Authors: penelope fletcher
It s all like you say-so,
I agreed.
Though there s a quite bit you ve left out.
I rubbed my nose.
Honestly, it sounds impossible when put like that, but the gods know every situation I ve found myself in has more or less been my own fault, and each time I come closer to dying.
My lips turned downward to show them all what I thought of that pesky reoccurrence.
I m here to do what s right, I
What is right?
Kalcifer interjected, his expression somewhat horrified.
Do not mistake me Priestess, you terrify and fascinate me on many levels. The truth is that I have heard many wondrous stories about you since I arrived here. Yet in every situation you make the same mistake.
Mistake?
My face scrunched up … I was confused.
I don t understand what you mean. How does anybody make a mistake when fighting for their life, and the lives of the ones she s supposed to protect?
Kalcifer took a heavy step forward. His forceful gaze locked with mine and the world receded to darkness around him.
Has it occurred to you the reason why you and your mate survive, and others do not, is because of the choices you make?
The words were spoken in earnest. When my vacant expression remained, disbelief flitted across his.
As leaders, we do what we must for our people in spite of what we want. It s a burden those not blessed with power and responsibility cannot fully appreciate.
He motioned strongly, ensuring to include all in his address.
I stand here listening to Lord Lochlann beseech me, beseech all of us to join him, because he has the most powerful weapon against Blackthorn Coven in his grasp. But had he come to me without such a mighty weapon, I would be resigned to lead my Pack into battle with him as our overlord.
There was a general murmur of appreciation and agreement to his words.
It sounded to me he was saying that I shouldn t fight, and because of me, he wouldn t fight. Certain I had misunderstood, I shot a startled look at Breandan. He glared at the Alpha. If Breandan s look could kill, Kalcifer would be a mangled husk upon the ground.
Holding my hand up in some attempt to regain my calm, and that of those round me, I tried to interrupt.
Wait
Kalcifer held up his own hand higher to silence me. It rankled with the fairies, but none stopped him most were eager for what he had to say.
You are powerful, and blessed by the gods, but I believe that you are also cursed.
Kalcifer,
I stuttered, sensing a rapid down spiral, and not sure what I said to kickoff the decline. The circle of faces surrounding me twisted with uncertainty as they studied at me and evaluated what they had learnt of my actions.
I ve no experience with this kind of thing. It should be Lochlann who you
I make this vow to you, Lady Rae,
he said solemnly.
If you can tell me, truthfully, everything you have done from the moment you met him,
he jabbed a condemning finger at Breandan,
has not been to protect your own skin and that of the one you call your mate, I will follow the High Lord into war.
As will I for the raptors,
Gita said gravely.
Baako did not speak, but waved his hand to signal he was thinking.
The shifters looked at Byron. He crossed his arms over his broad chest, tucking his hands under his armpits, and grimaced.
It is a hard choice we face, but I know these two. Love blinds us, turns us into weak fools.
His good eye rolled down to pass over his daughters.
But I have seen the strength of the little fairy s heart. Her determination can make an old man already taken by grief open to hope. I owe her much.
He inhaled, and from the set of his shoulders, he d made his decision.
I have also seen this girl s love turn her blind to the darkness in others. I have seen her risk many for few. I have seen her love when paired with his,
he nodded his head to Breandan,
make the very earth quake. They make the walls crumble, and the sky choke on magic.
Expression filled with sorrow, his voice lowered as if he spoke to me alone.
You cannot lie, and so I know what your answer will have to be. I will not lead my people to death when your mind is clouded with passion you cannot control.
Amelia whirled to face him, ears flat to her head, and screamed in outrage. Nimah blinked slowly. Her tail thumped the ground, and she continued her steady perusal of the crowd. Unlike her twin, she accepted her Alpha s decision in a heartbeat.
My mouth opened, but no words came. Exactly what was I supposed to say? I lifted my hands helplessly.
I was born a fairy, the daughter of powerful union of magic, but I was raised human. I m an orphan who was taken in by the Sect with no other purpose but to protect a small patch of land, and to survive. I was not trained how to be this person you all expect me to be. I can t click my fingers and be a good Priestess. I m doing my best that s all I ve ever done.
I struggled to find the right words, knowing I had to say them. Sudden fear of my own destiny slipping from me had a cold sweat slicking my forehead. How did that even happen? It was my destiny. My palms were clammy.
I admit most times instinct guides me, and my first instinct is to be close to Breandan.
I flushed hotly; deciding my feelings for him needed no further explanation beyond that brief reference despite how important he was to me.
You re all standing here claiming that s wrong of me, but I m beginning to see being Priestess is about tapping into that primal part of myself, giving over to it completely. I m trying to let my fairy nature steer me in the right direction. I m trying the best I can. Soon, I ll be able to control the bond. Breandan and I just need time. Give me time, I can do this.
I lifted my hopeful eyes from the ground to look into faces painted with doubt and rejection.
The blood drained from my head leaving it spacey.
It s not good enough,
Maeve said quietly. The words rang in my ears, and I turned to her slowly. Stepping away from Alec, who for once hung back, she focused on me.
They won t follow you if you can t commit to them Rae. I m trying just isn t good enough to risk lives on.
She reached for my arm, but I evaded her, stepping back with a wounded expression. Her fingers curled in the air.
You need to leave, both of you. Get as far away from this place as you can and let us deal with it. No one will judge you or stop you.
Lochlann looked hesitant, but he turned to the shifters.
If they go, will you fight?
The air in my lungs turned to cement and I wrestled with the urge to scream. After everything, they were going to toss me away?
Averting their gaze, one by one the demon leaders nodded.
Oh, gods.
Frantic, I searched for the Seer s face to get an idea if she d seen this coming, but remembered she wasn t here, and that I hadn t seen her yet.
Where s Ana?
I whispered at Breandan.
He didn t reply. He slowly eased himself in front of me.
Regardless of what we decide I will not send for more bears,
Baako said finally.
My Family has begun hibernation and will be safe for a while. I would not disturb that. But I would fight alone by Rae s side. That she values Lord Breandan s life above her own says much about her character. A mate should be treasured above all otherwise what s the point in living?
He rubbed a hand over his heart.
We are not Family, yet I sense a kindred spirit in her. I do not agree this discussion is one that should be had, and I think the fairy should stay.
He winked at me and grinned when Breandan scowled.
As I said before old friend.
Kalicfer slapped him heartily on the back.
It is the lives of our people we protect, we do not fear risking our own. If it were just me I spoke for, yes, I would take that risk upon myself. I won t push it upon my Pack.
You will lose without her,
Alec shouted. He was furious, and he ignored Maeve when she reached him.
We all agree the humans are irritating, but it s the witches, and their hold over vampires we fear most. Rae has already fought the he-witch and survived. Without her, what chance do we have?
It s too dangerous,
Maeve threw at him.
Didn t you see them? At the human Temple didn t you see how they were ready to destroy everything in their path?
Alec moved to stand beside Breandan, unreservedly lending his support.
It won t be like that if they re together and are kept that way. They can make this work.
Breandan placed a palm on Alec s shoulder in thanks and Alec clapped him back.
Had everything not been going to shit around me, I would have found that alliance between them touching.
Can t you see why they & why I m worried?
Maeve argued.
What happens if she and Breandan are separated again? I m a warrior too, and I know how to fight.
Her eyes darted to Lochlann who looked mildly bowled over by the turn in events.
I was taught by the best, and I know it would be foolish not to consider the possibility that Rae isn t what we need to win this fight. Think, Alec. We can t be worrying if she s too strung out and not doing what she is supposed to be doing when in the middle of a battle. This isn t something we can afford to risk our lives on.
Alec looked pained.
You don t think she can do this?
No,
she said plainly.
Up until now she s gotten lucky, but we can t plan around buts and maybes. It s too much to ask when so much is at risk.
I felt like I d just walked into a brick wall. She didn t trust me Maeve, didn t trust me.
How could you say this to me,
I asked her.
After everything I ve been through … given up to
She spun on me, tiny fists clenched.
Rae, you are my sister. It seems you were destined to be so. I love you, but that does not mean I will always agree with you, and what you do. I m speaking the truth, saying what needs to be said to ensure I honour my family and that we survive. I told Breandan he was wrong in claiming you. He dishonoured our Elder and put us all at risk. No matter how much I care about him, I won t pretend that s okay.
Breandan let go of my hand and stepped fully between his sister and I. He didn t look at Maeve.
If we leave you all will fight?
As one, the demon leaders answered,
Yes.
Baako shook his head sadly.
The tension increased and nobody seemed aware of what to say next. I was frozen in place, horrified.
They had cast me out.
Expression panicked, Conall burst into the Meet, a harassed fairy Knight close on his heels.
My brother shined from within brighter than anybody else. I believed it was a testament to how good a person he was. A healer. His face was beautiful to me. The hard angles often softened by his kind expressions. His eyes were a darker gold than mine and held such warmth, genuine pleasure when he looked at me. Long hair tied back, he d doubled it up into a knot. It was reassuring that he never changed, that he was someone I could depend on. His sword was latched to his back by a broad rawhide strap that ran across his torso. He did not wear amour like Breandan, but soft leather leggings like Lochlann. He was barefoot, as most of the fairies seemed to prefer whilst on Wyld land.
The animosity in the air was extreme. He noticed it, but dismissed it, his face lighting up when he saw me.
I rushed to him needing a place of safety. My brother caught me as I ran headlong into his open arms and hugged me fiercely.
What happened?
he asked in a choked voice.
Where did you go? I closed my eyes for just a moment, and when they woke me, you were gone.
He set me down and rested his warm hands on my shoulders.
I was so worried.
I gave him an attempt at a smile, and burrowed close again.
Long story,
I replied, the words muffled into his shoulder.
You ll tell me later,
he said firmly and gave Breandan a thankful look. Setting me aside, he walked up to Lochlann and slammed a fist to his chest. Over our emotional reunion, his golden eyes now glowed with fury.
Lochlann, I just received word the humans come this way. They are armed.
Lochlann s presence swelled to twice its usual size.
Defend the Wyld!
There was a brief lull then everyone scattered.
Kalcifer and Byron s people moved away as they started to huddle over and shimmer.
Gita took off at a run, and as I watched bronzed feathers sprouted over her legs, back and torso. She leapt into the air, her arms extended and legs closed. She Changed into a falcon a terrifying hunter with tapered wings, intelligent eyes and sharp claws. Each individual wingspan was double that of my body. She tossed her head back and shrieked then dived into the dense tree canopy.
Amelia and Nimah hunched over, the fur at their necks standing on end as they hissed in the same direction the murky gloom outside the moonlit clearing.
Conall,
Breandan called.
Is Gunarr with them?
My brother shook his head.
This will not end well,
Breandan murmured.
The sounds of battle drawing nearer were clear.
Horses,
I muttered. Thinking of the great stallions bred at Temple for the Lord and Lady Clerics. The trumpeting of the beasts sounded their advance.