by Lia Davis
“Hold her fucking still,” the familiar holding my left arm barked to the one on my right. “Grab her legs.”
Righty released my arm and picked up my legs. I kicked, managing to get one leg out to kick him in the stomach. He grunted and stumbled back a few steps. I took my free hand and clawed at the other guard. He cried out and then growled.
I was not going down without a fight.
Twisting my body, I jerked my arm from his grasp. When I did, the cuff on my arm snapped and fell. The metal clanged against the concrete floor. With the cuff gone, my ice magic rushed back to life, wild and free inside me. I smirked at the bastards.
My father turned, his crimson stare meeting mine. Sadness and loss squeezed my insides. I bet they were counting on me not hurting him. But he wasn’t my father anymore. He didn’t know me.
Dad brought the syringe up and checked for air bubbles. I swallowed and backed up. Then I ran. I didn’t get far. The familiars tackled me. My back slammed against the hard floor. One held my arms while another sat on my legs.
I kicked and twisted, desperate to get out from under the hold. My father came closer and knelt. I tried to slap the needle out of his hand, but I couldn’t reach.
I tried to freeze them, but they seemed not affected by the cold. Damn it.
The needle poked through my skin and I yanked my arms and legs. Hot, thick serum hit my bloodstream and I cried out. Power flowed within me, rising to the surface. My emotions now ruled my magic.
And I was happy to release it.
Then the sound of metal hitting the floor reached my ears, then one of the familiars gasped as if feeling my magic rising.
A surge vibrated from my body, shooting outwards. The force of the blast of ice sent the familiars flying to the far walls—my father included. I scrambled to my feet and ran. I didn’t look back. I didn’t want to know if I killed my own father.
He isn’t my dad, anymore.
At the end of the hallway, I found a door and shoved my way through. The bright sun was blinding but a relief. Pushing my legs faster, I took off into the forest around the palace, toward the North Mountains. I hoped the rumors Tae heard were correct and I’d find the rebel group.
After several yards into the woods, I stopped running and hid behind a large oak. My legs burned from running, matching the lava flowing in my veins. The serum. I wrapped my arms around my waist and pressed my head back against the trunk. Tears filled my eyes once again. Soon the serum would consume me enough, I wouldn’t remember the pain of losing my family.
You need to focus, Ro. Focus on surviving and finding the rebel camp. And hope they would help save my family.
After another long moment, I pushed away from the trunk and listened to my surroundings. No footsteps. No noise except leaves rustling and tree branches creaking in the breeze. Breathing in deeply, I took in the scents around me. No malum.
Had they just let me go? Or did I actually kill the familiars?
Renewed sorrow filled my broken soul, and tears blurred my vision. Damn them all!
The North Mountains were a day and half walk, at least. I’ll have to find a spot to make camp before nightfall, but I was determined to make it.
If they didn’t or were not there, then I was on my own. If I survived the transformation the serum would do to me. There was a 90 percent chance I’d go insane, become a mindless, bloodthirsty monster. A malum.
It was close to sunset when I reached the foothills of North Mountain. It didn’t take me long to find a small cave with an opening just big enough to squeeze through. A quick glance inside didn’t help for it was too dark to see what else could have made it their home.
Stepping away from the entrance of the cave, I scanned the area. I needed to build a fire. I hung my shoulders at the thought. I didn’t need a fire. My family would’ve. I couldn’t freeze to death; they could. I was an ice fae. Cold and ice ran inside me, flowed in my blood.
Ah, I could create light. At least, a low glow from my magic. I’d discovered how to do this while training with Tae. We had always pushed each other and ourselves on what we could do.
Calling to my magic, I held my hand out, palm up. I focused on the energy rather than the ice. A ball of light formed in my hand. Satisfied with myself, I walked into the cave. The light ball cast a dull glow inside the small space.
What I found tightened my chest. Clothing, blankets, and random supplies were scattered. Most of the things had been ripped apart like a family had lived here and were attacked. By malum or familiars, I couldn’t tell by the scene.
Tears filled my eyes once again. So many lives ruined and lost. No one had been able to rise against the princess to stop her.
Why the hell did I think I could?
I sank to the floor, hugging my waist. Alone for the first time in my life.
Lying on my side, I stared off. There had to be something I could do. Something I was missing. I couldn’t shake the feeling. Quitting wasn’t in my nature.
My sorrow melted away to anger and determination. I would search for the rebel group tomorrow. If they wouldn’t help, I’d find another. Or form my own.
The princess wouldn’t get away with taking my family from me.
A sudden sharp pain rolled through my gut. I clenched it, pressing my fists on my belly. A groan escaped me. Suddenly the earth shook. When I opened my eyes, I noted a vine had broken through the frozen ground and stretched to the ceiling of the cave.
What the hell? Did I do that? How?
The serum. No, that wasn’t normal. I reach a hand out to the vine and it curved toward me. When I touched a leaf, it froze and fell off the vine. It shattered as soon as it hit the ground.
This wasn’t good. Whatever it was.
I was tired. That was why my powers seemed off. I wasn’t turning into a changeling. A sob burst from my lips and I cried myself to sleep.
5
I woke to the smell of flowers and green grass under me. I shot up to my feet and glanced around the cave. From the sunlight streaming through the opening of the cave, I could see most of the interior. Vines covered the wall and grass covered the floor.
My heart hammered against my ribs as I stared in shock and horror. The serum was messing with my powers. I worked so hard to perfect my ice magic. Now the princess and her familiars had thrown in another challenge for me to overcome. Fine.
I’d play along.
I was beginning to think the serum they injected me with wasn’t the same as the other changelings.
After gathering some of the salvageable supplies and a ragged bag, I left the cave. Outside, I scanned my surroundings for threats. When I was sure there were none, I hiked east.
The east was a longer route to the top and the terrain rougher. Not many fae or humans would travel that way. Which meant the less likely it was to run into a malum or familiars. For once, I appreciated my parents and brother for pushing me to my limits, teaching me how to survive in extreme conditions.
There were many times we had to live in such conditions to go undetected. Stopping in the small clearing to play with Ameria was my idea. We’d been hiding and running for so long, I suggested my baby sister should enjoy a day. A play day.
My nose tingled and tears filled my eyes once again. It was my fault. If I hadn’t insisted on taking a break for Ameria’s sake…
No. I could think that way. Stay strong, Ro. Don’t break down now.
Easier said than done. I hadn’t a clue how to defeat the princess and stop the evil she spread across the hollow.
The smell of burning wood lingered in the air, halting me mid-step. There were no homes, that I knew of, in this section of the foothills. Burning wood meant a camp. Someone else was near.
As soon as I made the conclusion, a twig snapped to my left. Whirling around, I fell into a protective stance, my hands raised, ready to blast whomever it was.
A human man stepped out of the shadows of a nearby tree. Long dark-blond hair cascaded around his shoulders, ruff
led as if he’d just woken up. He wore layers of black and brown wool and leather under a long, ankle-length coat. His green eyes locked onto mine and the corners of his mouth twitched.
When he stepped closer, I backed up, not trusting that he wouldn’t harm me. “I’m just passing through and don’t want trouble.”
He stopped and held up his hands. “I’m not going to harm you. You’re a fae?”
Suspicion crawled up my spine. Most humans didn’t pay attention to the subtle characteristics of the fae unless we were using glamour. Something I hadn’t bothered with since the rise of the princess. “How do you know?”
One broad shoulder lifted. “Fae have a certain…shimmer to them.” I raised my brows and he chuckled. “Not like a sparkle. It’s hard to explain. It’s like your skin almost glows. It’s very subtle and most humans wouldn’t know.”
“But you can see it? The magic?” The glow he talked about was our magic that ran inside us and radiated onto the surface of our skin. It was more noticeable while using glamour, not so much otherwise.
“I can. But only because my best friend is a fae.”
I studied him as he relaxed and leaned against a tree. He looked so calm yet alert to the surroundings. This human was a warrior. The slight command in his tone and the way he seemed so in tune to everything around him told me.
Taking a chance that he wasn’t here to haul me to the palace, I said, “I’m on my way to the rebel camp up the mountain.”
He pushed off the tree and I tensed. Shaking his head, he offered me his hand. “I’m going there tomorrow. Come, join me while I wait for my friend to return.”
I didn’t move. Instead, I stared at his hand. “How can I trust you?”
With a heavy sigh, he reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a thin, rectangular device. He tapped the face of it and turned it so I could see the images flashing on some kind of screen. I’d heard the humans had been able to salvage their technology after the Hollow froze. But I’d never seen it.
The device he held fascinated me. Images, like moving pictures, ran across the screen. People laughed, talking with one another. They shared meals and kids played. “What is that?”
“That is the rebel camp you seek. But it’s more than just rebels. It’s our home.”
I glanced up and didn’t realize I’d moved so close to him. His eyes were the lightest, brightest green I’d ever seen. When he smiled, two dimples formed in his cheeks. I asked, “Who are you?”
As soon as the words left my mouth, I groaned. He must think I was crazy or just plain weird. But he chuckled, turned off the device, and shoved it into his pocket as he answered me. “I’m Nate. Head of security of the North Mountain Village.”
Head of security. Even though he didn’t look that much older than I, it fit him. I held out my hand. Gods help me, but I needed allies. “My name is Roshia.”
“Very pretty name.” He shook my hand and tugged me closer. I stumbled and he caught me with an arm around my waist. “For a beautiful fae.”
I felt my cheeks heat. Tingles scattered over my skin and inside my belly at being so close to him. What was I doing? I eased out of his arms, glad when he didn’t tighten his hold.
Instead, he took my hand and tugged me to follow him. “I set up camp in a nearby cave. It’s small, but will keep us out of the cold wind.”
I pressed my lips together. The cold didn’t bother me, but I wasn’t sure if I should share the fact I was an ice fae. The last one alive, according to my brother. How he found out things was beyond me.
Nate stopped suddenly and I crashed into him. “Sorry,” I muttered, trying to hide my embarrassment.
He flashed me his dimpled smile. “No, it was my fault.” Then his smile faded, his brows dipped. “Stay still. Someone was here.”
Dread and panic pulsed through my veins. I nodded, then stretched out my senses. I didn’t pick up on any changeling energy, but I did sense dark fae magic. I swallowed the fear lodged in my throat. Dark fae were dangerous and had a god complex.
It was the dark fae who fought humans, causing the wars that poisoned the earth with hatred and evil.
I opened my mouth to call out to Nate when someone grabbed me from behind. A scream stuck in my throat. The dark fae’s magic enveloped me, cutting off my ability to fight back.
“Who are you and what do you want?” His tone was rough and forced like he spoke through his teeth.
I shook my head but still couldn’t speak.
Just then Nate returned, his handsome features transformed into a fierce expression. “Landon, let her go.”
“Who is she?”
Nate scowled. “Someone who has asked for sanctuary I’m taking her to the village.”
“You know nothing about her.” Landon spat the words while he tightened his grip on me. “She’s an ice fae. A powerful one who has been injected with the serum.”
Hurt passed over Nate’s face as he met my stare. I averted my gaze as tears rolled down my cheek. Who was I kidding? I was dangerous.
Landon continued, “Do you know why the ice fae were killed off? They don’t react to the serum like everyone else. They grow stronger, darker. Just like the fucking princess.”
Nate glanced from me to Landon. I sagged, feeling defeated. I was so tired of hurting. Landon pulled his magic from around me, but he still held on. I was glad because if he let go, I’d sink to the ground.
After a moment, I spoke. “My family and I were captured. My dad is now a familiar. My brother a malum. My baby sister…” A sob escaped at the thought of Ameria’s lifeless body. “I–gods–I left her. She died in my arms and I left her.”
My legs buckled and I was lifted into the air. Landon cursed, then cradled me to his chest. “Shh. You had a plan, right? You wouldn’t leave her without one.”
I lifted my head and stared at him. His dark blue hair was pulled back with a leather tie. High cheekbones and sculptured jawline perfected his features. When he locked gazes with me the world seemed to stand still.
Landon’s harsh features softened. He lifted a hand to my face, but I flinched, bringing back the angry lines in his forehead. Then his words filtered into my mind.
A plan? Yes. Find help to return to the palace. Then what? “I thought I had a plan. I escaped my cell and found her…I was going to take her then but the familiars came. I hid her and tried to escape but got caught. My own father injected me with the serum. I think I killed them.”
Landon sat on a large log in front of a campfire, still holding me in his lap. Confused, I tried to wiggle out of his hold. He tightened his arms. “Stay put. I’m sorry…for judging you. I was wrong.”
I glanced to Nate, who was stirring the fire while watching us. “I’m…um…are you mental?”
Nate busted out laughing and almost fell on the log. Landon kicked at him. “Shut up, dude.”
I snickered at the dude. I’d only heard humans use the term.
Landon lifted my chin with his finger so I met his gaze. “I’m not mental. I tend to punish first and ask questions later.” He sighed. “You want to know another reason why ice fae were killed?”
I nodded and he told me. “The princess is an ice fae. The same elemental magic runs in her veins as yours. She feared that if you all got word the serum strengthened your power, you’d use it to kill her and reverse the frozen hell she put us in.”
Yes, Crystal wouldn’t want other ice fae around if they were stronger than her. “Then why inject me with the serum? I don’t understand any of her logic or what she plans after everyone is dead or one of her minions.”
Landon loosened his hold on me. I took the chance to ease out of his lap. There was something about him I couldn’t pinpoint. My emotions were all over the place with him. I mistrusted his aggression, captivated by his blue eyes, and seduced by his power. What did that make me? Crazy?
Starved for affection since my family was gone. Needy. Great.
I got up and walked around the fire to sit next to N
ate.
Landon glared at me as he replied my assessment of the princess. “Crystal is insane. Nothing she does is logical. I used to think she had a plan. Now, we think she doesn’t even know what she’s doing. Cyron says it’s the result of absorbing the evil from the earth that made her rise from the dead.”
I nodded. It was refreshing in a way to have someone to brainstorm with. Tae and I did it often, trying to figure out how to stop the widespread evil. Our parents didn’t want us involved. So we didn’t talk about it as often as we liked.
“Who is Cyron?”
Nate pressed his thigh into mine. “He’s the unofficial leader of the village and the rebellion. He’s a doctor and researcher. He’s working on a cure for the serum.”
I perked up at a cure. “Could he help me? I mean keep me from going…crazy?”
Glancing down at the fire, I wrapped my arms around my middle. I didn’t want to become what Crystal was. Cruel, dark, and insanely unstable.
Nate snaked an arm around my shoulders and hugged me to him. “We can ask. Cyron loves a challenge and a chance to research something new. Because you are the first ice fae we’ve come across.” He kissed my temple, which surprised me. What did that mean? I glanced up at Landon and met his intense stare. The muscles in his jaw worked, but he said nothing.
Nate released me and stood. “Are you hungry?”
As soon as the words left his mouth, my stomach decided to let its presence be known, releasing a loud growl. Nate laughed. “I guess that’s my answer. I’ll be back.”
He disappeared into the cave. A moment later, Landon followed him. Frowning, I remained still, staring into the fire. It was starting to get too warm for me here, so I switched seats again. Now I understood why Landon sat me on the side closest to the cave. It was slightly farther from the fire, and cooler.
He confused me. Where Nate was welcoming and friendly, Landon was cool and distant.
Once settled on the log, I removed my overcoat, draping it over my lap. The guys’ voices drifted from the cave. By the tones, they weren’t trying to keep their conversation quiet.
