The Skye Trilogy: Isle of Skye, Isle of Night, and Isle of Dawn. * Bonus: Scrumptious Skye Confections Cookbook*

by Shannon Barczak

  “And the other stuff...” she asked

  “Yes,” I answered. “All the other stuff that is associated with being true mates has reared it’s not so ugly head a long time ago.”

  “Mathias has fed from you, hasn’t he?” she asked after a short pause

  I just nodded. I knew that wasn’t the only question she was asking of me, but I’m sure my father’s presence stopped her from discussing anything further.

  “Are you really prepared to be with him for the rest of your life?” she asked

  “I can’t imagine my life without him.” I said. “He drives me insane. Sometimes I just want to punch him or throw my fire at him. Which I did one time, but I purposely missed. Then there are the moments when he looks at me and everything around me fades to nothingness except for him. I feel like we were both put on this earth for each other. We challenge one another, but we also bring out the best in each other.”

  My mom had looked thoughtful before she started crying again. I looked at my dad confused. What was wrong with this woman now? I thought

  “I’m sorry I’m being selfish again.” she said. “If you love Mathias, then I will love him like a son. Although it is a little strange that he was my Guardian from the time, I was a baby.”

  “That’s like spiders crawling all over my skin weird.” I agreed

  “Do you know what I said to your father the night you were born?” she asked. “I told him I couldn’t wait to do that again and as time went on we realized that you were probably going to be our only miracle. That was all right though. I accepted it because I was comforted by the fact that one day you would have children and I would be a grandmother.”

  “I would fantasize about playing with your little boy in the mud and watching superhero movies. I saw myself combing your daughter’s hair and having tea parties. That’s not going to happen, and I’ll be ok. As long as you’re happy that’s all that matters.”

  “I’ve always been curious, at birthing class’s do they also teach new mothers on the art of a guilt trip?”

  “Oh Willa.” she said resigned

  “Not to worry grandma. Mathias and I have already discussed this, and we came up with a plan.” I said

  “What is that?” she asked warily

  “We’re going to hire out Cupcake and Oscar’s stud services. Before you know it, you’ll have plenty of little pups to spoil.”

  My father smiled, but my mother still looked unhappy. “There’s always adoption or in vitro. I’m not ruling anything out but right now I have many other important things on my mind though.”

  “You’re right.” Cecily said. “We have to find this Fae Lord and get rid of him. I have a wedding to plan.”

  “Whoa.” I said. “Who said anything about a wedding?”

  “If Mathias thinks he can fool around with my daughter without a commitment he has another thing coming.”

  “That’s a sweet and somewhat antiquated sentiment but can we focus on just trying to survive the next few months?”

  Later as we walked down to the dining room I felt like a giant weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I still wasn’t ready to tell Winifred yet, and I had told my mother to keep it quiet. I knew there was a good chance Winifred would probably freak out and banish us from the island but first I needed to make sure that my family was safe.

  We were just finishing up our meal when Milton came into the room. I smiled as he walked right over to me.

  “You didn’t call me back.” he said accusingly

  “Oh, Milton, I’m sorry. I totally forgot.” I answered guiltily. “What’s up?”

  “I translated the last line of Patcoena’s diary.” he said. We all sat there for a minute before everyone, predictably, started talking at once. I sat back and watched in amusement. I’m not sure who was speaking louder, Jeremiah or Cuddy.

  “What is it?” Jeremiah said. “Is it really cryptic?”

  “Like Indiana Jones cryptic?” Cuddy said, almost excited

  “Awesome, Jeremiah’s whip that he ordered from Mexico will finally get some use.” I said

  “You have a whip?” Veronica asked

  “He also has a brown leather hat too.” I offered, taking in Jeremiah squirming in his chair with delight

  “They are simply decorations for my movie room that I am setting up in my new flat over the library,” he answered

  “How come you didn’t come to the shop?” Cuddy asked hurt

  “Enough.” my grandfather said forcibly. “Milton, please continue.”

  “Perhaps we should all go into the living room?” Winifred suggested. I got up from the table, and Polly grabbed her wine glass to fill it all the way to the top.

  “I need a drink for this.” she said when she caught me looking at her

  We all finally settled in the living room, and Robert shut the doors. Milton turned to us and began to speak nervously. “I had to use several different applications. Patcoena made this difficult which is most peculiar.”

  “Why is that Milton?” Gussie asked

  “The line is actually nothing more than a famous quote.” he answered. “I’m not sure if it is even a clue.”

  “What’s the quote?” Jeremiah asked

  “It’s by the famous English poet John Gay.” he paused. “‘We only part to meet again.'”

  I froze at my place by the window. Everyone else muttered the famous line in confusion. I turned away and looked out at the night sky. I wasn’t sure if it meant anything or I was just grasping at straws, but I had heard that line every Friday for the last three years before I came to the island.

  A million memories and thoughts raced through my head. I tried to remember every little detail. I knew that I had to keep this to myself. In fact, I wasn’t sure if anyone would even believe me. After all, it was a famous quote, it might mean nothing.

  But it also could mean everything.

  “That sounds familiar.” Polly said. “Doesn’t it Willa?”

  Shut up Polly, I thought. Shut up right now.

  “Yes it does sound familiar because it’s a famous quote Polly.” I said sarcastically

  She shook her head. “No, that’s not what I mean.”

  “Look why don’t we all try to sleep on it tonight.” I suggested. “I’m tired. It’s been a really long day.”

  “Willa’s right.” Cuddy said. “Let’s go to bed and brainstorm in the morning.”

  I quickly said goodbye to everyone and grabbed Polly. We teleported back to my house, and I had to shoo her to her camper.

  “Geez, what’s gotten into you?” she asked. “Mathias is locked up in jail so you can’t be waiting for him to come over for a booty call.”

  “I’m tired.” I said. “I need to think of ways to get him out early.”

  “Oh, ok.” she said, not buying my act for one minute. “If you’re planning to go on the lam I have to tell you I’m not watching the mutts.”

  “I’m not planning anything.” I answered.

  “Are you and Mathias going to have telepathic sex?” she asked intrigued

  “Yes.” I said. “You figured it out. You’re a regular freaking detective.”

  “Have fun.” she said before she walked out the door and into her camper. I teleported downstairs and went right into my closet. I poked around until I finally pulled out a black Chanel quilted backpack. My mother had slipped this on my shoulders and called it the backup plan backpack before we came to the Isle of Skye. What she didn’t know was that I had it packed and ready ever since I moved in here.

  I looked through it to make sure everything I needed was in there. Money, clothes, small travel kit, and, of course, an untraceable cell phone were all neatly packed. I threw on a new pair of jeans and shirt before grabbing a jacket. I was just leaving my closet when I spied Mathias’s clothes.

  On the floor by the door was a small pile of Mathias’s clothes folded neatly. My heart began to pound, and my ears started ringing. I knew I didn’t put those there, and
I also knew after living with Mathias, he didn’t leave his clothes lying around.

  It was a message, a message that I was to bring him with me on my journey. I rolled my neck and groaned. If I didn’t bring him with me, I would have to deal with his uncontrollable rage. If I did bring him with me, my grandmother would be furious, and we would essentially be criminals on the run.

  I pondered this for a few minutes before deciding that I wasn’t going to mess with fate or Mathias’s attitude. I had no desire to hear shouting in my head for God knows how long.

  I scooped his clothes up and stuffed them into the bag. On my way through the bathroom, I took a few of his essentials before I stopped in my little office and quickly wrote out three notes. I headed back upstairs and sank down on the floor to pet the dogs.

  I knew I probably looked like an idiot as I talked to them and told them what I was doing but for some reason I thought they understood. They both gave me big licks on the cheek, and I let them out back so they could bug Polly.

  I glanced around my house and prayed I would be back to see it again. I also sent up a little prayer for encouragement and guidance.

  Then I was off to break my mate out of jail.

  Chapter Twenty

  I muttered the concealment spell and teleported to Mathias’s jail cell. I stood in the corner and watched him as he sat on his bed. He was completely engrossed in his book. I was feeling rather smug about being in here without him being aware of my presence.

  A concealment spell doesn’t mask your breathing

  Shit. I thought. Why does he always have to ruin everything?

  What are you doing here? He asked

  Milton translated the last line of Patcoena’s diary

  And…?

  I tried to formulate what I wanted to say but when I opened my mouth, everything came out in a rush.

  I recognized it. It was a famous quote, but the thing is I think I know what it means. Even though, I’m sure you’re going to think I’m crazy, I think Patcoena’s alive.

  Mathias’s head whipped up and stared in the direction I was standing. What? That’s not possible. If he was alive, he would be several thousand years old

  I know, and maybe I’m wrong but I don’t think so. I was going to go do this on my own, but I was sent a sign that you were to come with me. I also figured if I took off without you, you would probably get all crazy red eyed and Winifred would order that you be put down like a rabid dog

  I appreciate the fact that you thought this through, but even if we were to leave, we don’t know where to look. Fairlia is a big place and we also have to think about the fact we could be regarded as criminals

  He’s not in Fairlia

  You know that for sure?

  He’s in Yuma

  Mathias stood up and stretched. I could tell he was trying to appear nonchalant in case any Guardians were watching him.

  Do you know him?

  I think he’s always been in my life. I just didn’t put all the pieces together until now

  How are we getting there?

  I’m going to open a portal

  He rubbed his eyes and sighed. Can you do it on your own?

  Yes.

  I stared at him as he started to pace. I knew he was running through all the variables in his head. I began to get worried when I saw his nostrils start flaring.

  You’re hungry

  I’ll be fine. So I assume we’re leaving now?

  We have to make a quick stop to the tower room. I need to see the paintings before I leave and then I thought we would go to your island. You need to feed and get some sleep.

  We’re not going to have much time once we leave this cell. Are you sure you can open the paintings?

  I threw my hands up and shook my head. No, I’m not sure. But I think that it’s time. If I can’t do it then we’ll hightail it outta there

  Whenever you’re ready, he answered a few seconds later

  I grabbed his hand and in an instant we were teleported to the tower room. I undid the concealment spell and walked slowly over to the table where the paintings were still rolled up.

  I felt a trickle of nausea, but I waved it away. These paintings were mine to see. They belonged to me. I touched the ribbon on the first one and almost cried in relief as it unraveled effortlessly. I decided to open them all at once. I didn’t want to get too caught up in staring at them one at a time.

  After I had pulled all four ribbons off, I reached into my pocket and handed Mathias my phone. “Take pictures. We’re not going to be able to study them for as long as we like.”

  I took one at random and opened the yellowed canvas. At first I wasn’t sure what I was seeing was real.

  I saw myself.

  Mathias reached around and unfolded the other ones. He took some paper weights from the nearby shelf and put them around the edges of the paintings. I was aware that he was clicking away, but I couldn’t seem even to move.

  All four paintings depicted me perfectly. From the color of my hair to the curve of my face, each one was done with an eye for exquisite detail. I tried to ignore the roaring in my ears and focus on the details. The four paintings showed me in each of the different realms of Fairlia. There were no weapons in my hands. It was just me in a specific place. It looked like I was drawing energy from a cave, a cove, a forest and on top of a mountain.

  I had an inkling of what it meant, but I didn’t want to go there yet. I was too afraid. I was just about to turn away when I noticed something else in all the paintings. In each corner was a shadowy portrait of a man.

  “Mathias.” I said shakily pointing to the shadow. “It’s you.”

  “I know.” he said solemnly. “We have to go. I’m sure the Guardians will be aware soon….” He stopped and lifted his head up. I could see his face straining in concentration. That’s when I heard the sound of the alarm.

  “I guess that means our times up.” I said. I took three different envelopes out of my backpack and put them by the paintings were I was sure they would be seen. I glanced around to see if there was anything useful in the room to take with me. I almost laughed when I realized that there was nothing I could use here

  “Willa.” Mathias said warningly. I grabbed his hand, and we took off into the night. We landed on the beach of Mathias’s island, and I let go of his hand. I stared up at the sky looking for answers. I had been so sure that the paintings would depict the weapons we needed. Now I wasn’t sure about anything.

  “Are you all right?” Mathias asked breaking through my thoughts. I was so caught up in my jumbled thoughts I almost forgot he was there. I threw my arms around his neck and buried my head into his shoulder. The last few days had been such an emotional and physical roller coaster for me. I wanted to be in his arms and not worry about trying to appear strong.

  We held on to each other, but soon comfort turned into something else entirely. We may have only been apart for four days, but it had felt like a lifetime. He had just crushed his mouth to mine when suddenly he pushed me behind him and scanned the sky.

  “What’s wrong?” I asked in confusion. I tried to make out whatever threat he sensed but could see nothing but the dark, starlit heavens.

  “Someone’s coming.” he answered

  “I thought nobody knew about this place?” I cried. “We should never have come here.”

  “It’s ok.” Mathias said. “It’s just Robert.”

  “Robert?” I asked. “Oh, you mean Robert, my grandmothers Guardian and I’m sure the acting head of security for the island? Are you kidding me? How does he even know this is your home?”

  “Remember when I told you that Winifred and I had discovered Robert and Katya together?” Mathias asked. “I lied. I was aware of their relationship long before that and had offered them the use of my home for a sanctuary to conduct their affair.”

  “Why would you lie to me?” I asked. As far as I knew Mathias had never kept the truth from me. No matter if I wanted to hear it or not.

>   “I promised Robert I would never tell a soul.” he replied. “Remember we had just met when I told you. I wasn’t about to go tell you a secret that I had sworn to keep.”

  “You’re just so darn admirable sometimes, you know that?”

  “I have many hidden depths.”

  “Me too,” I said. “I can’t wait for you to explore them later. Now can we get out of here?”

  “Just wait.” he said confidently. Robert landed near us a few seconds later. He looked anxious, which, of course, made me nervous.

  “Robert.” I said. “I know this looks bad but trust me when I tell you, I need Mathias with me. I have to go somewhere, and I think it might be dangerous. Please…”

  Robert interrupted me. “I don’t care Willa.”

  “But…” I started to say. I was completely freaked out. Mathias, on the other hand, looked seemingly unconcerned.

  “Do you have enough money at your disposal?” Robert asked Mathias

  Mathias threw his back and laughed. “Please, I could buy you ten times over and still have enough to purchase a small country.”

  “What?” I asked intrigued. “You know when I said a big rock; I meant a giant one.”

  “I don’t want to know where you’re going but try to stay in touch somehow.” Robert said

  “Do you have the untraceable phone?” Mathias asked me. I nodded and patted the backpack

  “If you need a safe house, go to my other place in Colorado.” Robert said. “You know which one I’m talking about.”

  “I will but somehow I don’t think we’re going to be gone that long.” Mathias answered

  “Robert.” I said. “Can you please make sure my grandmother and parents go to the tower room?”

  “Of course.” he answered. “Why?”

  “I got the paintings opened.” I said. “I also left a few letters for my parents, grandmother and Polly. Can you please make sure they get them?”

  “I will.” he promised before he turned to Mathias and held out his hand. “Stay safe my friend.”

  Mathias shook Robert’s hand, and this display of friendship struck me. In all the time, I had known Mathias I had never seen him be so relaxed and friendly with anyone. I could tell he truly cared for Robert.