A Deadly Duet: Spellsinger: Book 6

by Amy Sumida

  I inhaled a shaky breath as water gathered in my eyes and dripped down my cheeks. What was this now? I frowned and blinked as I realized that I was crying. Had I ever cried before?

  “No,” Darc whispered with wonder. “I've never seen you cry, my love. Do you understand now? You feel more too. I've always loved you, Faene, and I never thought it was possible to love you more, but I think I do.”

  “I think I love you more too,” I whispered back. “Darcraxis, I can't lose you again.”

  “You won't, Faenestra,” he vowed as his expression went grim and determined. “I will cover the realms in darkness if I have to.”

  “And I will burn all the worlds to ash before I let them separate us again,” I added my vow to his.

  “My love, I've missed you so much,” Darc whispered as his body began to drive mine toward pleasure again.

  “And I've missed you,” I murmured against his smooth chest. “They will pay for what they've done to us.”

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  I spent several days luxuriating in the love between my husband and me. I may have been lured into staying longer if it hadn't been for my magic.

  We were in a natural hot springs—rubbing our naked bodies against each other while the bubbling water relaxed our muscles—when my back bent in pain, and Light flared through me. My magic was straining the limits of my body again, but this time it wasn't just a trick; I was in true danger. It angered me more than anything else, but Darc was terrified.

  “Faene!” He held my body aloft so I wouldn't fall under the water. “Hold on, sweetheart.”

  I knew what I needed to do. For all of its shortcomings, this body had the one thing I needed to control my power; spellsong—that would tamp down the magic again. The stone Elaria had allied with had gone silent inside me, but I didn't need it anymore. I could produce my own music with a thought. Not that I needed that either; the words alone—empowered by a melodious tone—would accomplish what I wanted.

  But I liked music.

  I began to sing “Voodoo” by Godsmack; the song popping into my mind thanks to my time spent as Elaria. I have to admit that I love human music; it's so emotional. The right words combined with an appropriate melody can make you feel everything from loss to gratitude. And that's just what I needed; for my magic to feel the journey I'd been through and the pain. I needed it to draw back not just because I forced it to, but because it wanted to.

  The opening lyrics were done a capella—practically a chant—and Darc stared down at me in shock as I went still with their power. But after the first lines, the light clang of a cymbal announced the arrival of primal drums that thumped into haunting melodies. The music came to life around us as my magic manifested; Elaria's magic.

  The song was cryptic and creepy; a mix between suicidal apathy and a deadly determination. It spoke of life moving in circles; going downward and then rising to something better. It was time for me to rise and let go of my pain, and my magic agreed. It allowed itself to be drained by my song; the excess power seeping into the water to disperse like ink. Darc inhaled sharply; no doubt sensing the magic flowing around him. I pushed at his chest, and he helped me to my feet while I continued to sing.

  I stood back from Darcraxis as the magic surged through me, and when I felt strong enough again—when I felt my magic calm inside me—I let go of the music and ended the song.

  “You conquered it,” Darc whispered. “You saved your body.”

  I blinked in surprise. I hadn't even considered letting this body die. I could have easily done so and simply formed a new shell. Why hadn't I? And why had Darc been so afraid of it? Perhaps we were both attached to this physical representation of me. I considered it and decided that he was right; through years of living in the flesh and being reborn into it, my body finally reflected my true self. This form was me; it was more me than any new body I could create—even if I tried to recreate this one. I was shocked to find that I liked this body, and I wanted to keep it. It had become more than a shell to me.

  “I knew that I could,” I finally replied. “It was how I saved myself before. I think that I must sing when I use my magic now; it will combat the strain of the Light.”

  “That's wonderful news,” Darc said with a grin. “We won't have to worry about this body's death.”

  “So much has been done to us, Darc,” I said with grim sadness. “It's time for vengeance.”

  “Those who hurt us are dead, Faene.” Darc shook his head. “The time for vengeance has long since passed. We have outlived our children.”

  “Then it's time that we reminded the Shining Ones of who they are and who they came from,” I said. “I want my throne back.”

  “Then you shall have it,” Darc declared. “You shall have everything you desire.”

  I smiled wickedly at my husband.

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  I stormed through the broken crystal walls and into the circular space; my stare set on the pedestal in the center of the room.

  “Miss me?” I asked the Witch Relic as I picked it up.

  It tried to lash out at me, but I quelled it with a thought.

  “Don't embarrass yourself,” I chided it. “The might of all the witches on Earth still doesn't come close to the power of a true goddess.”

  “It's rather garish,” Darc noted as he looked over the necklace. “What do you want with it?”

  “Nothing,” I said to both him and the Relic. “I just want it to know that's there's a new power in town. And we're taking its palace.”

  “This is hardly a palace.” Darc sniffed disdainfully. “It's barely even a room.”

  “It will be,” I said as I tossed the necklace back on its pedestal.

  The Witch Relic shimmered and disappeared.

  “You tricky relic,” I whispered as I narrowed my eyes at the empty pedestal. “Go ahead and hide; it doesn't matter. We shall build our temple over yours.”

  “Ah; a temple.” Darcraxis nodded. “Now, that I can imagine.”

  “Then imagine and build it, my love.” I waved my hand to the mountaintop. “But make it accessible; I want our children to be able to bring us our tributes.”

  “Of course.” Darcraxis went to stand at the shattered remains of the main doors.

  He looked out across Tír na nÓg and smiled as Relic Mountain rumbled. I went to stand beside him as the crystal walls around us disappeared. The mountaintop expanded and a road carved itself out of the side; sweeping down to the ground below. Then walls of shimmering stone shot up around us. Gleaming arches of gold, silver, and copper raced across the ceiling while panels of every jewel in Tír na nÓg manifested to form the walls. I glanced at Darc and smiled; he was taking inspiration from the Witch Relic despite his declaration that it was garish. Gaudy or not, the jewels and precious metals would declare our domination more than any words could. Our temple would be a shining symbol of supremacy that all our children would be able to see.

  A room formed around us and an aisle of gold bled up beneath our feet. Darc offered me his hand and then led me up the aisle to a grand dais of pure silver. The gold aisle bisected the silver to run beneath a pair of thrones set on top of the dais; pure crystal thrones with indigo velvet cushions. I sat in mine as a crown appeared on my head; copper flames mingling with silver swirls around a central gold sun. I glanced over at Darc and saw his old crown sitting upon his head; wooden branches winding around sapphire teardrops and a silver moon held in its center. Our elements and main magics were all represented.

  “Would you care to address our children, my love?” Darc held his hand out to me.

  “I would.” I took Darc's hand and used his power to speak to every Shining One in Tír na nÓg. “My children, your loving gods have returned to you. We have been freed from the prisons your ancestors placed us in, and we rejoice to be reunited with you. We will not hold you responsible for the mistakes of your predecessors, but we will not tolerate disobedience either. Come to us and freely give us your l
oyalty and all will be well again. We will look after you as we have in the past. Deny us, and you will be denied the gifts we've given you. If you do not respect us, you cannot respect the magic that formed you. But know that we love you, and have only the best intentions toward you. Do not be afraid and do not hesitate; join us at once.”

  “Well done, Faene,” Darc said approvingly. “That was the perfect blend of strength and compassion.”

  “Do you think so?” I asked anxiously. And then I shook my head at my own weakness. “Of course it was. I am their mother; I know what they need to hear.”

  “And they will remember that,” Darc said confidently.

  “Or they will die,” I murmured.

  Darc cast a worried glance my way.

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  It was just as I had hoped it would be. Our children came streaming to us bearing gifts and vowing their loyalty. They lamented the actions of their ancestors and rejoiced in our reunion. I was beyond delighted.

  Until they came.

  King Torin of Onyx and King Declan of Alexandrite arrived at the temple with their subjects and also Gage and Banning. Something shivered inside me when I saw them, and I knew it would be difficult to deny the feelings Elaria had developed for these men. But I was with my true love now, and they were no match for him.

  The kings made their tributes and then drew closer to the thrones; bringing Banning, and Gage with them. Darc glanced warily at me while the men bowed. I smiled softly at my husband, and he visibly relaxed as he reached out to take my hand.

  “Thank you for coming, King Declan of Alexandrite and King Torin of Onyx,” Darc said. “But you shouldn't have brought outsiders here. This was meant to be a reunion for our family alone.”

  “You know why we came,” Banning growled. “We love Elaria, and we're not giving up on her.”

  “Then support her in this,” I said calmly. “She and I are one now, and as much as she loves all four of you, she also knows that she cannot have you anymore. I am returned to myself, and I belong with my husband; the God of Darkness. He is my perfect match; dark to my light. Elaria has enjoyed her time with you, but we have ascended and now it's time for you to love me in another way; as your goddess.”

  “Elaria, you don't want this,” Gage said. “You're my mate; I know your heart. You and I are meant for each other. I cannot move on; I'll die without you.”

  I flinched; my hand tightening on Darc's. Darcraxis looked at with wide eyes as I fought the rising panic in my chest. This pain and fear was Elaria's, not mine. What did I care about the life of one griffin? He was not my concern. I had to focus on my family now.

  “I release you from your bond,” I said. “Mate with another, Gage.”

  “You can't just speak some words and destroy a mating,” Gage growled. “You and I are connected until we both die. You can deny Torin, Declan, and Banning all you want, but what we have is visceral.”

  “For you perhaps,” I said gently. “But not for me.”

  A scream rocked through me, and I jerked in my throne. There was madness in the sound, and it threatened my mind, but I closed my eyes and sought calm. A quick humming silenced Elaria and returned my control.

  “Don't do this, little bird,” Torin begged. “You are more than your magic. Don't let it tell you who to be.”

  “It does not tell me who to be, Onyx King,” I said as I lifted my chin. “Nor will I allow you to tell me who to be. I have my purpose now. Darcraxis and I will unite the Jewel Kingdoms. There will be no more fighting between fairies; our family will be healed. Peace for all of Tír na nÓg. Do you not think it to be worth the sacrifice of your love?”

  “No,” Declan answered for them. “It's not worth one heartbeat of our love. Let the world destroy itself; I don't care as long as I have you.”

  “Then you are both selfish and stupid,” I growled. “Perhaps you aren't fit to rule Alexandrite.”

  The room went silent as everyone stared from Declan to me.

  “Leave us before my wife loses her temper,” Darcraxis said imperiously, but I could hear the worry beneath his tone.

  I glanced at him in surprise. Darcraxis cared for these men. Why?

  “Come on,” Banning hissed as he yanked on Declan's arm. “Live to fight another day and all that crap.”

  Declan was seething; staring at me as if he was about to say something that we'd both regret. That thought gave me pause as well; why would I regret it? He meant nothing—no; I couldn't even finish that sentence. I loved him. Damn this flesh and vulnerable brain with its sparking thoughts. I remembered Declan, and I wanted what Elaria had with him.

  Declan's eyes changed from blue to purple as he saw my shift in mood. He took a step forward, but I shook my head crisply. I couldn't withdraw my decree now; it would undermine my power over my people. Declan sighed and nodded as he allowed Banning to pull him away. Torin frowned at me, glanced at Declan, and then his expression softened.

  “May I approach the thrones?” Torin asked.

  “You may.” My hand shook as I waved him up the steps.

  Torin strode up as the other men stopped and stared at us. He got down on one knee before me and held his hand out to me. I laid my hand in his, and he bent his head over it. After kissing me lingeringly, Torin looked up and squeezed my hand.

  “Gage is wrong,” Torin whispered. “We are all bound to you; our hearts are caged together. Remember that. We have been through too much to open the door now. If you try to free us, it will only strengthen the bars, Faenestra.”

  Then Torin got to his feet, nodded to Darc, and strode out of the temple with the others.

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  I stood on my balcony and stared out across the forests of Quartz, the grasslands of Turquoise, and the golden plains of Tiger's Eye toward Kyanite. Elaria was affecting me more and more; seeping into my senses slowly—as I had done to her. It was devious; the way it happened so subtly that I barely noticed it until I felt the accumulated effects. I shook my head; we were the same being—this was ridiculous.

  “Are you all right?” Sara asked.

  Some of the tributes that had been brought to us were servants to tend the temple. Sara was a lady, but she had once been Elaria's maid, and she came of her own accord to offer to serve me. I had accepted immediately; Elaria becoming far too happy at the prospect for me to deny Sara.

  “I am... homesick for Kyanite, I suppose,” I murmured. “Which is strange because my home isn't on this planet at all.”

  “It's on Earth,” Sara said as she nodded.

  “No; it's on Ildathach,” I corrected her.

  “Ildathach?” Sara asked in surprise. “I've never heard of it.”

  “It's the first habitable planet Darcraxis and I created,” I said as I headed back into the bedroom.

  I smiled at my husband, who was lounging in bed; covered only by blankets. He smiled back warmly and held out his hand. I went to him automatically, and Sara helped me out of my robe along the way. I slipped beneath the blankets nude and eased into my husband's arms.

  “Goodnight, Your Divinities,” Sara murmured as she left.

  “Your Divinities,” Darc repeated with a chuckle. “She's amusing.”

  “Indeed,” I said as I glanced after her. “Elaria is very fond of her.”

  “Then you are fond of her,” he noted. “As you are in love with those four men.”

  I turned back to him sharply; a protest on my tongue. But Darc laid his finger over my lips.

  “Don't lie to me, my love,” he said softly but strongly. “I know your heart, and with you inside this flesh, I can hear your thoughts. You love them.”

  I sighed deeply and laid back on my pillow. “Much to my dismay.”

  Darc chuckled. “Yes; I know that as well. I just want you to know that I understand and it's okay, Faene.”

  “It is?” I gaped at him.

  “You have to accept the negatives along with the positives of having this body,” he said. �
�If we are to find peace together, as well as bring it to our children, then surely you must make peace within yourself first.”

  “How do I do that?” I whispered.

  “I don't know.” Darc gave me a sympathetic smile. “All I can do is vow to you that no matter how you feel about other men, I will never stop loving you. You and I are beyond what you had with them and that is enough for me. I have won—you are mine once more—and I can be gracious in victory. If you wish to treat them kindly, I will not take offense.”

  “Darc,” I said as I shook my head, “it's not kindness that concerns me.”

  “You wish for more,” he murmured.

  “I do,” I admitted. “I want them with me. When I think of them, I feel this strange ache that makes me sad. I know that ache will only grow larger the longer I'm away from them.”

  Darcraxis nodded and sighed. “My grace may extend to kindness, but I'm not sure if I can stretch it further.”

  “I know,” I said as I moved on top of him. I held his face in my hands and kissed him. “I know your heart as well, Darc. It's why I didn't just take what I wanted from them. I want your love more.”

  Darcraxis moaned and pulled me into another—even more passionate—kiss. Then he rolled us over and spread my legs suddenly. I gasped into Darc's mouth as he entered me roughly and started a savage rhythm. This wasn't like my husband, but I liked it. I cried out with delight as I wrapped my legs around his waist and held on.

  “You've driven me past my cool control, Faene,” Darc growled against my throat. “Even the thought of you taking them enrages me, but it also excites me. This flesh can give so much pleasure.” He slammed his hips against me and gave me his entire length “Perhaps we have yet to discover all the ways it can do so.”

  “What are you saying?” I asked him warily.

  “I think that I would like to watch you with them,” he whispered into my ear. “Images of them filling this body have haunted me for so long that they've begun to tempt me. I fantasize, Faene. When have we ever done that?”