by Macy Blake
The little creature’s eyes about bugged out of her head, but she nodded quickly before she popped out of existence. Kavalan lowered his head, his eyes closing for a moment before he straightened and returned his attention to Sawyer. “This isn’t how I wanted you to see my home for the first time, my mate. I imagined a much grander entry with a celebration that you would remember for the rest of your days.”
Sawyer reached out and gently took Kavalan’s hand in his. “Oh, I don’t know. This has been pretty damn memorable. Can we get Henry help now?”
“Of course. Loch, lead the way. Nothing stops us, understood?”
“Yes, my prince. The rest of your guards will be joining us soon. Your mate will be well protected.”
Kavalan let out another sigh and squeezed Sawyer’s hand tightly. “You must remain with me at all times, Sawyer. It is not safe here for a human, but you will be fine under my protection, as long as you do as I ask. Do you understand?”
Sawyer nodded. He had no doubt there were dangers here, as many or more than there were back at home where he was at least on familiar ground. Nothing here looked the same.
Eduard stepped up beside him and wrapped an arm over his shoulders. “Kavalan, if it is far, we could shift and move more quickly as Sawyer is unable to fly.”
Kavalan looked around again. “Sawyer should remain low to the ground.”
“My prince, we should move,” Loch said.
Kavalan nodded. “Guardians, stay around Sawyer and stay alert. We will be safe once we reach the clodagh.”
Sawyer tightened his hold on Eduard’s hand as they started forward. Every sound made him flinch, and he kept checking on Henry and Pearl. Neither of them were moving, but they both seemed to be breathing. “Kavalan, what about the others? My brother and his mates. My staff. I… I need to know they are safe.”
He didn’t have to answer. The look on his face said enough. Kavalan didn’t know what the fate of the others was.
“Please. Is there anything we can do? Any way we can find out if they are okay? See if they need help? We abandoned them and—”
“Our duty is to you, my mate.”
Sawyer bit back a snarl. “I need to know if they are okay.”
“We must get to the clodagh. Then we can plan,” Kavalan said. “Come. We cannot delay further or we risk putting the others in danger.”
Eduard tightened his grip on Sawyer’s hand, stopping him from arguing further.
“Tell us about the clodagh, Kavalan,” Eduard said. “I’m unfamiliar with it.”
They began moving again, and Eduard tugged Sawyer along after giving him a significant look. Eduard had to be worried about the others as well. Sawyer sucked in a breath and let it out. He needed to stay in control. Andvari had prepared him for situations like this. He had to breathe and stay focused.
“The clodagh is the sacred lake. It is known for its healing waters. Fae come from far away to step into the waters and experience its healing powers. Your mage will be fine, my mate, but it is urgent that we get him to the waters as quickly as possible.”
More than anything else, that lit a fire under Sawyer’s ass to hurry. If they could heal Henry, then the worry and fear of the rest of the unknown would be… well not okay, but he would live with it if it meant making Henry better. He had to have faith that the others were okay. The vampire guards were still there, and Asher had to be able to fly as fast as Draco. Sawyer had seen that much for himself when they’d done their little mock-battle. Everyone would be fine.
He resisted the urge— barely— to once again call for the Mother Goddess and ask for her assistance. He could still do it if he needed to. But he knew he shouldn’t. Instead, he sent a carefully worded prayer to her, asking for her guidance and protection. He didn’t know what else to ask for. And if he were totally honest, if he listened to the little voice deep inside him, it told him to listen to his guardians and trust. Have faith. They were all okay. He somehow believed that he would know it otherwise, even if he didn’t have one of Henry’s visions to reassure him.
They had to be.
He breathed and continued walking, focusing on putting one foot in front of the other. It was all he could do.
Eduard
Eduard couldn’t imagine anything more beautiful than the fae realm. He’d heard tales of it, of course, but passing through to the fae’s territory was rarely done and extremely dangerous. It only happened at the personal request of the queen. Eduard hoped her son carried enough weight to get them a pass. They hadn’t had another option, though. A banshee’s scream was dangerous enough to their kind, but to a human? And a mage on top of that? Banshees were air elementals as well, and as such, they were able to specifically target others with their element, like Henry. Which was why Henry was still unconscious.
But why?
The obvious answer was to weaken or destroy the wards around their property. Henry’s magic formed them, and killing him would destroy the wards. It would have left them incredibly vulnerable to attack. It was the most logical explanation. But something told him it wasn’t the reason. Unfortunately, he couldn’t think of another one.
Sawyer’s grip tightened on his, and he ran his thumb soothingly along Sawyer’s in return, trying to give him a little reassurance through their joined hands. Most of Sawyer’s tension came from worry over the others. Henry and Pearl were at least here with him. He could see with his own eyes that although they were hurt, they were okay. The rest of the staff were unknowns, though, as were Sawyer’s brother and his mates. They would have to wait for word on their safety, and that worry was about to break Sawyer’s resolve.
They’d been walking for what felt like several hours. Andvari, Saeward, and Draco had all passed Henry’s unconscious form between them while the other two took turns standing guard. Eduard hadn’t left Sawyer’s side. He’d kept his eagle-eyes peeled, looking for anything which stood out as unusual. Kavalan walked on Sawyer’s other side and the rest of the fae guards were flying above them, making sure the way was clear.
“We’re close,” Kavalan said quietly.
Sawyer didn’t reply, but he did glance worriedly over at Henry. Saeward had him in his arms, carrying Henry’s weight as if it were inconsequential. Pearl had demanded to walk on her own about an hour before, yipping and whining until Draco caved and sat her down. Although she was slow, she was moving on her own. But she was sticking very close to them, as if she knew they weren’t out of danger yet.
When they rounded a final bend in the path, a stunningly beautiful lake appeared. The waters were the palest lavender, and the trees surrounding were all lush in deep purples and fuchsia pinks. Along the beach were large rocks, but between them was crystal white sand. It was a page out of a fantasy painting, and they all paused for a moment to take in the beauty.
“Saeward, take Henry into the waters now,” Kavalan said. “You will both be safe there. Guards, spread out and warn the others to mind themselves.”
The guards nodded and flew away.
“The others?” Eduard asked.
“The lake is home of the imps. They are a mischievous lot, but are no danger to us.”
Sawyer released his hold on Eduard’s hand. “Can I take Pearl in? To make sure she’s okay, too?”
“Of course,” Kavalan said.
Saeward walked straight into the water and within seconds he’d shifted to his half-human, half hippocamp form. He balanced Henry on his chest in the same way he often swam with Sawyer. They floated there calmly with the majority of Henry’s body beneath the surface. Draco had stopped at the water’s edge, while Andvari remained by Sawyer’s side. Pearl didn’t hesitate before pouncing into the water happily. Sawyer only waded in up to his calves and kept a close eye on her.
Eduard took the moment to turn to their host. “Kavalan, I need to know what the plan is. How long are we going to need to stay here?”
The prince looked worried. “I’m not sure. I’ll have Loch send a message to my staff. My mo
ther will not allow me to leave until you’ve all officially met with her. I will have to navigate this trespass carefully.”
“That’s what I was afraid of.”
“The banshees would have killed them both,” Kavalan said. He looked out at the water at Henry and Sawyer. “They are forbidden from attacking humans. And to do so while they are under my protection…”
“Loch seemed to think they weren’t working alone.”
“Loch thinks a lot of things. It’s best if you let me untangle this mess on my own. You do not know our ways, and my captain prefers to see things as— black and white, I believe is the human expression. But as you can clearly see, things here are not black and white at all. There are many offenses to be made, and I can only deflect so much damage before my mother steps in.”
“I understand the danger we are in,” Eduard said. “We need to know where we stand, however. It is our duty to keep Sawyer safe, and now we are in unknown territory facing unknown threats. We have no food, no supplies, and no way to defend ourselves outside of teeth, claws, and Andvari’s sword. You have to understand my concern.”
Kavalan glanced once more toward the water. “Food and supplies will be here soon. As will the queen of the banshees. I must prepare for her arrival. You are safe here at the clodagh. None who are in her waters or on her shores can do harm. It is a sacred bond. Keep to the sand and you will not be harmed in any way. You have my word of honor as prince of the fae.”
Eduard understood that Kavalan could make no stronger of a promise. “Thank you, Prince Kavalan.”
Kavalan bowed his head regally before hurrying to the group of guards who had spread out at the tree line. Eduard walked down to the shore and stood between Andvari and Draco. “We have his word that we’re safe as long as we keep to the water or sand. Anywhere else isn’t safe. Food and supplies will be arriving soon. As will the queen of the banshees.”
Andvari nodded. “What else?”
“We need to keep Sawyer calm. He can’t get involved in this. The fae are easily offended, and if word gets to the queen that we have offended one of hers… it won’t end well.”
“Okay,” Draco said. “We’ll explain it to him. He’ll be fine.”
“Will he? He’s worried sick about his brother and the rest of the staff. Look at him.”
Sawyer seemed lost in thought, staring out at the spot where Henry and Saeward floated. Pearl stood beside him, leaning against his legs, and he petted her head absently.
“That’s not a good look,” Draco said. “That’s his pissed-off look. He’s plotting something.”
“Then we need to intervene. He can’t plot until we have the lay of the land. I’ll find a way to get word about the others.”
Andvari and Draco shared a look. They were practically playing rock, paper, scissors with their eyes. None of them liked confronting Sawyer with bad news, but someone had to do it. They both turned back to Eduard after a moment. They had obviously decided wordlessly he was the best mate for the job.
Eduard scowled at them both. “Fine, I’ll talk to him.”
He received pats on his shoulders in reply. Big, brave dragons and vampires indeed. With a scoff, he approached Sawyer cautiously, not wanting to startle him. He should have known better. Sawyer reached for his hand the moment he approached, the pensive expression never leaving his face. “I’ll be fine,” Sawyer said softly. “As long as everyone is okay, I’ll be fine.”
“We’ll find a way to get word to them, Sawyer. Once we were gone, there was no need to continue.”
“I can’t keep putting everyone in danger like this.”
Eduard pulled in a breath and squeezed Sawyer’s hand tightly in his.
“You can’t stop it.”
That caught Sawyer’s attention. He turned to Eduard, his eyes wide and pain-filled.
“You know you can’t, love,” Eduard added gently. “This is part of it. We’re here to protect you. And that means you need protection. There’s a reason why there are going to be eight of us. Think about that. But we’re all made of tough stuff, and we have friends in high places. We’re going to be okay, even if we get banged up a bit along the way. At the end of the day, though, the prophecy stated that it would take eight of us to keep you safe. That means we will be in danger and there’s nothing you can do to stop it.”
Sawyer huffed and turned back to the water. “Something was off back there.”
“Yes,” Eduard agreed. “Kavalan is going to have to navigate the politics of this for us. The rules here are very different from our own, and we cannot afford to offend any of the fae.”
“They attacked me at my home. And we’re the ones who have to worry about offending?” Sawyer’s voice was low and angry, harsher than Eduard had ever heard it before.
“Sawyer, love, please. Kavalan has already asked for the banshee queen. She’ll be here soon, but you can’t intervene in this. Please, trust me.”
“You know I do,” Sawyer said. “But I’m tired of constantly being on the defensive. I want to know what the hell is really going on so I can put an end to it. I want our lives to return to normal.”
Their lives were never going to be normal, and it broke Eduard’s heart that Sawyer hadn’t yet realized it. It wasn’t enough that he was the Chosen One as a human. It wasn’t enough that he had eight guardians, each from a different clan who rarely interacted with the others. It wasn’t enough that he was expected to solve a centuries old problem with no magic of his own. And it definitely wasn’t enough that he’d decided to claim each of his guardians as his mates. Any one of those things would mean their lives would never be normal again. Putting it all together was a recipe for disaster.
Yet… somehow they managed to pull through and grow stronger each and every day. They’d done the impossible, so maybe normal would be available for them one day, too. He wouldn’t be the one to dash Sawyer’s hopes. No, he’d do anything in his power to give Sawyer whatever normal life he desired.
“Something’s happening,” Sawyer said quietly.
Eduard hadn’t even noticed, but he turned and looked into the distance, picking up something heading their way.
“How did you—”
But Sawyer had turned and started for shore, sending a look Saeward’s way as he went. “Stay in the water, Ward. Keep him safe.”
Ward nodded and began to move farther away from the shoreline.
“Draco,” Sawyer said quietly.
“Yes?”
“Watch my back.”
“Always,” Draco promised.
“Pearl, stay.”
She stopped in her tracks at Draco’s side and didn’t seem pleased about it.
Eduard loved this side of Sawyer, even though they didn’t get to see it often. He was a leader at his core, but didn’t have to constantly be in control. Goddess, it was hot watching him take control.
“Eduard, stop drooling. I’ll fuck your brains out later. Andvari, cut the head off of anything that tries to get near me.”
“I will,” Andvari said. He drew his sword and bounced it a couple times in his hand before settling its weight at his side.
Eduard couldn’t hold back his grin. “Anything you need from me, oh mighty Chosen One?”
“Don’t let me screw this up. But I will not bow down to her or anyone else here. One of hers came to my home and attacked my mate. It is unforgivable.”
“Yes, it is.”
“I love you.”
Eduard leaned in and pressed a kiss to Sawyer’s lips. “And I love you. Be strong, but try not to speak unless Kavalan indicates you should. Stand firm, and we will hold our ground. But Kavalan needs to do the talking unless he indicates otherwise to you.”
“Understood. Looks like he’s sent Loch to us.”
The captain crossed to them and stopped with a grim expression on his face. “My prince has—”
“Said for you to keep me safe. Fine. You stand between me and them, but if anyone comes my way, my guardians ha
ve my orders.”
Something flickered in the depths of Loch’s brilliant blue eyes, something Eduard hadn’t seen there before. Admiration, perhaps. He bowed to Sawyer before drawing his sword.
“Vampire, you go right. I go left. And remember, we cannot be on the sand when we strike or we forfeit our lives. The banshees know this as well.”
“Understood,” Andvari said.
Sawyer crossed his arms over his chest and planted his feet in the sand. Eduard had to fight back his smile. He managed, but only with years of experience having to do the same for his own clan. Kavalan and the rest of his guards moved forward, meeting the queen of the banshees about a hundred yards away from them on the shore. They were too far even for Eduard to be able to pick up what they were saying, especially with the water lapping gently onto the shore beside them.
“Tell me about them,” Sawyer said quietly.
It took Eduard a second to realize he was speaking to Loch, and it seemed to take the fae a moment as well. He glanced over his shoulder briefly before turning slightly to the side so he could speak low and soft. “The queen’s name is Atarah. She’s very powerful and very strict with her sister banshees. She’s going to be pissed because she’s at a disadvantage, and she’s going to try to figure out a way to place the blame on Kavalan.”
They waited another moment, watching the action taking place in the distance, before Loch spoke again. “My prince is very good at this sort of thing. I don’t have the patience for it, but he has mastered the double speak that the fae are so known for.”
“You don’t include yourself in that group?” Sawyer asked.
Loch shrugged. “My strength is in my sword, and my prince knows that.”
Kavalan had turned and gestured Queen Atarah forward, and Loch sent one more quick glance to Sawyer.
“He’s going to make her apologize. And she’s not going to be happy about it.”
Sawyer nodded and Loch returned his gaze to the front. Eduard took in the queen and her entourage as they walked closer to where they stood. All of the banshees wore long, flowing white robes. They could have been Greek goddesses, except for their long white hair that brushed their calves as they walked. It was their eyes which chilled him, though. They were solid black. Sawyer would be startled by them, but Eduard couldn’t give him warning. They were too close now, and might be able to hear. He wouldn’t put Sawyer at a disadvantage.