by Dyan Chick
I felt the pull low in the pit of my stomach as I was submerged in total darkness. Sounds and air seemed to be sucked away from me as if I'd entered a vacuum. Then, just as I was starting to feel claustrophobic, my feet touched down on solid ground and I let out a breath of relief. Hoping this would be a normal means of transportation, I slowly eased up my grip around Cormac's waist. Surprisingly, he was still holding onto me. I lingered in his embrace taking a moment to breathe in the scent of citrus and cedar that I'd come to known as decidedly Cormac.
From behind us somebody cleared their throat and Cormac let go. I stepped away from him, but still felt the warmth of his touch on my skin. For just a second, I allowed myself to imagine what it would be like to do the things I'd done with Dane with Cormac. I wondered if underneath that tough exterior was a gentle lover or if his kisses would feel just as powerful as him.
"The place hasn't changed much," Ethan said.
I turned and saw that we were in a grassy clearing. The landscape around me was flat and almost barren. Yellow and faded green grass was the only sign of life as far as the eye could see. It was eerie and calm and I couldn't quite put my finger on what made me so uncomfortable. Then I realized, it wasn't just a lack of life that disturbed me, it was the lack of anything. There was no wind here, no movement across the grass, no rustling of clothing from a cool breeze. I took a breath, half expecting the air to be absent, but my chest filled just as it would anywhere else. But I knew there was something different about this place. "What is this?"
"Neutral territory," Cormac said.
"The Winter Court attempted to overthrow the Queen and take control of all the courts 200 years ago. In the end, they lost the war, but gained their sovereignty. The King is gone, some say he still lives in a tower of his castle and is completely mad, or he's dead. So the Prince rules in his absence," Ethan said.
"Most of us think the son is probably mad too," Dane said.
"Whatever he is, he's not someone you want to cross. He has a reputation for violence and an appetite for the unusual. The sooner we can get this over with, the better," Cormac said.
I was second-guessing my choice to come along and I swallowed a lump in my throat as I stared into the void of nothing. I half expected an entryway, gate, or an archway that could signify a separation between the two courts. I hadn't expected to be standing in the middle of a field. "Now what?"
"We wait, they know we're here by now. It shouldn't be too long," Cormac said.
I closed my eyes and tried to think about what it might be like when this was over. No more monsters chasing me, no more fear. We were so close to finishing this quest. The Winter Prince had to understand the danger these creatures were and had to agree to let the princes seal the tear. Enemy or not, there was no way I would want these loose in my kingdom if I were in charge.
The back of my neck tingled and I turned on instinct. My blood went cold. A whole herd of Sodalis were running toward us. For a monster that didn't usually travel in packs, they sure seemed to unite when it came to finding me.
Cormac and Dane drew their swords and Ethan readied his bow. My heartbeat pounded in my ears blocking out any noise the beasts made as they approached. I tensed, unsure of what to do. The little bit of magic I had was unreliable and wouldn't be able to stop this many monsters. My eyes darted across the creatures, counting them. A fresh wave of terror washed through me as I reached twenty.
We'd seen smaller groups and the princes had bested them. But what chance did any of them have against this many? We had to get out of here. We could clear some distance from them and then slide back to town. Anything to prevent the bloody face off that would result in taking on this many creatures at once.
I stepped back, away from the onslaught. My chest rose and fell in rapid succession and I felt like I wasn't getting enough air.
Ethan looked back at me and his eyes widened. "Cassia, no. Don't go that way."
I heard his words, but I continued to move backward, as if drawn away by some unseen force.
Ethan lowered his bow and reached for me, then stopped suddenly. He turned and said something to Cormac, but I couldn't hear him even though I could see his mouth moving.
Cormac and Dane both turned to face me and looked around not making eye contact with me.
I waved my hands, trying to show them where I was, to let them know I was safe, but it was as if they couldn't see me.
"They can't see you," a male voice said. The sound slithered over my skin like silk.
I turned around and found myself face to face with a Fae male. He was head and shoulders taller than me, just like the princes. Though, this male was different. His icy blue eyes studied me like a hunter stares down their prey. His features were sharp and angular. He wore a smile, complete with pointed canines on clear display. The only thing soft about him was the bun of sun kissed blonde hair on top of his head. "Welcome to the Winter Court."
Chapter Twenty-Seven
I looked around and realized I was no longer in the endless expanse of grass. I was in a courtyard made of white stone. Arches and columns rose around us, boxing us in. I shivered. It was much colder there than it had been in the Autumn Court and I wasn't dressed for winter.
"I have to get back there," I said. "My friends are in danger. I have to help them. Please. Tell me how to get back."
The stranger narrowed his eyes. "Why are you traveling with all three of the princes of Faerie?"
"We're hunting the monsters," I said, desperation tugging at my voice. "And they were closing in on my friends. I have to get back there."
"I thought I knew all of the Winter Fae, but somehow, I missed getting to know you," the male said. "Were you raised in a different court?"
"I'm not a Winter Fae," I said, doubting the words as I spoke them. I didn't know what I was. It was just as likely that I was a Winter Fae, I supposed. Angela had suggested it was possible, but the princes seemed to think it so unlikely that a Winter Fae would be left in the human world that I'd ignored that possibility.
"If you're not a Winter Fae, how did you get through my wards?" he asked.
I turned around, hoping to see them but they were gone from sight. Either I couldn't see them through the invisible barrier I'd crossed or they had slid back to town. Somehow I doubted that was the case. I had a feeling they were facing down against the creatures as we stood here wasting time.
I swallowed and looked back at the handsome stranger. He didn't have the same calming effect that the three princes had on me. If anything, he was the opposite. My skin tingled and flutters filled my chest. This Fae was dangerous. Every part of me was sending off warnings. I knew I should turn and go back the way I came, but I stayed rooted to the spot. As much as he scared me, he also intrigued me. "Please, show me how to get back there."
"Why were you waiting with the queen's errand boys?" he asked.
I glared at him. Cormac, Dane, and Ethan were nobody’s errand boys. They were strong and kind and wonderful. And they were princes in their own right. Even if I didn't understand the court politics of Faerie, I knew this was an insult. But they were in danger and they needed my help. "We have a message for the Winter Court prince. And if you're not going to help me, just show me how to get back."
The male crossed his arms over his chest and cocked his head to the side. "What's the message?"
I narrowed my eyes at him. "You're the prince, aren't you?"
"Who else would I be?" he asked.
"I don't know, a guard?" I looked around and realized that we were alone in this strange enclosed space.
"This is my meeting space," the prince explained. "I take my guests here. There's no magic allowed within these walls." He gestured to the white stone. "What's your message?"
"You're really just going to stand here while Cormac, Dane, and Ethan are in danger?" I asked, shaking my head.
He lifted an amused eyebrow.
I let out an annoyed huff, then took a deep breath. "We were tracking some mon
sters, Sodalis, from the Under."
"I know what a Sodalis is and I know what the Under is," he said. "But something tells me, you're not as familiar with it."
I ignored him. "We tracked them to your court. We think the tear between realms is here and we need to close it."
"Tristan, by the way," he said.
My brow furrowed.
"My name is Tristan. And yours is?" he asked.
"Cassia," I said. "Now, please, can you either send me back there or help us?"
"And you are part of this because?" Tristan asked.
My stomach twisted as I wondered what was happening to my friends while I stood here wasting time with this cocky prince. "Does it matter?"
He nodded.
"Fine," I said. "The monsters seem to be chasing me. Angela said she thinks they're coming after me and that more will keep coming until we seal the tear."
"Angela? Cormac's Angela?" Tristan asked.
I hesitated, wondering if I was betraying Cormac by answering the question. Perhaps I shouldn't have even mentioned Angela at all. Deciding I'd already said it, I nodded.
Tristan pursed his lips and drummed his fingers on his arm. "What's in it for me?"
"Seriously?" I asked. "You can't want these things loose in your court and you can't be so evil that you'll let three Fae get eaten by monsters while you stood by and did nothing."
"Oh, I don't care about your friends, but you're right, I don't want those monsters in my court. But you already told me they're after you. So they aren't going to harm me or the members of my court as long as they're chasing you," he said. "But you have everything to lose if I don't help you."
"I don't have anything," I said. "Please, we just need help fighting these creatures and entering your court long enough to hunt the monsters and seal the tear. Then they'll leave," I said.
"We haven't had an outsider in this court since the war. I'm not interested in letting three princes in just before the Queen's Trial starts. I might not be part of the ordeal, but I know the invitations went out yesterday."
"What would this have to do with the Queen's Trial?" I asked.
"Well, I assume since you're running around with them, that you four must have your sights set on the throne," he said.
"I assure you, that's not what I'm here for," I said.
"Prove it," he said.
I bit down on my lower lip, trying to think of anything I could say that might demonstrate the need for him to help us aside from giving away my secret. I didn't know enough about the Queen's Trial or why my being there would make him think I wanted to win.
"If you're not interested in sharing, I'm not sure I can help you." He waved his hand lazily in front of me, then turned away.
"Wait," I called out after him. "You're right. I'm new to the whole idea of the Under and the creatures that live there. I'm new to all of it. Queen's Trial, courts, princes, everything. I just got here a few days ago. This is all new to me."
Tristan stopped walking and pivoted to face me. "And how is that possible? Especially for one who clearly has the blood of the Winter Court."
"I'm a changeling," I said. "I was raised in the human realm. Cormac, Dane, and Ethan found me when they followed a Sodalis into the human world."
Tristan moved closer to me then leaned down so his face was level with mine. He stared at me a long time, his eyes locked on mine as if trying to see inside my head. I wondered if what Angela said was true about the Winter Fae. Could they see the future? If this was true, what did this male see for me?
Finally, Tristan stood. "I'll help you. But I'll need something in return."
"What?" I asked. "I told you, I have nothing."
"I want to know everything you know about the human realm," he said.
I replayed his words over and over in my mind, trying to find the way he was tricking me. It seemed like too simple of a request. "That's it? I share my knowledge with you about the human realm and you help us so they can finish this?"
He nodded.
"I'll do it," I said. "Now send me back."
Tristan waved his hand in front of his face and the stone arches melted away revealing a vast grassy field. A moment later, the sounds of battle filled my ears. I turned to see my princes surrounded by snarling Sodalis.
Several dead monsters lay on the ground while a few others paced in a circle around the current attack, waiting for an opening to strike.
I didn't even have time to think of a strategy to help before the waiting beasts turned toward me. As the three Sodalis charged me, terror seized me and I froze. This was what I wanted, wasn't it? To go back and help my friends.
Suddenly, Tristan moved in front of me and I heard the sound of steel being drawn from its holster as he lifted a sword in front of him. He stood with his knees slightly bent, both hands on the sword. Despite the charging beasts, he seemed focused and calm.
I took a few steps backward so I wouldn't be in the way. Tristan looked back at me with a grin on his face, and winked. Then, he charged the nearest beast.
The creature reared on its hind legs, raising its clawed front legs in the air in preparation for taking down Tristan.
"Look out!" I yelled.
Tristan sank down, going under the claws and rolled under the creature. I lost sight of him for a second under the bulging fur covered chest as the wings closed in around their prey. My heart thundered in my chest and icy fear gripped me.
Then, the beast made a gurgling sound and blood poured from its mouth. The creature fell to its side and I saw the gaping wound in its stomach as Tristan emerged from under the creature. His once pristine white clothing was covered in blood. Loose strands of hair fell from his bun and he pushed them away from his face, leaving streaks of blood and goo on his forehead. He smiled at me before running after his next target.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Horrified, I watched as the four Fae princes attacked the creatures. All four princes were skilled with their weapons. They dodged attacks, and delivered blows with ease. I'd thought we were outnumbered, without hope as the herd of the creatures neared us, but I was wrong.
Dead Sodalis littered the ground and I noticed a few large birds circling the brawl. Scavengers, waiting to pick from the carcasses. Bile rose in my throat and I swallowed it down, not wanting to show weakness in front of this new prince. Something about him made me want to put on a brave face. I wondered if it was the fact that I might belong to his court. After all, I'd crossed the barrier that only Winter Fae could pass through. What did that mean for me? Would I have to go to the Winter Court? Would I have to leave Cormac, Ethan, and Dane behind?
My chest tightened and my lower lip trembled. I couldn't leave them. Not after everything. The thought of being apart from even one of them made my heart ache in a way that threatened to break it.
Suddenly, I noticed a flash of movement out of the corner of my eye. I turned just in time to see a Sodalis racing toward me. I turned and ran, just missing the snapping jaws.
I had no weapon, no way of fighting the monster. Pumping my arms as hard as I could, I ran toward the fight, knowing my only chance was to bring the creature closer to one of the prince's swords.
Dane was the closest, but he was holding off two beasts at the same time. I changed direction, headed toward Ethan who was on top of one of the creatures pelting it with arrows at close range.
"Ethan," I cried out.
He looked up at me and I watched his expression turn hard as he lifted the bow, aiming at the monster on my tail.
I dropped to the ground and rolled away, hoping the monster wouldn't be able to change course before Ethan's arrows found it. From all fours, I looked up as the Sodalis screamed in rage, three arrows in its face.
The monster stopped its progress and looked toward me, letting out a roar. It was close enough that spit landed on my face and arms. Disgusted, I wiped my eyes off, but didn't break my focus off of the creature.
After several heartbeats, another arrow st
ruck the monster's side and it turned away from me, charging Ethan instead of me.
I only got a moment of relief before three more creatures turned to me. Coming this close, I should have known that my scent would draw them away from the princes.
"What are you doing? Do you want to die?" a strong, clear voice called out behind me.
I sat up and was instantly scooped up into Tristan's arms. He carried me gently, like a bride. I was so surprised, I didn't know what to say or how to react.
"Wait here," he said, setting me down.
Then, he was gone. Vanished in thin air.
I was back in the stone archway. Tristan's Winter Court meeting room. I didn't want to be in there, away from my friends. I wanted to be there for them. I wanted to help.
I charged back the way we'd come, only to find that the stone courtyard seemed to go in an endless circle. There was no way out of there.
Slumping down to the ground, I sat with my head against my knees. It was probably best I stayed out of it, anyway. Without a weapon, they'd have to keep saving me every time one of the monsters broke free of the pack. At least here, I knew I couldn't distract them.
It helped that I'd seen how well they were handling the monsters. Cormac had said that this was his job. Every time those creatures broke free of the Under, he and his friends sent them back. I wondered how much practice he'd had over the years.
I tucked my hands under my armpits to keep them warm. My breath came out in clouds as I paced back and forth in the stone courtyard. How long had it been? There was no sense of time passing in this odd place. The clouds above me didn't seem to move and I couldn't even find the sun. I wondered if this was how the Winter Court was or if all of it was some strange illusion created by Tristan. I had a feeling none of it was real. I was probably pacing through the prairie grasses, but couldn't see them.