The Dark King

by C. J. Abedi

  “Hi, guys!” Tatiana’s voice interrupted our quiet conversation. And she wasn’t alone. Odin was with her, smiling at us.

  “Good evening,” he said to us as he reached out his arms for Famous, who jumped right into them.

  “Hi, Mr. Westmoreland,” Teddy and I both said politely.

  “It looks like we are all craving something sweet tonight,” Tatiana said with a laugh as she smoothed out her short green plaid skirt. She had thick black tights on and mid-calf flat boots with a black wool sweater. Her hair was brushed back from her face and she looked gorgeous, as always. I didn’t think with a body like hers she could even dream of eating ice cream. Teddy was practically drooling.

  “Grandpa,” Tatiana said, looking over at Odin with a mischievous smile. “Why don’t you sit with Caroline? Teddy can come inside and help me choose our dessert. If he’s nice I’ll even buy him another one.”

  “That sounds lovely, Tatiana,” Odin replied as he looked over at me and motioned toward an empty chair. “May I?”

  “Of course.”

  I watched as Teddy got up and followed Tatiana inside the ice cream parlor like a little puppy.

  When we were alone, Odin began to speak. “And how are you doing?”

  I avoided his gaze. “I’m okay.”

  “You must have a lot of questions.”

  “I do. But I’m also kind of overwhelmed by everything. It seems like every single day I learn something new.”

  Odin studied me for a moment. “What did she tell you about the Fates?”

  “How do you know we talked?”

  “I’ve been told that I can read a mind or two when the mood strikes,” he said with a smile.

  Right. He was a God. His powers were probably limitless.

  “She … she hinted at something. Can our fates be changed?” I asked softly.

  “Do you believe they can?”

  I thought about it for a minute. Up until recently I didn’t even know that our fates were dictated by some higher force. I thought we each made our own way. Chose our own path. It wasn’t until Odin and Devilyn had told me of this other world that I even considered the notion of preordained destiny.

  “I never have before,” I told him. “I always believed we chose our own paths.”

  “Then that is your reality.”

  “But how can it be my reality when everyone is telling me it’s not? All I keep hearing is that there are Fates that control my life and dictate my existence. And that my future doesn’t look so great.”

  “I have a motto that I live by,” Odin spoke in a low voice and leaned in. “Whatever you believe with your heart shall be. Faith is a powerful force.”

  “So, I’m just supposed to believe that nothing I’ve been told is true? That the prophecy is just a joke? And I go on living like it’s not real?” I asked in disbelief. “How am I supposed to do that? How’s that even possible?”

  “If you don’t believe in the possibility of your own power, Caroline, if you don’t believe that you can change the mind of the Fates, if you believe that their will is set in stone, then it shall be set in stone.”

  D

  Duty and duty alone would soon take me back to the Dark Court. I had no desire to be there. But desire and duty were two very different obligations.

  I would have to check in on the Fae and deal with Katya and her punishment. Caroline’s safety had kept me from the court for long, my fear of leaving her alone with Puck on the loose preventing me from returning. But the time had come. And I knew my return was needed.

  I also knew Rowan would protect her.

  It would only be for a short while, I promised myself.

  The feelings of helplessness washed over me yet again. For the past few days I had been living in a bubble of almost perfection with Caroline. And I wanted that feeling to continue.

  I decided to allow myself one more day of normalcy. Just a few hours where we could have fun together as a couple. Attend a high school party together, share a laugh or two, and forget about all that was going on around us. I wanted to give her that much.

  I needed to give her that. Nevertheless, I still couldn’t believe that I was about to attend a Halloween party dressed as the Dark King. I hadn’t even needed to buy a costume. Everything about it was laughable.

  When the door to Caroline’s house opened, her father was waiting for me on the other side.

  I shouldn’t have been surprised.

  But I was.

  And was now suddenly nervous.

  “Hello,” he said politely as he checked me out the way only a nervous father would.

  “Good evening, Mr. Ellis. I’m Devilyn Reilly. I don’t think we’ve met before,” I replied, extending my hand.

  “You play football, don’t you?” he asked as he guarded the door.

  “I do.”

  “What position?”

  “Quarterback.”

  Mr. Ellis didn’t seem too happy with my response.

  Not that I blamed him.

  “For the love of God, honey, let the boy in!” Caroline’s mother said as she came to stand next to her husband, reaching out to pull me into an embrace.

  “It’s so nice to see you again, Devilyn! Your costume is incredible!”

  “Nice to see you, too, Mrs. Ellis. And thank you,” I said, acutely aware of the way Caroline’s father was watching me. He was clearly troubled.

  But then, he had every right to be afraid of me.

  “Caroline’s just finishing up and should be down any minute,” her mom said. “Wait until you see her costume!”

  Famous came up to rub against my leg and I reached down to pet him.

  “The Light Fairy Queen and Dark Fairy King. That is just so creative,” she said as she looked me over.

  There’s nothing creative about it, I thought. I live it daily.

  “Thanks,” I replied with a smile.

  I heard a noise on the staircase and looked over and immediately lost all ability to breathe properly. Caroline walked slowly down the stairs dressed just as I’d pictured her a thousand times. She was wearing a long, golden cape that fell behind her and a gold muslin sleeveless gown that fell to her ankles and was fitted at the bodice. Her crown was made of long wooden gold-painted sticks and flowers. Her makeup was light with gold colored fairy dust sprinkled all over skin. She was practically glowing.

  “Tatiana helped me,” she explained as she spun around so I could get a full view.

  My sister had done an incredible job.

  “You look beautiful.”

  “Let us take a picture of you guys!” her mom said excitedly. “I just love Halloween!”

  I took Caroline’s hand in mine and pulled her to my side. She leaned into me and wrapped her arm around my waist as we smiled for the pictures. She fit me perfectly.

  “I like your crown,” she said with a wink.

  “I actually prefer yours,” I said.

  “How did I know you’d say that?”

  Once we were done taking pictures, I promised Caroline’s parents I’d bring her home at a respectable hour. Her father continued to glower at me. I clearly hadn’t won him over. Thankfully, moments later we were walking outside, and I was free from his stares for the time being.

  “Are you warm enough?” I asked with some concern as I opened the car door for her.

  “I’m perfect,” she said.

  I walked quickly to the driver’s side, got in the car, and turned on the radio, then looked over at Caroline.

  “Why the big smile?”

  “Because I’m with you,” she said with a little laugh, “and because I’ve decided to start having a little more faith.”

  More faith.

  “I like that,” I said as I nodded. “Faith is good.”

  “Faith is amazing,” she corrected.

  You’re amazing.

  She gave me a look of pure love, and I reached out to take her hand in mine.

  We reached the party quickly and ma
de our way inside. It was in full motion. Music blaring all the way out into the street. There was a local DJ spinning some great dance music, and there wasn’t a single empty spot on the dance floor. Even though everyone seemed to be lost in the mood, Caroline and I still had our share of glances from everyone there.

  Caroline didn’t seem to mind, so neither did I. This was my first official Halloween party, and I was quite frankly surprised at how serious everyone took it. Students were all dressed pretty outlandishly. The girls were mostly wearing revealing costumes, taking the opportunity to let it all hang out, forcing themselves on any guy that passed them by. I held Caroline’s hand and led her to the bar to grab some drinks.

  “How about something a little stronger?” she asked with a flirty grin.

  I shook my head. “I don’t think so … but after everything you’ve been through the past month, you probably need it.”

  She patted my cheek with her hand. “Lighten up, Devilyn. No seriousness. We’re going to have fun tonight.”

  Yes, we are.

  My arms wrapped around her waist and I pulled her close. I loved that I could finally do this because everything she did made me happy. Just standing next to her was the greatest feeling in the world.

  “I’m not sure if I’ve told you how amazing you look,” I whispered.

  I could feel her entire body tense up from my words but she held me close.

  “You have, but you can say that to me over and over again.”

  “Nice costumes,” Rowan interrupted with a smirk.

  I was reluctant to let Caroline out of my embrace, but I did so she could go and give Rowan a hug.

  “You look great, Superman!” she said with a laugh.

  “You look every bit a queen,” Rowan replied as he took her hand and kissed it.

  My eyes narrowed and I slowly pulled her away from his embrace.

  “Devilyn, you should try wearing that every day,” he said with some amusement as he gave my outfit a once-over. “The costume really suits you.”

  “And you, Rowan. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you look better than you do in tights.”

  “All right,” Caroline said, interrupting. “Can’t we just have fun tonight? I mean, can’t I command it or something?”

  Neither Rowan nor I could keep from laughing. But she seemed happy that the tension had been released.

  “You are funny girl, Caroline!” Rowan said.

  “I try.” She smiled.

  “Do you want to dance?” I asked.

  “Not particularly,” she replied as she flicked her gaze over to the dance floor.

  “We’re dancing!” Teddy shouted at us as he appeared with Tatiana out of nowhere.

  The two were dressed as zombies, and they had gone all out. I assumed my sister was responsible for these costumes as well.

  “You look scary!” Caroline exclaimed as she took in the both of them.

  Teddy showed her his gruesome teeth and chomped down.

  “Be careful or I’ll eat you for dinner!”

  “I’ll protect her,” I said with a laugh as Caroline cringed at Teddy.

  “Seriously. That’s gross,” she said.

  As if on cue the DJ started playing “Monster Mash.” Teddy started jumping up and down.

  “Come on! I want to do the monster mash.”

  “I’ve never done that before,” Tatiana said, wide-eyed. “I don’t think I can.”

  “Shocking,” Rowan said dryly.

  “Have a little faith.” Caroline laughed as she winked at me and dragged us to the dance floor.

  C

  A simple glance in one direction can lead you to the eyes of a stranger. To the unknown. To a moment where you’re pulled in by an enigmatic gaze.

  Curious.

  Wanting more.

  Unable to turn away.

  His face was completely covered by a black Venetian mask. He was dressed in a cream and black court jester’s outfit, and he had bounced around the party dancing with the girls and done Jell-O shots with the guys all night. He had laughed with everyone, like what they were saying was the funniest thing he had ever heard.

  I had felt like I was being watched for most of the night. Eyes on me. Eyes everywhere I turned, every corner of the party, watching me. Watching as I danced with Devilyn, as we snuggled together in the corner, as I went to grab a glass of water, a bite to eat.

  Always there.

  Staring.

  Laughing.

  Looking at me with the kind of eyes that made my skin crawl. That made me think something bad was about to happen.

  And it was.

  I left Devilyn’s side and went to the bathroom. We were having a really good time, and he was laughing like I had never seen. Teddy and Tatiana hadn’t stopped dancing. Rowan had found someone to occupy his attention. It was a party. We were having fun.

  I was trying so desperately to make my way through the sea of classmates when I ran right into him. He turned as if surprised, but strangely I knew that he sensed me behind him. He had been waiting. But he continued to look down at me with an undecipherable gaze behind his mask.

  “Happy Halloween,” he said.

  “You, too,” I mumbled as I tried to turn away from him.

  “I’ve never seen a more radiant Fairy Queen,” he continued as my blood ran cold. “So light. So pure. It just warms my heart. Or makes me extraordinarily nauseated. I can’t quite figure out which feeling it is yet.”

  It didn’t feel right. None of it. I tried to move away from him, tried to twist and run, but suddenly I was surrounded by a crowd of people dressed as he was, wearing the same Venetian masks. He ran a finger down my arm.

  “Were you planning on going somewhere?”

  I looked around in a state of panic and nodded shakily. “Yes, I just need to find my friends—”

  He shook his head slowly from side to side.

  “I think not, Queen,” he said as he grabbed hold of my hand. “Actually, I think you’re coming with me.”

  And we were gone.

  Out of the party.

  Away from everything I knew to be safe.

  Far away from Devilyn.

  We stood in the great hall of what I knew was the Dark Fae Court. He let go of my hand as soon as we arrived, almost as if he was disgusted to touch me. I looked around and saw the hundreds of Dark Fae surrounding me in a circle, staring at me like I was a vile, evil creature.

  The Fae who brought me to the court ripped off his mask and faced me with his cherubic face.

  “Who—who are you?” I asked fearfully.

  “I, my dear, am known as Puck!” he replied loudly before he walked around the circle they had formed around me, his mask held out as he pointed in my direction.

  “Behold, loyal subjects of the Dark! Behold! You see before you the heir of Virginia Dare.” He bowed dramatically before me.

  “May I introduce The Queen of the Light Fae!”

  He stood before me in a flash, whispering low in my ear so that no one else could hear.

  “We have been anxiously awaiting your arrival. Do not fret, my dear. You won’t feel a thing.”

  Acknowledgments

  To my darling Ella … you are the light of my life, the apple of my eye, and my everything. To my family … I have to say that I am really the luckiest person in the world to have you in my life. Mom and Dad, there are truly no better parents in the world. You are so amazing, so caring, so thoughtful, so humble, and so loved. You have given me so much, taught me everything I know, and hopefully I have made you proud. I love you both more than words can say. Bahman, I am so blessed as well to have married the most loving, supportive, and kind man. Without you by my side, cheering me on every day, I would have never been able to accomplish any of my dreams. You really are the “heart and soul” of the operation. To Mammanjoon and Babbajoon, Fifi, Baba, Babak (your abs will make the cover of the next romance novel, I promise), Mina, Massoud, Nina, Nedda, Marlene, Sahar, Ali, (love you all s
o much) our angel Mehrdad (we know that you are watching over us and cheering us on), Tanna, and JD (love you brother more than words). A special thanks to all of my amazing and beautiful friends. You are all fairies of the light, you know who you are … and how much you mean to me. xo Jasmine

  To my Mom, Dad, and husband—I love you guys. To all my beautiful friends and family—you know who you are, how much I love you all, and how much I appreciate all of your help and endless support. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. xxx Colet

  To those of you who have helped us so much during our journey, we are forever grateful to you and humbled by your support. Every retweet, favorite, like, comment, and review brings huge smiles to our faces, and we won’t forget everything you’ve done to make Fae a success. To the amazing creators of the FAE Fan Pages in the UK, South Africa, and Arkansas—Elaine, Sam, Gemma, Dani, Zoe, Alicia, Kerry-Ann, and Jaclyn—your posts are seriously unbelievable and mean the world to us!

  Our second family at Diversion Books—Scott, Mary, Sarah, Hannah, Brielle—thank you for being a part of this amazing journey. Thank you for supporting us, Fae and now The Dark King.

  Lisa Gallagher—we knew you were super special when you texted us a picture of a car parked on the streets of Manhattan with a license plate with the words “Fae,” on the same day we signed with you. It was obviously “meant to be.” Thanks for your guidance, encouragement, hard work, and support. xo

  Finally, thank you Ridley and Giannina for believing in this project and loving the world we created. It is an honor to have our work in your hands. Beyond magical. We are also grateful to the Scott Free family—Amal, Mary, Mike, Justin—thank you all.

  The Queen is available December 2016!

  In the stunning conclusion to the Fae trilogy, Caroline and Devilyn fight to preserve their love despite dark forces threatening to tear them apart.