“For centuries we have managed to stay out of the affairs of humans and other supernatural races. I do not feel that it is in our best interest to get involved in the tribulations of others. Unfortunately, what I feel does not matter to those outside of my own race. I should have known it was only a matter of time before trouble should show up at our door. However, I could have never imagined that the trouble would include not one race or two, but all of the supernaturals save ours. Just goes to show that my imagination is very bland. ~ Thalion, Prince of the Elves
“Are you sure this is what you want to do?” Lilly asked as they stood before a clearing in the vast forest.
Cypher was staring intently into the clearing and Lilly knew he must be seeing something she was not.
Cyn made a motion with her hand and suddenly there was ripple in the air. Out of nowhere, a seam appeared and, like a curtain, the space in front of them parted and she could see through it to the other side. It did not match the forest around them and for that reason she knew that she was looking into the realm of the elves.
Cypher looked down at her and the answer was evident in his eyes.
“Okay, okay,” she groaned, “we don’t really have a choice do we?”
“We cannot walk away from a dangerous situation hoping that someone else will step forward and deal with it. We might not be the first ones to discover the draheim in the human realm, but we are the only ones willing to fix it.”
“For someone who was willing to make a deal with the devil, you sure are turning out to be noble and selfless.” Lilly told him with a wink.
“I am not so noble as to give up the woman who was kidnapped to be my mate.” Though the words came out softly, Lilly felt the possessiveness behind them and tried to deny the warm feeling it gave her. She was wanted. After being discarded so many years ago, someone wanted her and she didn’t know how to respond.
Cyn’s throat clearing drew their attention back to the open Veil.
“Ready?” She asked them.
In response, Cypher walked towards the Veil without hesitation and stepped through it. Cyn motioned for Lilly to go next, and then followed closely behind.
Lilly’s mouth dropped open as she turned in slow circle.
“Have we just walked into a Disney movie?” She asked, in awe of the scenery around her.
The sky above her was the most beautiful shade of blue she had ever seen. The sun shown down on a grassy meadow and the blades blew in the wind rhythmically. The trees around them were tall and strong with large leaves that were a bright vivid green. Birds fluttered from tree to tree, chirping happily. Lilly felt as if at any moment a beautiful big eyed, tiny waisted princess would emerge, spinning out of the trees singing some ridiculous song about nature, or love, or needing to get away from her wicked mother.
“Technology has not polluted their realm the way it has in the human realm,” Cyn explained.
Lilly made an “oh” expression with her mouth as she continued to take in the realm before her.
“Do we find them or do they find us?” Cypher asked the Fae.
“We will go deeper into the realm, but they will definitely find us before we even know that they are upon us.”
“Excellent,” Lilly groaned, “because you know I didn’t want this little adventure in our story to be easy or anything. I mean seriously, where would the crazy excitement in that be?”
Cyn’s brow furrowed at her and Lilly laughed. “Sarcasm Cyn, it’s a coping mechanism I learned from my daughter and her best friends.”
Cypher took Lilly’s hand in his and smiled at Cyn. “Just nod your head like you understand and it might make her stop.”
A slight smile crept up on Cyn’s lips and that made Lilly smile even wider.
“Let’s go,” Cypher said, as he tugged on Lilly’s hand. “Stay alert,” he added.
“Have I mentioned that I’m so hungry that I might consider gnawing one of my arms off?” Lilly asked in between breaths as she kept up with Cypher’s long strides.
“Only twenty three times,” Cyn answered, not sarcastically, just stating a fact.
“What’s the quota for mentioning hunger before food is finally the answer given, instead of a dry retort?”
Cypher chuckled at his mate. He loved her quirky sense of humor, and her ability to handle stress so well. He even loved when she complained, like now, because it meant he got to hear her beautiful voice.
“I haven’t exactly set one,” Cyn answered. “But, when I do, you’ll be the first to know.”
Lilly’s mouth dropped open as she eyed Cyn. “Were you just being sarcastic? Oh... my gosh you were... you just totally tossed sarcasm at me like a pro.”
Cyn shrugged. “I’m learning to cope with you.”
That comment brought a cough from Cypher as he tried to stifle his laughter.
Lilly’s eyes narrowed but the sparkle in them made it clear that she wasn’t really irritated. “I’ll let that one slide because I figure you need the practice.”
An hour later they finally stopped and Cyn reached in the pack that she carried on her back and pulled out a loaf of something that looked a lot like bread. She tore off two pieces and handed one each to Cypher and Lilly.
Lilly glared at the bread and then looked up at Cyn. “Please tell me this is just an appetizer.”
“It’s more than it appears to be,” said Cyn.
As they ate their bread in silence, Lilly began to realize that Cyn was right; there was more to this bread. She felt full despite the small amount she had eaten and she felt her body being infused with energy. She was just about to remark on this when suddenly Cypher was on his feet from one breath to the next. His eyes narrowed as he stared into the trees and his head tilted to the side, listening. Cyn had stood as well and was looking in the opposite direction as Cypher. Lilly started to stand but stopped when Cypher looked at her and put a finger to his lips. She moved more slowly as she rose, trying not to make a sound.
Cypher narrowed his eyes as he searched for the elves he knew were watching them. He'd felt their eyes on them for several minutes now. He also knew they had been following them for quite some time. He didn’t feel like they were in danger, but he preferred to be able to see his potential adversary, and not have wonder if they were indeed planning to attack. He looked over at Cyn and saw that though she too was alert and looking into the forest, her stance was relaxed, indicating that she did not feel a threat either.
“You would find out our purpose for being here a lot quicker if you revealed yourselves.” Cypher’s voice carried though he didn’t yell.
Silence met his words as they waited to see if the observers would reveal themselves. Several moments passed. Finally, a tall form stepped around one of the large trees. He strode forward until he was in the center of the clearing and the light of day revealed his appearance. He was tall with long lean muscles. His hair was blonde and straight, hanging down his back. There was a single braid in front and some sort of adornment woven into it. He took a step closer revealing sea green eyes, high cheek bones, thin lips drawn tight in a straight line and a strong jaw. His ears were slightly pointed at the tips but not any larger than a human’s. His clothing looked as if he had walked straight out of Lord of the Rings, complete with a bow slung across his back. He didn’t say anything right away he just stared. His eyes landed on each of them, evaluating the level of threat.
“I am Thalion, of the Elves. What brings a human, a Warlock King, and a Fae Guardian into our realm?”
“We went to a bar first, but that joke didn’t seem to pan out, so now we’re going for a human, a warlock and a fae walk through a Veil. Doesn’t quite have the same ring, but we’re hoping the outcome is better than at the bar.” Lilly knew she was rambling and she had tried to tell herself to shut up, but for some reason her mouth just kept moving. Cypher glared at her and she mouthed “Sorry” to him.
Cypher shook his head letting out a deliberate breath then looked back to Thalion.
“It seems you know who I am,” Cypher told him.
Thalion nodded once.
“We have come seeking your aid. A draheim has made its way into the human realm, whether by accident or on purpose, we do not know. What we do know is that you make the only weapon capable of killing it.”
Thalion’s eyes narrowed. “Why do you think it needs to be killed? Why not return the creature to his own land?”
“Whatever he once was he is no longer. All that is left in him is a raging beast. He tried to kill us, and from what I could see in his eyes there was no intelligence left in him. He has been trained to murder. More than likely, anything good in him has been beaten out of him.” Cypher answered.
Thalion seem to think about this for a moment. He looked over at Cyn. “What do you say Guardian?”
“I think it is very important to weigh the consequences before any life is taken. We all serve a purpose in this life and we must be careful not to throw off the balance lest we invite evil to fill the void. With that in mind, the only thing that can come from this beast’s continued existence is harm. More than likely, if we were able to get him back to his realm, his own kind would kill him. We have enough danger in the human realm as it is. We do not need another one.”
Thalion stared a few moments longer at Cyn before a slight smile curved his lips, only adding to his beauty.
“How have you been, Cyn?” He asked, and the formal elf that had been standing before them was suddenly relaxed and staring at Cyn with obvious endearment.
Cyn blushed slightly and Lilly’s eyes widened at the scene before her. Bloody hell, she thought. The elf has the hots for the fae. I so, did not see that one coming.
“I’ll be better once there is no longer a witch trying to destroy the werewolves and unleash a horde of demons into the human realm,” she answered, honestly.
Thalion’s eyes hardened and he took a step towards her. “What is this that you speak of?”
“We threw the balance off many years ago and now we are reaping the consequences of our actions.” Cyn dropped her eyes from Thalion’s as she continued to speak. “Desdemona, the last of the witches, has become very powerful. That power has only made her greedy for more. She discovered that gypsy healers have returned to the packs. She wants them. She has already attempted to kill the Romanian Alpha in an attempt to get to them. She was unsuccessful, but she will not be swayed.”
Thalion took another step towards Cyn and another until he stood less than a foot away.
“Why are you just now coming to me with this?” The look in his eyes burned with rage, but even stronger than that was the obvious care he felt towards Cyn.
Lilly took slow steps, not wanting to disturb the exchange between the elf and fae. She reached Cypher and looked up at him. “Are you seeing what I’m seeing?” She whispered.
A small smile crept onto his face as he leaned down and placed his mouth next to her ear.
“I do believe Thalion has set his sights on our little fae.” Lilly shivered as his warm breath caressed her neck and she turned her head back to the couple in question in an effort to shake off Cypher’s effect on her.
“I know that you do not mingle in the human realm, nor burden yourselves with the problems of others,” she answered and her voice wasn’t accusatory. She was simply stating a fact, as she often did.
Thalion’s eyes narrowed even more. His jaw clenched as he tried to keep control of his emotions. Only Cyn affected him this way. It had been so long since he had laid eyes on her, and still the hold that she had on him was undeniable.
“You truly believe, I would not help if you asked?” Thalion’s question dripped with challenge.
Cyn shrugged. “Why would you?”
Thalion held her eyes as he reached up and ran his fingers down her jaw to her neck. Cyn couldn’t hide her reaction to him as the speed of her breathing increased. Thalion chuckled as a smirk flashed across his face and then was gone. He dropped his hand and turned to face Lilly and Cypher.
To their surprise, Thalion found a stump to sit on. “Tell me.”
“We don’t have much time,” Cypher told him.
Thalion nodded. “I understand, but I need to know details before I lead my army into the human realm.”
Cyn gasped and Lilly’s head swung around to look at the Fae. It was the first major emotion she had seen from her.
“You’re going to help?” She whispered. “Why?”
Thalion’s sea green eyes met hers. He didn’t bother to hide the emotions swirling behind them.
“Because it’s you.” Cyn stared at Thalion. She didn’t have a reply to his candid answer and for once, she wished that she had Lilly’s quick wit and smart retorts.
She continued to watch him as she began the tale of all that had taken place in the human realm. She started with what had happened to the Romanian and Serbian packs.
Thalion sat silently, watching her intently as she spoke. As soon as she had finished, Cypher smoothly transitioned into his part in the story. Lilly had taken a spot on the ground in front of a tree. She leaned back against it, her legs stretched out in front of her, her head leaned back, and her eyes closed as she listened to the rumble of Cypher’s deep voice. The cadence of it seemed to match her breathing and she felt herself beginning to doze off, and when his voice suddenly stopped, her eyes popped open. She blinked a couple of times to clear her vision and then looked at Thalion. He sat with a furrowed brow staring at the ground as if the answers would suddenly be written in the dirt.
“Thalion.” Cyn’s voice held a hint of apprehension as she watched him struggle with the information they had shared.
Thalion finally looked up and met Cyn’s eyes. “I will have the necessary weapons made and my army will join with you to fight.” His jaw tensed. “I have been foolish to ignore the happenings in the mortal realm.”
Cyn smiled. “Well, you aren’t the only ones. It took a moon goddess to get my race to act.”
“What do you mean it took a moon goddess?” Thalion asked, with narrowed eyes.
“The Great Luna has caused matings between the wolves and Fae. She also gave the command to the Fae council to call the packs together,” Cyn explained.
Cypher took a step forward. “You haven’t mentioned this.”
“I was waiting for the right moment.”
“When you say ‘the packs,’” Thalion interrupted. “Do you mean all of them?”
“If by all of them you mean all of them, then yes.” Cyn nodded.
Lilly shook her head at Cyn’s sarcasm. “I’ve created a monster,” she grumbled.
Thalion continued to meet Cyn’s gaze as he thought of the implications of her words. “For the Great Luna to be involved,”
“It’s bad,” Cyn agreed.
“Um, I have to agree that this all stinks to high heaven, but can I ask something,” Lilly spoke up. “I know you said that you are Thalion and we know you are an elf, obviously, but can you just clarify exactly how you are able to bring an army to help us?”
A ghost of a smile crept across his lips. “Of course, I am not just any run of the mill elf. I am Thalion, Prince of the Elves.”
Lilly’s eyes widened. “Prince,” she murmured, and then looked over at Cyn. “You didn’t mention that your contact was royalty.”
Cyn shrugged. “You didn’t ask.”
Thalion stood and the others did as well. “I need one night to get everything together,” he told them. “I’m going to ask that you pass back to your realm and wait for me there.” Then he walked over to Cyn and took her hand. “Excuse us for a second please,” he said to Cypher and Lilly as he pulled Cyn several feet away.
Cyn looked up at Thalion in surprise. He frowned at her.
“Don’t look surprised, Cyn. You’ve known for a long time.”
She dropped her eyes, not wanting him to see the truth behind them, but he wouldn’t let her hide that easily. He tilted her chin up with a finger until her eyes met his.
“Why have you stayed away for so long?”
“Why have you?” She countered.
“You know that it is hard for me to leave. I don’t have someone in place to take over while I’m gone like the wolves do. I don’t have a council watching over my people like the Fae do. It is me and me alone that the burden falls to.”
Cyn nodded. “I know.”
Thalion’s eyes narrowed. “And?”
“And what? We both have responsibilities that we can’t just walk away from. I am a guardian, you are a prince, and those are the facts. We do not have the luxury of following our hearts.”
A small smile appeared on the prince’s face. “So, your heart leads you to me?”
“You know it does,” she whispered, shyly.
Before she could anticipate his next move, his lips were suddenly pressed to hers. It was a firm, quick kiss—it was a promise.
“I’ll see you very soon.” He gave her one last meaningful stare, and if looks could wrap arms around a person and possess them, then she would be locked in his.
Cyn walked back over to Lilly and Cypher in a daze.
“You didn’t see that coming did you?” Lilly asked.
Cyn shook her head, still unable to put any words together.
“Yeah well, there’s a lot of that going around so welcome to the club.”
Q
“SHE DID WHAT!” Desdemona yelled and the walls of the small building shook. The windows rattled and threatened to shatter as a wave of her power whipped through the air. Mona stared in the direction of the voice, though she could not see the owner. Once again, the Fae traitor had come to her, offering her information, because she hated one of her own.
“They are no longer in the In-Between,” the Fae reiterated.
“Yes, I kind of figured that’s what you meant when you said that Peri rescued them,” Mona spat at the cloaked figure. She still could not determine the identity of the Fae and it was really beginning to tick her off.
“Don’t take your incompetence out on me,” the Fae snapped back.
Mona froze. Very few beings would dare to talk to her that way and live to tell about it. She turned slowly to face the figure. Her hands itched to work their magic and the darkness swirled inside her pulsing, pushing to be released.
“I told you that I could help you Desdemona. I also told you that you were not my only option. I bring you this information to show you that I am telling you the truth when I say I want Perizada stripped of her power, kneeling before me knowing that her death is upon her.”
Mona couldn’t help the shriek of laughter that bolted out of her. “Damn, I thought I was blood thirsty, but I’m beginning to think that some of you so called good guys are even nastier than little ‘ole me.”
The cloaked figure stepped forward and the darkness around it slowly faded as the hood fell away. Mona laughed as she saw who stood before her.
“You have got to be kidding me,” she clapped her hands with glee. “This is just too much. Does Perizada have any idea that you, Lorelle, are so hard up for her demise?” Mona watched as a small flash of emotion passed over the high Fae’s face and was gone just as quickly as it appeared.
“I feel the element of surprise is much more satisfying when plotting the demise of one’s sibling, don’t you?” Lorelle’s eyes filled with a hatred that Mona fully understood, though she didn’t know one of the Fae was capable of such loathing.
“Thurlok is still at the bridge, though he is cowering under it in hopes that you will not find out what he has done.”
Mona turned and glared out of the window into the poor, tiny village tucked away in the mountains, untouched by progress or time. She had been surprised when Lorelle had asked her to meet in such a place, because it was not a setting that most Fae would choose to spend time, owing to their disdain for anything quaint and opulence free. Had she any semblance of caring she might have thought the village charming, but as it were she could care less if it burned to the ground.
Mona turned back to Lorelle, “You have tracked them?”
“Yes, she keeps us informed of their progress. She believes that we all have truly seen the error of our ways and are fully on board with the Great Luna’s plans.”
Mona’s skin crawled at the mention of the deity who created her foe.
“Where are they?” She snapped.
“They are making their way back to the Romanian stronghold. They are moving quickly through the forest and it seems that Peri is able to influence the plants and animals to aid them. They are drawn to the light she and the healers represent.” Lorelle explained.
Mona’s eyes narrowed as the she bared her teeth. “Well, we will just have to remedy that, won’t we?”
Though Lorelle had allowed her selfish desires and quest for her own power to twist her intentions into something evil, she still shuttered under the feral violence that surrounded Desdemona. It enveloped her completely, leaving no space for compassion, sympathy, or regret. Even now, something in Lorelle still opposed the idea of hurting her sister. But, she could see that Mona would gladly tear the wolves, limb from limb, reveling in their screams of agony, and then casually eat a meal afterwards without a second thought to the lives she'd just destroyed.
If she were honest with herself, she would admit that she didn’t want her hate of Peri to twist her that far, but somehow honesty just wasn’t her strong suit.