Seared

by Bethany Adams

“ONLY ONE.”

  He let out a sharp snort of laughter. As the goddess of seers, She no doubt knew what to expect from him, yet still She made him ask. “What am I missing in my search for Kien?”

  Silence.

  Had his humor offended Her? It hadn’t in the past, but that was before—

  Blackness. Silence. Then a voice that shook his very soul.

  “I’m sorry, but the shop is closed.”

  The world took form—a street on Earth. Pavement, brick sidewalks, cars. Humans. Then it faded as a woman filled his mental frame, almost shocking him from the vision. Long hair, black as night. Kind brown eyes. Gods, her eyes. His thoughts blurred, save one. Her soul was the match to—

  “PAY ATTENTION,” Megelien chided.

  Ralan jolted and scrambled to obey before he lost control of the vision. Hoping distance would help, he shifted his focus outward until more of the scene took shape. Oh, he’d return to the woman. First, he needed to discover who she was. And where.

  “But I hear this place is magic.” A male voice this time. “Or something.”

  Scowling, Ralan steadied the vision until the entire scene became clear. Both the woman and the man stood in front of a storefront. THE MAGIC TOUCH was painted in letters across the broad window, and he caught a hint of a mannequin in a summer dress before the woman’s voice caught his attention.

  “Yeah.” Amusement danced in the woman’s dark eyes. “Magic is in the name, after all.”

  The male stared at her, his expression showing no sign that he’d registered the wry humor. “You look like a special kind of lady. Surely you can open up for a special kind of guy?”

  “Excuse me?” The woman straightened, her posture going rigid. Even through the vision, Ralan could feel power building around her. “You can take your stupid innuendo and shove it.”

  Crimson flushed the male’s cheeks, matching his red hair. “No! I didn’t mean… Look, I’m just trying to find a missing friend.”

  “Well, the police station isn’t on this end of town.”

  “I can’t ask them about this.”

  The man reached out and almost managed to catch hold of her arm before she took a step back. A hint of flame flickered in her palm for the briefest moment. “Leave. I have nothing to do with troublemakers, and next time I won’t be so polite.”

  Sudden darkness as the scene cut off.

  Ralan’s eyes shot open, and he found his fingernails digging into his palms. “Who is she? Did he hurt her?”

  “I SAID ONE QUESTION, DID I NOT?” Megelien asked, Her tone almost bored. “YOU HAVE YOUR ANSWER.”

  He sensed Her presence depart as quickly as it had arrived. But he waited a few moments more before he bit out a curse. Just in case.

  Chapter 4

  Cora’s heart pounded as she stared after the strange man who’d been gazing into the window of her shop. On the surface, he’d appeared innocent—young, concerned for his friend, and embarrassed by his unintentional innuendo. He had turned so red at his last blunder that he’d looked like a sunburned tourist after a day boating on the river.

  But a hint of dark Sidhe energy had stood out as clearly as his crimson hair. Cora swallowed against the bitter taste it had left, though the sensation was magical rather than physical. Death and blood magic. The boy might look young, but he’d been into some seriously bad stuff. She shivered, grateful to see his retreating back almost a block away already.

  A woman’s voice broke into her thoughts. “Excuse me.”

  Cora tensed, prepared for more strangeness, but when she spun around, the person she saw was human. “Yes?”

  “I…” The woman bit her lip. “Sorry to bother you. I just wondered if there’s a bike rental spot nearby. The condo listing mentioned it, but my host didn’t leave directions.”

  The woman’s nervous expression finally registered, and Cora forced herself to relax. “You’re not a bother. This weird man was trying to get me to open my shop.” Cora gestured toward her display window. “Some guys just can’t take no for an answer.”

  “Ugh,” the human answered with an eye roll. “You’ve got that right. Do you need someone to walk with you?”

  Cora glanced over her shoulder and caught a hint of the guy as he took the crosswalk to the other side of the street. She gave the woman a smile. “No, I’m pretty sure he’s gone. You’re looking for the bike rental? Go back down the sidewalk behind you and turn left. It’s about halfway down the block.”

  The human smiled back. “Thanks! I’ll have to give your shop a try. When it’s open.”

  Cora waved as the woman headed down the sidewalk. Despite the normalcy of the interaction with the tourist, Cora couldn’t shake the unease twisting inside. She examined the area and found no sign of further danger. But she wouldn’t let down her guard. Something was coming.

  If only she knew what.

  As soon as Ralan reached the broader main path through the garden, he broke into a sprint. He knew from long experience that Megelien wouldn’t speak on the matter again, no matter how much he pleaded. Not anytime soon. But he couldn’t stand not knowing the fate of the woman in his vision.

  She was his soulbonded.

  Ralan hadn’t even considered the possibility of a soulbond for years, not after his first love’s betrayal. He’d been willing to defy his father for Kenaren, but she obviously hadn’t felt the same. She’d slept with his brother and plotted to kill him instead. Since that day over three hundred years before, he’d kept his relationships light. But a soulbond was something else entirely.

  Dammit, why did he have to find a potential mate when his life was so close to an end? He was going to die in flames—he’d never had such a clear, repeating vision not come true. Had he angered the gods so terribly that they’d torture him with a soulbonded now? Megelien Herself had shown the woman to him. Was it a cruel trick, or was he missing something important?

  The estate came into view, and Ralan slowed to accommodate the other people on the path. Then he spotted Arlyn and Eri in the middle, clearly waiting for him, and frustration climbed like bile up his throat. His daughter, at least, should know that he didn’t have time to converse. She had a better understanding of the futures than he did these days.

  He came to a grudging halt. “Arlyn. Eri.”

  Arlyn’s brows rose at his brusque tone. “What’s happened now?”

  “Nothing. Everything.” Ralan shook his head. “I don’t have time to explain. But there’s no immediate danger here.”

  “You’re not going to defeat him this visit,” Eri said softly. She wrapped her hand around two of his fingers and squeezed. “But you’re right to go. You and Cora will need each other.”

  Cora. His bonded’s name was Cora. “You do see more than I can.”

  “Yes.”

  Eri’s sad gaze met his, and his heart lurched. She knew. “Eri—”

  “You need to go, Onaial. You should take Delbin and Inona.” She let go of his hand and stepped back. “I promise I won’t get into trouble.”

  Ralan snorted at that. “You’re under Lyr and Meli’s charge, but I expect you to obey any of the adults of the House. No wandering off, and no using your talents carelessly. If I come back to find—”

  “I promise,” she interrupted, her small voice full of resolve. “Go.”

  He didn’t hesitate again. Cora. She must be in danger if Eri, the imp, was willing to obey the rules. But when she truly promised, she meant it. A bit of his worry easing, he rushed down the path, angling for the guest tower where he and Delbin each had their rooms.

  Arlyn’s voice echoed from behind him. “Onaial? What does that mean?”

  “Dad,” Eri answered. “That’s what Iren calls his father.”

  Despite his tension, Ralan smiled. A new bit of slang since he’d been a child—but a welcome one. Onai meant heart. Then his smile faded. He was all Eri had, but soon, he’d be gone. His friends didn’t mind watching his daughter for brief trips, but had Meli agreed t
o raise Eri with Lyr if something happened? A quick check of the future strands showed Eri with them, but Ralan had no talent for viewing the past.

  He’d have to ask to be certain.

  Ralan changed directions, heading through the back door and straight for Lyr’s study. He forced himself to stop and knock this time, and a seeming eternity passed before Lyr called for him to enter. Automatically, he scanned the area as he opened the door. His friend was alone. Perfect.

  As Ralan crossed the room, Lyr set aside the stack of papers he was studying. “Should I be worried or relieved that you didn’t rush in?”

  Despite the situation, Ralan chuckled. “I’m not sure.”

  “Another Sidhe colony in need of saving? Kien bringing an army of his minions through the portal? King of the Unseelie demanding a duel?” Lyr rubbed his hand across his face, and though his words were light, his eyes were weary. “I’m not certain I could be surprised at this point.”

  “Lady Megelien showed me a vision of my soulbonded.”

  “Your…” Lyr blinked. “I stand corrected.”

  Ralan shoved down the sudden impatience churning his stomach. “I need to get to Earth. She might be in danger. Is Inona free to take me and Delbin through the Veil?”

  “You have a human soulbonded you’ve never managed to foresee who’s in sudden danger on Earth?” Lyr snorted. “Of course you do. And yes, Inona is available. She just finished another assignment.”

  A scene from his vision popped into Ralan’s mind—Cora holding fire. “I’m not sure she’s human. And I haven’t searched the strands for my bonded since I was a teenager. Much can change.”

  “Obviously,” Lyr said.

  “One more thing before I go.” Ralan hesitated, though everything within him wanted to hurry out the door. This was too important. “Did you and Meli come to a decision about Eri?”

  Lyr sighed, but he nodded. “Yes. We will care for her if something happens to you.”

  “Thank you.” Ralan let out a huge breath. “She has promised to be good while I’m gone. I am fairly certain I’ll return without too much trouble this time.”

  “But not the next?” Lyr asked, his eyes narrowing.

  “Not even I can predict all that will happen. Megelien…” Ralan clamped his lips shut. He did not want to confess to angering the Goddess of Seers. “Much is shifting.”

  Lyr leaned his elbows against his desk. “So it seems. Well, go. Perhaps finding your soulbonded will make the strands clearer.”

  Ralan didn’t bother to correct his friend before he hurried from the room, although Lyr out of everyone would understand. Lyr hadn’t been able to claim his first soulbonded, Arlyn’s mother, and Ralan wouldn’t be able to bond with his. He couldn’t be so cruel with death looming, considering the pain a broken bond would bring.

  Only if the vision of his demise proved wrong could he—

  No. Ralan cut that thought off before it fully formed. No use considering the impossible.

  Meli heaved out a sigh and shut the book she’d opened just a few moments before. For the third time. How was she supposed to concentrate on Moranaian history now? She’d just agreed to become the parent of a seer when a few months before she’d believed she would never have a child.

  Lynia approached, her steps slow without the walking stick leaning against the table. That the lady could carry a book and walk unassisted was a sign of improvement after she’d shattered her spine in a fall from the top of the library tower. It was a true miracle that the healer had saved her at all.

  “Is something wrong?” Lynia asked as she placed her book on the table across from Meli.

  “I…” Meli took a bracing breath. “Lyr thinks we’ll find ourselves parents soon. Well, again. For him. Not that he feels poorly about Arlyn, just—”

  “What?” Eyes going wide, Lynia dropped into her seat. “You’re having a baby?”

  Meli choked on a cough, and it was a moment before she could speak. “No! Not as far as I know. It’s Ralan’s daughter, Eri. He asked us to adopt her if something happens.”

  Lynia waved a hand. “Ralan’s young. Not even a thousand years old.”

  “True. But Lyr is certain that Ralan has foreseen something dire,” Meli said. “By Freyr, I hope he’s wrong. I’m not ready to raise any child, much less one with such power.”

  “Wait a moment.” Lips pinching, Lynia leaned forward. “Please tell me my son did not agree to this without consulting you.”

  Meli gaped at her. “Of course not.”

  “Good. I’m too tired to give him a piece of my mind right now,” Lynia said.

  Another type of concern squeezed Meli’s chest. She’d come to think of Lyr’s mother as a friend during their work together. “Perhaps you should rest.”

  “Oh, no,” Lynia answered. “I want to know why you agreed to this if you’re so doubtful.”

  “My parents love me dearly, but if something had happened to them, no one would have taken me in. I can’t imagine leaving a helpless child an orphan.” Her lips twitched. “Even if Eri doesn’t seem particularly helpless.”

  Lynia settled back against her seat, and the strained quality of her smile had Meli’s heart squeezing with worry. “Indeed. Well, you and Lyr will always have my support.”

  “Thank you. Now maybe you should—”

  A sharp knock interrupted her words, and Lial poked his head in the door. “Go rest.”

  Meli concealed a laugh as Lynia flushed and scowled at the healer. Lyr might not want to think about it, but his mother and the healer definitely had something building between them. And if they didn’t work it out, it was going to explode. She caught a hint of affection in Lial’s eyes as Lynia told him to get out, and suddenly, Meli hoped they found their way together.

  Lyr would just have to adapt.

  Ralan halted outside Delbin’s door and then scowled. The shielding on the room was strong, which meant that Delbin and Inona were likely in there together. Probably having sex, but Ralan didn’t care, not right now. With an impatient huff, he knocked on the door and tried not to fidget as he waited.

  When Delbin sent a polite mental inquiry, Ralan greeted it with the image of a raised middle finger, a favorite human gesture he didn’t get to use here. He caught a hint of Delbin’s humor before the shield weakened and the door opened.

  Delbin ran his hand through his short blond hair and raised a brow. “I don’t want to call you an asshole, but—”

  “Not now,” Ralan interrupted. His gaze flicked to Inona, who was smoothing her hair. “We need to go to Earth. Immediately.”

  “What?” Delbin’s brow furrowed. “Weren’t you off bossing Kai around just a few hours ago? That vision was intense, but it didn’t have anything to do with Earth. Did it?”

  Ralan made a sharp, impatient gesture. “No. I’ll tell you on the way.”

  “Prince Ralan,” Inona began. “If I might say so, I recommend you find a guide. The Veil has grown turbulent and difficult to cross. Kai or Lyr could help find someone.”

  “When I said ‘we,’ I meant all three of us.”

  Inona’s eyes widened. “I’m not on assignment, but I’ll have to check—”

  “I’ve cleared it all with Lyr. You’re coming with us.”

  “But where are we going, Elaiteriorn?” Inona asked.

  “You needn’t use the title with me,” Ralan answered absently. Third son and heir. And a foolish one he’d turned out to be. “Unfortunately, I’m not sure where on Earth the vision will happen. Give me a moment.”

  Ralan took a bracing breath and searched for the strands connected to the event. Nothing. His shoulder muscles tightened. There couldn’t be nothing. His Sight had been unpredictable since he’d resumed using his talents, but visions didn’t typically disappear. How could he have let himself panic so thoroughly that he lost the very strand he needed?

  Then realization hit. Megelien. Clechtan. She truly was furious with him. No telling how many offerings he’d have to l
eave Her before She forgave him.

  In this, he might be on his own.

  “Prince Ralan?” Inona asked, her tone hesitant.

  “I lost the strand leading to the future in my vision,” Ralan confessed.

  The other two stared at him for one long moment.

  Then Delbin’s snort of laughter filled the silence. “This isn’t your day, is it?”

  “Shut up.” Ralan’s fists clenched. “If you could try to be useful? The shop was called The Magic Touch. Chances might be slim that you’ve heard—”

  “Oh, Cora’s shop,” Delbin interrupted. “What exile hasn’t heard of it?”

  “She’s an exile?” he asked.

  Delbin shook his head. “No. The Magic Touch is a clothing shop, but Cora also runs a side business. If you know the password, she’ll outfit you in current human clothes for barter. Exiles and travelers from many of the fae realms visit her for help. Gotta say, if someone is planning to give her grief, they’ll pay in blood. She’s well-liked.”

  Ralan replayed the vision in his head. “I don’t think the stranger knew that. I think he was Sidhe, a young one. Maybe a half-blood.”

  “Wait.” Delbin’s face went pale. “A young half-Sidhe? What did he look like?”

  Without a word, Ralan sent the image of the red-haired stranger along a mental link.

  Delbin bit out a harsh curse. “Patrick. He was in Kien’s little cave.”

  “Then we need to move. You can direct Inona to the right place?” After Delbin’s nod, Ralan tried one last time to find the strands surrounding the vision. And came up blank. “I don’t know what might happen, but we’re going to find out. Meet me downstairs in a quarter of a mark with anything you think we’ll need.”

  After darting up the stairs to his own guest suite, Ralan rushed through the living quarters and into his bedroom. He hadn’t carried much from Earth when he’d brought Eri home to Moranaia, but he’d thankfully included a few things at the last minute. Like his cell phone and the wallet containing cash and his debit and credit cards.

  He shrugged out of his tunic and pants and flung them toward the bed on his way to the closet. In less than a mark, Ralan had pulled on the designer button-down shirt and casual slacks he’d kept in case he needed to go back. Then he grabbed a backpack and shoved the wallet, his keys, and his other set of Earth clothes inside.