Revelations (Mists of the Fae Book 1)

by Jaime Marks

  The Fae had once been pure. They held no knowledge of the Darkness until Lazurys Tainted their hearts and their minds. As with humanity, the damage could not be undone. There would always be Light and Dark, but there could be a balance achieved. The rest would come down to choice, a freedom of will.

  She reached out with her Gray essence drawing in both Valeryn’s Dark and Light. She mixed the Gray with both essences creating a compatibility where once there was none. The essences began to merge within him. As his essence balanced she slowly withdrew her own, releasing her hold on him.

  Chapter 19

  Cymeryn stood in Trevyn’s study pacing. There was something off. He had tainted Valeryn, had full control of the Fae, but he could not locate him through his essence. He reached out attempting to call to the Tainted, but he did not come. He needed to know who had claimed control of the Guardians. He knew someone had called some of their elite soldiers away from the fronts, Valeryn amongst them. He reached out once more and felt her essence touch her own. An evil grin spread across his lips as he wrapped his essence around hers letting her feel him.

  Crytos, Trevyn, and Demytria appeared.

  “Have the Councilman open the gateways for us, we are going to the Realm of Light.” Cymeryn commanded.

  “Should I ready the Shadows?” Crytos inquired.

  “No.” Cymeryn paced in contemplation. “I have lost hold of Valeryn’s tainted heart. The only explanation is Reyn must have freed him in some way. I felt her. She is in the Capitol. They would never risk taking a Tainted to their safehold. There is too much risk that they might communicate the key to finding her. If she is attempting to cleanse the Tainted.”

  “Would we not have been apprised?” Trevyn mused. “The Tainted hold the power now.”

  “Perhaps,” Cymeryn mused, “but if it were me, I would have gone first for Kato. He would be no risk to her and the safest bet if we wanted to ascertain the extent of her powers without placing her in danger. When they found the Fae missing, they would have called for reinforcements before going on to the Council. That had to be how they found Valeryn. She must be able to sense the Taint.”

  “They would be at the infirmary then, Supryn. It would be the most logical place to keep a low profile and they would have Healers on standby if there were adverse effects.” Crytos supplied.

  “I know.” Cymeryn’s eyes narrowed as he debated his options. He could not miss this chance to take Reyn. There was too much at stake if she were coming into her abilities so soon. “We will go on to the Council and lie in wait. They will want to find Kato and Reyn is the only one who can sense the Taint. Besides, Marcus is not fool enough to allow himself to be separated from her.” He turned to Demytria, “How is your new play thing my pet?”

  She smiled devilishly, “So much fun.” She drew her words out seductively. “He thinks he can save me. He fights the hold, but submits to my affections. It’s amusing. When we return, you should come watch, my Supryn.” She strolled over to him running her nail down the v in his robing along his chest, “It would be delicious to feed off his anguish as you took me on top of him.”

  Cymeryn’s eyes ran over the curves of her breast and down her body. “I plan to be sating my own craving in the flesh of Reyn when we return.” He gripped her roughly by her hair, “Perhaps I will allow you to play with her while I watch, hmmm? Dinner is always best served with a show.” He took her mouth before releasing her and smirked at the shiver of anticipation that ran through her. He may own her completely, and the joy of breaking her had long passed, but her hunger was never sated. It was why he kept her so long. Watching her work was even more enjoyable that tearing into her flesh.

  “Come, but be of care not to be discovered.” Cymeryn snickered. “I want to surprise the impotent King and my dearest twin. Besides, what better way could we celebrate the soon defeated Fae than by the taste of their flesh?”

  The taste of hers would be the sweetest of all, he thought to himself. Maybe he would keep his brother around awhile, feeding from his pain and anguish would be divine as he took her, making Reyn his. He had not had the pleasure last time he took her from him. He had not had the chance to possess her, though she had been promised to be his then as well. Oh, but the joy of posing her, feeling her as he laid her out for Marcus to find. It had been such a pity and he had taken some minor liberties with her still warm flesh, but it had not quenched his newly Dark desires. This time, he would make her fight and squirm beneath him as he tore into her, and he would revel in the taste of the blood he drew. He would not wait or risk being denied again. He knew her will. Better to have her under his control when he called the Dark Lord. Perhaps the Dark Lord would even watch before he himself was sated upon her flesh.

  Marcus watched as Reyana’s essence withdrew from Valeryn. It had been an hour since she began. He lunged forth as she stumbled and caught her before she fell. Mythos brought over a chair and he helped her to it before studying the Fae. His own body of Light had emerged, it swirled around him as it did when a Fae came of age or was awakened…but it was different. The Light of the Fae was golden as the sun. His was white. Was he Gray? If he was he wasn’t like Marcus, Staryana or even Byryn. This was different. Had she succeeded and what did it mean?

  He turned to her, “Are you alright, love?”

  “Yeah, just need a minute. That was a bit draining.” She nodded studying Valeryn.

  “What is he?” Mythos asked, “He is not the pure Light of the Fae, but I sense no Darkness. Is he still Tainted?”

  “No,” She replied. “I removed the Taint from his heart and mind.”

  She sat quietly as though she were gathering her thoughts. Actually the look on her face reminded Marcus of how Alysse appeared before she announced earth shattering information. He almost felt as though they should brace themselves.

  “There can be no Light without Darkness, and Darkness only exists because there is Light. There must be both to achieve the balance that is required to sustain life in the universe.” She paused looking around the room. “The Fae were once pure. They had no knowledge of the Darkness and they existed separate and unaffected by it. By Tainting Alayne, Lazurys corrupted that purity. Even more so when he turned him creating the first Shade. Where there is Darkness there will always be Darkness, but where there is Light there will always be Light. The Shade and the Fae are not separate species, they are one in the same. All Shade still have Light, no matter how little of it exists in their souls, and all Fae have Darkness in theirs no matter how minor an infection it is.”

  “But Reyana,” Mythos gaped at her, “I am fine. I have no Taint or Darkness in my heart. I have never been touched by the Dark essence. How could you claim there is Darkness even in me? I am sorry but I do not understand, my sister. How is it even possible? And would you claim Cymeryn to have Light in his heart?”

  She rose slowly touching his arm before pacing about. Marcus couldn’t help but admire her grace and form as she glided in her bonding dress with an air of royalty. Her presence commanded the attention of the room. She was nervous, he could tell, but he doubted anyone else could. Outwardly she portrayed confidence and assurance. “With knowledge of the Darkness the infection began. It is not a Taint, and perhaps an infection is the wrong word. It’s more like an evolution actually. If left to its own devices the race would have evolved in its own time, naturally. However, Lazurys tipped the scales in the favor of Darkness by forcing evolution and thrusting it beyond the natural balance. Mythos, you are indeed above reproach, but even you have felt anger, rage….grief. These emotions were originally unknown to the Fae.

  “Cymeryn is as Dark as they come, but even he has emotions such as love and commitment. The Darkness in him is so dominant it twists anything that begins to surface. You can see evidence in the Shade though. Just consider their connection to their awakened progeny. You don’t connect with someone that way if you can’t possess loyalty or even in some cases love.”

  Marcus felt something churn in
his stomach, “Reyana, how are you so certain that Cymeryn can possess these qualities.”

  She hesitated looking away from him and he felt his heart drop. She sighed with resignation, “I’ve felt it in him; but his love is twisted to the point of obsession and his commitment to the level of ownership.”

  Marcus felt rocked to his core. There was more to this. He could sense it in her, but she was hiding it from him. He knew she wouldn’t discuss it further, at least no until they were alone. He pulled himself together regaining composure and simply nodded to her.

  She pointedly avoided his gaze as she continued. “I know how it sounds, and I understand you have doubts, but I know it’s the truth. The Darkness can’t be purged or cleansed any more than the Light because the knowledge of it will remain. It can be overcome but it leaves behind a weakness that can be exploited and any traumatic event could cause another shift.”

  “If you can’t purge it, my lady, what is the answer?” Grifyn asked. He had been quietly absorbing the information.

  She gave him a look at the formality, but he only gave her a small smile and a slight shrug. Reyana met everyone’s eyes in turn and spoke only one word, “Balance.”

  She walked over to the bed. Marcus could feel her sensing Valeryn and a small smile crossed her lips. “Both the Light and the Dark need to be altered, bringing them closer together so that they can be merged as one in balance. The result is neither Dark nor Light, but both. He is now Gray. He can’t be Tainted or turned. He can share essence and his essence will balance and strengthen those he chooses to interact with but neither Light nor Dark can be used as a weapon against him, he’ll simply absorb it.”

  “This is different from you and Marcus, is it not? It is different than even Staryana and Byryn.” Mythos requested.

  “Yes, I can wield the entire spectrum if I choose, but we know I’m different. As far as Marcus?” She finally met Marcus’ gaze and he felt a slight relief at the love in her eyes. She held out her hand and he went to her taking it. “He is my bonded mate. He saw me through the awakening and our essences merged as one. We crossed boundaries and until we have a chance to explore what that means we won’t know the extent of his abilities.”

  “Are you saying that you think Marcus may be able to wield the essences as you do?” Mythos seemed taken aback.

  Marcus was a little astonished himself. “My love, that couldn’t be possible. You’re talking about the power of a deity. I know something is different, but I can’t see how I could possess such a strength.”

  Reyana smiled up at him, “It’s something we need to explore when we have the time and I can guide you.” She turned back to Mythos, “Staryana is simple. She’s my young. It’s apparent she has inherited at least some of my ability, but the question is how much? We won’t know until after she awakens. Byryn is by far the weakest of the three of them, but he is sharing energy with Star. Who knows what the results will be if that conintues. There really isn’t anyway to know yet. Byryn is an unexpected occurrence. In a respect he proves everything I’ve said but there’s more.”

  “More?” Mythos asked. It was obvious he was unsure of the situation. The last two days had been nothing but disclosure after disclosure of information that was extremely hard to swallow. They were all feeling the strain from it.

  “The Gray are more complicated in some respects than the Fae or the Shade. First of all they have to choose to change. Not merely vocally, but in their heart. I couldn’t have broken through the Taint if Valeryn had he not struggled against it himself. I can only assume the same would be true of the Shade.”

  “And if they do not choose to change?” Mythos scoffed. Marcus knew the King’s feeling. Shade reveled in their power. He could see few willing to give it up.

  “I can attempt to convince them by attacking the weakness that was exploited when they were infected. That is how it worked this time, but I have no idea what would happen if they chose to remain Dark.”

  “What about once they are Gray?’ Grifyn asked. There was a strange look on his face. He seemed enrapt with all she was saying. His eyes were focused and his brow was creased in concentration. It reminded Marcus of when they used to study for exams back at the academy. He had always been so serious about them. Marcus wondered what made him so intensely interested.

  “Well,” She sighed, glancing at her brother. “In a respect the best comparison is humanity. Humans have a capacity for both good and evil; Light and Dark. They can love greatly, or they can hate violently. They are all born in innocence but the events of their lives shape and mold them and their conscience serves to regulate their sense of right and wrong. The Light in the Gray will give them a sense of right and wrong. There will always be those who choose to act in Darkness, but they won’t be as dangerous as the Shade because they can’t turn the Gray. They can’t infect them or kill them with a single wound, and they can’t control them through the Taint. In a way it evens the playing field.”

  “How can you be sure that it will work in a Fae? That there is truly Darkness in their hearts.” Mythos inquired now and he rubbed his jaw as he considered the information.

  “Well, until I try, I can’t prove it, really. It should almost be easier though. A Fae would be asking willingly and seeking balance. There wouldn’t be any real barriers to break. They would be able to be led through, opening themselves to the change. I think it would be easier and take far less time.”

  Grifyn stepped forward, “She can try it on me.”

  Everyone in the room’s head snapped towards the Fae. Iyrus and Aryn gaped in shock. Grifyn has always been known for his control and Light. He had never had a Dark instinct, until Trina was taken.

  “Are you sure about this, my friend?” Mythos asked softly.

  “I will be more vulnerable than any of us soon.” Grifyn spoke his eyes on the floor. He slowly slipped to his knees and bowed his head before the King. “I must confess myself to you, my lord. When we were assigned to our tour on earth, Trina and I became quite close. We knew almost immediately that we were in love, but we also knew the dangers that the mate of an officer faced. After what had happened to the Princess Reyana, and then the turning of mine own blooded sister, the bonded mate of Praetor Kato, I couldn’t bear the idea of her being at such risk. I know it was wrong, but we performed the bonding rituals in secret and excluded the marking. She is my bonded mate, my lord. I knew the decrees and the oaths of my station and I have forsaken them. I offer the resignation of my post.”

  The room was in hushed silence.

  “Rise, Grifyn,” Mythos spoke as he walked forward. When Grifyn stood still staring at the floor, Mythos clasped his shoulder. “The decrees were made in a time when things were simpler and far less dangerous for our loved ones. I knew of your union to Trina.”

  Grifyn’s head shot up and he met the King’s gaze. He was shocked and confused.

  “I understood the reason for the hidden bonding. I knew if there was anyone who could manage both your mating and your command it would be you, my friend. I thought about reassigning her, but in this war I have learned that knowing the whereabouts and welfare of those you love can be as necessary to keep you levelheaded and focused on victory as a clear mind. I will not accept your resignation. It is unwarranted. I will only say that Marcus will appoint his Second in Line when he is ready and that he will have to take all this into consideration. It is a matter for another time, however, as you have tabled a far more pressing request. Do you fear you are vulnerable to be turned or even Tainted, Grifyn?”

  “At this moment, my lord, I’m in control. I cannot say how I will handle the mission. It will depend on what we find. What they have…..” He looked away unable to bring himself to continue the train of thought he had been on. “I struggle with the pain and rage I feel in my heart without her near. If I am to get her back, I need to take away their advantage.”

  “Reyana? Are you up to it so soon?” Mythos turned to her. “And remember we are short on time. we nee
d to find what has happened to Kato.”

  “I’m fine really, I just needed that moment to re-center myself.” She replied. “I don’t believe it will take long and I think it’s too our advantage.”

  “Sheyna?” Valeryn called out from the bed. She looked at him with pained eyes. It was obvious she held affection for the Fae.

  “Go to him,” Reyana spoke softly, a small knowing smile on her face. “He needs you. He needs to know you’re all right.”

  The Fae was at his side in a matter of moments. She studied him carefully, as if checking the he was indeed still the Fae she had known.

  “Valeryn? I’m right here.” Sheyna murmured quietly.

  His eyes popped open and he clasped her hand in both of his, “Are you alright, Sheyna? How can you ever forgive me?” His reached up taking her face tenderly in his hand and his eyes seemed to run over her in fear, as if he checked her for injury. She stared at him in bewilderment, unsure how to take his words or his outward affections.

  Reyana slowly pulled from Marcus and approached the bed. “She’s fine, Valeryn. What you saw was the future you were putting into motion. No harm came to her, though it was very real to you.”

  Everyone else in the room exchanged glances, but Valeryn stayed transfixed on Sheyna. His eyes squeezed shut, “I am so sorry, Sheyna. I never meant to place your safety in jeopardy. Even if you were not hurt. The things I wanted, what I agreed to. How can you ever forgive one such as me?”

  She looked to Reyana in confusion, “I, I do not understand, Princess, why would he think I was harmed or in danger?”

  Reyana gave her a small smile, “Every Fae has a weakness the Darkness exploits. A secret desire in their hearts that the Shade use against them in tainting their thinking. They promise the thing they desire most but the desire becomes twisted, corrupted….” She trailed off, “Especially if they see that desire as unattainable in the Light.”