by E. A. Weston
“How did you sleep?” Killian asks before kissing me, not giving me a chance to respond. His kiss feels different—electric, more alive. I want to devour him and still it would not be enough.
Pulling back, I roll my eyes. “It was fine, I guess.”
“You guess?” he smiles at me. Nodding, I run my fingers through his hair frowning. “You don’t like my hair, princess?” He laughs.
“No, I like it short,” I say. His lips find mine again. I can smell the fish and pull away, covering my mouth and nose.
“What is it?” his voice full of concern.
“I don’t like fish,” I mumble through my hand. Killian laughs shaking his head.
“It smells worse than it tastes, I promise.”
Taking my hand, he brings me back into the ruin. We sit around a small fire with fish roasting on a stick. How I miss Starbucks. Keeping my mouth and nose covered, I listen to them talk about traveling north to the Tenebrosi camp. I remember Killian telling me it is where he trained to be a warrior. I wonder why we are going there and not to his house. Maybe his house is gone, or someone else moved in while he was gone.
Killian passes me some fish. Shaking my head, I mumble “no” through my hands. “I’m good.”
“No, Reagan, you must eat. We have a long journey ahead, and this will give you energy.” Shaking my head again, he sighs, moving closer to me. “Open your mouth.” He holds the fish up to me, and I want to heave all over him.
“No, Killian, please. I feel so sick.”
“Please, princess, you must eat,” he says, holding the fish to my lips.
I really don’t want it, but he presses it against my lips, making the juice roll down my chin. Closing my eyes and holding my nose, I open my mouth. I chew so fast I don’t taste it. Killian laughs, holding another piece up to me. I take it, swallowing again this time. I get a faint sweetness from it, and Killian feeds me the whole thing. I watch as he eats his slowly, savoring it like a fine wine. My stomach is churning, so I step outside.
The wind helps cool my sticky skin, but I still feel terrible. Taking a few deep breaths, I will myself to not be sick. Killian and Samiel come outside, offering me some water. I gladly drink the whole thing, feeling the fresh cold water flow down my throat.
“Thanks,” I say between pants when I’m done, wiping my chin. I catch Samiel frowning at me before he turns away and begins to walk onward. Keeping Killian’s hand in mine, I keep pace with them. It’s hard because they walk really fast, and my stomach is churning like an ice cream machine. The sun is so hot, I want to hide under a rock, and I have no idea what the time is.
“Can I have some more water?” I whisper to Killian. He hands me a flask, and I take a mouthful. “Thank you.” He takes my hand again as we walk on. All I can see for miles is green grass. No trees, no buildings—no shade.
We trek through the velvety grass for hours. Well, I think it is because my watch is frozen and my phone doesn’t work. “What time is it, Killian?”
“Mid-morning, princess. Why, are you hungry again?” The mere thought of food causes my stomach to somersault.
“No, I was just wondering, that’s all. So it’s like noon or lunch time.”
“Yes,” he answers.
“I’d love a coffee,” I mumble, making him laugh.
“Me too,” he whispers. Turning his face to mine, he smiles. My lips meet his and I get a boost of energy.
“Are you doing that?” I ask, not really sure how this bond thing works now that we are here.
“Doing what?”
“Giving me energy when I kiss you?” He laughs at me, shaking his head.
“No. Why? Do you feel that way?”
I nod.
“It must be the fish.”
Oh, my stomach. Closing my eyes, I swallow hard. I remain quiet for the rest of the journey. I miss his car. I miss Jake’s piece of crap car—man, I feel so drained. The heat from the sun begins to fade as the sky changes to a beautiful orangey-pink. Killian lifts his face towards the sun and smiles. The light brings out the silver flecks in his eyes. Soon after, I spot a tower in the distance. My mood lifts and I walk faster.
Once we arrive, Samiel and Killian approach slowly. Killian wears his glamor as another fairy walks towards us. They greet in their language and offer the fairy a small leather pouch. Taking it, the fairy waves us on to follow him. He has brownish-red hair, and his eyes are the same. We enter the tower and take a seat at the table. Killian relaxes beside me as a female fairy approaches. I can hardly believe what I see. She is stunning; her skin looks so smooth with small pink patches on her cheeks. Her eyes and hair are the same brownish-red as the man. She serves us some food and water. I wait to see what Killian does first before I tackle him for the water. He nods and speaks Fairy to the girl who curtsies then leaves.
“Can I have water, please?” I ask, my hands shaking from need. Killian pours me some into a glass. Grabbing it, I down it in one.
“Are you that thirsty, Reagan?” He looks concerned as I nod.
“Yeah, I am parched. I need more.” Taking the water, I drink half of the jug. Killian offers me some bread and fruit, but I decline. I watch as he eats, taking his time again.
“Why do you eat so slow? Is that a rule here?”
“No, princess, it’s just how we eat. You must eat slowly to enjoy the flavor,” he answers.
“Tell that to the steak you killed last week. It was gone in five minutes.”
I laugh at him, remembering how he ate his dinner so quickly. Resting my head on his shoulder, I close my eyes for a minute. “I have never felt so tired in my life.”
“It must be the dimension change,” Killian supplies, tilting my face with his finger. His lips brush mine. “How are you feeling besides tired?” he asks, popping a bright green fruit into his mouth.
“Like I am on a roller coaster.” Wrapping his arm around me, he holds me close.
“I am sorry, princess. It will be better once we reach Tenebrosi. Maybe all the traveling has caused you to be sick.”
“Maybe.” I sigh. He holds a piece of green fruit to my lips. “No, thanks.”
“Please? It is my favorite fruit,” he asks. “I promise you will like it,” he whispers. Opening my mouth, he pops it in. I chew slowly as a rich flavor flows around my mouth. It tastes heavy but sweet—a sweetness that leaves a rich aftertaste once you swallow it.
“That is nice,” I say, reaching for another one. We eat some yummy fruit. Killian tells me their name, but I have forgotten already. Samiel appears, telling us it’s time to go.
“Can I get some water to go?” I ask, standing with Killian. He fills the flasks attached to his belt, and we leave. I don’t see the man or woman again. We walk for another while before we arrive at a cliff. I follow Samiel down the steps, and Killian brings up the rear. Finding a boat, we climb inside. Samiel beings to row. The night becomes chilly, so I put my shirt back on. The waves look black as we rock across the water—the fish and fruit I ate, threaten to come back up. Turning, I hang my head over the side of the boat and lose it. I heave everything I have eaten for the past few days.
“Reagan,” Killian grabs me, holding my waist to stop me from falling out of the boat. He speaks to Samiel in a rush, and the boat moves faster, much to my dismay.
“Oh, please, Killian. Stop this—can’t we go another way?” I moan.
“Almost there, princess.”
He rubs my back while I hang my head over the side. Eventually, we crash onto a sandy shore, and Killian carries me off the boat. He lays me down, rubbing something cool and wet over my forehead. “You are so pale, Reagan.”
“Can we just sleep?” I mumble, feeling like a train ran over me.
“Yes, princess. Sleep.” He kisses my forehead.
Chapter 24
I hear voices and feel the wind on my face. My body shivers. Opening my eyes, I can make out Killian’s wings beating in the darkness.
“I love your wings,” I whisper, s
nuggling my face closer to his neck.
“I love you,” he says, holding me tighter. “You gave me quite a scare, princess. I thought you were never going to wake up.” His voice is full of anguish.
“Can’t get rid of me that easily,” I tease.
“I don’t want rid of you. I want to keep you by my side forever.”
“You will, I promise.”
Opening my eyes, I look around again. We are high in the sky, and the moon has a blue hue to it. Sighing, I keep my eyes on it as we move soundlessly through the night sky. My thoughts turn to my mom and dad.
“Reagan, are you okay? I can feel your emotions.” Killian sounds panicked in my head.
“I’m fine, Killian. Just thinking, that’s all.”
“I never want to lose you, princess. Without you, my life would mean nothing.” Lifting my head, I look at him.
“Hey, what’s going on? Why are you talking like this?”
“You have been out for hours, Reagan. Every part of me regrets bringing you here. I have been so selfish to take you from your life.”
“Killian, stop. I love you, and I promised we would get you home … where you are, I am.” I smile, giving him back his own words. Leaning down, he kisses me.
“I love you, too.”
We fly for a little while longer, the stars shining down on us. I feel a little better, but my stomach still feels weird. Up ahead, I see some lights. Killian swoops down a little, flying just above the treetops. It’s colder here, and I feel the ice in the wind.
“Almost there, princess.” He kisses my head again.
“Are you happy?” I ask, noticing the change in his body.
“A little. It has been a long time since I left.”
“Yeah, I guess a hundred years is long in any world.” He laughs at me.
“No, princess. Time moves differently here—it is slower. We have been in Avalon for two days, but back in the human world, it has been about three weeks.”
His words shock me. “Three weeks! Killian, Alex is probably going out of her mind.” I think of all the people I left behind. I just sent her a text saying I was going camping for a few days, but three weeks… Killian slows down as we approach the ground. With a slight bend to his knees, we land.
“Can you walk for a little bit?” he asks, checking my temperature by placing his hand on my forehead.
“Yes, I’m fine for now.” I wink, taking his hand. I notice patches of snow on the ground and shiver. We walk through the trees for about ten minutes, the light growing as we get closer. Killian squeezes my hand. Samiel steps into the clearing first. Looking around, I notice a large fire in the center, surrounded by buildings and what looks like an obstacle course. A few fairies stop and stare at us. They all look similar with black hair and wings.
I watch as a group of about five fairies march towards us; the one in the front looks shocked as he reaches us. In an instant, he and Killian are fighting, arms and legs tangled on the ground, grunts, groans and lots of fairy language.
“Samiel, what is going on?” I ask, only to be ignored.
I watch as a crowd gathers. Fairies just watch as if it’s two kids fighting in a playground. After a few more minutes, the fighting stops. Killian and the fairy both stand and circle each other again. Then they lunge for each other, laughing and hugging. I don’t get it. They just beat the shit out of each other. Pulling back, Killian smiles at the other guy. They talk for a few minutes; the guy has his arm around Killian’s shoulder as they walk away toward one of the buildings.
Taking a few steps, I follow them only to be stopped by two fairies. They point to another building. Crossing my arms, I refuse to move.
“I am with Killian,” I say, but they don’t move. What the hell is it with people thinking he and I are not together?
“Forgetting someone?” I ask in my head. Killian turns, waving me on. As soon as I try to move, the fairies block me again. Killian’s friend says something, and they let me pass. Running up the path, I grab onto him, not letting go of his hand until we enter one of the buildings. There are a sofa and a fire pit in the center of the room. A few chairs are posted around the walls. Killian and I take the sofa. I watch as the other fairy sits opposite us, smiling at Killian. He too is beautiful—his hair is long and black, but his eyes are slightly brown. Still, he is a sight.
Killian places his hand on my knee for a minute. He speaks Fairy to the guy who laughs at him.
“Please, I am Avery. I see that my brother is too rude to introduce me to his lovely lady friend,” he says. His voice sounds like Killian’s with a slightly different melody to it.
“Hello, I’m Reagan Lunasa.” Holding out my hand, he takes it and kisses my knuckles. Killian groans and flops back on the sofa.
“Must you be so formal, brother?” He laughs.
“Yes, I must, brother. Now tell me, where have you been?”
Avery keeps my hand in his and I feel awkward. Killian sits forward, taking it back and smiling at Avery, who grins at us.
“I fear my brother is quite protective of you,” he says, looking at me.
“No, brother, I fear you may get hurt.” Killian winks at me. They both laugh and I look between them. They sound like an orchestra.
Killian speaks quickly in Fairy to Avery, whose eyes pop out every now and then. Eventually, he looks at me and smiles as Killian talks. I hear the words Faircrest and granite, so I guess he is almost done. When Killian stops talking, they stare at one another for a long time, both seeming to be lost.
“Hey, you okay?” I ask Killian.
“Yes, Reagan. I am fine. How are you feeling?” His words are so formal and rub me the wrong way.
“Okay. Still a little off,” I answer. He explains to Avery that I have been sick. Avery begins to make tea.
“Tea will take away your pain.” He smiles at me, and I smile back.
“He is so sweet,” I whisper to Killian, who tilts his head at me.
“I too am sweet, am I not?” he questions, making me laugh.
“Yes, you are very sweet, but you talk funny.” I wink leaning over I kiss him. Avery joins us again, pouring out three cups of tea; it smells like sugar and water and tastes just as sweet. I drink it slowly, watching as Killian closes his eyes, the journey finally catching up on him.
“I fear you need sleep, brother, or you will be no good for training,” Avery says.
Sighing, Killian opens his eyes. “I fear you are right. I need to sleep. We have spent three suns traveling.”
“Indeed. So come, let me show you to your bed.”
Killian stands, so do I. Draining my cup, I place it down on the table and start to follow them. Avery frowns at me.
“Oh, no, Reagan Lunasa. Men and women sleep separately here.” Killian steps back to me.
“I’m sorry,” he whispers, then kisses me softly.
I watch him as he is lead away with six fairies surrounding him. I feel like we are in prison. Following them outside, the sky is black, and the air is freezing. Another fairy approaches me then motions for me to follow him. We walk across the courtyard past the dying fire and through an archway. He stops at a small building, rapping his knuckles on the door. He bows when it’s opened. Speaking Fairy, he nods at me to the person inside then walks away.
“Hello. I am Elvia. Please come in.”
The small fairy pops her head out of the doorway. Her hair is a golden yellow and her eyes remind me of a cat. I follow her inside, finding about six other female fairies. One has bright blue hair and another, pink! I almost feel like I am going to a punk rock convention. I follow Elvia as she leads me through the group to a bed in a room.
“I hope this will suit you. I’m afraid we live sparsely here at Tenebrosi.” She smiles at me.
“Oh, I’m fine, thank you. Just tired.” Returning her smile, I sit on the bed, clutching my purse to my chest. She nods at me then leaves. I can hear them all bombarding her with questions, but I am too tired to care. Crawling onto th
e bed, I close my eyes, still holding my purse.
I don’t know how long I slept for, but I get woken by a fierce shaking. Startled, I jump up, looking around. The fairy with blue hair smiles at me. My stomach rolls again as I sweep my hair off my face.
“Time to eat.” She smiles, holding a hand out to me. I have no idea what is going on, but I follow her into the next room where all the other fairies are sitting at a long table made of wood. There in the center are plates of food: fruit, bread, and tea. Taking a seat on the end, I look at each of them. They are all wearing the same leather clothes that Killian had on yesterday.
“Eat, lady,” blue hair says, pointing to the food. Another fairy with dark red hair looks at me. Her eyes look like flames.
“I’m Nerida,” she says, and then points at the table. “This is Fayette.” She points to blue hair who woke me up. “This is Tatiana.” She points to the pink-haired fairy that looks like she belongs in a bubble gum factory.
“Hello, I’m Reagan,” I announce, smiling at them.
“Well, Reagan, you must eat. We have training today.” Fayette smiles, pushing a plate towards me. My stomach rolls again, and my hands shake. I quickly put them on my lap. The last thing I need is to throw up all over these fairies. I nibble on some bread-ish substance. It’s rough and sweet, and I follow it with water. I follow them to the training ground where I find about a hundred male fairies sparring and grappling with each other.
The sky is a light blue with a tint of orange where the sun is rising. We pass a few rows of fairies, and the females just drift into the groups, joining in with the sparring. Standing on the path, I feel like a tool. Where do I go? I keep moving, spotting Samiel near the front. Making my way over, I see Killian in the center of the group with Avery.
“Hi,” I say as soon as I get close. He looks up and smiles at me.
“How did you sleep, princess?” he asks, taking me in his arms for a hug.
“Fine, I guess. I could use more, though,” I joke, leaning in for a kiss.
