Finding Answers (Dani’s POV)

I sat on Lady Jura’s bed patting her hand. She had seemed distant ever since she suggested Kat may be being held by a Mage. I had helped her back to her room that night, but before leaving asked why she thought it was a Mage and not a Gargoyle.

“When my sister and I were held all those years ago, the Mage who captured us used Gargoyle venom to control us. On Fae it’s highly effective, but on Darklings it can be broken down and metabolized. It will work for a little while but wears off quickly. Besides, the Gargoyles have treaties with the Dragons and have for a thousand years… even in the Human realm. Taking Alizeyah, who is widely recognized as Hudraer’s Mate, guarantees war.”

“Wouldn’t a Mage be afraid of attracting the wrath of the Dragons?” I asked.

Lady Jura shrugged at me. “Mages can be very self-centered and focused. Often they lose track of time … years at a time. They wouldn’t care about Dragon or Elf politics because they can move between realms effortlessly.”

“Is there anyway to track them?” I held my breath. I knew her past was painful but anything she knew could help us find her daughter.

She closed her eyes and thought for a moment. “Alizeyah’s father was able to track Mages. I believe the Elves have a magic that would grant them that ability.”

I stood up. “Great, I’ll get in touch with Marthailain and have him get us an Elf to track.” My hope took a nosedive as she shook her head.

“Her father was from a Kingdom that was sealed off from the Human world. Chances are you would need to go there to find someone able to track a Mage.” She paused. “You can get there through our realm, and I have heard rumors the gates have been unlocked from the Human realm as well. Elves are suspicious creatures, though. They aren’t likely to welcome a Human they don’t know, and certainly not a Dragon.”

I heaved a heavy sigh. “Oh well, then they are just going to have to deal with a cranky Pixie.” I stood and excused myself from her chamber.

Moments later I found myself searching the faces in the hall for Lord Vallen. I caught sight of him at the hearth with Young, Hudraer and Geren. I marched across the hall and reached out to tug on Vallen’s elbow. “Can I talk to you?”

He searched my eyes then excused himself from the group. I urged him to follow me towards a quiet corner. When I believed we were out of earshot I turned towards him. “Lady Jura has very valid reasons for believing a Mage may have taken Alizeyah. I want to go to the realm of her father and see if I can recruit an Elven tracker.”

“I’ll gather my things and we can leave at once,” he said, starting to turn.

Quickly I grabbed his arm and spun him around. “Lady Jura doesn’t believe that a Dragon would be welcomed. I stand the best chance as a Pixie. I need supplies and a way to get there.”

He was already shaking his head before I finished. “I can’t let you go alone. That realm, while peaceful, is not without its dangers.”

“This isn’t open for discussions. I will stay safe. I just need supplies.” He wanted to argue with me but he ultimately nodded in agreement.

“When do you wish to leave?”

“As soon as possible.” I started to turn so I could prepare then stopped. “If I give you a letter can you make sure Oliver gets it?”

He raised a brow but didn’t disagree before turning to prepare what I hoped was a bag with the supplies I would need. I found a pen and quickly wrote a letter.

Dear Oliver,

     I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to tell you before I left but I know you would never let me go alone. I’m following a lead to see if I can find a tracker that can help find Kat. Her father had the ability to track Mages, which is who we now suspect may be behind her disappearance. If I am not back in three days’ time, assume the worst, but keep searching for for Kat. Please.

All my Love,

Dani

I saw Vallen’s cue directing me to meet him upstairs. I did my best to slip away without Hue noticing and joined him in the cave above. Once I was there he held out a pack and cloak in his hands. “Thank you,” I said as I approached. He helped me slide the pack on my back then draped the heavy wool cloak around my shoulders. I started to say something but he held up a hand to cut me off.

“There are conditions to you going by yourself.” His tone was deadly serious. I nodded and he continued. “First…” he grabbed a dagger from his belt and slashed across his hand. “Drink,” he ordered as a red line of blood bubbled to the surface. I shook my head and took a step back.

“I’m dating Oliver,” I argued.

“That’s all well and good, but a blood exchange guarantees I can find you, and more importantly you can find your way back here on your own.” I looked at the line of blood. His palm was already sealing the wound.

“Ewwwh,” I squicked before licking the small pool of red hot liquid away. It burned its way down my throat. With shocking speed he used the nail on his thumb to press into my own palm and then drew it to his mouth. I started to fight and pull it away but he held it in place and drank it in. For a split second his eyes narrowed and shifted into something glowing and far more dangerous than I had seen from him before. “That’s enough,” I said, tugging on my hand again. This time he released it. “Was that really necessary?”

He shrugged. “We are not Soul Mates, so you will need a strong connection to come back here.” He then handed me the dagger he had used on himself and his sword. “Take these. Put the dagger in your boot. They are sharp enough to cut through a Dragon’s hide. They should slice though anyone in your way.” I gulped and slid the sword carefully into the slot on my pack meant to carry a tool. Then with a deep breath he reached up and pulled a leather band from his neck. Suspended on it was a silver and black bead. “This is on loan only.” Before handing it to me he grabbed me, pulling me close and the world shifted around us.

“Where are we?” I asked as things came back into focus.

“About a half a day’s walk from the Elven Palace. This is as close as I can get you.” He looped the necklace over my head and without invitation dropped the bead under the neckline of my shirt. “When you are ready to return back to the cave, grab hold of your Elf, close your eyes and focus on me. You share my blood now, and I yours. We are connected. Then just will the bead to take you to me.” He paused. “Also, while we cannot share thoughts like Soul Mates, if you focus on me I will feel you and will be able to find you. Come back safe.” He took a step back.

“How will you get back?” I asked.

Flashing the big smile that I knew melted knees, he tilted his head to the side. “I can fly back to a portal in a couple of hours. I’ll get home just fine.”

“Which way?” He pointed in a direction.

“Just keep walking east. I put a compass in your pack if you need it. Good luck.”

I thanked him again and turned to head East before stopping suddenly. “Wait, my note!” He rolled his eyes but accepted it as I shoved it into his hands.