Dark Matter

by Christie Rich

  I pulled a chair over to her bedside and lowered myself onto it. “How are you feeling?” I whispered, not really sure I wanted to know if it was bad news.

  “Quite a bit better.” She squinted at me. “Why do you look so upset? Has something happened between you two?”

  I hadn’t even noticed Heath’s hand resting on the back of my chair. We shared a glance, but I quickly looked away. This day wasn’t over, and I had promised I would be bound to him by nightfall. At least I had an idea of what to expect now.

  I gave Cassie a small smile. “You scared me to death. I thought you were a goner, and I was going to have to face Finn’s wrath without you to back me up.”

  Finn laughed from over in the corner. He was carrying a stack of clothes into the closet. I blushed at the realization that for all intents and purposes Cassie was a married woman.

  As if she’d read my mind, she said, “Would you two mind giving Rayla and me a few minutes?”

  Finn looked confused, but Heath just cleared his throat. “Let’s go get a drink. These two will have much to discuss, I’m sure.”

  He gave me a wink and joined Finn at the door. Finn looked at Cassie as if he didn’t ever want to leave her, and when I faced her she held the exact same expression, as if they were already one soul.

  The door closed softly and she sighed. “Thank you, Rayla.”

  “I didn’t do anything,” I said even though I knew she would never believe me.

  She didn’t push the issue. Her features brightened. “I still think I’m going to wake up any moment and realize I’m just in my bed in Utah.” She fell back on the pile of pillows dramatically. “I’m married.” The wistful expression on her face shifted to horror. “What would my mom say?”

  I laughed. Amy Lambert would be pissed. She had been planning Cassie’s wedding since the day she had her. She even had a Cathedral booked from now until eternity. She paid the exorbitant amount gladly every year just to know her baby could be married in the same church she had been. “You’ll just have to have a mortal ceremony too. Who knows? Maybe you’ll start a tradition.”

  She chuckled, but her eyes filled with tears. “I don’t know where my mom is, Rayla. Dad took her away when all the ruckus happened at home. I can’t be sure she is still alive.”

  The thought made my blood turn to ice in my veins. “Even he isn’t capable of something so horrendous.”

  “You didn’t see him. It was if I was looking at a stranger who occupied my dad’s body. He was so cold toward me. I never want to see him again.”

  “You don’t mean that.”

  “I’m afraid I’d kill him if he came around again. He put me through hell and for what?”

  I just nodded gravely, not knowing what else to say. Time to change the subject. “So are you scared?” I asked feeling almost shy about the subject that had dominated many of our conversations within the last couple of years. Cassie was a woman. Twenty years old was plenty old enough to have sex, but it was still a mystery to both of us.

  “A little, but I’m more excited than anything. I’m going to get to wake up in Finn’s arms tomorrow and more tomorrow’s after that than I can even count. What more could I want?”

  Children, I mused, but I didn’t say it out loud. I wanted to see her this happy for eternity. I just hoped I wouldn’t have to witness her smile turn to bitter tears of loss when she was taken back to the human realm. I snapped those thoughts off, determined not to focus on gloom.

  “I’d better let you get ready. You have to promise to tell me all about it.”

  She crossed her heart as I stood up. I squeezed her hand and let myself out. I had my own preparations to make. I just hope I had time to find Lysanne.

  Chapter Fourteen

  I spotted Lysanne in the garden. It seemed to be her favorite place.

  “Hi,” I said, sitting beside her on the bench.

  The fish were active today. They were jumping out of the water trying to catch flies between their razor sharp teeth.

  She nodded at me, taking note of my frazzled state. “I am surprised to see you here. I had assumed you would be indisposed tonight. I should have made sure your needs were met before I took my leave.”

  I glanced at her. “Don’t apologize. I’m fine. I just wanted to ask you a couple of questions.”

  “Certainly,” she said with a quizzical look in her eyes.

  “I haven’t actually bonded with Heath yet, and I wanted to know if you have seen many bondings?”

  She hid her surprised expression behind a veil of laughing. “Too many to count now. Why?”

  “Tabitha mentioned that there were different levels of bonding, but she didn’t elaborate. I know you don’t want me to bond with anyone, but that doesn’t seem to be an option anymore.”

  She frowned at me. “I hadn’t considered that Tabitha would step in. She doesn’t usually resort to underhanded tactics to get her way, but I don’t have her sight. I could be wrong about the whole thing. What are you asking, my lady?”

  “I’m sure you’ve seen a few that didn’t exactly stick?”

  She considered my question for a moment. “Two that I am aware of.”

  I clenched my jaw. I had hoped for more. “Was there a common factor between the two? Something that could be useful to me?”

  She stood and motioned for me to follow her. We walked in silence for a while. I didn’t want to say anything and keep her from remembering something that would help me maintain a safe distance from Heath while still being bound to him. My thoughts drifted to the look on Cassie’s face just before she collapsed. It had been an expression of utter joy and ultimate love.

  There was too much between Heath and I for that to happen, and I felt a little sad about it. I’d been looking forward to my wedding night for as long as I could remember. I had every detail down from what music would be playing to how I would do my hair to what I would and would not be wearing. The only thing missing in my vision was the face of the man I would spend the rest of my life with.

  That wasn’t even an accurate statement anymore. I’d be spending five lifetimes with the man I bonded with. I would never have agreed to this if it wasn’t for the opportunity for a coup. I had to believe I would ultimately be able to pick my bondmate, but what if I couldn’t? What if Heath and I were stuck together for a small eternity? He’d made it clear he was only doing this out of obligation.

  “There might be something,” said Lysanne softly. I had been so caught up in my thoughts, I asked her to repeat what she had said.

  Hope filled my chest as I waited for her answer. I closed my eyes and listened intently for the words to come.

  “I think in both instances, the Elemental had been unconscious when the bond took place.”

  That explained why Tabitha wanted me to be coherent when I was bound. “Do me a favor, knock me out then take me to the east-wing arena,” I said, knowing she never would.

  She laughed. “If anyone can find a way out of this, it is you.” She gazed at me reflectively. “Something seems different in you today. Your glow has intensified. Tell me, Rayla. Have you by chance fallen in love?”

  I nearly choked on my saliva. “I’ve been in love the whole time I’ve been here.”

  She gave me a dubious look. “Luthais and Ammon, is it?”

  I nodded. “They are both good men and would be suitable leaders.”

  I wasn’t sure I bought what she was saying. Something dark lingered in her gaze. “What aren’t you telling me?”

  “It’s nothing, my lady. I will not pass on judgments that should have been forgotten long ago.”

  I hated when people did that. They start to tell you something and then think better of it, refusing to expound on the implication that leaves an imprint on your brain. What she had to say couldn’t possibly be any worse than what I was thinking.

  Was one of them evil and I couldn’t sense it? Were they both followers of the dark side? My mind raced with overwhelming thoughts of what
she could have meant. I finally lost it and practically screamed at her to tell me.

  She smiled and shook her head. “It’s just those two have been in a battle over love once before. I hadn’t thought it possible it would happen again.”

  Zach had admitted to me that he had loved in the past. Luke had blown off his attachment to Faine, so I wasn’t sure if my hunch was correct. “Who was it?”

  She looked curiously at me. “What purpose would it serve for me to answer that question? It will not change what is happening now. The only thing it could accomplish would be to cause you pain. I will not do that.”

  She was probably right. I should let it go. It didn’t matter who they had loved because that person was no longer around. I didn’t know how I felt about competing with a ghost, though.

  I heard footsteps behind us. My heart raced at what I was about to do. I put my hand on Lysanne’s shoulder. “Wish me luck. I’m going to need it.”

  “May you have peace and happiness all the days of your life, my lady.” With that said she walked back toward the pond.

  I smoothed my skirts and turned around. To my surprise Finn stood there with a friendly grin on his lips. He wrapped me in a bear hug and spun me around until I was dizzy. I clung to his forearm to steady myself when he finally released me. My brain hadn’t exactly realized I wasn’t moving anymore.

  His smile deepened. “I could kiss you right now.”

  I chuckled. “I hardly think your new bondmate would appreciate that.”

  “If it weren’t for you I wouldn’t have her. You don’t know how much this means to me. I am your man for life, Rayla. You need only ask.”

  “Thanks,” I said, unsure what else to say to him.

  “I saw Tabitha and Heath on my way here,” he commented. “Neither looked pleased.”

  I smirked wryly. “When have they ever?”

  He shook his head at me. “I never thought you would go through with it.”

  I gave him a thoughtful smile. “Well I had a pretty good reason.”

  He glanced over his shoulder. “I’d better go. Cassie will think I’ve deserted her.”

  Grasping his hand, I squeezed lightly. “Take good care of her.”

  “You’ve got it.” He whirled on his heel then raced out the door.

  I made my way leisurely to the arena. I wasn’t exactly putting it off so much as I was finding it hard to command my feet to move in that direction. I was at the entrance when I heard a little sound.

  “Psst.”

  I scanned the hallway in both directions. I was the only one here.

  “Psst,” the sound came again. This time it was a bit stronger.

  I turned again. A tiny laugh erupted behind me. I spun around again and Gibbit was standing in front of me.

  I smiled, relieved it wasn’t Ainessa. If she knew what was about to happen, I had no doubt she would break down the walls to get to me.

  Gibbit held out a hand toward me. “Better hurry, miss.”

  I frowned at him. “What are you doing here?”

  “I should think it would be obvious.”

  But it wasn’t. I didn’t want to look stupid though. “Why don’t you tell me anyway, just so we’re clear?”

  “I’ve come to rescue you.”

  I pressed my hand to my mouth to keep my laugh from carrying. “I appreciate the gesture, but this place is warded. The only way I will be leaving will be after I am bonded.”

  “You needn’t worry about that, miss. Just take my hand and all of this will go away.”

  That sounded too good to be true. In fact I’d be stupid to think otherwise, but what if I could leave without bonding with Heath? My only hesitation was that Gibbit didn’t do anything out of charity. Before I took his fingers, I had to know one thing. “Who hired you?”

  “We don’t have time for questions. All’s you need to know is I’m here offering help.”

  He shoved his hand closer. What would happen if I took it? Would he take me directly to Ainessa? Had Heath hired him to get out of this? Maybe it was Jett? As I saw it, I didn’t have a better option. The last thing I wanted to do was renege on an agreement, but I was too much of a coward to go through with this if I had an alternative. I stretched my fingers toward his.

  Heath and Tabitha came into view as we touched. Tabitha wailed for Heath to grab me. He just stood there stunned for a moment before he sprang into action.

  Gibbit’s fingers closed around mine and for a moment, I thought it was too late. Time seemed to slow as Heath rushed toward us. His face was ashen. His eyes were locked onto mine as if he could keep me there by sheer force of will. One word escaped his lips before we disappeared.

  I had never heard my name sound like that before. I shuddered from the loss in his voice that lingered around me like a ghost.

  I found myself in a tight space that smelled of rotting food and damp earth. Gibbit let go of my hand. Before I could offer a thank you, dizziness claimed me. I clutched my head in my hands and groaned. It felt as if someone was squeezing my brains with a vice. “What’s wrong with me?”

  Gibbit’s expression didn’t offer me much in the way of comfort. “It’s the aftereffects of going through the ward. I’m afraid the only way out of it is to sleep it off.” He tugged on my fingers and led me into a tiny bedroom. When I saw the pile of blankets, I heaved a sigh of relief and flung myself onto them.

  I drifted to sleep the minute my head hit the pillows. Thoughts I couldn’t quite grasp swirled in the fog of my mind.

  I found myself floating on a cloud looking down on the beauty of the earth. Something caught my eye off in the distance. It looked familiar, but I couldn’t exactly remember how. The cloud I was riding decided to offer a closer view.

  The island lay below me. It didn’t look like much from this vantage point. Who knew that a place so small could frighten the mighty fae? The minute the word entered my mind I moved forward. Something was calling to me.

  No it was someone. I zoomed over the roofs in the compound and down into the largest building. I continued to descend deeper and deeper wondering just how far down I was going to go then found myself in a tiny room. How could a place be stuffy and freezing at the same time? What was that over in the corner? The object was large. In fact on closer inspection it looked like a man. I let out a gasp. Zach.

  It couldn’t be. I said his name hesitantly, not believing I was actually seeing him.

  His mesmerizing eyes found mine, holding them in a wordless embrace. His hair looked horrible and dirt was smeared across his rugged jaw line. His smile wasn’t as bright as I had remembered it. Something troubling lurked in the tension he was trying but failing to hide.

  I coughed on a sob and ran to where he lay on the cold stone floor.

  We were underground. I could feel the oppression even in my dream. Was I dreaming or had my mind transported me to him without my realizing it?

  His voice was weak as a dying breath. “You should not have come.”

  I pulled his head into my lap and cupped his face in my hand, smoothing his hair back with the other. I didn’t dare speak above a whisper. “What have they done to you?”

  His leg was angled funny, and he had a nasty bruise below his left eye. He tried to move but stopped short with a wince.

  Rage started in my heart and spread into my fingers. Tiny particles of purple light swarmed around me like a bunch of gnats. They brushed up against my skin before they melted into me. The whole room glowed with a blinding light that I could feel pulsing from within me.

  I ran a finger softly over the marred skin under his eye wishing to take the pain from him. I wanted to lift him into my arms and carry him out of here. Even if I could manage such a thing, I didn’t even know where we were.

  “Is this real, or am I dreaming?” I asked, trying to figure out what I should do. If it was a dream, I could hope he wasn’t really this bad off.

  He laughed then grimaced. “I can’t believe you are still asking that questi
on.” His smile faded into unending sadness. “You are not physically here, if that is what you’re wondering. Your body is tethered somewhere else.”

  I didn’t even know that was possible. Drifting was one thing, but this was something else entirely. I frowned, wondering how safe my body was without me in it.

  “You are right to be worried. You should not be here.”

  “I have to get you out,” I whispered.

  His eyes hardened, going all stern and fatherly. I glowered at him. He was mistaken if he thought he could order me around.

  He shook his head slightly. “You are still making the worst decisions for you, Rayla. You must listen to me. I will live through this. I can even escape eventually. I’m working on it, but you coming here would only complicate this for me. I would have to worry about you, and I can’t risk that right now.” His fingers closed around mine feebly. “I can’t allow them to get you.” His head snapped up and he brought a finger to my mouth, hushing me. His eyes flew wide. “Leave now. It’s coming back.”

  His command surged through me. A tear trickled down my cheek, and I felt myself withdrawing from him as if he had given me a slight nudge.

  Suddenly, his starry eyes turned dark. The blackness behind them seemed to radiate into the room, filling the space with an overwhelming presence.

  “What is that thing?” I asked, a little breathless.

  Wordlessly, he shoved me away so fast I couldn’t think. I fell backward and was sucked into a void of utter emptiness.

  When I woke up every cell in my body hurt as though it had been ripped apart and put back together wrong.

  Tears sprang to my eyes, but I couldn’t remember why I was crying. I felt extreme sadness as though I wasn’t capable of being happy again. But why?