by Victoria Zak
Beautiful Darkness
Daughters of Highland Darkness
Book One
by
Victoria Zak
Copyright © 2016 by Victoria Zak
Kindle Edition
Published by Dragonblade Publishing, an imprint of Kathryn Le Veque Novels, Inc
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright Page
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Prologue
14th-century Scotland
Dornoch Castle
Wee Masie Keith rubbed the sleep from her eyes and yawned as she sat up in bed looking around the moon-lit bedchamber she shared with her two sisters. As she squinted through the shadows, she saw her older sister, Leana, sitting on the window ledge, staring off into the moor. What is she looking at? They were supposed to be asleep.
Quietly, so not to wake her oldest sister, Masie padded across the cold stone floor to the window and tapped Leana’s shoulder. Her sister jumped.
“Masie.” She held her hand to her chest. “Ye scared the devil out of me.”
“What are ye doing?” Masie asked.
Leana waved her off. “Go back to bed before you wake Adaira.”
As the youngest, only seven summers old, her sisters were always telling her what to do, especially Adaira. She could hear her nagging voice in her mind “Masie, ye shouldn’t run down the corridor” or “Masie, eat yer vegetables.” She knew they were only looking out for her best interest, but her spirit was free, sometimes getting her into trouble, especially with her da, the Doughall.
Masie batted her eyelashes, swaying back-and-forth. “Pleeease, let me seeee.”
Leana smiled and pulled her onto her lap. “Such a curious, wee one ye are.” She gathered Masie’s sleep-tangled hair in her hands. “I’m looking for a shooting star.”
“Why?”
Leana kissed the top of her head. “My sweet, innocent Masie.”
Masie knew wishing upon a star meant you wanted to change your fate or wish for something you don’t have. But what she didn’t know was why. Something was bothering her sister, she could feel it. “Please tell me.”
Leana exhaled as she searched the night sky. “The Doughall hurts Mum, and I’m afraid his attention is set on Adaira now. I need a shooting star to wish him away.”
Every time she encountered Doughall, she’d hide behind her sisters, making herself as small as possible so she wouldn’t be noticed. She’d shake with fear at the thunder in his voice when he yelled. Her heart broke more and more with every bruise she saw on her mum’s face. No husband or father should treat his family with such hate. She despised the man.
Masie faced Leana and a tear rolled off her cheek. She wrapped her arms around her sister. “We can’t let the bastard hurt us anymore.”
“Masie!” Leana gasped at her language. “That’s no way for a wee lass to talk.”
“Mayhap, we could wish a big bear would eat him.” Masie sniffled.
“Or for an arrow to pierce his heartless chest.” Adaira stood next to them with her arms crossed as she, too, gazed into the sky.
“I’m sorry, did we wake ye?” Leana asked.
“Nay, I can no’ sleep.”
Masie looked up at Adaira, a bruise marred her left cheek. Aye, she might have been innocent, but she knew more than her sisters thought she did. She’d heard her mother’s cries as her da beat her. She’d seen the cuts and bruises left behind in his drunken rages as he condemned her as an unfit wife for not giving him a son. Sorrow filled her mum’s eyes and the situation was worsening y. Aye, the Doughall was a bad man.
The three sisters sat together, Masie in the middle, gazing at the twinkling stars. Wee Masie squeezed her eyes closed, praying hard to the gods a shooting star would magically appear. Please, if ye grant me this one wish, I promise to eat all my cabbage. She wrinkled her nose but her promise was good.
After a while, the girls grew impatient.
“’Tis an auld wives’ tale. We should go to sleep,” Adaira said as she skulked to her bed.
Disappointed, Masie bowed her head and kicked at the stone wall. “Stupid stars.”
All of a sudden, Leana jumped to her feet. “Did you see that?”
“Leana, enough wit’ yer daft tales. Ye should no’ put these silly ides in Masie’s head. Ye can no’ change yer fate.”
“Nay, look.” Leana pointed down into the moor.
Curiosity-stricken, Masie looked. She couldn’t believe her eyes. “Will-o-the wisp,” she gasped.
Adaira stomped over to the window. “This is quite enough.”
“Look,” Masie exclaimed, jumping up and down.
Adair froze, then whispered, “Fairy fire.”
Leana ran toward the door, only stopping to put on her shoes.
“Where are ye going?” Adaira asked.
“I’m going to change our fate.” Leana smiled at Adaira.
“What? Leana, have ye gone mad? Remember Mum said to never trust fairy fire. Besides, ye do no’ want to wake Doughall. If he catches ye out of bed, he’ll lash ye.”
Ignoring her sister, Leana swung the door open and ran down the corridor.
Masie glanced at Adaira and grinned. “Dinnae ye want to help Mum? Doughall must die.” Masie bolted from the bedchamber, following Leana. “Wait for me.”
*
As fast as her legs could go, Leana dashed down the stairs. For a fortnight, long into the wee hours of the morn, she’d sat and waited for brightest star to appear. Tonight, it was no coincidence her wish had come true. Their fate was going to change.
She couldn’t bear to see her mother suffer any longer. Witnessing Adaira suffering the same way was inexcusable. At all costs, she’d protect her family. She pushed open the castle doors and slipped out with Masie close behind. She rounded the corner to the east side of the tower and came to a halt.
A clump of white glowing starbursts flickered and hovered above the ground, dancing in the air. Soft chattering came from the light and sounded like people whispering. Leana listened closely, but she couldn’t understand what they were saying. A calm feeling surged through her body.
Out of breath, Masie caught up to her. “Adaira thinks we’ve gone mad.”
“I dinnae care. My wish was answered.”
The two girls were mesmerized by the will-o-the-wisp.
“I have a bad feeling about this,” Adaira said.
“Och, Sister.” Leana winked at Adaira. “I’m glad ye caught up with us. Have faith.”
The fairy fire floated toward the forest, illuminating the pathway, inviting them in like a welcoming hand. Leana picked up the pace, following the eerie light. She knew all her troubles would soon be resolved. Every fiber of her being pulsed with certainty that
the fae would grant her wish.
As the sisters ran deeper into the woods, tree branches twisted together, creating a thick canopy. Leana slowed down suddenly, uncertain of the danger ahead. The shimmering lights hovered inside a tunnel formed by the trees.
“Don’t be afraid,” the voices murmured.
Leana gasped. She understood. Tamping down her fear, she ran ahead, stepping inside the tunnel. Suddenly, the wind blew leaves and dirt about, causing Leana to lose sight of the fairy fire. Her sisters coughed from behind her.
Adaira wrapped Masie in her arms. “I told ye this was a bad idea.”
“Shh. Do you hear it?”
“Nay. Masie is frightened. We must leave before it’s too late,” Adaira warned.
“’Tis water.” Leana pushed deeper into the tunnel, leaping over fallen logs and dodging low-lying branches.
As they reached the end of the tunnel, the forest opened up, revealing a crystal-waterfall. It emptied into a pool surrounded by black rocks. The girls stood for a long moment, dazzled by the splendor. It was as if they had stepped into a different realm.
Leana gave Adaira a sideways grin. “I told ye to have faith.”
Adaira rolled her eyes.
They walked to the water’s edge and kneeled.
“Remember the fairy story Mum told us?” Leana asked.
“Aye,” Masie said. “In order to see the fae, one must wash their eyes and drink from the fairy pool.”
“Verra good, Masie.” Leana smiled.
“Are ye sure about this?” Adaira asked.
Leana cupped her hands into the bubbling blue. “Aye.”
“The water is cold,” Masie complained.
“And refreshing.” Leana winked at Masie as she sampled the water.
After they finished drinking, they splashed water on their faces. Leana glanced over at Adaira. Although her sister didn’t believe in such nonsense, Leana could see the hope in her eyes. Would their family finally be free of Doughall?
Anxious, Leana stood and quickly dried her face on her nightgown. Where was the pixie who was going to grant her wish?
“Where’s this fae, Leana?” Adaira asked sarcastically.
“She has to be here.” Leana searched a clump of tall grass next to the fairy pool. “Fairies are mischievous. She must be hiding.”
They left no stone unturned.
Masie looked behind trees calling out to the fae. “Fairy. Oh, fairy.”
Unfortunately, there were no fae folk to be found.
“I’m through with yer games, Leana Keith. We’re leaving, now,” Adaira demanded.
Leana blew a lock of red hair from her face. Where could she be? She’d wished upon a star. The tale had to be true. Disappointment and dread crept up her spine. She couldn’t return home without her wish. Their fates must change.
A gust of cold wind blew straight through Leana’s nightgown, chilling her to the bone. The girls huddled together, shivering as dark clouds overshadowed the moon. Popping sounds echoed behind them. Leana looked over her shoulder. The waterfall had crystalized, blue ice covered the fairy pool.
“What’s happening?” Adaira asked.
“I dinnae know,” Leana answered.
Snow collected on the treetops and blanketed the ground. Frightened, the girls clung together as they watched the world around them transform into a winter wonderland.
The forest was shrouded in a heavy mist, making it hard for the girls to see. Wind blew violently, chilling their skin and whipping their hair. It wasn’t supposed to be winter yet.
In the distance, the mist parted and a woman slowly rose from the ground. She had creamy white skin and her hair was black as night. Her sheer gown was covered with leaves and ivy. Twigs shimmered and twisted into a high collar which looked as if they had sprouted from her shoulders. With magical grace, as if the woman floated, she made her way forward.
“The winter fae queen,” Leana whispered.
“She’s pretty,” Masie said in awe.
The sisters gasped as three huge stags with riders joined the queen.
Leana couldn’t stop staring at the riders. She’d never seen men of this stature before. Strong jawlines without a whisker on their faces and plump lips. They had long, black hair and dark markings that swirled up their arms and chests. One man mesmerized her with his amber eyes and flawless skin. Although Leana was young, the man stirred uncomfortable feelings inside her.
“What brings such tender creatures to my woods?” the queen asked.
Leana couldn’t speak. Her wish had indeed come true.
“We come to change our fate,” Adaira spoke up.
The queen studied Adaira. “Change your fate?”
“Aye,” Masie chimed in. “We wished upon a star.” She stepped closer to the queen. “We want to help our mum.”
The queen cocked her head as she looked down at the child. “Aren’t you a pretty thing.” She touched Masie’s cheek with a long, bony finger.
Adaira pulled her little sister back into her arms, but when she did, the queen’s fingernail scratched Masie’s face. Masie held her cheek and hid behind Adaira.
The fairy tasted Masie’s blood, licking her fingertip. Her eyes widened as she looked at the girls.
“Your majesty.” Leana curtsied. “Can I speak freely?”
The queen nodded.
“What my sisters are trying to say is, we need yer help. Our father is a verra mean man and he hurts our mum terribly. We’ve come to you to change our fate, to save our mum.”
The queen studied her for a moment before she answered. “Do you clearly understand what you ask of me?”
“Aye.”
“In order to grant your wish, I must get something in return.”
“Anything,” Leana proclaimed innocently.
“Leana.” Adaira elbowed her sister. “Ye can no’ promise that.”
“What is it you ask of me?” the queen queried.
Masie peaked out from behind Adaira. “Doughall must die.”
The queen bent down and motioned for Masie to step forward. She took her hands in hers. “Such strong words for a little girl.”
“Please, we need your help,” Leana begged.
The queen straightened. “It’s the rule of the Unseelie in order to take a life, we must gain a life. One of you will have to come with me and live in my kingdom and learn our ways.”
“I will do whatever ye ask,” Leana pleaded.
“Nay.” Adaira faced her sister. “There has to be another way.”
“Sister, I can no’ bear to see any more pain. I must do this.”
Adaira glanced at the queen, considering her suspiciously, then stared deep into Leana’s eyes. “Do ye understand the Unseelie? They are wicked. Remember Mum said to stay away, to keep on the path of good.”
“Good? There’s none back home. Doughall will only get worse. Please, Adaira, I have to do this.”
Reluctantly, Adaira nodded. “I should be the one to go.”
“Nay.” Masie hugged Adaira tightly. “Ye can no’ leave me.”
“There’s only one solution.” Leana looked down at Masie. She’d do anything to keep her safe. “Whatever our fate is, we stand together.”
After the words left her mouth, she waited for Adaira’s response. Either way, she was seeing her wish through. She understood Adaira’s apprehension. If she decided to take Masie back home, she could rest easy knowing Doughall would never harm them again.
“Together,” Adaira agreed.
“Ye dinnae have to do this, Adaira.”
“Aye, I do.”
Leana stepped forward and addressed the queen. “We’ll all three come with ye, but ye must promise to kill Laird Keith so no harm befalls our mum ever again.”
The queen’s eyes grew dark. “I’ve always wanted children, for I cannot bear my own. I’ll grant your wish. Girls, come.” She motioned for Adaira and Masie to join her. “Hold out your hands.”
The girls obeyed.
They pressed their fingers against the queens.
“We’re bound by blood,” the queen said. “This oath can’t be broken.”
A tree rustled and a woman ran out of the forest. “Girls, what have ye done?”
“Mum!” Masie ran toward her mother.
The queen raised her fisted hand in the air. Masie fell to the ground in agonizing pain.
Before Masie’s mum could reach her, Masie was captured by one of the queen’s guards. “They’re mine now. You’ve kept the truth from them long enough. It’s time they become what they are destined to be.”
“Nay. Ye tricked them. They are sweet and innocent. Ye must have mercy. They are goodhearted. Nothing like you.”
The queen grabbed her by the chin. “They are blood drinkers, Baobhan sith. You can’t deny their fate.” The queen turned and walked away, gathering Masie in her arms.
Leana and Adaira followed the queen, for they had no choice. They were each placed behind one of the riders on the stags. As they headed deep into the forest, Leana looked back at her mother, who was on her knees, crying out.
A tear trickled down Leana’s cheek. “Mum, I love ye.”
Chapter One
Ten years later
Samhain: The festival of the dead
Dornoch Castle
Masie knelt in front of the candle-lit shrine inside the stone alter, holding her mother’s brooch in her hands. She missed her mum terribly and her heart ached to see her once again. A tear fell from her cheek as she remembered the day she had left home with her sisters. Her mother had died because of their mistakes.
It was the third night celebrating the dead and she still hadn’t seen her mother’s spirit. Every night she prayed and lit candles, but it did nothing to help. Mayhap her mother was still mad at her for leaving. This was Masie’s punishment.
Gripping the brooch tight, she closed her eyes, imaging a time when she was happy. A perfect picture of her mother and sisters holding hands and dancing in a circle together vividly came alive. The smell of pine from the forest washed through her. Sunlight filtered through the clouds and warmed her skin as they laughed and sang. Masie breathed in. She could still smell the scent of heather that lingered about her mother.
