Saraya, follow your instincts. Don’t be afraid of your feelings. Everything will be okay.
The voice that speaks to me sounds closer, almost as if someone is whispering in my ear. It feels like the same voice I’ve heard all my life. It’s uniquely nondescript. I can’t tell if it’s a male or female voice. I don’t know if it’s real or if I’ve made it up. But I’ve learned to trust it and believe whoever is behind it has the best of intentions for me.
Saban and I are still locked in a staring contest but without the usual accompanying discomfort. Gazing into his eyes makes me feel as if I’m at home…at peace with the world…where I should be. While I was leery of him just a few minutes ago, his thoughts and feelings that are a part of me now are reassuring. I can’t help but wonder if mine are a part of him now too.
“You’ll think I’m crazy for what I’m about to say.” He sounds unsure of himself, something I’m sure is a foreign sensation for him.
“Try me.”
“Move in to the castle…permanently. You can work here, and plenty of the staff lives here full time. I can’t explain it, but I know you belong in my life. Since you don’t have any family to turn to, this is the perfect solution. Then you and I can spend more time together in the evenings, getting acquainted, learning everything there is to know about the other. It’s a crazy request, I know, and it sounds like a really smooth line some playboy royal would use to entrap a new mistress. That’s not my intention, I promise. I just can’t seem to stand the thought of you not being near.”
“Let’s see how the rest of the day and evening go first, then we can revisit your request. You may decide you can’t stand the sight of me after you realize I have two left feet while we’re dancing.” My smile is genuine, putting him at ease. I can dance with no problem, but this excuse gives us both an out if we come to our senses later.
“Fair enough. But I should warn you—I’m a very skilled dancer. I can lead you all over the dance floor and never once get my toes stepped on. You won’t get rid of me that easy.” Without warning, he leans down and places a soft kiss on my cheek. The warmth from his lips makes my cheeks flame, my heart flutter, and butterflies come alive in my stomach. “This is Addilyn. She’ll show you to your room and help you get dressed for the evening. I’ll be the impatient one at the bottom of the stairs, pacing back and forth until I see you again.”
I didn’t even see anyone else approach us.
When he releases my hand, the fog clouding my mind clears enough for me to gather my wits again. I watch Saban walk away for a moment before turning my attention to Addilyn. She smiles sweetly at me, prompting me to return the gesture. Given her beauty, I’m surprised Saban isn’t head over heels for her. Addilyn is tall and svelte, with her long, curly hair perfectly styled, her fashionable clothes, and her nails all beautifully polished. Her dark skin is smooth and glows with a heavenly sheen. Her full lips and soft brown eyes would make anyone jealous.
“Hello, it’s nice to meet you. Saban isn’t acting like himself today. He didn’t introduce us or give me any instructions on what he wants. I’ve never seen him so taken with anyone in all the years I’ve known him. It’s good to see he’s finally met his match.” She taps her finger on her lips while studying me with equal parts amusement and fascination. “He said he’d be impatiently waiting for you, so my guess is you’re his date for the engagement party tonight.”
“Yes, I am—because he wouldn’t accept no for an answer. I’m Sara, by the way. He didn’t even give you my name.” I laugh, somewhat nervously, and her bright smile returns. “I have absolutely nothing to wear, and he volunteered his sister’s wardrobe to clothe me for the evening.”
“Now it makes sense. I’m the royal fashion stylist, so I clothe most everyone who lives in the palace. I have the best job in the realm, if I say so myself. Come with me. The only time they’ll take their eyes off the bride-to-be tonight is when they’re looking at you.” She waggles her brows and flashes a devilish grin.
The thoughts and feelings flowing from her are all benevolent—so far. She reaches for my hand, and I take hers, hopeful to have made a friend and ally in this world. A tingle courses through my veins when we touch, and she releases an audible gasp. Her eyes grow wide, and her bottom jaw drops open. She pulls me close to her while nervously glancing around us.
“Let’s get out of here before someone starts asking questions.”
Yes, someone like me. What the hell is happening?
She pulls me with her, walking at a brisk pace until we reach the fifth floor of the palace. Inside the enormous guest bedroom, she locks the door behind us and closes the curtains.
“Addilyn, what’s going on? Why are we in hiding all of a sudden?” The vibes she’s putting off still aren’t harmful, but she is terrified of something. Or someone.
She stops pacing midstride. “You honestly don’t know, do you?”
“I guess not because I have no idea who you’re so afraid of, or why, or what caused it.” But I’m all for you filling in the gaps. Right now.
“We have a lot to talk about, Sara. Unfortunately, we don’t have enough time at this moment for me to tell you everything you need to know. There’s no way you’re from Covis Realm, though. I would’ve already known about you if you were. Did you come here from the outside world?” She already knows the answer to that question. She’s waiting to see if I’ll confirm her suspicions.
“You’re right. I’m not from here. I have no idea where I am, what the hell is happening, or how to get back home.”
“Why do you trust me enough to tell me? I know you didn’t tell Saban or his groupies.”
I shrug, not sure I’m ready to give away all my secrets just yet. “I get a good feeling from you.”
“That’s because you’re a mage, and you recognize your own kind. But mages are killed here, Sara, so you can never tell anyone what we are.”
I’m a mage? What?
“Killed? Did we go back in time to the Salem witch trials or what?”
“I’ve heard of Salem, but I can assure you it’s much different here. We didn’t eat a fungus that caused hallucinations and hysteria. We have actual magic in our veins, and it scares those in power who don’t have it. Mages were outlawed many years ago. They were hunted and murdered because of their gifts. The bloodlines are hard to break, though, and magic skips generations, only to find its way back to the chosen. Keep your magic secret, Sara.”
“Addilyn, hold on just a minute. I’m having a hard time with all of this. You’re saying I’m a mage. I have magic in my veins. I can do spells and all that shit. And people here want to kill me because of it. The only thing that makes sense to me is you did eat the fungus and you’re hallucinating all of this. I’m not a mage. I don’t have magical powers. I don’t know spells or ride a broomstick or cook in a big, black cauldron.”
She walks to me and grabs both my hands in hers. The zing I felt earlier is amplified ten times. “Do you feel that? That’s how we know one of our own. It can’t be simulated by anyone. You’re one of us, my dear. You said you get good vibes from me, which is a way of saying you can read my mind. So, tell me, am I lying?”
I drop the wall I’ve constructed around my senses and allow the stream to flow freely again. But this time is different. Instead of thoughts and feelings making themselves known, images fly through my mind like a movie playing on the silver screen. Addilyn’s childhood, being taught how to use and control her magical gifts. How to hide them from outsiders. How to cloak them.
“Holy shit. That has never happened before. Did you do that, or did I?” I search her face for an answer.
“You did, Sara.” Her smile is slightly sad…for me. “You’re a very powerful mage.”
“So, we don’t have to learn spells or use ingredients and all that jazz to use our powers?” I didn’t see any of that in her memories.
“No, that’s all superstition and make-believe stories the other world has created about us. Our magic com
es as naturally to us as their blood type does to them. I’d be honored to teach you everything you need to know, but we have to be very careful. Whatever you do, don’t breathe a word to Saban about it.”
“Trust me, I’m not talking to anyone except you about this. Saban asked me to move in to the palace. He mentioned working here too. All he knows about me is I’m homeless. He thinks I’m from the orphanage, and I didn’t correct him. If I accept his request, can I work with you? Then no one would question the time we spend together.”
“That’s a brilliant idea, Sara. Take him up on his offer. Believe me, he’s never been that generous with anyone in his life, so you’re meant to be here. As far as your training, I’ll make sure that happens. There are plenty of reasons why you and I would spend time together once you move in to the palace.
“Now, let’s get you dressed and ready for the gala tonight. Saban is already under your spell, figuratively speaking. Wait until he sees you after I’m finished with you. That boy will be madly in love with you by the time the clock strikes midnight.”
Chapter 5
“Isla is Saban’s sister and the bride-to-be. Tonight’s party should be all about her and Gerard, but don’t be surprised when you steal the spotlight from them. Everyone will wonder who you are, partly because no one has ever seen you at court before, but mostly because you look absolutely stunning.” Addilyn steps to the side of the full-length mirror, giving me an unobstructed view of her work.
The reflection in the full-length mirror on the wall renders me speechless.
My only hidden talent is the ability to sense the thoughts and feelings of others. I’m not the star player on the girls’ basketball team. I’m not the one who can jump the highest and spike the volleyball onto the other teams’ heads. In fact, I’ve never been more athletic than hiking or climbing trees. But my clothing of choice has always been more like a tomboy than a girlie-girl. Maybe because of all the time I’ve spent in the woods and helping Nana with her flower and herb gardens.
But now I’m rethinking my entire life’s strategy.
The deep purple ball gown has a floor-length skirt that’s full and layered with translucent ruffles covering the satin skirt underneath. The strapless bodice has a sweetheart cut, covered in shiny jewels. Addilyn pulled my long blond hair off my shoulders into a stylish updo, with curled wisps strategically placed for emphasis. Soft tendrils of curls hang loose around my face, and delicate jeweled earrings dangle from my ears. The color of the dress accentuates the light shade of my eyes, and the soft smoky eyeshadow she chose makes them pop like never before. The ivory lace fingerless gloves trail up my arms as if I’m adorned by real flowers and complete the princess ensemble.
“Addilyn, I have no words. You are a miracle worker.” I turn and look over my shoulder, gazing into the mirror and not believing it’s genuinely me I see in it.
“Only because I had a beautiful canvas to start with. Saban won’t be able to take his eyes off you tonight.” She beams with pride.
“I’m not so sure that’s a good thing, Addilyn. The less attention I draw to myself, the better.”
“It’s too late for that, my friend. I’ve never seen him look at anyone the way he did you. When he said he’d be waiting at the bottom of the staircase for you, he meant every word of it. He’ll make sure none of the other men reach you first. In case you haven’t noticed, nearly every woman in Easthaven Crest is after Saban Strydor.”
“Yes, I have noticed. It was hard to miss all the daggers being thrown at me from the eyes of the girls surrounding him. They were riding the flying horses. Do you have any idea what they were doing out there?” I hate not having all the information at hand, especially in my current circumstances.
Addilyn narrows her eyes and tilts her head to the side, examining me with all too keen eyes that see far below the surface. “You and I will have a long talk after the party tonight. For now, let me give you the highlights of where you are.”
When I don’t deny her assumptions about me, she motions for me to follow her into the adjoining room. Between the sitting room, the dressing room, the walk-in closet, and the bedroom, this suite is larger than my entire house back home. The whole back wall of the expansive room is one enormous map with so much beauty and detail, I have to fight back the tears. This is the first time since I landed here that I have any hope of figuring out a way back home.
“This is absolutely beautiful.” I stare in awe at the intricate detail drawn on the map.
“Everything you see on this map is called Covis Realm. It’s divided into several kingdoms, or nations. This area is Easthaven Crest, where all the humans live. Though they are different from the humans from your world—don’t bother denying it—because they live a lot longer and have more unique characteristics.”
She didn’t even have to take an extra breath to challenge me.
“Starting from the northwest corner, there’s Elderwater Basin, with all the natural pools, lakes, and streams. That’s where the merpeople live. Next to it is Timbergarde Pointe, the rolling hills and valleys where the shifters make their home. The northeast corner is where the Nightside Mountains are and where you’ll find the vamps and dragons.”
“Stop right there. Vampires are real?” I’m waiting for the punch line to follow.
Addilyn laughs at my wide-open eyes and slack jaw. “Yes, they are. But the fact that you asked about vampires being real instead of dragons first cracks me up.”
“I can believe dragons are real much easier than the walking undead, stalking around at night, drinking blood, and killing people.”
“You think they can only move at night? No, my friend. They are just like you and me. You may even see a few here tonight. Saban is doing all he can to win their favor. Okay, below where the merpeople live is where you’ll find the elves. I understand you already met a few of them. Rycan, their military leader, doesn’t like any humans on his land, and they know when anyone crosses the border. There’s a long-standing rivalry between him and Saban. The elvish land is called Elen Sevin. It means ‘sacred home’ in the elvish language.”
“I thought Rycan was going to kill me. Even with Saban defending me, Rycan glared at me with those piercing black eyes, and I felt his hatred in my soul.”
“Their eye color changes with their mood. If they were black, he definitely intended to kill you. But what do you mean, you felt it? Is that an expression in your world, or did you actually feel something?”
“Oh, I felt it. The hate, the anger—rolling off all the elves chasing me like a tsunami hitting me with full force. But when they stopped, he was the main one still trying to get to me.”
She grabs my face, leans in close, and stares deep into my eyes. I can’t sense her thoughts, so I have no idea what she’s looking for all of a sudden. How did she shield her thoughts from me?
“Who were your parents? Where are they?”
“I never knew them. They died when I was little. My grandmother raised me.”
“She raised you in the other world?” Her eyebrows draw downward, and her eyes narrow to mere slits.
“Yes, she did. My mom was her daughter, and Nana was heartbroken after losing her only child.”
While that’s the truth, I have no idea what the whole story is since I only learned of the “other world” a few hours ago. Needless to say, Nana’s bedtime stories didn’t include all the details regarding Covis Realm, Easthaven Crest, or all the magical creatures that live here. Some of her tall tales may hold the clues I need to navigate this unfamiliar world, if only I could remember all she told me.
Just as Addilyn’s long stare begins to unnerve me, her gaze softens then she slowly nods to herself. “I think there’s more to you than even you know, Sara. Whatever it is, hopefully you’ll tell me the full story eventually. For now, let’s finish the map. This entire area below the shifters and vampires and above the humans is affectionately known as the Veil.”
She sweeps her hand along part of the map, but
there’s nothing labeled in that area. It’s merely the border between Easthaven Crest and Timbergarde Pointe. “I don’t understand. Why isn’t the Veil on the map between the humans and the shifters?”
“Because that’s where the mages live, and our kind has been outlawed for many years now. We had to create a cloaked community to hide who we are. We go there to practice our magic, learn new spells, and recharge from the oppression we feel from the humans.”
“What would happen if they found out?” Ice runs through my veins because, in my heart of hearts, I already know the answer.
“They would have a mock trial then sentence us to death us for being mages. People like you and I are actually mages. There’s a subtle difference from witches as you know them. Mages don’t practice the dark arts, but the witches do.”
“Then witches are bad, and mages are good?”
“Not exactly. Just like every other creature, there’s good and bad in all of us. But we can choose to feed one more than the other. Witches use their powers to hurt others more than they help. They focus on revenge and retaliation against anyone they don’t like, so we use that term to define them. Mages never set out to use their powers to hurt anyone. They will only do that if they’re defending a life—their own or someone else’s. For the most part. But we can make mistakes or act out in anger and frustration sometimes.”
When she pulls out the shoes that match my ball gown, I can’t contain my laughter. “Ballet flats? With this gown?”
Cloaked: Easthaven Crest, Book One Page 4