by Julia Crane
“I…I didn’t mean…” His face was beet red, as well.
“It’s okay. I know what you meant.” Peeking in the basket, I asked, “What else do you have in there?”
He looked relieved at the change of subject. “Fruit and dessert.” He handed me a bright yellow fruit.
I sunk my teeth into it. An interesting kiwi and apple taste exploded in my mouth. “It’s really good.”
“We have great food.”
I couldn’t argue with that. Despite the fact they’d locked me away and given me little to do, they’d certainly fed me well.
After eating a gooey chocolate brownie, we packed up and headed back to the castle. The sun had already started to set. As much as I hated to admit it, the day had been wonderful. Just as quickly as the sun went down, the darkness set in. It was strange the way the days passed here.
We stood underneath the starry sky. It was quiet except for the chirps of nearby critters and the faraway giggles of piskies. Fireflies flew around us, electric lines in the night.
“It’s so beautiful here,” I whispered. “Peaceful.”
“The human world is bright and noisy,” he replied.
“That’s true, but there is beauty there, too, Kallan.”
He scoffed at my comment, and then said, “As a faery, you should naturally be drawn to nature. I don’t know what you see in the city.”
I laughed softly. “I don’t exactly live in the city. The part of Virginia I live in is more rural, mountains and trees. I think you would like it there.”
Kallan leaned forward and brushed a strand of my hair out of my face with his soft fingers. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the brief moment of closeness we shared. When I opened them, our eyes met, and I felt a sudden urge to grab him and make him mine.
But I couldn’t. I turned away from him and took a few deep breaths. I heard him sigh behind me as I headed back towards the castle.
I didn’t see Kallan at all the next morning, and he wasn’t at breakfast or lunch. I was surprisingly bummed that he wasn’t around. I felt like we’d forged some kind of tentative alliance in the past few days, and his absence—much as I hated to admit it—was really felt.
Later that evening, Lena brought me downstairs for dinner as usual. I’d always noticed the doors on a certain room that we passed. They were the dark maroon of old blood, edged in some kind of black metal that made them seem more dungeon-like than anything else. As we passed this room today, we heard raised voices.
“I won’t marry someone who is in love with another.” Kallan’s voice was strong and harsh. I could picture him, his handsome face set in anger, and his long legs wide as he stared down his opponent.
“Fine. You know what I have to do.” Varwik’s voice was equally as harsh.
My heart skipped a beat in fear. They were talking about me.
There was a moment’s pause, and Kallan snarled, “Then get it over with.”
I gasped, my body going cold. Kallan had just told his father that it was okay to kill me.
Panic set in, and I had no other thoughts than to disappear. I took off running, unsure of where I was going in the mammoth labyrinth of a castle. Somehow I reached the dining room, and from there, I knew the way to the door that led into the gardens.
I heard Lena yelling after me, but I ignored it and ran as fast as I could. I burst into the warm, flowery air and stumbled as I hit the grass. I glanced back over my shoulder once, and Lena was nowhere in sight. My heart still racing like mad, I kept running, through the gardens and into the woods.
Limbs pulled at me as I left the path. Fallen logs hindered my progress, and the forest animals watched blankly as I burst through their domain. Despite the obstacles, I didn’t stop until I felt like my chest was going to burst open.
I was deep in the woods. Nothing looked familiar. The air was stagnant and humid here, and I could hear nothing but the birds. Not even the piskies’ giggles. Leaning up against a tree, I closed my eyes and tried to catch my breath.
Keep going. I knew it was important to get as far away as I could, but I couldn’t run anymore. My reserves were worn out. I walked another ten minutes, hopelessly lost, until I left the trees for a small clearing. I shielded my eyes from the rays of the early-evening sun and looked around. I had been here before.
With Kallan.
“God, don’t think about him!” I hissed at myself, my voice alien among the daily sounds of the forest. I fought against the sob that welled in my throat.
He’d rather me be dead than with him.
The tall grass swayed in the light wind, almost as if it were telling me which way to go. I walked further, entering the trees on the other side of the clearing, continuing away from the conversation that still echoed in my head.
A few minutes later, I was in front of the cottage. Nothing had changed since the day Kallan brought me—still quaint, with the climbing ivy and the sunshine shutters. I walked up and turned the front doorknob, surprised when it opened. I looked back to make sure I hadn’t been followed, and then stepped inside, closing the door behind me.
The scent of charcoal and paint was overwhelming, but the interior was cool and comfortable after my marathon. I wandered around the tiny living room for a minute, looking at the extraordinary pictures. How could someone who made such beautiful things like this be so cruel?
My eyes rested on the one picture he had kept hidden from me. I was gonna die anyway, so I figured I might as well take a look. I crossed the room and came to a standstill in front of the picture. I knew I shouldn’t invade his privacy, but I was just too curious. I tossed the cover aside and turned the canvas around. A gasp escaped my lips.
Staring back at me was myself. My eyes were haunted, my face sad yet incredibly beautiful. I was wearing the long pink gown I had worn when Kallan and I first met. My aura was bright, and a stark contrast to the dark forest behind me.
“Ohhh…” I whispered, completely in awe. The picture was done with such care and attention. The person who drew it couldn’t have hated the subject—me. Kallan didn’t hate me. He had feelings for me. But then why was he okay with his father killing me?
The door burst open, and I jumped back, my heartbeat leaping from my chest.
Kallan’s face was livid, and his hands were clenched by his sides. He strode into the cottage like a man on a mission.
I swallowed hard. Would he be the one to kill me?
“What are you doing in here?” he seethed.
“How did you know where to find me?” I shot back, easing away from his wrath until my back was to the wall. At least I could see his attack coming, and maybe do some mind control to escape—banking on the fact he wouldn’t control me in the meantime.
“You left a trail a mile wide!” he snapped, crossing the room so fast that I cringed. “If you’re going to run from magickal creatures, you need to learn to not be so sloppy.”
“I don’t know what I’m supposed to do,” I said wearily. I leaned against the cool stone wall as if it were the only thing keeping me on my feet.
“And you thought it was okay to look at my private things?” Kallan went on as if I’d not spoken. “I told you this painting was off limits.”
“I didn’t come here on purpose. It just…happened.” I motioned to the canvas. “It’s beautiful.”
He jerked the cloth back over the picture of me. I could read the tension and anger in the quiver of his shoulders. “Get out!” he ordered, not bothering to turn around or acknowledge me.
He didn’t have to tell me twice. Running again, I let my feet take me as far as I could. I hadn’t had a chance to fully recover from my first long sprint, so it didn’t take long at all for my lungs to burn, but I kept going.
“Oleander! Wait!” Kallan yelled. I could hear his heavy steps chasing me.
I didn’t stop. I needed to get out of this place, away from evil dark faeries and a guy I should never have gotten close to. I ran faster and harder than I had before, trying to find a
way out. There had to be a gateway or something. If there was a way in, there had to be a way out.
“Rylie!” His voice sounded desperate.
I froze when I heard him call me Rylie. There was something in his voice that made me turn back to him. Not once in the time we had spent together had he called me Rylie, yet now he did. That meant something.
Kallan caught up with me.
Our eyes met and our wings gave a quick flutter at the same time. My gaze moved from his eyes to his lips and back again. Every ounce of my body wanted him kissing me even though I knew it was wrong. He held my face between his hands with a gentle touch I never imagined he could have. His lips grazed mine, ever so softly. The tender kiss was quickly replaced with an increasing passion. I surprised myself by letting out a small moan and tangled my hands in his hair as the heat radiated between us. The kiss made me feel safe in his arms. I didn’t want to let go. He pulled away slowly, leaving me breathless and wanting more. I opened my eyes and met his.
“Why?” I asked, touching my lips. “Why did you kiss me? You told your father you were fine with killing me.”
“You overheard that?” His eyes were wide in dismay.
I nodded.
“I was testing him. I wanted to see how far he’d go.”
“And?”
“We need to get you out of here.” His fingers touched my lips lightly, sending shivers through my body. “But are you sure, Rylie? I could make you happy.”
I stared at him in disbelief, and then shook my head. “I have to go home.”
“Then I’ll take you there.” He took my hand firmly in his and tugged me as he began to walk. “I’ll deal with my father later.”
“Now?” Was this really happening? My lips still tingled.
“Yes. We must leave now. It’s our only chance.”
I followed him through the thick forest. “Why are you doing this?”
Kallan just shook his head. “I’m not a murderer.”
I had a feeling there was more to it than that.
The walk through the forest was long and arduous. I saw creatures I never knew existed. Kallan answered all my questions with patience, explaining the differences between my world and his. I loved listening to him talk. His voice was smooth, and he was so knowledgeable. We walked until it was almost dark.
“Kallan, what do you have against my world? It seems like your friends think it’s cool to visit. Why would your father care if you went?”
His face hardened, and he avoided my gaze. “I don’t want to talk about it.”
“Why not? I don’t get it. It’s really not that bad. There’s lots to do.” I really wanted to know, so I pushed on. “You have the ability to come and go as you please and blend in.”
“Humans killed my mother!” he snapped. He hastened his step. “There, are you happy?”
I inhaled sharply. That was the last thing I expected him to say. “Killed her? How?”
“She was in the wrong place at the wrong time. She got caught in the cross-fire of a drive-by shooting—in your civilized world.”
“Oh my God. I’m so sorry.” I didn’t know what else to say.
“It was a long time ago. Let’s talk about something else.”
In the silence that followed, my stomach grumbled. I looked down, embarrassed. I didn’t want to ask anything more of him; he was already trying to help me.
“Would you like to eat now?” Kallan asked, his voice softer.
“What would we eat?”
“The forest provides everything we need,” Kallan said, reaching down and pulling something from a bush. “Try this.” He handed me a circle-shaped object.
I eyed it cautiously. It looked like a large piece of candy. “Are you sure it’s safe?”
“Yes.” One corner of his mouth turned up. “I would never hurt you.”
I bit into it. The taste was amazing. It was juicier than an orange, but much sweeter. “Mmmm. This is delicious.”
“It was my mother’s favorite, as well.” He grabbed another one off the bush and took a big bite.
I had to keep from giggling as juice dripped down from his mouth. He quickly wiped it with his sleeve. Just watching his lips move, I thought of our kiss. How perfect it had felt. How our wings fluttered at the same time. I wondered if I should ask him why they did that, but decided not to. He was taking me home. I didn’t want him to lead him on any more than I already had.
And I was scared that I had feelings for him.
They weren’t like the feelings I had for Adam, but they were definitely there. I loved Adam, but I was obviously attracted to Kallan. Something in me had awakened, and I was frightened I wouldn’t be able to make it disappear.
“We should find a place to sleep,” Kallan suggested.
“Okay.” I didn’t argue. My legs were aching and sleep sounded wonderful. If Kallan thought we were in a safe enough spot to camp out without anyone finding us, I trusted him.
I watched as his serious blue-green eyes scanned the forest. Pointing to the right, he said, “There’s a place that way where we can spend the night.”
He held out his hand, and I took it without much thought. It just seemed natural. He led me down a narrow path, which opened into a small clearing.
I hadn’t even noticed that Kallan had a backpack on until he tossed it on the ground. Kneeling beside it, he pulled out a gray and black blanket and spread it out on the ground. Suddenly, I felt very shy as I lowered myself to the blanket. We lay on our backs, looking up at the moonless sky. The stars were entrancing. I could stare at them for hours. There was a heat radiating between us, and it was hard not to respond to it. I just kept thinking of Adam and how much I loved him. I couldn’t betray him again…I wouldn’t.
I stole a peek at Kallan. He turned towards me at the same moment. I laughed nervously, but his face was serious. For a long moment, his gaze met mine. I wondered if he was going to kiss me again. Instead, he sighed and turned to his side.
“Kallan,” I whispered
“Yes?” He turned back over to face me.
“I know what my power is, it’s not mind control. They were right, it’s dangerous—well, it could be.”
His face went blank. “Tell me.”
“I can use the ability of another faery I’m near. I absorb what their ability is. But only when they’re close,” I whispered softly. I knew I shouldn’t tell him, but I felt I owed him that much. He was risking himself to get me home.
He was silent for a moment. “Are you sure?”
“Yes. Remember how I can control your mind? I tried it on others, and it wouldn’t work. After trial and error, I realized I could use whatever ability they had. When I’m with Lena, I can heal. There was a cook in the kitchen, and with her, I could use mind speak.”
“Wow.” He placed his hands behind his head and stared up at the sky. “That is definitely something people would kill over. I wonder what happens when you’re around more than one faery at a time?”
Good question. I hadn’t thought of that. Oh, the possibilities…I could very well be dangerous.
“You’re not going to tell your father, are you? Or take me back?”
“I will get you to your home, Rylie. I swear to you.” His lovely eyes met mine. “As far as my father, if he asks me directly, I have to tell him. Lying is not an option in our world.”
I kept forgetting about that. It was such a foreign concept to me. “I understand. I guess he’ll find out eventually anyway.”
“Hopefully not anytime soon. He won’t give up until he has you under his control.”
I knew he was right. “Thank you for rescuing me.”
“You’re welcome.” He turned away from me without another word.
It took all my self-control not to wrap myself in his arms. Just the feeling of his body next to mine was almost too much to bear. I was very grateful that Kallan wasn’t a mind reader. The entire situation was embarrassing enough without him knowing how I felt about him being
so near.
Eventually, I dozed, but the next thing I knew, Kallan was shaking me awake. He had a finger to his lips telling me to be quiet. I looked around, trying to understand what was going on. The forest was still dim, but the rose hints of dawn had begun to filter gray through the branches above us. I rubbed my eyes, still groggy from sleep, but didn’t see anything unusual.
He pointed to his ear. I strained to listen, and I could faintly hear the murmur of voices in the distance. My eyes widened and my heart raced.
They’d found us.
Kallan grabbed my hand. Run, he mouthed.
We barely made any ground before a voice shouted into the still morning, “Over there!”
Kallan pulled me behind him and whispered, “Make yourself invisible.”
I closed my eyes and willed myself invisible. I had no idea if it was working, but when I looked over at Kallan, he was gone.
Loud laughter erupted from the search party. Varwik. I would know that evil laugh anywhere. If I survived, I’d probably have nightmares about it.
“Son, I know your aura anywhere,” Varwik called, as if he were hailing a disobedient dog. “You can’t possibly think you can escape me.”
Silence. I pressed against the trunk of a tree, wishing I could merge with it and remain safe.
“Show yourself now.”
Silence.
“Really, son, must we do this? Where are you?”
Kallan appeared and glared at his father.
“Where is the girl?”
“I don’t know. I can’t see her.” He laughed bitterly. “I cannot lie, if I do not know. Why can’t you just let her go?”
“You know why. This is our land, and we must protect it. Don’t blame me because you could not get Oleander to care for you.”
Fury filled his eyes, and Kallan drew back and swung at his father. Two goon faeries were on him before the punch could connect.
“How dare you raise a hand at me!” Varwik growled.
I was so surprised by the exchange that I forgot to keep ahold of my invisibility glamour. Faster than I realized I was visible, strong hands were on me, and I was being dragged towards the evil faery king, kicking and screaming.
