by KB Anne
Rebecca pursed her lips as she studied Frank’s body as if trying to visualize the size of the tunnel based on Frank’s shoulder width. Christian and Frank were about the same size, but I was pretty sure Christian’s shoulders were broader. Rebecca came to the same conclusion. “Will Christian fit?”
Frank scratched his elbow. The remnants of a scab from his own tunnel adventure with Starr still there. “As the wolf, he could probably crawl through, but I bet he’ll try as a man. He’s as determined as Starr. I will give him that.”
Rebecca’s forehead pinched together. “That’s what I’m afraid of. I don’t know Starr that well, but Christian can’t sacrifice himself. He has responsibilities he’s avoided for far too long.”
I straightened in my chair. This was the first I heard mention of duties beyond saving Starr. “What do you mean by responsibilities?”
Ben and Coda scowled at her. She either didn’t see them or ignored them. Given my short experience with Rebecca, she ignored them.
“I…,” she started, but Coda interrupted. “She means he has school work he needs to finish.”
I laughed. “School work? Coda, you’re a terrible liar. Someday I’ll give you a tutorial. Ben, either you or Coda tell us the truth or Rebecca will.”
Rebecca studied Ben. He shifted in his seat, but this time it had nothing to do with his crush on her. He was hiding something, and I wanted to know what.
“Ben, they know about Starr. The deserve the truth about Christian.”
Ben’s nostrils flared. He was a pretty chill guy, but he apparently didn’t like getting forced into a corner.
Coda leaned toward him. “I agree with Rebecca. We should just tell them.”
Frank snapped a handful of twigs and put them in the chiminea opening. “We already know he’s a wolf-shapeshifter just like the two of you. Not much else could shock us.”
Ben scrubbed his jaw with his hand. “I disagree with you on that one my friend.”
When he didn't elaborate, it was time to resort to manipulation. I didn’t feel great about it, but he left me with no choice.
“Ben, after all we’ve been through together?”
Frank winked at me. Coda groaned. I’m not sure if he approved, but he admired my approach.
The four of us stared at Ben for a long time while he pretended to ignore us. Our laser beam stares finally broke him.
“Fine, Christian’s parents are dead.”
“And the Organization most likely played a role in their deaths. Spoiler alert, we already knew that,” Frank said.
“Christian’s family history is a bit more complicated than that,” Ben added.
Coda rubbed his hands. “To put it mildly. Our people have a long history here.”
I snapped my fingers. “Right, I read somewhere that your people were one of the few tribes able to withstand every invasion of your lands. That’s why the Eastern Band of Cherokee is a standalone nation within the United States.”
“Very good, Di,” Rebecca said, “but we’ve withstood more than invasions from early white European settlers.”
“Meaning?”
“The legends tell us that our people have been here since the mountains were created. Magic abounds in the Smoky Mountains, and that magic protects us, gives us life, blesses us with our own magic,” she said with a soft, steady voice.
“Shapeshifting is one example of that magic,” Coda added.
Ben gripped the handles of his chair as if he was trying to keep control of himself. “And many groups have tried to harvest that magic for themselves including the Fae, specifically the Silver Fae.”
I straighten. “As in Silverlain, Starr’s family tree?”
“The very ones. The Court of the Shadow Fae serves them and does their bidding.”
“And you think the Organization is part of this Shadow Fae Court?”
Ben glanced at Coda then Rebecca. “We do.”
Frank pulled my hand into his. “But what’s the big secret? You haven’t shared anything mind blowing.”
Ben released a long sigh, resigning himself to telling us everything. “Christian’s family tree traces back to the long before the Fae wars.”
“And…”
“There are Seven Clans of the Cherokee remaining,” Rebecca said.
Ben nodded at her before continuing. “The Wolf Clan is the largest. Most of the war chiefs in history were from the Wolf Clan. As a Nation, we have a chief elected by the people, but it is prophesied that one will unite all the clans through blood.”
“And Christian is believed to be the ‘Chosen One?’” I even used air quotes.
The three of them nodded.
“Isn’t that cliche? Does anyone even believe in that superstitious crap anymore?”
“Those who carry the stories do,” Rebecca whispered.
“And those who can shift,” Coda and Ben added.
Frank leaned forward. “Are we talking only wolf shapeshifters? Or are there more?”
Coda curled his hand into a bird claw. “A true shifter can take the shape of any living thing. The three of us, as members of the Wolf Clan, prefer the wolf.”
I didn’t want to be skeptical, especially since they were sharing secrets with us, but someone needed to play the Devil’s advocate, and no one was more qualified for that role than myself. “Why do you believe Christian’s the ‘Chosen One?’”
“The blood of four of the clans ran through his mother’s side. His father possessed the other three.”
“So he possesses all seven.”
Coda flicked his bird claw hand, and it returned to a regular human hand. “He possesses all fourteen. There were seven other clans in the beginning. A few left the area, others merged into the other clans. Christian’s family lines trace back to the fourteen.”
The past few weeks narrowed into focus. “And that’s what you’ve been arguing with him ever since Frank and Starr’s tunnel escapades? Especially after you found out Starr was a Silverlain, and therefore Silver Fae.”
“We’ve lived in peace for many years. We’ve kept the secrets of the mountains safe. We hide our true natures and keep the magic hidden. With the Silver Fae and Shadow Fae growing in strength and number, we fear the Third Coming is upon us.”
“And what does the Third Coming mean?”
“Only one will survive.”
Chapter Seven
Starr
* * *
I grabbed my journal and sat on the window seat. I needed to gather myself after my argument with Jude and Sami. Collapsing on the bed felt too dramatic. Too exposed. I constantly needed to remind myself that I could never appear weak in front of my guards. Each one would use it for their own gain. Tears were a sign of weakness. A sign that Sami got to me. A sign she wielded power over me. Sami was a power hungry beast. The more she acquired the more starved she was for me.
I stared at the woods as I doodled on a blank page. The strip of woodland was the only place I found solace. I glanced down at the journal and realized I’d sketched the wolf from my dream last night. After Sami’s recent reminder of Christian’s betrayal along with my wolf sketches, I should have fallen into another puddle of tears. I clutched the journal to my chest instead as I looked outside.
There in the shadows of a large oak tree stood the silhouette of an enormous wolf, much like the one I’d drawn. My chest tightened at the thought of Christian waiting me, but I dismissed it. That line of thinking was dangerous. If I spent too much time living in a fantasy world, I’d never survive my reality. Christian was living his own life far away from the Silverlain Estate. Our time together was a distant memory for him.
I tore out the sketches and tossed them in the trash can. I made lists instead. On one I added equipment I wanted in a gym. The other list was for clothing I needed for workouts. Writing lists comforted me. It was like an old friend who came to visit—dependable, known, and utterly predictable. I felt like my pre-Organization self when I had “To Do” lists for my “To
Do” lists. I might be a Silverlain princess, but no one could take the most basic parts of my nature away.
Adrenaline coursed through my veins as I added sneakers, shorts, tops, jog bras, socks, sweatshirts, pants to the list. Heck, I even added flip flops. I instantly cheered up at the idea of being able to wear comfortable clothing anytime if I wanted too. Well, at least when I was in my room or at the gym or running outside. I planned to spend most my time at those places, anyway.
And my list for the gym? Fuhgetaboutit. I included treadmills, elliptical machines, weights, mats, and jump ropes. I could add some swords, throwing knives, perhaps even some bows and arrows, but Willingsbee might get a tad suspicious. Besides, who’d train me? I wasn’t about to ask Thomas or Jude for personalized instruction.
I also didn’t planning to stick around long enough to train with any of the equipment. Fencing equipment might be useful. I glanced over at Sami who was shooting eye daggers at me. I wouldn’t mind sparring with her in the fencing ring, but my real satisfaction would come when I dragged her ass outside to run. I smiled at her. She was going to pay for shooting Frank, betraying our friendship, and hooking up with Christian. Yes, things would work out very nicely in the upcoming weeks. Revenge was sweet.
* * *
Dinner was a quiet affair. Neither Lord nor Lady Silverlain had any interest in conversing with their long lost granddaughter for a third time today. That was fine by me. It made the meal far more enjoyable. I savored the rich foods placed before me. All vegetarian, all the perfect serving. The double layer chocolate cake for dessert was especially delicious.
With a full stomach, I found Willingsbee in a small room off the foyer. It was a warm, cozy space in stark contrast to the rest of the Silverlain monstrosity. There were two red plush chairs positioned in front of the fire but angled toward each other to allow conversation. The walls were lined with bookshelves. I definitely wanted to check out his collection some time, but tonight was for ghost stories.
Willingsbee parked a tea cart parked between the chairs with a steaming pot of tea and two mugs. The gesture made me smile. At least someone was excited to see me.
“Good evening Miss Jessalyn, did you have a nice dinner?” He asked as he held out his arm to escort me to the chair closest to the door.
“I had a lovely time at dinner filled with long stretches of silence, and delicious food.”
His lips turned down. “Were Lord and Lady Silverlain not present this evening?”
I made myself comfortable in the comfy plush chair. “No, they were there, but they evidently didn’t have words to spare to their imprisoned granddaughter.”
His blue eyes flashed in anger before returning to their regular shade. Willingsbee was definitely Fae. I smiled to myself. I just found my source of information for all things Fae.
“It is unfortunate they missed out on your company. I find your presence quite enjoyable.”
Warm feelings surged through my veins. “As do I, Willingsbee. I think you and I will spend a lot of time together. You’re the only person I like.”
His eyes slid to my guards who had sat in the four wood folding chairs behind me. He was far too polite to point them out, but I wasn’t. He didn’t know how each of them betrayed me. They were far from innocent.
“Yes, even them. I don’t trust any of them.”
Jude cleared his throat but said nothing. I welcomed his silence especially since he was the one who always found opportunities to speak.
“Anyway, I’m here with you,” Willingsbee turned his attention back to me and smiled, “and I’d love to hear some ghost stories… at least for now.”
He wagged his shaggy eyebrows at me.
“The way I see it, you are my number one source of information about the Silver Fae and other Fae, but we can start off with ghost stories.”
He chuckled, gripping his side. Thomas shifted in his chair. Willingsbee stiffened as if remembering we weren’t alone. “Your grandmother informed me you will receive Silver Fae etiquette training. I assume your instructor will educate you on the finer nuances of the Silver Fae.”
I rolled my eyes. “Doubt it,” I said under my breath.
He pretended not to hear my comment as he poured us tea, but the way he pursed his lips in disapproval suggested he heard me. He offered me a mug, then took a seat with his steaming cup. “Through the years there’s been much talk that the Silverlain Estate played a major contributing role in the underground railroad of the Civil War. It embarrassed some Silverlains that such a respectable Southern family helped with the South’s undoing, but at one time many members of the family considered it an honor.”
I cradled my mug in my hands. “I do.”
He winked at me. “Your father did too.”
“Willingsbee, you alluded to other wars. Were there wars amongst the Fae? Is that why we’re denying our Fae nature?”
He pulled in his lips, and his gaze slid over to my guards. “Let me tell you about the ghosts Miss Jessalyn, it is a very interesting tale.”
So he didn’t want to tell me about the Fae. I’d circle back later.
“Sure, why not?”
“The ghosts are often heard at night, and usually in the basement. Many a servant has stood at the top of the basement stairs and heard strange noises rising from the lower levels.”
When I first escaped from my grandparents’ library, I worried I’d enter the family crypt or worse, the dungeons. Could there be dungeons beneath the main basement?
No wonder Willingsbee thought it was a mistake when I said my grandfather offered me a room in the basement for my gym. Grandfather even shocked my grandmother, and here I thought I was the only skilled enough to catch her off-guard.
“But they aren’t the only ghosts haunting this estate. Servants hear unexplainable noises coming from behind the walls of certain rooms, across ceilings, places there’s not even a doorway. Even in closets and behind staircases, but those ghosts don’t visit often.” He stared at me for a long time as if he wanted me to read between the line. Why couldn’t I be telepathic? That would be a useful skill. I wonder if that’s an ability I could develop with practice.
“The ghosts beneath the basement always make noise at times of unrest at the estate.”
The tunnels ran beneath the basement, but dungeons would too. Were there still prisoners? Was that what Grandfather meant when he said that training with Treadwell at the Island would be the least of my worries?
Stay focused Starr. I swallowed the lump in my throat.
“Has anyone ever investigated the ghosts?”
“No servant, including myself, goes down there. The house servants are forbidden from descending beneath the first floor of the basement. As for the rest of the estate, if a servant is brave enough to investigate, the noise stops.”
“Willingsbee, why did my father leave my grandparents?”
He drew in and out a long breath. “That is not my place to say.”
“But you do know why?”
“My obligation lies with him.”
If only I was a witch and could cast a silencing spell on my guards…
“The cook heard the ghosts recently,” he added.
I was sure she did. I was the phantom in that tale.
“As in yesterday.”
My eyes flashed to his. Yesterday?
Hope bloomed within me. Did my friends come searching for me? Were they trying to get me out?
“Willingsbee, have you explored the entire estate?”
The house servants were banned from the lower levels of the basement, but he never specifically said he was. The property was massive. There had to be nooks, crannies, and secret passageways everywhere.
“Most of it. I’m sure there are places I’ve missed along with some I would never venture if my life depended on it.”
He was referring to the dungeons no doubt. He didn’t need to worry. Whatever monsters hid there can stay there.
“When I disappeared from the lib
rary where did everyone think I went?”
“Your grandparents believed a door was left unlocked or perhaps that you picked it and snuck out.”
That was Willingsbee’s way of telling me they had no idea about the library secret passage or at least they didn’t until Treadwell and his team ripped the library apart in search of it.
“I see. Were you or the rest of the staff questioned about my disappearance?”
“Well Miss Jessalyn, that’s the beauty of being a servant. I’m not asked for my opinion, I’m told what to do and when to do it. I’ve worked here long enough to know that no one wants to hear a servant’s opinion. No matter how accurate it may be.” His eyes watered as he stared at me. I sensed a long history there. One that given the right circumstances, I could draw out of him, but I wouldn’t be here long enough to find out.
He glanced at his watch and rose. “Well Miss Jessalyn, it is getting quite late, and beautiful young ladies like yourself need your beauty sleep. You’ve sat and listened to an old man quite long enough. I will take care of your shopping list first thing in the morning. You should be running around this property by lunchtime.”
“Excellent. Thank you for spending time with me tonight. I enjoyed myself.” For the first time since my kidnapping, I felt at home. I wouldn’t let myself get too comfortable, but at least I could steal moments of joy along the way.
He bowed. “As did I. If you get a chance, check out the books in your grandfather’s study. He has some informative books about,” he paused, “the Civil War. You would really enjoy reading them.”
I angled my body so my guards couldn’t see my face. Frank always teased me I didn’t have a poker face. I couldn’t let my guards see how excited I was about Willingsbee’s hint. There must be a secret passage into the tunnels (perhaps another trap door like the one in the library) or the books included a history lesson on the Silverlains and the Silver Fae. A relationship my gut suggested was vitally important. “I will do that Willingsbee. I’m always on the hunt for interesting experiences.”