Chapter Twenty-One

 

She’d left him again, Malachi thought when he woke up. Pain raced through his body until he forced it aside. Shade had lied to him. She was supposed to have been here in his arms when he woke up, but she’d crept away again.

Swinging his legs over the edge of the bed, he sat up, head clutched in his hands. He couldn’t keep doing this. She’d made her choice. Frustration had him pushing to his feet. He stalked across the bedroom to look out the window.

The sun was pouring its loving rays over the garden. A beautiful morning indeed, but he could care less. Shade had hurt him for the last time, he swore silently. He had other things to do, things more important than nursing his broken heart.

Blind to anything but his pain and rage, Malachi strode to the bathroom, wanting nothing more than to wash Shade’s scent from his skin. Mentally planning his day, he washed and dressed in record time. No, no time to think about Shade. Then he saw a note propped over something on his nightstand.

He sat on the edge of the bed. He didn’t want to open the note, didn’t want to read what lies she’d written. But he wasn’t a coward, he told himself strongly. Opening the paper, he stared at the scrawling words. The handwriting was messy, almost awkward, but the note was easy to decipher.

Malachi,

I am so sorry for everything I’ve done to you and your cause. I wish I could have helped more, been more, if only to pay you back for all you’ve given me. For most of my life, I’ve lived in a shell of ice, but you broke through and showed me how to live. I can never repay you for that, but know that if I had a choice, I’d never leave you.

 

I hope someday if you can’t remember me fondly, you’ll at least remember the difference you made in one fairy’s life.

Love,

Noelani Fayard

P.S. Veilerians and Eturians have been testing your wards for the last three days. Please get everyone away from your home and keep safe. You will have your redemption. That I do promise you.

He sat staring at the letter, the words blending together before him. Love, Noelani Fayard. He closed his eyes. Remembered the glow in her eyes last night. It had been dark, yes, but nothing could hide the light of love. Sonofabitch! He jumped to his feet, stopping when he saw the item the note had been propped up against.

Picking it up and turning it over, he saw that it was Shade’s retractable sword. He’d never seen it up close, but he recognized her scent as it was embedded in the leather.

He pressed the latch, releasing the blade. He caught his breath. It was beautiful. Some kind of fey steel, which meant it hadn’t been made by the Veilerian weapons master. This was her sword, he thought in awe. The elaborate scroll work along the flat of the blade seemed to tell a story with finely etched knights fighting against monsters. Rotating the hilt, he felt that it was a perfectly balanced weapon. It was a fine sword, a sword meant for honor, not murder. Embedded in the hilt were the stylized letters, NF, in gold.

The sword, the letter…she hadn’t left him willingly. Hope mingled with love. He stared at the sword. He was in love with an assassin, the assassin who’d been sent to kill him. And now she was out there, somewhere, enduring Gods only knew what. He needed to find her.

Nearly frantic with worry, he retracted the blade, keeping it in his hand as he hurried into his security room. He needed to get his people to safety before he did anything else.

The next few hours were spent making calls to his closest allies to ensure his people’s protection. They weren’t happy to leave, but they went because he asked them to. Tia remained with him as he finished closing up his house. The time for being reactive was over. Noelani was fighting the bloodiest of battles and he could do no less.

He and Tia arrived at Lucian’s house late in the evening. They were welcomed at the door by Briggs, Ruby’s English bulldog, and Rosetta.

“Where’s Lucian?” Malachi asked as he stepped across the threshold.

Rosetta was staring at Tia, her mouth hanging open. Flicking an impatient glance at the drag queen, he looked back at his…daughter. Tia was wearing black jeans, a blood red blouse, and had pulled her hair into a ponytail. She looked young and exotic.

“Rosetta, this is Tia. Tia, this is Rosetta. Now, where’s Lucian?” he demanded of the stunned Amazon.

“I’m right h- Holy hells,” Lucian whispered from the hallway next to the stairs.

“What is it, Lucian?” Ruby asked from behind him, peering over his shoulder to see Malachi and Tia.

“Lucian, Ruby, this is Tiamat. My daughter,” he said proudly, putting a gentle arm around Tia’s shoulders.

The glowing face she turned up to him caught at his heart. Tia might not have come from his body, but she belonged to him as no one else would. She knew the darkness that had been his life before, had been a victim of it, and she still accepted him.

“Your daughter?” Lucian gaped, looking stunned.

Tia turned her sapphire gaze to Lucian. She studied the tall vampire quietly. “He is my Abba,” she said softly. “You are my Namabba, my uncle.”

Malachi looked on as Lucian gaped at Tia. Ruby appeared amused, coming to stand next to her mate. “This is something of a shock, Malachi,” the Chieftain said mildly, her gaze traveling between Tia and Lucian.

Tia pulled her eyes away from Lucian and stared at Ruby. A reverent look came over her as she took in Ruby’s swollen belly. She bowed deeply. A smattering of lyrical language flowed from her.

Ruby and Lucian looked at him with questioning eyes. He shrugged. He had no idea what Tia was saying, but seeing his brother flustered was more than pleasing.

Tia approached Ruby, still bent nearly in half. “Please, young mother. May I touch the babe?”

A twinge of unease trickled down Malachi’s spine, but he sensed no danger from Tia, nor could he believe she would bring any harm to Ruby or her unborn child. Ruby studied Tia closely, doubt, suspicion, and finally acceptance crossing her face.

Taking Tia’s outstretched hand she placed it on the crest of her belly. Malachi watched carefully, noting that Lucian was tense next to his pregnant mate. It proved to be unnecessary. Tia’s head came up, the look of awe on her face nearly blinding.

“Oh, mistress,” she breathed, her blue eyes blazing. “Oh what a strong daughter you have!”

Stunned, Lucian and Ruby looked at Tia, then at each other. The smile they shared made Malachi’s heart ache with want for Lani. This is what he wanted, he decided as he watched their hands join over Ruby’s stomach. He wanted the closeness his brother shared with his mate, wanted to put his hand on the child growing under Lani’s heart. It was what he would have, damn the consequences.

Lucian kissed Ruby on the cheek, and approached Malachi with silent intent. Tia continued gushing over the Chieftain, her tiny hands fluttering around her as she talked.

“I’m not going to ask how you managed to get yourself a fully grown daughter, but I have a feeling she isn’t the real reason you’re here,” Lucian murmured. He jerked his head, indicating Malachi should follow him to the den.

Before following his younger brother, Malachi checked on Tia. Rosetta had left her post by the door. She and Ruby were offering chocolate and goodies to Malachi’s foster daughter. With a bright smile, Tia followed them into the kitchen.

Minutes later, Malachi sank into one of Lucian’s overstuffed leather chairs, nursing a glass of whiskey. His brother sat across from him with a similar drink in hand.

“Where’s Dominic?” Malachi asked, not quite ready to tell Lucian his reason for being there.

“He’s at the Blood Maiden’s camp. They’re having a movie night.”

“Good God, did you tell them not to shave off his eyebrows?” he demanded, ignoring the twinkle of amusement in Lucian’s eyes.

“They like Dominic a lot better than they like you. Besides, it isn’t a drinking game movie. I think they’re watching Babe or something like that.” Lucian chuckled softly. “How, um accurate is your Tiamat?”

It was Malachi’s turn to smile. “She’s usually right on spot with her predictions. Congratulations, brother. You’re having a girl.” He laughed loudly. “You’re having an Amazon.”

Lucian’s swarthy face paled. “Oh God,” he whispered, throwing back his whiskey. “Oh God.”

Malachi laughed uproariously. He knew Lucian was already picturing the training his daughter would go through, the battles she’d join because she needed to, and he also knew Lucian was thinking about the males his daughter would kidnap. He stopped laughing. His niece was going to kidnap males and have sex with them. He shuddered.

“We’ll lock her up,” he swore to his brother. Sweat beaded on his upper lip. “Tia, too.”

Lucian nodded, looking decidedly ill.

Malachi shook his head, he needed to stop imagining horrors and get to why he was here. “We need to stay here, me and Tia.”

“Of course. Have you thought about the information I presented to you?”

“I um,” Malachi paused, trying to gather his thoughts. He couldn’t find the words for himself, so gave Lani’s letter to Lucian to read for himself.

Relaxing, he tilted his head back. He hated asking anyone for help, but in this instance he’d beg for it. Lucian wasn’t just a Councilor he was also a damned good strategist. In their years of fighting against each other, it had been a draw nearly every time.

“Hm.”

“She also left this,” Malachi added, handing over Lani’s blade to his brother.

Skepticism crossed Lucian’s face until he extracted the blade. “But…this isn’t a Guild weapon! Do all Eturians have this? Where did she get this? Who made this?” The questions came out so fast, Lucian stumbled over his words. His face held an expression of awe mingled with shock.

“I think it’s a legacy sword,” Malachi answered, with a nod towards the blade.

Lucian’s forehead wrinkled in a thoughtful frown. “These look like Shadow Knights,” he murmured, studying the etchings carefully. “She’s a shadow fairy, I have no doubt now. If this sword was hers before she went into service, then she was part of the Royal Court.” He looked up at Malachi. “Tell me honestly, Malachi. What are your feelings for this female?”

Feeling trapped in the chair, Malachi got to his feet to pace around the room. What were his feelings for Lani? They were so mixed up, he wasn’t sure he could begin to explain.

“She’s an enigma, Luc.” He poured another drink. “She hasn’t had an easy life, but I don’t know exactly what happened to her to be able to help her. She was sent to kill me, but didn’t, yet she’s killed so many others, in so many ways.” He stopped, gulping back the alcohol, enjoying the burn as it eased down his throat. “I- I think I love her.”

Lucian made a restive movement before blowing out a stream of air. “She’s an assassin, brother. Say you manage to clear your name. If word got out about her profession, you would be shunned again. You’d lose all the respect you’ve wanted to earn.”

“You think I don’t know that?” He laughed harshly. “Ever since I found out exactly what was going on with the Eturi, I’ve wanted nothing more than to make things right. But at what cost, Lucian? I’ve lived for the chance to fix my mistakes and get Halflings recognized as full citizens of The Veil. It’s been an obsession.” Clutching his glass, he bowed his head. “Will I have to give up a future too?”

His brother sighed deeply. Malachi could picture Lucian pinching the bridge of his nose, a habit he had when he was thinking hard. “I don’t know what to say. I’ve supported you in everything, but this might be too much.”

“Then don’t,” he answered, turning to face Lucian. “I don’t know what’s going to happen, and Tia hasn’t been forthcoming with any predictions. Right now, the future isn’t what I’m worried about. It’s Lani. I think she either went back, or they took her. I’m…concerned.”

Lucian’s clear green eyes studied Malachi carefully. “We never managed to get a spy into their network, but word does leak over to us now and again.” He stood, towering over Malachi. “We’ll put feelers out, see if anything comes back. I can’t promise you anything though.”

“Promises are for children, Luc,” Malachi answered with a tight smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “I just want her safe.”

“We’ll try.”

*****

Shade twitched, one eye cracking open before shutting quickly again. Her body was one throbbing pain from the top of her head to the bottoms of her feet. Luther hadn’t held back once he began his punishment.

Blood roared in her ears as she strained to hear if anyone was with her. Silence. Her body relaxed. A groan fought its way to the surface, but she stifled it. It wouldn’t do any good to give voice to her pain. She was lying on a pallet in the same cell she’d lived in all those years ago. It seemed fitting that the Shade had been born here, and would most likely die here as well.

Once Luther had her under control, she’d been transferred back to his special room. The dungeon hadn’t changed a bit since the last time she resided in it. Still dank with mold covered walls, lit by old-fashioned torches. Luther’s residence was museum quality from the antique furniture to the creepy dungeon, she thought with a pained chuckle. She wondered if he gave tours.

“Ah, Shade. You’re awake!” Luther said from the other side her cell door.

She didn’t respond, saving her energy for another round of agony. Since they were underground, she had no idea how long she’d been in his hands. It could’ve been a day or it could’ve been a week. Drifting in and out of consciousness hadn’t aided her ability to mark the passage of time.

“I was worried I’d have to give you a dunking to wake you up,” he continued cheerfully. “You’re a marvel, my love. Always able to take whatever punishment I mete out.” He sighed gustily.

There was a scrape of metal on metal, and the door opened. She heard his footsteps approach. If she’d hurt just a little less, she could’ve swiped out at him in a futile attempt to show him she’d never surrender. Her body refused her mind’s commands.

She sensed Luther standing over her. Then she felt the coldness of his fingers against her cheek. Her stomach roiled with hatred and fear.

“There’s something different about you, dearest. I can see it,” he whispered. His fingers stroked across her skin. “Do you know how much I mourned your loss of emotion? How much I wish I hadn’t had to beat it out of you? But now…I can see it again. Like a beautiful little flame sparking to life.”

Clothing rustled, striking terror into her heart. Gods no, not that, she thought frantically wanting to pry her eyes open to see him. She couldn’t survive another rape at his hands. Not after her body had accustomed itself to Malachi. Her mind screamed out in fear while her heart thudded painfully.

Her neck muscles strained to hold back her screams as Luther touched her body. He whispered against her skin, a gentle sound for the vile things he described to her.

“You missed me, didn’t you, my love? Ah, you were always a beauty, my Shade.” His hands removed the tattered remains of her clothing. His breath caught. “You belong to me. You always have. If I could’ve, I would have kept you here with me, but we needed assassins with your skills.”

He growled, his hands pawing her breasts. Lani locked herself deep in her mind, blocking out what was happening to her body. He stopped, studying something. Then he roared.

Her head snapped to the side with the first blow. “You whore!” he screamed at her, his eyes gone fully red. The next blow snapped her head in the opposite direction. “You let another demon mark you!”

A grim smile curled her mouth. Luther stopped his fists, staring down at the deceptively fragile female sprawled on the pallet like a rag doll. Her face was swollen and bruised beyond recognition. Blood flowed from her mouth, nose, and several cuts all over her body. She was a gruesome sight, but something within her glowed ethereally.

Her eyes cracked open, the green blindingly bright. Luther caught his breath. She wasn’t Shade anymore. She was…someone else. This was the noble fairy who’d been placed in his custody. This is who she would’ve been without his training. He was horrified and awed.

The green disappeared as her eyes closed again. The slump of her body told him she was unconscious. He frowned down at her, fists at his sides. He didn’t have much time before she was called to the master. It wouldn’t be good for the Overlord to see her like this, not when he had plans for her himself.

“Luther!” a feminine voice called from the stairs descending into the dungeon.

Lani turned her head, peeking through her eyelashes. She saw Luther at the small window at the top of the cell. He looked slightly panicked.

“Luther, darling,” a woman’s voice cooed, coming closer to the cell. “You’ve been hiding from me.”

Slapping Lani once more, he exited the cell, locking the door behind him.

Ice speared the back of Lani’s skull. She knew that voice. She hadn’t heard it in nearly two hundred years, but she remembered that rich contralto. Wikolia, her mother. What was she doing here?