by Jaci Miller
The silence of the dawn lay heavy over the grounds. The winter air prickled at her skin. Blood pulsed chaotically through her veins as Dane made the connection. “You’re a Tierney.”
“I was.” Lucien turned back toward her. “A long time ago.”
“I didn’t realize Lilith had a sibling.”
A dark shadow passed over his features. “Lilith has no knowledge of our family ties. We were separated when she was an infant and have led very distinct lives. The Lucien she knows is a different man.”
A faint whisper caressed the edges of Dane’s mind, as his words faded on the night breeze. The energy pulsing around him seemed strangely familiar. A memory tugged at her conscious mind and Dane met his eyes as she grasped at it. “The shadow evident in Lilith’s memories—it was you.”
His face remained impassive except for a slight twitch appearing in his upper lip. He said nothing continuing instead to stare stoically into her eyes.
“You are in her memories but without clarity like a haze weaving itself in and out of her subconscious.” Dane’s mind reeled. “How? If you never had a relationship with Lilith how is it possible you are in her memories?”
An eyebrow raised as he shook his head. “I never said I didn’t have a relationship with my sister. I said she didn’t know we were family.”
“But her memories of you are blurred like someone no longer wanted them to exist.”
“I showed you what I wanted you to see. Call it a subtle introduction.”
“Why?”
“Because I can.” Lucien’s eyes darkened as his demeanor shifted and the tone in his voice changed. “Lilith is weak,” he said, glancing back at the mill. “Incapable of carrying the power of the Tierney name and for that she’s expendable. But I found her weakness to be useful in another way.”
“To link the ancient dark to this world.”
Lucien nodded. “Is that what you refer to it as? Interesting.”
“What do you call it?”
“The beast.” Lucien sighed. “Sadly, my sister is even too weak to be a reliable conduit. Her mind cannot handle the beast’s dark energy for much longer.”
Dane thought about Lilith’s madness, the way she’d attacked both her and Rafe with that vacant, crazed look in her eyes. Lilith was confused, unhinged even, but was she capable of performing the level of violence her mother had endured. While her body had been horrifically mutilated, there was a precision to the act. The wounds were deliberate and measured as if her attacker had a purpose.
Did Lilith have the capacity for such precise violence or was her mother’s death perpetrated by someone saner and in control?
Dane scowled at Lucien Beck accusingly. “You sacrificed your own sister to the ancient dark and now it’s killing her.”
Lucien nodded. “An unfortunate consequence.”
“That’s rather cold.”
“Why do you care? After all, Lilith killed your mother, did she not?”
Her voice lowered as grief and rage wrapped around her words. “How do you know about my mother?”
His bright blue eyes darkened as a shadow passed over them.
Dane flinched. What was that—deception? She couldn’t tell it happened so fast. Lucien’s cool exterior had slipped for a moment providing her with a brief glimpse of something else existing within this man.
“Did Lilith kill my mother?” A tightness wrapped itself around her chest. Her breathing became restricted as she waited for his response.
Lucien ignored the question. “A darkness is coming, Dane and inevitably the world as it is now will end. It’s only a matter of time.”
His remark was casual, unapologetic. Lucien spoke of the evil from another realm as if he was conversing about the weather. It didn’t seem to affect him in the least that this beast was destined to invade and decimate mankind.
Her hands began to shake as the rage once again pounded through her. She so badly wanted to unleash her magic on someone providing a release from the anger and grief consuming her—to lose control.
“The ancient dark will be destroyed. It’s been foretold,” she said through clenched teeth.
Lucien chuckled. “Darkness will take over this world because the prophecy will never come to pass.”
“You appear quite confident in your assessment, Mr. Beck.”
He nodded. “This world is nothing. It represents the worst of humanity and requires a cleansing, a new direction. A magical rebirth will ensure our survival because humans have become the plaque that litters the earth and are intent on destroying it. A reclamation is necessary.”
“By whom, you?”
“There is always one who must carry the burden for all.”
“And the ancient dark. You think you can control it?”
Lucien scoffed. “I already do.”
Icy fingers of dread wrapped themselves around Dane. “How?”
Lucien leaned against the trunk of the tree, his hand caressing the bark. “It’s not the how that is important but the why.”
“Then why?”
“To change the prophecy and restore my family name. My ancestor’s name. A Tierney will rule this world when all is done.”
“A Tierney will rule nothing but the ashes of an ancient evil,” Dane spat. “The Arcanists have all risen. The prophecy can’t be stopped. The ancient dark will be destroyed.” Defiance shone in her eyes as she glared at Lucien.
He chuckled as he moved in to once again stand in front of her. His eyes flicked to the dark bulk of the mill. A kaleidoscope of bright colors broke over the horizon lighting up his handsome features with the brilliant dawn of a new day.
“Prophecies are meaningless, Dane. They rarely lie in truth and can change over time. Depending on the circumstances, one can easily be unraveled.” His bright blue eyes turned back toward her as a slight sneer played at the corners of his mouth. He grasped her by the back of the neck pulling her toward him until their lips almost touched.
She gasped.
Lucien held her gaze as tension seethed around them. Brushing his lips across her cheek he whispered in her ear.
“You just need to pull the right thread and the whole thing will unravel.”
Dane shivered. “And you believe I’m that thread.” Her voice was heavy with loathing.
His eyes flickered with something dark as he pulled back. “I’m counting on it.”
Releasing her Lucien glanced once again at the old mill, his demeanor reverting to relaxed confidence. “You just need a little help in understanding that this age-old prophecy is irrelevant. You can’t save everyone, Dane. Sometimes destiny is irrevocable.”
A sinister spark flashed in his eyes leaving her feeling there was much more to Lucien Beck than he was ready for her to uncover.
“What are you doing here?”
Dane was curious why a man like Lucien Beck wandered the grounds of an abandoned mill before the light of dawn had even made its appearance?
“Checking on my investment.” He smiled confidently, pointing to a bulky sign she hadn’t noticed.
‘SOLD—Future site of Beck Holdings Inc.’
“You bought the old flour mill.”
“As of a few days ago, I own this property.”
“I didn’t realize the city had decided to sell.”
“It took a while but I’m very persuasive.”
“And everything in the mill?” Dane winced thinking about the daemon pods throbbing inside.
“All mine.” Lucien acknowledged. “I’ll see you soon,” he said disappearing into the fading dim.
Chapter 4
A chill blew unimpeded across the open field, its icy tendrils wrapping around her skin. Dane shivered as Lucien’s final words disappeared on the winter wind, an echo swallowed up by the howl. She pulled up her collar and huddled closer
to the trunk of the tree.
Their interaction had left her both confused and curious. Dane didn’t like feeling anymore out of control than she already did, but something drew her to him. Why? She shook away the afterthought of Lucien Beck, her attention returning to the mill.
Daybreak began to warm the air as the sun rose above the horizon. The mill stood dark and silent, no sign of Lilith present. Its emptiness leeched across the field toward her as she returned to the jeep. Exhaustion seeped into her muscles as she climbed into the driver’s seat.
Overwhelmed by her mother’s senseless death she gripped the steering wheel as tears began to surface. The memory of her parent’s bedroom flooded to the front of her mind leaving her feeling defeated and alone. Choking back a sob she pushed the image and the emotions down. Weakness was not an option. Dane needed her mind to be clear to figure out what to do next.
Three missed call notifications and six text messages filled her screen, all from Stevie asking her whereabouts. Needing to get away, she’d left her stranded knowing her father would have been the first person, Stevie called. Nathan Callan would take care of everything. There would be no need for him to keep his powers or his connection to the Syndicate a secret anymore, so he would explain what Dane could not.
She scrolled through the messages and read the most recent text.
“Where are you? I’m worried. Heading to the Elder Oak. Meet me there. We need to find the others.”
As Dane stared at the words, relief flooded through her—Stevie was back in Brighton Hill and safe.
The sudden ring of the phone startled her. Her father’s number filled the screen. The rush of blood pounded in her ears as she pressed the button to ignore the call. Now wasn’t the time to speak with him. It was too painful, too fresh, too real. A few moments later her phone beeped, indicating a voicemail. She clicked it off and put it in her jacket pocket. Speaking with her father would have to wait. He would try to soothe her and take away the pain, but she didn’t want that, she wanted to live inside the anger and drown in her grief. She wanted the ache to feed the rage surging inside her because it fueled her strength and her thirst for revenge.
Dane started up the jeep and backed down the long drive, heading home to shower and get some rest. After a few hours of sleep, her mind would be refreshed, and she could decide what to do next.
A twinge sparked in her chest as she drove through the early morning dawn. A very specific ancient magic pulsed in her blood reminding her of something, someone special—Rafe. Her heart quickened as his face drifted through her mind before fading away, lost in the rage festering inside.
“What is it?” Kai asked as Rafe’s face paled. A slick film of sweat covered his brow, and he winced. They had just reached the edge of the fae city when his strangled cry alerted her to his troubles sending her running to his side.
Rafe’s brow furrowed in pain as his hand flew to his heart, fingers clawing at the shirt covering his chest.
“Rafe, are you OK?” The worry tingeing her voice made Sebastian and the others turn as well.
“What do you feel?” Sebastian questioned, closing the distance between him and the warrior without hesitation.
“Something is wrong. The rage is overwhelming.” Rafe’s voice rattled in the back of his throat, and he heaved trying to gulp air. Irrepressible emotions surged through him as he collapsed before Sebastian could make it to his side. One hand clutched the damp earth, the other clawed at his chest.
“Dane,” he gasped.
“What can we do for him?” Kai inquired as she bent over Rafe, a hand on his back.
Sebastian’s green eyes flashed with concern. “I am afraid, nothing. The binding Rafe and Dane share is a connection only the two of them control. Rafe must find it within himself not to yield to the overwhelming emotions Dane is obviously experiencing.”
“Dane? What do you think is happening to her?”
“There is no way for us to know, but do not worry, Stevie is with her.”
Helpless to provide relief as he fought the onslaught of emotions surging through him, they stood at his side. Finally, his breathing leveled out and color rose in his cheeks.
He lifted his eyes to Sebastian.
“Something has happened.” Wiping the sweat from his pallid brow Sebastian helped him stand. Worry etched his face. “Dane. She is out of control. The rage erupting within her is consuming the light inside. It’s like a black river winding through her soul swallowing everything that’s good. I must go back.”
Sebastian’s eyes softened, and he lifted his hand placing it on Rafe’s shoulder.
“I understand your concern my friend but alas there is nothing you can do. Until we know more, we must continue with the task at hand.”
His voice lowered, and he leaned in looking Rafe directly in the eyes. “You must trust in her. Dane is strong and quite capable. She does not need you to save her. Learn from the past.”
Rafe nodded, understanding what Sebastian referred to.
Wiping his drenched brow, he picked up his fallen pack and eyed the others, a forced smile on his face. “Let us continue to the Druidstone.”
Kai squeezed his hand as the others walked away. “Dane will be fine.” She forced a smile, but her voice betrayed her.
Ignoring the shiver creeping over his skin he nodded and turned to address Marlee. “These gates lead to Tariedrelle, the city of your ancestors.”
Marlee’s eyes scanned the gilded iron gates towering above them. Her skin prickled as she gazed at their opulence. The gate stood about twenty feet high. Gold iron, twisted into intricate scroll and filigree details, adorned the wrought iron bars. At the top, vicious points gleamed in the rays of the late day sun. Bright green vines, dripping with dewdrops and covered in enormous plum-colored flowers, entwined themselves around the gilded fence and obscured the view of what lay beyond. The scent wafting from the flora had a pungent sweetness.
“Fae blood is scented. It is sickly sweet, reminiscent of the strange flora that grows on your lands.” Gabby’s words echoed through her memory, and she wondered if this was what the celestial referred to.
“Are you coming, Marlee?” asked Elyse breaking the spell. She nodded and followed her friend and the others through the city gates.
A shallow canal lay inside the gilded fence, circling the outer edges of the city. A delicate tinkling sound rose from the depths of the water as a lazy breeze ruffled its surface. The water sparkled brightly at the bottom and every so often twinkling pins of light floated lazily upward. After breaking the surface, they continued to ascend into the air until the golden haze swallowed them up, reminding Marlee of tiny fireflies, their abdomens flickering in the dusk.
“Twilight is the part of the day when you can see the sparks of elemental magic ascending into the mist,” Rafe said indicating the tiny pinpoints of light as they disappeared overhead. “As the sun sets and the moons rise it will once again be invisible.” A thoughtful look appeared on his face as he reminisced. “Fae magic moves through the environment constantly. Even in stasis, it is in constant flux. Its power may be minimized but its visual effervescence is still noticeably apparent. The beauty of Athir cannot be stifled.”
The setting sun in the distance cast out its brilliant colors.
“When the triple moon rises, you will see how majestic fae elemental magic is.”
He smiled at her sensing her hesitation to accept what her eyes witnessed. Marlee’s caution meant she didn’t trust her instincts the way the others did, and Rafe knew well enough not to push. Marlee would find her own way through her destiny, in time.
Brannon and Killenn stopped at the water’s edge to fill the canteens.
“Can we drink that water?”
They both looked at Marlee strangely, forgetting she was a mortal with no knowledge of the land of the fae.
Killenn grinned,
“We can until the fae in you is reborn and you decide we are not worthy.” Brannon replied with a chuckle, but a stern look from Sebastian silenced them both.
“What Killenn is trying to convey, although clumsily, is the fae are rather protective of their territory. Since the air element infuses every part of this world, they have been known to guard the resources within their domain carefully. The water in this canal possesses specific magical properties that when ingested gives a person the ability to walk with ease, making foot travel much less strenuous. Fae water was a popular commodity in our time and sold quite liberally at market. You ancestors would not take kindly to us taking it without purchase.”
The heat of embarrassment tinged Marlee’s cheeks as she digested Sebastian’s words. “Wouldn’t the elves have the same water?”
Sebastian shook his head. “Both races use the elemental magic of this world differently. The fae used to reside in an elemental plane above this one but after the war tore Athir apart, they descended here. Their use of the air element has always been more carefree than that of the elves, the fae have a propensity to infuse everything with its essence.”
“That’s putting it one way,” Gabby said haughtily.
Ignoring her Sebastian continued. “Your ancestors are what we refer to as, tricksters. They are impish and enjoy games and tricks. Often, they use their magic to amuse themselves which is sometimes detrimental to those who are the recipient of their mischievous ways.”
“Are fairies dangerous?”
“Maddening is a word better suited to your kind.” Gabby rolled her eyes as Sebastian silenced her with a look.
“No Marlee, the race of fae are not dangerous. While they have been known to be spiteful, they never intentionally cause harm to another,” he assured her.
“They don’t sound very nice.” Marlee lowered her eyes.
Kai’s heart clenched as her friend’s face fell. Marlee Lynch was kind and caring and would never treat anyone with disrespect for her own amusement. Would Marlee change after receiving her birthright? Kai certainly hoped not. Gabby’s new personality is change enough.