Enchanted Hearts
Page 24
What would you do if the man you loved became one of your greatest enemies? Would your love be enough to save him?
All Bri wanted to do was spend her Friday night with the man she loved and adored. Little did she know leaving her home would result in her relationship with Quinn being tested beyond its limits.
Fae have been organizing to invade Earth, and their devious plans are culminating now, colliding with Bri's very existence. Using a powerful glamour, the Fae trigger each person's violent tendencies, turning the streets into a battleground and strangers against each other. In a crushing blow, Quinn becomes affected and Bri finds herself battling to save her lover from himself as he stalks her relentlessly, taunting her at every turn.
But fighting for her love isn't her only worry. As the battle ensues, Bri discovers a startling truth about her own heritage that she must come to terms with. She has no other choice but to fight, leading her to a confrontation that will change her world forever - and threaten to leave her with broken promises.
Prologue
The private chambers of the Queen, Faery realm
“Enter.”
The voice calling out through the door held a musical lilt—like tinkling bells dancing in a gentle breeze—carrying it across the room within. To the unassuming listener, the sound reflected an image of innocence and childlike quality, but to those who knew better, a cold indifference echoed just as loudly.
The Queen’s advisor stood motionless, hand poised on the elegant handles leading to her private chambers. Even though he was new to the prestigious position, he hesitated at the sound of her voice. He didn’t want to report the latest news.
Images skated across his mind and he shuddered. The last fool who had delivered less than pleasing news had been tortured without mercy. No one could guarantee the mood they would find her in—her fickle reputation was notorious throughout the Court. Some made excuses for her extreme behavior, saying it was her age that made her somewhat unstable. Others said she found sick delight in making her subjects squirm under her scrutiny. There was one truth they all agreed on—everyone strove in finding ways to survive her temper.
The advisor offered a hopeful prayer she was in good spirits, in the very least the bored and dismissive attitude she’d recently displayed. He released a nervous breath, however, knowing that what he was about to share could unleash her fiery temper. He didn’t want to find himself joining his predecessor.
His hand trembled slightly as he continued to grip the entrance handle, pained over being this shaken. Naturally stronger in disposition, he wasn’t a fool—he knew the potential danger he was stepping into.
“Unless you wish to visit my dungeons, Orville, I would come through those doors now. I won’t be kept waiting.”
She knew it was him—she always did. He marveled how a sound so beautiful to the ears could be equally as threatening, striking fear in his heart. He swung the doors open after bracing himself and stepped into the dimly lit room.
He noticed the Queen wasn’t in her usual spot at the bay windows, sitting instead on the ornate chaise by the brick hearth.