Fae (18 page)

We stood facing each other. “Thank God for that.”

Brighid looked me over. “He is not here.”

“I know.”

“But he is coming,” she told me.

“Where will he be?”

“I cannot tell.”

“You cannot tell or
you cannot tell me
?” I asked curiously, unable to keep the anger out.

“Both,” Brighid said solemnly. “There are rules that come with our gifts, Devilyn, rules we all must follow. But nevertheless even I don't know everything.”

“Why have you come?”

“To give you this.” A small white orb appeared in her palms, and she walked over to give it to me.

“What is it?”

“It is yours.”

“I don't understand,” I told her.

“It is your mother's light.”

I felt like she had punched me in the stomach.

“She doesn't need this right now. And you do. Take it. She gave it to me for this day. She wanted you to have it.”

I closed my eyes against the pain of her words.

“Wanted? Is she gone?”

Brighid smiled gently at me and looked up at the sky.

“She is everywhere.”

I still could not bring myself to take what she was offering. “Let your anger go, Devilyn. Let the hurt go. She loved you. She sacrificed for
you
. Take her last gift. It will help you protect Caroline.”

I didn't hesitate.

I cupped my hands and held them out as Brighid placed the orb into my palm. The force of the energy lifted me into the air as the orb dissolved with speed and coursed through my veins. I felt a resurgence of power and energy. I knew my eyes were brighter than they'd ever been as I felt even stronger. I looked down and Brighid was gone. I saw how the light seemed to immerge from my fingertips and I played with the electrical current that moved in and out.

“Thank you,” I whispered and then I disappeared to continue my search for the Seeker.

My greatest concern was the water surrounding the community, for I knew the Kelpie loved and lived in water. I was almost certain that he would swim up to shore and make his way onto the town. Or would he think that was too obvious? It was maddening. For I had no way to be sure of anything.

The questions played like a broken record over and over in my head. What form would he arrive in? Would he be able to spot her? Where could I take her to escape his clutches? How would I be able to stop what I might not be able to recognize? I had to be careful because my nerves were making me mad.

An hour before the party hit full swing, I set out again into the forest. Hoping and praying that Alderon would reveal something. I desperately wanted anything to give me an advantage.

I made my way into the Fae forest, and it took only moments before I found him easily, dining in abundance and laughing with the enchanting Katya. I stood in cloaked darkness before the bountiful spread, listening intently to their discussion.

“I should have married your mother,” he charmingly said to Katya. “She was a great beauty.” Alderon looked at the end of the table where I stood. “Instead I made the grave mistake of finding solace in the arms of that lying whore Tara.”

My eyes narrowed, and I couldn't help the anger I felt at the mere mention of my mother. Was he taunting me?

“We would have had beautiful children.” He smiled over at her. “You'd be my daughter.”

“I would have liked that,” Katya said loyally.

Alderon reached out and grabbed her hand. “As would I. Instead I am left with Devilyn. A child that hates me. That denies his birthright. And defies me at every end.” Alderon wore the look of a father scorned. Katya fell for his make-believe sorrow, but I knew better.

“He will realize the error of his ways, Alderon,” Katya tried to soothe him. “He is your son, after all.”

“He is
my
son, but his mother was of the light. We must always remember he is the only Fae to ever be both. Dark and Light. The battle that wages inside him must be ferocious.”

I was startled by my father's words. It almost sounded as if he felt sorry for me.

“But he will ultimately choose us. He will choose the dark,” Katya told him.

Alderon lifted his fork and smiled, “Imagine waking up every day, every single day, of your existence and being alone. Yes, he lives with Odin and his sister but he battles what lives within his soul. Dark. Light
. Dark.
My son must live with this madness at all times.”

I immediately looked away feeling like I had been slapped by his words.

“What will he choose? What will he be? The call must be strong and only one side can win.”

“He is the chosen one,” Katya told him. “He will pick our kingdom.”

“No matter what he decides, I fear it will be too late, my dear. I don't know if I can forgive him anymore. There are laws.”

“But he is your son.”

“There is no room for forgiveness, even for my son. And there is a price he will pay.” Lightning crackled in the sky. So be it. It was an omen.

I thought of Arthur. Of his prison. There would be no other way.

“What are your plans? You have kept us in the dark. There are many who grow worried,” Katya told him.

“The wheels of my plans are already put into motion,” he said with a smile as he reached across the table and grabbed a shiny apple. “My dear son will soon learn a valuable lesson.”

“And what is that?”

“If something is taken away, then it was never meant to be yours.” I watched as he took a bite out of the apple and smiled.

I wanted to tear him to shreds. He would know I was listening, and he knew how to play this game too well. I left quickly trying to escape his laughter. In my haste and anger, I failed to notice the maidens that had followed me before I disappeared into the forest of the Dark Fae.

The Valkyries.

There were two that greeted me when I appeared back into the human world. They were dressed as always, like Amazon warrior princesses. Their hair held high, worn that way so that they would never be left at a disadvantage during battle. They wore short metallic warrior skirts, so that they could move quickly if need be. Their arms were bare, except for the serpent cuffs they wore, the eyes made of bright lapis stone designed to look into the heart of any man.

They pointed their spears at me, yet the smiles they wore ruined the effect.

“Has Odin not taught you well, Devilyn?” Kristianna asked curiously.

I looked down, pretending I was humbled, and before they knew it, I pulled both their spears from their hands and held them, pointing one at each princess.

“Indeed he has,” Artemis said as she clapped.

I knew the game was on as the women began to circle me.

“Let's dance,” Kristianna said. I moved the spears around quickly, knowing they were looking for a battle, even if it was one in jest.

The women pulled their swords from the sheaths in their backs and attacked. I moved quickly as Odin had taught me, blocking each thrust of their sword with the spears I had pulled from them. When the spears broke and I was left with nothing, I ran. And they easily followed, their laughter chasing me through the forest. I moved easily through the trees, jumping over and dodging branches.

This was my element.

But the women were fast and caught up with me quickly. They circled me again, their swords held high as they watched me curiously.

“This is not fair, Artemis. He has no weapon. Perhaps we should give him one.”

“I don't need one.” I told them as I used my energy and pulled her sword from her hands. She replaced her sword quickly with a dagger she kept strapped to her leg and the two pounced again.

Whether luck was on my side or if I was fueled by mother's energy, I beat the women at their sword play in record time. The bowed to me and clapped.

“Fabulous,” Kristianna replied.

“Odin will be pleased.”

I threw the sword into the ground a few feet away from where they stood.

“Battle never pleases my father.”

“But being a warrior does,” Artemis replied softly. “You have a Queen to protect.”

They were right.

And now, as I looked at Caroline I knew that Odin was wrong. I had played the game incorrectly. For the moves I made in this game of chess exposed my Queen. From now on, I had to keep her close.

Jordana began tugging at my hand, and I was forced to look down.

“This is the best night of my life,” she giggled happily. “Tonight we are the host and hostess of this party. You and I are practically Mr. and Mrs. Reilly.”

I tried not to roll my eyes. This charade had to stop. I looked over at Caroline who still had not seen me.

I had to backtrack. And quickly. From this day forward I needed to keep Caroline surrounded and protected. I needed to let her know that, despite my actions, I had grown to care.

When I looked back up and across the room, I realized that the game suddenly had a new player and I had a monumental challenge before me. How had I missed it? Caroline was now holding Teddy's hand as he guided her through the crowd. I couldn't believe my eyes. How did this happen? When did this happen?

I wanted to wring his neck. I wanted to march over to him and rip his hand away from hers. If we had been in the Fae court I would have done exactly that. And no one would have even blinked an eye. It took all my willpower to stay where I was. What was she doing? My heart began pounding ferociously in my chest. The blood began to rush through my veins. I took a step forward. Then stopped. Took a deep breath. I could not act like a lunatic.

And that's when she looked over.

It was almost as if she sensed my growing anxiety.

I silently pleaded with her.
Please, Caroline. Please let me in. I won't hurt you. I won't let anyone hurt you.
I watched her eyes widen for a moment as if she heard my silent pledge to her.

I mouthed the word “hello” and slowly lifted my hand and waved. I would not let her break my eye contact.

Let go of his hand.

Please just let go.

I slowly turned my head in the direction Teddy was looking in and found Devilyn staring straight at me. His look was intense. Really intense.

Again, I felt as if he silently spoke to me. My imagination had to be running away with itself again. Whatever it was, I could not break his gaze. For a second I thought he'd even called out to me. Or maybe that's what I hoped.

But after a moment, he just smiled and waved.

I nodded my head in acknowledgement and felt the heat rising up my face. I don't know why I always reacted like a lovesick child around him. I turned my head and felt a sudden flush. For a second, there I was again, imagining things that were not a reality.

“I need a drink,” I told Teddy quickly as I turned my gaze away.

Teddy laughed and squeezed my hand as he pushed his way to the kitchen. I was almost relieved. We had seen each other, said our hellos from across the room, and now I could spend the rest of the evening avoiding him at all costs. I began to plan my evening. For the first half hour I could hide in the corner of the kitchen. The next, I could wander outside and stand in a dark area of the balcony. After three or four strategic moves, the evening was sure to be done, and Teddy would drive me home, and I would be home free.

We walked into Jordana's large and expansive kitchen. There was a whole spread of food laid out on the granite island countertop. Underneath it were sizeable oval shaped metal buckets filled with ice and various drinks. A giant bowl of punch was on the countertop as well.

“I guess I'll have the punch,” I said as Teddy grabbed a plastic cup and was about to pour for me.

“You don't think it's spiked, do you?” I asked suspiciously.

“It's not. It's a mixer,” Erika said as she grabbed a plastic cup and poured herself some punch as well. “It's delicious. You'll love it. Promise.”

“Thanks for letting me know.” Teddy poured some in my cup and handed it over to me. I smiled back in appreciation.

Erika held out her cup toward me.

“Cheers.”

“Cheers,” I said, taking a long sip of my drink. I wondered why I had ever thought Erika was not a nice person. She had given me two pieces of advice this evening. The make-up and now the punch.

Erika smiled, “Well, have fun tonight!”

“Thanks. You too.” I watched as Erika walked off. “This is great punch,” I said turning to Teddy. “You should try some too.”

“Nah. I just want a soda,” Teddy replied. “Punch is a girly drink.”

“Suit yourself.”

I shrugged and watched as Teddy bent down to search through the cans. And that was when she appeared. I think my mouth dropped open. It was almost as if she came out of thin air. She walked seductively over to Teddy. She was a few inches shorter than him—over six feet. And her body was one that girls had to envy. I couldn't help but stare at her amazing beauty and watch as she carefully and methodically ran her long and well-manicured fingers down his back.

It had to be her.

She had the same magnificent eyes as her brother, only his were darker and more ominous. She was radiant. Just like him. Emanating grace and sophistication. Leaving me feeling beyond inadequate.

She smiled at me and reached out her hand.

“You must be Caroline.”

“I am. And you must be Tatiana,” I replied with a smile. Teddy certainly had wonderful taste.

Teddy stood up and turned to face the object of his affection.

“I was beginning to think that you weren't coming,” he said to her with a smile.

“I wouldn't miss this for the world,” Tatiana replied as she rubbed her hands up and down Teddy's arm. Teddy couldn't take his eyes off her. But then again, neither could I. She had the kind of beauty that you just wanted to
watch
.

“What can I get you to drink?” Teddy asked her.