“Oh, no you don’t.” Amren chuckles.
Bolts of light fly past my head. The shield I had spoken with Amren about deflecting them. Thank the gods I had remembered that little trick the elders have. I’d be one crispy critter otherwise.
The elders shout, their voices ringing in my ears as they all stare wide-eyed at me and my crew. I’d be lying if I said that we aren’t an intimidating bunch. With just me and my crew, we’re scary. But with the goblins and Druids at our backs as well as Gwynn and his guards, we’re more like a small and very deadly army.
“What is the meaning of this?” someone shouts.
I didn’t see who it was. My gaze is glued to Head Guard Frederick. His mouth is pressed into a thin line, his brow furrowed. He doesn’t look intimidated, just annoyed. His lack of outward response piques my interest and I can’t resist questioning him.
“No reaction from you, Freddy? Not surprised to see us, then?”
Still no reaction. Doyle and Kirin are bickering behind me but I ignore them for the time being.
“Who tipped you off?” I step forward and pull the blade at my hip from its sheath.
“I will ask you again, what is the meaning of this?” The shrill voice pierces my ears and I turn to address the frantic elder.
“The meaning of this is that you’ve got a rebellion in your midst. Head Guard Frederick is working with the Order of Íonachta.” Confused chatter punches through the silence as my words echo off the walls in the large room. “Oh, and he helped Cashel escape, and he was also responsible for helping the queen of Goblin betray their kingdom.” Dare’s protective presence presses against my back and I look up at his scared face over my shoulder. “Did I miss anything?”
“Only that his actions got an innocent girl abducted and tortured.” Dare’s voice is taut, and I shiver as his words rake over my nerve endings. No one can mistake the fury in his tone.
Frederick raises a brow and slowly turns to the elders still chattering amongst themselves. “None of you can possibly believe any of this. She’s desperate to rejoin MECA.”
Kirin steps forward and waves the envelope full of incriminating photos. “Oh, don’t worry, Freddy. We’ve got hard evidence against you.” Kirin laughs mirthlessly. “This time, it won’t be your word against ours.”
“Bring that forward,” one of the elders demands. He’s the head of intelligence and the researchers. Norman is his name, I think.
Kirin paces forward and hands him the envelope. Before he steps back, he squares off with Frederick. “Don’t worry, that’s not the only copy. And the originals are somewhere you’ll never find them.”
Frederick scoffs at Kirin before moving behind Norman.
The sound of paper shuffling is like the sound of a fairy bell to my ears. Each picture is more damning than the last. Frederick’s disapproving frown quickly morphs into shock and disbelief as Norman hands the photos off to the next elder. Elation soars through me as I watch his world crumble around him. All of his careful plots, all of his lies, and his secrets. They fall around him like ashes after a volcanic explosion. A quick flash, and an entire world is obliterated. The only remaining proof that it was once there is the skeletons left petrified in the soot.
“What would you like for this evidence, Ever?” Norman asks.
“Y-you can’t be serious, Norman! These photos are obviously doctored,” Frederick sputters.
“We have originals we can provide,” Kirin retorts.
Frederick raises a hand and Kirin, Axel, and Doyle step forward as one. “Try us. Please, give me a reason to blast you to the underworld. Don’t think I don’t have the power or the know-how, you bastard.” Kirin’s words are soft, but they vibrate through the air like a lightning strike.
I raise a brow. “I want nothing but for justice to be served.”
“And will you return to MECA now that you have proven your innocence?” Norman leans forward, resting his arms on the long table in front of him.
Dare tenses behind me and the air charges with tension. I hear people shifting behind me, leather creaking with movement, and rubber scuffing the hardwood floors beneath our feet. My stomach drops out from under me at his question, and I hold my breath.
Six months ago, I wouldn’t have hesitated in my answer. Hell, even four months ago. But now… now I can’t just jump when MECA says so. Their lack of faith in me and my crew shook me to my core. How can I ever trust them to have my back again? The answer is simple. I can’t. I can’t go back to the blind obedience that once pushed me to be who I am today. Sorrow pulls at me, making my limbs heavy for the loss of what was once a driving force in who I was and who I wanted to be. I know I’ll grieve the loss of their support again, like I did when they first disbanded our crew. But this time… this time I’ll have my family, and Dare and his family, and our merry band of misfits standing with me, ready to do what’s right. No matter the cost.
I raise my chin and straighten my shoulders so I stand tall in front of the elders. “No sir. I will not return.”
Norman sits back hard in his chair. “I must say, I am surprised, Ever. I thought for sure you would return to us.”
I twist my lips. “I thought I would too. But after your unwillingness to believe in my word, and then the evidence I’ve brought you today, I think MECA needs to sort out a few things before it’s back to the institution I was raised to believe in.”
Dare’s hand grips my hip and I lean back into him. The movements don’t go unnoticed.
“I see. And there’s not something else holding you back from rejoining us?”
I shake my head. “Nothing else other than the fact that you’ve willingly kept children from their families in Goblin. I’ve spoken at length with the Goblin King and those within the kingdom. They are willing to take in children and to work with MECA to ensure the children know both sides of their heritage, yet you refuse.”
“Now, Ever…” Norman starts.
“Don’t ‘now, Ever’ me. Your pride is hurting MECA as a whole. You don’t think that joining with the Goblin Kingdom would be beneficial for everyone? They have outcasts from the Light Elven Kingdom, and many other kingdoms that would be willing to help teach the children here more about their powers, their ancestry, and what it is to be Fae, not just leath cine.” I wave a hand around, indicating the MECA compound. “Look what your reluctance has done already. Your head guard joined with an order bent on eliminating leath cine and those they deem unpure. And he’s in charge of the next generation of guards to protect MECA.”
“There will be a full investigation into his actions and the resulting effects they’ve had on our cadets.”
“Yes. A full investigation. Just like the one that was done on me and my crew. Look at how that turned out.” Frustration at their inability to do anything other than go in a circle rather than branch off makes my fingers twitch. “I’ve done my part and showed you where my loyalties lie. You now know about the traitor in your midst. Gwynn is here to help you with that. And to ensure Frederick doesn’t get away while you sort through your political bullshit.”
“So you will turn your back on those who raised you?” Norman questions.
I tense at his words. “No. I’m bringing those who helped shape me into who I am with me. I’ll be in the Goblin Kingdom, cleaning up your messes and doing what I can to deal with the Order of Íonachta on my end.” I take Dare’s larger hand in my own and squeeze. “You guys know where to find us when you need us.”
“You can keep those photos. Like I said, we have more.” Kirin nods his head at the photos before turning and walking toward the doors, still hanging precariously on their hinges.
As one, we all follow suit. Gwynn and his guards remain on alert, half of them focused on us, the other half focused on Frederick, hate shining in their eyes.
Gwynn claps me on the shoulder. “We’ll be in touch.”
I return his gesture. “I’ll look forward to it. Let me know if we can help. Contrary to popular belief
, we aren’t turning our backs on MECA. But we are doing what’s right for us.”
“I understand. We’ll see you soon.” Gwynn starts forward, his booming voice startling in the quiet room.
“Let’s go, guys.”
Dare and his brothers take the lead while Kirin and Axel watch our backs. Once again, I find that I can breathe easier. The weight on my shoulders is just a little bit less, and my conscience is clear. That fear that continues to vie for space in my mind is still there, making me question myself, but it’s no longer at the forefront, crippling me.
“What now, Ev?” Doyle asks, his voice low.
“Now we take care of the Order and work on healing all the hurt Cashel and Queen Odaine caused.”
CHAPTER
TEN
Days go by after we brought Frederick’s secrets to light, and we don’t hear a word from MECA. Gwynn sent Liam to give us a progress report but it was filled with nothing but stalling tactics and politics. I don’t envy him and his team as they work to overcome everything and find a new Head Guard they can trust.
I’ve spent the past few days with my crew and with Dare. Arela and Brodie are never far apart, much to Dare’s displeasure, and my amusement. So long as he keeps his paws off of her, she’s safe with him. I know he can protect her in ways I can’t. But my only worry is that he’ll end up breaking her heart. Even if he doesn’t mean to.
Today, Arela wanted to get her mini horde of gargoyles outside and in the sunshine. So we grabbed a giant basket and piled it full of blankets, treats, and the twenty or so gargoyle babies that I swear have tripled in size overnight.
We laid the blankets out in a circle, sort of as a barrier for the babies so they don’t wander too far from us. In the middle we laid out a giant quilt and set up a little food and water station for them. As soon as Arela removed the blanket covering the basket keeping them all inside, little squeals and chitters and chatters rang out. A few of them flapped their wings and escaped from the basket gracefully. The rest either toppled out in a tangle of wings and arms or waited patiently for Arela to help them out of the basket.
Hours have gone by since we brought them out here, and still they don’t look as though they’re tiring. I don’t mind it though. Their happy energy and their sounds of glee make my heart swell with joy.
I glance over at Arela and watch her looking over her charges. “You seem happy, Arela.”
She turns her attention to me and smiles. “I am. Right now, I’m blissfully happy. Just look at them all play.”
I chuckle. “Yeah, I can see them. They’re a very energetic bunch.”
“I love it. I love that they don’t let anything hold them back.”
“How do you know that?”
Arela tucks a strand of hair behind her ear and ducks her head. “You’ll think I’m crazy.”
I scoff. “I doubt it. Have you met me?”
“They talk to me. Not in the way you and I are talking, but their expressions, their energy, their movements, and their noises.” She shrugs. “I just get them. More than I get most people.”
“I don’t think you’re insane. I think you’re incredibly lucky to have such a gift.” I nudge her shoulder with mine. “And you thought knowing the truth all the time would be a bad thing? Look what else you’ve been given.”
She nods and bites her lip. “Anarchy and Chaos miss you, you know.”
I sit up from my elbows and look around for the tiny beasties. “Yeah? Well, I miss them too, but I think you need them more than I do right now.”
“They’re not bonded to me the way they’re bonded to you though. They’re both special. One day, you’ll see. They’re going to be your saving grace when you need it the most.”
“How do you know that, Arela?” Curiosity colors my tone.
“The Goddess told me about it in my dreams.” She says the words like it’s a common occurrence but in reality, it’s not. She’s the only person I know of, and that Amren knows of in a very long time, to have spoken directly with the Goddess of Faerie.
“Is she visiting you often?” I ask the question softly, as if just talking about the Goddess would bring her to us. Arela’s simple answers remind me of your usual teenager. Only her voice isn’t petulant, it’s matter-of-fact.
“Not really. Usually if I’ve had a nightmare. She chases them away and then talks to me for a bit until I can fall back asleep.”
“I thought Amren gave you something to put under your pillow so you wouldn’t have any more nightmares?” I watch her closely, trying not to let my unease at her contact with the mother of all of Faerie into my tone.
She frowns. “He did. Sometimes it doesn’t work.”
“Did you tell him about that?” She shakes her head. “I think you should. I bet he can add something or change it and you wouldn’t have nightmares anymore, Arela.”
She looks up from the kitten-sized gargoyle sprawled across her lap and her bottom lip trembles. “I’m afraid, Ever. I’m afraid that if I don’t relive it, it will be like it never happened. I don’t want to ever forget. Because if it didn’t happen, then I can’t grow from it. I need to be strong for you. I have to be.”
“Shh, Arela, shh.” I scoot closer to her and ignore the growl of the pint-sized beast sitting in her lap. “You never have to be strong for me. Never. I know that I seem pretty tough and like I don’t care about certain things…” I inhale a deep breath and try to sort out how I can explain why I am the way I am to her. “I grew up with the knowledge that my parents didn’t want me. My mother made it clear I was an inconvenience and I had no idea who my father was or if he was even alive. That scars a child. And I let those scars form like an armor around me.”
“I know. I just…”
“I know you don’t know who your parents are as well. And I know you were left with those wretched people. But I need for you to learn from my mistakes. Don’t harden your heart to the point that I did. It’s not worth it. It’s not worth the relationships it will cost you. You’ll feel the pain, probably more than most, but you’ll learn and build from it.”
“What if I don’t want to feel any more pain, Ever?” Tears fall silently from her magenta and teal-colored eyes and I wish like hell I could stop them from falling.
“If you don’t feel any pain, then you can’t appreciate the happiness, the love, the sheer wonder of the world and the people around you.” I rub my hand down her back and hope that what I’m saying is making sense to her. I feel like I’m blundering the entire thing, but I also wish that someone had taken the time to explain this to me when I was younger and hurting and bent on pushing everyone out. “I know it’s not easy. And I know it hurts. Just remember that I’m here. Dare’s here. Doyle, Eryn, Kirin, Axel, Dagan, Dax, all of us. We’re here to catch you. And to beat the shit out of anyone who hurts you.” I wink.
A watery laugh escapes her and she swipes at her tears. “I know that. I just don’t want to disappoint you guys.”
“Let me assure you that the only way you’d ever disappoint us is if you don’t talk to us. The only way we can help you is if you let us in. ’Kay?”
“Okay.” She runs a hand down the gargoyle’s snout and it wrinkles its nose at her. The action seems to calm her. Her shoulders are no longer hunched and her face is relaxed.
“Good. Now tell me about each of these little monsters. You know more than me now, and I can’t possibly catch up.”
A smile lights her face and I breathe a bit easier to have gotten through one of the toughest conversations in my life to date. Being responsible for the upbringing of another human is no joke. And I’m determined not to mess it up.
CHAPTER
ELEVEN
Hours later, I’m lost in my own thoughts about gargoyles, Arela, Goddesses, and the craziness that has become my life when a shiver of unease trickles down my spine. I keep walking, not faltering in my pace, and ready myself to react.
“Ever! Ever, I must speak with you!” Her shrill voice grates an
d I wince.
“Sorry, Mother, I can’t right now. I’m headed to meet Amren. He’s got important news for me.” It’s not a total lie. I am headed that way. And I’m hoping that anything he tells me will be important. At least to me anyway.
“This can’t wait, Ever.”
I quicken my pace to stay ahead of her and hear her huff behind me before the shuffling of her feet speeds up as well. Gods damnit.
“Sorry, I really can’t. Maybe tomorrow?” Or maybe never? I’m still livid with her for disappearing and then reappearing when it’s convenient for her and no one else.
“Ever McElva! Now!”
I stop short in the middle of the great hall and spin around to face her. Indignation floods me and blood rushes to my face, heating my cheeks. Part of me wants to please her. She’s my mother, and I’ve craved her approval for as long as I can remember. Another part of me loathes her for her treatment of me my entire life.
“Excuse me?” The words come out low and steady.
“I said we must talk, and you were ignoring me.” Callista stamps her foot like a petulant five-year-old.
I raise a brow. “Contrary to your belief, I do not answer to you. I answer to no one. I told you I am busy. I don’t have time for your bullshit right now, Mother.”
She presses a hand to her chest in fake shock and looks around us. “Ever, how dare you speak to me like that.”
“I could say the same to you. Now spit it out. What do you want or need this time?”
“I need for you to convince the Goblin King to give me Sanctuary.”
She says the words like they should be obvious. Like she’s confused as to why I haven’t done so already. “I can’t do that, Mother.”
“And why not? I’m your mother. I gave birth to you.” She stands with her hands on her hips. Affronted by my insolence.
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