by Ciara Graves
We worked in silence until she yanked a stubborn root out of the ground and flung dirt everywhere. I sputtered as some went in my mouth and quirked an eyebrow at her. She smiled as she tossed the weed aside then scooted closer and kissed me. It didn’t last long, and she pulled back laughing and wiping dirt from her mouth. I laughed with her, then pulled her into my arms and kissed her again. Holding her was enough to chase away my quickly darkening mood since meeting with Nathaniel. As happy as I was about finding an ally, his visit tomorrow would bring the stark reality of how dire our fight against Rudarius was.
Seneca pushed me to the grass and looked at me intently.
“What’s bothering you?” She brushed my hair from my forehead as she asked then worked at the worry lines there. “Tonight with Shane not go well? Marlie said everything with the fae is going well. He’s setting out tomorrow to join them.”
“We’re going to have a vampire swinging by tomorrow night.”
“And?’
“He’s from my coven.”
She grinned. “That’s a good thing, right?” She tilted her head then let her full weight lay on me as she came as close as she could. “Why are you acting like this is bad news? Is it? Did he say there’s no one left?”
“The opposite actually. The vampire, Nathaniel, he was—is—one of my most trusted men. He helped the others survive when the covens turned their backs on them.”
“I’m still not seeing how this is bad news.”
“He’s coming here tomorrow night to get the full story,” I told her as I wove our fingers together. “Meaning what happened to me. And your part in all of it. He mentioned my people wouldn’t be too keen on what I have to say as far as making a stand against Rudarius.”
“But he’ll take you to the rest of your coven if you tell him everything?”
“Yes,” I replied slowly. “Are you sure you’re alright with this?”
“Not like you’re going to tell him about me the way my father did. I think I’ll live.”
I hissed in remembrance of that moment until Seneca kissed me soundly, and I all but forgot it. Wrapping her in my arms, I rolled us over in the grass, content to stay out here in the garden, lying in the grass until sun up. The orbs moved in closer as the night wind turned chilly. Colder weather was coming soon enough.
Seneca shivered, and I helped her up, draping an arm around her shoulders as we walked to the cottage.
“Everything will work out,” she said after we told everyone good night and were alone again in her room.
“Now look who’s being all positive.”
“You’re a good influence.” She yawned, stretching her arms over her head. “I slept all freaking day. No idea why I’m tired.”
I was about to tease her, but when she spun around and faced me, the words died on my lips.
Forcing my smile to remain in place, I watched her as she found her sleep clothes, then said she was going to take a quick shower to try and wake up.
When the door clicked closed, I sank onto the bed, holding a hand to my face. The shadows were there, lingering in her eyes. She needed the rings for more than one reason, it seemed. Her magic, it had to be draining her somehow, making her weak. Vulnerable.
And I was about to send her off with Macron into an unknown realm with who knew what kind of dangers. I was going to watch them leave, just like that. If I tried to stop her, she’d be pissed. If I tried to go with her, she’d get suspicious then get pissed anyway.
Warning Macron was all I could do.
Then I’d prepare for tomorrow night and Nathaniel’s visit. I never thought I’d be nervous to see that vampire again, but damned if I wasn’t terrified about his hearing my story and deciding it was in my coven’s best interest not to be found.
Chapter 5
Seneca
I shut my eyes, soaking in the rays of the late afternoon sun. Though it was warm for a fall day, I had a heavy sweater on and was ready to grab another one to chase away the weird chill seeping into my bones. I hadn’t told Draven about it. There was enough going on in his head now. He didn’t need to worry more. I woke up tired after sleeping for way too long again. Draven had been snuggled close when I opened my eyes afternoon. Trying not to wake him, I quietly snuck out here.
Helena and Minnie were preparing for Macron and me to leave first thing tomorrow evening. I asked them both what this lost kingdom was like, but they told me nothing. Said I had to see it for myself. Marlie had set out already to join Ash. I’d told him to be careful as I hugged him goodbye, not something I expected to do to my brother any time soon. But there was a high chance I wasn’t coming back alive. He’d seemed as surprised as I was at my show of affection and I told him not to get used to it. He’d laughed then left. Lark had gone with him. My crowded cottage was going to stand empty soon enough, all except for Helena and Minnie. I had a feeling those two should not be left alone, but someone needed to look after the place.
Someone was watching me. I tensed, knowing immediately it wasn’t Draven. This was a glare. The sun was out. I was going to rule out vampires, but with the amount of power Rudarius took from the fae rings, I supposed there was a chance they were here.
With no weapons, I summoned the shadows to my hand, ready to attack, when a voice I never thought I’d hear again called my name.
“Seneca, just want to talk.”
Owen. My ex-boyfriend. He stood on the other side of the fence, and as I turned to face him, his eyes widened, and he stepped backward.
“What do you want?”
“What is that?” he demanded, ignoring my question.
“What is what?”
He pointed at my hands where the shadows wrapped around my palms and up my arms. “What has he done to you. That damned vampire, I knew this would happen. He’s corrupted you, hasn’t he?”
I considered taking his legs out from under him and making him fall on his ass. As much fun as that would be, Owen and I had spent a good few years together. I couldn’t—shouldn’t—do that. I let the shadows fall away and held up my empty hands. “You’ve missed a lot. Draven didn’t do this to me.”
“I hope he’s dead then,” he spat.
I hissed and charged the fence, not crossing it. “Don’t you dare talk about him. Don’t.”
His eyes searched my face as if trying to convince himself I was under some enchantment. His jaw clenched, and his hands curled at his sides. “What’s happened to you?” he whispered.
“As I said, you’ve missed a lot. What are you doing here?”
The debate whether to stay or leave was evident in his eyes. Then he threw his shoulders back and held my glare with one of his own. “Someone said they saw you around Madwich. I wanted to come and see for myself if you were back and if you could explain to me why no one is able to reach Otherworld.”
“And why would I know anything about that?”
“Because I saw you leave that night with the fae and the vampires,” he shot back furiously. “Don’t lie to me.”
I tilted my head as I studied him. “How do you know where I went that night?”
His eyes flickered away for a second.
I was so close to decking him. “You stayed and spied on us. Really? Wow, you’re an asshole.”
“I couldn’t trust leaving you alone with them.”
“Right. So instead you let my brother drag us all into Otherworld where we were almost killed by Rudarius. Thanks, that’s great, really great,” I rambled on.
He shook his head, looked horrified. “Wait, Rudarius? What the hell happened?”
“Now you’re worried? That’s nice, but it’s a bit late.”
He came closer to the fence but jerked himself away as if reminding himself how it ended between us. If only he knew the whole story. Shit, I couldn’t wait to see his face when he realized I was with Draven. With, with. In the beginning, I might’ve felt guilty about shoving Owen aside, but not anymore. What we had wasn’t real, and it only would’ve dragged him
down in the end. Trying to save me. Fix me. My anger slipped away, slightly, not to be replaced by guilt, but sympathy. He could never understand what I went through or was still going through.
I was damned certain he couldn’t accept what I was about to become either, even if it meant sending Rudarius to a permanent grave.
“Look, I’m sorry for what I did to you,” I said, not really wanting to be the bigger person, but we had larger issues than mine and Owen’s past relationship. “But I don’t have time to stand here and argue with you. Not when Rudarius is on the warpath.”
He let out a heavy breath and crossed his arms, but some of the anger slipped from his face. “All we’re getting are rumors the fae kingdoms fell. You were there?”
“I was. Saw it all, including his army. He’s using fae magic, along with the mages he managed to capture.”
“And he sealed himself in Otherworld?”
“No, we did that when we escaped as the last kingdom fell,” I explained. “There was no other choice. We need time to build an army to fight back.” And to find new fae rings, but I wasn’t in the mood to share every bit of information with Owen yet. Including the part about it being Rudarius who turned me. And that I was technically the heir to some lost fae kingdom. My head throbbed, and I wished he could’ve waited another day to show up. I might’ve been gone by then.
“Valesk has been in an uproar for days. The demons we have in Otherworld can’t get out. We’ve had minimal communication through magical means, but even those have cut off. And it’s all because of you?” he accused.
“Not like I had a choice. Rudarius was going to take me if we didn’t force him to remain behind.” Valesk. The demon realm in Otherworld.
“So my kin and all the other demons in Valesk were left as collateral?”
“Do you have any idea how many fae are already dead or captured now?” I hissed as I said it, marching up to the fence now, putting him in hitting range. “Don’t you dare stand there and give me some guilt trip because your demons are trapped with that monster. Maybe it’s time the other races see exactly what being a guest of Rudarius means.”
He snarled in reply. “This isn’t you talking. It can’t be.” His eyes narrowed then widened. “You’ve changed. There’s darkness in your eyes.”
“There was always darkness there. You just couldn’t see it. Didn’t want to.”
“Seneca,” he whispered, but whatever he meant to say next was drowned out by a growl. “You.”
The sun had set enough, and without turning, I knew who stood directly behind me. His presence was an instant comfort, and I leaned into Draven’s chest as he placed a hand on my shoulder.
Owen’s eyes followed our actions, and he snarled even louder. “You’re with him now?”
“Yes, she is. Problem?” Draven moved to place himself between us, but I stopped him with a subtle shake of my head. “Why are you here, demon?”
“I came to see Seneca. Now I realize I’m too late.”
“For what?”
“To save her from your clutches.”
Owen and Draven stared each other down as I rolled my eyes.
“You’ve turned her.”
“For the last time I haven’t been turned, you idiot,” I snapped.
Neither glanced my way.
“Her true nature has finally been revealed, nothing more,” Draven explained. “If you didn’t have your head up your ass the whole time you were together, you might’ve noticed a few things about her.”
“I know everything about her.”
“Do you now? I highly doubt that.”
“Alright,” I yelled, and this time shoved myself between them, pushing back on their chests. “Enough. We don’t have time for you two to have a pissing contest. Back off now or I’ll make you back off.”
Draven did as I asked, but Owen took longer. “I can’t believe you’re with him.”
“You and I weren’t meant for each other, and you know it.” I was growing tired of this argument. “Get over it and move on. Rudarius isn’t going to stay in Otherworld for long. We need an army to face him. You have to talk with the demons. Talk to your ambassador. We’ll need their help.”
“I will not fight beside this villain.”
“Villain, am I?” Draven mused. “This villain fought alongside the fae when Rudarius unleashed the full might of his army. When he tried to steal away Seneca to stop him from making her his bride. This villain spilled blood and nearly died trying to bring that bastard down. You still want to call me a villain?”
Owen swallowed hard. “Bride? Is he telling the truth?”
“He is.” I shifted on my feet. How bad would it look if I ran inside to hide?
“Why does Rudarius want you back this badly? Seneca?”
“Because he’s the one who turned me.” The outburst made the pain in my head explode, but Owen had pushed as he always did and the dam burst. “He turned me because of what I am, what I truly am. Something you wouldn’t even think to question because you assumed I was like every other fae. Well, I’m not. So get over it and stuff your damned pride. Rudarius is coming. Are you and the demons going to help us fight him or not?” I was breathing heavy when I finished ranting.
Draven looked ready to grab hold of me, as if I was going to throw myself at Owen. I wasn’t, though the temptation to scare the piss out of him was still there.
Owen lowered his gaze, and I waited for him to say he would help us. But then he lifted his head and frowned. “No.”
“Great, then when Rudarius kills everyone else, the demons can stand against him alone,” I muttered darkly. “Good luck with that.”
“Seneca, wait. I need to know what’s going on here.”
“Why? Why should I tell you when you refuse to help us?”
“He will help us,” Macron yelled as he exited the cottage and marched to the fence.
And I thought Owen’s eyes couldn’t get any bigger. “Macron?”
“Yes, I’m here, and I’m alive. And you will take a message to the ambassador,” Macron ordered. “Understand?”
“You’re working with him?” He pointed at Draven who simply hissed.
“I am working with anyone who stands against Rudarius. As should you.” He held out an envelope, magically sealed from the essence it emitted. “You will hand this directly to him and tell him time is of the essence. Rudarius will not be kept at bay for long. Prince Marlie is gathering all the fae he can. Draven is seeking out those of his lost coven.”
Owen hesitated but took the envelope. “And what of you?” he asked, looking at me.
“We have other plans that I cannot share with you,” Macron answered for me. “I suggest you get a move on. The ambassador cannot wait for that message.”
He nodded, then looked to me. “Seneca—”
I walked away, not wanting to hear anything else he had to say. I should’ve asked him about Lexi. I hadn’t seen her since being back, but it was for the best. I’d been trouble for her before. Now I’d be a death sentence if I got too close. She was a strong kid. She could take care of herself.
I didn’t go inside. Just wandered the far end of the garden, making note of the beds that needed to be taken care of before winter set in. Draven, Macron, and Owen continued talking for a couple more minutes, not that I was listening. I closed my eyes against the purplish rays of the setting sun barely peeking above the horizon. The chill returned to my bones, and I shivered as if the temperature had dropped fifty degrees.
“He’s gone.” Draven reached for my hand.
“Good.”
“You alright?”
“Peachy.” I squeezed his hand. “Mind giving me a bit of time out here?”
He didn’t reply immediately, then he said he’d be inside speaking with Macron about my trip if I needed him. His hand slipped from mine and the cold set in even worse than before.
I almost turned to follow, but my gut told me to stay where I was. Seeing Owen unsettled me. Or maybe it
was his reaction at learning who turned me. Did Macron tell them only about Rudarius’s plans in that letter or go into detail of who I was? Possibly the only person who might be strong enough to stand against Rudarius.
My master. Just thinking that word had my stomach twisting in knots.
The cold worsened.
A whisper brushed across my ears.
Seneca… you cannot resist me forever.
“The hell I can’t,” I replied aloud. “Watch me, asshole.”
Come now, perhaps we got off on the wrong foot, as they say.
“You think? You know, torturing me then turning me might’ve crossed the line.”
It was all necessary. You will see that in time. Now then, I would like to have a little chat and see your face, my pet.
I was about to tell him exactly what he could do instead of our having a chat, but sudden dizziness had me falling to my knees. Only it wasn’t grass I landed on.
When I opened my eyes, I scrambled backward, looking wildly around. “What the hell?”
“Not quite, my pet,” Rudarius replied as he entered my field of vision. “Simply my home.”
The room was cozy in a weird medieval way. There were furs on the floor, a sitting area in front of a roaring fire, tapestries covering the walls, and a rather large four-poster bed in the far corner. Where the hell had he brought me? A nightmare, this had to be another nightmare. I pinched my arm, muttering at myself to wake up. I opened my eyes to find Rudarius watching me a curious look on his face, an amused one, even.
“Where am I?”
“Somewhere you and I can have a nice, relaxing chat.”
“What? You got tired of gnawing on my neck?” I smacked the hand he held out to me and found my feet on my own.
He motioned me to one of the winged armchairs, but I ignored him and stormed to the door. I tugged, but it was locked. I was trapped.
“You can leave after we’ve had a chance to speak. I assure you that is all I wish to do. Drink?”