by R L Medina
Terror. Pain. Anguish.
My head throbbed under the strain. I sucked in a breath and rebuilt my shields. Even with all my defense, the emotions were strong, but they gave me hope.
The fae were still alive.
When the castle came into view, I reeled back. Nausea rolled through me. The black stone lay in heaps on the ground. Fire licked the sky above it. The scene left me hollow and numb. It felt like only yesterday I had first entered through the gates with Aunt Cindra.
Screams tore through the night, striking my every nerve. Survivors. Snapping myself back to reality, I threw out my magic, trying to sense where everyone was.
“Hello? Aunt Cindra! Des! Mom!”
I walked over the broken stone and scanned the shadows. Where was everyone? Had they been buried beneath the rock?
“B’Zahir! Mag! Anyone! Fearless?”
Over here. The dragon’s voice rumbled in my mind.
I searched the empty air for its glittering body. Movement caught my eye in the distance. I stumbled over the fallen debris toward the yellow glowing eyes.
“Renée!” Mom’s voice echoed from behind me.
I whirled around. “Mom? I’m here!”
The ground trembled beneath my feet. Fear struck me cold. No. No. Not yet.
Before I could move, the earth opened beneath me and I slipped. A scream ripped from my throat. My hands and legs whipped out, trying to find something to hold on to. Something grabbed my ankle. For a second, I thought I was saved. Then it pulled me down. I screamed as the night sky disappeared. Dirt and ash flew around me, coating my face. I clenched my mouth and eyes shut as I tried desperately to stop my descent. I kicked my leg wildly, trying to get out of the iron grasp.
I landed hard, sharp pain shooting through me. My ankle was released. Pitch darkness surrounded me. A strong smell of dirt, ash, and blood filled my nostrils. Something moved in front of me. Something large.
Fear struck me. I didn’t sense any emotion or thought. “Hello?”
Two big white orbs flashed, making me skitter back. Eyes, I realized. They were eyes.
“Who are you?” My voice trembled.
I summoned my magic, ready to use it, and hoping it would work if I did.
It didn’t answer. Instead it moved closer and sniffed. My heart pounded. It was smelling me. To see if it wanted to eat me?
It is a golem. A voice sounded in my mind.
I gasped. Fearless?
No. It fears death like most creatures.
I blinked in confusion. The voice was familiar, but it sounded much older than the dragon.
It is trying to decide if you are edible.
A shudder ran through me. Perfect. Can you tell it I’m not?
I’m just a spirit. It cannot hear me as you can.
A spirit? Realization struck me. The unicorn.
Tears sprang into my eyes. He’d returned to help me. Sorrow filled me as the memories of its death flashed in my mind.
The golem leaned toward me. I yelped and pushed myself back against the wall.
“Stay away!” I screamed, throwing my magic at it.
It backed up but continued to watch me. I’d never heard of a golem before though the image of the Lord of the Rings creature came to mind. But this was not fiction. There was no actor behind this.
Glowing white orbs blinked at me. I hugged myself, trying to look for a way out. Could I outrun it?
Help is coming. The unicorn’s gentle voice set me at ease.
I fought back the panic rising as the creature sniffed again. I held still, worried my sudden movement would startle it to do something violent. Like eat me.
A low growl emanated from it. Chills crawled over me. There was nowhere to run and even if I tried, how far could I make it?
Its mouth widened and its hot, wet breath landed in my face. Nausea rolled through me. I threw up my arms to cover my head. The golem shrieked. My ears rang at the sound. Something warm and sticky hit my face.
I trembled as the creature fell at my feet.
“You’re welcome.” A familiar voice echoed behind it.
Des.
A strangled cry escaped me. I leapt to my feet and stumbled over the fallen creature. I threw myself at the assassin, colliding into his solid form.
He stiffened but didn’t pull away as I sobbed into his chest. The fabric of his shirt was stiff with something that I didn’t want to imagine. Blood? Guts?
“Des! I thought you were dead.”
Tremors wracked my body as exhaustion took over. I leaned into his embrace, half wishing he would offer to carry me out. We weren’t completely in the clear yet. I knew we needed to find the others and get back to the Black Court.
“If you keep lingering here, we will both die,” came his monotone reply.
I released him and relief washed over me and I couldn’t help but smile.
Des snorted. “I see the prospect of our deaths amuses you.”
His yellow eyes shone in the darkness reminding me of my other yellow-eyed friend. Worry struck me as I moved to follow Des. Was the little dragon okay?
I grabbed onto Des’s sleeve and let him lead me in the darkness. The smell of dirt and ash surrounded us. I gasped as the path grew narrower. My breath was ragged as weariness set in. I wiped a hand across my face, smearing the stickiness.
My lip curled. “What is this?” I realized the answer at the same time as the words left my mouth.
“Golem blood,” Des confirmed my fear.
Bile rose in my throat. I paused and groaned, holding my stomach.
“If you’re going to throw up, do it now so we can go. One more earthquake and we’ll be buried in this tunnel.”
I swallowed and tried to push the disgusting image of the golem and blood out of my mind. Des sniffed and motioned for me to keep going.
“How did you know I was here?” I asked as I followed him.
“I heard your scream.”
“Oh. Where is Aunt Cindra? And the others? Is everyone okay? What happened to the castle?”
Des sighed. “Already with the questions.”
I frowned. “Are you going to answer any?”
He fell quiet. Fear invaded my senses.
“Des? Where is Aunt Cindra?”
“She’s unharmed. Waiting with what is left of her court. The bird is dead though.”
My eyes widened. Fiammetta? Though I had never been fond of the haughty phoenix, the news of her passing was startling. I let out a breath I didn’t know I’d been holding in. Coldness crept through me as the tunnel grew narrower. I moved closer to Des, thankful for his presence.
“Are you still there too?”
Des turned to me. “Who are you talking to?”
I flushed. “The unicorn. His spirit was here, but I don’t hear him anymore.”
Des blinked at me and continued in silence. I shook my head in disappointment. After all I’d lost, I was glad for his return. His words rang in my mind.
Dark days were coming, but good was ahead.
These were definitely dark times, but I wasn’t so sure they were over yet. Things could get worse. I let my magic run through and strengthen me. I wanted to believe his words—that there was a happy ending to all of this, but despair shrouded me.
Even if we did save the rest of Feylin, it was too late for the Gray Court. For all those fae. Tears blurred my vision. I stumbled against Des with a grunt.
“We’re almost there,” Des assured me.
I took a deep breath and steeled myself. I was tired and dirty, and the emotional strain was far greater than I’d ever endured before.
“Ready yourself,” Des warned.
Throwing up my shields, I winced as my head pounded from the raging storm of thought and emotion. We were close now. The tunnel widened and in the distance a flame was lit.
My heart soared. Aunt Cindra.
I quickened my pace, ignoring the pain searing through my tired body. Relief washed over me as Des led me into a
chamber. Fire shone from the jeweled dragon statues around the room. I blinked in surprise. We were in the throne room and it didn’t look at all changed. I stepped onto the black stone floor and stared at the elaborate décor and sparkling jewels Above us was nothing but darkness.
Dirt, I realized. The throne room had been buried, but everything was still intact. Eyes turned to us and I strengthened my shields against the mental onslaught.
“Renée!” Aunt Cindra’s voice broke the silence.
I turned to the sound and raced toward her. Her warm golden eyes found mine, relief shining in them. I jumped into her open arms and breathed in her familiar scent.
Fire and sage.
She held me tightly to her, her grip strong and reassuring though I could sense her fear and worry.
We were still in danger.
“Is everyone okay?” I asked as she released me.
Sadness clouded her face. “We’ve lost most of the court. This is all that’s left. We must get everyone out. But the dirt fills in every time we make progress.”
I turned to Des. “What about the way I came in?”
He shook his head. “Sealed off now. And who knows how many more golems are hiding in that direction.”
Aunt Cindra’s nostrils flared. “Grotesque creatures. If it was just them to deal with, we could easily wipe them out, but the land has turned against us.”
I scanned the dirty, scared faces of her court. Most of the survivors were elves. The higher castes. Worry punched my gut.
“Mag? Is she okay?”
“Yes, Princess. I am well.” Mag’s little voice echoed from the back.
I couldn’t see her over the crowd, but just hearing her sent a wave of relief over me. How many of my aunt’s slaves had made it to safety? A lick of anger curled inside me.
“Did you come here alone?” Aunt Cindra’s voice caught my attention.
“No. I came with my mom… and B’Zahir.”
A collective gasp sounded from the fae. Aunt Cindra’s lip curled at the mention of his name. I shifted uncomfortably under the heavy tension in the room. The attack in the White Court was still fresh in everyone’s mind and I didn’t blame them for being wary. Though the Goblin King said he wanted to help, I wasn’t one hundred percent sure he considered them allies. They had chosen to side with the White Court, after all.
With the abyss in chaos, their civil war had taken a back seat, but what happened when we stopped the destruction? If we could stop it? I pushed away the dark thoughts.
“Mom was trying to get to me before I fell in.”
Aunt Cindra’s lip pursed. “Maybe they can find a way to reach us down here.”
I bit my lip. Wouldn’t they try to dig where I’d fallen? Should I have gone back?
“There’s a dragon too. He was trying to help me. Or she… I’m not sure. I named it Fearless.”
They stared at me.
My cheeks flamed under their attention. “What?”
“The dragons were destroyed. All of them. Gone in an instant.” Aunt Cindra’s face fell.
Her pain shook me. I thought about the little dragon and cringed.
Poor Fearless.
“Princess, we cannot just wait here to be rescued. We must find a way out,” Des interrupted us.
Aunt Cindra nodded at him. “I know, Des. I know.” She glanced away.
I followed her gaze to the huddled fae. Des’s words chilled me. The longer we stayed, the more at risk we were. What if the abyss launched another attack like the one in the Gray Court? I sucked in a shaky breath.
We had to get out. Now.
10
Dirt fell in clumps as something rumbled above us. The fae skittered back, their fear filling the room. I met my aunt’s solemn gaze and forced down my own terror. How were we going to get everyone out?
Fire erupted through the dirt roof. Everyone moved out of the way. My heart skipped.
“It’s Fearless! We’re here! Down here.” I moved toward the falling debris.
Excitement grew as the prospect of escape became clear. Aunt Cindra joined me and raised her hands, summoning her power. Her fire shot toward the dragon’s fire, burning a bigger hole above us.
“Why didn’t you just burn your way out earlier?” I frowned.
She gave me a sideways glance. “We didn’t want to make the roof fall down on everyone, but if the ground can hold a dragon, it must be secure.”
More elves joined her, concentrating their fire at the same spot. We moved away as more dirt fell in clumps.
I squealed with joy as a giant horned head appeared.
I have made you a window, halfling. Now you are free.
“Thank you.” I smiled.
Relief poured out from everyone. The few fairies that had survived flew toward the opening, carrying the brownies and imps. A couple pixies followed. Angry shouts followed as the elves watched the servants escape. One courtier lifted her hand toward them. Fear shot through me.
I jumped in front of her. “Stop it. We will all get out.”
My lip curled at her near hit. She blinked at me in surprise and lowered her hand.
Aunt Cindra nodded at me and turned to address her court. “We must hurry before more destruction comes.” She turned toward the fairies. “Get us out of here.”
The fairies hovered over the opening and glanced at each other. Aunt Cindra’s eyebrow rose in surprise. They weren’t following her orders.
I sensed their hesitance, fear, and anger. They’d seen many of their fellow lower fae abandoned to the chaos while the courtiers looked out only for themselves.
“Please. Help us!” I pleaded.
Anger rolled off Aunt Cindra. I saw the fire in her eyes and worried she’d make things worse.
Fearless blew fire near the fairies, making them squeal. They descended back into the hole reluctantly.
I sighed. “Thank you.”
“Renée!” Mom’s voice came from above. I glanced up to see her appear beside the fairies.
“I’m okay,” I called back to her.
I scanned the crowd for Mag. Had she already been carried to safety? I felt a small hand touch my leg.
Mag stared up at me with her large brown eyes. “Princess, I am so glad you are okay.” She sniffled.
Not caring what the others thought, I knelt and hugged her. Her curly hair tickled my face and filled my nose with its smoky smell.
“I’m glad you are okay too, Mag.”
She smiled and tugged on my arm. I followed her to a group of brownies. They looked identical with their curly hair and hats. They bowed in unison.
“This is my family.” Mag beamed.
I returned her smile and nodded at the brownies. “Nice to meet you. Mag has told me about you.”
Surprise and fear spread over them at my words. Why was a princess being so familiar with them?
“It’s okay. I don’t mean to frighten you. Mag is my friend,” I tried to reassure them.
“Renée?” Mom’s voice interrupted.
“I’m fine, Mom.”
A golden winged fairy flew toward me and bowed. “Her highness Princess Aubri has requested I bring you up now, Princess.” The fairy spoke in a soft tone though I could sense her reluctance at helping me.
“Thank you. Take Mag up first and then I’ll go.” I nodded at the little brownie.
Mag’s eyes widened. “Oh no, Princess. I can wait.”
I waved away her concern. “Please, Mag.”
She bowed and glanced nervously at her family as the fairy scooped her up. Murmurs echoed around me. I turned to find the disapproving glares from the elves.
My aunt frowned but said nothing. Anger sparked inside me. Now wasn’t the time for their hatred and selfishness. According to their law, the lesser fae weren’t even permitted to touch the higher fae, but now that they were their only way of escape, they were willing to overlook the law.
“Go, Renée.” Aunt Cindra motioned toward another fairy.
&nb
sp; I hesitated, glancing at the remaining servants and courtiers.
“Go.” My Aunt’s voice hardened.
Obeying her command, I walked over to the fairy man and nodded my head at him in appreciation. He bowed and stared blankly back at me. My heart leapt into my throat as he wrapped his arms around my waist and lifted me off the ground.
Nausea hit me as we flew into the air. I clenched my eyes shut, using my magic to calm my panic. My head spun as we got higher and higher.
The fairy dropped me onto the ground. I sighed in relief as my feet touched earth. Mom pulled me into a hug, nearly suffocating me.
“Renée! You were supposed to stay in the carriage.” She squeezed me tighter.
I gasped for breath and pulled away from her. “I know. Sorry.”
The moon shone high in the sky, highlighting the worried faces of the fae. B’Zahir stood in the back, his face a mask of calm and Fearless, stood beside Mag, yellow eyes blazing at me.
I saved you and the others. The dragon’s voice boomed in my mind.
Smiling, I gave him a grateful nod. “Thank you.”
“It’s time. We must seal off the abyss here to stop the destruction.” A cold voice startled me.
I turned, coming face to face with the queen. The king stood beside her, his silvery hair glistening in the darkness. He met my eyes and drew himself taller, his towering stance even more intimidating though not as impressive as B’Zahir.
I searched the crowd for Aunt Maloret and Belle. Had they come too or were they still working in the Black Court on a plan to unleash the Raj’ani.
“Stop it? How?” I turned back to Mom.
Her face was grave. “We are trying to see if we can erect another barrier here. To stop it from spreading.”
Dread coiled in my gut. “But the Red Court?”
The queen scoffed. “Is already destroyed. We must do this now.”
Mom stiffened beside me. “Let us get the fae out first.”
“Where are the carriages?” Aunt Cindra’s voice broke in.
She and Des walked toward us as the fairies descended once again to bring more fae up.
The queen’s eyes widened at the sight of Des, but she quickly recovered. “I did not bring any. I thought you were all dead.” She sniffed.