All's Fair in Love and Lion

by Bethany Averie

I can’t tell whether my cheeks were already damp or if there’s more tears, all I know is my voice breaks when I answer. “Lily killed Sasha.”

  Brinda stares down at Sasha’s motionless body, her expression grave. Finally she shakes her head. “There isn’t anything we can do.”

  “Please, you must help her.”

  Clarine touches Brinda’s arm. “Our obligation, sister. He requires our efforts.” Her soft voice gives me no comfort. “Sasha has a good heart and she’s done much for Monroe.”

  Brinda sighs. “We might not succeed. These are harsh wounds. It will require many days to revive her.”

  “Do whatever necessary,” I answer. “Just save her.”

  Brinda takes Sasha carefully from my arms. My hands tremble. The pain sears my heart. Squeezing my fists, I search for my control. An alien sensation enters my heart. How does one deal with having their heart ripped from their chest?

  Clarine rings a bell and servants appear. “We’re going into the adjoining room to care for Lady Dubay. Please prepare the bed.”

  The servant girls curtsy and depart from the room.

  Brinda and Clarine murmur over Sasha’s immobile form. I lean against a wall for support. I can’t fall apart. Sasha might need me.

  The servant girl reappears. “The room is ready, mistress.”

  “Thank you,” Clarine says. “Monroe, come with us.”

  I follow them through a short hallway into a dimly lit bedroom. Wiping my eyes, I watch Brinda set Sasha on a bed with soft cotton sheets and a lavender pillow. Clarine bends over Sasha’s body, her slim pale hands rest on Sasha’s forehead. I sink onto my knees beside the bed, holding Sasha’s lifeless hand. Her ashen face reminds me of death.

  Brinda betrays no emotion as she uses a pair of scissors to cut Sasha’s blouse off and gently unties my shirt. She runs a finger over the wounds. Then she checks the cuts on Sasha’s forehead. “After the trauma her body has gone through, I’m surprised she’s breathing.”

  “Can you save her?”

  Brinda shrugs. “I’m not certain. We’ll put forth our best efforts.”

  My gaze never leaves Sasha’s pale features. “Do whatever you can.”

  “You are going to have to leave, Monroe,” Brinda murmurs.

  I feel my heart wrench. “Must I?”

  “Wait,” Clarine says, holding up a hand.

  Brinda shakes her head. “No, sister, don’t suggest that.”

  “What?” I ask, my gaze darting from one fairy to the other.

  Brinda sighs. “It’s risky.”

  “There’s more of a chance we’ll save her. Let him decide,” Clarine urges.

  “We could take your lion essence to save her life,” Brinda says slowly. “It would heal the magical wounds, and our ministrations would do the rest.”

  “How will I track down Lily? I must bring her to justice. And Alveron. I can’t leave this unanswered.”

  “It’s all or nothing, Clarine,” Brinda says.

  “No,” Clarine says emphatically. “There is a way to let him maintain a little. At least, until he’s found Lily and Alveron.”

  “It might not work,” Brinda warns.

  “What other choice is there?” Clarine counters.

  “He’ll need to vow he’ll release the rest of his essence afterward. And, if he murders them, he forfeits everything,” Brinda says.

  Clarine turns to me. “Is Sasha’s life worth more to you than being a lion, Monroe?”

  When I begin to answer, she shakes her head. “No, think about it. Think hard.”

  To never be a lion again? Could I do it? What kind of a Thirdling would it make me? What of Sasha? She’s only just begun to understand the lioness residing within her. Will I forfeit my place on the Council? Will this make Sasha’s sacrifices all for naught?

  “What of my life here?” I finally ask.

  “The Council won’t banish you. A sacrifice for a loved one is an honored one,” Brinda says. “If they tried, I would speak in your favor. Besides,” she adds, “where would you go? Without your lion magic you could not enter the Third Realm. And to stay in the First Realm, she’d have to drink another potion to rid herself of the lioness, which can’t be done. It’s too much magic for someone who isn’t a native Thirdling. It would be fatal.”

  “So we would have to remain in the Third Realm? There would be no going back?”

  “Sasha could temporarily return,” Brinda replies. “Yet, there’s no way you two could remain there since she is now man-beast lioness. The desire to transform would overwhelm her. She’d be miserable.”

  “And if I don’t do this Sasha could die?”

  “Correct,” Brinda answers.

  An emptiness fills me. The lion is as much a part of who I am as my human side. However, living without Sasha is unthinkable. Any chance is better than none. “Then do it. Take the lion and save my Sasha.”

  Clarine’s face softens into an expression of sympathy. “Are you certain, Monroe?”

  I grit my teeth. “Do it.”

  “Brinda, you gather it. I’m afraid I’m not as adept as you,” Clarine says.

  Her nerves do nothing for the hollow sensations twisting within my gut. I will never hunt beside Sasha again. Never mate with her in our animal forms. Once I finish with Alveron and Lily, the lion will be gone. Yet, no matter the loss, Sasha is worth it.

  Brinda grabs one of my hands in hers; in the other she holds a glass potion bottle. She begins to murmur in the ancient tongue I heard the day she made the potion for Sasha. Then she pauses. “Vow not to attempt to keep the rest once you’ve accomplished your goal. When you have either arrested, or subdued Lily and Alveron, will you return and release the last of it?”

  “I swear it,” I reply.

  Brinda resumes her chanting. Her voice rises and falls in a haunting melody. Before I didn’t feel anything beyond a twinge, now a pain grips me. I fall to my knees, and lower my head.

  The spell continues to weave around me, clutching at me. The blood thunders in my head, as sweat beads at my temples.

  Finally, when I’m sure the incantation will have me curled in a ball on the floor, Brinda falls silent.

  “Do not forget your promise,” she says, as she lets my hand go.

  “I won’t,” I rasp.

  “You will leave now,” Brinda says. “We’ve much work ahead of us.”

  Dizziness makes it hard for me to get to my feet, but eventually I stand. Slowly, I move closer to the bed. Leaning over, I tenderly kiss Sasha’s faded lips. “Come back to me, my love,” I whisper into her ear. I straighten and glance at Brinda and Clarine.

  “The maid will show you out,” Brinda says, gesturing at a servant. “We’ll begin immediately.”

  “Thank you,” I say. “Let me know of any changes.”

  “We will,” Clarine promises.

  The maid steps forward. “This way, sir.”

  Returning to my castle, I gain the bedroom. The hollowness I felt earlier increases. Sasha’s absence, and what I had to give up meld together, making it hard to breathe. To make matters worse, her scent saturates the air. I smell her femininity, desire, and beauty rising from the satin red sheets. I run my fingers along the edge of the bed while images of her play in my mind’s eye. My throat goes dry thinking of how alive she was when we woke up together. How can things change so instantly? Will she ever occupy the castle again?

  “Sir.” Ayres taps on the door as he walks in. “Lord Bast is here.”

  “I’ll be there in a moment.”

  Ayres disappears without a comment.

  I clutch the sheets, letting Sasha’s fragrance permeate my senses. My head spins. Perhaps Bast has found Lily and made her pay. Will her death erase the emptiness? Could it bring Sasha back? Will the Creator invoke the justice my soul demands? Could it make losing my lion any easier? Dropping the covers, I stride down to my den.

  Throwing open the door, I grab Bast by the collar. “Did you find Lily? Is she dead yet?”
>
  Bast unclenches my fingers from his shirt. “I’m afraid, Monroe—”

  “She’s not dead?”

  “I’m sorry, Monroe. No one’s seen her.”

  “I can’t believe you’re so calm while that murderess is on the loose. Have you no sympathy?” My voice cracks. I fight for control. The loss overcomes any rational thought. I forget Clarine and Brinda’s warnings and say, “Do I need to do the deed myself?” I storm through room, knocking over a side table. Chess pieces scatter across the rug.

  “Monroe,” he says, “not even her uncle knows where she went. I told Alveron what happened.”

  I whirl around. “And?”

  “He was unconcerned. I reminded him of the Creator’s rules and he refused to believe Lily meant to kill Sasha.”

  “The bastard.” I pick up a glass from an end table and throw it against the wall. It shatters, and a sense of satisfaction trickles through me.

  “He said if it’s true, Lily will answer to him.” Bast’s jaw tenses. “Alveron made me promise we wouldn’t do anything before he had a chance to question Lily.”

  “I can’t believe you agreed.”

  “He has the right,” Bast replies quietly. “I couldn’t refuse the request. You know the code as well as he does.”

  “She’ll lie to him. I’m certain she lied to him when he freed her.” I rub a hand over my face. “Bast, there must be something we can do.”

  Bast slumps in defeat. “Nobody can do anything.” He grips my arm. “You’ll make it worse for yourself if you kill Lily. I know what I said earlier, but I can’t do it. The repercussions of the action are too risky.”

  I jerk my arm from his grasp and grit my teeth. “Then why hasn’t Lily suffered?”

  Bast’s eyes fill with fear. “Is Sasha dead?”

  “Close enough.”

  “Sasha’s not dead. The Creator doesn’t meddle. Things happen if someone is killed, not if they’re curable.”

  “So, Lily only gets punished if Sasha dies?” I growl low in my throat. “Where’s the Creator’s justice?”

  “I didn’t mean Lily wouldn’t receive any castigation,” he continues. “I meant there wouldn’t be any consequences if Sasha remains alive. Lily already lost her title and rank. She must hate Sasha if she’s willing to risk everything else. If she committed murder not even Alveron could do anything about the ramifications of the act.” He pours wine into the remaining glass and hands it to me. “Right now you should concentrate on dealing with your grief. Pray for Sasha’s recovery.”

  I hold the glass without tasting the wine. “I want Lily to suffer as I have. This is my wife . . . my mate . . .”

  “I think you should talk to Neru.”

  “Whatever for?”

  “He’s a widower. He understands loss. He could help you deal with what you’re going through.”

  “His wife wasn’t murdered.”

  “He watched his mate die. He watched her suffer. He could support you.”

  I slam my glass down. It splinters apart, spilling wine onto the floor. “I don’t want support, I want my wife alive.”

  “Do you believe I don’t want Sasha to live?” Bast grips my shoulders. His dark eyes are fathomless. “Sasha is the best thing that’s ever happened to you. I can’t stand what this has done to you.”

  “No.” My voice comes out thin. I hardly recognize it. “You’re right. I should talk to Neru.” He releases me and I fall into a chair, burying my face in my hands. “I just can’t, yet.”

  “Whenever you can, I believe it’ll help.”

  I let out a shuddering sigh. “I hope you never have to see Alexia’s death. It’s the most gut-wrenching thing.” I stare at my empty hands. “If Sasha dies, what kind of an existence will I have?” I’ll have nothing. Not my lion, not her. What purpose would I serve then? I don’t want to divulge what I’ve given up to Bast. I don’t want his pity. I only want Sasha. All I’ve endured will be worthwhile if she recovers.

  Bast lowers himself into a chair beside mine. “Neru has managed. You would, too.”

  “Such simple words.” I rub my temples. “I appreciate your concern. However, you needn’t waste your time on me. Go back to your family.”

  “Monroe, you’re my best friend.” He leans forward. “Don’t shut me out.”

  “Bast, please. Go back to Alexia and the twins.”

  “Let us know if you need anything.” Bast slowly leaves the room.

  Christmas comes. No one feels merry. With Sasha still under the fairies’ care, the castle feels too empty. I find it impossible to stay at home. Racing through the Magic Region, I search for Lily. One way or another, she will pay.

  In lion form, I storm through the underbrush of the Adon Forest. Lily’s sickening scent floats faintly in the air. I burst through the trees on the south edge of the forest, and skid to a stop near the cliffs marking the boundary between the forest and the Elysium River. The River runs along the edge of the Magic Region and another region. I sniff the sand and gravel. With any luck she hasn’t gone into one of the other eight regions. It’ll be easier to find her if she’s stayed in the Magic Region. A thick layer of her aroma coats the ground. Did she drag herself or fall?

  I sit on my haunches and scratch my ear with my back paw. Somewhere between the fight and now, Lily made her way this far on her own.

  Reaching out mentally, I feel a spark, sharp as a pinprick, poke at my mind.

  “Come to finish the job?” To my left, Lily limps into view.

  She’s in tiger form. Blood and dirt mat her fur. Her eyes regard me dully.

  I recoil in horror. “What about Alveron?”

  “Why do you care?” Her voice comes out in tired, beaten tones.

  I drop into a defensive stance. “I don’t.”

  She collapses onto the ground a few feet from me. “You can relax. I haven’t the strength to fight.”

  This is a trick. It has to be. Since when does a Tygress give up? “I’m not amused.”

  “You and your precious human have won. Why don’t you seize your moment of triumph and end me?”

  “You’ve been trouble as far back as I can remember.”

  She sits up. “What can I say? I always want what I can’t have.” Her bitter laugh turns into a cough. “You were wise to reject me.”

  “What’s with the change of heart? What game are you playing now?”

  She flops back onto the ground. “No more games. I just want death.” Her eyes meet mine, pleading. “Do it, Monroe. I’ve lost everything. Even my uncle is disappointed in me.”

  “Get up and defend yourself, Lily.”

  “Weren’t you listening? I can’t. Don’t you see? If you kill me, even if your wife dies, you still win. I’ll be out of your way.”

  “If Sasha dies, your demise will have no meaning.”

  She coughs again. “Aw, you do care.”

  “Not about you.”

  “Then do it.” She rises onto her feet and approaches me. “If I strike you first, will it make the choice easier?” She slaps me with her paw.

  A snarl rumbles in my throat. “What are you doing?”

  She ignores my question. “Come on, Monroe. I’m giving you the opportunity you’ve wanted.”

  I can finally avenge Sasha. My claws spring out. My heart beats erratically. Every attack on Sasha, every spell Lily put on me, all swarm around me. My teeth clench. My body tenses.

  Lily’s eyes glint in anticipation. I want to wipe the smirk off her face. She wants to be dead? Fine. I’ll happily grant her wish. I prepare to strike.

  “The repercussions of such an action are too much of a risk.” Bast’s words and the fairies warnings echo in my head. My whole body freezes.

  If I end Lily’s life, I’d lose everything I love. Then what point would there be in releasing my lion? Perhaps I’d end up like Lily, weak and anxious for my own death. Am I willing to risk everything for revenge? Is it worth it?

  “Well? What are you waiting for?” L
ily’s voice snaps me out of my reverie.

  I slam my paw down and the ground shakes. “No.”

  “What?”

  “Leaving you to live with the results of your actions seems punishment enough. Also, you didn’t do me or Sasha any favors. Why should I do one for you?”

  She rolls to her feet. Dust flies everywhere. “You wanted me to pay. I sensed it.”

  “I won’t sacrifice what little hope I have in Sasha’s recovery by killing you.” I turn and start to close my eyes.

  “Damn it, I want to die!”

  I whip around in time to see Lily leap at me. “By the Third Realm! Are you crazy?” She lands on my back.

  “Kill me, Monroe!” She yanks on my mane with her teeth. “End my miserable existence.”

  “Get off me!” I shake my back and she lets go.

  Landing with a thump, she looks me in the eye. “Don’t make me suffer anymore.”

  I move further away. “Don’t you deserve it?”

  “I’ve had enough.”

  “I won’t oblige you.”

  “Very well, I’ll do it myself.”

  In horror, I watch her claws flash in the sunlight as she rips them across her throat.

  “Goodbye, Monroe,” she gurgles. Her eyes roll back in her head and she drops to the ground.

  Her body changes back into human. Cuts, bruises, and dirt cover her body. Blood gushes from the open wound at her throat.

  A sound like a firecracker breaks the silence. Smoke billows into the air and Alveron appears.

  Gathering his black robes around him, he glances from Lily’s lifeless form to me. “Did you kill her?”

  “All I did was get her off my back. I didn’t even use my claws.”

  “Pity.” He pokes her body with his boot. “She had potential.”

  “What are you up to, Alveron?”

  “Absolutely nothing. I have the High Magicians’ Conclave I’m late for, so you’ll have to excuse me. I merely wondered if you finished off my niece as you intended. I suppose revenge isn’t your forte.”

  “You won’t answer for your crimes?”

  He sneers at me. “Don’t look at me with such disgust, Monroe Dubay. We magicians operate differently from you man-beasts.” He gestures toward Lily and her body disappears. “Now, I’m extremely late—”