Deacon sharpens his gaze on Asher. “The Angelic Sword?” It comes out as more of a statement than a question.
“It’s burning her. The longer I hold it to her throat, the longer she suffers,” Asher mercilessly singes her skin again as Jade snivels in pain.
Deacon’s nostrils flare in anger, his eyes never leaving Asher’s. He motions to Kaiden with his hand, “Give her,” he grits out the order from his clenched teeth. Kaiden thrusts me forward. Deacon roughly grabs my wrists and manhandles me, yanking me forward.
With his other hand, Deacon grabs my face hard, forcing me to look at Asher as he whispers in my ear like a lover sharing a secret. “You know not what your protector’s actions have now unleashed.”
My chest is rising and falling in shallow motions with each breath. Tears are building in my eyes from the sheer pain of Deacon’s grasp. As one escapes and travels down my cheek, Asher’s gaze follows it, his face unaffected but his eyes pained.
“This is not over.” Deacon throws me toward Asher. I cry out from the force and shock of being roughly pushed.
Instantly, Asher releases the sword on Jade, tossing her aside to catch my fall. Jade grasps her neck as Kaiden helps her up and they make their way over to Deacon who looks like he’s ready to implode.
Asher catches me and clutches me to him, sword still out. Worried for me but still in attack mode.
Deacon sneers. “I’ll get what I came for. War or death.” With that, the three of them vanish into thin air. As I collapse from the adrenaline into Asher’s arms, the force causes us both to fall onto the now snow covered deck. The wetness seeps into our clothes as I hide my head in his chest and he cradles me like a child.
“I’ve got you. You’re safe. It’s okay,” he coos as he caresses my hair. I’m unsure if he’s trying to convince me or himself as he exhales an uneven breath and pulls me closer.
My arms tighten around his neck as my body trembles and tears stain my cheeks. I try to focus on the safety and warmth of his embrace.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have left you alone. Are you okay?” Asher leans back and scans my face, his jaw tight, nostrils flaring. No doubt from the sight of bruises that have formed from where Deacon backhanded me and squeezed the crap out of my cheeks.
“Ash, let’s take Eve inside. We’re about to dock. We can look her over once we get back to the manor,” Callan says, his voice quiet and sympathetic.
Asher nods, handing his sword to Keegan and then places one arm under my knees and wraps the other around my waist. He carries me into the interior seating area and down the stairs to the carport.
Once in the vehicle, he sits me on his lap. I cling to him as he tightens his possession of me, not letting me go. Asher whispers into my ear to ease my fear.
For the first time in a while, I actually feel safe.
19 Stay
The drive back to La Gargouille is silent. I can feel Abby’s warm eyes every so often, but don’t actually see them because I keep my head nuzzled in Asher’s neck, breathing him in. The shaking has finally subsided by the time Keegan pulls the SUV up the cobblestone driveway and parks in front of the manor.
Everyone exits the vehicle and I’m faintly aware of the side door opening as I hear Asher say, “I’ve got her,” to whoever opened it. He’s still holding me tightly, afraid I’ll disappear at any moment.
Asher carries me into the manor and heads straight for the stairs. Once we’re in my room, he walks me into the bathroom, placing me carefully onto the counter near the sink and then turns on the hot water in the shower.
He doesn’t speak. Words aren’t needed. Instead, he opens the bottom cabinet door and takes out a first aid kit. With the lightest of touches, Asher grips my chin in his hand, moving my head left then right, assessing the damage. Once I’ve been examined, he pulls out a cold pack, snaps it and carefully places it on my cheek where Deacon slapped me. I flinch more from the cold than the pain.
At my motion, Asher closes his eyes like the pain is his, breathing in deeply and trying to control the rage. A warm, large hand covers mine before placing both over the cold pack, forcing me to keep it on my face while he rolls up my sleeves and looks at each of my arms where Deacon gripped me. There are hand marks on my wrists and upper arms that are turning a nasty dark blue-purple color. Asher swallows hard at the sight.
Once done examining me, he rolls my sleeves down again and takes my cheeks in his hands, looking me directly in the eyes.
His face is apologetic and distressed. “I’m sorry.” His voice is almost inaudible.
“It’s okay. I’m okay,” I reassure him.
He nods for show not out of belief and then kisses the top of my head.
“The warm water will help with the chill. Take your time,” he speaks in a low tone. Without another word, he leaves the bathroom. I exhale the breath I had been holding.
I step into the shower and allow the warm water to trickle over my head and body, warming me like a blanket. I stand under the dribbling water and let myself soak in everything that has happened these past two months. As it all hits me at once, my body slides down into a seated position. Knees bent, I rest my head between them as I lose control of my emotions.
The tears begin to fall freely, mixing in with the warm shower water as I sit there and sob for what feels like days. Finally, when the last tear has leaked out, I inhale and pick myself up. I turn off the water and step into the embrace of a warm, fluffy towel.
I wipe the steam off the mirror and get a good look at myself. My eyes are red from crying and my right cheek has swollen to twice its size. My eye is almost shut from the swelling. On the left cheek are fingerprints from his grip. I close my eyes, exhale, and reopen them, allowing them to shift down to my upper arms which both have circular bruises matching the one on my wrist.
With great care, I apply my lotion and get dressed in the ‘Property of London’ t-shirt that Asher left for me again and a pair of my own sweatpants. After brushing my hair and teeth, I grab the cold pack and put it back on my face then open the door to find a showered Asher sitting on the edge of my bed in sweatpants and a t-shirt. His head is down as he stares at the floor like it holds all the answers. His beautiful body sags in defeat.
Slowly, as not to spook him, I approach. He doesn’t notice me until I’m standing in front of him. I stand between his parted legs as his eyes lazily move up my body, taking me in. Once they lock onto my face, his becomes downhearted. The pain on his face is etched on like a statue. His eyebrows pull together in a severe frown.
My need to comfort him outweighs any discomfort I’m feeling. I take the cold pack and throw it onto the bed then move closer, cupping both of his cheeks with my hands. Asher’s hands come up around my waist and pull me to him with a firm grip.
Using my thumbs, I smooth the frown on his eyebrows and force his eyes to look at me. I promise myself to be strong in this moment. He needs to know I’m okay and it’s not his fault.
“Thank you,” I speak softly.
He shakes his head so I tighten my hands on his cheeks.
“I’m here because of you,” I murmur.
“I left you unprotected,” he says.
“No. You. Saved. Me. Tonight,” I reply with no room for argument.
Asher’s dejected eyes meet mine as he swallows and scans my face. “I vowed to always protect you, and tonight you were hurt because I wasn’t focused on your safety.”
I shake my head in disagreement. “Ash, you saved me. If you didn’t come when you did, he would have vanished with me and who knows where I would be right now.”
Asher releases a heavy sigh, like the weight of the world is on his shoulders. “You should get some rest. It’s been a long week and you’ll start your training tomorrow if you feel up to it.” With ease, he moves me and stands.
I reach for him and grab his arm. “Stay,” I plead.
Asher looks at me with pensive sadness. “Eve, you’re safe. No harm will come to you in this hou
se. The enchantments are up and we’re on guard. I promise.” He misunderstands my request as fear and not a need to be close to him.
I shake my head. “Stay,” I plead again in a softer voice.
Indigo eyes soften as they watch my hazels darken. Without a word, his hand reaches for mine as he guides me to the side of the bed. He pulls down the covers and motions for me to get in then tucks me in like a child.
A small tilt of his lips appears as he leans down and places the softest kiss to my forehead, lingering for a brief moment while I close my eyes.
“Sleep, siren,” he whispers against my forehead.
“Stay,” I repeat, my tone becoming panicked.
“I can’t,” he answers sadly.
“Stay,” I demand.
Asher inhales, realizing I’m not going to give up. After watching me for what felt like a lifetime, he lies down next to me, on top of the covers. I peek over at him, deciding to curl up into his side, placing my unharmed left cheek onto his chest.
Overwhelmed, he wraps his strong arms around me, pulling me against him. I sigh, content at being in the protection of his arms. The rise and fall of his chest lulls me to sleep.
“Batya, you must open your eyes.” The warm voice of Lady Finella coaxes my ear. My lids flutter open as I realize I am back in the Kingdom of the Fae.
“H-how did I get here?” I question. Confused, I push myself up off the grass to stand.
“It is my belief that you crossed realms again child, however, do not fear, your protector is here,” she says with a reassuring tone and points an elegant finger behind me to Asher.
I bite the inside of my cheek, holding back my excitement at the idea of Asher being here with me this time.
Asher walks at a slow and purposeful pace with a beautiful smile upon his lips. As he approaches us, he properly bows. “Lady Finella, thank you for granting us permission to the Kingdom of the Fae.”
She dips her head back at Asher. “Protector, you and the daughter of Heaven are always welcomed guests in my land.”
I swallow. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I had jumped back here.”
She glances at me with kind eyes. “There is nothing to be sorry for, child. You feel a strong connection to our realm and we’re happy to provide haven. Perhaps you and your protector would like to join me for tea at the palace?”
I glimpse at Asher and he nods his concurrence. “Thank you. That would be wonderful.”
“Magnificent. Please, each of you take a hand,” she commands with a gentle and regal voice.
Asher and I both clasp our hands in hers and we begin to shimmer in waves, leaving magic dust in our wake as the beautiful and lush forest morphs into gemstone lined castle walls.
Lady Finella releases our hands and motions for us to follow her through a maze of hallways. The castle appears to be made of glass, as though we’re outdoors in the forest. The transparent walls reflect a light green tint and when the sun shines through them, it gives a soft glow inside the fortress.
We enter a circular chamber that is spacious. It reminds me of a garden green house. The round ceiling is at least ten stories in height with an open glass top allowing a stunning view of the blue sky. There’s an elegant table set in the center of the hall, decorated with soft green and cream linens and flower pattern china.
Lady Finella approaches the table and gestures for us to sit. “Please sit as I call for Ainsley.”
Asher and I sit down. I haven’t felt this peaceful in a long time. I turn to Asher to see his content expression from my left.
A smaller version of Lady Finella flitters into the room. She’s about three feet tall, has red hair that also falls in ringlets, and emerald green eyes. Her dress is amber in color as are her transparent wings and the soft glow around her. This fairy has wrist and ankle bracelets in green, like Lady Finella’s gold ones, but she doesn’t have the ruin markings on her legs or arms.
The amber pixie flutters over to the table and bows in a graceful motion at Lady Finella. As she turns to Asher and myself, her eyes widen with recognition and she bows first to Asher and then to me.
“Eve and Asher, may I present the Duchess of the Sprites, Ainsley,” Lady Finella introduces us in a proper fashion.
“It is an honor to meet you, daughter of Heaven and your protector.” Ainsley curtsies to me.
“Thank you.” I tilt my head politely toward her tiny form.
“Ainsley, would you be so kind as to have the sprites bring tea and an offering for Eve and her sentinel,” Lady Finella asks Ainsley.
Ainsley curtsies again. “Of course, my lady.” Then she flies away.
Lady Finella turns her attention back to us. “Allow me to formally welcome you to the Emerald Castle. As you may have noticed, the walls are translucent, allowing our viewpoint to be of the surrounding forest. However, there is a protective shield blocking the view from the outside for privacy. The openness allows all who reside within the castle to feel as if they are actually living within the forest and gardens. The green hue is designed to emanate the sense of calm and tranquility that mother earth projects.”
“Is that why I feel so peaceful here?” I inquire.
Lady Finella smiles brightly. “It is my wish that is the case, Batya. You have the blood of Eden within your veins so it’s possible there is a strong connection to mother earth’s gardens and forests. Perhaps that is why you’re so drawn to our realm. When you feel afraid or unsure, you seem to land here, perchance seeking comfort. Which we are most privileged to provide.”
“That is an interesting perception, Lady Finella,” Asher adds, a reflective hitch to his tone.
“Whatever your reason, child, we are grateful,” she says with an air of privilege.
“I just wish I knew how I was doing it. I’m starting to feel a bit like Alice in Wonderland,” I say, chewing the inside of my cheek.
Ainsley enters with two sprites, one gold and one blue. They bustle around us, pouring tea into the flowered china and placing finger sandwiches in front of us. Once they’re done, both fairies bow, and without noise, leave the atrium.
Lady Finella motions toward the bites. “Please, help yourself. The tea sandwiches are made with vegetables and herbs that we grow in our gardens,” she says with pride.
I take a bite into one, and my mouth waters. The cucumber is so fresh and crisp and the chive cream cheese filling is amazing.
“Thank you, your highness,” Asher replies politely as I chomp on the snack.
I nod my head in agreement. “Yes, thank you. These are incredible.”
The elegant fairy smiles. “I am quiet flattered that they please you. Now, do tell me, when you start your training?” She turns her head to Asher, evidently interested in his answer.
“Eve has had a difficult time embracing her bloodline, your grace. It’s only recently that she has welcomed it. She will begin proper training tomorrow,” he assures her.
“It must have been quite difficult for you, Eve, given your upbringing within the human world, but I see greatness in your eyes. You shall do well, child,” she says, patting my hand in a motherly gesture.
I sigh. “I’m not so sure about that. I had a run in with an unfriendly gargoyle clan yesterday. The altercation is making me think twice about my abilities,” I blurt out without thought.
Asher’s face drops as if I’ve punched him in the stomach. I immediately regret the statement.
Lady Finella turns to Asher, visibly worried and confused. “Is this true, protector? Another gargoyle clan is endangering and showing signs of hostility toward a human?”
He nods. “Unfortunately, yes. Not just any clan, the Declan clan, your grace.”
Lady Finella’s face drops and goes pale. “Are you implying the half-breed spawn of Dimia and Lucifer threatens a human?”
“Yes, your grace.” Asher’s eyes slide to mine then snap back to hers.
Lady Finella places her napkin on the table as her voice becomes authoritative. “We
ll, it appears that you will need more than the gargoyles helping you if you are to succeed in this vile war, child.”
“We are diligently working on a strategy for Eve’s protection, I assure you,” Asher states.
“Very well. I hold court the day after tomorrow with Arabella, Lunette, Valentin, and Lucian. I will bring this to their immediate attention and see what can be done from our kingdoms to ensure her safety and success,” she says in a business-like manner.
Asher nods his head in a soft bow. “Thank you, your grace. That is most kind and we gratefully accept the help of those realms. I will inform Michael as well.”
“Wonderful.” She claps her hands together in delight before she tilts her head, listening to something. “My apologies. I am being called away by kingdom business. With regret, l must send you both back to the earth realm. Protector, Ainsley will come to you with word as soon as I know what we can do on our end. Thank you both for your lovely company during tea today,” Lady Finella says as she rises from her seat.
Asher stands, guiding me by my hand to do the same. “Thank you for your hospitality,” he offers as I stand, confused.
Before I can say anything else, Lady Finella flattens her hand and blows iridescent gold shimmer at me. I begin to flicker, returning to the earth plane as I notice the fairy leaning into Asher’s ear in a bare whisper.
“Am I to understand, gargoyle, that she still doesn’t know who you really are?” she asks.
Asher nods. “For now, yes.”
She pauses for a moment in contemplation. “Alright, I will guard your secret. For now.” With that, she sends Asher back to the earth realm as well.
I wrench awake with Asher lying peacefully next to me. I allow myself a moment to get lost in the beauty of his face. Indigo eyes open a few moments after mine at a casual, easy pace. A slow, small smile presents itself on his lips.
I pout, turning onto my side and angling my body up on my elbow to face Asher. He’s still lying on his back, eyes fixed on the ceiling. “Why don’t you jerk awake the way I do?” I whine.
REVELATION (THE REVELATION SERIES) Page 20
