by J. B. Miller
When Oberon finally stood with Isbeth by his side they were both tired and drawn but purpose shown from the king's eyes. The room quieted and the king spoke.
“My people, we are here tonight as the sun sets on this day to say farewell to two of our children. It is because of our own actions that we are here mourning two young souls. In life they wanted only to be together, when that was denied them, in many small ways it twisted and turned the heart of my son.
“Treachery begets treachery and anger and spite reaps its own discord. Tonight we will set all of that aside and begin afresh. Take to heart my people. This could easily have been your son or daughter. In these days, many of us no longer believe that we have souls to be reborn. However, I choose to believe in the old ways. May Danu bless us. I was there when our precious Moss breathed her last.” Oberon paused as Isbeth stifled a shuddering sob.
“Her last words were, 'It’s not true you know? What they say. We do have souls and Danu has come for mine.'” Oberon closed his eyes for a second and carried on.
“Our Moss saw the goddess, before she left us for the next world. She said with her dying breath that our old beliefs were true. I choose to believe what she said. Blayre loved her so much that he could not stand to live in this world without her and he followed her into death.”
Oberon held a hand out to me and I stepped up beside him. “I have made a choice as well. Already I have lost one son to my negligence. I will not lose another. Let it be written in the annuls that I claim Puck as my true son. From this day forth he will be known as Prince Puck, son of Oberon.
"I cannot offer him the crown, even though he would make a great king. He will, however, stand in stewardship of the throne if anything happened to me. Any that may try to take the throne would have to do it through him by his will. Do you agree to this, son of Oberon? Will you stand by me and support the throne of Faery? Steward it until the time comes that you are no longer needed? To hold Faery above your own wants and needs. Do you swear that you will never try to wear the crown but protect it for the rightful heir?”
The king asked and offered much. I had expected none of this other than a mention. I did, however, bend to one knee and accept the service.
“I, Puck, son of Oberon, do swear that I will stand steward for the crown of Faery. I will guard it with my life with no covetous thoughts. I will put it before all else bar my mates and family. I cannot be foresworn, my King, and I have already sworn myself to them.”
Oberon nodded and put his hand upon my head. “That is acceptable.
He let loose power and it invaded me. Lighting ever cell in my being and giving me more strength than I already had.
“You will need more than you had to keep this place in one piece,” he whispered to me as he pulled me to my feet.
“Let us leave these halls and sing our children to their rest.” Oberon took Isbeth’s hand and led her to the alter where they kissed their children goodbye.
Tokens were laid as each person walked by in a final fare well, and we all made our way outside.
Once outside the doors to the sanctum closed and we turned as one and began to sing. It was a litany for the dead. A song of bittersweet sadness and loss. We sang of the summer lands and how our beloved ones would be at peace until the day they came back to us or we went to them.
Then Oberon and Isbeth joined hands and raised them above their heads gathering the power of the song and sent it into the Sanctum. A beautiful blue white light engulfed the building before coalescing into a small star and shooting into the heavens.
In the ensuing darkness voices fell away and we stood silently waiting for the ceremony to end. Oberon and Isbeth lowered their arms before Oberon pulled her close in one last moment of comfort.
They then turned to the people and Isbeth stepped forward. Her voice was so soft we had to strain to hear it.
“We appreciate greatly everyone who came to share in this with us. Food and wine has been prepared. Please go and celebrate the life of our children,” she smiled sweetly. “We also have the celebration of new life to honor. We are truly blessed for what we have lost has already begun to be replenished."
A loud cheer rose up from the crowds as they began to disperse. Once they were thinned Kale and I made our way to Oberon and Isbeth.
Before I could say anything Oberon cut in.
“My Puck, I know you are tired and want to go home to your Dianthe and Daniel. You deserve it. We do not expect you to stay for the festivities. Go home and be with your loved ones. That is what I want for everyone.” He hugged me and turned to Kale. “Wolf King, you have stood true these weeks. It will not be forgotten. I hold you and yours as allies to me.” He held out a hand and when Kale took it he pulled him close and hugged him.
“You are also my son by mating. So make sure you keep my boy happy and in line as much as possible,” he told him.
“I will but try,” smirked Kale.
I slapped him upside the back of his head and turned to Isbeth.
“Isbeth,” I began.
“Oh hush, sweet boy, and give me a kiss goodbye. Next time you come home, it will be a happy occasion and you will bring your other mates. Do I make myself clear?”
I smiled wryly at her and just nodded my agreement.
“Good,” she smiled. “Now come here pup and give me a hug.” She pulled Kale to her and hugged him tight before pinching his cheek. “Off you two go…I want grandchildren.” With that, she opened a portal and pushed us through.
The next thing we saw was Dianthe and Daniel sitting on a couch and watching a movie. We were home and I would never take it for granted again.
The End…For now
Books by J.B. Miller
A Dia Mclearey Novel
Dianthe Rising
Fae Dominance
Book Two – Coming Soon
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Excerpt from Dianthe Rising
A Dia Mclearey Novel Book One
By JB Miller
“Who’s there? Look, I don’t want any trouble. I’m meeting my mates at the other end of the street.”
Low laughter met my words and a familiar voice floated out to me. “Ah, petal, and here I presumed it was me you were looking for.”
With a tilt of my head, I looked into the shadows. It was the voice of the creepy guy in the club. “Marcus?” I called back.
“Oh goodie,” he replied. “You remembered my name. I’m anticipating hearing you scream it before I’m done with you.”
I began to get worried so I began to back away. “Look, “I said. “I don’t want any trouble, Marcus. It has been a long night and I’m heading home. I’m sorry we didn’t hit it off, but you’re not my type. No offense, okay?”
“Oh none taken, petal, in fact I’m going to show you how much it takes to offend me.”
A shudder raced down my back. My spine stiffened and I prepared to make a run for it as soon I could get enough space between us. “I don’t understand. What do you mean?” I questioned.
“Oh, darling, that delicious scent and the teasing laughter—it’s intoxicating. I watched you with that ignorant human ape. Why were you wasting your time with that piece of meat instead of me? Are you not into the fanged?”
“The what?” I gasped. “Look, Marcus, I guess you have me confused with someone else. I’m not into role-play and I’m so not Goth.”
“Oh, petal, petal, petal,” he wagged his finger back and forth. “So like the flower you are. I am going to pluck you until you lay broken at my feet. When you are laid in front of me, I’m going to drink up that beautiful nectar until you’re a wilted shell.”
“What the hell does that even mean?” I wondered aloud. I didn't think of the need to hold back on upsetting the crazy stalker man.
“It means I’m going to drink you down till your nothing but a dry husk.”
; His eyes seemed to flash red in the light of the street lamp. Fear was beginning to take over and I was near panic when a noise broke into the quiet night. A group of young men stumbled into the tunnel singing drunkenly. Marcus turned his head to glance at the people coming our way and I took the chance it gave me and ran. His voice rang in my ears.
“Run, Dia, run. I’m coming for you.”
With all the speed in me, I dashed onto the next street. I looked for somewhere to hide so I could call for help. His laughter echoed all around me. I ran into the nearest alley and hid behind a large skip.
Oh God, how in the hell is this happening. One hand reached down for my bag. I realized that I had lost it along with my only chance of calling in the Calvary.
Think, Dia, think. What would Sean do in a situation where he couldn't call in for backup?
My eyes closed. I leaned my head back against the wall. I was trying to come up with a way out of this mess when I heard his voice.
“Dia, where are you? Come out, petal, I promise it will not be too bad. I can sense your divine scent... Mmmmmmm...delicious. I cannot wait to have a sip. I know you are near. Come out, come out, where ever you are.”
While taking shallow breaths, I tried not to make a sound as the freak hunted me. What the hell did I do to get into this kind of mess? I swear to God if I make it home, I am never letting Annie talk me into going out again.
I looked frantically around me for a way out of this serial killers wet dream. There was a pub about a hundred yards away. Oh, thank God. There were people milling around outside and the bouncer looked extra beefy. All I had to do was make a break for it and run like there is a killer on my tail. Oh wait there is. Therefore, this shouldn’t be a problem.
Okay, Dia, you can do this. A deep breath later and one last glance around the corner to make sure psycho boy was not on the other side, I took off. I made a mad dash and ran for all I was worth toward the safety of the pub.
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Table of Contents
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Table of Contents
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen