by K.N. Lee
At the altar was not Asher...not the love of her life.
Connor stood there, that charming smile on his lips, and evil in his eyes.
This is a dream.
Cailyn woke up in tears. She couldn’t let that dream turn into a reality. The clans would have to find another way to keep the peace.
“Asher,” she called into the darkness, her eyes adjusting the pitch black the instant her eyes opened.
“I’m sorry.”
Depression had set in so quickly. A week had gone by, and all she wanted to do was sleep. All it did was make her live out her worst fears.
She sat up in her bed and looked at her clock on the wall on the far end by the antique writing desk.
Time to get ready for the party
It was time to end this.
Chapter 21
Cailyn tried on her costume for the party.
White feathers covered her dresses glittering lace and satin. It was fitting.
“You look amazing,” Tessa said.
“Thank you,” Cailyn said.
Tessa sat at her desk in her Hello Kitty pajamas and watching her while finishing the pizza they had shared.
“I wish I knew what you were thinking,” Tessa said.
“What do you mean?”
Tessa stood, fixing her hair. Her brows were scrunched up as she looked at Cailyn in the full-length mirror hung on the back of her closet door. She reached for her glasses on Tessa’s table and put them back on.
“I get that Connor is hot and all, but what about Asher? I thought you loved him.”
Cailyn tensed. “I did. Connor is the better pick for my future.”
Tessa twisted her mouth. “You’re lying. Why are you lying to me?”
Cailyn sighed. “Stop asking me questions, Tessa. Aren’t you glad that I’m going to be stuck in Haven Cove? Aren’t you happy? I’m staying.”
Tessa’s face softened. She took Cailyn’s hand, surprising her by her gentleness.
“Talk to me. Be real.”
Cailyn sighed, her eyes leaving her reflection to stare at her sparkling silver heels.
Tessa had helped her paint her toenails. One night with her best friend worked wonders, even if she knew that soon she would be in more danger than she’d ever experienced.
It was as if Cailyn was getting ready for prom, and Tessa was all too excited to make her shine like a princess. She loved her like a sister.
Cailyn couldn’t lie to her. She was tired of lying.
She turned to Tessa, holding her hands within hers.
Face to face, and eye to eye, Cailyn told the truth.
“I miss Asher more than anything in the world,” she said, her voice cracking.
Tessa pulled her into a tight embrace. “Then why the hell did you leave him, Cailyn? What’s going on?”
“I had to do it, Tessa. There is an ancient truce between our families. If I don’t honor it, there could be war.”
Cailyn sniffled against Tessa’s shoulder. She sucked in a breath, composing herself. She couldn’t ruin her makeup.
“My goodness,” Tessa sighed, smoothing her back. “I can’t recall ever seeing you cry. You didn’t even cry at your father’s funeral. Why would you let that stranger do this?”
She pulled back and took a deep breath. “It won’t matter soon enough,” she said.
“Why?”
Cailyn shook her head. “Because I’m not going to let him ruin my life for good. I have to do something before it’s too late.”
“Can I help?” Tessa’s lips curled at the corners.
Chapter 22
Connor’s mansion was swarmed with people, cars, and decorations when Cailyn returned.
The stairs waited before her. Her heels tapped along the concrete as she ran up to the front entrance. She paused before the doormen, hoping they’d simply glance at her invitation.
“Identification,” the tall slick-haired doorman said.
Cailyn raised a brow, looking down at his hand. She looked up to him.
“Really?”
He nodded.
She huffed and searched her gold clutch for her driver’s license.
“I live here. How could you not know that?” She handed her license to him, annoyed.
“Everyone gets carded, ma’am.” He read her ID, looking up at her and back at her photo.
“She’s clear,” he said and the other man opened the door.
“Enjoy your night, Miss Alexander.”
“Yeah,” Cailyn grumbled, smoothing her dress. She entered the lobby.
A pretty blonde in a black cocktail dress took her coat and handed her a ticket before retreating to the coat check closet made from the study at the front of the mansion.
Everything looked different from just a few hours ago. The foyer was decorated to look like a haunted house with men and women dressed in horrifying costumes depicting vampires, devils, and witches.
The real monster didn’t even need a costume.
Cailyn straightened her dress and took a breath. “Here goes.”
As she stepped from the foyer to the main ballroom, the number of people present made her nervous.
“Whoa,” she whispered as her eyes took in the grandeur before her.
Spider webs covered the walls and ceiling. Purple and red lights flickered, making the room feel like an expensive nightclub.
The beauty, pomp, and theatrics left her spellbound.
There was a time when her parents would host parties like this in Alexander Hall. Cailyn and Asher would play outside instead, chasing fireflies, or hanging out in the attic.
“You’ve made it right on time,” a deep male voice called from her right. She turned to see Connor Prince approaching her with two champagne flutes. He gave her his bright smile, revealing perfect white teeth and a dimple in his right cheek.
He looked genuinely pleased to see her, and she noted how handsome he was in his costume. She instantly knew who he was supposed to be.
“Prince Charming...from Cinderella, right?”
He had the costume down to the exact buttons from the movie. She raised a brow as she looked him up and down.
He nodded. “Good eye. I figured you’d figure it out. It was your favorite movie when we were in school together.”
Cailyn’s smile almost faltered. She blinked. “You remembered that?” She now wished she could remember him from that time that wasn’t that long ago.
Connor definitely had layers. If the circumstances had been different, she might have explored them.
But not today.
“And you look amazing. What are you supposed to be?”
Cailyn cracked her best smile and accepted the champagne he handed to her.
“A swan,” she lied. Her gaze swept over the room, focusing on the aerial dancers that hung and spun from the ceiling.
“Wow.” She took a sip. “It’s quite a party...and the service here is spot on. And easy on the eyes,” she said with a wink at Connor.
Connor chuckled. “Why thank you. I saw you enter and swiped two flutes off the nearest server tray. Did you have fun with Tessa?”
She nodded and scanned the room. Clusters of immaculately dressed guests filled almost every inch of the room. The room was lit with crystal chandeliers that looked as though they were passed down from royalty. Even the servers were remarkable. All dressed in black with white masks that covered their eyes, the servers looked as though they’d each had a cover in Vogue Magazine.
Connor did appreciate beauty.
“I did. Thank you for letting me see her.”
“You can see anyone you want. Except your family, of course.”
Tensing, Cailyn avoided letting him see the scowl on her face. She couldn’t even visit her brother to make the curse had been completely broken.
She changed the subject. “What a great turnout. Haven Cove folk love their costume parties.”
He held out his arm and she accepted. “I’ll take you around to mee
t a few important people.”
“I thought I was supposed to be the one to show you around?”
“I took it upon myself to get to know the important people in my town. I am a businessman after all.”
Cailyn flashed a smile. She was going to need more alcohol to keep up such a fake act.
“Well, I hope you know some important people that can help me out.”
“Why? What happened?”
She shrugged. “My car broke down and I really need a tow truck.”
He looked concerned. He covered her hand with his. “How did you get here?”
“I walked.” She drank her champagne and handed the empty flute to a passing server. Picking up another glass she flashed a smile to Connor. “It’s no big deal really. It’s just annoying.”
“Tell me where your car is and I’ll have it towed to my mechanic. He’ll take good care of it.”
“Thank you. You have your own mechanic already?”
“I do,” he said. “Come, meet Mayor Stone.”
Cailyn followed along, her mind racing despite her cool expression. Her eyes flickered up to the aerial dancers again. She envied them. Her urge to run outside and fly away nearly overcame her.
She hoped her plan would work.
“Sure. I’d love to meet the mayor,” she said.
“Cailyn?”
Her smile was wiped from her face when she turned to look at who called her name.
Paling, Cailyn’s face turned to horror. She let go of Connor’s arm.
“Asher!”
Chapter 23
Cailyn’s voice came out in a startled shriek when she called out to Asher.
Connor’s eyes darkened as he looked at her former fiancé.
Cailyn didn’t care. She dropped her clutch of Connor’s arm.
No one else mattered at that moment.
Asher was like a beacon of light and hope. Seeing him stand before her in a black tux surprised her. His blond hair looked to be professionally styled. Smooth cheeks and chin meant that he’d also shaved; something he normally neglected.
Asher’s smile gave her butterflies. That smile was for her. He reached a hand out, beckoning.
Am I dreaming?
She dared to believe that she was forgiven.
Cailyn’s lips parted as she stepped to him, her eyes full of so much love that she hoped he could see it.
“Hi, baby,” Asher said, both of them ignoring Connor.
As if floating on air, Cailyn took Asher’s hands and allowed herself to be pulled so close to him that their chests pressed together.
Looking into his eyes, Cailyn felt tears sting hers.
“Asher,” she said in a soft voice. “What are you doing here?”
He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her deeply.
“What is going on here?” Connor took a step to Cailyn but was stopped by a perfectly manicured hand.
Cailyn glanced back, shock filling her eyes as she watched her mother lock arms with Connor.
“Mother?”
“Evening, dear.” Cecilia gave her a wink and returned her attention to Connor, who looked furious.
“Listen now, Connor,” Cecilia whispered. “Let’s not make a scene in front of the entire town of Haven Cove.”
Connor’s scowl faded as he looked around to see that everyone in attendance quieted and stared at them.
Cailyn couldn’t help but smile when Huntley and Olivia entered the room, hand in hand, and dressed in Regency-era attire.
They smiled at her, nodding.
Connor noticed them as well.
“Someone better answer me,” he said through clenched teeth. When his eyes flickered from Cailyn to Asher, his face reddened almost as bright as his hair.
Cailyn watched him clench his jaw and turned back to Asher to see what everyone stared at.
Seeing Asher on one knee before her sent her tears streaming down her cheeks. She didn’t care that she was ruining her makeup. She wanted this more than anything in the world.
“Cailyn,” Asher said. “I’m not leaving without a fight. I will fight for you.”
Sniffling, she went to her knees with him. She clutched his hands in hers, never wanting to let go again.
“Do you still love me?” Cailyn asked.
His blue eyes glistened with fresh tears of his own. He smiled through them. “I could never stop loving you.” His eyes hardened when he glanced at Connor.
She kissed him, not caring that everyone watched. When they broke away from their kiss, he held out her engagement ring.
“This,” he said, taking her hand to put the ring on her finger. “Belongs to you.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck. “I will say yes to you every day for the rest of our lives.”
“I was hoping you’d say that,” Asher said. He stood and pulled her to her feet.
Everyone cheered.
Everyone but Connor.
When Cailyn dared to look at him, she was surprised to see hurt in his eyes. Not anger. Not rage. Genuine hurt.
She almost wished she’d seen the anger at that moment. Hurting anyone, even someone like Connor didn’t make her feel good.
She offered him a smile. The roar of the crowd filled her ears as she mouthed ‘sorry’ to him.
“Please,” Cailyn said, letting go of Asher’s hand for a moment. “Let me go.”
Connor pulled her toward him, and brought their faces close to one another’s.
“You’re making a mistake, Cailyn,” he whispered to her.
She shook her head. “No, I’m doing what’s right. For once.”
His jaw clenched, and he nodded. “Very well. We will have it your way. But, be prepared for what is to come.”
Her heart nearly broke at the look of pain in his eyes, but she stood her ground.
“Be prepared for the flames of war.”
“Very well,” Cailyn said, and snatched her arm away from his.
She took a step back, and outstretched her arms. “Let it come.”
Stay tuned for more of Cailyn’s journey as she embraces her heritage and stands against the dragon clans.
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A Look at The Wizard’s Daughter
[ Image: The-Wizards-Daughter-Kindle.jpg ]
Elle woke in a panic, the pearl necklace around her throat pressing into her tender flesh.
It burned.
Sweat drenched her fire-red hair as she sat up in bed and glanced around the darkness of the room. The air was thick, too hot, stale, pulsing with magic.
The scent of burning embers wafted into her nostrils as she set the fire hearth ablaze. A flick of her wrist was all it took.
She stood from her bed, the cold stone floor a shock to her pale, white skin.
The Crystal Keep was asleep. The other wards of the castle monastery curled up under their blankets, safe, and warm, while poor, less fortunate humans and shifters were left to suffer as a curse plagued the Enchanted Kingdom.
Looking out to the night sky, she whispered a quiet prayer.
“Please,” she began. “Take me from this place.”
Something stirred within her, a flutter of cold followed by warmth. A smile came to her face as a gentle breeze swept in and lifted her hair, cooling the sweat on her scalp and caressing her face.
Winter was coming, and with it, the Enchanted Kingdom would shield itself from the rest of the world—from the darkness that always seemed to knock on their door.
A curse plagued the fae folk, the shifters, and the scattered tribes of humans. Under the rule of the Davidian Clan, there was at least peace.
To be untouched—unmarred by the Serpent Sister’s Curse, meant that danger came in many forms.
From dark forces.
From witches.
From desperate men.
Just days ago
, one of Elle’s best friends had been kidnapped and whisked away by a gang of men. To be wed and mated to their sons, no doubt.
Poor Magda.
Elle, on-the-other-hand, she was destined for a different future.
She would escape the Enchanted Kingdom on a boat, sail to a faraway place, and live out her life as a baker.
Yes, to only worry about flour, eggs, milk, and sugar would be a grand life—a life worth living.
A knock came on her door.
She gasped, shooting a frightened look over her shoulder. With a sweeping of her hand, she calmed the flames of the fire and sent them vanishing into the air like embers in the wind.
“Elle,” a familiar voice called.
She stiffened, closing her eyes. “Come in, Anna.”
The maidservant opened the door, peeking inside.
“I saw light, miss,” she said, peering around the room, a look of confusion on her face when she realized that the room was dark. “Are you in need of anything?”
Elle shook her head. “No, dear. I may take a walk around the gardens.”
“At this hour, miss? The others still sleep.”
“Do not worry. The guards are always watching over us. No harm will come to me.”
“Are you certain?” Anne asked. “I can accompany you.”
No, she thought. You don’t want to follow where I must go.
Instead of voicing her thoughts, she simply forced a small smile and approached the young blonde with a brighter future ahead than her mistress.
She took her by the shoulders, the truth in her eyes.
“I will be back before breakfast,” she said, keeping her voice light. “Then, we can read by the lake.”
Anne grinned. Though she was a servant—a human with no magic, no ability to shift, and no prospect for bearing children, Elle envied her. She’d give anything to be like her.
To be free.
AFTER DRESSING, ELLE ventured out into the early dawn. Before the others awakened, while the maids fetched hot water for the morning washing, she stalked the gardens.