by Jaime Marks
There was a sudden knock on the chamber door.
“What is it?” Cymeryn spat out still teasing her despite the interruption.
“The boy is dead, Supryn. Gone into his awakening prematurely. He chose death over turning over the girl.” One of the Shade supplied. “He will no longer be an obstacle or a concern.”
“Indeed,” He thrust deeply into her ass making her cry out loudly from the sudden shock. “She should be easier to manipulate then. Let Syneous know.” Cymeryn continued as if nothing was happening aside from his conversation.
“Yes, Supryn.” The muffled voice replied. “If I may, Cymeryn?”
He drove her harder taking her to the edge as he slid two fingers into her core working her body. She moaned loudly and she knew he was purposely putting on a show. He wanted the Shade to hear them and it only added to her arousal. It was as if he were making a point. She was his and he owned her. Cymeryn would have her whenever and however he wanted.
“You may not, Trevyn. I am busy if you could not hear.” The smirk was evident in his voice as was his action as his words were punctuated as he grunted thrusting into her.
“I only meant to ask permission to begin on the Fae Trina, my sire.” Trevyn stated. He had not left but he remained silent. She could feel her mate’s irritation. He was definitely pushing his luck but Cymeryn merely continued his attentions.
He pushed her over the edge and she moaned loudly as she came over his hand. She felt him explode inside her with a roar. When they had both finished he pulled out of her and rolled her onto her back. Playing with her clit he kept her on the edge and drew out the tremors rolling through her body. As he smirked down at her she knew he wasn’t nearly done with her yet and she couldn’t help but return the grin.
“You will wait, Trevyn, continue awakening those nearly of age.” He finally replied to him. He smiled smugly when he heard the soft grumbling as the Shade left the corridor. “Now my love, where were we? Ahhhh yes, you were going to beg.”
She groaned as she felt herself rising to the peak again. “You will have to make me, my liege.”
“I do so enjoy the sound of that on your tongue.” He reached over and the tawse suddenly bit into her skin. “I changed my mind. I think I’d rather make you scream.” He grinned widely.
Each lash sent delicious waves of pain through her that mixed into pleasure taking her to the edge, but she bit back on her moans keeping them soft. When the lashing halted she thought that she had won, but there was a sudden buzzing sound and he began to work something against her core and clit that sent vibrations through her. She moaned loudly as she squirmed but he held her in place. She crested over in near violent waves. It was delicious torture and the moans she released grew in frequency and pitch until finally she lost count of how much she crested over. Thrusting into her while continuing to work her clit with the vibrator, he continued his sweet torture. The near scream moans that came out of her were uncontrollable. Pleasure and pain waved through her again and again as her entire body spasmed with the releases. He freed her from his hold, removing the vibrator only once he was sated, having spilled into her once more. He stared down at her as he chuckled, his eyes holding that victorious glint he got when he broke her. She tried to speak but she was still out of breathe. She could barely move.
“Hmmm, I supposed I should give your body a rest but you enjoy this almost as much as I enjoy breaking you.” Cymeryn murmured kissing and caressing her gently.
She smiled. He was right and he knew it. She loved…the thought froze in her mind as images slowly flooded it. Sitting by a lake in his arms. Gentle kisses on her cheek a caressing hand on her back. Being wrapped up in his arms as she stared into his eyes, his blue gray eyes. So much love and then suddenly she was standing there alone, crying bringing an intolerable pain. An ache that hadn’t left her…until…There was something she was forgetting, someone that she…..
The vibration returned, pressed firmly against her and she moaned in pleading.
“Stop thinking, Reyn.” He whispered in her ear. “You are going to make me very angry if you continue to go there. It makes me livid remembering what became of us, what should have been had he never interfered. I may be tempted to break you in an entirely different fashion for the pain you caused me and I do not want that for you. Though it does not mean that I will not do it.”
She nodded confused by his words slightly as the vibration ceased but she was on the edge again and she couldn’t hold the thought. Release was all she could think of. Reaching up she pulled him down to her, kissing him roughly. She worked herself against his sex knowing it excited him. He loved when she took her pleasure from him, loved indulging her passion.
“Insatiable,” He chuckled, “You are absolutely insatiable. It is…delicious. ”
Something inside her suddenly rebelled against it. One word echoed through her out of nowhere and she froze. Images formed in her mind but she couldn’t reconcile them with the world she knew. Confusion rolled through her accompanied by a sudden pain that felt like it tore through her very soul.
“What is it Reyn?” He asked studying her closely.
“Cymeryn, do I have a daughter?” She closed her eyes she felt like she was ripping in two. The world began to fade in swirls of Light and Darkness.
Marcus surveyed the Fae who stood behind him. They stood on a hill in the first rays of the sun. Valeryn could still sense the Taint and he had gone to the fronts and met discreetly with Devyn. Luckily his old friend, their patriarch in many ways, was still uncorrupted. He and Valeryn had identified five tainted Fae and Valeryn had managed to gather twenty more to strengthen their forces. They would need the support if they were to free Reyana and save the unawakened.
Byryn stood nervously on his right and Grifyn clasped him on shoulder. He would be facing his Father, and likely his brothers. It would not be easy for the boy but Marcus had seen enough testament to his strength. He had faith that he would see through the day. There was a conviction to him that Marcus trusted. It was difficult to explain but it were as if they were connected in some way that had not yet revealed itself. As if the boy were meant to be in some way at his side.
Mythos stood silently on his left. He looked menacing, his essence swirling around him as he prepared for battle. He stood both regal as the King and fierce as the Luxyn Warrior he was. He looked over nodding to Marcus signaling for him to begin.
He took a deep breath before addressing his Guardians. It was the first time in over a hundred years that he had addressed so many at once and he knew in many ways this was the first step to cementing the role he once more held. A role he wasn’t certain he was worthy of.
Drawing his sword he levelled his gaze over them, inspecting them and the field hushed, all stood at attention. “The mission you are about to embark on is rife with danger and the tasks are many. You fight for your King, for your Praetor. You fight for the realm and for the race’s very survival but perhaps more importantly, you fight for yourselves. You fight for the right to live your lives free of tyranny. For the security to live your lives without worrying for the safety of your loved ones, of your young.
“The Princess Reyana a Mythion has been reborn, she is the Fae of legend and she has been awakened Light.” He paused as they reacted then lifted his sword to his shoulder and they again fell to attention. “She does indeed have the power to balance the essences. She has redeemed Fae tainted by the Darkness. She has balanced the Darkness and Light creating the Gray who comprise some of your rank. They no longer fear the Taint and infection of Darkness. They are immune to Shade Sickness and cannot be turned.”
He paused again as hushed whispers spread through the field. “Would the Gray please step forward?” He, Byryn, and Grifyn stepped forward as the others joined them. “This is very real and we are the proof.”
Mythos stepped up addressing them. “I realize this is an astonishing development and that the very notion of Light and Dark essence mixing together sounds a
bsurd. I too shared your concern, at first, but I have known Grifyn the entirety of my cycles. The redemption has not changed who he is. If anything, it has freed him from the inner turmoil we all face. The very turmoil that the Shade prey on to turn us. These Fae before you have served the Guardians with honor and continue to do so. They have proven their bravery and their strength, their honor and their loyalty many times over since their redemption. They do not represent fear, they represent freedom. Hope.
“I do not want any Fae to fear that this change will be forced upon them. It is a choice. In fact, the Princess Reyana a Mythion has stated that the conversion to Gray and redemption of the Shade can only occur if it is sought willingly. She can remove the control of the Darkness but she cannot force your will; and she would never be one to try. She provides a means of saving our loved ones who have fallen into Darkness and a way to protect those that fight it, if they so choose. This is a choice however, that is only possible if we can liberate the Princess from Cymeryn’s grasp before he delivers her to the Dark Lord.”
Marcus breathed deeply assessing them before he continued. “We do not tell you this to create confusion or turmoil. We tell you for two reasons. First, we are very aware there is a difference in the look and feel of the essence we wield and we wanted to negate the distraction. Before we set out some of your brethren will put forth a demonstration so you are prepared. Second, you need to know what is at stake should we fail. In the Light, Reyana’s power is a blessing and a salvation, however; we do not know what the risk will be if her power is converted to Darkness.
“The Princess’ essence is unique in that she can wield all three of the essences. Light, Dark, and Gray. It gives her the ability to bring balance to the realms but it also makes her vulnerable. She can present as Light dominant as she was awakened, or she can be turned to Darkness. If she has turned, I will be able to redeem her, but only if we reach her before Lazurys can taint her filling her with pure Darkness shifting the dominance of her essence permanently.
“The Shade are determined to end the very existence of the Fae. They have not only taken the Princess Reyana, but they have abducted the unawakened. There are hundreds of them in the holds of these walls. At last known count Cymeryn held four hundred and fifty young.”
The Guardians exchanged looks. Some hung their heads, some looked to the heavens. They all knew how dire the situation was. Over half of the next generation of Fae currently known were unawakened. “There is a camp that has been set up where we will take them while we try to locate their parents. Some of them may not know who and what they are. They will be terrified. We need to be mindful and assist them through this trial as best we are able while we see to their safety.
“Finally, the Shade have also taken the former Praetor, Kato a Kacyion, and the Guardian, Trina a Natryn, prisoner. We do not know of their well-being, or whether or not they have been turned. They are to be retrieved regardless of the state they are in. There is now, for the first time in history, hope that if they have been turned they may yet be redeemed. If they are Shade, do your best not to harm them but defend yourselves. Once you have them detained Grifyn will direct you where they are to be taken.
“We know what we ask of you is great and the risks are many. I cannot promise that we will all return from this mission, but we will fight with honor and glory for our race, and our loved ones. We have been given Light and hope in a time that has been Dark in many respects for far too long. It is time we step out of the Shadows cast upon us by the Shade and live without fear in our hearts. I ask, who will join me in this battle?” He thrust his sword high into the air. The cries rose in unison as the Guardians fell as one to bended knee, pledging their allegiance. Marcus stood in astonishment and a feeling of pride grew in his chest.
He felt Mythos’ warm hand on his shoulder. “Well done my friend. Well done.”
Marcus spoke in a hushed voice. “Thank you.”
“How are you feeling, Marcus?”
“This is right…” He admitted tentatively, “but it still feels like something is missing. Without her I am truly incomplete.”
“We will get her back. You must have faith in her to hold on.” Mythos reassured him.
Marcus winced turning back to the Dark building that held his mate. He knew she had already given herself to his twin. She had succumbed to the Darkness and she had lost herself. Especially at this short distance he could sense her, see inside her. It was killing him.
The draw of her Darkness this close was difficult to deny. Part of him very much wanted to go to her, to give himself over to her however she might be. It wasn’t that he would not try to save her. He would fight harder for her than he had fought for anything but he knew if he could not save her, if it was just he, himself? He would give himself over to her fully without hesitation. It was a truth he loathed and one he could not deny.
It was not just him though, was it? It was Mythos, and Grifyn. It was Byryn whom Star had made him promise he would protect with his every strength and more than anything, it was Star herself. She may not be here, but she was very much in his heart. They had bonded in a way, found an accord. He may not be her Father but more than ever he cared for her as his own. He could not leave her to fend for herself through all this...especially if her Mother was lost. He held onto that reality with conviction hoping that it would be enough.
Chapter 6
Star paced in the cottage. She felt like her world was being turned upside down all over again. She had only known them for what two, maybe three days? She had no idea, time here was impossible to tell. It was never dark and there were no clocks. She didn’t think it had been more than three days, but really it felt like it had been forever. This world might be new and crazy, but her uncle Mythos, Grifyn, Marcus and especially Byryn had become very familiar and important to her. In fact, they were everything that she knew in this world. She couldn’t imagine going through this without any of them and they were out there fighting for their survival and her Mother.
She hated sitting here waiting. She didn’t even think that much time had passed. The silence and solitude of it was driving her crazy and if she didn’t get out of here soon she was gonna lose it. She turned and left the cottage and headed for the cave. Ryo and Tryxia immediately rose following her in silence, which of course by the time they had gotten out of the cave utterly annoyed her. God she missed Steph.
“Look,” She said without turning to them. “I get that you need to follow me, keep me safe and all that jazz, but seriously? The silent treatment while you do so is driving me nuts.”
“Sorry your highness,” Tryxia replied catching up to walk alongside her, “Traditionally the Royal Guards are to be as unobtrusive as possible. If you are in need of company however, we don’t mind supplying it.”
Ryo nodded appearing beside her.
Star followed the tall cliff face. She wasn’t really sure what she was looking for, but for some reason this cliff spiked her curiosity. There was some odd pull, like she had to solve the puzzle of it. It seemed odd that the cavern had such a large opening as if it was intentional, it made her wonder what was on top of this cliff, if anything. She studied the wall as she hiked avoiding the typical debris of the forest.
“So talk then, I can’t take this inactivity and the waiting is making me crazy.” Star stated in exasperation when they both fell silent again.
Ryo surprised her by speaking. “Why don’t you tell us what you would like to know about our world, Princess? There is too much to simply state without perspective and we can more easily speak of what you most want to know if you gives us direction.”
She considered that a moment but drew a blank. “Well, see there’s the issue, I have no idea what to ask about. How about you just start with the basics? Is it very different from Earth? I mean the way you live, your culture?”
“It is and it is not,” Ryo replied. “We live in family structures similarly to that of humanity, but family often means a great deal more to us t
han it does to humanity in some cases. For instance what you would consider extended families; I believe you call them aunts, uncles, and cousins? We do not generally apply such titles, they are merely of our lines. Some will use them out of respect, especially those human born, but it is not often necessary.” He continued once she nodded, “Regardless, all family generally remains close. Children do not move away, just into their own wing or small home in the same sector of the realm. It is not uncommon to have several generations of a bloodline comprising a quadrant of a sector.”
“What happens when they marry? I mean someone has to move don’t they?”
He smiled a moment before continuing. “When a formal bonding declaration is made, there is much time needed to prepare before the ritual. This is because you are not just bonding yourself to your mate, but to her entire line. If at all possible the bloodlines merge and the families will unite. Arrangements are made, lands are traded commonly and the two families will move into the same area together, in some cases sharing the same homes. Bonding of similar bloodlines in a family are common due to this. When you live closely, ties and connections form. The Lucerna Lines commonly cross as they all grew together. Age does not mean the same to the Fae as it does on Earth. Older generations often mix with younger. Once a Fae is awakened their life is infinite and age becomes irrelevant.”
“Sounds like it could get crowded.” Star grumbled wondering how many people she was going to have to live with.
