Shadow of the Fae (The Fae Chronicles Book 1)

by Valia Lind

  "We made a deal, Julian. But now, that's off. Because I have to go. That's actually my only option."

  "I don't believe that."

  I realize he still has his hand on my upper arm. I retract it carefully, taking a step back. I know this isn't fair to him. He's been my only friend since all of this began. But that's precisely why I have to leave. It would be foolish of me to put more people in danger.

  "Look, I appreciate everything you've done for me. You’ve had my back a few times. But this is my problem. The best thing I can do for you is disappear."

  He stares at me like he's never seen me before. There's emotion in his eyes which I can't quite understand, or maybe I just don't want to. I don't need anyone attaching themselves to me. And I certainly can't risk the same.

  "I think your friend will surely disagree."

  A deep voice comes from behind Julian. I don't need to see to know who it is. Julian turns swiftly, coming face to face with my fae pursuer. The two guys stare at each other, as if sizing the other up. Neither says a word. I hope they're distracted enough for me to have a head start. But when I start inching away, the fae's gaze shifts immediately to me.

  "We meet again," he says, the simple words spoken by that delicious voice travel over my body. I suppress a shudder, refusing to give him the satisfaction.

  "Wish we hadn’t."

  His lips curl up in a smile that carries no humor as he continues to track my every move. There's a part of me, maybe the magic itself, that reacts to his proximity. But I have no idea what to do with that information, and I refuse to just lay down and give in.

  Whatever opportunity I may have had to go unnoticed is over now. He found me, and I have to figure out a way to get out of this. Which actually seems more impossible than moving the sun and the moon with my magic.

  Julian hasn't moved from his spot, slightly in front of me and to the right. If I was to run, I could run behind him. That would put him in fae's way. At least for a second. But I'm also having a difficult time being okay with putting Julian in danger.

  "Not that I'm not enjoying this stimulating conversation," the fae breaks the silence once again, "but if you and... your friend here want to keep all your organs intact, I suggest we move."

  "Are you threatening me?" Julian half growls, taking a step toward the fae.

  "No, I'm merely stating a fact. The danger isn't coming from me but from those sent to take Miss Kincaid by any means necessary. And from what I know, they like the rough option."

  "You were sent for me!" I snap, anger overpowering the fear. "You are the reason I ran in the first place. If there is any danger here, it's you."

  The fae watches me for a tense moment before he smirks once more.

  "You are correct. I am dangerous. But I think the humans have a saying for that sort of a thing. Better the devil you know?"

  Coming from his lips, the phrase takes on a dozen different meanings, and really, none of them are anything good for me.

  "You don't have to trust me," he says. "But I would rather not cause a scene. We should get moving."

  Julian has placed himself directly in front of me now, and I can feel his body heat reaching out to mine. He's tense, more tense than I've ever seen him. I'm not sure if that comforts me or makes me that much more nervous.

  But before I can make a decision, something comes into my peripheral vision. All three of us twist to watch three huge men step into the alley.

  "There goes that plan," the fae mumbles. The statement and the way he delivers it is so human I almost become curious. But only for a split second.

  Turning, I start to move in the other direction when three more drop from somewhere above.

  "Are they who I think they are?" Julian asks. I stare at him in confusion.

  "Yes," is the fae's one-word response. They exchange a look I don't understand but absolutely hate. I don't need them on the same side. Well, maybe right now I do? I have no idea what's happening.

  "We can't take them," Julian comments as the men move closer. There's something about them that I can't quite put my finger on. They look... not right somehow.

  "We could. But it wouldn't be pretty."

  "Guys, I need some information here. What are they?” I ask.

  "Werewolves."

  I snap my gaze to Julian, already shaking my head.

  "Werewolves aren't real. They're just a take on shifters. They..."

  "I can assure you they are very real, and they are very vicious, and they are about to pounce on us, so I suggest you move."

  With those words, the fae reaches for me, wrapping his arms around my torso and sweeping me right off my feet. In the same moment, he twists his body, draping it over mine. As he moves, the loudest growl I've ever heard resounds all around me. It goes through me, filling up my head. My back presses against a wall as the fae covers me from the front.

  I try to reach forward with my hands, but the fae pins my arms down. The desire to move toward the werewolves slams into me, making my body squirm.

  "Don't focus on the sound. Don't give them an entrance. Avery!"

  It's my name that breaks through the fog. I glance up to find the fae's face inches from mine.

  "Better," he says before he drops his arms. He stands, spinning around in the same motion. The werewolves attack the same moment the boys move. The sound of them clashing isn't like any I've heard before.

  Getting to my feet, I reach for my knife and my magic. The fire is there, but at such a small capacity, it's almost useless. Just then, one of the werewolf men reaches me. My quick reflexes dodge his grab.

  Dropping to the ground, I twist my body. I push off his legs and slam my feet into the backs of his knees. He falls forward, bashing his face into the wall. It stuns him for a moment. It's enough time for me to jump to my feet and onto his back. Wrapping my legs around his middle, I wrap my arms around his throat.

  He shakes his body to try and drop me, but I'm holding on for all I'm worth. The sound of clashing bodies and magic reaches me. I look over to find both Julian and the fae with swords drawn, battling it out with the creatures. When Julian pierces one of the werewolves through the heart, I almost release my grip. But I realize it's kill or be killed, and these creature didn't come to play.

  With my knife securely in my hand, I wind back and stab the creature in the neck. He drops to his knees immediately. I jump off his back to watch him crumble to the ground. Blood gushes over the asphalt, drying into a stain almost immediately in the heat of the day.

  Pushing away the horror of what I've just done, I turn to face the boys. The moment of distraction costs me as huge arms wrap around me from behind. I scream as I am lifted off my feet, the knife clattering to the ground.

  "Let me go!" I try to twist, to reach for my magic or some kind of footing, but the werewolf is too strong. He's moving backwards as I thrash, the energy leaving my body in waves.

  All of a sudden, a blast of magic goes straight through me. I fall forward out of his arms. The fae is there in the blink of an eye, catching me before I face plant. His arms wrap around my shoulders. I glance over my shoulder to find the creature blasted against the wall, dead.

  I look up at the fae, breathing heavily. I don't know what I would've done right there, but then Julian catches eye.

  "No!" I scream, pushing off the soles of my feet. But the fae's arms are still around me. I watch as a creature stabs Julian right in the torso. Julian drops to his knees, blood pouring out of his middle as I fight to go to him. He finds my eyes and utters one word.

  "Go."

  The fae doesn't hesitate, grabbing my arm and yanking me to my feet. I try to stay upright, but all strength has left me. Not only have I just killed someone, I've also watched the only person whom I could call a friend get murdered in front of me.

  "Avery!" the fae snaps. I drop down to my knees, tears leaking out of my eyes without me even realize it until they're tickling my neck.

  "Avery." He's crouching right in front of
me, his hand hovering near my face. The other hand pushes a wave of magic toward the remaining werewolves, keeping them in place. But only barely. “I need you to come back. I understand this is difficult, but if you don't work with me right here and right now, we're both done for."

  I look up at him, his piercing eyes staring straight into my soul. Somehow, I get up. He nods, a glimmer of pride in his gaze before he's reaching for my hand once more. This time, my feet work a little better just by the sheer determination that I will not become a blabbering mess. Not that what happened to me is anything I've been trained for. I'm not sure anyone can truly prepare for it without experiencing it first. But I can do this. I can keep myself together a little while longer. Then, in the darkness of a room, I'll allow myself to feel whatever I need to feel.

  Shut it down.

  Shut it down.

  Shut it down.

  The fae and I race through the alley before coming out onto the busy street. The conference goers are on this end as well, happily heading toward whatever is next on their agenda.

  "Come on." The fae doesn't hesitate, pulling me into the crowd. Glancing behind me, I try to find the werewolves, but I can't see them. They must abide by the same rules as the rest of us: no showing ourselves to the human world. Right now, that's to our advantage.

  For some reason, I don't hesitate to keep pace with the fae. Technically, he's still my enemy. But at least he hasn't tried to cut me to pieces. Yet. I'm not about to trust that he won't do it.

  Just like with Julian, he seems to know where he's going as well. I guess I'm the only one who didn't learn the city inside and out. But then I realize where we are.

  "Are you taking me home?"

  "To your apartment, yes. Although I wouldn't call it home."

  That stops me right in my tracks. Since he still has hold of my hand, he pauses as well.

  "You knew where I was this whole time?" I ask, my voice sounding small, even to my own ears. The fae doesn't answer right away. There's a momentary pause and then a nod.

  "Not the whole time. Only the last few days. You've done a good job at hiding."

  "Clearly, not good enough."

  There's that smirk again and then he's pulling me behind him. I would extract my hand but holding onto something feels right somehow. I soak up this moment of weakness. It’s the only one I’m willing to allow myself to have.

  It takes us twice as long to reach my apartment as it should've. I realize it's because he's been taking weird alleys and doubling back. I'm so tired I could lay down and sleep on the ground. Taking a life really drains a person, I suppose.

  "Any protection?" the fae asks, and I see that we have arrived at my door. I shake my head and step forward to unlock it. Without my active magic, I can only do crystals and herbs. Which I'm sure he knows, but he's being polite. Not something I expected him to be.

  When we step inside, nothing seems disturbed. My crystals are still positioned over the door frame. The fae locks the door behind us and then waves his hand over the frame. I don't have to see what he's doing to feel it. He has no problem using his magic.

  "So, what now? You kidnap me, take me to your queen?" I ask, folding my arms in front of me as I stare him down. It feels strange having him in my space. He seems to fill it just by standing there. He's probably at least six-three, taller than Julian.

  A sharp pain slams into my heart at the thought of him. It's my fault he's dead. I'll have to carry that with me forever.

  "I was thinking you should take a shower and get some rest."

  That extinguishes whatever snarky remark I had ready.

  "Why are you being... nice?"

  "I'm not. And don't get used to it. It's my job to make sure you stay alive, that's all."

  I roll my eyes at that, dropping my arms to my sides.

  "That sounds more like it."

  Twisting on my heels, I head for the bathroom. When I step into the small room, I realize he's right behind me.

  "Don't worry. I don't have a window to escape through. Nor will I jump off a fourth story balcony. That's out there." I point to the living room. The fae does a quick study of the bathroom before nodding.

  "I'll be right out here."

  "Yes, sir. Prison Master."

  Before he can reply, I shut the door in his face.

  Chapter 5

  I give myself time in the shower, but I refuse to cry. I'm not about to give him the satisfaction. He's already seen me weak. I won't let that happen again.

  When I found that book in the library at Thunderbird Academy, I was only curious. But it called to me. It enticed me. It knew my magic would be able to read it.

  Growing up, we are taught many fairytales. Since I wanted to work for the Council, I learned more than what I was taught in school. I asked questions. I read everything I could get my hands on. That turned out to be a terrible idea. It brought me right into a war I want no part of. For the last two years, we've been fighting. Ever since the Ancients, the first supernatural creatures, started waking up. They’ve been roaming the realms again, taking and killing and leaving behind nothing but destruction. I wanted to help the Council figure out a way to stop them.

  Instead, I'm on the run from the Faery realm and the Ancients because of one book and the magic it holds.

  Now, the only friend I made since going on the run is dead, and it's my fault.

  I can't get around that.

  He's dead.

  Glancing down, I notice my hands, stained with red. Grabbing for my soap, I scrub at the evidence aggressively. Needing it off my skin. The panic starts to set in, but I won't let it. I have to stay in control.

  Focus and breathe.

  Focus and breathe.

  Focus and breathe.

  Shutting my eyes tightly, I will the tears away. No more crying. Not until I'm out of this predicament and safe.

  I know I'm not safe with the fae.

  Stepping out of the shower, I reach for the spare pajamas I keep in the bathroom, thankful for my preparedness. When I walk out of the bathroom, there's a split second where I think he's gone. But then I see him by the glass door, looking out at the city.

  "Oh, you're still here," I comment, heading for the kitchen. He doesn't leave his post, but he does face me. I can't tell in the near darkness, but I think he might've smiled at my tone. Not that it matters.

  "We can stay here tonight, but we need to find a better place tomorrow."

  "Excuse me, there is nothing wrong with my apartment."

  "I didn't say there was." His tone is nonchalant once again, missing any of the mild warmth he exhibited earlier. "But you've been here for a month. Your magic is all over this building."

  "I haven't been using it," I reply, surprised. I think back to the few times I let the water dance around in the shower. That could hardly count as spreading it across the whole building.

  "Magic is part of you. It leaves traces of your essence behind whether you like it or not."

  "So, what you're saying is no matter how much I hid, you would’ve found me eventually."

  We have that stare down we’re becoming familiar with and then I'm the first to look away. He doesn't have to answer my statement. I'm a quick learner. I have gathered the needed information.

  "Tomorrow, we can find another place to lay low for a little bit before we move again. That's the trick. Never settle in one spot for long."

  "I like how you just assume I'm going to go along with everything you’re planning. Don't I get a say?"

  "Look who has found her courage."

  I don't appreciate that comment. If a glare could hurt, he'd be in pain right now. Walking around the counter, I come to stand in the middle of the room, my eyes on him.

  "I may have lost it there for a moment, but in case you didn't notice, my friend died, and I killed one of those creatures with my bare hands. These hands." I raise them in front of me, showing off the raw skin left over from my scrubbing. "I had to wash blood off them. Do you think that
's normal for me? So, excuse me for expressing some basic emotion!"

  My voice rises with each word and then I'm gasping, trying to rein in my outburst. If I get any more worked up, I'll set something on fire. Probably him. Which honestly doesn't sound so bad right now.

  "I'm not trying to tell you what to feel," he says, turning my attention back to him.

  "Maybe not, but you're making fun of me, and that's not okay either. Maybe it's some sort of new torture technique you guys have in Faery. In which case, good for you. It's working."

  That's probably not the best thing to admit, but I'm tired. Mentally and physically and emotionally. Nothing coming out of my mouth right now is going to make much sense.

  "I'm not torturing you."

  "Could've fooled me." I sit down on my bed, staring at the floor for a minute before I look up at him again. "Are you going to murder me in my sleep?"

  That question seems to actually shock him. He opens his mouth to speak before closing it again.

  "I'm not going to murder you," he finally says. I chuckle at that without humor.

  "Not in my sleep at least, right?"

  I scoot up on the bed, my limbs weighing a ton. I let the yawn come.

  "I got you out of there, remember?" the fae asks as he watches me climb under the covers. I don't even care to think of where he's going to sleep or if he does.

  "You saved me—” I mumble into the pillow.

  "That's right. I did. Believe it or not, I am on your side."

  "Hmm. I don't believe it."

  "Why not?"

  It takes me a full minute to reply, my brain slow in processing as my eyes close.

  "Because I don't even know your name." I finally reply. Not sure why that’s the first place my thoughts go. But how am I supposed to trust him if I know nothing about him? Not even the basics. Sleep almost overtakes me, but then at the last moment, I hear his reply.

  "My name is Derek."

  Waking up the next morning, I have no idea what to expect. There's a moment right before I'm fully awake that I remember everything that has happened. Thankfully, I didn't dream. But that will come with time, I know it. My mind will need to work through what happened and dreams will be the easiest way.