You sure?” Adam’s hand was still on the small of my back, and suddenly it felt more intimate than friendly or concerned. “I know you’re new to this stuff. Take on more tables a little at a time.”
“I’m sure. I can handle it. Thanks, Adam.” I ducked away. When I turned, I saw Cameron scrutinizing me. Great. He saw me spilling their drinks. More for him hold against me.
Chapter Twenty One
CAMERON
After dinner, I’d dropped Emily off at her apartment. I wasn’t feeling it. With as quickly as she’d jumped out of my jeep, she probably wasn’t too disappointed I’d ended the night early. It was after eleven when Lia walked in the front door, and I was watching Criminal Minds reruns.
“Not again,” she groaned.
I chuckled because the only light in the room was the TV, so she probably didn’t check to see if I was alone. “I’m alone.”
“Oh, thank goodness.” She plopped on the couch beside me and closed her eyes, her head falling back. “I just want to wash my face and go to sleep.”
“And you can do that as soon as this episode is over.”
“Cameron, please. Didn’t you make my night difficult enough?”
I couldn’t stop my laughter. After making her describe half the menu in detail and asking her to give us a few more minutes multiple times before she could take our order, I knew if I didn’t lay off she was going to spit in my food.
“Oh, c’mon. The BAU was just about to deliver their profile on this serial killer. Wash your face and come finish it with me. Then I’ll let you go to bed.”
She sighed and got to her feet. S
he leveled me with a serious face. “Fine. Just this episode and then sleep.”
“Deal.”
When she came back and sat down with her knees to her chest, freshly washed of makeup, and her hair tied up on top of her head, I realized I’d never really looked at Lia without her makeup. She had a light dusting of freckles across her nose that made her look younger—innocent, even—which was comical in itself, but somehow made perfect sense. The more layers I uncovered of Lia, the more I liked.
During a commercial break, my question tumbled out without permission. “So, you get a job for a week and already have a boyfriend?”
“Huh? What are you talking about?”
I saw that server with his hands all over her when she’d been filling up our drinks behind the bar. It was no wonder she’d spilled everywhere with him practically groping her. “The brown-haired guy with the eyebrow piercing.”
“Oh.” Lia made a disgusted face. Good sign, good sign. “Adam?”
“Is that his name?”
“He was my trainer the first few days. He’s supposed to keep tabs on me since I’m new at this whole server thing.”
“Seems to me he wants to do a lot more than train you.”
“No, he doesn’t. Gross. And no, thank you.”
I stretched my arm along the back of the couch, facing her. “You know, you can’t say that about every guy forever.”
She paused with her eyes glued to the screen. Why was I pressing the issue like I cared? It made sense for her to ward off guys for a while, if not forever. The love of her life just died, not that he deserved her love.
Just before the show came back on, Lia murmured, “It’ll take a lot for me to trust another guy ever again.”
I assumed Lia would be weary of another relationship because of her loss, but of course, she’d be weary of another manipulative jerk. Granted, Skye had been manipulative in a phenomenally horrible way when he’d convinced her to follow his dad’s plan, but that didn’t excuse other guys. There were lots of idiots out there. I should know. I was friends with a few of them and rooming with one of the worst womanizers I’d ever met. No one could blame Lia for being skeptical. And I hated that an unexplainable part of me wanted to be the one to change her mind.
