Ascension

by Jennifer Ann Reed

  I hugged the brownie who squeaked and froze in place. “I don’t know what I’d do without you, Hattie. Thank you for your help.”

  Her mouth moved several times, but she couldn’t form any words. Instead she motioned for Allie to have a seat at the vanity and proceeded to paint her face. After she turned both of my friends into twin fairies, we made our way to the ballroom and stopped at the entrance.

  “Ready?” Allie grasped the gold handle. How many times had I heard that today? I looked to the smiling girls with me and knew I’d be fine.

  “Nope.” I smoothed my skirt and took a deep breath. “But as long as I have you two by my side, I can conquer anything.”

  Chapter 8

  H EAVY BEATS FROM FOREIGN instruments vibrated my chest cavity when Allie opened the ballroom doors and my mouth fell open. The room had been transformed into a darkened woodland forest. Trees reached for the vaulted ceiling; their canopies were covered in flora of every color. Tendrils of flowery garlands draped over the limbs, cascading to the floor and tiny insects like fireflies illuminated each petal. Their light cast the room in a soft blue glow. Round tables and chairs covered in white fabric dotted the perimeter of the room. Several long tables covered in an assortment of food sat to the left, past the swaying bodies who were congregated in the center of the floor. Next, was a set of stairs which led up to a long-raised dais. At the top, a rectangular table sat along with two chairs covered in jewels and amethyst. Aunt Mauve and the rest of my group were sitting up there, watching the guests and the doors. Both Caden and Ryn stood; their lips spreading to megawatt proportions, as I approached.

  “This is…,” I couldn’t finish. My words faltered. I couldn’t describe this fantasy world and when I saw both of my soulmates, my heart was sent into palpitations.

  “Did you think the Queen was going to give her teenage niece and heir a stuffy ball where we all waltzed?” Allie’s lips puckered and she patted my head like I was a puppy. “Your innocence is so precious. Because of you, I get to see Faerie through two new sets of eyes and it’s refreshing.”

  I swatted her hand away and narrowed my eyes. “I’m not a dog.”

  “Well… maybe you are on occasion but not now.” My wolf’s hackles rose, and a low growl raised my upper lip in a snarl. “I’m joking!” Allie held her palms out. “I love you! You know that! It’s just to me, Faerie is home and isn’t anything special. My amazement was just like yours when Austin and I came to the human realm…and now as I see my home’s magical essence through my two best friends, I realize how special this place is.”

  “We understand.” Gwen hugged my mischievous friend and I joined in the group hug. “Just no more K-9 references, otherwise I can’t guarantee your safety.” I gave another growl to prove Gwen’s point.

  “Now for the best part.” Allie and Gwen tugged me past the threshold and my mouth fell open. I glowed! Literally, I glowed violet! My fingernails, toenails, and dress lit up like the Fourth of July.

  “W…What is this?” I was the only one emitting my own light and several others started to notice. My fingertips brushed the surface of my gown and I half expected to get the shock of my life.

  “My fae magic works best on manipulation of clothing. That’s why we’re always the best dressed at any party.” Allie pointed to the guests and I couldn’t help but agree with her sentiments. Even though all those in the Seelie Court were dressed in their finest, we shone brighter than all; me, quite literally. “Tonight, is about you and there was no way I was dressing you up like a plain Jane. You’re the Belle of the Ball and all eyes will be on you.” Allie pulled me in for another hug. “I know how much you hate attention.” She released me and held me at arm’s length. “But every princess warrior needs her armor and tonight, they’ll be gossiping over the beauty of their Princess and her magical gown.”

  “Thank you.” I squeezed her tight and water gathered around my lids. “You don’t know how much this means to me.”

  “Enough crying.” She swiped at her own eyes. “We have a party to dominate and we’re going to kill it.”

  They led me through the swell of dancers to the dais. Ryn and Caden each held a hand out to me and I placed one of mine in each of theirs, gliding up the stairs. Aunt Mauve motioned for me to join her and she called for the music to stop as she introduced me to the thunderous claps of the packed-out room. After everyone quieted, music filled the space and my friends, and I headed to the dance floor. Gwen, Allie, and I made our way to the middle of the sea of bodies, taking center stage.

  The music changed to a hypnotizing melody which begged me to let go of all my inhibitions and my body moved on its own accord with every crescendo. My arms reached above my head while I lost myself to the beat and the crowd closed in, moving as one entity. One song blended into another without pause, but a rock-solid chest against my back broke my trance. I spun, coming face to chest with the unmoving solid mass and glanced up.

  Bretton Asher invaded my personal space even more as he leaned down. “Can I have this dance?” The beats slowed and he bowed at the waist, holding out a hand. With all eyes on us, I couldn’t refuse him, so I placed my palm in his waiting hand. He raised my palm to his shoulder and then wrapped his large hand around my waist while grasping the other near his chest. “I wanted to speak with you and have already asked permission from your gentlemen for this dance.”

  “Permission?” I glanced over to the two Neanderthals, wearing twin sour expressions and gave them one of my own. “They don’t own me, and I can dance with whomever I please.”

  “I. That’s not what I meant.” He shook his head and took a deep breath, expanding his chest against mine. “Okay, maybe it was what I meant.” He blew out a breath and looked me in the eyes, searching for the words he wanted to say. “I keep messing this up. I…I wanted to apologize for my behavior.” I remained silent as we swayed to the music. “I’m sorry for the way I’ve treated you. I called your abilities into question. My preconceived notions of who you should be and what you should act like clouded my judgment.” Bretton glanced over my head to the crowd.

  “And?” I saw the gears turning behind his amber gaze. I knew this was about more than preconceived notions. My bones ached with the truth of my thoughts.

  “And, I was prejudiced against you for what you are.” Bretton’s head fell and his features tightened. “I grew up in a home and world that’d rather wolves become nonexistent. It’s been hard to let those demons die, but I saw the light during our spar. You’re a worthy and honorable opponent and our kingdom is lucky to have you.”

  “What made you change your mind?” My words were barely above a whisper. I knew some type of hate had driven him, but it was hard to hear him say it.

  “I’ve watched you interact with the others.” I followed his gaze to my Guardians and my lips spread at their easy banter with each other as they made their way towards Allie and Gwen. “You’re protective of each other to the point of death and act more like family instead of just friends.” His toffee eyes peered into mine when the song changed again to something faster, but we barely moved. “It reminds me of what I found when I joined the Royal Guard, but you all have something else even more special. I can’t explain what it is, but I want to be a part of it. Will you accept my pledge to follow you and serve you in any way you need?” My head tilted to the right as I regarded this devastatingly handsome fairy. I searched for anything that would tell me he wasn’t sincere. His face fell when he watched my indecision. “Kitra, I promise I won’t fail you. I swear it on my life.”

  “I accept.” His features rose and I swore I saw light behind his eyes as he lifted me and twirled me around.

  “Thank you!” He sat me down and bowed, raising my knuckles to his lips. “You won’t regret it.” I hoped I wouldn’t, but I would continue to watch him like a hawk, just in case he couldn’t be trusted.

  A tap on his shoulder interrupted us, and Caden’s azure gaze trailed my body. “Time for me to cut in.”r />
  “Only if I allow it,” I said. Caden’s chest rumbled and Bretton’s face paled. “Put the claws away, Grumpy. You’re scaring Bretton.” The fairy spun and left me with my mercurial wolf. “You know I am my own woman and can make decisions for myself.”

  “I never said you couldn’t.” Both of his arms encircled me, pulling me against him and my wolf flashed behind my violet gaze as she melted. His cotton and mint scent told her she was home. “It’s one of the things I admire most about you.” My arms locked around his neck and we moved to the music. “You’re stronger than most give you credit for and I was one of those idiots not so long ago, until you proved me wrong.”

  “Good to hear.” His forehead rested against mine; my heart galloped towards an imaginary finish line. It was easy to be with Caden and I resisted the urge to ruin our peaceful moment with my rambling thoughts about my other mate. I didn’t want to be torn in two different directions and just wanted to enjoy his company.

  “We haven’t had much time together.” His warm breath fanned my cheeks and I tilted my head up with an apology on my lips, but he kept speaking. “If you’re up to it tomorrow afternoon, maybe you’d go on a picnic with me. I found a spot near a pond I think you’d enjoy. What do you say?”

  “I’d love to.” Caden’s sapphire irises dropped to my lips and he licked his lips before they inched closer to mine.

  “All right, Sparkles.” Ryn’s voice was a splash of ice water thrown between me and Caden. “I have something for you to try.” Caden released me and I turned to see what Ryn was holding out to me. In one hand, Ryn held a silver goblet and in the other was an apricot colored fruit with three emerald leaves that were attached to the stem. “I didn’t know which form you’d like so I brought over both.” A moment passed between Ryn and Caden and I thought they might try to mark their territory, so I stepped away from Caden before it came to blows.

  “What is it?” I reached for the fruit and Caden walked over to my other Guardians when Ryn passed me his offering. The flesh was sponge-like and squishy.

  “Ambrosia.” Ryn chuckled at my raised brow. “I promise you will like it.”

  My teeth pierced the outer skin with a pop and a taste explosion confused my tongue. It was smooth and decadent with a hint of sweetness and a nutty undertone. My taste buds screamed chocolate, but my mind and eyes said it wasn’t possible. A low groan echoed around us, mixing with the musical beat as I took another bite.

  “Told you that you’d like it. I knew it had been a while since you’d had any chocolate from your stash and knew you wouldn’t mind this substitute.” Ryn passed me the goblet. “This is ambrosia in juice form.”

  I sniffed the orange liquid and almost dove in before I took a huge gulp. My fae magic flared and my body loosened even more. I drained the rest, ignoring Ryn’s full on laughter. It’d been such a long time since I’d had one of my major vices by itself and I didn’t care if I was acting like a starving woman by shoving food in my mouth by the handfuls. Even my wolf was more mellowed than she’d been since we arrived in Faerie. I passed Ryn the empty goblet and sank my teeth into the ambrosia fruit again. Just then Aunt Mauve stood on the dais and the music stopped for the second time tonight. Her violet eyes found mine and I stood frozen, knowing what she was ready to do.

  “Her Royal Highness, Lady Kitra, Sunlight Princess it is time.” Aunt Mauve’s pointer finger curled, motioning me forward.

  Ryn took the ambrosia from my grasp and passed me a napkin. I swiped at my chin and gave the used cloth back to him. A shiver followed the chill raising the hair on my body and my trembling fingers brushed my sides as I made my way to her. My mind replayed the fires I’d caused when my magic sparked over and over. It wasn’t as unstable as it was before, but what if my awakening made it worse? Multiple times, the others talked about how powerful my magic was and now it’d be amplified after the ritual. I didn’t want to lose control again. Losing control meant death for either me or someone else.

  I joined Aunt Mauve and the guests dropped to one knee when we faced them. “Tonight, we awaken our Princess to her full potential. Please continue to celebrate your heir and ask the Creator for her protection.” All heads bowed as we made our way down the stairs and out a side door back to the main hall. Brownies were waiting with their eyes on the floor and hands held out, offering soft white linen robes for us as we passed. “We all need to change to protective robes. They’ve been infused with fae magic to keep us safe during the ceremony.”

  The men were led farther down the hall, while we walked to my room. Hattie helped me undress while others helped my aunt and friends. I lifted the crown from my head and set it on a violet pillow with a round indentation and it made a perfect fit. Hattie handed me a wet cloth and I cleaned all evidence of makeup from my pores. I knew Hattie was able to make it disappear with only a thought, but the process of washing my own face as clean as the terry soft robe now covering my body, taking away all the glamour Faerie had to offer was a humbling experience.

  Once we were finished the men joined us and Aunt Mauve led us towards the dungeon, but a small door I’d missed when we arrived was now ajar. It spilled pale orange and yellow light into the stairwell. She pushed it fully open and we entered a large stone room which held a golden throne directly in front of us. A stone altar like what Aelfric chained me to when he tried to drain me of my blood sat off to the right. Sweat beaded on my forehead and my breathing quickened to pants as I memories of the night Aelfric almost killed me flooded my mind. My wolf was ready to bolt, but my fae magic unfurled, sending out a calming balm to her.

  Kitra? Austin’s mind probed mine and I knew he caught a glimpse of my time with Aelfric before I slammed my wall in place. Horror emanated from his pores in a choking cloud.

  When I gave the altar a closer examination, I noticed one difference. This one didn’t have a place for manacles. The historian from the coronation stood next to it in all his regalia from earlier. His rosy cheeks lifted when he saw us. The rest of our group filed past the entrance and I watched a myriad of emotions replace their jovial mood as they stared at the altar.

  “What is the meaning of this?” Uncle Kalen’s face was ashen when he grabbed my wrist and yanked me backwards between Lucian and him. He was shaking like a leaf. Or maybe that was me. I wasn’t sure who was in worse shape.

  “It’s not what you think.” Aunt Mauve cupped his cheek with her palm. “It’s for her own safety, not to harm her. I promise.” She paced back and forth, following an imaginary line. “I know what Kitra went through with Aelfric, but this is different.”

  “How?” Caden’s question was garbled; he was fighting to control his wolf behind his glowing eyes and elongated claws.

  The historian stepped forward and produced an ornate dagger with emeralds encrusted in the hilt. Several snarls echoed around the chamber and Linc dropped to all fours, dark hair sprouting from his pores. The historian dropped the dagger, clutching his chest and scrambled away from the Dire Wolf who was now showing his teeth.

  “The dagger will be used to slice Kitra’s palm.” My other Guardians fought their own shifts at her words. “Blood is required for the awakening. Kitra’s blood must touch the Royal Fae Stone to unlock her magic. She’ll lie on the altar in case she needs to be held down. When Meghan awoke, she trashed and levitated while her magic burst out in arcs.” The rumbles quieted as stares turned to me.

  “I would never hurt my niece.” Tears dripped from Aunt Mauve’s chin and I moved to hug her.

  “I know you wouldn’t.” We cried together as we moved to the altar and my bones carried the weight of my distrust in her with us. “This is my destiny.” If I wanted to defeat Aelfric and keep the Gate of Aramath closed, this ceremony had to take place. How was I supposed to fulfill my duties as the Creator’s Champion if my fae side was suppressed? My hands shook when I gripped the sides of my robe. The unknown of what I faced sent ripples of ice through my veins, but I inhaled deeply and held my head high as I studied
the altar again.

  Aunt Mauve kissed my forehead and I saw Linc stand back up, red in the face with his eyes downcast.

  “Please forgive us.” I took another deep breath and reminded myself Aelfric wasn’t here as I climbed up on the altar. “Forgive me for doubting.”

  “Nothing to forgive.” She kissed my forehead again. “I have to wait over there, so our magic won’t compete with each other. Ryn and the others can help if they’re needed.” I turned my head and watched while she passed the historian the dagger and sat on the throne.

  “A…All right.” The dagger shook in his hand. “Are we ready to begin?” I nodded and he placed an opal stone with lilac veins throughout it on the altar next to me.

  Caden and Ryn took their places on each side of me while Austin and my Guardians fanned out near the bottom of the altar. The others stood next to Mauve’s throne as the historian took my hand. The tip of the blade descended towards my flesh and I thought about my mission. My moment of pain was nothing compared to what humanity and Supernaturals would face if I failed to stop the Dark Ones. The tip of the blade touched my skin and I focused on the faces of my Guardians.

  Searing fire followed the sharp edge of the dagger as it traced a line diagonally across my palm. My teeth clamped together to keep the hiss which threatened to escape behind lock and key. Wet drops bubbled to the surface and I took a deep breath when he placed the white stone against my tender wound and closed my fingers around it. Was that it? I glanced at him as I began to wonder if it was over, but then my mouth flew open as purple light erupted from my throat.

  White fur sprouted and I grimaced, my teeth grinding. “I...love...each…of…you.” The words were garbled, and spurts of purple streaked past my teeth, but I had to tell them. “I’m okay.”