by C. J. Abedi
I climbed the stairs and rounded the corner. I found her easily bundled up in one of the chairs. She was resting her head against the windowpane and her eyes were closed. She was dead to the world.
It had taken her no time at all to fall asleep. Her face was angelic. I sat next to her, filling the space so no one could disturb her, and let her sleep; hopefully she would have happy dreams.
And if I was really lucky, she would dream about me, as I did about her.
Chapter Eleven
“When you fear a foe, fear crushes your strength; and this weakness gives strength to your opponents.”
—William Shakespeare
Kingdom of the Dark Fae
“So tell me of your progress, dear boy,” Alderon spoke as he brushed the beautiful mane of the Kelpie stallion. The horse immediately grew still, afraid of the anger his response would provoke in his master. He gently brushed the side of his face against the green grass preparing himself for the wrath he was sure to face. He slowly raised his eyes to meet Alderon’s inquisitive gaze and then shook his head.
“You have nothing?” Alderon practically shouted.
The high-pitched sound of his master’s voice caused the horse to immediately draw back and suddenly change form. It was instantaneous, and yet it was magical. In a matter of seconds, he transformed from horse to man and immediately knelt before his impatient king.
Patrick drew in a deep breath and began speaking but knew to keep his head down. “I have spent my time there scouting the premises,” he said in a low voice.
“I know how important it is to go undetected, and I am merely trying to be cautious,” he continued hoping to soothe his master’s wrath.
“Although I appreciate your vigilance. There is a sense of urgency that you are obviously not comprehending,” Alderon replied in a harsh tone. “I sent you there because this is an important mission, not only to our people but more importantly to me!” He roared the last words.
The ground trembled at his fury.
“I understand the need to shift through undetected. However, I also want this matter resolved as quickly as possible,” Alderon said as his angered gaze penetrated the top of Patrick’s head. A black light came from Alderon’s eyes and moved toward Patrick. The beam stayed an inch away. Patrick had no idea how close he was to death.
“If you are incapable of finding her, I will have you immediately removed from this mission.”
Patrick looked up and faced the look of anger and disappointment in Alderon’s eyes, “My time there has not been entirely without result. I found him quite easily. I’m sure you know of his appeal. He has many followers… admirers.”
Alderon continued staring at Patrick in silence.
“Most of them are dimwitted and love struck. As of yet, not one of them sticks out. So, I need to be sure,” Patrick continued on, pleading. “I just need a bit more time, master. I will prevail, if you just give me some time.”
“You have no other option but to prevail.” He turned his back to him. “And the other matter we discussed? Did you get what I asked?”
“Yes, master! That was too easy. I stole it from her hairbrush while she was in gym class,” he said as he held out a long lock of blond hair.
Alderon snatched it out of his hands.
“Your daughter is very beautiful.”
D
It would always begin with a pulsing in my fingertips. They’d begin to throb, tingle, like shards of electricity emitting a frequency from my being, my soul, and in an instant I’d know that something was near. Be it Fae, dark or light, a passing soul, or something else.
I could sense a presence.
I sat in my room and stared pensively at the flames in the giant stone fireplace adjacent to my bed. In the first instant when the throbbing began I believed it was Brighid, and panic washed over me. What did she want to tell me about Caroline or my fate? My destiny? Was there another omen or warning coming my way? At this moment I could not bear another indecipherable code from the old seer.
I silently begged for mercy.
I knew I could not cower, but I still wished for a moment of peace.
The fire crackled loudly, and a log fell with a thud. I allowed myself to close my eyes and beckon what was coming.
“Devilyn…” a soft, seductive voice called out to me.
“Devilyn,” she called again as I felt a gentle breeze move through my hair like a lover’s touch. My body seemed to move back instinctively into the energy behind me.
“Come back to us.” The voice purred into my ear. Pleading, almost begging with need.
I tried to move away, but my body was suddenly paralyzed.
The only thing I could do was lift my palms up toward the ceiling and allow the energy to move in circles above mine, pulling the light from my core, playing with it as if my energy was an instrument. A feeling that was all too familiar.
“Feel me,” she said as she whipped the energy around, playing with the light. I could see the electrical field dance about my palm and move with lightning speed through my veins.
It took me a moment to focus and actually see her. I knew her from Alderon’s High Council. Her name was Katya, and I knew she had hopes to be my queen one day. I knew she had fancied herself in love with me from childhood. She was without a doubt a beautiful dark Fae, with eyes that glowed like amber stones from a heart shaped face. I did not know how she found me, but a part of me, the small part that understood longing and love, felt for her.
And I wished, even though I knew she was my enemy, to comfort her.
“You must go,” I gently told her.
“You can’t deny this,” she said against the wind as her face suddenly took shape in the flames
“But I can.”
“Devilyn, she is not one of us,” Katya said with longing as she drew closer.. “And you know she will die.”
My moment was gone. That was all it took and suddenly all feelings of goodwill vanished.
I stood up in fury and roared as my eyes lit up with pure ice.
“Get out! Before I destroy you forever!” Fire spewed out of my hands, and she retreated in fear into the fireplace, cowering from my anger.
I shook with rage and tried to control myself before the door burst open and Odin filled its frame. His face was perfectly composed, but I knew he was only here out of fear of what I could become. At that moment I knew how easy it was for me to switch.
To go to a place of darkness and rage.
And to never return.
“Devilyn.”
My name.
It was all he said. But in that single word I felt the censure, the fear, and most importantly the part that saved me, the love. The unconditional love he had for me even after I knew I failed him. Again.
I fell to my knees.
“Father.”
He was before me in an instant, lifting me up and directing me to my bed. There were no words to be said. He knew how great the temptation was for me. He knew that though Caroline was the greatest treasure, she was also the greatest burden for me to carry forever. Because within my need to keep her safe, within my heart and all that I felt for her, was my greatest flaw. For I knew just as Odin did, that I was unable to make clear judgments as my need to keep her safe always impeded them.
“Oh, child,” Odin said as he stared down at me.
“I keep failing you. I keep inviting the darkness in. And yet you are still here,” I said to him with great shame.
“And as I have told you, time and time again, you never fail me. How can I blame you for wanting to know who you were, where you came from?” he gently said as he smiled and continued.
“How can I blame you for wanting to know about your lineage? You are the chosen one. Blessed with Light and Dark, the one chosen to unite the kingdoms. I want you to know everything about your past.”
I closed my eyes and grimaced.
“Why would yo
u ever want that?”
It wasn’t a question, just a statement of fact. I couldn’t understand why he’d ever want me to have a taste of what I once was. What if that single moment would change me forever?
Odin smiled into my face.
“You must know everything about both in order to succeed at this task. And when you are on your true path, you will know why you are there.”
I was quiet as I thought of his words.
“Now, go and bring her to me. I have been anxious to meet her all day.”
C
“I can’t believe you keep yawning,”
“Sorry,” I said as I moved the phone away from my mouth and took in another deep breath. “I’m just so tired, Teddy, and my night is only just beginning.”
I lay down on my bed and closed my eyes as we spoke.
“Are you working at the restaurant again?” Teddy asked curiously.
“Actually, no,” I replied as I stretched out. “I’m going to Devilyn Reilly’s house and not for the reasons you think.”
“I wasn’t thinking anything,” Teddy laughed.
“We’re trying to finish up our history assignment,” I replied. “He’s actually supposed to pick me up any minute.”
“Wow, you’re going to the Westmoreland mansion?” Teddy said in disbelief.
“I know. Can you believe it?” I can’t either, trust me, I thought. “We’re planning on having dinner with his grandfather as well.”
The mansion was a historical landmark and one of the many mysteries of Roanoke Island. Nestled by itself deep in the heart of the forest, miles and miles away from homes and businesses, it was surrounded in an air of secrecy. There was only one road in and one road out.
Rumor had it that the home had been in Devilyn’s family for centuries, passed down from generation to generation. It was said to be one of the most beautiful homes in Roanoke. But now that I thought about it, I really didn’t know anyone who had actually ever been there. That thought suddenly made me even more excited to see the place.
“Wow, you’re even meeting the family,” Teddy continued in a mocking tone.
“I’m surprised you haven’t been there yet, especially since you’ve been hanging out with Tatiana,” I said, intentionally ignoring his last sarcastic comment.
“Well, we’re not really hanging out that much anymore,” Teddy replied.
“What? Why?” I couldn’t believe it. The last time we had talked about her he was head over heels. How could that have changed overnight?
“I can’t believe I haven’t talked to you all week,” Teddy said just as surprised as I was. “She’s a nice girl and is a lot of fun, but she likes to have attention from everyone. And that’s a hard pill to swallow sometimes.”
“Did you not take a good look at her when you met her? She’s gorgeous! Of course she gets attention!”
Teddy was suspiciously silent.
“Is there something else?” I prodded.
“She’s not that…” he began, searching for the right words.
“What?” I was glad Teddy was telling me this story because suddenly I was wide-awake.
“Smart.”
Wow. So smarts really did matter. Here I was thinking my life would be doomed.
“And she’s high maintenance,” Teddy continued. “She always needs something.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “And that bothers you?”
“Well, yeah, since I compare her to you.”
“Thanks.” I couldn’t help but smile.
“I mean, Caroline, she literally took an hour to get ready in the gym bathroom after P.E.” Teddy seemed horrified by this. “When I asked her what took so long, she said she was making sure her outfit was perfect. You never do that. You couldn’t care less if you wear a brown paper bag to school.”
I started laughing. “Was that supposed to be a compliment or commentary on the clothes I wear to school?”
“You know what I mean,” Teddy said, clearly frustrated.
Truth be told, I was shocked that he even took the time to go out with Tatiana. She was beautiful, but she also seemed like the type that would eat him alive. But I had never questioned it because Teddy seemed so happy.
“Well, I hope you can make it work if you really like her,” I said loyally.
“Doubt it,” Teddy replied letting out a big laugh. “You can send her my regards, but I honestly don’t think it would matter. I’m sure she’s getting sick of me constantly asking her if she’s done her homework.”
I couldn’t stop the laughter.
“Well, if it doesn’t work out it’s her loss.” And it was. Who wouldn’t want to date Teddy? I looked over at the clock.
“I better go. He should be here any minute, and I think I need to wash my face with cold water so that I’ll wake up.”
“Try and have some fun.”
I almost laughed out loud. Fun. Didn’t seem possible considering the amount of knots I had in my stomach.
“We’ll talk tomorrow?”
“For sure,” Teddy replied. “Be safe. And call me if you need me to rescue you at any point.”
“I have you on speed dial.”
Just as I hung up the phone, the doorbell rang, which honestly startled me. I took in a deep breath before I got up to go answer it and was thankful my parents were not home and still at work. Famous barked at the door and ran downstairs and I followed him quickly. Even though I was tired I had to admit that deep down I was anxious to greet the person waiting on the other side.
“Sit,” I said to Famous before I opened the door. He did as he was told and wagged his tail when I opened it.
“Hi.”
“Hi Caroline.”
He stood in the doorway, leaning up against the wooden paneling, smiling sheepishly. His hands were casually resting in each pocket of his dark blue jeans. Wearing a navy blue and white dress shirt with a navy half-zip sweater over it and Converse low-top tennis shoes, he looked like he had jumped out of a catalogue for preppy men’s clothing.
He looked down at Famous.
“Is this who I think it is?” he asked as he bent down and reached out his hand. Famous jumped right into his arms, and Devilyn picked him up smiling.
“Yes, I’m so sorry! He never does that.” I watched in horror as Famous licked the side of his face. Devilyn didn’t seem to mind.
“It’s okay. He’s full of love.”
Or he’s in love, I thought as I watched my dog nestle cozily in Devilyn’s arms. I reached out to take him, but Famous didn’t seem to want to come.
“Go to Caroline,” Devilyn told him, and Famous did exactly as he was told. I took him in my arms and set him down. I could see the longing in his eyes to jump back into Devilyn’s arms. At least I’m not the only one, I thought.
“Would you like to come in?” I barely managed to say.
“Actually, I’m ready to go if you are,” he replied with a smile. “My grandfather is anxious to meet you.”
“He is?” I couldn’t keep the disbelief out of my voice as I turned to grab my coat. “Why?”
“Don’t sound so shocked,” he laughed as he grabbed my coat from my hands and helped me put it on.
Always the gentleman.
“I’ve actually told him a lot about you, so after hearing all of my stories he told me that he’s looking forward to meeting you in person.”
Stories? This couldn’t be good.
My mind immediately went to that dark place. He probably warned his poor grandfather about the idiot lovesick girl that would be gracing their poor family with her presence. This evening was sure to be another mortifying and regretful night. A common occurrence in my life these days.
“Shall we?” he asked as he reached out his hand. He looked down at Famous. “Be a good boy.”
Famous sat there smiling at him. I slowly shut the door and allowed him to lead me to his car.
He stopped and f
aced me when we reached the passenger side of the door.
“We don’t have a lot of visitors come to our home. My grandfather is a very private person,” he told me as if sensing my rising concern.
So why me? I thought slowly looking up at him.
“He likes to keep to himself, and since we were young he’s tried to teach us to guard our hearts and only let the right people in,” Devilyn explained.
“Guard your hearts?”
Devilyn laughed. “It sounds corny doesn’t it? I guess that was his way of saying choose your friends wisely. We’re born with our family, but we have the choice with our friends and partners in life. He was trying to tell us to be careful.”
“I like the part of choosing your friends wisely, but I kind of think that disappointments and heartbreaks make us stronger,” I answered softly.
Devilyn looked down at me for a moment and smiled.
“He watched my sister and I lose our parents at such a young age. We went through a lot of hard times. I guess it’s his way of protecting us.”
He walked around the car and got in as I contemplated his words.
“And he has very strong opinions about the women I date,” he said as he sat in the car and fastened his seat belt. He turned to me and smiled. “You can imagine why I never took Jordana to our home.”
I couldn’t stop the smile that crept up.
“So what do you think he wants for you?” I asked him.
I watched as a look of sadness came over Devilyn’s face.
“My grandfather believes in soul mates. In true love. Souls that find each other after an eternity of searching.” He continued on quietly. “He believes in a love that consumes you, that you can’t live without. A love that you wake up for. Long for. Are willing to die for.”