Isabelle Saint-Michael's Blog, page 9

Calling All Wraiths

Summoning and grounding the tower proved to be quite easy since we had the ashes from the Archmage. Ian was still uncomfortable with the idea of me being in the tower since I had been chained and tortured there. He and Aiden seemed to fear I might have some residual trauma from the event, and in actuality I think I might. I watched as Alathea went around each level of the tower, flicking her hands and opening up windows that had been sealed shut so that light poured in.

I stood in front of the wall there I had been chained and stared at the bindings there, remembering the feel of the cold metal on my skin. A shiver ran down my spine. I ran my hand over my arm where Romijeer had sliced into my skin and found myself trembling.

Are you all right? asked Voice.

I will be, I told him.

This place you are in, it looks familiar. You have bad memories here. His tone was hesitant.

It was the first time Voice seemed to have a connection to this world. Very bad memories actually.

Are you safe? he asked with concern.

Yes, the Mage who captured and tortured me here is now dead. His tower now belongs to us. My aunt is taking ownership of it, I explained.

Why are you there? This is obviously traumatic for you. I’m so sorry you were tortured. Just thinking about that makes me feel anger like I have never known, he said.

I felt myself shrugging even though he couldn’t see the motion. It’s over now. We are here to find my father, who is a Wraith, and hopefully remove the curse.

Be careful, Voice told me.

“Alizeyah?” called Aiden.

I snapped out of my trance just as Ian closed a hand over my shoulder. I jumped and spun around to face Ian and Aiden. “Yeah, sorry.”

“You’re shaking,” said Ian, looking from me back to Aiden.

Aiden pursed his lips together. “If it is too hard for you to be here it’s all right. You can go back to the castle and get some rest. I think Alathea will only need blood from one of us.”

I shook my head. “No, I’m fine. I think I just need to get away from this wall.”

Both Aiden and Ian looked at the wall, finally understanding. Ian took my hand and tucked it into the crook of his arm and led me away from where I was standing. At the far side of the chamber Alathea had opened windows, letting natural light shine in, and with flicks of her wrist she cast spells that cleaned away the grime, blood, and memories.

We finished exploring the tower slowly as Alathea insisted on spreading light, cleaning, and then performing a cleansing ritual on each floor before we moved to the next. The tower was much bigger than I remembered. When we reached the top with its dozens of doors, I paused. Alathea lit all the lanterns between the doors and performed a cleansing ritual before strolling to the center of the room where a large desk sat.

“Here,” she announced, removing her bag and pulling out its contents to place them on the desk. I watched with curiosity as she set things up. The last piece was a scrying bowl made of black shell. She poured blessed sea water into it, then held up a dagger and made a small cut on her finger, letting the drop of blood fall into the bowl. “Next?” she said, turning to Aiden, Ian and I.

Aiden and I followed suit, but I was surprised when Alathea waved over Ian, who took the dagger and also added a drop of blood to the mix. I looked at Alathea questioningly. She nodded understanding. “You are half Darkling because you are Dragon, but I’m not sure that will have a strong enough pull on the shadow. I asked Ian before we summoned the tower if he would participate so that we could get a stronger connection to the shadows the Wraiths hide in. This is a Darkling ritual and so it will be a Darkling that will have to cross the void and retrieve the Wraith.”

She lifted the bowl and began to chant. As she did we followed closely as she circled the room. Finally we stopped in front of a door that seemed to glow with a dark purple Aura. “Here,” she nodded at the door. “This is the gateway to the land where the Wraiths are banished between worlds. Ian, are you ready?” she asked

It was in that moment I understood what was happening. I grabbed Ian’s arm. “If you’re going, so am I,” I told him.

He shook his head. “You’re not fully Darkling. It’s not safe for you,” he explained.

“I lost Hue when I should have protected him. If I lose someone else, I really won’t survive,” I explained, not lessening my death grip. Aiden reached out to pull me free but Ian shook his head.

“It’s fine. She can come with me.” He looked down at me, searching my eyes. “Tie her into the rope,” he directed.

Aiden pulled a rope free of the bag and looped it around my waist and then Ian’s. “If either of you tug twice I will begin pulling you back,” he explained.

Taking Ian’s hand, I allowed him to lead me through the doorway and into the darkness. My sight was enhanced enough I could see shadows and shapes around me in the pitch black. “If I shifted, could I see better?” I asked.

Ian paused. I could feel his hesitation. “Can you do it without the fire?”

I closed my eyes and breathed deeply. I focused only on my inner Dragon. I felt my scales rise to the surface of my skin and the shift in my bones and muscles. I opened my eyes and was surprised to see how much more detail the world around me had. Everything had an eerie silver glow, but I could see it as if it was all lit by moonlight. Ian stared at me, a deep rumble in his chest. “What’s wrong?” I asked.

He shook his head, turning away, and continued to guide us through the new realm. We were in a castle and I could sense people all around us. They seemed to be moving at super speed. Then, all of a sudden, a hand closed over my shoulder. I jumped and spun around with a yelp. Ian stepped in front of me with a growl, knocking the hand away from me. Just as Ian pulled back his fist I realized what was going on.

A tall Elf with golden hair, large green eyes, and golden skin stood in front of me. “Ian, wait!”

The Werewolf caught himself and studied the man, then dropped his fist. “Your Majesty, we’ve come to retrieve you,” he explained.

Leonide shook his head. “Leave me and get Alizeyah out of here. It isn’t safe for her to be here. She glows and the others will come.”

“What are you talking about?” I asked.

It was with the motion of his had that I noticed the three of us were not alone. “Other Wraiths are drawn to you because of you light.”

“Then we will save them all,” I offered.

Leonide shook his head. “Some are banished to this realm for punishment. You must escape. I will slow them down.” He shoved myself and Ian back the way we had come.

“I’m not leaving without you,” I told him.

Leonide looked at Ian for help. “I have to agree with her, your Majesty.”

With a look of anger and outrage at being told no, Leonide grabbed my hand and started dragging me back in the direction the rope had come from, causing both Ian and I to run at a breakneck speed. As the other Wraiths started getting closer, I managed to grab the rope on the ground and give it a good, hard double tug. As promised the rope grew tight with tension and I found we were being pulled faster and faster towards the exit.

Finally we could see the glowing doorway and my brother and Alathea there. We rushed through the door and Alathea slammed it shut as we exited. I looked around me as she sealed and warded the lock. We had not arrived alone. Along with Ian, Aiden, Alathea, Leonide and myself stood two others: a Dark Elf with a long blue braid that fell down her back, and a young boy who looked no more than ten.

The Dark Elf was panting but quickly dropped to her knees before us. “Thank you,” she mumbled weakly.

The boy, who had appeared cute at first, now smiled at us with a sinister green grin, revealing a row of pointed, jagged teeth. “Yes, thank you,” he said in a voice that could make paint peel.

“No!” screamed Leonide as he faced the boy, but it was too late. In a cloud of red smoke the boy disappeared. He turned to look at Alathea with an expression of loss. “You’ve released the Aka Manto.”

“The what?” I asked.

“A Demon from the Human realm of Tarell. It finds victims to torture and kill,” Leonide said with an element of defeat.

“And it’s here in Everbloom?” asked Aiden.

Leonide and Alathea shook their heads. “The Wraith plane was the only place that could hold it. It can skip realms at will, and now it is free to terrorize the world again. Why didn’t you leave me like I told you too?” Leonide asked firmly.

Aiden placed himself in my path. “Because we wanted our father back.”

Leonide paused and looked from my brother to me. Then he reached out and wrapped his arms around Aiden, tugging on my wrist to fold me into the hug as well. “My children, my beautiful children,” he sobbed. “You found the door to my freedom. I don’t care if I have to spend a lifetime tracking that monster – it is worth it to hug and hold my children.”

After an hour of hellos we were calm enough to discuss what was happening. “I never thought I would find the door. I thought I would wander the plane forever,” Leonide explained.

“How did you reach me before?” I asked, remembering him in a shadowy form.

“I was lucky enough to find the tower again,” he explained. “When I discovered the Mage held you, I knew I had to get you to safety.”

“If I hadn’t been here, would you have found the door?” I asked, heartbroken that he would have given up his torture had it not been for me.

“Stop thinking like that,” he said, eyeing me. “I would lay down my life for you or your brother. Staying in that plane was nothing when compared to preventing you from finding that fate.”

“How did you come to be there?” asked Aiden. “You died in battle?”

“I thought I did, but I awoke chained up in this cursed place with the life slowly being drained from me. I was bonded with Lady Jura and so a small bit of Darkling flowed through me. Romijeer’s potions couldn’t drain that last bit of life from me because the blood was dark, so he left me to the Wraith plane to suffer.”

Before we left I rummaged through my bag and pulled out a permanent marker Dani had given me. I climbed on a chair and on the stone above the door wrote the words, “Wraith Plane.”

We gathered up and took my father Leonide and the new Dark Elf Ashe back to the castle. The first of the doors was labeled.

I’m coming for you Hue, I promise, I thought to myself.

 

The Search for the Tower’s Guardian

The last few days had been such a blur to me. When we returned to the castle there was a peaceful mood in the group. It was a bit unnerving considering what had just happened. Alathea and I had defeated Romijeer. Neither of us would have been able to do it without the other. Despite my earlier promises to myself, she had proven helpful. Everyone had talked to me but Aiden on the trip back. He had kept his distance since that night.

Rolling my shoulders back with newfound confidence, I made my way to his solar. I knocked heavily on the door and waited for his permission to enter. When his voice rang out I pushed aside the heavy wooden door and entered. He stood, wearing only his riding pants and a shirt, loosely untucked. His bare feet didn’t make even the slightest noise as he glided over the stone floor. “Have you seen my black sword belt?” he asked absentmindedly.

“No, I’m sorry my lord,” I said in a voice much softer than I would normally use.

He spun around to face me, his eyes wide. “Alizeyah?” He looked a little shocked. “I’m sorry, I thought you were the chambermaid, Elsa, or my squire. Can I help you with something?”

Now that I was here I was losing my nerve. It wasn’t that I feared Aiden. He had been nothing but brotherly to me since we first met even without knowing about our sibling ties. “Have I done something to upset you?” I finally blurted out.

He stood up a little taller, as if my words had slapped him. “No.”

“Then why are you avoiding me?” I asked. Something about asking made me feel very vulnerable, because I knew what he was going to say. Knowing my brother thought I was a monster made the tears at the back of my eyes prick a little.

He sighed. “It’s just something I have to work through.”

“Then say it!” I spit out. “Say that you saw me in my Dragon form and think I am a weird mutant monstrosity that not even Professor Xavier would want.” I sniffled. “Tell me you don’t want me here, anymore.” My voice wavered a bit at the last part.

His face split into a gentle smile before he reached forward and pulled me into his arms with a reassuring hug. “Oh, my lovely baby sister. Just when I thought you were too mature for your age, I see a little glimpse of your youth. I don’t know who this Professor is or why I would ever let him think of having you, but listen carefully. I don’t think you are a monstrosity. I think you are powerful beyond my or even your own understanding. I have suffered the last few days keeping my distance because I know you haven’t taken many lives and, I thought you would want time to reflect on it. Elven culture teaches that when an enemy is defeated, we allow the victor to take time to mourn the fallen enemy and reflect on the life they have ended. Romijeer did you many great injustices and I didn’t want to rush your healing process.” I tightened my arms around his waist and buried my face in the cloth of his shirt.

“You’re not afraid of me then?” I asked.

He reached up and stroked my hair. “No. I am thankful we are on the same side – I certainly wouldn’t look forward to facing you in battle – but I am not afraid of you by any means. I merely meant to give you the time and space you needed to work through what happened.”

I leaned back to look up at him. “I think I’m ready to summon the tower, but before I do I want to discuss something with you.”

“Anything,” he offered.

“Once we summon the tower, it will rest permanently where we summon it. It will also need a guardian. I was thinking we could summon it here, near the beach, close enough to still be within royal lands, but tucked away enough that people aren’t as likely to find it. I would also like to name Alathea the Guardian.” I wasn’t sure what Aiden’s view of our aunt was, but I knew he didn’t like that she hadn’t fought alongside our father.

He breathed in slowly. “I agree with your placement, but are you sure you want to give its protection over to Alathea? She hasn’t been the most… reliable person over the years.”

“I know, but I believe in her. I even trust her,” I offered. He thought about it carefully.

“As King I have the right to refuse what you ask,” he said.

“I know, but I truly believe she is the best person for the job,” I explained.

Aiden dropped his arms and moved away to pace back and forth for a moment. When he met my eyes again I saw a determination there I hadn’t seen before. “Then I will trust your judgement,” he said with a nod.

“Thank you,” I said, then turned and left the chamber.

Moments later I sprinted up multiple flights of stairs to find the chamber Alathea had been staying in. I knocked on the door and was surprised when it opened on its own. I peered inside and saw, seated at the table with three books in front of her, Alathea sitting slumped over and asleep. I slid into the chamber and pressed the door closed behind me as quietly as possible. “Alathea?” I asked.

She stirred with a start. “Huh? I was just resting my eyes.” She waved her hands as if trying to push apart fog or smoke. Her eyes narrowed on me before she blinked away the worst of the fogginess. “This is going to sound strange, but I think you look more Elf-like every day you spend here. You did not look this much like your father when I met you. Had you, I would have recognized you sooner.” He words didn’t make as much sense as I had hoped they would.

“I need to speak with you on an important matter,” I explained. She waved her hand at the chair across the table from her. I took my seat. She stared at me expectantly and suddenly I felt like I should be fidgeting under her gaze. “What do you think of Everbloom?” I asked.

She shrugged. “Leonide and I used to sneak away to this realm to escape our father when we were children. Naelym was always busy with studies and so rarely was able to join us. It didn’t surprise me this was the home Leonide chose for himself.” She smiled at the memory. “This place has always been dear to me.”

“Aiden and I are going to ground the Mage tower here in Everbloom on royal lands. On the raise that leads down to the eastern shore,” I explained. “I would like you to take the role of the Guardian Mage for the tower. I am confident we will restore Father, but if for some reason we fail, his Wraith is bound to the tower. I want family to watch over it.”

She paused for a moment, thinking about what I was saying. “You want to give me the tower?” she asked.

“Yes, provided you want it,” I nodded.

She breathed deeply then nodded. “I would be honored,” she said, a bit dumbfounded. “I thought you hated me?” she asked.

“No. You pissed me off… a lot, but hate you? No. That’s just not in my personality,” I explained

She reached across the table and picked up the jar that held Romijeer’s ashes. “Then let’s go summon us a tower.” She grinned. “I don’t know about you, but I really want to see my brother.”

 

Summoning the Archmage (Dani’s POV)

“How much further?” I complained at the back of Kat’s head.

“Not much more.” She told me.

“That’s what you said four hours ago. My blisters have blisters.” I whined.

She turned around and glared at me. I couldn’t help it. I smiled broadly and laughed. She rolled her eyes like an angst driven fifteen year old and sighed turning back around. I wait another five minutes before calling at her again. “Are we there yet?” The teasing tone in my voice couldn’t be missed. Oliver stepped up beside me and tossed an arm around my shoulders.

“Are you tired?” He asked softly.

I shook my head. “Not really, I just like giving her a hard time as a way to help pass the time.”

“I see.” He said simply giving me squeeze. “I could carry you.” He offered.

“No, I’m fine.” I told him though I was definitely tired.

We marched on for another two hours when the sky began to turn violet and red before we finally stopped. I sank to the ground and rummaged through my pack for food. I was hungry and exhausted. I watched contently as preparations for the night were made. Ian and Oliver built a large fire. Aiden and Kat began laying stones and salt in a large circle and Alathea began unpacking her sack. It was then I realized we weren’t breaking ground, we were preparing for the summoning. “Umm, Alathea are we doing the summoning now?”

She looked up at me with bewilderment. “Yes, as at midnight.”

“Oh?” I processed that bit of information. “What can I do to help?”

She stopped rummaging through the bag and considered me. “Take Kat’s place. Help Aiden in preparing the circle and she can help me prepare the alter.”

Not wanting to cause any new unease I rushed to Kat and Aiden. “I’m here to take over for you so you can help Alathea.” Aiden smile and Kat stared blankly.

She shook her head snapping out of whatever trance she was in and nodded. “Yeah, sorry sort of in the zone.”

“It makes sense” she told me with a shrug.

“Just focused on the prize. When the summoning is underway if things go wrong get out of here. I lost Hue, I’m not sure I would survive losing you too.” She told me with a halfhearted grin.

“Like I would leave you to face that monster alone.” I told her and took over the salt duty only watching from the corner of my eye where she and Alathea set up the inner workings of the circle.

******************************************

 The moons rose high in the glittering night sky. Despite the warm weather, chills still ran through me and made my hair stand on end. Oliver, Aiden, and I watched from outside the circle just steps away. Ian had shifted into his wolf form, reminding me of the battle that had taken place at the North Pole this past winter. Kat walked counter-clockwise around the circle mumbling to herself and I watched as her body shifted. Clothing burned away as her armor took shape. Her shimmering scales caught the moonlight as her entire body seemed to glow with an eerie silver light. Her eyes grew larger, her hands became more claw-like, and her wings took shape from her back. Despite myself my breath caught in my throat. Aiden stared wide-eyed having never seen Kat’s mixed form before. “She looks otherworldly… and dangerous,” he whispered. Oliver grinned beside him.

Kat turned to take hold of Alathea’s hands and began chanting with her. Their voices seemed like whispers, barely reaching my ears. The fire at the center of the circle grew and turned a vibrant green. Nobody moved a muscle as shrieks and thunder split the air. The smoke from the fire became thicker and started to take on a new shape. It hissed as it swirled and twisted through and around itself. Kat and Alathea never stopped chanting and never allowed the smoke to cause the slightest hesitation in their words.

Finally when it seemed I could hold my breath no longer, there was the sound of a tortured scream, and the smoke seemed to explode with sparks of the green fire. In the ashes of the fire that just moments ago burned as tall as a horse stood a shadowy figure. His hood was pulled up, but you could see the putrid grey skin of his hands, and watch as his chest heaved up and down, seething with anger. “Who DARES disturb me by using the summoning reserved for Demons?” he demanded.

Kat and Alathea released their hands and turned to face him. Kat’s mouth quirked up on one side in the sarcastic grin that usually precedes trouble. “I did. I thought the summoning was rather appropriate, since you behave like a vile Demon.” Her voice was dry, but underneath you could hear something that sounded as strong as steel.

Romijeer whirled around to face her. His body jerked with the sudden recognition of his escaped prisoner. “You?” he said, jabbing a finger in Kat’s direction. “You dare!” he snapped.

“I do a lot more than dare.” She gave him a slight nod. Ian pressed himself against her thigh and growled at the Archmage. Behind Kat, Alathea lowered her head and began mumbling to herself. She appeared deep in thought.

“You will suffer this time. I was soft on you before, but now I see you for what you are. I was led to believe you were an Elven halfling. Abandoned as a Changeling. In actuality your parents were ashamed at the monstrosity they had brought into the world and cast you out.” He laughed with wicked pleasure.

Kat didn’t move. In fact she seemed totally unphased by the man’s taunts. “That’s not the way my mother tells the story when we chat weekly over tea.”

The Archmage stopped laughing and stared at her. “I was told you were…”

Kat cut him off. “You were misinformed about many things.” She had his full attention at this point. “Will you quietly go to your prison or do I need to send you there painfully?”

Romijeer cackled. “As if you could imprison me.”

Kat shrugged and began stalking around the circle, talking. “I know I can imprison you and you know it too. You’ve known since the day I escaped you would have to deal with me again, and when you did it would be on my terms.” She continued to walk, babbling on about punishing him for his crimes. It was when she completed the third pass around her target that I saw the soft glow of a circle around his feet. Romijeer angrily threw back his hood and spat at Kat. For the first time I saw his grey face with the brandings of ancient symbols running across his skin. His eyes were a creepy yellow that reminded me of a snake. He raised a hand and mumbled something and quickly flung his hand in Kat’s direction. The circle around him glowed to life and his threat evaporated in a shining tube of light.

“What is this?” he demanded angrily.

Kat shook her head and raised her hand to the sky. With a flash of light and fire she pulled her sword from the air in front of her. Romijeer jerked with surprise and his grey skin seemed to turn ashen. Kat returned her attention to him. “This is the end, Romijeer.” She stepped closer to his circle, almost touching, taunting him. “Let me clarify. This is your end. Death, or permanently sealed into a Drake’s Egg.”

“You can’t seal me into an egg,” he said, starting to laugh.

“Actually, I’ve checked. I can.” She said it rather matter-of-factly. Kat rummaged through the pack that hung from her shoulder and pulled out the green, stone-like egg. “You see, I am half Elf, but I am also half Dragon.” Kat pinned the monster with her gaze and began chanting. At first Romijeer seemed unaffected, but then he grew annoyed and started angrily testing the walls of his warded circle.

“You’re not a Mage – you cannot bend the Arcane to your will,” he taunted her. Just then the wind picked up wildly, the earth began to quiver and hum under my feet, the sky opened up and rain fell, and the tube of light that surrounded him was engulfed in flames. My eyes turned to Kat. The concentration that knit her face was like nothing I had seen before. Great cracks sounded as Romijeer fought against the warded circle. Ian stood poised to attack.

There was the sound of shattering and the circle that held Romijeer fell away, but the wall of flames kept him at bay. It was in this moment that Alathea, who had deliberately stood hidden, stepped up beside Kat. She reached out and clasped the hand Kat still held the sword in with both of her hands and began chanting with her.

The wind howled with the force of a hurricane, driving both Aiden and myself to our knees. Oliver stood against it as if it were no more than a light breeze. The rain came down in buckets. The earth seemed to scream and move with violence and the flames of the circle turned white and began to glow hotter. Romijeer, who had been pushing through the wall of flames, jumped back and recoiled in pain. He began his own counterattack and the wind whipped by Kat and Alathea, slicing at their skin like razor blades opening wounds across their bodies. Still they chanted on.

“Go quietly!” Kat commanded. “Or face death.” She offered him the choice again.

Romijeer responded by snarling at her and a bolt of lightening touched down at her feet. She turned her attention to Alathea, who knowingly nodded and released Kat’s hand. Kat handed her the egg and turned back to face Romijeer. She and Alathea continued their unbroken chant and Kat advanced on Romijeer. When she approached the fiery wall separating him, he laughed. “Your own barrier protects me now,” he said, waving his hand to create another burst of wind that cut through the fire, scraping against Kat’s armor and raising bleeding welts along her exposed skin.

She grinned wickedly, and in that moment, I knew she would defeat the monster. She stepped into the white-hot flames and they washed over her. Romijeer’s eyes grew round as Kat stood within the fire for a moment, then stepped into the small circle with him. Her wounds were all closed and only soft pink lines remained where they had been. Still chanting she charged at Romijeer with her sword. He disappeared and reappeared behind her. He produced a dagger with a crooked blade and lunged at her.

Kat turned just in time and managed to swing out of the way. The dance continued for long moments while each attacked in turn. Kat skillfully avoided each of his wild swings and playfully chipped away at him. Finally Romijeer stood panting at the center of the circle. He looked crazed, like a wolf backed into a corner that knows it’s fighting for its survival. When he charged Kat this time, she was ready for him, side stepping then catching his shoulder, forcing his arm into the flame. He screamed in agony as the hand that held the dagger was burned away. When he was allowed to pull his arm free everything below the elbow was merely charred remains. Still screaming, Kat forced him to his knees.

“Banishment or death?” she asked again, finally ending the chanting on her part.

Romijeer snarled at her. “You think I need that arm to defeat you?” As he said that he flung his other hand up, but it never even made a full arc. With the strength of a hardened warrior and the grace of a dancer, Kat didn’t wait for him to cast his attack. She swung her blade silently and removed his head. Digging into her bag she pulled out two large empty bottles and filled them with the Archmage’s blood. As she finished all of the elements died down.

It was like seeing her in a new light. Even without Hue she was powerful. If anyone could overcome death, it would be Princess Alizeyah.

 

Egg-ing Her On

I strolled wordlessly into the great hall where Aiden sat presiding over local disagreements. His chin rested on his fist and he slumped to one side as he listened to the disputes. When I approached he sat up and his eyes opened from where they had been drooping. He looked at the men in front of him and held up a hand to quiet them. “Gentlemen, my sister is learning about governing the kingdom. Perhaps she would like to help you with your dilemma?”

I blinked at him. “I’m what?” I asked flatly. Before I could excuse myself, the two men turned on me, relaying tales of thieves in the surrounding countryside, bandits on the road, and possibly a Dragon warlord. I pinched the bridge of my nose and closed my eyes, hoping to stop the developing headache. I listened carefully before I looked at them again.

“I understand your concerns, gentlemen.” I looked up at Aiden who was grinning at me mischievously. “I will speak with his Majesty’s forces and and send out a few parties to see if we can track the bandits to their source. In the meantime, encourage villagers that have to venture on the roads to go in parties or large groups.”

Both men grumbled at me but nodded before bowing and taking their leave. Aiden stepped a few paces down to meet me. “Well done. Of course, we don’t have much of a standing army since we have been at peace for a long while. I’ll be interested to see whom you send on these missions.”

I growled at him. “Don’t your towns have sheriffs?”

“Not many, no,” he said, shaking his head.

I rolled my eyes and waved to the herald, Nomay. She rushed forward and greeted us both with a frenzy of titles. I waved my hand, trying to calm the young elf who was overflowing with helpful enthusiasm. “Nomay, send a missive to all the lords and ladies of the land. Let them know each is to supply a minimum of ten warriors to His Majesty’s Guard. Also have them send a list of deserving candidates for all major villages, towns, and cites who they would support in the role of sheriff.”

Her eyes sparkled with delight. “When do we need their replies?” she asked.

“A fortnight or less. The orders are to be dispatched today,” I directed. She scurried off to do my bidding. I began making my way to Alathea’s chamber when Aiden grabbed me by the arm and spun me around.

“And what is your plan to pay every one of those men?” he asked.

“Taxes are paid to you and you have a deep coffer, am I correct in that?”

His eyes narrowed on me. “Yes.”

“Part of their pay is the room and board that will be supplied. The rest will come from the coffers. Citizens pay taxes in faith the crown will protect them. We will do just that.” I ignored the shock on his face and brushed past him. I knew we could afford it. I had helped him with the books a week earlier. I climbed the stairs quickly before he could give chase and argue with me.  I turned the corner at the end of the hallway and began climbing yet another set of stairs.

When I arrived at Alathea’s chamber it was to find her stretched out in a long padded table with a thickly muscled Dwarf massaging her. I raised a brow but said nothing. Instead I brushed by them both and went to flop on the sofa. I sighed loudly and dramatically, throwing a hand across my forehead and falling backward.

“I will assume based on that entrance you were unsuccessful in finding a Dragon’s Egg.” She didn’t look up.

Smirking, I rummaged through my pack and removed a large silk bag and a leather-bound book, setting them down on the table before me with purpose. “Wrong, ye of little faith. Not only did I get an egg, but I also located the Ancient Dragon text that tells me how to bind Romijeer to it.” To illustrate my point I opened the silk bag and withdrew the egg.

“Do I want to know where you got the egg?” she asked, now looking at me.

With a shrug I met her gaze with a mildly cocky grin. “From Hue’s vault.”

She blinked, processing the information. “He gave you access to his vault?”

“Months ago,” I explained.

“He had it really bad for you didn’t he? Dragons are protective of their treasure.” She finally sat up and waved away her masseuse. “I guess I should start studying then. I have an Archmage to summon.”

A Spell to Summon and to Bind

The resonation of the slap bounced off the walls of the great hall. Aiden stood wide-eyed, watching as Alathea and I faced off. She towered over me by at least half a foot. Her skin was flushed with anger and her eyes gleamed with as-yet-unkept promises of retribution. My brother approached quietly trying to insert himself into our discussion. “I think we can handle this more peacefully…” he urged.

I turned and glared at him as his eyes stared helplessly at the handprint on my cheek. “I’m handling this!” I spat at him before turning back to glare at my assailant. Alathea straightened her back and quirked a brow at me.  I found myself mirroring her actions while ignoring the sting on my cheek. “I’ve killed one aunt – don’t make me repeat the performance,” I warned. Everyone around us sucked in a deep breath.

“You are tampering with the laws of nature. Did you learn nothing from what happened before?” Her voice was trembling with anger.

“I learned that I command the elements, and while I may not be trained in Arcane magic, I am confident that I can harness the elemental power needed to complete the spells.” My jaw tightened and I forced it to release the tension.

“Let’s say you successfully summon Romijeer. Then what?” She threw her hands wide. “How will you defeat him?”

“I will. I’m stronger than ever before,” I argued.

“Strength isn’t enough. He has a thousand years of experience, versus your thirty-two. Not even. It’s been what? A year since you and I met and you became my unwilling pupil? Even that was short lived. I will be the first to admit that you have exceeded everything I ever expected of you, but this is insanity.” There was both bitterness and respect in her words.

“I have to believe that I can do this. Don’t you want to see your brother again?” My gaze drilled into her face.

I was rewarded when her breath caught and her mouth fell open. “Leonide? How is that possible?”

“He’s a Wraith, and the reason I was able to escape the tower. Alathea, I need your help. I’ve never faced a Mage before but you have. I need to be prepared.” Now began the game. Would she help me if it meant she could regain her precious brother? I watched quietly as she closed her eyes and bowed her head in thought. Silence, absolute silence filled the air.

Finally she started nodding, then met my eyes once more. “Alright. You’re right, if you are truly going to do this, you will need me. I can cast the summoning spell, but you’ll have to find a way to bind him.”

I paused. “You’re going to cast it?” I wasn’t sure I heard her correctly.

“Yes, Princess, I will cast the summoning spell. I’ve summoned Romijeer before with the Mage I was apprenticed too. I can do it again. It will be one less bit of magic you need to deal with, but only the Dragons will be able to give you an egg that you can bind to.”

“A Dragon’s egg?” I asked. “I was under the impression Dragons were born and not hatched.”

“They are,” she confirmed. “Dragon eggs are actually Drakes – Dragons that only have a lizard form and can’t interact like a Dragon can. They were pets and guardians for a long time.”

“OK, so let’s say I get one of these eggs, then what?” If she was offering suggestions I was willing to accept.

“Speak with your mother. She is a trained high priestess. She would know more than I.” Alathea had no clue what she was asking of me. The thought of setting foot in the nest caused my stomach to turn in knots, but I nodded anyway.

“Thank you,” I mumbled before turning to go. Nobody spoke as I left.

*******************************************************************************

The nest was as unnerving as I had expected. My bead had landed me in Hudraer’s chamber. Without thinking I pulled off my clothes and slid onto the bed, burying my face in the pillows. I breathed deeply and closed my eyes. It was a cruel illusion because it felt like he was there.

What are you doing? asked Voice.

Rolling around naked in my Soul Mate’s bed. It smells like him, I explained.

There was silence but I could still sense Voice was there. It sounds erotic.

It is, I told him as memories of Hue and I flashed through my mind. I twisted, hugging the pillow to my chest. My memory was so clear I could feel his hands drift over my body, caressing me. I could feel his lips graze the tender spot below my ear, down my throat, and lower on to my chest. I gasped at the sensation of his mouth closing over my nipple and my body jerked in unspent passion. The feel of his hands and mouth moved lower still, encouraging my legs to open before closing over my sensitive flesh.

I thrashed around the bed, moaning and gasping for air, afraid to open my eyes and discover it was nothing more than an erotic wet dream. The precision of the movement on my lower regions was diving me higher and higher. I found my self gasping Hue’s name, and then in an eruption of colors I was pushed over the edge, calling out release. I slowly opened my eyes, unsure of what had just happened. “That was crazy,” I whispered.

No, that was perfect, Voice answered. I sat up, startled by the revelation.

Voice, were you able to see that? I asked, my heart still pounding in my ears.

Yes – I just imagined I was there. I can picture you, laid out among the crisp navy sheets, aching to be touched, he explained.

How did you know the color of the sheets? I asked.

Voice was silent for a long moment. I don’t know. I just did. I could feel everything through you.

Voice are you Hue? I asked doubtfully.

I don’t know. I’m sorry I took such pleasure in your memories. He sounded concerned.

I’m not upset, but what do you mean you don’t know? I was growing frustrated.

Just as I told you before. I don’t know who I am or where I am. I’m just here, he explained.

I growled and shoved my way out of the bed. We will discuss this more later. For now, I need to find my mother and see if she can tell me where to get a Drake egg. I redressed quickly and headed out. Shortly thereafter I found her in the library flipping through a book on medicinal herbs. I stood there in silence, watching.

She sensed me and raised her head. Our eyes locked and she breathed a little easier before leaping off her seat and rushing towards me. Wrapping her arms around me she whispered words of love and comfort. “I’m so glad you’re here,” she told me.

I reached up and wiped away a few stray tears that had escaped my eyes and quickly started to explain my reason for coming. She never once looked hurt that I was seeking her out for help and not comfort, but I could sense that she wanted to give me both. When I finished explaining she pursed her lips and considered me. “I can prepare the spell for you, but you still need a Drake Egg. They are in short supply since we don’t keep Drakes as pets anymore.”

The vaults, whispered Voice.

I looked at my mother and gave a half-hearted smile. “I know where I can get one,” I told her.

 

Not So Obvious (Dani’s POV)

I rolled my shoulders back and repeated my mantra: “I’m not sneaking, I’m just obtaining information.” Since the moment I met Vallen we had had a weird connection. It was like I had known him all my life. Now I’m not saying that it’s a Soul Mate connection like Kat’s, but I firmly believe that if there is such a thing as past lives, he and I have known each other before. He doesn’t make me nervous. Quite the opposite, really. I feel off-kilter, like a I’m a little too comfortable and shouldn’t be. No matter how I look at it though, he knows me. More impressively, he reads me like one of the thousands of books he keeps proudly displayed in his chamber.

With one more deep breath I climbed down the stairs and entered the Dragon’s nest. It had been months since I was last here. You never know how much the loss of one person can shake your world until you lose them. Though Hue and I were not deeply connected I mourned his loss, but I think I mourned the loss of Kat more. With each passing day she became stronger, and there were more glimpses of who she was before, but I was also not foolish enough to think she would ever be the old Kat again.

I greeted familiar faces, stopping in the kitchen to enjoy some freshly baked cookies before building up the courage to face the beast. I raised my hand and knocked on the door to his chamber. There was a faint stirring within, but nothing really discernible. I knocked again with a bit more force.

“Enter,” came the simple command from a groggy voice. Oh no! I woke him, I thought to myself before pushing the door open. I entered the black chamber, feeling as if I was being swallowed by the darkness, and pushed the door shut.

“Vallen?” I asked softly. There was more shuffling before a hum and lanterns around the chamber illuminated the walls softly. Vallen sat at the center of his sunken bed with his hair tangled and deep black circles under his eyes. I tried not to let my shock show, but based on his glare I knew I hadn’t succeeded.

“Yes, Danielle? How can I help you?” He seemed to almost purr my name, which made me swallow hard.

“Are you all right?” I asked, not letting my concern ring too heavily in my voice.

He waved it away. “You know, as OK as one can be, having failed to protect his master.”

“You and Hue were equals and we all failed him, but he didn’t fail Kat. I think if we could ask him he would passionately believe he made the correct choice.” I resisted the urge to run to him and throw my arms around him to give comfort.

“How long has it been?” he asked gruffly.

A bit confused, I met his gaze. “Going on two months now.”

He sighed. “Thank you. What can I help you with? Why have you come?”

“I know that you oversee Maht and I have some questions?” I moved to the large wingback chair near his bed, taking a seat.

“I do.”

“Is Maht a portal city?” I asked straight out.

He smirked at me. “It has a Fairy Circle a few hours south near the beach.”

I shook my head. “That’s not what I am asking about.”

He studied me carefully. “What are you asking about?”

I could read between the lines. He wasn’t going to spell it out but he would answer me honestly if I asked. “Is there a portal to the Forgotten Realm within the city’s boarders?”

His smirk slid away and he fell back on the bed. “Why are you asking?”

I carefully thought about how to answer, not wanting to alarm him, but knowing my question had already done so. “Kat is going after Romijeer.” It was all I could come up with.

He shot up in bed and looked at me. “What? Why?”

“Because he holds her father as a Wraith.” I explained. His eyes flared, but he didn’t look mad. He seemed to understand.

“Of course, the caters…” he mumbled. I immediatly wanted to ask him to explain, but I knew now wasn’t the time for. “I cannot confirm if there is or isn’t a portal within the city walls, but I can promise both my brother and I are sworn to protect the gateway to that realm – so it would be fitting to be in a place we could easily access.”

I nodded understanding. “Thank you,” I told him, and started to leave.

“Dani?” he called.

I turned to give him one last look. I already knew what he would say, but I nodded yes anyway. “Be careful.”

“Of course,” I reassured him before I left the chamber.

The Collection

Dani, Ian, Oliver, Aiden and I all stood around a heavy oak table hidden deeply within Aiden’s castle behind the heavy doors of his Solar. It was a room usually reserved for the lord of the castle, but I had taken over it. I searched each face for any sign of regret, unwillingness, or pity. All I met were clear and calculating eyes. “If you are here, you know the gist of my plan. If you intend to stop me walk away from the table now, but if you stay, you are mine and you will commit to this madness.”

Aiden’s brow twitched. “I’m here to protect you.”

I slammed my hands down, angrily meeting his furious gaze. “You wanted to be privy to my plans and swore you wouldn’t stop me. Decide now if you are with me or against me. I have no room for second guessing. No tolerance for playing it safe. What I am proposing is reckless and dangerous. I don’t need an over-protective brother right now, I need a partner in crime.”

His knuckles grew white where his hands gripped the table, but finally his head dropped in acquiescence. I sighed in relief and nodded to Dani. She spread three large maps out on the table before us. The first was of a city called Maht that lay near the southernmost coast of the main continent in Drakemoore. The second was a roughly drawn map of what I believed was the Forgotten Realm, and the last were schematics of Ramijeer’s Tower as best I could remember. Everyone poured over the graphics in front of us, putting pieces into place.

I knew what I was about to say would rock Aiden’s world as it had my own. “Aiden, Leonide is prisoner within the Archmage’s tower. He’s not dead. If he were, I would no doubt be myself.” His eyes narrowed and then returned to meet my own.

“How?” was all he asked.

“How he came to be in his power, I don’t know. He isn’t whole – he’s a Wraith. But he is our father.” I bit my lip and watched as he sank down onto the chair behind him.

“Why did you wait so long to tell me?” he asked.

“At first I wasn’t sure what to think. Then I had to put the pieces together. Once all was said and done, I had to decide if it was worth reopening the wound that I know is so painful.” He went from white to red.

“You should have told me,” his words dripped with tightly controlled anger.

“I know, and I’m sorry I kept it from you. I wasn’t sure you would help me.” I wasn’t sure he wouldn’t ride off and do something stupid, is what I wanted to say.

Then you should say that, said the Voice.

Shut up. I feel bad enough as it is. I don’t need encouragement to say things that are hurtful. I took a deep breath, trying to clear my mind.

He was fuming. “I don’t want to help you – this is a fool’s errand. But I will go to the end of the worlds and back for you.” His final words were snapped out with precision.

I closed my eyes and pinched the bridge of my nose. This was already off to a bad start.

Leading is never easy. Dig deep within you heart and speak from there. That is what people will rally behind, the Voice encouraged.

You make it sound so easy, I told Voice.

I do, don’t I, was his only reply.

I nodded and looked up around the table. “You’re all right to be worried. It would be strange if you weren’t right now. Aiden, I was just so afraid if I told you that you would rush off to save our father, only to become another victim. I had just lost Hue and I couldn’t bear the thought of possibly loosing anyone else. What would I have been left with? A brief memory and a Kingdom I know little to nothing about. It was selfish of me, I know.”

He stammered and I watched as his anger washed away. I motioned for everyone to take a seat. Ian reached under the table and gave my knee a gentle reassuring squeeze. “Dani and I believe that with my elemental connections I may be able to incite Arcane magic and summon the Archmage.” I looked around the table and nobody seemed to shocked. “Before I can do that, I need to gather the needed materials.”

Dani cleared her throat and I looked at her. She stared hard at me. Finally I rolled my eyes and nodded in silent agreement. “Romijeer is just the first step,” I explained. “I believe that I can use his tower to bypass the gate to the Forgotten Realm, and from there I may be able to retrieve Hue.”

That’s when everyone looked at me like I had gone mad. Oliver was the first to speak. “Do you understand how forbidden what you plan to do is?”

I processed his question slowly, then met his gaze and nodded. “Yes. I want to bring back the dead and allow a Wraith to walk within this world. Make no mistake, I will save my Father from his fate worse than death, and then I will tempt fate again by going after the Dragon I love.”

Oliver’s gaze slid to Dani. I could see his eye imploring her to use good judgement. “You can’t be okay with this plan?” he asked her softly.

Dani smirked and met his eyes without fear. “You’re right, I’m not okay with it. I completely endorse it, because I helped plan it.” She rolled her shoulders back and met the gaze of each person at the table. “Is there a single person here that doesn’t believe she would do the same for any one of us?” Nobody answered. Nobody dared to.

Oliver finally spoke up again. “I’m in, but why would you follow her so blindly?”

Dani’s smile never softened. “I’m not blind. I see clearly that where she leads, I will follow.”

Ian stood up and met each person’s gaze before turning to me. “I’ve said it before and I will say it again. I am yours until I draw my last breath.”

Aiden and Oliver exchanged looks with a shrug, then nodded towards me.

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Book 1 in Otherworld Realms

The Summons

I was sitting across from Aiden in my chambers. His hand carefully hovered over his bishop as he eyed the chess board. I watched carefully as his brow arched and then lowered into a sharp slant. “This is more difficult then I expected,” he explained.

I smiled softly. “I know,” was all I said as I watched him struggle with a decision.

“This is an outstanding strategy game.” Finally heaving a sigh he slid his bishop into place, taking my knight. I grinned wickedly at him. “What? What did I do wrong this time?”

“Check,” I said enjoying the look of frustration that flitted across his features.

He growled under his breath and focused more. He slid the rook, lifted his hand and immediately regretted it. “Tek! That’s not what I meant to do.”

I laughed, moving my Queen and calling, “Check Mate.”

Aiden sighed and rolled his eyes. “Yes, yes, you are the master of strategy and I’m not.”

“You know what that means?” I said, clearing my throat and pointing towards the door.

“Yes, I’ll go try and convince Chef Mistress Seya that she should provide me with yet another tray of desserts.” He chuckled to himself as he climbed to his feet. He crossed the room quickly while I packed up the chess pieces into their bag.

“What’s so funny?” I asked, looking up at him. He wore a simple and content smile.

He shook his head. “It’s nothing really. I longed for a younger sibling all of my life. Now that I have one it’s like some small wish from my childhood has been granted.”

I nodded. “I had brothers growing up in the Human realm. I always have room for one more.”

His chest swelled with pride before he left the room, closing the door behind him. I stared at the closed door for a moment and my smile widened.

Well you seem rather happy today, said the voice.

I am. Is that a problem? I asked.

No, when you’re happy it fills me with happiness. I greatly prefer this feeling to your sorrow.

Me too, I answered.

Just then there was a knock on the door. I rolled my eyes and climbed to my feet headed for the door. “You can just come in Aiden,” I called as I approached. I flung open the door to my chamber and jumped back a little in shock.

Staring back at me was a three foot tall Gnome. Her hair was curled into two tight buns at the back of her head. Her eyes seemed black and almost beady. Birda glared at me. “Marthailain wants you. Dani captured the Unicorn.”

I blinked at her. “Dani?”

She nodded.

“My Dani? The Pixie?” Once again she nodded at me. “Well, hot damn. Look at her go.”

Birda rolled her eyes. “If you don’t mind, we should get going,” she stated firmly.

“Yeah, let me just summon Ian and let him know where I am going.” I told her. Birda looked less than thrilled, but waited for me.

Soon Ian, Aiden, and I were standing in Seoul. It was the first time I had returned since I lost Hue. I looked up at the old converted school which now served as the headquarters for the OAC Asia branch. Ian stepped forward, opening the door for me while Aiden stared around at our surroundings. It was his first glimpse of the world I called home. The rush of traffic, quiet cool breeze that smelled like rain, and the decaying stones of the building cast an almost surreal glow to the place. Of course, it could have also been the large flux of magic that kept the surrounding world unaware of the existence of the OAC.

I brushed through the doors and into the lobby. Without waiting for Birda’s directions I pushed into what was the main office area and wound myself through the maze of cubicles until I arrive at Marthailain’s. The old Dark Elf sat at his computer with his glasses seated atop his head while he rubbed his eyes. The circles under them told a story about how he hadn’t had much sleep lately. I waited in silence for him to turn around. When he did it was with a slow, controlled movement. “Lady… or should I say, Princess Alizeyah?”

I did my best to smile warmly. I knew he could see my lack of comfort with the title. “Is Dani all right?” I asked, not waiting for small talk.

He didn’t look surprised in the least by my question and he nodded. “Oh yes, your little protege is doing quite all right for herself. She managed to put the entire library to sleep the day she apprehended  Lord Jellenaine.” I resisted the urge to shudder.

“I’m glad she is well. I hope to see her before I leave. Where is Lord Jellenaine?” I asked firmly.

Marthailain rose and directed us to follow him. We passed through a number of halls, up a flight of stairs and into a room on the second floor. My skin sizzled and crackled as we passed through a powerful ward over the doorway. Inside, Lord Jellenaine sat staring at a wall hollow-eyed. Dani sat at a desk surrounded by notebooks. I watched as she walked over to the Unicorn and firmly demanded information. “Was this the glyph you used to summon the Archmage?”

The Unicorn briefly looked down at the paper, studying it before looking away and saying “no” flatly.

Dani swore under her breath and was just turning around to head back to her table, when she looked up. Her eyes grew round when she saw me. A smile pulled at the corners of her mouth but she quickly pulled her emotions in check. I could tell she didn’t want to overwhelm me with my first trip “home”. Instead she sat her notes down and glided across the room to stand before me. “I’m glad you are here. I’ve missed you,” she said.

I smiled. “I’m sorry I missed seeing you turn the lights out on everyone in the Library. That’s a pretty awesome new skill.” Aiden cleared his throat behind us, mumbling about being on the receiving end of it. We both ignored him.

“It was something. Oliver still isn’t terribly happy with my methods.” She grinned.

“Why not? I would think he would be thrilled you handled what could have been a dangerous situation without you being harmed.” I couldn’t help but catch the gleam in her eye.

“He would have been had I not put him out too.” Her face scrunched up when she said it.

“Ah,” was all I could say. I looked back at Lord Jellenaine. “So what are you doing now?”

“He is under some sort of spell that prevents him from telling me about Romijeer, but I found that if I ask him direct questions about the spells and rituals involved he can confirm yes or no.” I looked at her pile of books, then back to the Unicorn where he sat motionless.

I walked over and dragged a chair to sit right in front of him. At first he didn’t look up at me, but I sat down in front of him, crossed my legs at the knees, folded my hands in my lap and stared at him. My eyes were as cold and unfeeling as I could make them. Slowly he realized I was there. He lifted his gaze to meet mine and stopped. His eyes flared widely, his mouth fell open, and he began breathing hard, processing what was in front of him. “YOU!” he said accusingly. His hand shot to his mouth where he covered and then rubbed his lips. “You should be dead. You should be walking the void,” he said in a whisper. “Has he sent his Wraith to collect me?” Lord Jellenaine asked with terror.

I grinned and did my best to make sure it was as chilling and cold as I felt. “You failed, and so did he,” I said finally. His hands trembled. “And now, I want revenge.”

Everyone in the room stopped to turn and look at me. I’m not sure it was the words as much as the honest intensity behind them. He held up his hands. “I can’t say anything. I’ve sworn a blood oath that holds my tongue,” he protested frantically.

I stood up and walked back to the table where Dani had her books. I brought over the one she had been studying intensely. “Show us the glyph we need to summon Romijeer.” It wasn’t a question.

“I can’t tell you. I sword a blood oath,” he argued.

“You and I both know that blood oaths can be overcome, it just hurts a little bit. Now show me or you won’t get to stay with these nice people. Do you know what Dragons do to Unicorns?”

He paled considerably. “Unicorns are rare. Dragons respect magical balance and law.”

“Just the same, you are little more than a treasure, and more importantly, a delicacy. I’ve never eaten a Unicorn, but I’m told if you skin them alive and roast them they taste pretty good.” His eyes streamed with tears as I leaned closer. He looked around at everyone else in the room. They all looked horrified, except for Ian, who locked gazes with me. He strolled across the room and grabbed my shoulder, trying to tug me around to look at him.

“You can’t threaten to harm him,” he insisted.

I let out a bitter laugh and shoved him away to turn back to Lord Jellenaine. “He cost me my Soul Mate, and for that he deserves to die… slowly,” I added.

Lord Jellenaine grabbed the book from my hands and began flipping through it. He screamed in pain as his skin steamed and smoked. No doubt the result of him breaking his magical blood oath of silence. Finally with a bone-chilling shriek that rent the air, he tossed the notebook down at my feet. “There! That one will call the Archmage, but you’ll need a Mage powerful enough to call him without a sacrifice.”

I bent down and picked up the book. I studied the glyph carefully, then turned and handed it to Dani. She took the book and nodded at me. I turned back to face Lord Jellenaine. “Were you ever in love with a Gargoyle?”

He shifted uncomfortably. “No.”

“Why did you choose me?” I asked.

“Because you were one of the few Elves I knew of in the area. I wasn’t aware you were half Dragon. Are you going to kill me?” he asked meekly.

I thought about it for a moment, then shook my head. “No.”

He breathed a sigh of relief. “Then you’ll let me go?”

Aiden laughed. “Not a chance,” he filled in before anyone else could.

I turned to leave the room and began walking down the hall. I heard feet running after me. Ian’s hand closed on my shoulder and turned me around. “Kat, you were scary in there. Are you going to be all right?” he asked.

I nodded. “I will be. I will be, when all of this is over.” I told him.

 

Arcane Magic (Dani’s POV)

I sat, staring out the window in the library. The OAC had a massive library hidden right beside the old one in downtown Seoul. Even though it was April, the air was still cold. In some ways it reminded me of Kat. You knew it was supposed to be warm and welcoming, but instead it had a sudden iciness to it. The rain probably didn’t help. The droplets beat against the glass in an almost melodic rhythm.

I looked down at the text in front of me. I had been focusing on the same old Elven and Dragon texts for a week. I knew Kat was planning to go after Romijeer, but I wasn’t sure how to help her with that. Neither of us were Mages. I ran my fingers over one passage again and again, processing the words carefully and considering them. Arcane magic tapped into the elements, and Kat could command the elements. What was to stop her or any Tempest from accessing arcane magic? Was on to something?

Just then there was a crashing noise from across the library. Everyone looked up. My eyes narrowed and I had check my anger. Some of these texts were thousands of years old. Who could be so careless? I slid from my seat and quickly marched in the direction of the noise. When I turned the corner, I came face to face with a strikingly handsome man. He was dressed in a navy hoodie and well-fitting jeans. His eyes were absolutely piercing when they looked at me, causing my breath to still. I looked at the mess at his feet and sighed in exasperation.

I shoved him out of the way and crouched down to gather up the tomes on the floor. “You don’t have to stand there. You can help, you know?” I said snidely as I gathered too many books in my arms.

“I don’t do menial tasks.” His tone was almost bored.

With the books gathered in my arms, I climbed back to my feet and took them to the nearby table so I could inspect them for potential damage. “Obviously, you don’t do manners either,” I snipped.

“Excuse me?” he snapped loudly.

Hefting the books down, I turned with my hands on my hips. “No!” I replied in a tone that was perhaps louder than is appropriate for a library. “You come into MY library, throw priceless texts on the floor, and then refuse to help clean up. There is no excuse for you. Who are you anyway?”

He smiled a gleaming smile that made my stomach do a flip. I shook my head to clear it. “Awww, a little Pixie that is more than a pair of breasts and wings. How quaint. Do you bite too?” he taunted.

“Not as hard as my boyfriend does,” I mumbled.

He pushed back his hood, allowing his hair to tumble free past his shoulders. The mark on his forehead, previously covered, was now visible. “Listen you insolent little twit, I don’t have time for this. I am looking for a very special text. An Elven arcane manual.” I processed the information. I knew the book he was talking about. It was the one I was working with – but I wasn’t about to tell him that.

“Are you a Unicorn?” I finally asked.

He stopped and blinked at me in surprise. He then let his annoyance fade, to be replaced by a smoldering look that called ‘come hither’ to me. “I am,” he said as he approached me with a slow deliberatness. “You know what they say?” I shrugged at him. “Unicorns are the realms’ best lovers.”

I snorted. “What? Since when? I’ve read a number of books on the topic, and I will have you know I have never heard such a thing. Did you just make that up?”

His eyes narrowed. “You’re obviously not a virgin,” he said with a pout, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Ha! That ship sailed long ago, my friend.” I shook my head and reminded myself to tell Oliver about this conversation so he could share the laugh. “Wait, I just figured it out. You’re a Unicorn and you attract virgins. Is it possible you only think your’re good in the sack because they have no frame of reference?”

His face began to turn red. “I am Lord Jellenaine. I am a high born, not some lowly inbreed like you. I demand you find me that text.”

The name clicked it all into place. My eyes flared and I had to fight to keep my calm. With a deep breath I forced my best smile. “My Lord, forgive me. If you have a seat over there and help yourself to a cup of tea, I will make some calls and track down the whereabouts of that book.”

He rolled his eyes, then huffed away. I rushed off down a row and tucked myself behind a bookshelf. I pulled out my cell phone and hit the auto dial for Oliver. On the second ring he picked up. “Hello?” he said in a groggy voice. I looked outside – the sky seemed fairly dark because of the storm.

“Oliver?” I said in a hushed tone. “I need you to get to the library, now.”

“What’s wrong?” he asked, snapping to full alertness.

“That Unicorn that setup Kat is here. I am trying to distract him.” I glanced his way, trying to look like I was busy searching for the book he was after.

I could hear Oliver rustling. “Stay safe. I will call and get an enforcer there as soon as I can. I’m on my way.” There was a brief pause. “Dani?”

“Yeah?” I asked.

“Promise me you won’t do anything dangerous?” I could hear in his tone of voice that he wasn’t sure a promise was good enough.

“I love you, get here soon,” I said, and ended the call. I knew I was going to hear about that later. I slid the phone back into my pocket.

“Pixie!!” Lord Jellenaine cried.

I rushed over to him. “Yes?”

“Yes what?” he snapped.

I closed my eyes to prevent the roll that desperately wanted to happen. “Yes, my lord?”

“Better,” he approved. “Where is the book?”

I hesitated and pulled out my phone. “I had to make a call. It is currently on loan for a research project.”

He growled. Who knew Unicorns could growl? I grew up thinking they were gentle creatures. “How much longer do I need to wait?”

“Someone is on their way now,” I told him. I didn’t mention they weren’t bringing the book.

He yawned. “My time is precious. Let’s hope they arrive soon, lest I am forced to write a strongly worded letter.”

I made a few more attempts at small talk but he shot them all down. I looked at the door, growing antsy. Where is he? I thought. Lord Jellenaine stood up and stretched. “I’ve grown tired of waiting. Put the text on hold for me and I will return another time for it.”

Panic shot through me. I couldn’t let him get away. “Wait!” I cried out. He turned to face me. I casually unbuttoned the top 2 buttons of my shirt. His eyebrow lifted. “I was hoping you could help me – I have some questions for you before you go,” I said.

Something within him stirred and I felt drawn to him once more ,but I focused on my goal. “Really? And what would those be, my dear?” His voice was deep and soothing again.

“I’ve always wondered about Unicorn sexual orientation,” I explained.

He smiled with a wicked, wolf-like grin. “Why do people have to choose just one orientation?” he asked. “Why do we have to be labeled?”

I smiled sweetly. “I guess you don’t,” I told him, drawing in a sharp breath as he grabbed me by the waist and ran a hand down my hip.

“I like to consider myself pansexual,” he explained. “I just let love come to me as it likes.” He dipped his head close to mine and ran his tongue along my neck. I shuddered and he took it as a good sign. Holding deathly still, I kept my eyes on the door. “Relax, little Pixie,” he said.

The door burst open and there stood Oliver, looking a little pink, but no worse for the wear.  My heart thudded in my chest and his gaze narrowed on us. His eyes turned black and his teeth lengthened. “Get your hands off what’s mine!” he growled.

Lord Jellenaine lifted his head to turn and look at him, confused. His hands slid off of me as he realized I was the object in question. He held them up. “There is no need to behave like this. We can all be friends.” In a blink of and eye Oliver was on him and they were both struggling on the floor.

I jumped out of the way when they knocked over a table. Their struggles got closer and closer to the rare books and my palms started sweating. They bumped a shelf and I winced as it rocked back and forth. They bumped it again and it swayed harder. I couldn’t take it anymore.  I flung my arms out towards them.

“Precious are those things we wish to forever to keep.

With binding Pixie dust I command you to sleep.”

I recited the quick spell and the whole room shimmered. Everyone in the library but me collapsed to the floor, asleep. I sighed and pulled out my phone, calling the head office of the OAC. I waited for Birda to pick up. I was surprised when the cool mellow tones of Marthailain answered me. “Head Office?” he said.

“It’s Dani, I need a clean-up crew at the library,” I said exasperatedly.

“Oh?” was all he said before I launched into the story about how I’d spent my afternoon.