Shades of Redemption (Mists of the Fae Book 3)

by Jaime Marks

  She nodded in resignation as she tied the knot in the sashing of her gown. “Do what you think is best. I despise lying to them anyway but I can’t deal with all the questions right now. I need to get used to this myself.” She turned back to the entryway. “I hate that he’s going back there. If I can sense the changes in him there is no way Lazurys won’t know, Marcus.”

  He turned her back to him, hooking her chin as he forced her to look to him. “Hey, listen to me. Cymeryn has been one of the most cunning and devious Shade we have ever known. He almost single handedly destroyed this realm with his strategies. If anyone can pull this off, if anyone can find a way, it’s Cymeryn.”

  She took a breath, somehow not reassured by that statement. “I guess you’re right.”

  “Now, come on. Byryn is being a pain in my ass.”

  “How so?” She raised a brow at him.

  “I had originally promised him before we left that we would only be gone an hour but then I strong armed him into two once we got here. I had a feeling how things were going to go and I knew what the three of us needed.” He shrugged. “We’re already going to be even later and He’s started to count down at me.” Marcus grumbled.

  She chuckled, “Well then, let’s hurry before he lets my brother know we’re missing. If he is anything like my Father was about it, he’ll have our heads.”

  “I’m more concerned about what Grifyn and Kato will do to me when they find out that I took you to meet with Cymeryn, alone, without so much as a discussion.” He conceded. “They tire of the secrets I keep. If they gave me any inclination that they trusted me with the situation of your connection to my twin I would be more forth coming, but they question my judgment. I will tell them in time but not now.”

  Reyana nodded. There had been a lot of bad blood between Cymeryn and the Lucerna Lines. It would take a lot of work to get them to accept that he was Redeemed. Technically she didn’t know if she could call it that with him but there was no term for how Marcus had transformed since they bonded or how Cymeryn was transforming now. She hadn’t done anything other than love them and join with them. She knew there was more to this than she understood but if Cymeryn weren’t actually Redeemed, if he was still a threat to her, Shala would not have talked so freely with him and she certainly would have warned Reyana. She had better figure out what to tell her family soon because despite Cymeryn’s plans…she didn’t think he could pull this off for long. Once his features changed enough it would be visibly recognizable. His time as Shade was quickly coming to an end.

  Chapter 11

  They took form in the Council Chambers just as Byryn was about to suggest they should go look for their esteemed Praetor and his Queen. Marcus met his stare and gave him a slight incline of the head. Cymeryn’s essence was all over both of them. His energy was easy for Byryn to sense as he was Trevyn’s sire.

  He glanced at Reyana but she was a picture of calm, at least outwardly. They were also both throwing up enough blocks to make him thoroughly suspicious but then they had to hide this from the others, or at least they insisted they did. Whatever was going on he wasn’t so sure it needed to be a secret or that it was the smartest thing to keep it that way, but he would keep his word. Marcus had just better keep to his as well. He wasn’t sure what he would do if he didn’t but with what he sensed tonight he would have to bring up his concerns to someone if he wouldn’t tell him exactly what was going on, likely Gr-, his Dad he corrected himself.

  Mythos studied them both with a careful eye, “So nice of you to join us almost a full twenty minutes late.”

  Reyana went to her brother and kissed him on the cheek with a smile, “Oh Mythos, one of these days I hope you find someone who distracts you half as much.”

  “Valeryn, would you be kind enough to go fetch the materials we requested of the Scholars when we arrived? If I don’t come back with something for Star to work on she will find something to get into on her own.” Marcus requested ignoring the conversation as he generally did when he knew it would end in the realm of their mating.

  Byryn chuckled thinking of Staryana. Marcus was definitely not wrong. Last time she ran out of materials she followed everyone around for a day and then began trying to plan some extravagant ball that would’ve created ten times the work anyone had time for. He had barely placated her with a small scale dinner with their family that included dancing afterwards.

  He knew it wasn’t so much the materials that she needed but some socialization. She didn’t really get time to spend with the other kids and as she was a princess, she was often separated simply because of the security risk as well as propriety. He needed to find some way to get her involved with the unawakened Fae at least. She met with some of the girls but it was in a very restricted formal setting. There were some who were her age though. Perhaps Marcus would have some idea about it.

  He shook himself from his train of thought. He wanted to get back to her and Kylion. “I’m sorry to cut this short, your majesties, Praetor, but I would like to get back to the Palace Lunya. I want to check on Kylion and I’m sure Staryana is waiting for our return.”

  “Of course Byryn,” Mythos smiled warmly. “I will see you all in a few days. I must admit, though, I find it harder to stay away. It would be easier if we could perhaps find some way to communicate between the two realms.”

  Byryn considered the options. “Well, humans use satellites to communicate across the planet. Maybe we can find some way to adapt the technology.”

  He looked up to find everyone except Reyana, who had been human until a month ago, looking at him like he had three heads. He almost had to laugh. The Fae were notoriously tech dinosaurs. Even the Shade used cell phones or computers to keep track of their progeny and sometimes their prey. Their knowledge was limited but they were able to make do. They also spent far more time actually living amongst humans, feeding on their emotions. The Fae may guide humanity but it was not overtly and they rarely actually walked amongst them as part of their world unless they took a human as their mate.

  “Do we have any Scholars that focus on humanity and its history? Specifically science and technologies?” He asked.

  “Yes, it’s necessary in order to guide them to the Light.” Mythos added. “The more we understand their race and its habits, the better we can understand what influences and affects them.”

  “Good, send me the two who have the most accumulated scientific and technological knowledge of let’s say…the last thirty years. I’ll see if I can work with them on it.” He shrugged.

  “Any effort would be appreciated, Byryn.” Mythos nodded. “I will bring them with me.”

  Marcus clasped arms with the King and Byryn watched as they all exchanged pleasantries. Marcus was putting up a decent enough front but Byryn had become accustomed to watching the Praetor over the last month. Something had him on edge. He was subtly rushing them back to the Palace so it wasn’t Cymeryn himself, but something he had told him. He wanted to make sure everything was secure.

  “We’ll look forward to your visit, my friend.” Marcus offered as Reyana pulled back from her brother’s embrace.

  She was oddly stiff. Whatever had happened had left her shaken as well. She was hiding it almost perfectly but he was looking for it. His survival and station had been dependent on his ability to read everything that went on around him. He had to know when a threat was coming, what mood his sire and even occasionally Cymeryn were in. His ability to read situations allowed him to sense anything from the best way to influence another Shade in order to gain the upper hand in negotiations, to threats from perceived allies…amongst other things. Very little got by him and when it did, it was basically because he didn’t have the means to figure out what he was missing. Like with Staryana. He knew she was in trouble and that there was something happening with her, something that was being hidden from him, but there was no way to explain what he felt. The sooner they got back to the Palace the sooner he would be able to pull Marcus aside and find out what t
he hell was going on. Hopefully that would give him the answers he needed.

  They misted to the entryway and began the long hike home. Reyana spoke to Grifyn and Kato about the Council as they walked and he purposely dropped behind to where Marcus had taken up sentry. He always hung back after they re-entered the realm to ensure they hadn’t been followed.

  “That was a long hour Marcus,” He quipped grudgingly.

  “Sorry Byryn, I knew an hour was too short but I also knew you wouldn’t readily agree to more.” Marcus shrugged apologetically.

  “Fair enough,” Byryn conceded knowing there were more important things to hash out. “What has you and Reyana so stressed out? What’s going on?”

  The Praetor smirked at him. “You really don’t miss anything, do you?”

  He shrugged, “Old habits I guess. Seeing what’s coming helps you to survive, ya know?”

  “Indeed.” Marcus sighed. “When we get back I will fill you in. There will be some things however, that you won’t be able to repeat; not even to Star and Grifyn. It’s a position I don’t really want you in, Byryn, but I made you a promise and I will keep it.”

  “Are they secrets that are gonna affect them? I don’t want them hurt, Marcus.” Byryn studied Grifyn as he walked. He was willing to keep secrets if it was necessary but he wasn’t about to let any harm come to either of them.

  Marcus sighed. “Not directly, but I can’t guarantee they won’t find the information upsetting. The most pertinent and dangerous information won’t be kept from them. I will explain more in my study before you make the decision. Here is not the best place.” He followed his gaze to Kato and Grifyn.

  Byryn groaned. Why couldn’t Marcus just trust them? He knew they were free of Taint by virtue of their Redemption and that they would do anything to protect Reyana. Hell, they would do anything to protect him. He had to somehow convince him that the secrets needed to end. Maybe there were things that didn’t need to be common knowledge but there was no need for all this distance among the three of them.

  Star lay in her bed, images accosting her senses. It was this way every night. As soon as she was alone and tried to sleep she felt like she was under attack. She’d actually been trying not to sleep. It was how she got through her studies so quickly. She spent all night reading and studying so she didn’t have to sleep. She tried to force her eyes open but she couldn’t fight it anymore. The pull was just too strong and she was so exhausted. She felt herself drifting, black wisps of smoke flowing all around her. Where was she? Was she dreaming? She tried but she couldn’t wake herself up.

  “Hello Starshine.” Her Father’s voice drifted in all around her. She used to enjoy his visits, now she just feared them.

  “Dad? Why are you here? Why won’t you just leave me alone?” It felt like she was stumbling through Dark woods but there were no trees and as far as she could tell there was nothing to stumble over.

  “I can’t do that, Starshine. You’re my daughter and despite what they want you to think, you can’t even comprehend the truth of what you are. You need me.” He appeared beside her, his eyes filled with Darkness, a sinister smile on his face. “You’re Grandfather wants to meet you, Star. I need you to come see me.”

  “I can’t do that Dad, and I told you I have no desire to see Cymeryn. I have responsibilities here.”

  “Bring Kylion with you. I would love to meet the child you think you’re old enough to raise.” He smirked as he studied her as if waiting for her reaction.

  Fear shook through her. She didn’t even want to think about what her Father and Cymeryn would do to Kylion but what bothered her worse was how did he even know that?

  “I know all that goes on in your mind, child. I’m your Father. I can read anything I want from you. I know how you fear me Starshine and I swear one of these days your Mother and that despicable mate of hers will pay for coming between us.” He snarled.

  “See Dad, no offense but you wonder why I’m afraid of you yet every time I see you anymore all you do is make demands and threaten Mom. Why on Earth do you think I would do anything you ask? I’ve spent enough time in this world to see what the Shade are about. I can’t trust you.”

  The devious grin that spread across his face made the blood run cold in her veins. “Because Staryana, if you don’t, I’m going to go visit that girl, Stephanie that you miss so much. Such fire and spirit in that one. I bet breaking her would be quite a challenge, one I would definitely enjoy, though I doubt I’m her type. That image of what the two of you shared does makes her adventurous side intriguing. I think once she got over herself she might actually enjoy the way I touch her.”

  Star froze and almost vomited at her Father’s words and the images he forced through her mind of him raping her best friend. Her voice was barely a whisper. “She doesn’t know anything about this. She’s just an innocent human.”

  He chuckled, “You will learn, Starshine that humans are mere cattle. They exist only to sate your Darkest desires. Stephanie is far beneath you, nothing more than a rat at your feet. I would be doing you a favor if I disposed of her really, eliminating one of the weaknesses you hold, but since I know how much she means to you I’ll grant her protection…If you come to me no one will ever bring her into this world. If not, well, my current toy doesn’t have half the stamina that I’m sure she will. She’s so young and vibrant.” More images of him destroying Steph accosted her.

  “Dad why are you doing this? Why would you do this to me?” Tears streamed down her cheeks.

  “Because you are mine and its time you come home. I understand the attachment you have to the boy and Byryn. Bring them. There is still much Darkness in him. Your Grandfather will bring him around.”

  “Fuck you! I’ll never betray Byryn like that or let you hurt Kylion.”

  The evil sneer that crossed Dad’s face chilled her. His hand snapped out gripping her arm with a bruising strength and he forced her closer, the gentle caress of his hand on her cheek making her skin crawl.

  “I’ve had enough of your attitude, Staryana Alyna Johnson. You have two days to bring your ass home or I swear I will ensure the Guardians find that girl’s mutilated carcass and bring it to you.” He gripped her jaw holding her in place and kissed her chastely. “You’re coming home one way or another, Star. There are many ways to force you to turn and I promise you, I’ll use every one of them to bring you back.”

  He chuckled at her revulsion from his action and the images he sent through her mind, his words echoing around her. She stood watching as he faded away. There was no way Byryn and Marcus would let her out of the Palace let alone the Realm of Gray and full blooded humans weren’t allowed here. She couldn’t just let him take Steph. She’d be helpless against the Shade. What the hell was she going to do?

  Byryn sat in Marcus’ study. Kato and Grifyn had twisted his arm into sharing a drink before they all retired. They were trying to get the Praetor to open up, to stop shutting them out and he was patiently trying to placate them. Byryn’s patience however, was running thin.

  Kato rose, “Well my friends, it has been a long day and I would very much like to spend what is left of it in my mate’s company.” He bowed. “Until the morn.”

  “Hold Kato, I think I’ll walk with you. Are you coming son?” Grifyn asked as he rose.

  “Actually, if you don’t mind, Dad I want to go over the plans for the raids with Marcus a little while and discuss some room assignment changes for the unawakened. I think it will avoid more issues.”

  “Anything I can help with?” He requested as he studied him with a knowing eye. He knew there was something else but perhaps he just thought it was about what happened earlier or Staryana. He didn’t seem angry at any rate and he was sure he would be if he knew Marcus had involved him in any of this without also sharing it with Grifyn.

  “Nah, it won’t take long and I promised I’d drop in on Staryana before I turn in. Go see to Mom, there’s no reason for you to wait.” He rose to embrace him.

>   “See you in the morn then. Good eve, Marcus.”

  “To you as well, my friend.”

  Marcus waited until they were out of sight before rising and closing the door to the study. Once he was sitting at his desk he met Byryn’s eyes. “I know you want me to include them Byryn, and I promise to do my best to try. There are things however that I can’t risk too many knowing. Reyana knows now because we were able to help her accept what she needed to, but I will do anything to protect her and this puts her at great risk.”

  Byryn considered it. “This goes against my better judgment. Secrets and lies are the currency of the Shade, not the Fae. I’m not saying the entire Kingdom should know, but I don’t understand why you can’t trust Grifyn and Kato.”

  “I may in time, but I need to assess the risks first and truthfully, Reyana isn’t comfortable with them knowing yet. I had originally intended on telling all of you but there was information that Cymeryn had that I couldn’t possibly have accounted for. In truth, if I’m going to keep her safe…if we are going to keep Star safe, I need your help, son.”

  “And you think you can actually trust him, Marcus? You do realize your twin is probably the most devious Shade that has ever existed. He’s a master manipulator and strategist. Look at what he almost succeeded in accomplishing in the Kingdom of Light. If he hadn’t been distracted with trying to obtain Reyana he probably would’ve taken over the throne by now.”

  “I’m aware of exactly who mine blooded twin has been for a hundred years.” Marcus stared at him cautiously from across the desk.

  Byryn gave him a shrewd look as he mused over his choice wording. “Then what’s changed? Why trust him now?”

  He studied the male that in many ways had become a mentor and friend. His intensity was always high but now he seemed to be considering something, almost bracing himself. It was rare for Marcus to be unsure of himself. “Cymeryn is Gray and as balanced as I am.”