Dragonfae & The Soul Catcher

by H. C. Brown

  Anxious, Thalia stared down at her buckskin breeches and well-worn boots, then pulled Lumos around to face her. “Look at me!—I can’t possibly meet your family dressed like this. I’d die of shame.” She sighed. “Will they accept me without wings?”

  Lumos touched Thalia’s cheek. “We’ll bathe and change clothes before you meet my father.” Lumos took her hand and led her to the bathroom. “I’m surprised your wings haven’t emerged but they will—and don’t worry.” He smiled. “My father will love you.”

  Thalia marvelled at the strange contraptions in the bathroom. They bathed in a place where warm water tumbled from the wall—a shower, Lumos had called the contraption. After taking a long, very passionate wash with Lumos under the fast-flowing water, Thalia stood naked in the middle of the bedchamber. Lumos, his face a mask of concentration, walked around her weaving magyck. The next instant, a flowing jade green garment wrapped her body. The soft, diaphanous fabric caressed her skin. She turned around to gape at her reflection in the mirror. The gown matched the colour of her eyes. Thalia swallowed hard. The face in the mirror had changed significantly since she had left Broclarre. Apart from the pointed ears, her skin glowed and her green eyes danced with fire. Behind her, she noticed Lumos’ worried expression. He had caused this transformation and his concerns of rejection radiated through Thalia. She turned and smiled.

  “This is wonderful. I’m so happy to be here with you.” She rested her hands on his wide chest. “Thank you so much for making me beautiful.”

  “You were always beautiful, butterfly.” Lumos bent to kiss Thalia with tenderness. “After we mate, you’ll wear dragon skin, although I’d like you to wear green ribbons in your hair. You have such beautiful, hair, it dances like fire in the sunlight so many hues of red and gold.” Lumos curled strands of Thalia’s hair around his finger and brought it to his mouth, brushing the silken mass across his lips. “I wish I could linger a little longer, my love, but we must go and see my father, and it is less than an hour before the challenge.”

  * * * *

  The palace at Drakka, with its polished stone floors, tall ceilings, and massive rooms, impressed Thalia. Never in her wildest dreams could she have imagined such magnificence. In front of each window, elegant pedestals displayed bowls filled with faceted gems. The crystals sparkled in the sunlight, reflecting a halo of rainbows. She paused to admire the creation, consumed with the need to run her hands through the multicoloured aura.

  “The magyck calls to you, sweetness.” Lumos ran his hand through the shafts of colour. “These crystals were collected from every realm of magyck. They enhance our powers.”

  Cautiously, Thalia caressed the rainbow. A rush of power surged through her like the first taste of chocolate. She gazed at Lumos. “I’ve never felt anything like that before.”

  “Only the king is allowed such things.”

  Apprehension curled in Thalia’s belly. Her legs grew weaker with every step closer to the king. Taking a deep breath, she reached for Lumos’ hand and followed him through open double doors into a large room. She took comfort from his strong grip.

  “Ah, Lumos, I knew you would arrive in time. Axim is here, too. I wasn’t going to forfeit Drakka without a challenge.”

  “Have I ever broken my word, Father?” Lumos returned his father’s smile. “I have found my true mate. This is Thalia.”

  Thalia glanced wildly at Lumos for some instruction. Her knees shook. Goddess, the king of the Dragonfae stood before a great marble fireplace, his face creased in a wide smile. The Fae appeared no older than Lumos and his eyes held compassion, no doubt earned by years of experience. Fear of rejection curled in Thalia’s belly, followed swiftly by a pang of indecision. She wanted to make a good impression on Lumos’ father. Without thinking, she reached for the dragon.

  “Do I curtsy? Fall to my knees? What must I do?”

  “Dragonfae bow to no one.” The Nightdragon gave a soft chuckle. “Do not fear the king, Thalia. This is your family now.”

  “Welcome to the family. Ahh… I see you carry an unusual blend of magyck.” The king narrowed his eyes. “I understand why the dark Magus feared your joining with the Dragonfae.”

  Forcing a smile, Thalia gazed at the king. “I had no idea of my bloodlines until recently, Your Majesty.”

  “My name is Luka.” The king smiled. He turned to Lumos. “Have you discovered anything more about the Magus’ involvement in this challenge? After you left for Broclarre, I questioned Kird. He still insists he has nothing to do with the Magus and yet none of us can breach his barriers to find the truth of it. I believe, as you do, the Magus is behind Kird’s challenge. The wizard has not returned to Drakka since he supplied the tainted wine. I‘ve posted guards at the Gate to send news of his arrival.”

  “He duped us all.” Lumos frowned. “We gave him sanctuary, and all the while he plotted our downfall. The tainted wine was only one of his ploys.” He rubbed his chin. “Thalia is an innocent pawn. The Magus used her to lure me into an ambush. I don’t believe he knew of Thalia’s connection to the dark side at the time. As soon as she began to use her magyck to defend me, the Magus discovered her true nature.” He glanced at Thalia. “The Magus thwarted our every move because he used Thalia to scry us. She has since built up her barriers to stop him and, now that we are bonded, he has no chance of using her again.”

  “Bonded and not yet mated?” Luka rolled his eyes. “You risk a mating rage before a challenge—have you lost your wits?”

  “There wasn’t sufficient time to complete moonfire before my return.” Lumos squeezed Thalia’s hand. “I’ll confine Thalia to my rooms until after the challenge. My rage will be concentrated on Kird.”

  “What do you know of potions?” Luka turned his gaze onto Thalia. “My dragon informs me you were once a Nomag witch.”

  Thalia swallowed hard. She lifted her chin. Whatever she had been before, she was Lumos’ mate now—a Dragonfae. “Aye, I know potions. I have a wide knowledge of poisons and their cures. “

  “Is there any way to discover a cure for the Magus’ potion?”

  “If I could smell the potion, I may be able to discover what roots and herbs were used to make it. If the Magus mixed the ingredients with a spell, my knowledge of magyck is too limited to untangle that riddle.”

  “Then I would ask you to work with Yashna. She can cast out any spell.” Luka fingered the heavy, gold medallion hanging around his neck. “My mate has tried but the combination of the potion is foreign to us. Together, you may be able to undo this disaster—many of my young males are addicted to this potion. I would like to see them free of the Magus’ clutches.”

  Thalia smiled. “I’ll do whatever is necessary.”

  “Good. I’ll send a bottle of the potion to your chambers. Perhaps this task will give you something to occupy your time while Lumos is away.”

  “I hardly believe it will take too long to fight Kird, he is little more than a fledgling.” Lumos shrugged “Or have you heard otherwise, Father?”

  “Kird roosts with two warriors known to you, Quade and Zaan.” Luka narrowed his eyes. “My dragon insists there is a plot to bring you down. All three are under the Magus’ spell.”

  Footsteps echoed in the hallway and a tall Dragonfae wearing pure white dragon skin sauntered into the room. His long, black hair fell in a braid over one shoulder. The Fae’s features were strikingly handsome and, as he moved closer, his lips formed a sultry smile. Beside her, Lumos growled deep in his chest, tensed, and every muscle rippled. His large hand gripped her fingers. Anger radiated through him to Thalia in a rush. Thalia glanced up at her mate to see his lips draw back in a feral grin.

  “Hold, Lumos, I’m here to save your ugly butt.” The Dragonfae held up his hands. “You have my word I’ll not touch your mate.”

  “I don’t need saving.” Lumos stepped in front of Thalia. “Take one step closer and, brother or not, I’ll rip your head off.”

  “Axim is here to prevent the Magus’
treachery.” Luka moved between his sons. “Should you be overcome by the three dragons, I’ll order Axim to fight by your side. I do not intend to lose Drakka, Lumos. You will abide by my decision while I am king.”

  “I—will—not—lose—Drakka.” Lumos’ mouth became a thin line. “The Nightdragon fears nothing, he will prevail. The gods gave me Thalia to rule Drakka by my side, to produce a king with mixed blood so we will never be in this position again. I trust Cymbeline to protect me. I fight in her name as we all do.” He jerked his head towards the door. “Go back to your females, Axim—or stay, and I’ll give you reason to defend your realm.”

  “Very well, Brother, after you have mated Thalia, we’ll celebrate together.” Axim gave Thalia a wink. “Not all of us are so…angry. Lumos has given you the wrong impression of the Dragonfae—we are lovers and, in truth, only fight when we have to defend our realms or the gods.” He grinned at Lumos. “May the gods watch over you in the challenge.” He turned around and strutted from the room.

  “It is time for you to prepare, Lumos.” Luka smiled grimly. “My heart flies with you, as does my faith in your ability to win.” He slapped Lumos on the back. “Have no fear. I’ll post guards around your quarters—no male will enter. I’ll have Yashna take the potion to Thalia.”

  “Aye, it will give me comfort knowing my mother waits with Thalia.” Lumos let out a long sigh. “Thank you, Father.”

  “Return a king.” Luka gave Lumos an encouraging smile.

  Thalia trembled. How could she possibly concentrate on a potion while Lumos fought for his life? In silence, she followed Lumos back to his rooms. Inside the sitting room, the Dragonfae pulled her against his hard chest. He pressed warm kisses to her face, her lips.

  “Do not move from this room.” Lumos gazed down at Thalia’s upturned face. “We will fight in the air so you may not be able to witness the challenge. The Nightdragon will block our bond so that nothing distracts us from the fight. I’ll finish this as soon as possible. Have no fear, butterfly, I will return to you.” Lumos stepped away and with long strides moved through the door to the balcony. He opened his tall, black wings and, with one leap, soared into the sky.

  A rush of fear stopped Thalia from sprinting after him. She stood motionless, staring at the empty space where Lumos had stood. The sudden loss of the Fae’s body heat left her bereft. A shiver ran down her spine. Goddess, what would happen if Lumos lost the challenge? How could she live without him?

  “Cymbeline, I beg you to protect Lumos in this challenge. Please, bring him back to me.”

  She stared at the open doorway leading to the balcony. The hum of voices drifted up from the city square followed by a loud cheer. Stiff-legged with fear, she walked through the doors and out onto the balcony. Below, the city of Drakka sparkled in the noonday sun. A crowd had gathered, their faces upturned to the sky, wings open like a field of flowers. The Nightdragon flew low over Drakka and let out a roar of challenge. The sound reverberated through the streets and shook the palace. The beast’s wings spread wide, allowing his massive body to hover in an updraft. The dragon’s black skin sparkled in the sunlight as if damp from a shower of rain. The beast’s spines stood erect from head to tail. Encased in steel, the Nightdragon’s talons caught the sunlight, each long claw honed to a lethally sharp blade.

  A rumbling roar, followed by a flash of orange flames, heralded the arrival of the challenger. Kird, within a green dragon, hovered above the mountain, his long snake-like tail swishing from side to side. The Nightdragon made a long sweeping turn and dived towards Kird. Thalia held her breath. The green dragon folded back its wings and swooped out of sight behind the mountain range.

  The Nightdragon sent a blast of crackling fire into the air and gave chase through a cloud of black smoke. Within seconds, both dragons had disappeared from sight. In the distance, the sound of thunder rumbled through the valleys, not a storm but the sickening sound of dragons fighting.

  Thalia wrapped her arms around her stomach, unable to drag her attention away from the sky. Brew’s long, curse-like howl brought Thalia around to face a Faerie with long, blonde hair, and a pinched, angry expression.

  Gods, this cannot be Lumos’ mother—can it?

  “So you are Thalia.”

  Thalia swallowed. The hate in this female’s expression unnerved her. “Aye, and what do I call you?”

  “Me? The gods give me strength. I am Lucinda—Lumos’ intended.” Lucinda’s fists bunched at her waist. “What magyck did you use to spellbind him? He belongs to me.” Her mouth curled into an ugly smile. “Now he is home, he’ll soon forget you—your pathetic love spells won’t work in Drakka.”

  Taken aback by the Faerie’s venomous attitude, Thalia chewed her bottom lip. Lumos had mentioned Lucinda, this female he accused of betraying him to the Magus. She trembled with anger.

  “I used no magyck. Lumos came to me by way of Cymbeline. I am his chosen mate.”

  “Yet you’re not mated.” Lucinda laughed. “How foolish, but then you are a child. My dear Lumos used you to get home. He has no love for you, and why would the next king of Drakka want a Nomag changeling for a mate?” She snorted. “Look down into the square. All are blood-born Dragonfae—every one of them more acceptable as a future queen than you.” She tossed her head. “You’re not welcome here. Lumos told me to make sure you had left before he returned.”

  Mind reeling, Thalia stood her ground. Her anger reared, Lucinda’s threat sent a tingle of dark magyck to her palms. She pushed down the need to destroy this Faerie with black fire.

  Thalia levelled her gaze at the female. “Lumos told me you’d betrayed him. You’re the one that should leave.”

  “Oh, really?” Lucinda’s mouth curled up in the corners. “Lumos gave his promise to me before he left Drakka—I will be his queen.” She gave Thalia a slow smile. “Do you remember, Nomag, the moment you arrived at the palace, Lumos left you in the stable?”

  Thalia frowned. “Aye, he left me for no more than five minutes to send word to the king of his arrival.”

  “Lumos came straight to me.” Lucinda moved closer. “Come here, can you not smell his scent all over me?” She exposed her neck to display two distinct fang marks. “He couldn’t wait to mark me. It will be me he comes to after the challenge. My arms will hold him—not the arms of a pathetic little Nomag witch.”

  Lumos’ distinct scent wafted from Lucinda. This is trickery. The Faerie had known Lumos for some time and she could have easily retained one of his garments. Thalia fought for breath. She reached for the dragon and found nothing but a void. Thalia fought to dispel the wave of uncertainty brought on by Lucinda’s harsh words. Lifting her chin, she moved towards the Faerie.

  “You lie. Get out of my room.”

  “Then watch and learn, Nomag.” Lucinda curled her lip. “By this evening you’ll be an unpleasant memory and I’ll be queen.” She turned and flounced from the room.

  Heart pounding, Thalia turned back to search the sky. She touched the bite on her neck. Goddess, the taste of Lumos still lingered on her lips. The Dragonfae had given her his promise. The bond between them had flared. Only mates could experience each other’s emotions. I will not believe her lies. Lumos is mine.

  * * * *

  It’s a trap. Lumos spied the two dragons perched along the gully. Wings outstretched, Quade and Zaan hung like giant bats to the sheer rock face on either side of the ravine. Kird gave a threatening roar, dropped from a peak, and, claws outstretched, sped towards the Nightdragon.

  “Aye, so it would seem,” the Nightdragon bellowed in reply, and charged towards Kird. “Although I do have the advantage with steel-tipped talons, three to one is going to be complicated in such a restricted area.”

  Kird had initiated a game of charge and retreat. The young dragon was no match for Lumos. The tactic to lure the Nightdragon into the gorge away from the spectators was an old ploy. Lumos had expected treachery from the simpering weasel but more in the form of magyck. He had expected
to see the Magus appear at any second. He gave a mental shrug. True, defeating the two extra combatants would prove difficult in a restricted area. The Nightdragon had the size advantage but the smaller dragons could manoeuvre more easily. In this ravine, the Nightdragon’s outstretched wings touched both sides of the sheer rock face.

  Clucking like chickens, Quade and Zaan dropped off the side of the chasm, and took positions on either side of the ravine. Kird’s dragon hovered in an updraft at the mouth of the canyon. Anger curled in Lumos’ belly. He had not intended to hurt Kird, perhaps just give him a lesson in manners. Now, with the addition of seasoned warriors, the Nightdragon would be fighting for his life. Did the fools realise what they were doing?

  “Mindspeak with them. Remind them that to become involved in a challenge is a traitorous act.”

  The Nightdragon slammed into Kird, the impact jarring Lumos’ mind. His metallic talons flashed, scoring a deep red line across the green skin of Kird’s dragon. Kird’s beast gave a frightened yelp and swerved away. In truth, the Nightdragon had played with Kird like a cat with a mouse. The young Dragonfae’s attempts at combat were laughable. Lumos directed his dragon deeper into the ravine and they dropped onto a nearby peak.

  “What do they say, dragon?”

  “They fight for the Magus. Their minds are gone. All embrace the dark side. What would you have me do with these traitors?”

  Lumos’ mind went to Thalia. Her smile, the look of trust in her flaming eyes—gods, he loved her more than life. The image of her running from him in the Singing Forest flashed across his consciousness—his butterfly, brutalised to the point of fearing all males—her terror would stay with him forever. How she had suffered because of the Magus. If he failed the challenge, Thalia would fall under the Magus’ rule, and his people would become slaves to the dark side. The laws of the challenge were set in stone. One hundred years between challenges, winner takes all. If Lumos failed today, the Dragonfae people would not dispute the Magus’ claim—so few knew of the dark wizard’s treachery. Lumos strengthened his resolve and gave himself up to the Nightdragon.