Ascension

by Jennifer Ann Reed

  “Shh.” Allie pointed to the journal. “There isn’t another entry until June. I bet she wrote it when she revisited Faerie, maybe she mentioned the weapon.” She took the book from me and read.

  June 13th

  The Creator gave me another gift and said my daughter will finish what I started for him, but she will need help. I persuaded John to let me travel to my childhood home, and Mauve promised him she would keep me safe, but I’m the Creator’s Champion. Nothing will happen without his consent and he sent me here for a reason. We must hide the weapon in plain sight. A place that no one will think to look for it. The only regret I have is not sharing this with John or what I am. It’ll kill him if he finds out about what I’m going to do.

  Allie’s voice faded as she flipped through the rest of the book. “That’s all there is.”

  Their questions started again, but my eyes froze on the floor, glassing over. My mother wanted to tell my father everything. Would I regret not sharing who I was and what I was without? Weren’t we stronger as a team? I waited for the Creator to tell me not to say anything, but he remained quiet and I made up my mind.

  “I have a confession.” The others’ voices paused as all heads swung in my direction.

  “What?” Caden swiped away a tear on my cheek. “Kitra, what’s wrong.”

  “I know all about the voice from my awakening.” I swallowed and kept my eyes on the floor. “Elder Dylan thought it was best for me to remain silent, but I can’t keep this from you anymore. I need to trust you and I need your help; I can’t do this alone.”

  “Kitra, you can tell us anything.” Curtis pulled his sword from his hilt and faced the door. It took a minute for the sound of footsteps to register in my human ears.

  Ryn popped his head through the doorway. “I came to get everyone after I updated the Queen about our time in the forest and Phobos. Queen Mauve told me where to find you. I locked the bedroom door when I saw the open passage.” His eyes bounced between each of us. “What’s going on?”

  “I was making a confession.” I took a deep breath and spit it out. “The Creator has named me his new Champion, but he took away my wolf and magic until I can totally trust him.” All their jaws sat against their chests. “Because I no longer have my powers, the nymphs didn’t find me threatening and I believe that is the reason they didn’t initially harm us.”

  Caden grabbed me above the elbow and marched me to a chair. “Kitten, talk. Now.”

  So, I did. I told them about my dream of the Creator and when he asked me to serve him. I confessed what my mission was and how he saved us from the trees and even sent Phobos to me. No one said anything when my story ended and sat in stunned silence. The room started rocking and it broke the spell as they glanced from me to each other.

  “What do we do now?” Zander’s hands slapped the table. “She’s defenseless.”

  “I did save you from the kelpie, so I am not defenseless.” My arms crossed over my chest. “My wolf and magic were suppressed before then.”

  A gruff voice usually in my head interrupted mine and Zander’s staring contest. “We protect the princess at all costs.”

  “That’s just wrong.” Linc pointed at Phobos.

  “What is?” Our newest member’s doggy mouth moved with each word.

  “That!” Linc shuddered and Phobos’s panted as his head tilted.

  “I agree with Phobos.” Caden stood. “We protect Kitra and help her fulfill the Creator’s mission.” We turned to Ryn who was leaning against the wall near the door. “Why did you come to get us.”

  Ryn pushed off the wall. “The Queen wants us to gather in the throne room. They couldn’t find a way to keep the gate sealed.”

  I absently ran my fingers through Phobos’s fur as we followed Ryn back to the throne room and a soft hum left his lips. Linc turned and raised a brow while the husky trotted by my side. Another blast once more caused more bits of mortar to fall on our heads and I braced against the walls with the others. Once the commotion quieted, Aunt Mauve flung herself into my arms. Uncle Kalen joined us as Roland stood off to the side.

  More and more attacks sounded until it was a constant bombardment. Dannick assured us the walls would hold as Bretton slid a spear into the main entrance door handles. Knights in blue and hunter green capes guarded the other entrances and a distant scream filled the air when the sound of running feet came from the main hallway.

  “Did they breach the gate?” Lucian pulled his sword. “I thought it’d be louder.”

  “No.” Dannick braced against one of the side entrances. “Whoever is outside came from the caves.” He shoved the door backwards as someone on the other side pushed in the opposite direction. “Get the royals out of here!”

  Ryn looked at his comrade and then back to us, indecision clouded his features while Roland told his men to help Mauve’s Royal Guard.

  Caden ran to my side. “I’ve got her.” Phobos moved to my other side.

  Ryn nodded once. “I know you do.” He turned back to the guards surrounding the door. “I need every able-bodied person to fight in this room. It will give Caden the time to get the royals to safety.”

  Caden ushered us to the door and my hand landed on Phobos’s head. “Please stay with the others. If you’re with them, I know they will be fine.”

  The husky growled, showing his deadly canines. They are not my concern. You are.

  “But they are mine.” The crescent moon on my wrist warmed while the one on his forehead glowed. He trotted back to the others.

  I glanced back over my shoulder one last time as Caden pushed us through the door. My uncle and friends already had their weapons drawn and I hoped we’d make it through this alive.

  Chapter 20

  “T HIS WAY.” ROLAND’S WHISPER barely touched my ears when he dashed down the hallway. “Remember our old hiding place, Mauve?” My aunt huffed out a yes, pumping her arms. “They won’t ever find us there.”

  Caden stayed close on my heels and I trailed behind my aunt’s flowing sunflower locks. We turned left and went down a corridor I had yet to explore and I realized it’d take years to discover every secret this castle held. Roland stopped in front of two spears crossed over a golden shield which hung from the wall. Each spear’s rod was encrusted with blue sapphires and rose diamonds glinted under the pointed onyx blade. Two unicorns reared on opposite sides of the shield; their horns crossed under the Seelie sun symbol. Next to the shield and concealed by the end of one of the spears, a silver sconce with an intricate twisted design held a large white candle. A thundering boom rocked the halls behind us and Caden grabbed my arm on instinct, knowing I was ready to bolt back to the others. This noise was more like the sounds we’d heard on the battlefield at the Gate of Aramath and I knew orbs of energy were being used inside the castle. Were the villagers inside yet? How were the wolves going to fair against magical beings? Was Phobos going to end it as fast as he did with the nymphs?

  Roland tilted the candle towards himself and I heard gears grinding when the wall opened to our right. How many secret rooms were buried behind the stone walls in the palace? We followed Roland into the dark hole, the only light came from the opening. Once we were gathered inside the tight corridor, Caden pushed the door back in place, sealing us inside with Roland.

  The passage was pitch black and my hands braced against the walls on either side of me and the grainy texture scratched my palms. Caden’s hands landed on my hips and my heart leapt into my throat as I startled. He guided us forward with his wolf night vision and I breathed in through my nose and out of my mouth. In the darkness, my thoughts became a movie screen, playing bleak outcomes for the others while the ground vibrated under my feet. I hated not knowing what was going on and my heart raced the sprint of a runner when I tried to focus on the here and now. I knew the others could take care of themselves, but pieces of my heart were in the throne room with each of them. My mind shifted to our friend, Chad Dawson, and how he died. I hadn’t had time to mourn his
loss and couldn’t lose anyone else. If anything happened to any of them, I didn’t know how I’d handle it.

  A blue flicker appeared in the air and zoomed over our heads. Candles sprung to life and I squinted after not being able to see anything for some time. The light revealed a square room and three barred doors. A rectangular table with four chairs sat in the middle of the room and hay was scattered over the gray stone floor. Cobwebs weaved between sconces like the one in the main corridor. The table was littered with books and a trunk of toys sat between two barred doors.

  I walked farther into the room and noticed cots identical to the one in my cell at the Council’s estate. “What is this place?”

  “Before the palace was added onto, these were used as holding cells for our enemies or for anyone who broke our laws.” Aunt Mauve dropped into one of the wooden chairs. “After the dungeon was constructed, this area was lost until we found it many years ago as children.”

  “And no one knows of its existence?” Caden’s brows rose when Roland shook his head.

  “Only three knew it was here after the war and the death of our parents, and we swore to take it to our graves.” Aunt Mauve glanced down the passage as I took the seat across from her. “And now the two of you know.”

  “You’re safe here.” Roland slipped into the seat beside me and Caden glared at the back of his head until he moved to sit next to my aunt. Dust fell from the ceiling when a feminine shriek filled the air followed by a roar from Linc.

  “It won’t be long now.” Roland stood and skirted around the table behind Aunt Mauve and Caden. “It’s almost over and we’ll have won.” He spun and two blue orbs hit Caden and Aunt Mauve in their backs. My gasp lodged in my throat when they slumped against the table. Roland’s feet were spread shoulder width apart as another blue orb bounced in his hand. “Now be a good girl, Kitra, and help me lock these two in cells.”

  “No.” My chair clattered against the stone floor when I stood. “Why are you doing this? We’re your family.”

  “The word family means nothing to me.” His angular features morphed as an evil grin twisted his lips and his frosty scent permeated the air. “Now do as I told you.” Caden’s body jerked when he was hit with more of Roland’s magic. “And if you shift or use your powers, I’ll kill them both.”

  I helped drag Aunt Mauve and Caden into separate cells and a plan formed in my head. The Unseelie King was clueless about what I was capable of at the moment, and I could use it to my advantage. My back was to Roland when I closed the door of Caden’s cell and I lifted my top lip in a snarl, releasing the best growl I was able to muster without my wolf’s help.

  I rotated and lifted the heel of my hand, intending to shove it into his nose. Time slowed when his head tilted, and my arm felt like it was moving through syrup. Sharp tingles and warmth exploded by my ear and bright dots filled my vision. I staggered back, falling against the silver bars of Caden’s cell while the room spun.

  “Stupid girl.” Roland squatted in front of me and grabbed my chin with enough force to bruise. “You’re completely useless. Aren't you?” He stood and his long fingers delved into my chestnut locks, coiling them around his fist. I moaned when strands ripped from my scalp as he dragged me into the remaining cell. His cold lips pressed to the tender spot on my cheek and I gagged while I clawed at his grip in my hair. My head bounced against the stones once he released me “You want a reason, dear niece?” Spit landed by my side and he wiped his mouth. “I’ll give it to you.”

  I called out to Austin and Phobos, but my mind remained empty of their response. Where were they? What was happening out there?

  Roland grasped the bars and I crawled backwards until my back hit the wall. “When Oberon sent me to live with Mab, I resented this entire court, especially my perfect sisters.” He clenched his teeth and beat his head against the door. “I deserved the throne! I was the better leader!” His motions stopped and his chest heaved. “I made a plan when Mab forced me into her army. I was going to learn how to kill, while following her stupid rules. I was the best and rose in the ranks until I was commanding her army.”

  “What happened?” I held back bile as I pulled myself to my feet.

  “I killed her.” He bit his lip, smiling. “I’m the Dark One who attacked her. Then, the stupid woman named me her heir and within a month, I was sitting on her throne.”

  “You’re a king. Why attack us? What do you have to gain?” My fingers skimmed the split tender spot on my cheek when I felt wetness sliding to my neck. Red coated their tips and I heard him inhale deeply.

  “I want all of Faerie and the human realm.” He licked his lips and an eerie glint filled his eyes. “And my son will get them for me.”

  “Son?” My stomach dropped to my feet.

  “Yes, my son.” The purple around Roland’s irises spun. “I killed his mother when he was weaned and raised him in my image.”

  “What do you mean?” In my head, the more questions I asked, the more time it gave to others to get here.

  “Love. Family.” He spit on the floor again. “They make people weak. Those emotions were beaten from his spirit, and I took away everything he cared for. I showed him the true world, one where fear equals power.” A tear slipped from the corner of my eye. “What made him weak was squashed. I built the perfect king to follow in my footsteps.”

  “You’re a monster.” The dizziness slowed and I thought about how horrible life had been for his son. No one deserved the life he grew up living. Hay being shuffled about broke the silence then I heard Caden call out.

  “Excellent! We have a bigger audience for my final reveal.” Roland clapped his hands together. “You know my son.” His voice dropped to a whisper. “You killed his mate.”

  The world spun for an entirely different reason. My palms grew moist and my tongue weighed down my bottom jaw. “A…Aelfric?” I sat on the hard cot. “He’s m…my.”

  “That’s right, Kitra.” A smile stretched to each of his ears. “Aelfric is your cousin.

  “No.” Color drained from my face, and I heard Caden cough.

  “He’s lying, Kitra.” Caden’s voice was muffled by the walls. “Don’t listen to him.”

  “W…what’s going on?” A lavender burst of light rattled Aunt Mauve’s cell door. “Kitra? Caden?”

  “We’re here.” My words started another barrage against her door.

  “Now, sister.” Roland rolled his eyes as a tsk left his lips. “You and I both know magic or brute strength won’t open those doors. They can only be opened from the outside and I’m not ready to bring you or the dog out to play yet.” His silver eyes grew darker when his gaze captured mine again. “Not when I have such a young and willing participant.”

  “Don’t touch her!” The beast within Caden threatened to emerge and I wished I could comfort him.

  “Don’t worry.” Roland stayed out of reach of Caden’s outstretched arm between the bars. “Your turn will come.”

  The gears of the passage door groaned, and Roland strolled to the table and sat with his arms crossed over his chest. The figure which emerged from the darkness wasn’t who I expected. Dark unruly curls breached the light and led to high cheekbones and broad shoulders, tapering down to narrow hips. Stark hazel eyes gleamed as the man’s goatee stretched with his smirk.

  Josiah.

  I swallowed several times then my hands started to shake, and I stepped out of sight.

  “Roland.” A revulsive shudder quaked my limbs at the sound of Josiah’s clear voice. “Always a pleasure.”

  “Josiah.” Roland’s stiff posture didn’t change. “What’s the report?”

  “Oh, that’s right.” Josiah pulled out a chair across from the Unseelie King. “You were hiding as usual.” Caden and Mauve had yet to make another sound since the Council member entered the room.

  “Don’t test my patience, elemental.” Roland’s body was engulfed in a frosty blue flame.

  “Calm down, old man.” Josiah kicked his fe
et up on the table and leaned his tall form back in his chair. “The castle is ours. The Seelie Court and the others have been captured.”

  “And the phouka?” I crept towards the bars. “If it gets loose, everyone will die.”

  “Out cold.” I knew Phobos wasn’t dead. I’m positive our bond mark would have disappeared like Aelfric’s mate mark when I killed Jessie. “Morgana is great with potions.”

  “And the fairy she is taken with? Did he see things our way?” I held my breath and my limbs locked in place.

  “No, he didn’t.” Josiah’s feet dropped to the floor. “He challenged me to a duel when I made my intentions over Kitra known, but I imprisoned him on a plateau with the others.” He huffed and crossed his arms like the man sitting in front of him. “Don’t look at me like that. They’re not getting down. I know what I’m doing.” Josiah glanced at the cells. “Is my prize in one piece?”

  “See for yourself.” His words were drowned out by Caden’s growls and attacks against his cell while Aunt Mauve yelled for her brother to reconsider his plans.

  Goosebumps covered my skin and I wanted to curl into a ball so small that he’d never see me. Josiah never hid his goal of obtaining me. He was proud of that plan and proudly gloated like it was a badge of honor, even in front of his wife, Lira. Something inside of me broke and my nostrils flared. Josiah wouldn’t scare me any longer. I refused to be used as some plaything and vowed to end his reign of terror just like I would stop Aelfric’s plans.

  Tan fingers gripped the silver bars to my cell when Josiah pressed his face in the space between them. I curled my fingers into a fist and jumped from my hiding spot, swinging. I heard a crack as my knuckles connected with his mouth and chin. I clutched my broken hand to my chest, hissing as Josiah stumbled. Roland convulsed with his chuckles while Josiah’s head raised.