Sunset, She Fights

by Tameri Etherton

  Theo’s gaze went from Alona to Rainne. “A witch? The last?”

  Rainne set down the teacup she held and reached for Theo’s hand.

  “Some witches in Faerie are said to be powerful enough to break any curse, although I’ve yet to find one.”

  “Any curse?” His eyes brightened and grew large, their pale blue like a summer sky. “Where is this witch?”

  “In Cere, sir. Not more than five days’ ride from here.”

  “Five days?” Rainne’s heart sank. Cere was in the Seelie lands of Faerie. There was no way she could hide the ogress that long on the road. She’d be killed before they ever got close to the city.

  Theo chewed the inside of his cheek and tore his toast into crumbs. He flicked a look out the window and stood. “Get bathed and dressed. We leave within the hour.”

  “But I can’t. Not for five days. It’s not safe.” Her rambled excuses stuttered from her lips, her mind whirling with expectation and renewed possibilities.

  “We won’t be riding. Alona, pack a small bag, just the essentials. You’ll stay here with Simpson while we seek out this witch. If there’s a chance to break your curse, perhaps she can help my brother, too. We have to try.”

  The desperation that edged his words spoke to a love deeper than any Rainne had ever known. He cupped her chin with his palm, his eyes swimming with hope. When their lips met, she imprinted the moment in her memory. Whatever may come, she’d never forget what they shared in the last few hours.

  They became a tempest of activity as soon as Theo left her rooms. A bath was drawn, bags were packed, and instructions given. Alona would stay in Rainne’s rooms while she was away, and Pora would accompany them to Cere. He’d give the thurnbull leaves to Theo for safekeeping and Rainne tucked a few into a pocket sewn into her tunic.

  As she passed the sitting room, her eyes were drawn to the little book she’d read while Theo slept. She almost left it, but at the last minute shoved it into her bag. She stood in the center of the room, packed and waiting for Theo. Her long hair hung loose around her shoulders and she scraped it off her face out of habit. Rainne never wore her hair down during the day, but it was a new beginning.

  Theo arrived a few minutes later and took her hand in his. “Hold Pora.”

  He didn’t even question that the cat would be going with them, and for that Rainne was thankful. Her nerves were already stretched too thin; she wouldn’t have survived an argument.

  “Whatever you do, don’t let go of my hand or of Pora. Do you understand?” Theo’s gaze burned into her and she nodded, her mouth suddenly dry. “I’m breaking an oath and several rules by doing this, but it’s important.”

  Theo held out his free hand and spun it in the empty air. He murmured words that made the hair on her arms raise and she took a half step backward. Theo’s grip tightened on her hand, giving her strength she desperately needed.

  A hole opened in the shimmering air, black and ominous. A section of the book she’d read came to the forefront of her thoughts and, despite herself, she stepped forward with anticipation. In her story, Ishnara had used the doorways, as the elves called them, to escape the palace. She’d had to battle a demon, which wasn’t in the version of events Theo had told Rainne.

  As they stepped into the all-consuming darkness, Rainne reminded herself that the only monster present was the one cackling inside her mind.

  16

  The air stilled and total blackness enveloped them. Theo fought off a shudder and held Rainne’s hand in his own as if her life depended on it. Which it did. The in-between was a void between worlds where anything might present itself. He’d used the doorways often in his youth for experimenting, and sometimes spying. He’d perfected how to arrive and leave without anyone the wiser.

  Laughter sounded near and he peered into the darkness for the cause. A tiny light flickered some distance away and he prepared himself for what was to come. When Simpson and the butler had confirmed Alona’s story, he’d felt relief, but it was overshadowed by the fact that Cere was in Faerie. He’d have to set aside his distaste for the fae if he wanted to help his brother and Rainne.

  Now, as he neared the doorway, his apprehension twinged every nerve. Rainne groaned and he turned in alarm. A trickle of blood flowed from her nose to pool on her upper lip. Her eyes had rolled up, with only the whites showing.

  “Rainne!” He grabbed her around the waist and propped her against him. She moaned again and her head flopped back to rest on his shoulder. Pora’s little cat face peeked between her arms, his eyes full of concern. “Don’t worry, little fella. I won’t let anything happen to her.”

  Pora stretched a paw and placed it on the arm Theo had wrapped around Rainne. The doorways affected Rainne differently than it did him, which he found curious and terrifying. He didn’t know different species would encounter problems.

  They tumbled through the doorway into a dank cellar that smelled of dirt and mold. Theo coughed and sneezed as he held himself and Rainne upright. Her head lolled from side to side, and she blinked several times before rousing herself.

  “What happened?” She put a hand to her forehead. “Gods, it hurts.”

  “It must be the ogress in you. I’ve never encountered anyone having trouble with the doorways.”

  “Ishnara did.” She wiped her lip and frowned at the blood that came away on her fingers.

  Theo handed her a handkerchief, unsure he heard her correctly. “Ishnara? From the curse?”

  Rainne nodded. “Mmm-hmm. She fought a demon. She and Heracul.”

  “You’re talking nonsense. We need to find the witch and fast.” He half-dragged her up the stairs into a busy common room filled with species from every region of their world.

  Theo paused in his step. A terrible shudder of anxiety rippled down his back. In this room was everything he feared and loathed. Some more than others.

  “Oi! What’r ye starin’ at?” A wrinkled man sitting on a barstool not more than a pace from Theo waggled a finger at him. “What’s with the dame?”

  “I need to find Meg. Is she here?” Theo hoped the information Simpson had gleaned was correct. The sooner they got the witch’s help, the sooner they could leave.

  The old man scratched at an armpit and glanced at the barkeep. “Not yet. Soon, though. She be here when she done wit the market, I ’spect.”

  The door opened and a giant crowded the light from outside. He ducked beneath the lintel and smiled to a friend seated by the dartboard. Giants and brownies and whatever the old man was—gods’ truth, Theo definitely needed to get out of the pub. Obviously, the Shoogly Dragon, as it was called, was not a reputable place.

  “I heard you’re looking for me.” A smallish woman with greying hair and skin the color of fresh cream approached from the front door. She gave him a long perusal before turning her gaze to Rainne. “Come over here.”

  She led them to a corner booth and scooted onto the seat. Theo eased Rainne against the wall and slid beside her. Pora jumped up to sit with Meg. At least, he hoped she was Meg. And that she could help.

  “I am, and I’m not sure.” Meg smiled mysteriously and pet Pora. “What brings an elfling to Cere?” She waved to the giant and did a funny little tilt of her chin. “That’s Tug. He worries about me, but he’s a good lad.”

  Her gaze returned to Theo and he had the sensation the witch knew more about him than he did.

  “I was told you can help with curses.”

  Meg blew out a breath and waved her hand as if he were joking.

  “I’m serious. I have money. We’re desperate.”

  Rainne reached across the table and took the witch’s hand in her own. “Please. You’re my last hope.”

  Meg patted her hand and nodded. “Nay, lass. There is always hope, but I can’t help you. You must accept what you can’t change.”

  Rainne snatched her hand away as if burned. Theo looked from her to the witch, his hand hovering over the dagger he wore on his hip.

  �
��That’s what she said, too.” Rainne rubbed her hand.

  “Who? The first witch?” Theo didn’t understand what was happening and felt the ground tilt beneath him. He needed to get back on equal footing, to grasp the situation fully.

  Rainne nodded slowly and rolled her bottom lip between her teeth. “The night we were attacked by wolves, I went to see her. She couldn’t help, either.” Tears welled in Rainne’s eyes and Theo put his arm around her for comfort.

  “I’m sorry.” Meg’s sweet face fell. “I don’t like giving bad news, but the pair of you seem to bring it in spades today.”

  “What do you mean?” He didn’t like the way that sounded. Nor did he like the attention Pora gave to the witch. He rubbed against her arm until she pet him and if she stopped, he’d nudge her hand. It was a gross display of disloyalty.

  “I cannot help the lady, nor can I help you. You know the cure for your brother and you must trust that his curse will play out how it’s supposed to—without interference from you. Matters of the heart are delicate things that need time to grow and strengthen.”

  She spoke of Therron, but Theo had the sense she meant him as well.

  A shadow fell over the table and Theo looked up into the grumpy face of the giant. “Ye all right here, Meg?”

  “I am. These fine folks are in a bit of a pickle and I’m afraid I can’t help them.”

  A frown pulled Tug’s brows low. “If’n you can’t help ’em, then I ’spose no one can.”

  Meg shifted her weight to scoot out of the booth and Pora mewed against the disruption. “Thank you for your confidence, Tug, but that’s not true.” She turned to look pointedly at Rainne. “You have it in you to break the curse. You just have to be brave enough to find it. As for you, young prince, let your brother’s business go about its way without your meddling. What happens to the Mistwalkers affects all of Faerie and the elven kingdom. If you interfere, you might make it worse.”

  She and the giant strolled away and Theo put his face in his hands. He’d come looking for answers and ended up having more questions.

  A serving girl approached and he was about to turn her away when Rainne asked for a mug of strong mead. He added one for himself, then another for Pora. The cat winked and tipped his ear.

  “As long as it’s not beer.” He shuddered at the memory of the foul liquid.

  “I wouldn’t think a man of such fine breeding as yourself would have the stuff.”

  “It was at the first inn.” A blush warmed his neck, irritating the wound. He loosened the bandage and sighed. “So much has happened since Duir. I’m sorry we couldn’t get a cure for you.”

  And equally sorry he couldn’t help Therron.

  The serving girl brought their mead and he placed several coins on the table. By the way her face lit up, he supposed it was more than enough. Pora slurped his drink, getting foam all over his chin. Theo had to look away before he wiped his fur with a cloth.

  Rainne dug into her bag and pulled out a book. She slid it to him but didn’t meet his eyes.

  “You need to read this.”

  He looked at the cover and flipped through a few pages. It wasn’t a book he was familiar with. “What’s this?”

  “It’s Ishnara’s side of the story. It might help with your brother’s curse. Or maybe not. But it will give you insight into Ishnara’s version of what really happened.”

  His gut vibrated and his mouth went dry. “What really happened? I told you what happened.”

  “No, you told me the version your ancestors wanted everyone to believe. This was written by Ishnara afterward. Please, read it. I think you’ll be surprised with what you find.” She sighed and took a long drag of her drink. When she set the mug down, she wiped her lips with the sleeve of her tunic. “Every story has at least two sides—sometimes three. Yours, theirs, and the truth. I don’t know where this story fits into your narrative, but you owe it to your brother to read it.”

  She nudged the book and he opened it to the front page. She was right. According to the writing, it was Ishnara’s story. He flipped back to the cover and squinted at the black ink.

  Anaeum Patrae Serventianae.

  He gasped and Rainne took his hand.

  “You know what it means, don’t you?” She stroked his skin with her thumb.

  Theo nodded, not sure yet if he believed what he read. “It’s ancient. One of the oldest languages recorded. A form of elvish called Eleri. No one speaks it, nor have most heard of it. Even in Ishnara’s time it would’ve been archaic. There’s absolutely no reason why a faerie queen would be familiar with it.”

  “What do the words say?” Rainne ran a fingertip across the lettering.

  “Loosely translated it says, the love you take is the love that breaks.”

  “She didn’t love Heracul, Theo. That’s the lie your family told after she left the palace. Read the story. Decide for yourself. Like you said, forgiveness isn’t for the other person, but for yourself.”

  She sucked in a breath and sat back, her eyes wide.

  “What is it, Rainne? Are you unwell again?” He glanced out the window, but there was plenty of sunlight still.

  “I don’t know. I keep having these pains in my chest.” She put a hand on her heart and breathed deep for several seconds. Her other hand gripped the silver pendant she always wore. “I think I’d like to go home. Can you do that, Theo? Can you send me to Duir?”

  His own heart cramped and he sucked in a breath. “You want to leave me?”

  “I need space to think and it’s getting late. Can you send me home or not?”

  Even Pora looked at her as if she’d lost her mind. The day had been going so well. He was a fool for bringing her to Cere. His glare went to Meg, who watched him with those all-knowing eyes and that mysterious smile. She knew what Rainne was—did that mean this was part of Rainne’s healing and he couldn’t help?

  He didn’t want to send her back to Duir alone. And she’d said “send,” not “take,” which he interpreted to mean she didn’t want him to accompany her. He didn’t want to leave her, but had to respect her need for time to process everything.

  “I can send you home. I’ll send Alona and your belongings tomorrow with a squadron of soldiers to assure her safety.”

  They made their way to the cellar in silence. With each step, Theo’s heart broke a little bit more.

  He’d hoped to have a future with her and still hoped they could be together. As an elf, as an ogress—he didn’t care. He loved Rainne. All of her. The best parts and the worst. Although, to be fair, he hadn’t seen many bad parts.

  He told her to think of her room at Duir and he said the words that would whisk them there in minutes.

  “I love you, Theo, I truly do. But you deserve more than this. You deserve dancing and laughing and loving without conditions or restraint. You’re a prince who should have an elven princess—all elven, without a curse dividing your affection.” She reached up and kissed him lightly on the lips before pushing him backward and grabbing Pora.

  Before he could right himself, she was gone. The doorway shimmered with tantalizing lure, but he didn’t step through. If she’d wanted him to come with her, she wouldn’t have said her farewell.

  He touched his lips with his fingertips and said a silent goodbye.

  17

  Rainne kept her bedroom firmly in her mind and held Pora with a death grip. What the gods’ folly had she done? Theo’s face when she pushed him backward would haunt her for the rest of her days. The betrayal and hurt she saw etched across his beautiful features were too much to endure, but bear it she would. It was the least she could do.

  A tiny light flickered and she doubled her focus until it became a gaping hole in the middle of her room. She tumbled forward and Pora sprang from her grip. By the time she turned around, the doorway shrank to the size of a melon, then blinked out of existence. She sat on the floor and stared at the empty space for a long time.

  Pora hissed and spat while she
waited. For what, she wasn’t sure. For Theo. She hoped he’d come after her and beg her to change her mind, but why would he? She’d been fairly firm in her farewell. It was for the best he didn’t follow her, but still she wished he would. Who in their right mind could love her as an elf during the day, and an ogress at night?

  Shadows passed over the walls and she stood on stiffened legs. Tears threatened, but she blinked them away. She left him—she didn’t deserve to weep for his absence.

  “You’re a fool, you know.” Pora stalked the room on his hind legs, his tail a bottle brush sticking straight out behind him.

  “I know.”

  “He loves you. All of you. Even the ogress part of you.”

  “And that’s why I had to leave him.”

  Pora’s little paws went to his hips and he glared at her. “What? You left him because he loves you? You’re mad. Love made you lose your damn mind.”

  “No, love made me see everything clearly.” She picked him up and snuggled his head beneath her chin. “He might love the ogress part of me, but I don’t and never will. I despise her and if I’m with Theo, I’ll always wonder if he loves her or me.”

  “You’re being ridiculous.”

  “Maybe, but you don’t know the torment I live each night. I have to fight her just to stay calm, to not go on a murderous rampage. She’s vile, Pora. What if Theo isn’t safe with her around?”

  She set him down and took out two of the thurnbull leaves. His paw reached up to stop her, but she popped them in her mouth. She rolled another two between her fingers. Finnick had said not to take more than two, ever. Three might knock her out the entire night—or kill her.

  Her gaze went to the mirror and she shuddered to see the harpy looking back at her. Dark half-moons hung beneath her eyes and her hair stuck out at odd angles. She was a mess. Literally and figuratively. She set the rest of the thurnbull leaves on the table and stripped out of her clothing. Her favorite robe was still in Elvenwood, so she grabbed another. It was one Finnick had brought back from a trip to Faerie. Made of the finest silk, she’d thrown it in the back of her cupboard and refused to wear it. The look of pain across Finnick’s face had made her laugh at the time, but she wasn’t laughing now.