by Sarah Beth
Tori set her book aside and got off the couch, “Alex went there first thing when we got back. The body was brought to the funeral home in town yesterday.”
“Did you guys find anything else? Any clue as to who is really behind this? There’s no way that warlock was in charge.” Abby glanced at Wesley and then Tori, but neither of them looked positive.
After a moment, Wesley sighed, “No, anything that could’ve told us something was destroyed in that blast.” He shrugged, his hand moving up and down her back in small motions. “We’ll figure it out. We won’t let anyone else get hurt.”
Abby pulled her bottom lip into her mouth, the thought she had been battling since arriving back home pushing its way to the front of her mind. “We should have been quicker. I could’ve saved her —.”
A hand turned her face, Wesley’s eyes were stormy. At least they weren’t concerned. “Don’t feel guilty about this. You didn’t kill her.”
She sighed before stepping away from Wesley and putting her hands on the island, the cool stone waking her up more. “That doesn’t mean I don’t feel guilty.” She looked at him briefly before looking back at the island. “I think I saw her ghost.”
The stunned silence was enough to make Abby look up. Wesley rested a hand on the small of her shoulder blades, “Are you sure?”
Abby shrugged, a snort escaping her lips, “I’m not sure of anything that happened in that place. But a spirit helped me, told me that you were coming for me.”
“You didn’t see her?” Tori headed for the coffee maker as she spoke, grabbing more than one mug out of the cupboard.
Abby shook her head, “No, it was strange. I’ve never seen a spirit like that. It was just this orb of light.” She shrugged again, “I just have this feeling — it was Jessie.” A mug of coffee was set in front of her. She looked at Tori and smiled in gratitude before lifting it to her lips.
“You know,” said Wesley, his hand making those soothing circles on her back, “I bet the Canry’s would be happy to hear that story.”
Setting her mug down on the counter, Abby sighed. All she wanted to do in that moment was lean into the strong chest at her back, go back to snuggling in Wesley’s room with nothing to worry about. But there was something she really needed to do first. “Maybe, but I think I need to speak to someone else first.” Wesley raised a brow in confusion. She’d been thinking about it since meeting with Elazar, but so much more had happened since then. After everything that had happened at the warehouse and with the warlock, it was more important now than ever. “I need to see Elazar. I think it’s time I found out who my father is.”
Sneak Peek of The Faye's Keeper
*Coming 2020*
On the third – and final – day of their hike, Abby was feeling like stabbing Wesley the next time he made her eat a protein bar. Cold be damned, she would puke if she ate another one. They had been trekking through a valley for the better part of an hour. As they crested a small hill, Abby could see that the valley ended abruptly, a frozen lake sat between them and the mountain on the other side. With a groan, she sat down heavily on the snow. Shucking her pack off her back, she rolled her shoulders. "Great. I don't know about you, but I am so not walking across frozen water."
Coming up behind her, Wesley chuckled as his own pack hit the snow beside her. Taking his water canteen, he took a drink before handing it to her. "The ice is probably at least two feet thick at this elevation."
The water was ice cold as it went down her throat. "That's nice. Still not doing it." She handed him the water and then looked back at the lake. "Aren't we close? I thought the passage to The High Forest was supposed to be right around here." He hummed, searching in his pack for the map Alex had given them. As he unfolded the map, Abby looked out at the frozen landscape. She wasn't much for winter, although she used to like the snow. Used to. Because after hiking in it for three days, she was about ready to hop the next flight to the Bahamas.
The mountains stretched high into the sky on all sides, snow-capped peaks blending with the fluffy clouds. Gray stone merged into the deep emerald of the evergreens, their color peeking out from under their snowy blankets. Although the ice-covered lake made Abby anxious, the reflection of the sky on the glass-like surface, was stunning. She was about to ask Wesley for one of those god-forsaken protein bars when a pulling sensation bloomed in her chest. Her power was pulsing, warming her from the inside out, as it responded to the pull. Standing slowly, Abby looked around. Something was calling to her, but what was it? And where was it coming from?
Picking her way down the shallow slope, Abby was vaguely aware of Wesley calling her name. But it was far away like he was calling for her through a dense fog. She reached the bottom of the hill, snow almost reaching her knees. She wished she had put on her snowshoes. The lake was to her right, an expanse of pristine snow between them. But whatever was calling to her was pulling her further down the shoreline. With a deep breath, she continued through the deep snow. After a couple of minutes, Abby was beginning to think that she should have thought harder before walking through so much snow. She hadn't even grabbed her pack. As she was about to turn around and ask Wesley if he had grabbed it, something in front of her caught her eye. Sitting just inside the tree line was a stone-covered mound. Cutting through the center of it was a rock-lined passage.
She stopped so abruptly Wesley bumped into her back. Mumbling an apology, she began to walk again. This time, however, she was acutely aware of Wesley walking beside her, his shoulder brushing hers ever so often. They stopped at the entrance, looking at the stone passage in collective awe. Abby could feel her own excitement and apprehension mixing with Wesley's. His emotions mingling with hers in the silence.
She looked at him briefly, eyebrows raised in a silent question. Putting a hand on her lower back, he answered with his own silent shrug. Taking comfort in the pressure of his palm through her coat, Abby took a deep breath and walked into the pathway. Taking her glove off, she ran her hand along the side. Rock and moss were cold to the touch, but a warmth spread up her arm from the contact. Walking further, the path curved before opening wide. The rocky hill fell away to reveal a valley. A valley that had not been there when Abby and Wesley had stood at the top of the hill. With bated breath, Abby walked out of the passage, her hand falling to her side as the stone was left behind.
It was then that everything changed.
Snow melted away to reveal lush green grass. Flowers of bright colors grew under the full shade of the aspen trees. The passage that they had come through changed as well. The crumbling stone turning into a well-cared for stone archway, vines growing up the sides. The sun beat down on them, a warm breeze hit her face. She was sweating in her winter gear in seconds. Standing beside her, she saw Wesley take his hat off and stare.
Unable to help herself, she laughed. His shocked face aside, she felt giddy. More alive than she had in a while. The only comparison she had, was when Wesley had first kissed her on that cliff, months ago.
Two figures emerged from the trees, and the laughter died on her lips. Dressed in light green pants and tunics, silver plated armor adorned their chests and a helmet sat atop their heads. Although both had long blond hair, braided in random areas, their broad shoulders and strong jawlines told her they were men. One had a bow strapped to his back, while the other had a rather impressive sword strapped to his belt.
The two men — Faye — stopped a few feet from Abby and Wesley. And bowed.
"We have been expecting you, Lady Abigail.”
Acknowledgments
To Kathleen and Vee - this book has become so much more than I ever imagined because of the friendship and camaraderie you two ladies have shown me. Both myself and my work have grown so much since I met both of you. I can't wait to see what the future holds for us.
To Cayleigh - thank you so much for all of your hard work and for being my mentor when I needed one. Abby and Wesley’s story wouldn’t be what it is if I had never met you. I think we
made a good team.
To Rae and Morgan - you both have become such pillars in my life. Your constant support and encouragement has meant the world. The Force is certainly strong in both of you.
To my parents - thank you for always encouraging your little girl to follow her dreams, even if that meant a lot of years of indecision. Thank you for moving me all over the country and giving me the broad outlook on life that I treasure. Thank you for believing in me.
And to you, if you have a dream, one people tell you isn't practical or that you’re wasting your time on, don’t listen to them. Do what feeds your soul and everything else will fall into place. Life is far too short to be unhappy.
xx Sarah
About the Author
Sarah Beth grew up all over the continental United States, which she attributes to her deep love of travel. She studied Art History at the University of Minnesota- Duluth (Go Bulldogs!) and could tell you a lot about ancient architecture.
She can be found on the beaches of eastern Florida or at home curled up with her cat, Tinker Bell.
THE FAYE’S SECRET is her debut novel.
[email protected]
Sarahbethwrites.com
