“No!” Rafael inserted quickly. “They devour the Tulpas you generate. They feed off of your emotions, preferring the dark ones of fear, hatred, and anger. They wish to walk among you in order to trap your world in a perpetual state of fear and hatred. They can only influence now. They can’t control you.”
That was actually creepier. I just stared at him. Things were turning more bizarre by the moment. I gave an uncomfortably strained laugh and decided, “This must be a dream … no … a nightmare, or maybe I’m sick or something and I can’t wake up!”
“I’m sorry, Sydney,” Rafael apologized in a low, gentle voice. “This must be very hard.”
The idea that I was stuck in a dream was an attractive one that grew on me even as I found myself tipping dangerously close to a full-blown case of hysterics.
“Actually, this isn’t hard at all!” I began to giggle. “I have nothing to worry about. This must be a dream. It doesn’t make sense, otherwise. Especially, with this whole thing about you being a fairy! I mean … fairies!” I collapsed into such an uncontrollable fit of giggles that I couldn’t talk.
“The Fae,” he corrected in a slightly miffed tone. “Please do not use the term of ‘fairy’!”
I kept on snorting with panic-stricken laughter, and he didn’t even try to stop me. Finally, I wiped the tears out of my eyes, and I looked down at his hand encompassing mine and wiggled my fingers. “This only proves it, you know. Because I’m crushing on you, I’m dreaming that you’re holding my hand. It isn’t something that would really happen! Thanksgiving was probably a dream, too. Actually, maybe this whole thing is!” At that point, I began to doubt myself. If it had been a dream, then it was an extraordinarily long and coherent one.
When I looked back into Rafael’s eyes, they had taken on an interested gleam. “Crushing?” he repeated curiously.
Immediately, color rushed to my cheeks, and I jerked my fingers free from his once again.
I was saved from an awkward explanation by a soft shimmering bell chiming through the room.
Rafael tensed.
“What is it?” I asked.
His mood shifted, but he looked down at me with an impudent grin. “You can explain ‘crushing’ to me at a later time. At the moment, I can’t risk an interruption, Sydney. I’ll untie you the instant this is over.”
“Untie me? I’m not tied …” My protest quickly shifted into a yelp as he caught my wrist and spun me around. A shimmery scarf slipped over my mouth even as another twisted around my wrists. I was so shocked that I didn’t even fight back.
Twirling me around again, Rafael planted his handsome face inches in front of mine and asked, “Is that comfortable?”
I drew my brows in the worst scowl that I could summon. “How could I be comfortable?” I shouted, but the scarf muffled my words.
“I swear upon my honor that it won’t be for long, Sydney.” His grin widened into a broad smile, but then he added, “I hope.”
The chime sounded again.
Easily hefting me over his shoulder, he walked toward the wall, explaining, “I regret the use of this archaic form of restraint. I’m fairly powerless without my trion.”
I kicked him, just enough to express my irritation. My reward was another scarf binding my feet. I was trying to figure out how he had managed such a feat while still carrying me, when a door zipped open, and he stepped into what looked like his closet.
I was so amazed that I forgot to struggle.
It was huge, about the same size as Betty’s entire house, with row upon row of clothing and shelves of hats, belts, and boots, all arranged neatly along the walls and organized according to color. It looked like an expensive designer clothing store.
Rafael carried me past more feathers, scarves, and shimmering material than I had ever seen in my entire life. At the far end, he stopped in front of a lighted floor-to-ceiling mirror a good twenty feet wide. In front of it were several tall black stools and a black leather S-shaped couch.
As another chime shimmered through the air, Rafael set me down on the couch. “You must remain quiet. It’s imperative that you’re not discovered. I’ll finish as quickly as I can.”
I tried to object, but the scarf made it impossible.
Reaching back, he tapped the mirror and with a conspiratorial wink, added, “That should satisfy your curiosity.”
I looked at the mirror and then back at him in confusion.
He didn’t explain. Instead, he tweaked the tip of my nose. “You’ll be given the opportunity for revenge once this is done.”
With that, he strode to the far wall and exited his closet, the door melting into a tiny hole and vanishing behind him.
I spent the next few minutes trying to wriggle free before giving up and hopping through the closet toward the door. Even though I was annoyed, I couldn’t help but marvel at the sheer amount of clothing he possessed. He would have to change clothes ten times a day for the rest of his life to wear less than half of them.
Finally, I arrived to where the door had been, but it had fused perfectly into the wall with no sign of a handle. Growling, I banged my shoulder against it just to make myself feel better, but then I heard a voice behind me.
Twisting back, I saw that the mirror had lit up like a large movie screen, displaying the scene that was taking place in the next room. Surprised, I hopped back as fast as I could for a better view.
Rafael was lounging languidly against the wall with folded arms, observing a striking and willowy blonde-haired female from under half-closed lids.
She was exquisite. Her eyes, a stunning shade of purple, perfectly matched the color of the delicate butterfly painted on her flawless, creamy face. An elaborate mass of curls, entwined with white feathers, cascaded down her back. Her silver tunic, swept about her slim waist by a belt of interwoven silver and gold chains, dropped off one shoulder, and her boots glistened as she walked up to Rafael. Boldly, she traced the crease on his cheek with her finger.
“You came early, Raven.” Rafael rumbled in a deep voice.
“Did I?” Raven challenged with a haughty smile. “I was surprised that you summoned me, Rafael.”
I watched with a flood of complex emotions as Rafael slid his hand up the length of her arm to the back of her neck before stooping to kiss her cheek. Then, he gracefully stepped away, returning to his favorite spot by the window.
“Your father is deeply concerned.” Raven followed him.
“Oh?” Rafael shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly. “Why?”
She lifted her chin, and her voice took on a hard edge. “There are many rumors that you have brought a human to Avalon …” She hesitated before continuing loftily, “And that you have given her your heart.”
I found myself holding my breath in the extended silence that followed
“It would explain why you broke our engagement last week.” Raven finally added in an arch tone.
“Our engagement sprang from scandalous roots, Raven. It would never have been what you desired.” He paused dramatically, leaning against the window in a sophisticated slouch as he peered down at her through lowered lashes. “However, I can’t see the future. Others have found love after even worse beginnings.” He shook his hair over his eyes in a move that made him look mysteriously alluring, a fact that he seemed to know.
I wasn’t surprised when Raven’s lashes fluttered. The smoldering looks he was sending her way would have melted an iceberg, and I couldn’t help but feel a little jealous.
Raven placed her palm on his chest, the soft tinkling of the bracelets on her wrist reminding me of Neelu. “I would know the truth, Rafael. Where does the human rest in your heart?” Apparently, she wasn’t swayed easily.
Lifting a scornful brow, Rafael covered her wrist with his fingers. “Would I waste my time with a mere human?” His voice dripped disdain. “I should be trusted over a Dark Fae, Raven. Why do you listen to Jareth’s lies?”
My jealousy disappeared in an instant and I found myself
glaring at his image in the mirror. “Jerk!” I mumbled through my scarf.
His response mollified her only somewhat. “Then why did you bring her?” she asked shrewdly.
“There are many things at play here, Raven.” Rafael gazed coolly out of the window. “I may reveal only that it involves the Inner Circle.”
At his words, she visibly stiffened.
Noting her reaction, Rafael turned his full attention upon her, allowing his eyes to rake her up and down in a manner that I could swear indicated surprise. With his lips curved in a derogatory smile, he swore, “The human means nothing to me. She’s quite vulgar. She could never be compared to you, Raven.”
I frowned. Even if he was acting, he didn’t need to insult me that much.
However, it seemed it was just what Raven wanted to hear.
Tipping her head back, she laughed, and as Rafael’s cheek creased in a smile, he lifted her arm and twirled her around.
I was peeved enough that I almost missed the flash of his fingers as he deftly removed the bracelets from her wrist. He had them pocketed in the blink of an eye. I blinked in surprise mixed with a little admiration. He would make an excellent shoplifter.
However, Raven must have sensed something.
In mid-twirl, she broke free and glanced at her wrist just as Rafael clamped his hand over her lips. In an instant, her eyes darkened with fury, and she lashed out, putting up a serious fight. Twice, she managed to jab him in the stomach with her elbows and even grazed his shin before he had her arms twisted behind her back and a scarf binding her mouth.
At that moment, Harmony and Ajax flashed back into existence.
“Heaven’s Bells, what is this?” Harmony gasped, spying the struggling Raven. “What are you doing?”
“Harmony, just put her to sleep!” Rafael frowned in exasperation.
She hesitated a moment, but then complied, and pointed her trion at Raven. As she collapsed, Rafael caught her and deposited her gently upon the bed.
“Explain!” Harmony scowled.
Ignoring her, Rafael exchanged a long look with Ajax until the Doberman finally slunk away.
My heart sank. They had obviously failed.
With a deep breath, Rafael passed his hand over his face.
“I tried!” Harmony whispered as her shoulders sagged.
Rafael nodded once and murmured, “I know.”
Pointing to Raven, Harmony asked again, “Explain what you have done to the Queen’s niece!”
“I need these to escape, Harmony.” Rafael’s jaw muscles hardened as he flipped two golden bracelets between his fingers. “I did not expect that you would succeed. Jareth covers his tracks far too well.”
Harmony’s eyes bulged as she stared at the bracelets. “That will never work. It has never been done!”
“I have no choice but to try.” Rafael replied darkly, striding toward the wall.
Raven moaned.
Tensing, Rafael glanced over his shoulder just as Harmony pointed her trion once again and spoke a harsh syllable.
Raven immediately fell back, unconscious.
“She won’t wake up for a day, now.” Harmony shrugged, exchanging a long look with Rafael, and then she grinned, just a little. “I never liked her, anyway.”
His lips crooked upwards in what should have been an answering smile, only his expression was far too somber as he replied, “Thank you, Harmony. You’ve done enough. You shouldn’t be involved in this further. Go.”
Turning his back on her, he moved toward the wall. He didn’t see her eyes roll or the stubborn way in which she folded her arms. I knew Harmony wasn’t going anywhere, and I found that fact immensely comforting.
Behind me, the door whooshed open, and in the mirror’s reflection I watched Rafael thread his way through his racks of clothing to pause behind me and grimly unknot the scarves.
“You didn’t have to tie me!” I grated a little, rubbing my wrists because I expected them to be stiff or hurt. I was actually surprised that they were perfectly fine.
“Sydney, with you I’m learning to expect the unexpected.” Rafael’s eyes flashed with momentary humor before turning serious once again. He held out the bracelets. “I had to secure these before she could leave or activate an alarm.”
“Fine, but I couldn’t have gotten out of here! I couldn’t even find the door.” My frown deepened as I recalled his claim that I was “vulgar”. “And it wasn’t like I was going to yell, no matter what you called me. I’m not that vulgar!” I knew there were more important things at the moment than my slightly hurt feelings, but I couldn’t resist saying it.
“Ah, for that I apologize.” He offered me a deep, sincere bow. “I merely used words that she wished to hear.” With his lips quirked in amusement, he added, “But I was concerned over the mirror and the sound of your voice, not the door, little human. I could not risk you discovering the mirror’s true purpose and unintentionally interrupting.”
That caught my interest. “True purpose?”
“The Fae inadvertently left that technology behind in our last encounter with Earth,” Rafael explained lightly, selecting a black stool and dragging it to the far left corner of the mirror. “You have yet to uncover its true capabilities.”
“Rafael, you know better than to speak of such things!” Harmony warned, catching his words as she joined us in the closet.
Touching the mirror, Rafael stepped back and a smooth table surface slid out from its reflective surface. “Considering the present fate line, Sydney has the right to know.” Sitting down, he began to inspect the bracelets.
Not quite liking the sound of his words, I searched Harmony’s troubled face.
Things were clearly heading in the wrong direction.
Harmony tightened her lips and pointed to the bracelets. “It’s too late to attempt that. Just return to Earth and hide. I swear I will stay with Sydney … until the end.”
“End?” I gulped, knowing that she meant my end. I glanced nervously back at Rafael.
He had focused his attention on a small box that held a collection of what looked like silver toothpicks and clear stones. Selecting one of the toothpicks, he used it to poke one of the bracelets.
A beam of light shot out to reflect in the mirror. Selecting one of the stones, he placed it between the beam and the mirror, which caused the beam to separate into a wide band of colors. As he studied what looked like a rainbow emanating from the bracelet, he answered calmly, “Sydney’s fate line is far too strong to abandon hope. She is needed for something of far greater importance. She must not die like this, Harmony.”
“What can be more important than the Glass Wall?” Her voice was markedly hushed.
“Finding out what it is really protecting,” Rafael replied in an even tone as he peered closely at the bands of light.
Indicating the bracelets with a worried nod, Harmony asked, “But how? You’ll never get out using Raven’s classification. Those combinations can’t be modified! This can’t be a good use of your remaining time!”
Rafael clenched his fingers, and in that moment I thought I saw his hands shaking, but when he spoke, his voice was steady. “Then, I will use my last day trying, Harmony.”
“Day?” I repeated, startled. It was the first time that I had heard what kind of timetable we were on. Horrified, I whispered, “Then why are we wasting precious minutes? Let’s get going!”
“This must come first, Sydney,” Rafael answered patiently, still poring over the lights reflecting in the mirror. “I must add our voices to this classification, so we can leave the tower undetected. It’s the only way.”
I wondered how he could remain so calm when we only had a day left to live. I felt like screaming.
He was still speaking, “I will see this fate line through, Harmony. But you shouldn’t stay. It’s wiser for you to go.”
Visibly struggling with her emotions, Harmony turned her face away for several long minutes before replying, “I will never leave you, Rafa
el, even now when this shreds my soul.” With a heartrending smile and tears glistening in her eyes, she added, “And I will assist you with a smile on my lips … just for you.” Placing both of her hands on his shoulders, she kissed the top of his head.
Rafael reached back and gave her hand a quick squeeze. “I have never doubted you, Harmony, but you do not have to see this. You’ve done enough. It’s time for you to go.”
“Never! Don’t waste your time trying to dissuade me. You know I can be more strong-willed than even you.” Her unwavering gaze met his in the mirror. “It does not matter what the Queens will do with me afterwards. I will already be dead inside.”
With his jaw clenched, Rafael once again trained his eyes on the light pouring from the bracelet as Harmony returned to the couch.
I wanted to know more details, but I knew it wouldn’t help our situation to continually interrupt when he was clearly on a tight schedule. Instead, I paced behind the couch.
After awhile, Ajax pranced into the closet and lazily stretched out on the floor in front of the couch. Tempted to pet him, I extended my hand his direction but jerked it back when he lifted his head and silently showed me his teeth. We settled for exchanging sour looks instead.
In the silence that followed, I wandered around, seeking a distraction from counting down the last remaining seconds of my life. Rafael’s amazingly outlandish collection of clothing succeeded in capturing my attention for a while, but eventually I lost interest and drifted back to the couch where Harmony sat.
Finding the silence oppressive, I searched for topics of conversation. Recalling her comment from before that she had dandled Rafael on her knee as a babe, I asked quietly, “So, Harmony … are you like Rafael’s nanny or something?”
Rafael cleared his throat as Harmony gave a little laugh and really looked at me for the first time. “That’s the best comparison that I’ve ever heard!” she replied with a grin.
“Harmony is my bodyguard,” Rafael explained, briefly looking over his shoulder at me. “Fate Trackers are protected from birth since there are few of us left. Before she was assigned to me, she served as Captain of the Light Queen’s Guard.”
The Glass Wall (Return of the Ancients Book 1) Page 23
