by Elle Lincoln
Being a knight suits me better and I told him so, my feet backing away from the throne. I worried I’d disappoint him and the others, but I didn’t, no, they smiled and kissed me then told me the best place to sit and watch.
I also realized then that they just wanted me to be me. For all my faults, for my dark past, and all the shit I did, they love me for that. Love. It’s more than I’m ready for just yet, but maybe I’ll be good in a few hours when all these people are gone.
Movement catches my attention in my peripheral, Aeden. He steps out onto the balcony, but before he can move farther, Ember wraps her tail around his neck. My silent preteen sentinel. My lips kick up in a predatory smile as her body shimmers until she becomes completely visible to Aeden.
His wide, violet eyes look up at her in awe, then to me with pride. Odd.
He jerks his head at her. “Mind calling her off?”
“Ember, see what Cas is up to.” I raise my brows, hoping him and Mac haven’t gone off to make out somewhere. Now I’m slightly disappointed I wasn’t invited.
I’m not with Mac, but you are always invited to join us, in fact I encourage it. Casseus sends me an image on me sandwiched between him and Mac, and now I really want this party over with. Which is weird, because I love parties.
Ember huffs a breath before fading from sight, and the only indication she leaves is the gust of wind that flutters my hair.
“A child dragon.” Aeden leans against the wall, staring at me.
“She found us.” I shrug, turning back to look down at all the people below. I can’t help but scan the crowd, looking for anyone unwanted, namely Ryoden. “I hear you’re pretty old.”
His laugh is a tinkling bell. Disturbing and yet intriguing. “I am just as old as Balor, maybe more.”
I nod, older than dirt. Check. I’m a baby paranormal. “And powerful, I hear.” According to Casseus, with him on our side, the Fae don’t stand a chance, but I’m sure there is condition we haven’t met yet. That also has my stomach tied up in knots. It’s getting harder and harder to keep everything straight, another reason I’d rather be a knight. Too much work.
“I am that.” He jerks his head at the throne. “Do you not like what I made you? I can give it flowers if you like.”
I visibly shudder. “No, the brambles are fine. Uncomfortable but fine.” I’m not sure how the hell Balor is still sitting there.
“Then why do you sit up here?”
I sigh. Guess I’m explaining this to him as well. “I’m a better knight.” I shrug.
“You are, which is why you are the perfect queen for this area. Perhaps the East Coast.” His voice, so melodic, pulls me away from the crowd to just stare blankly at him. “You are not a woman of ole. Otherwise, the Sluagh would not have waited as long. They chose well.”
“You called me sister,” I state, changing the subject.
“I did.” His pale lips turn into a full-blown smile upon his chiseled face. “The Sluagh are sidhe.”
“I thought they were Fae.” My brows pull down. I’m getting irritated, everyone said they were Fae. Fuck, I thought they were Fae.
“In a way we are all magical siblings, but you are closest with the sidhe. The sidhe are the land while the Fae are those who live upon the land.” He speaks with the knowledge of a professor reminding me of Mac. “The Sluagh are a combination of the two. The air as a mist, pulling water from partials of the land and sky. They are also the spirits of the dead, all creatures, creating a powerhouse that holds the ability to wipe out towns.”
I hum low in my throat. “Where were you months ago?”
“I was finding a home, the land led me here, telling me I would be needed.”
“What did Balor bribe you with?” My unease grows.
“You.”
I stand, fury igniting my veins. Unconsciously, I draw on the Sluagh, pulling them in and thickening the twilight evening.
Yet this bastard just smiles at me. “You are more than just the Sluagh. You are jury and their judgment. You hold the ability to cleanse the world. Yet you know that would tip the balance. You are my sister in every magical way. Your thoughts mirror the sidhe.”
My anger grows. I do my best to keep the mist off the people below and not acidic, but it is a strain as I lose my grip on my anger.
“If you want my help, you will help me.”
“Just help you?”
“Bette.” Balor’s voice anchors me back to reality. “He just wants your help.”
“You didn’t give me up?”
He steps into me, pushing Aeden away. His palm engulfing my chin. “I’d never give you away nor would I send you off to help another creature without backup.”
I ease up on my hold on the Sluagh. Maybe I overreacted just a bit. “With what?” My voice is hoarse.
“To find other sidhe,” Aeden interjects. “I won’t be the first to ask for your help, you will have a long line of others.”
“You’re the only one here?” Confused, I release my power.
“I am. I fear I am the only one left. We were fading from the Realm. As the magic died, so did we. I had hope that Earth would revive others as it revived me. But I cannot find them.”
I swallow, understanding that all he wants is just his brethren. “When?”
“First light.”
“Why do you believe I can help you?” It’s the one concern that just doesn’t make much sense.
“Your powers can extend farther than you could even imagine. You’ve only just begun to understand their depths. I suspect they hide from me, but they won’t be expecting you.” He sighs as though asking for help pains him. “Will you assist me? It will be but one afternoon, then you have my aid against the Fae.”
I look to Balor, since he knows who we need better than anyone else. At his subtle nod, I close my eyes and reply, “I’ll help.”
“Thank you. Enjoy the evening.”
I keep my eyes shut until his footsteps fade from my hearing. “Tell me he is the only one you bartered my services with?”
“Most are curious about you,” he deflects.
“Spill.” Balor shrinks just a bit under my death stare. Even a god can be brought down by resting bitch face.
“Many required that you stay by my side. That the other guys also stay by my side.” He runs a weary hand down his face. “Otherwise, they wouldn’t back me up.”
“That’s weird.”
“It isn’t they remember the tyrant I was, But they also remember me on the battlefield. Many of which fought against me. Those alive ran. I terrified them then. Now? They want that beast fighting for them.” Balor looks out into the vast sunset, seeing a memory so far in the past my existence wasn’t even a thought.
“It makes sense.” I move toward him, my palm resting on his chest. “Seeing an enemy you cannot win against would place fear into the most honorable men. Having that God at their back eases their worry of a questionable future. They want to make sure you stay at their side. I can understand that.”
“Stand at my side.” His words aren’t asking, and yet his eyes reflect the question.
I lean into him, my head tilted back to look up at him. “I’ll stand at your side.”
“Yet not as my queen?”
I laugh, knowing that the taunt was coming, but the light in his eyes tells me he isn’t angry or disappointed, I find only understanding there.
I open my mouth to reply, but he places a finger against my lips. “Don’t decide now. Come, meet the people.”
I twist my lips, looking below at the mingling crowd and the laughter dancing between their midst. “I do love a good party.”
“Oh, I’m aware.” He grabs my hand, leading me from the balcony and into the dilapidated building that was once a bakery. The scent of bread lingers here, permanently embedded into the walls. Perhaps that’s why I chose it. We head down into the storefront and then outside where the conversation grows in decibels.
As we emerge, people break away, m
aking space for Balor. Some hold revere in their gazes, proud to stand beside this man, to help him become king. Others hold fear in their eyes, it is those I’ll have to watch for. And yet, I’m not so sure. Sometimes the things that terrify us aren’t so scary when we need them. There will come a time when these beings will need him, of that I am sure. If not for his reputation, then for his strength.
Others step in his way to greet him, making sure he knows their names. And Balor greets each one the same, listening to their words. Not just waiting for his turn to speak, but truly listening to their concerns and replying in kind with logical advice, served with compassion and empathy. It is the exact reaction I would expect from any good leader.
Each time he pulls me to his side, introducing me with pride. My name on his lips is a sensual torture. The depth of my adoration deepens as we move through the crowd. I can feel the eyes of the other guys at my naps, ever present at our sides.
At the head of the street, just below the thrones, Balor sweeps me up, pulling me close. His body is now at a normal height, making it easier on my neck. His lips find mine in a soft, sensual kiss, a show that even if I don’t sit up there with him, that he chooses me. Even if all I’m prepared to be is a knight.
Cheers rise through the crowd and I deepen the kiss, giving them a show and maybe claiming my own as well. I pull away, watching the mirth dance in his eyes and those dimples peek through his beard.
A shout erupts through the crowd, shrouding the moment. Another erupts. Then more as the crowd parts in a panic.
I turn from Balor, but my height won’t allow me to see any damn thing. I rush to the throne, standing on top to peer out over the crowd. Down the street, a fire burns within a building. Really, it was only a matter of time before something went terribly wrong. As our time ticks down, so too does our ability to make a firm stance.
I allow the mist to sweep me away, down the street toward the fire. Many move away, since just standing within range would burn the hair from their flesh. I allow gravity to weigh me down so I, too, can feel the flicker of the flame. My skin instantly heats, and I turn back into the mist.
“What are your thoughts?” Casseus stand beside me, his cape drawn low over his brow, his body nothing more than smoke and shadows.
“Do you think anyone is in there?” I turn around, watching as Patrick and Mac move the crowd back as Balor eases their worries.
“I doubt it anymore.” Casseus frowns.
“It’s the same as our fire. The signature is the exact same.” Behind us, the crowd ramps up, calling for the blood of whoever set the fire. “It’s going to spread if we don’t get this under control.”
I hope to hell no one was in there.
I turn to Mac, whispering through our link. Can you draw on the sea?
His sea green eyes meet mine, showing a flicker of fear that almost overrides his determination to help. But then he sets his stance, his forehead sweats, and his hands splay out, pointing toward the ground.
I dive deep, finding my own strength and lending everything I can toward him. He doesn’t break eye contact with the fire, even as he strains and shudders.
I glance at the building as the flames leap from one building to the next.
He pulls deeper on our link, and the ground rumbles and cracks. Fissures open beneath the burning building. Still, Mac stands strong. He grunts, grinding his teeth through the pull until all at once a geyser opens through the burning building to snuff out the flames.
Water sprays upon the crowd, filling the street with sweet saltwater.
Chapter 15
Mac
Moments Earlier
My body moves through the crowd on autopilot, voices yelling out to call my name, but it is nothing more than white noise. I know I heard Casseus, his voice ringing strong over the others. But I don’t look. I can’t fathom another argument with the man.
I grind my teeth and brush the sweat from my eyes. My internal struggle now materializes to the outside world. I can no longer keep it from them, from Bette. I swallow back bile. The strain deepens and I stumble, as if there wasn’t enough to worry about right now.
I don’t have fucking time for this.
I glance up as I enter the building at the end of the street, but no one sees me as they dance the night away. The closer we get to nightfall, the more creatures come out. I stumble through the door, not even sure what I’ve entered. I fall to my knees, feeling glass cut through my pants. My palms jar as they slam onto the glass ridden floor. My breathing comes in pants.
Every bone in my body feels dry, as though something has completely sucked the life from them. I need the water, my entire survival depends on it. I had hoped...
Foolishly fucking hoped, that when the worlds collided, a new shoreline would be created, and I wouldn’t have to leave. I should have left for the sea when that didn’t happen. I didn’t and now I am the only one to regret that decision.
It takes all my strength to keep it from them. If they knew they’d leave, and I know more is to come.
“You look like shit,” a voice floats to me. I don’t even have the energy to look. “Come on, we need to chat.” Her voice is so familiar.
I lean back on my knees, looking up into baby blue eyes set against a filthy face. “Kelsie.”
She presses a finger to her lips, winking. “You’re dying.”
I stumble back, leaning against the door, closing my eyes. If I could just rest for one small moment, I’ll be okay. I’ll be okay.
“Nope.” Arms tug me upwards, Kelsie’s little body somehow holding mine upright, dragging me up the steps and into a bathroom. I realize then I am in an old apartment, and the wood beneath my feet creaks as I slump down onto the broken tile floor. “I’m in a situation, Mac.”
I snort, it’s all I can do as I watch the strange Fae fill the claw foot tub with Epsom salt and table salt. Hell, I think there is even Himalayan sea salt in there. As she pours it in, particles dance in the air to invigorate my lungs.
I lick my parched lips and my body shakes as she pours. “What—” I try, yet my voice cracks. “What do you want?”
She stops pouring the salt and turns to the gallons of water she has stored there. “I can’t let my father have me. I can’t let any court get a hold of me. I need to disappear.”
“Why?”
“They want to kill me, Mac. They don’t want me for any other reason than to use my power, and I won’t let them. So, they will kill me.” She pours a gallon into the tub, the scent of saltwater enough for me crawl over to the side and tumble my way in.
I lay there with my eyes closed as I soak in the pretend sea water. “What do you want from me?”
“You haven’t told Bette or the others that you will die if you don’t get to the sea.” She pours another gallon over me. Her words holding a morbid weight as she speaks without flinching, without pain. Her truth settles upon me like an anvil, she cannot lie. “You don’t have that long.”
I’m dying.
I look up at her, taking in her ashen skin, sunken cheekbones, and limp hair. Even without the dirt and grime coating her, her own sickness is prevalent. “You don’t look much better.”
“My magic is eating me from the inside out.” She stops pouring water, the tub a quarter full. “We can help each other out.”
“I still don’t know what you want.”
“Do you know what it means to honor a magical contract?” She pours another gallon over me.
“Kelsie. I’m much older than you, I know exactly what it means. I also know what happens if you break that contract.” You die.
“Good. I’d like to honor a magical contract with you.” Out of water, she sits on the toilet, the porcelain shaking and shuddering against rotting wood.
“Kelsie.” I may be dying, but if I honor a magical contract, I can never break it.
“Do you love her? Him? Them?” Her sorrowful eyes see far more than I ever gave her credit for.
“Yes.” It’s
everything I ever wanted and more. Not just a partnership, but a family.
“You know she always acted out. More so after her mother died.” I want to know exactly what happened, but that is a story for Bette to tell. “A piece of her died. She needed that attention, sought it out, but it was never what she needed. Until you five fell into her life. Her eyes light up again, the love is there, but you may have to coax it out of her because a bit of her is broken inside.” I get the feeling those words ring true for her as well, both Kelsie and Bette. “She needs you and I can’t let you die. But that Fae part of me won’t allow me to just help you.”
I snort. “You sound truly sorry for it.”
“I am, my soul is no longer clean, and I may have more evil inside me than I’m willing to admit.” She peeks out the window as laughter grows, before turning back to me. “Do you accept? If you do, I will make sure you live.”
“How?”
“You will live, the how doesn’t matter.”
I know better than this. I know better than to let a child goad me, to trick me into something I shouldn’t do. But though I am centuries old, I’ve only just begun to live, to thrive. And I want more. So, I greedily reply. “I accept.”
Kelsie shudders as magic flows between us, settling around my neck like a noose. It will always live there, preventing me from ever speaking of this exchange.
“I need you to go to war with my father.”
I swallow back bile. I should have known. I close my eyes, waiting to hear her out.
“I’m about to go supernova, like you, I don’t want to die. Not like this. Not yet. I can focus that energy, mask my signature to mimic yours and crack the land.” Her words hold no lies, I sit up.
“That amount of power is unheard of.” No wonder they want to use her.
“You understand now. Good.”