Thera shook her head. “The gift only passes to the firstborn daughter. Had Mya died before having you, perhaps Silver would have inherited it. As it is, she never knew Mya’s secret, only that she sometimes had nightmares and vivid dreams.”
“Why keep it secret?”
“Eron wanted it that way. Times were different then, Rayna. The war with Maenor raged even more than now. Tensions ran high, and your grandparents’ hold on leadership was tenuous at best. They had enemies, and they feared someone might use Mya for their own purposes. After some time, I developed the sleeping tonic, and Mya drank it every night.”
“You said the visions nearly drove her mad. What happened?”
“The same that happened to you. Mya’s visions became so powerful, they broke through despite my treatments. Except she dreamed of a death.”
“Whose?” Rayna asked, though she already knew.
“Your father’s.”
Rayna blinked back tears. “She saw him die? Before it happened?”
“Aye, poor girl. But by the time she had the dream, more vivid than any other she'd had, Aquillo had already gone with Bayne, Silver, and the thousands of others fighting the Maenoren invasion at the front lines. We sent a message by falcon, but it never reached him. By the time a True Wolf messenger had been dispatched, it was too late.”
Rayna had always missed her parents, even though she could not remember her father. But she had never stopped to consider what it had been like for Mya. To lose her mate so soon after childbirth, to care for that child without him. To be strong, patient, giving, all the while coping with the hole torn through her heart. And worse, her mother had known it would happen and had been unable to stop it.
“The grief and guilt were almost too much for Mya to manage. I believe if it had not been for you, Mya would not have made it through. But she did— for you. Never have I known a braver or more selfless woman. May she rest in peace.”
Rayna's cheeks were slick; the tears had escaped her eyes without her noticing. “Why keep this from me?”
“Because a few winters later, Mya told me of another dream.”
“What did she see that time?”
Thera laid her hand on Rayna's arm. “She dreamed of her own death and of you as an orphan.”
Rayna's heart beat faster. “If she knew she was going to die, why didn't she stop it?” Anger wedged itself between Rayna and her sympathy for her mother. “It wasn’t like with my father. It happened to her; why couldn't she prevent it?”
Thera shook her head. “She did not dream of how or when, just of you being without her. I'm sure if she could have changed things, she would have. She loved you so much, Rayna; she would have given anything to stay with you. It was not meant to be.”
Rayna huffed. “No, I suppose she was meant to be murdered for no reason. Why are you telling me this?”
“Mya feared that when she died, the visions would pass to you. She didn’t want you to suffer as she had, so she made me promise to give you the tonic the moment you manifested any hint of the power. She begged me to make it even stronger in hopes that you would never be cursed. And, may the Goddess forgive me, I did as she asked. I had hoped no vision would overcome the tonic. But it seems your dream last night was too important. Perhaps your vision of Alvo and Lumae was a glimpse into the past, meant to guide you in the present. More than that, I cannot guess.”
“What do you mean?”
“From your description, this mountain sounds like the Eye of Heaven, a mountain in the far north, deep in the Sylrian Provinces. It is the place where the veil between our world and the worlds of the gods Wolnor and Razorn is thinnest. It is also the place where Alvo, Lumae, and the other two wanderers entered Osterna. It troubles me that you saw such detail there of all places.”
“I grew up hearing your stories of the gods and goddesses. I'm sure those details came from tales I heard as a child.” Her explanation convinced neither of them.
Thera eyed Rayna as if she would press her point further, but turned away instead. “When your mother came to me the last time, she gave me this. She asked that, if anything were to happen to her, I give it to you on your eighteenth birthday. Only then should I tell you the truth, if I thought it necessary. But now seems a fitting time, I think.” She pulled a box from behind her woodpile and handed it to Rayna.
Rayna felt the intricately carved grooves of the surface, scenting the light floral fragrance of the linden wood. She opened it to reveal a bracelet, also carved from linden. Amid the swirling designs, the image of two wolves and a pup gazed up at the moon.
"Your father made this, Rayna. He gave it to Mya before he died. He promised you both that he would always be with you, no matter what happened to him during battle.”
Rayna smoothed her fingertips over the bracelet, thinking of her father carving it for her and her mother. She mostly thought of the promise. It seemed empty, regardless of how well-intentioned. Her father was gone, no matter how much he wanted to be with her.
“Rayna, I cannot explain your dreams any more than I could your mother's. Perhaps they are a curse; perhaps they are a gift. But I can give you the same advice your grandparents and I gave Mya.”
Rayna slipped the bracelet onto her wrist and locked the clasp. “Which is what?”
“Too often does Fenear fall under the claws of power hungry Alphen. Our society can be brutal and unforgiving. If anyone dangerous discovered your abilities, they might seek to use you for selfish reasons. Especially now, with the alliance putting everyone on edge.”
Rayna closed her eyes and thought. There were many Fenearens who would do anything for power—Nero and others like him.
“You are safe now, keiri.” Thera used the ancient Fenearen word for darling that Rayna's mother had used long ago. “The Alphen are noble and your kin. One day that could change. Keep taking your potion. I will strengthen your dose.”
Rayna exhaled, her breath sending icy pinpricks from her chest to her belly. It was as if her own mind had turned against her. What would she see the next time her tonic failed her? Bayne and Silver’s deaths? Channon’s?
“Rayna, for your safety you must never mention what was said here today. No one else must ever know about your dreams.”
Rayna joined the pack around the fire pit to await the arrival of the Maenorens. She did her best to follow Thera’s advice and put her dreams out of her mind. But how could she forget that the tonic was all that stood between her and horrifying visions? How could she forget that Thera had lied to her for twelve years at her mother's insistence? She understood that Mya had wanted to protect her, but it should have been Rayna's decision how to handle her abilities.
“What did Thera say about your dream, Ray? Did she give you a stronger dose?” Channon asked as she sat beside him.
For a moment, Rayna considered telling him everything. She trusted Channon and she'd had her fill of deception. But Thera had made her promise to keep it secret.
“The alliance is putting me on edge. She gave me something stronger.” She couldn't lie to Channon, but she couldn't tell him the whole truth without breaking her word to Thera. Besides, it would only worry him.
Gar trotted from the woods, cutting into the crowd.
I’ve seen him! He’s traveling in a convoy on his black litter, high and mighty. You would think he was Wolnor, or more likely Razorn, the way he is tromping through our forests!
Gar curled his lip before running into the southern forest where the other True Wolves waited out the visit. They had approved of the plan for peace, but evidently had no interest in meeting with the Maenorens. Rayna did not blame them. The True Wolves could not understand Clanspeak, and the Maenorens could not speak Wolven, so there was no point in their meeting anyway.
After Gar had disappeared, a horn blared from the woods. Bayne appeared at Rayna’s side and offered her his rough hand. With a steadying breath she wove her fingers through his and came to her feet. The crowd backed up, leaving Roxen, the Alphen
, and Rayna alone to face their visitors.
The path was alight with torches as a pair of hornsmen blew their instruments like deer in rut. Rayna nearly whimpered as banners bearing golden snakes appeared over the hill. Following the two hornsmen, four men and women carried the banners, and after them, several uncomfortable looking Maenorens marched in front of the litter. One of these was a woman with doe-like brown eyes, tawny skin, and silky raven hair. A chill ran up Rayna’s back.
Four men supported the black litter, its opaque curtain shielding the Overlord from the world. The trumpeting faded as the entire parade halted several tail-lengths in front of Rayna. The men lowered the litter, and every Maenoren bowed so deeply Rayna thought they would fall flat on their faces. Heavy curtains sliced open, and a single dark figure emerged.
The Overlord was more formidable than Rayna had imagined. His figure was tall and broad. The earth seemed to shake, protesting against his boots. With his carmine leather breeches and black steel armor, he looked as if he were going into war at the Mouth of Hell itself. His huge hands came from beneath his mauve coat and slammed his chest in the Maenoren salute. He was younger than Bayne and Silver, Rayna was surprised to note. She turned to Bayne and found her uncle’s gaze as confident as ever. She looked back at the Overlord, and cold spiked her stomach when she saw his gaze resting on her.
The dark-haired Maenoren woman rose from a low curtsey. “All hail Rhael II of House Demetrian, son of Orelian III, Overlord of Maenor.”
Rhael came forward. Rayna was sickened to find him handsome in a way. Her traitorous heart fluttered as she took in his taut, light brown skin, toned body, loose black curls, and sharp, well-defined features. But his beauty only added to his threat.
“Hail, Rhael Demetrian, Overlord of Maenor,” Bayne said, stepping forward to meet the Overlord.
“Hail, Bayne Aruthult, Alpha of Fenear.” Rhael extended his arm to Bayne. Rayna almost recoiled as the Viper’s scent flooded her nostrils with a metallic burn. After Rhael and Bayne gripped each other's forearm, her uncle turned to Silver.
“May I present my mate, Alphena Silverine Eliona.”
Silver stepped forward, seafoam eyes piercing. She extended her own hand but Rhael instead turned to Roxen. Bayne moved toward the Overlord, a growl rumbling in the back of his throat, but Silver pulled him back.
“Lord Rhael,” Silver said, “May I present Roxen Dament, our second-in-command after Bayne and myself.”
Rhael nodded to Roxen before turning to Rayna. She stayed solemn and proud, not daring to flinch, but Rhael’s eyes took her by surprise. They were deep obsidian black, but both the pupils and irises were encircled in pale gold.
Noting Rhael’s gaze, Bayne spoke. “Our niece, Rayna Myana.”
“Of course,” Rhael murmured. “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Myana.”
Bayne's hold on Rayna's shoulder tightened. The Overlord's eerie black and gold gaze did not leave her; he seemed to expect her to say something. She would not let him shake her.
“The pleasure is mine, I am sure. How long do you plan to stay, Lord Rhael?” Rayna asked.
“Until the terms of the agreement are satisfied and the alliance can be finalized. With your uncle's permission, of course.”
Rayna nodded and a moment later exhaled in relief as Bayne led Rhael to where the Maenorens could set up camp. Roxen took Bayne's place by her side and whispered, “Be careful, Rayna. He may be our ally now, but I don't trust him any further than I could throw him. He doesn't smell right.”
Rayna touched Roxen's arm, meeting his narrowed hazel gaze. “I could not agree more.”
Rhael moved with the certainty and leonine grace of a predator who could rival even a wolf. Though his words had been courteous, the intensity of his stare and the hard set of his jaw hinted at something far more venomous. Rayna sighed. If putting up with Rhael was the cost of peace, she would just have to find a way to pay it.
Chapter Five
Rayna sat cross-legged on one of her favorite spots, the large moss-covered boulder edging the central clearing. The Maenorens and Fenearens had gathered around the fire. Rhael sat next to Bayne, and the men ate and talked like old friends. Channon appeared, handing Rayna a bowl overflowing with rabbit, venison, berries, and dandelion leaves.
“Thanks.” She forced a smile, setting the food on her lap.
Channon was not fooled. “Ray, don’t worry. This will be over soon. Rhael will go back to his palace, and everything will return to normal.”
“You know, I thought I could handle it, Maenorens and Fenearens. Sitting, eating…” She shook her head. “I was wrong. I cannot get past what happened to me twelve winters ago, not even for the sake of Fenear.”
“Ray—”
“I’m all right, Channon, or I will be. It’s like I told you: I feel like something is wrong.”
Channon sat next to her, whispering urgently. “Have you seen his eyes? Rhael’s, I mean?”
“Yes, they're so strange, like coal ringed in amber.”
“Right. I’ve never seen anything like them.”
“Me, either.” Rayna leaned closer to Channon until her forehead nearly touched his. “How many of the stories do you think are true? I mean, about Rhael’s family using black magic?”
A tentative smile tugged at Channon's lips. “I don’t know, but he's our ally now, or about to be. Why not ask him yourself?”
“Funny.” Rayna glanced across the fire. Rhael still talked with Bayne, though Silver was nowhere in sight. “Thanks for the food, Channon, but I think I'll go to bed.” A good night's rest would do her more good than staring at the fraternizing Maenorens and Fenearens. It amazed her how some of the pack's opinions had changed. Like the Alvornians said, “Bring meat, bring water, but bring no strife: Fenearens, then, are friends for life.” Even so, many pack members were missing. Convincing all of Fenear that the Maenorens were allies was no easy feat.
Channon stood and offered her his hand. “I'll walk with you.”
When they reached her door, Channon's hands on hers stopped her before she could enter. “Good night, Ray.” He smiled the same sunny smile she'd loved since she'd first played with him winters ago.
“Good night, Channon.” Rayna wrapped her arms around him. As she rested her head against his chin, his skin heated with a blush. She pulled away. Channon didn't meet her eyes, and Rayna was acutely aware of her fingers laced around his neck. When had she done that? He was Channon. There was no reason her heart should beat so fast. Yet there they stood, hearts fluttering, eyes darting, uncomfortable, but perhaps excited. In a few frantic heartbeats, the moment was gone. When Rayna pulled away and ducked into her den, she forced it from her mind. She had more urgent concerns, no matter how good Channon's skin had felt beneath her palms.
Rayna sat on her pallet, her other worries hitting her with even greater intensity. Amid the preparations for the Maenoren's visit, she had not had much time to consider her dreams since her conversation with Thera. The thoughts flooded back.
Rayna was exhausted, but her mind refused to rest. She lifted her wrist to her face, examining the linden wood bracelet. A trace of an unfamiliar scent breached her nostrils. Her father's? That was impossible. Yet, with its sturdy hardwood base like Bayne's and hint of her own light spring scent, that seemed right. Perhaps some remnant of his scent had been preserved in the linden, or perhaps it was only wishful thinking. She closed her eyes, smoothing the wood ridges, picturing her father carving it for her. Her mother and, later, Bayne, had told her many stories of her father, but Rayna wished for a single memory of him that was her own. No matter how hard she tried, there was nothing.
Rayna lay on her furs and sighed, relieved to be off her feet. She set down her arm, took her medicine, and struggled to sleep.
Rayna's eyes opened upon the frozen vastness below her. Beside her, a man beamed, his long black hair whirling in the wind.
“Here we are, at the Eye of Heaven, the place where Heaven and H
ell meet Osterna,” Alvo said. Before Rayna could say anything, the roar she had attributed to the wind grew louder. She threw her hands over her ears, struggling to escape the dissonant, head-splitting noise. Alvo gripped her shoulders, trying to convey his message over the cacophony, but to no avail. The sky twisted and churned and darkened. The revolting scent of rotting flesh surrounded Rayna; she fell to her knees, Alvo beside her, screaming into her ear. All she could hear was one phrase. “They will be risen.”
The next morning, Rayna woke in the familiar warmth of her den. She sat up as her dream faded into memory. Sliding from her furs and dressing, she ran a comb through her hair. Her nightmare disturbed her, but it was a senseless dream. She would not let it bother her. When Rayna walked from her den, the morning was crisp and dark. She walked toward the fire pit, but a scent stopped her as solidly as a stone wall. The Maenoren smell was thick in her nostrils, smothering her as though she stood at the bottom of a lake. She could not breathe. She growled and turned away from their camp. Returning to her own den, she heard the crunch of dewy grass beneath a foot.
She turned and froze. The Viper himself, Rhael Demetrian, stood several tail-lengths behind her. Had it not been for the overpowering scent of the Maenoren camp, she would have smelled him coming. Her eyes narrowed into slits as he approached.
“Miss Myana, trouble sleeping?”
“What do you want?” It was too early for civility.
“We were introduced earlier,” he continued, coming closer still.
“I remember,” she snapped.
"I do not recall seeing you at the festival. I do not normally enjoy such ... primitive pleasures, but I found it quite refreshing." His penetrating gaze never left her.
"I wasn’t in a celebrative mood, Overlord." His title sounded like a jeer when it came from her lips.
The Viper stroked his chin, now standing uncomfortably close. "Forgive me if I am too bold, but I wanted to express my condolences." He dropped his hand.
Hex Breaker (The Fenearen Chronicles Book 1) Page 5