by Meg Anne
“What else do we need to take care of before we can go to bed,” he repeated, his smile making it clear that sleep was the last thing on his mind.
Helena racked her brain, trying to remember what specific duties she still had to perform. After the ceremony, they had made their way to the tables that had been set up for dinner. The meal had been relatively informal, with plates being passed around the table for guests to take what they wanted before passing it on. After the guests had finished eating, there was a round of increasingly inappropriate toasts, one of which Helena had made. Then about twenty minutes ago, the musicians had started up again, opening the dance floor for the rowdy guests. As far as she could recall, there was nothing left for her to officially do.
“Now that I think on it, I guess we’re technically done. Although it’s frowned upon to leave before the newly mated couple.”
“Who would dare tell you when you are allowed to leave?”
Helena gave him a pointed look.
Von sighed, but his disappointment was short lived. When he began to smile, Helena knew that he was up to something. With a mischievous lift of his brow, he stepped away from her and started making his way toward his brother, who was currently spinning Serena around the dance floor.
“What are you doing?”
“What every good brother should.”
“Von…”
He winked at her over his shoulder but did not slow down. Nial gave his brother a wide grin as he approached, his smile faltering only slightly as Von grabbed his arm and pulled him to the side before whispering in his ear.
Nial laughed and nodded, eagerly returning to his curious mate. In a similar fashion, Nial bent down and whispered something that caused Serena’s eyes to go dreamy. She nodded, looking up at him from under her lashes. With barely a glance at the rest of their guests, Nial and Serena slipped away.
“There,” Von said, returning to her side. “Can we go now?”
Helena’s mouth fell open. “You did not just send your brother to bed on his mating night.”
“I told him it was bad form to keep his mate waiting.” There was nothing but smug satisfaction in his voice.
“You are terrible,” she informed him, unable to keep her laughter in check long enough to maintain her pretense of chastisement.
“No, my love. Simply a man of action.”
Just as Helena was about to agree, Margo walked over to them.
“Your brother ran off without dancing with his mother!”
Von stared at her with frustrated amusement. “I suppose that means you’re looking for a stand in?”
“But of course!”
Von held out his arm, letting his mother weave her own arm through it before he led her to the dance floor.
“So close,” he said mournfully through the bond.
“We have all night, my love.”
“From your lips…” he said, repeating her words from earlier.
Helena’s laugh was muffled by the sweeping strains of the music as Von began to dance with his mother. It was with joy, and perhaps a small bit of wistfulness, that she stayed there to watch them, knowing as she did that their window for such simple pleasures was swiftly closing.
Chapter Four
Greyspire
“The scouts have returned.”
“And?” Rowena didn’t bother to turn around and address the man directly.
“They remain in hiding. There has been no sign of the Kiri or her Circle.”
“Incompetent fools,” she hissed, letting her pointed nails rake across the glass as she looked over her shoulder.
There was a discernible wince on the handsome face, but it passed quickly. It was only the sound, and not her displeasure, that caused the reaction. Rowena could tell because there was no sign of fear in the golden eyes that boldly stared back into hers. There hadn’t been since the day she had met him standing defiantly at the door of his stone palace. This one believes he is my equal. Brave, Rowena decided, impressed despite herself. Although she would never tell him that. It had been years since anyone mistakenly believed the same, but he would learn. Eventually. They always did. No one was her equal.
Not even the Endoshan heir.
When given the choice to join her or die, the same choice she had offered each of the Chosen she had come across, Kai-Soren surprised her by being the first to willingly accept… albeit for a price. For months Rowena and her army had marched across Elysia, taking by force what he freely offered. She could have Endoshan, but only if he stood at her side. An alliance, he said, to be forged by marriage. An easy enough promise to make, and not one she had any intention of keeping. But he didn’t need to know that. Not yet.
Kai-Soren had already proven to be a useful ally. For all their power, there was much his Endoshans could do that her Shadows could not. Most notably, the Endoshans could move amongst the Chosen unnoticed. Rumors were beautiful things, both powerful and effective. It was easy enough to convince the others that Endoshan had been lost. One bloodied runner had been enough to convince the Etillions, and from there, they had handled the rest. Just like that, an entire territory was under her control with no more effort than a simple, “I accept.”
Rowena couldn’t wait to see that aqua-eyed impostor’s face when she saw she didn’t control the Chosen as completely as she believed. As it did every time she thought of that little bitch sitting on her throne, Rowena’s anger multiplied. She turned to face Kai-Soren fully. The window had frozen where her hand had been, small fissures appearing in the glass as it began to shatter beneath the assault. He didn’t even spare the cracking glass a glance, his eyes remaining steadily leveled on her.
“I am displeased.”
“I can see that.”
A cold smile made her lips tilt up. “Would you like to see what happened to the last man who displeased me?”
There was a flicker in the golden eyes. She had struck a nerve. Good. He is learning already.
“How may I remedy the situation, my lady?”
Rowena tilted her head, considering her answer. After a long-drawn-out silence, she shrugged. “It is no matter. The bitch will come to us.”
Kai-Soren bowed his head. “As you say.”
“We will be ready when she arrives.” It was an order, not a question.
“Yes, my lady. They will not leave alive.”
“I cannot think of a more pleasing betrothal gift.”
The smile that twisted his lips matched hers for depravity. “Nor I.”
Meanwhile, in Daejara
* * *
The morning after Nial and Serena’s ceremony found her in yet another crowded room, although this time there was a decided lack of smiling faces. Helena’s eyes moved from face to face, trying to gauge the level of unease. She grimaced. Getting these stubborn fools to agree to work together was going to be no small feat.
Overnight, the last of her allies had arrived in Daejara. At least those that were still alive. She frowned with the memory of Endoshan. There was little love lost between her and the Endoshan heir, that much was true, but she would not wish Rowena’s brand of justice on anyone.
Sitting uncomfortably in the room were the representatives for the Night Stalkers, the Storm Forged, the Daejarans, the Calderans, the Etillions, and the Sylvanese. The only allies not accounted for were the Talyrians, and that was more for logistical reasons than anything. Although, if she was being honest, Helena would feel more confident if Starshine and her teeth were close at hand. The threat of a Talyrian bite worked almost better than anything else to keep others in line. Helena flexed her hands, the tips of her black claws making a brief appearance. They would have to do. She smirked at the thought of acting as the Talyrian enforcer. She had a feeling Starshine would have been equal parts proud and amused.
Each territory had been allowed no more than three representatives to be present. Always the exception, the Circle was fully accounted for. Sitting beside her Mate, representing Daejara, were Nial,
Serena, and Effie. The latter was a ghost of her former self. Helena had been shocked when Effie insisted on being the third as she’d barely left her room since they had buried Darrin. Helena wished she’d had more time to spend offering comfort to the woman so clearly consumed by mourning. There was little she would refuse the petite blonde; she would give anything to help keep her busy and distracted.
The Calderans were next. Tinka and Khouman were present, along with a new female with bright red braids liberally streaked with gray. She was as small as Tinka and as fierce-looking as Khouman. Helena would guess that she was the one calling the shots for Calderan.
Beside them were the Etillions. Helena recognized Amara and Xander from her brief and unfortunately memorable trip to Etillion. With them was a younger man who looked like he might be related to Amara. A brother or cousin perhaps. He was struggling to keep from staring at the cerulean-skinned woman seated beside him.
Helena couldn’t blame him. The Storm Forged were certainly alluring with their tinged skin and colorful hair. Anduin sat between two turquoise-haired women whom Helena did not recognize. She mentally applauded his efforts at diplomacy by not bringing the troublemakers who had been causing problems with the Night Stalkers.
On the other side of the Storm Forged sat the Sylvanese. The trio looked familiar, but she could not say with certainty which she had met before, if any. They were another group that she would guess were all related in some capacity.
Rounding out the table were Reyna and her Night Stalkers. She sat beside Ronan with Ryder and another dark-haired man. All three of them appeared battle-ready, their swirls of paint and fitted leathers a clear, and not very subtle, message.
The room was warm, and Helena regretted asking Margo to light the hearth in the massive stone chamber. She had thought that the amber glow would help create a welcoming atmosphere, but the dribble of sweat she felt roll down her back mocked her. So much for atmosphere. Calling on Air, Helena wrapped the cool current around herself.
She was just about ready to call the room to order when a quick knock rapped on the door. Not waiting for permission, the door opened to reveal Miranda.
“Kiri, I request permission to attend on behalf of the Keepers.”
At the mention of the notorious historians and secret-keepers, the room fell silent.
“Permission granted.” Helena could see no reason to exclude her, and Miranda had already proven herself an asset. If she wanted to use her title to gain access to this meeting so be it, Helena would take all the help she could get.
Effie went to make space beside her at the table, but Timmins had already stood and offered his seat to the Keeper. Miranda gave Timmins a smile of thanks and lowered herself into his vacated seat.
“She just needs to fuck him already and put the poor bastard out of his misery.”
“Who says she hasn’t?” Helena replied, watching her Mate’s head swivel to better study her Advisor and the Keeper. There had always been a palpable energy between those two, but it seemed more pronounced now. Solidified perhaps. Helena lifted a brow, something had certainly changed between them, and she was almost certain they’d finally acted on the sexual tension they’d been fighting since they’d first met.
“Shall we get started?” Helena asked.
There were a few murmurs of assent, but the group otherwise remained silent.
“Shortly after I returned home from the Vale I received an invitation. One I plan to accept.” Helena lifted a hand to silence the protests that were already rising. “Before you say anything, yes, I am aware that it is a trap. However, there is no better time or way for us to infiltrate her defenses and strike.”
“She will be expecting you to, Kiri. You cannot think she won’t,” Khouman said.
Helena nodded her agreement. “She will lay her trap well, but she will be expecting the Kiri.”
Her words were met with looks of confusion.
Helena elaborated, “She does not know that I can alter my appearance. I have been working with Joquil on ways to extend that power to others.”
“You expect to sneak in without suspicion,” Anduin said, admiration coloring his voice.
Helena shrugged. “It wouldn’t be the first time.”
“What do you need from us?” Reyna asked.
“A distraction.”
“How big?” Ronan asked with a dangerous grin.
Helena smiled at him before addressing the others. “I want to strike before she can. We need to do as much damage as quickly as possible.”
Kragen rubbed his hands together gleefully.
“In the confusion of the attack, I want her and her generals separated from the chaos so that they cannot assist. It should give us time to take out the bulk of her army.”
“A Talyrian strike?” Von asked, already picturing how they could maximize the casualties.
“She won’t expect it,” Helena replied as she considered the suggestion.
There were nods of agreement around the table.
“You cannot expect to go in alone,” Reyna pointed out.
“I was hoping some of the Night Stalkers could join me. Your people are the most adept at subterfuge and close-range combat.”
The Night Stalkers’ answering grin would have been chilling if they had not been mirrors of her own.
“Rowena will not stay idle,” one of the Sylvanese warned.
“Which is why the rest of you will need to be ready. Ronan, Von, can you work with the others to create a plan? When Rowena realizes what is happening, she will not hesitate. The full force of our army will need to be prepared for that eventuality.”
The men nodded.
“My people can provide cover until we are ready to reveal ourselves, Kiri,” Anduin offered.
“I am certain you will live up to your name, Stormbringer.”
He dipped his head in agreement.
“Do you remember the layout of Greyspire?” Ronan asked Von.
Her Mate’s eyes went hazy. “Enough.”
Helena’s lips tilted in a frown as she recalled his capture. The tendril of Von’s unease she felt snaking through their bond did little to dilute her rage at the reminder.
“Do you really think she does not expect you to try and strike, Kiri?” Amara asked, looking worried.
Helena’s eyes went iridescent. “Rowena underestimates me. She forgets that as the Mother’s Vessel I am more than a figurehead. I am the Mother’s wrath every bit as much as I am Her love. It is time to show her my claws.”
There was a ripple of panic throughout the room as her words affected them. To some degree, they had all witnessed her power, but none had seen her fully unleash it with the intent to destroy.
“Sometimes to cleanse, first you must burn,” Miranda reminded them in her midnight voice.
“Then let the world burn,” Von said, his voice steel.
“There are many kinds of storms,” Anduin added, bloodlust making his pupils flare.
“We are yours to command, Kiri. Wherever you lead us, we are with you,” Serena said. The rest of the group murmured their agreement.
Helena smiled gratefully at her friends, new and old.
“When do we leave?” Joquil asked.
“Three days.”
If anyone thought it wasn’t enough time, they didn’t say so.
Chapter Five
When attempting transformational magic, it is essential the weaver knows the most minute details of their subject. The better the understanding, the more authentic the transformation. Any discrepancy could be the tell that gives away the magic. Detail is everything in transformational magic.
Helena slammed the musty tome closed with a frustrated sigh. She was not readily finding the answers she needed, and they were out of time. So much of what she knew about her power came from intuition. She thought of what she wanted and her power responded. True, it wasn’t always perfect, but it was instinct and therefore so much simpler than trying to make sense of half-hocked atte
mpts to explain what she was supposed to think and feel. Magic was emotional for her. Not scientific. Trying to force it like this had left her frustrated, not to mention unsuccessful, for days.
It was imperative that she find a way to hide the small group of Night Stalkers and Chosen who would join her inside Rowena’s party. But there was the rub. She was not the only one that had to take on a new form. For each person that joined her, she needed to create a new identity that made sense amongst the other partygoers. Someone who would not cause others to look at them askance. That sounded easy in theory, but how could she turn someone into another person she had never met? It was one thing to create something entirely new, but the need to blend in severely tempered any creative license.
Shapeshifting was tied to detail and an intimate knowledge of what you were trying to transform into. The problem was Helena didn’t know who she was supposed to make these people become. They needed to be unremarkable and easily overlooked. Faces in a crowd that were easily forgotten as curious eyes looked on and toward something more interesting.
Helena rubbed her forehead, closing her eyes in an attempt to alleviate her pounding headache.
She heard the library door open but didn’t bother turning around.
“I seem to find you as I left you, Kiri.”
“Then perhaps you have returned too soon, Keeper,” Helena replied, her voice low and laced with tension.
Miranda’s hand perched momentarily on Helena’s shoulder, a display of comfort or perhaps understanding. The older woman moved around the ancient table, taking a seat across from her.
“Perhaps you are thinking about this the wrong way.”
Helena opened an eye to glare blearily at her. “Spare me your riddles and speak plainly.”
Gesturing toward the bevy of open and unopened books that littered the table, Miranda asked, “Must they be transformed? Is there not another way to hide amongst a crowd? Deceit does not always have to be in the details, but their absence.”