I swear I could kiss Colin MacLeod right about now.
“Yes,” Atticus continues. “Summer’s responsible for a lot of things I took the blame for.” He offers me a crooked smile. “She enslaved me to her. She let me take the fall for your exile, even though she was acting through me.”
He pauses for a second. “And it is true, Auberon. I hated you for what you’d done. Your betrayal…your affair with Helena cut me to the core. I wanted to be rid of you. I wanted you cursed into a life of guilt-ridden humanity from which there would be no escape. Summer offered a way for me to achieve that. But, it didn’t take long for me to realize that I was nothing more than her puppet. Everything I did was at her command. And then she let me take the punishment for everything.”
He pauses again, taking a deep breath. “Which includes Helena’s death.” The room grows silent as Atticus’s eyes move between me and Alexander. He’s just dropped a bombshell of information, but Alexander only stands there, his expression blank, impenetrable. “That’s when I realized I had to break the curse I placed upon you. But I had to do it in such a way so as not to arouse suspicion with Summer. This is why I chose to weave it into small, delicate strains of music that I offered out into the universe until the next Summoner could find and decipher it.” He glances at me and smiles. “I’m not the best composer in the world, as Sophia can probably attest, but I had enough experience to send coded musical messages out into the universe.”
Alexander stands, his breathing ragged and fists clenched at his sides. He still looks as if he’s about to attack Atticus, but the look in his eyes is less lethal now. I watch, holding my breath in anticipation until his shoulders sag forward and his rigid posture relaxes a little. He turns to me, staring at me as if seeing me for the very first time.
“So, you were…are…really trying to help then?” he whispers.
“When I realized the truth of it all, yes.” Atticus says. “I’d gotten in too far over my head in trying to form an alliance with a creature as wicked and as depraved as Summer.”
“And you…you really saved Sophia’s life?” His voice is shaking, and I’m pretty sure he’s about to burst into tears. He pulls me to him, crushing me against his chest.
“Yes, he saved my life,” I say, my voice muffled by Alexander’s shoulder. “I brought him back here because he and Colin can help us, Alexander.”
“Hey, speaking of help, can I take a moment to point out that there's a new, beefier-looking army of vampires gathering outside. It looks like they’re talking to Christoph’s army now.” As if on cue, Myra turns from the window to face us, her hair a wild mess of curls. “They look fierce as hell.”
Atticus chuckles. "Yes, those would be my vampires. They serve me and do as I say. I have summoned them here to help.”
He looks at Alexander as if expecting some peaceful exchange of words, but Alexander only turns away in a huff, joining Myra at the window. He’s not yet convinced that Atticus is here for good and not evil.
“Looks to me like they're kicking some major Unseelie ass out there,” Myra observes.
“Okay, so now that we’re all getting along, let’s talk about what we’re doing here,” Atticus says, clapping his hands and rubbing them together. “We saw the distress signal. Obviously, there’s a war going on down there. Where do we stand right now? And what can we do to help?”
He turns toward an empty space in the middle of the room, and with a wave of his hand, produces a table with an enormous map spread out across its surface.
“You know things are serious when the giant map comes out and everyone gathers around to lean over it,” I say to Jo, who hands me a glass of champagne, which she clinks against her own.
“Well, Summer arrived with her Unseelie army a few hours ago,” Myra says.
“Yes, and we’ve been in here tending to the wounded, keeping the students calm, and holding down the Academy,” Sarah says. “Contrary to what it looks like, we’re not in here hiding out.”
“You have the map all wrong,” Alexander sighs, glaring at Atticus as he waves a finger over the map to reorient a couple of insignificant buildings that make up the Academy.
“Really?” I hiss, nudging him with my shoulder.
“I do the best I can from memory,” Atticus says, placing an apologetic hand over his heart. “Thank you for correcting me.”
“Just tell us what’s going on,” I grumble to Alexander, who scowls back at me.
“My army, along with the help of Christoph’s vampires and the Brotherhood of the Sacred Order, has been able to hold the Unseelie back so far,” Alexander says, giving Atticus a pointed look before turning to me. “But she wants you, Sophia.”
“Hmm. Not too happy she wasn’t chosen as the next queen, is she?” I mutter. “Well, where is she now? Let’s go take her out. Let me break this darkness curse and end this thing once and for all.”
“Alone? That would be a suicide mission, my love,” Alexander says, shaking his head. “She’s grown too powerful.”
“She’s grown too powerful because she feeds off my energy…my soul…and now Colin’s,” Atticus interjects. “But I think I understand what I need to do to stop her.” He pauses for a moment, his eyes sparking with possibility. He grins at me. “And yes…it will be a suicide mission. Of that, I am certain. But it will be my suicide, not Sophia’s.” He brightens, a peaceful expression floating across his face. “And it will be glorious.”
18
I storm through the hallways of Nevermoor Academy, my anger only rising at the sound of Summer's incessant squawking outside. Her shrill demands for me to give myself up are grating on my last nerve. And for what? What crimes have I committed besides finally accepting myself for who I am?
I’d traded my leather jacket/fuchsia dress combo for the stretchy leather body armor I’d worn that day during Fire Practice with Myra. It’s pretty bad-ass, despite the fact that it rides up in the back. I may be Fae Queen, but I guess even Fae Queens get massive wedgies from time to time. I grit my teeth, refusing to let the discomfort distract me. As long as it protects me, that’s all that matters.
I throw open the doors leading to the imposing stone parapets outside. Seelie soldiers who aren’t engaged in battle stop and kneel as I race by. They may still hate me, but their displays of respect, even if they are hollow, give me a much-needed ego boost.
“Do you have the Black Obsidian?” Atticus asks as we scurry down the Academy’s hallways-turned-ramparts.
"Yes, Colin’s-Dad, I have it,” I say, cracking a small smile. “Thanks for the reminder.”
A couple of Druids give me a strange look as I pass, likely wondering who I am talking to, since Atticus is back under the cloaking spell.
“Just checking,” he says, glancing at me, his eyes dancing with amusement. “Heads up!”
He grabs my elbow, pulling me out of the path of yet another orb of magic—this one bright orange. The witches had warned me about the wayward magic flying around out here. Summer’s desperate, and she’s pulling out all the stops at this point. My friends had suggested I take a different way out. But I’d insisted on a dramatic entrance. After all, how many Unseelie Princesses would I do battle with in this lifetime? I have to nail my arrival.
We race toward the elevator, past Alexander’s Seelie army, The Brotherhood of the Sacred Order, and even a handful of witches and warlocks who stand in a powerful line along imposing stone parapets.
And yet, in the center of it all, the old, wiry elevator attendant stands in the corner of his antique elevator, oblivious to the battle that’s unfolding outside.
“Floor?” he says, his reedy voice ringing out above the swishing, crackling, and buzzing sounds of magic.
“First floor,” I say, offering him a polite smile.
“Nice day out,” he comments, eyes straight ahead as he slides the door shut behind us.
Atticus gives me a confused frown, and I shrug in response. I open my mouth to warn him about the intensit
y of the upcoming ride, but the elevator drops before I have a chance.
“You could’ve warned me about the free fall,” Atticus hisses, clutching his stomach, his face green as we step out of the elevator.
“Sorry about that,” I say, grinning as I clap him on the shoulder. “Just a little distracted here. Got a bad guy to kill.”
The grand foyer is dark and silent as we hurry toward the entrance. Four huge Seelie guards stand on either side of the heavy doors leading out into the war zone. They bow as I approach before stepping aside and allowing me to pass.
They are bowing because I am Queen. I am the Fae Queen, and it’s time to show the world what I can do.
Atticus and I exchange a glance, and I reach down to touch the Stone. Thanks to Anne’s crafty ingenuity, I now have a small, discreet holster for the magical bauble, leaving me hands-free and ready for whatever Summer might throw my way.
Residual magic hangs in the air outside, leaving it heavy and oppressive. Summer stands in the middle of the street, flanked by a couple of big, burly Unseelie soldiers. Unlike my tough-girl armor, hers is elegant against her pale complexion.
And I’d be willing to bet it doesn’t ride up in the back.
Her flaming-red mane of hair billows out behind her like a cape. The intimidating sword slung over her shoulder only adds to her ferocity. Colin wasn't kidding about swords, and I suddenly wish I had one of my own, just in case.
The battle outside ceases to a halt, all eyes fixed on me and Invisible-Atticus as I descend the stairs of the Academy. I’m not sure why, but I feel an odd sense of comfort knowing Atticus is there. He may be Colin’s father, but he feels a bit like a father-figure to me, too.
Summer’s lips curl into a wicked smile, her dark eyes narrowing as I move closer. “Well, well, well, aren't you a sparkling vision of Faerie royalty,” she purrs, her mocking voice ringing out in the streets and grinding against almost every nerve in my body. “It's too bad your reign will be so short-lived, but these things happen,” she says with a sigh.
She holds out her palm, revealing her signature ball of fiery, red energy, but it pales in comparison to the power of my Black Obsidian. I focus my attention on her magic, snuffing it out before she can hurl it at me. With a look of astonishment, she drops her arm. Her body stiffens, and it’s obvious she’s at a loss for what to do next.
“What? Did you think that’s all it would take?” I scoff. “Did you really think you could take me out with one little red energy ball?” I roll my eyes. “So anticlimactic, Summer. Come on, you can do better than that.” I’m not sure my provocation is the best idea, but I feel invincible, and I can’t help myself. “And yes, you’re right,” I say, eradicating another ball of energy from her hand. “These things happen. And sometimes, those who think they will succeed the Fae throne are mistaken,” I throw back at her. “Sorry, Summer.” I shrug. “They have already cast the role of Fae Queen. You didn’t make the cut, kid.”
Atticus frowns at me, failing to understand my strategy or my witty retorts.
“You won’t last a day on the Seelie throne,” she spits. “The Fae hate you. Even Auberon’s best friend, his most trusted advisor, wants you dead.”
“Yeah, well, pretty sure their hatred of you runs deeper, considering you assassinated their beloved King and Queen. And leave us not forget the curse you placed upon their famed prince, you know…my husband? The Fae King Auberon?”
The smirky expression falls from her face as fear flashes in her eyes. I can hear shuffling and movement behind me, along with a hushed whispering among the Seelie and Unseelie armies. This is news to everyone.
“Didn’t think I knew about that, did you? Oh, but I do. I know all about that.” I grin at her as I take a couple of steps forward, closing the distance between us. “Tell me. Do you honestly think the Fae Court would welcome you after you butchered their king and queen? Do you think they would accept you as their queen, no less? And do you really think Auberon will want you?” I make a tsk-ing sound and shake my head. I’m on a roll here. “You may be a princess, Summer, but that’s all you’ve got. You didn’t think this whole rise-to-the-throne thing through very well.” I let out a maniacal laugh that sends another frown from Atticus my way. “And here I thought humans were naïve.” I pause, giving her a chance to respond, but she only scrunches up her face and glares at me, once again, at a loss for words. “I am the successor to the Fae throne, Summer,” I say, looking her dead in the eye. “The King and Queen, along with the Fae Prince Auberon, have declared it so. You are fighting a losing battle,” I say. “You and your Unseelie minions need to pack it up and leave. This unnecessary, ruthless bloodshed stops now.”
The Black Obsidian Stone vibrates in its holster at my waist, begging for me to unleash its power. Summer doesn’t seem to know what to say or do next. It’s a bit more anticlimactic than I was expecting. I gave her way too much credit. I’ve disarmed her, probably with the maniacal laugh, and now she’s confused. The maniacal laugh gets ‘em every time.
"Sophia Kelly, if you don't renounce your claim to the Fae throne, I will have no choice but to kill you.”
I roll my eyes. “Weak,” I groan. “So weak, Summer. Surely, you can say something more epic than that.” I glance at her hands. “And I hope you’ve got something better planned than those silly little red balls. Because I think we both know those are kind of lame.”
Atticus turns to me, offering a brief nod. I respond with the slightest of nods. It’s time to bring in the big guns. He utters the uncloaking spell. Summer’s face goes from triumphant to shocked in a matter of seconds as Atticus Drake materializes beside me.
“Well, look who’s back from doing time in the Inner Realm.” Relief washes over her face as she slinks toward us, hips swaying. “And it’s a good thing, too. I have a job for you.” That same devious smile spreads across her face, her eyes shining with excitement. “It’s a real doozy.”
Atticus draws in a breath, tensing up beside me. His energy darkens. I can feel the struggle inside of him. It permeates down to his very core, leaving me plagued with a flash of doubt.
What if this has all been some sort of elaborate set up? What if Atticus Drake has been meaning to betray me all along? To give me up to Summer? After all, he betrayed Alexander once, and they were friends. What if I can’t trust him? What if Summer somehow persuades him to kill me? Or what if I have underestimated her power? I try not to let my fear show as I give Atticus a sidelong glance, silently begging him to stay strong.
“Give me a little credit here, won’t you?” Atticus’s voice rings out like faerie bells in my head. “What? You think your telepathic abilities only apply to vampires?”
I let out a slow, relieved sigh. “Sorry, moment of doubt there. Now, kick some Unseelie ass, Atticus. I’ve got your back.”
“No,” Atticus says aloud,. His voice is strained, as if it’s taking every ounce of energy he has to resist Summer. “I am no longer yours to command…”
"Stay strong, Atticus. You can do this. If you want to reunite with Helena…if you're ready for this to be over, then you have to refuse her."
With a frustrated growl, Summer stomps her foot like a petulant child. “Seize him,” she bellows to the Unseelie soldiers standing beside her.
An anguished cry escapes Atticus’s throat, and my first instinct is to help him. But I also know I need to keep a close eye on Summer. For all I know, she could have even more powerful magic up her sleeve. I need to be ready for whatever she throws at me.
She continues barking orders at her Unseelie guards, but they only shift from one foot to the other, struggling as they push forward toward us and then retreat. It’s as if there is a barrier between us and them. They exchange confused looks.
“Are you doing this?” I ask Atticus.
“Yes, but…I can’t hold them for long.”
“Did you not hear me, you bumbling idiots?” Summer screams, bringing another ball of magic to her outstretched palm that I
extinguish once again.
“She’s not powerful enough to take you down…not by herself anyway,” says Atticus.
I smirk at her, daring her…taunting her, but she the only power she wields is a frosty glare.
“If you won’t kill her, Atticus, I will make you kill her,” she hisses.
“No, you won't," Atticus says through clenched teeth. “You controlled me once, Summer. You will never…control me…again.”
Bright red flames flicker in Atticus’s trembling palms, only no one attempts to snuff them out. No one has the power to. Everything freezes as time stops all around us. Vampires, Unseelie, Seelie, and Druid alike do nothing but stare at us with curious fascination. No one moves. No one speaks. Atticus has everyone at his command, including Summer who clings, terrified, to her Unseelie guards.
“Now,” Atticus growls. “Do it now. I can’t hold them for much longer, Sophia.”
“Okay, wish me luck. I’m totally winging this whole thing, you know.”
“Let the Stone guide you.”
In one swift, powerful motion, I lunge toward Summer, tearing the Stone from its holster, just in time to hear a huge, magical symphony of sound explode into my brain. Jackpot! I let the melody wash over me for a moment. This is it. This musical magic will pull the darkness from Summer’s soul, breaking the curse that binds Atticus Drake and Colin MacLeod to her.
The music flows through my veins, overtaking my entire body. It gives me strength. It gives me power. And it’s unlike anything I’ve ever felt before. Summer tries to push me away by freezing me out with a wall of blue ice, but it only makes me fight harder. I grit my teeth, inching closer through her makeshift ice-wall until she is within arm’s reach.
Come on. Just a little farther. Almost…there.
As I continue with my mental pep-talks, I push forward, plunging the Black Obsidian Stone into the breastplate of Summer’s armor. She recoils and tries to pull away from me, but the Stone melts through her armor until it reaches her skin, burning her. She cries out, thrashing like a wounded animal as her inky, muddy darkness flows into the Black Obsidian Stone.
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