To Kill a Fae

by Jamie A. Waters

  Dax glared at him. “No. She will learn the truth of your deception.”

  “I’m not disputing that,” Malek agreed, glancing down at Sabine again. He wanted to believe she wouldn’t regard him as an enemy, but he didn’t know her well enough to guess either way. “I will tell her. I’m simply asking that you give me the opportunity to tell her the truth myself.”

  Esmelle huffed. “Fine. I won’t tell her right away. It would be better coming from you anyway. But if you don’t tell her, I will.”

  Bane studied him for a long time and then nodded. “You have one day. If this works and she recovers, you will have one day from the time Sabine regains her full strength. If you falter or attempt to deceive her in any other way, we will tell her the truth—and kill you.”

  Dax gave him a curt nod. “One day, and no more.”

  Malek curled his hands into fists. If it came to a battle between a dragon and two demons, it would be interesting to find out who would win. Based on the silver shining from Bane and Dax’s eyes, they agreed and were even eager for the fight.

  Malek inclined his head. “Very well.”

  Bane and Dax moved aside, allowing him to sit on the bed beside Sabine. He reached for the warding necklace around his neck and unfastened it. The power he’d been suppressing rushed through him. It had been more than a month since he’d last shackled himself, and he relished the brief moment of freedom before focusing on what needed to be done. He needed to shift into his dragon form soon to release some of his building magic.

  He brushed one of Sabine’s braids away from her face, trailing his fingers over her soft skin. She didn’t stir. Focusing on his intention to help her and his feelings for her, he lifted his wrist and blew gently against the fading mark.

  Nothing happened.

  It was as though some barrier prevented the magic from filtering back to her.

  Malek frowned and turned to Dax. “You said it hurts her every time she’s needed to reapply the mark and she’s been taking the pain unto herself. How is that possible?”

  Dax shrugged. “I’ve never claimed to understand Fae magic.”

  Esmelle’s expression became thoughtful. “This is just speculation, but Sabine has difficulties causing pain to others. She can kill when necessary, but it has never come easily for her. She once told me it was a bit easier to take a life, knowing either Dax or Bane would steal that taint from her soul. They thrive off of consuming someone’s lifeforce or magic, but I believe Sabine’s natural magic rejects harming others. She must shift it somehow so she takes the cost upon herself.”

  Malek paused, glancing back and forth between Bane and Dax. Was it possible that was part of the reason they’d formed an agreement to protect each other? Too much didn’t make sense though. He still didn’t understand why she’d left Faerie and pretended to be mostly human. Pushing aside these questions for the time being, he asked, “Her magic is tied to her blood, correct?”

  Dax narrowed his eyes. “As much as yours, Dragon.”

  Malek held up his hand in a request for latitude. “I have a reason for these questions. Sending the dragonfire through the mark won’t be possible, but I may be able to connect with the magic in her blood.”

  Bane’s brow furrowed. “Explain.”

  “I made a blood oath not to harm her,” Malek began, watching as both demons nodded. “That oath is tied to my blood and magic. It was accepted and the wound was healed by Sabine in acknowledgment of my vow. Going by that logic, I should be able create a similar wound and use my blood to provide her with some resistance to the dragonfire.”

  “Clever,” Bane murmured thoughtfully. “As ideas go, it has merit.”

  Dax frowned. “And the effects of dragon blood on a Fae?”

  Malek winced and shook his head. In dragon form, his molten blood could be a weapon, burning his enemies alive. In his current form, it shouldn’t be dangerous, but he’d never shared blood and magic with a Fae. Intent was a large part of magic, and the last thing he wanted was to harm her. “It hasn’t ended well for the Fae in the past, but to the best of my knowledge, no one had a mark that connected them. I won’t say it’s completely without risk, but I believe it’s our best option.”

  Bane glanced over at Dax. “Can you get a message to the Beastman to see if he can get here sooner?”

  “No,” Dax grumbled and rubbed his chin in thought. “Balkin’s message came by bird, so it’s likely he’s already on the move. A seer in his village had a vision of the Wild Hunt rising again. She foresaw an iron dagger being used in an attack against a woman of Fae heritage. Balkin’s coming here because he believes Sabine’s in danger.”

  Malek cocked his head, wondering again about this Balkin. He’d never had the opportunity to meet one of the Beastpeople. They primarily lived within the confines of the Silver Forests surrounding Faerie. From what little he knew about them, they were sworn to serve the Fae. During the Great War, the Fae formed armies of Beastpeople by twisting the magic of the gods and making some of the animals in their forests more humanlike. Some resembled lions, wolves, foxes, bears, and even birds of prey had been used.

  They were the ruthless defenders of Faerie, and some of the Beastpeople were dedicated not only to protect Faerie but also to serve certain families. If this Balkin considered himself Sabine’s protector, it was surprising he hadn’t remained by her side. What was even more curious and troubling was two full-blooded demons appeared to defer to the Beastman.

  “We don’t have a choice then,” Bane muttered with a curse. Focusing again on Malek, he asked, “What do you need to attempt this blood connection?”

  “A small cut on her hand and mine will allow my blood to enter her wound and offer her some measure of protection.” Malek turned back to Sabine and took her hand in his. Running his fingers over her palm, he said, “From there, I can breathe the dragonfire directly into her.”

  The dragon within him roared in anticipation. Malek wanted to do this, he realized with a trace of surprise. The thought of sharing blood and magic, as well as forging a deeper connection with Sabine, was more than alluring—it was intoxicating.

  “Then do it,” Dax said, gesturing for him to get on with it.

  Malek withdrew his knife and cut his hand first before turning the knife on Sabine. He hesitated and then shook his head. “One of you needs to make the cut. My oath prevents me from any harm, even if the end result will help her.”

  Dax nodded and took the knife, cutting a small line on Sabine’s palm. She murmured something unintelligible in her sleep but didn’t awaken. Blood welled to the surface of her hand. Malek clasped his hand over hers, allowing their blood to intermingle. Her magic, potent and beguiling, surged through him and he closed his eyes, breathing in her power. She was exquisite. Her raw energy was more enticing than anything he could have imagined.

  He opened his eyes to look down at her, willing her to awaken. Intention was an important part of this magic, and he needed to focus on protecting and reviving Sabine.

  Still grasping her hand, he pressed his lips against hers and exhaled the dragonfire into her body. Sabine’s mouth parted on a gasp, and she murmured his name. In the throes of her healing slumber, Sabine didn’t resist him or the magic he offered. He cupped the back of her head with his free hand, continuing to infuse her with his power. The smell of night-blooming flowers he’d begun to associate with Sabine filled the air and co-mingled with the sharper scent of smoke and burnt leaves from the dragonfire.

  Reluctantly, he eased away, but the sense of awareness and connection remained. Sabine blinked open her eyes, her brows furrowing in confusion as she whispered, “Malek?”

  “Little one,” Bane interrupted before he could respond and crouched beside the bed. “You need to remove your glamour and recharge your magic. Dax and I will watch over you until you’re recovered.”

  Her eyes widened, and she started to sit up. “Where’s Dax? Is he all right?”

  Bane gently eased her back down and
brushed one of her braids away from her face. “He’s well. We all are, but you need to rest and recover. We don’t have any more magic to give you.”

  Dax took a step toward the bed. “I’m fine, Sabine. Remove the glamour so it’ll stop draining you. When you’re better, we’re going to talk about that stupid move you pulled in the councilman’s home.”

  Sabine gave him a small smile, settled back, and closed her eyes with a sigh. A moment later, the glamour fell away and she was once again asleep. Malek didn’t move and couldn’t tear his eyes away from her. She was beautiful and far more exotic in appearance than he’d first thought.

  Her hair was nearly white with strands of silver reminiscent of moonlight. Her skin was still fair, glowing softly with the remnants of her power. Intricate marks of silvered vines wound up her hands and wrists, continuing upward where they disappeared under her clothing. He’d heard the tattoos were markings of power, given to Fae children at a very young age as their magical abilities took hold. They were supposed to be painful, blending both blood and magic together and then pierced under the skin. She’d obviously spent a great number of years living among the Fae.

  Bane nodded. “Good. Her coloring is better. Let me check her hand.”

  Malek hesitated, wanting to continue touching her but knowing he needed to pull away. Reluctantly, he released her, and Bane took her injured hand. The air around her hand shimmered with a strange energy, and the wound began to fuse back together.

  Malek arched his brow in surprise. “Interesting. I wasn’t aware demons could heal.”

  “Only Sabine,” Bane said, pushing off the floor. “Esme, she’ll need some of your tea when she awakens next.”

  Esmelle nodded. “I’ll finish preparing it. I can sit with her until she wakes up again.”

  Malek stood, barely listening to the conversation as he gazed down at Sabine. He was tempted to remain with her until she recovered, but he suspected her demon protectors and witch friend would have a problem with that. As though sensing Malek’s internal conflict, Dax took a step toward him.

  “Be careful,” Dax warned, his eyes flaring silver briefly. “Right now, the fact you helped stabilize her is the only reason you’re still alive.”

  Malek held Dax’s gaze, refusing to look away now that Dax knew the truth. “I’d like to inspect the chalice we acquired earlier this evening.”

  “Not until Sabine awakens,” Dax retorted, crossing his arms over his chest. “Until the magic has been completely disabled, it won’t be leaving my vault. You may remain here in the tavern until then. If you try to leave, I’ll have your crew executed and your ship sunk.”

  Malek cocked his head. “You believe I intend to betray Sabine?”

  Dax gave him a cruel smile. “I take Sabine’s protection very seriously. Until we’ve determined you’re not a threat to her or planning to divulge her secrets, I’ll be keeping a close eye on you.”

  “So be it,” Malek said, fastening the warding necklace around his neck and trying to ignore the uncomfortable sensation of his magic being suppressed. He hadn’t intended to leave now that he’d found Sabine, and Dax had just made his life much easier. Without another word, he turned and left the room.

  Chapter Twelve

  Sabine opened her eyes to stare at a familiar ceiling. She had no recollection of how she’d ended up back in her old room at the tavern. A scraping noise caught her attention, and she turned her head.

  Esmelle glanced up from where she was weaving herbs on a new drying rack. “Oh, good. You’re finally awake. We were starting to get worried.”

  Sabine frowned and sat up, rubbing her eyes. “How long was I out?”

  “Almost a full day,” Esmelle said cheerfully, putting the small portable rack to the side. “You got up once or twice, but you were pretty out of it. I’m not surprised you don’t remember. Bane and Dax have been nuisances, refusing to let anyone near you.”

  “Except you,” Sabine guessed, wondering what sort of problems had emerged with both demons together in the same space. It was probably too much to hope they’d resolved their issues, but at least they hadn’t killed each other yet. She should probably be grateful for such small favors.

  Esmelle grinned and picked up a pot of tea from the table. She poured a cup and said, “Mm-hmm. I told them they’d have to deal with you if they tried to keep me away. I swear, they’re the two scariest people in this city and they’re terrified of you.”

  Sabine yawned and stretched. “If they knew what was good for them, they’d be more scared of you. One little waggle of your fingers and you’d turn them into toads or hang them from a tree by their horns.”

  Esme laughed and handed her the cup. Sabine sniffed at it, but it was a simple combination of complementary herbs. She took a sip. “This is pretty good. Blossom gathered more mint for you?”

  Esmelle nodded. “She did. I think she’s worried about you.”

  Sabine lifted her head to meet Esmelle’s gaze. “How so?”

  Esmelle put her hand on her hip, tilting her head and causing a red curl to fall across her forehead. She brushed it aside absently. “Something about the moon disappearing? A magical explosion that brought another family of pixies to my garden? She had a fit and said she was going to track you down if you didn’t show up soon.”

  Sabine squeezed her eyes shut and groaned. Blossom was probably beside herself at being unable to communicate with her. If Blossom knew the other pixie clan, it was unlikely their arrival heralded good news. The other option was even worse. If her magical workings had drawn the attention of an unrelated clan, that meant the ripple effects of her power had scattered far beyond the boundaries of Akros. Pixies flocked to any powerful source of magic, and she’d essentially hung out a welcome mat announcing her presence to anyone in the vicinity.

  “On another note,” Esmelle said, “that ship captain came in to check on you a few times. I thought Dax or Bane were going to kill him, but they seem to have reached an uneasy truce of sorts. I talked to him a little bit while we were waiting for you to wake up. I wasn’t sure about him at first, but I can see why you’re interested in him.”

  Sabine frowned and looked down at her arms, but her glamour was back in place. She had a vague recollection of Malek kissing her and Dax and Bane telling her to release the glamour. She must have reapplied it one of the times she’d woken up, but she knew Malek had been there when she’d lowered it. She just didn’t remember his reaction.

  Taking another sip of her tea, she said, “Malek saw through my glamour. Did he say anything?”

  Esmelle shook her head. “No, but he didn’t have to say a word. Sabine, a man doesn’t face down two angry demons and a witch so he can check on a woman five times in less than a day unless he really likes her. From the sparks you two were putting off the other day in the garden, I’d say it goes both ways. To hell with your glamour. I’d say he likes you in any form he can get you. I just want you to be careful. You… you don’t know him very well yet.”

  Sabine hid her smile behind the rim of her cup. She had every intention of getting to know him much better.

  Esmelle laughed. “Good. Now that we’ve got that settled, Dax arranged to have some clothing and personal items brought to you. They’re in the chest. I’ll let you get cleaned up and dressed. Henry’s wife made a huge pot of vegetable stew for you, and it’s simmering in the kitchen. Bane threatened to hurt anyone who got near it before you woke up.”

  “Martha cooked for me?” Sabine sat up straighter at the prospect. Martha was a fantastic cook, and her food was one of the things Sabine missed most about staying here.

  Esme grinned, her green eyes twinkling with humor. “Yes, but Martha snuck me a bowl when Bane’s back was turned. It’s absolutely delicious. Not even Bane’s threats are going to keep people away for long if you don’t get out there. It’s been driving everyone crazy all day.” She paused, her expression becoming more serious. “I’m glad you’re okay, Sabine. You had all of us worried.�
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  Sabine tilted her head and smiled. “I think I worried myself a bit this time too.”

  Esmelle nodded and returned her smile. “I’ll let you get dressed. Come out whenever you’re ready. I need to run back to the shop and check on things, but I’ll be back soon. Bane and Dax are running around somewhere. I’ll let them know you’re awake before I go.”

  After the door closed behind Esme, Sabine stood and rubbed the kinks out of her neck from sleeping so long. She put the empty cup on the table and caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Dax must have undressed her while she slept, only leaving her in an overly large shirt and nothing else. She opened the chest, but there was only another one of his shirts folded inside along with undergarments. Her weapons were missing too. She could run naked through the streets relying solely on her glamour, but her magic hadn’t yet recovered enough for such an undertaking. Dax clearly intended to make escaping difficult.

  Muttering a colorful curse, she ran her hand through her hair to find he’d also unbraided it and taken her hairpins too.

  “I’m going to kill him,” Sabine muttered, snatching up the shirt and heading into the small room next to the bedroom.

  Lifting the pump handle, she poured some water into the basin and washed herself quickly. By the time she finished taking care of her immediate needs, her stomach grumbled a complaint. Pulling Dax’s shirt over her head, she scowled at the realization it only fell to mid-thigh. She wouldn’t be walking around the main floor of the tavern or leaving until she acquired more clothing, which was why Dax had stolen hers. She huffed and left the bedroom, heading in the direction of the kitchen and the source of the delicious smells permeating the air.

  The kitchen was empty when she entered, but she could hear what sounded like a card game being played in the next room. Ignoring it, she walked over to the large wood-burning stove and the pot simmering on top of it. She grabbed a cloth and lifted the lid, her stomach making another appreciative rumble as the heavenly aroma escaped.