Ascension

by Jennifer Ann Reed

  “Move out of the way!” Austin shoved between Caden and Curtis, stilling my hand. I knew what he intended to do in front of everyone, but I wasn’t sure that he would be able to help. Only I knew the secret he kept, and it made me love him more knowing he’d sacrifice his safety for our friend. Warm golden light engulfed Austin’s palm as he placed it onto Linc’s chest. The area under his hand blazed red and the light covering Austin’s hand became a brilliant white.

  “What is he doing to him?” Zander tried to pull Austin away, but couldn’t budge him.

  “Healing him.” Zander stopped his tugging and fell back on his butt with his head in his hands. Moisture dripped from his chin to the sand changing it to a deep red.

  Austin screamed as the light intensified and Dannick made them move a safe distance away. I refused to leave my friends and stayed parked next to them. The sound from Austin’s throat stopped abruptly and a blast of heat singed the ends of my hair. He fell backwards as Linc coughed.

  “Linc?” My hands roved over his chest, searching for a wound but it was unmarred.

  “Austin!” Dannick caught Gwen before she had the chance to take off.

  Austin’s eyes were open, staring at nothing and his mouth was agape. Ryn and Caden slid next to me as I fell against my familiar’s chest. I couldn’t feel him in my mind anymore.

  “No, no, no.” I gripped his tunic in my fists. “You can’t do this!” I pounded one fist into his chest and a gasp filled the air, Austin began to cough as much as Linc. I pulled him up into a bear hug as Linc sat up.

  “What happened?” Linc looked around the arena and then down at his chest, his fingers tracing the burnt hole in his tunic.

  I yanked Linc into the bear hug with Austin and me. “You can’t do that to me anymore.” I squeezed them harder and heard Austin hiss. “Austin? What’s wrong?” I released them both and Gwen collided into Austin’s side, her hands cupping his face before she squeezed him and got the same reaction.

  Austin held his yellow tunic from his skin and winced, letting it fall back down.

  “Show me.” Gwen reached for his top and pulled it over his head.

  Gasps filled the air. Raised scar tissue in the exact same shape of Linc’s wound tattooed Austin’s chest with a deep hole, showing where Linc’s chest had cracked. Another area of raised flesh measured two inches wide on his abdomen in the same location where Aelfric had stabbed Gwen. My stare found his shoulder and I knew I’d find another scar for the wound he’d healed me from.

  “You’re a healer.” Bretton reached hand out to Austin, but his hand fell away.

  “No one can know about this.” Dannick helped Austin to his feet and passed him his shirt.

  “Why not?” Zander helped Linc up as the rest of us stood. “If he can heal others, why wouldn’t we tell them.”

  “Because it will get your friend killed.” Dannick’s hard stare met each of ours. “There’s a reason his gift is so rare. The families of the sick and injured hunted healers and forced them to cure their loved ones. It got to the point that all healers were locked in cages to fix the populous every day.” He pointed at Austin. “Each wound or sickness he heals, he takes it into his own body until he’s covered in scars internally and externally.” Our group grew quiet as we stared at Austin with awe mixed with fear. “Healing will shorten his life. Austin is part of this family, so his ability doesn’t leave this arena. Understood?”

  We all agreed as four figures moved into the arena. Aunt Mauve, Uncle Kalen, Lucian, and Lilly walked to us.

  “Austin’s secret is safe in this group.” Aunt Mauve’s glacial gaze met each of our eyes. “Anyone who breathes a word of this will be arrested and tried for treason.” Gwen latched onto Austin’s side and he wrapped an arm around her.

  “We have another problem.” Lucian’s alpha authority put power behind his words. “The Council is in Faerie and have put a price on Kitra’s head.”

  “All of them?” My hands clenched, staving off the shudder which threatened to shake my small frame.

  “Just Josiah and a few guards.” Uncle Kalen turned to me with lines forming across his forehead and his mouth tightened into a harsh slash. “Josiah wants you turned over to him personally. The message stated the Council voted to put you under his care since you were able to escape their dungeon. They’ve given us four hours to comply.”

  The hair on my neck and arms rose to full attention at the mention of Josiah’s demands. He wanted more than the others knew. I had never told them about the unwanted attention the Elemental Council member had given me after he and his Spell Dancer wife, Lira, arrested me. They were clueless that Josiah had been the one who ordered me to wear a skimpy dress at my trial or how he petitioned for me to be put under his supervision. My stomach rolled when I pictured his stark hazel eyes and unruly curls.

  “We need to move.” Caden’s own power came close to matching his father’s, breaking my ominous thoughts. “We’re not losing Kitra again.”

  “Gather up what you need. We’re leaving within the hour for Oberon’s Forest.” We started to move out, but Uncle Kalen wasn’t finished. “Gwen, you are staying here with your mother to guard Mauve. Bretton and Dannick are staying also. I don’t want her left alone with Roland on the property.” This was met with a million rejections, especially from Austin and Gwen.

  “I’m a Hunter and can take care of myself.” I knew she was nearing the time for her first shift, and I could hear her inner Gray Wolf. “This is what I’ve trained for.”

  “We’ve trained to fight rogue Supernaturals, not an entire realm. It’s not up for discussion, Gwen.” Lilly walked over to her daughter and tugged her into her arms. “We don’t know how the forest will affect humans, and right now you’re still human. Your father would want you safe. It’s too dangerous.”

  We were quiet after hearing the warning. The adults were right. None of us had a clue about what we’d encounter, and we had been warned of the dangers found in Oberon’s Forest and even how the forest might affect us mentally. I knew our journey would be full of unspeakable danger. This decision was one I was in full agreement with. It was better to keep Lilly and Gwen safe and I felt better that they too would be watching over Aunt Mauve. Hopefully, we’d find what we were searching for.

  Chapter 12

  T EN MINUTES LATER, I stood in front of the armoire while Allie strolled in resembling a warrior princess instead of the petite friend who, on most days, normally wore dresses and heels. She was dressed in a long green tunic with a split hem that resembled flower petals over dark brown pants. She had matching boots which stopped at mid-calf. A dark metallic half corset molded over her chest and tied at her sides while thin straps buckled over her shoulders and the rest extended to the bottom of her ribcage. Butterfly swords with flowers engraved into the silver metal was strapped on each of her hips. She stepped beside me and without a word, I turned my attention back to my wardrobe.

  We peered inside at the fancy clothes staring back at us and once again the hanging dresses transformed into trousers and tunics as my thoughts went to Oberon’s Forest. Black leather pants with golden etched markings of the Seelie Court sun symbol grabbed my attention. The deep grooved lines of each created a diamond pattern, mimicking plated scales on a dragon’s armored back. Allie passed me a sleeveless ebony tunic and I slipped both on, tucking the ends of the shirt into the buttery leather. I slid my feet into obsidian knee high boots.

  Hattie materialized next to the open doors and I somersaulted over the bed, landing in a crouch before I realized there wasn’t a threat. “I brought you some armor I had fashioned for you.” With her eyes downcast, she held out a golden vest as her brown cheeks darkened. “My friend specializes in metallurgy and I wanted to give you a gift of protection, Princess.”

  “This is dwarf made, but it isn’t gold.” Allie’s fingers stopped inches from touching the material. “Nothing will penetrate this. Hattie, this is an extraordinary gift. What is it made of?” Allie’s ey
es were glued to Hattie’s outstretched hands, her voice a whisper.

  “A strong alloy is all he told me.” Hattie passed it to me, and Allie’s gaze never left the golden material. The vest was lightweight and cool to the touch.

  “Thank you, Hattie. I’m honored.” Her head bobbed, and her razor-sharp teeth peeked past her lips. “Will you help me put it on?” Her grin stretched wider as she opened it.

  “Walk forward and slip your arms into the holes.” Hattie spread out her arms and I followed her instructions.

  A thick collar dipped into a V-shape and left a small gap at the bottom of my collar bone when it connected to the shoulder cuffs. These extended an inch past them and blended back into the chest piece’s sweetheart neckline. The plate covered my vital organs and the bottom curved towards my hips and rested right above the bone. Hattie crisscrossed each side over opposite shoulders and locked them in place. I faced the mirror, turning from side to side as the metal reflected a golden hue over the room. The back was shaped into wings with feathers like some I’d seen in a painting of angels. The tips of the wings sat above the small of my back.

  “You finally got those wings you were worried about.” Allie’s lips pressed together before she covered them with her palm.

  “Funny.” My gaze traveled back to Hattie. Wetness gathered in her eyes as she fussed over the back some more. “Hattie, I love it. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome, Princess.” She opened her mouth to say more but disappeared when a knock sounded on the wooden door.

  Uncle Kalen poked his head in and whistled when he saw me braiding my dark locks. “Wow!” He was dressed in all black with dagger hilts sticking out from each boot. “Where did you get that?” He covered the distance to me in three steps.

  “Hattie.” Allie went on to explain Hattie’s gift as they both skimmed their fingers over the back.

  “Are we ready to go?” He shook his head as if in a trance and blew out a breath at my question.

  “Yes.” He coughed and stepped away from my armor. “Yes, we are, but I have more news.” Gone was the man admiring the dwarf metal work. Uncle Kalen sat on the end of the bed with both hands over his face. Two deep breaths later, he spit out news I hoped I’d misheard.

  “What?” I dropped down beside him as blood rushed from my face. My hands gripped the blankets as the world tilted.

  “Aelfric was sighted?” Allie plopped onto my vanity chair, her paleness a mirror image of mine.

  “Brannon’s pack has been watching for any signs of the Dark Ones.” Uncle Kalen’s whisper was spoken to the floor. “Aelfric and the others were last seen near the same portal we took to Faerie, but Brannon isn’t positive whether they have crossed over.”

  “He knows what we’re doing.” I stood and marched for the door. I’d thought it would’ve taken longer for him to lick his wounds. “I will not be unprepared when I face him again. Let’s go.”

  We met the others near the dungeon entrance. They were all dressed identically to Uncle Kalen, including Ryn. Only Allie and I stood out in the sea of dark knights. The door opened, and we descended into the chilly pit. At the doors to the exit, Dannick and Bretton remained behind as Gwen, Lilly, and Aunt Mauve said goodbye to us.

  Aunt Mauve pulled me into a bone breaking hug. “Gwen is going to help me keep Roland at bay.” I’d forgotten about my other uncle but hoped once we returned, we’d get to know each other. “Your departure isn’t being broadcast because we’ve heard more rumors of unease and with everything else going on, I’m not sure we can ignore them any longer.” She kissed the top of my head and then held me at arm’s length as our violet gazes met. “Keep your head about you and don’t trust the forest. May the Creator keep you safe.”

  “You too, Aunt Mauve.” She stepped back to Lilly, Gwen, Dannick, and Bretton.

  My aunt’s regal stature shrank as she watched the darkness swallow us and more than one set of sniffles filled the air. I wanted to rush back and reassure them that everything was going to be fine, but that wasn’t the truth. Danger lurked in the shadows like an unseen stalker who was getting closer to his victim. The hair on my neck and arms, had raised to full attention many times as of late and this moment wasn’t any different. The countdown had begun, and I knew only time would tell how this would end.

  I focused on the flickering glow of the torch held high above Ryn’s head, its rhythmic dance hypnotized as we navigated the tricky terrain. A small pinprick of white light blinked in and out of existence as we followed the twisting channel until we breached the cave’s clutches. On autopilot, my hand raised to block the blinding radiance of daylight which now impaired my vision. We stayed low to the ground and made our way back to the road on which we’d met Bretton on our first day here. None of us spoke as we crossed to the other side and crept into the cover of the trees, keeping the road in our sights. The last time we walked among these trees, the foliage proved to be dangerous in its own right but it would be nothing compared to what we’d soon encounter.

  Oberon’s Forest was the mythical unicorn hidden from the world; its legend differentiated with every spoken tale of it. The residents of Faerie swore they knew where to locate the forest, but most had never laid eyes on it or at least none still living. Only two individuals had crossed its threshold and returned, and both were my family members. It only made sense to everyone else that I’d be able to do the same. The only difference was I had brought others with me.

  There was little conversation as we took time to look at the map Uncle Kalen and Aunt Mauve found earlier in my grandfather’s old study. Our minds were all preoccupied with what we’d witnessed in the arena and even more so now with the demands Josiah was making and Aelfric’s sighting. My brain was bogged down with thoughts zapping between each electric current, sizzling the line until nothing was left. Every decision I made carried huge consequences, some worse than others. I hoped I could live with them.

  We traveled for two hours before the apricot star sat against the horizon. Uncle Kalen held up a closed fist and we came to a stop. The trees were thinning, opening to green fields with a dirt road snaking around each hill. “Let’s make camp here.” Ryn sat his pack down. “We have a clear view of the road and the cover of trees to our backs. We can leave at first light.”

  I wasn’t complaining with him. Today had taken its toll and no matter how fast our bodies healed, our emotional wounds were still sealing closed. A large shadow covered my own and I didn’t have to glance over my shoulder to know who stood close to my back. Cotton and fresh mint wrapped around my body like a warm hug and my clenched muscles relaxed. Caden and I hadn’t spoken since Ryn interrupted our picnic and his avoidance cut deep.

  “Kitra.” His usually warm voice was flat, and my heart seized, stopping mid-beat and air rushed from my lungs. “We need to talk. What we saw today…in the pond. You were happy. Safe.” His breath stirred the hair on my neck and a chill ran down my spine having nothing to do with the tickle it caused.

  “I’ve learned nothing is as it seems in Faerie. This place is about overindulgence and false pretensions. It can’t be trusted.” Warmth stung my lids and the coppery tang of blood filled my mouth as I bit down on my cheek. I refused to turn and meet his gaze. I was a coward. “But if you’re giving up, what’s left to say?”

  “A lot.” He spun me to face him and my eyes hit the ground, but not before I saw Caden’s face matching my eye color. “Kitten, I’m not giving up.” I peeked at him through my lashes, watching him shove a hand through his black hair. His fingers closed around my chin, lifting my eyes to his. A blaze behind the cobalt irises flashed as they searched my face. “I may not have liked what I saw, but I’m not giving up on us.” His lips inched closer. “I’m going to fight harder. I can’t promise you a life filled with rainbows and sunshine. I also know our children will probably be full of curiosity and mischief, and I have a knack for pushing all the wrong buttons and saying stupid things to you. I wouldn’t be surprised to know you wanted t
o kill me most of the time, but what I can promise is my utter devotion and love for all eternity.” My knees weakened and he held me tighter, bringing his full lips within a breath of mine. “Kitra, I love you. I have since I learned what love was.” My heart rate sped up, but a blonde fairy moved past our peripheral vision and his eyes narrowed. “I won’t ask you to make a decision anytime soon, but I wanted my declaration known.” My eyes closed, waiting for the kiss he was ready to give.

  Allie cleared her throat behind Caden, and he released my chin while pressing his lips to my forehead. She plopped her bag next to my feet when he walked away. “We need to get our tent up and lover boy over there was taking too long. We’re losing light.” My brow arched, and my hands landed on my hips. “What?”

  “You know what.” My foot tapped the ground as she skipped around me with one side of her ruby lips lifted. Allie began our tent assembly and I dropped to my knees to help her thread the rods through the loops.

  She stopped what she was doing and tilted her head to the side as she watched my every move. My skin flushed under her examination. “You want to talk about it.”

  “About what?” I kept my gaze on my task as our tent slowly came together.

  Her eyes rolled back into her head. “Don’t play coy. What’s going on with you and the lovesick twins?” Ryn and Caden were on opposite sides of our camp, but both focused their attention on my every move. I quickly gave her the condensed version of everything after she zipped us behind the tent door.

  “What should I do?” Allie sat with her legs tucked under her and as she opened her mouth, Ryn called my name.