Heir of the Fae Page 15

I waited, since I’d just get hit in the face with the spoils of his labor. Tension tightened my skin as the seconds ticked past.

  Please let Tarron be okay.

  Finally, Burn appeared back through the tunnel, slipping out into the cell. There was a bit of blood around his mouth, but otherwise, he looked okay.

  Tarron followed, bloodied and beaten and dirty but no longer wrapped in thorns.

  Elation surged in my chest, and I dropped to my knees next to him. “Are you okay?”

  “Yes.” His eyes searched mine. “Are you?”

  “Yeah.” I was short of breath.

  “Your dog got me out. They tossed me in a cell like this one, still wearing the thorn ropes. All of my magic was blocked. You’ve got a good dog.”

  I looked over at Burn, spotting his bloody mouth again.

  “Oh, Burn.” I had a feeling I knew how he’d gotten the bloody mouth. “You’ll be getting all the bacon you want, big guy.”

  He woofed low in his throat.

  “Hopefully this will do for now.” I dug into my pocket to retrieve a butterscotch and unwrapped it, then tossed the hard candy at Burn.

  He leapt up and snagged it, chomping down happily.

  I turned back to Tarron.

  He was looking at me, the relief on his face replaced by confusion. Suspicion. “Your mother’s signature… It was the same as the one that polluted my realm when the Unseelie invaded.”

  “Yes,” I said slowly.

  “Did you recognize it then?”

  “Um.” I hesitated, my skin growing cold.

  “You did.”

  Shit. I should have confessed sooner.

  “I could sense you were lying about something,” he said. “Not about your magic, apparently. But about your mother’s role.”

  “I’m sorry I lied. But I needed your help with Magic’s Bend,” I said. “I only recognized the scent. I’ve never been on my mother’s side. But I didn’t know how to tell you about it. Or when to tell you. You already didn’t trust me. I didn’t want to make it worse. I needed your help to save Magic’s Bend.”

  “Telling me any time before now would have been good. Did you know she was the queen?”

  I shook my head frantically. “I had no idea.”

  “Sure.” He sounded as if didn’t believe me. He shook his head slightly, mouth tight. “I can’t believe we’re fated mates.”

  “We shouldn’t be! You hate my species.”

  “I don’t.” He scowled.

  “Yes, you do.”

  “You lie too much.”

  He was right about that. There was nothing I could say to it. “I don’t care about fate.” That wasn’t entirely true. But still. “I don’t believe in fated mates. It’s a Seelie thing.”

  “And Unseelie. And fate doesn’t care what you believe.”

  “Well, fate is wrong, because we hate each other.”

  He gripped my arms, his expression intense. “I don’t hate you. But I don’t know that I’ll ever trust you. But I can’t resist you, Mograh.”

  Anger and longing flashed inside of me. This was a mess.

  “This whole thing between us has me completely frustrated and out of my mind,” he said.

  “Well, it’s mutual. And we have to get the hell out of here. I don’t know what you heard from my mother, but there’s going to be an attack on Magic’s Bend soon. Demons will come out of the crevasse any minute. We need to close it.”

  He nodded and stood. “Let’s follow your dog.”

  14

  I started after Burn, who was headed toward the first tunnel he’d dug. He led us through a narrow pass that sloped upward toward the surface. It was close and tight, the walls feeling like they were closing in. The scent of wet earth filled my lungs, nearly suffocating me. I scrambled after the thorn wolf as fast as I could, desperate to get the hell out of there.

  Finally, we reached the surface. I sucked in a deep breath of fresh air and scrambled toward some cover provided by a huge hedge. Tarron and Burn joined me, and I realized that we were in the same corridor next to the palace where we’d snuck in through the window. Apparently the dungeons were right beneath, which made some sense.

  I reached for Tarron’s hand and tried my transport magic.

  Nothing happened.

  No surprise, but it still sucked. “I tried my transport magic, but we’re blocked.”

  “We have to get back to the portal. It will be the only exit, unless the queen has a private one.”

  “We’re not going anywhere near her.”

  “Agreed. I’ve never seen magic like hers. It sneaks up and grabs you before you see it coming.”

  “Let’s get back to the portal, then.” I touched my fingertips to my comms charm. “Aeri? We’re coming back.”

  “Hurry! Demons are starting to come out of the crevasse.”

  Shit. Just like my mother had said.

  “Be there soon.”

  Tarron stood and stepped out from the hedges. I joined him.

  Quietly, we crept along the corridor, sticking close to the shadows as we headed toward the back of the palace. There would be too many people out front still, and I couldn’t blend in like this. We needed to get far enough away that I could use a glamour.

  Finally, we reached the end of the lane and turned right through a small grove. Burn disappeared, off to wherever he went, and we crept through the fruit trees that called to me despite the knowledge that I should never eat them.

  They were easier to resist, however, perhaps because I’d had practice with throwing off the chains of my mother’s magic. She could control both mind and body, making her almost invincible.

  Past the orchard, we found a collection of carriages.

  “They must be waiting for the people from the ball.” I searched for ours, hoping against hope. I spotted it and pointed. “Let’s go get our clothes.”

  I raced over and pulled open the carriage door. The two Fae had regained consciousness, and they struggled against their bonds.

  “Sorry, fellas.” I grabbed the bag full of clothes and yanked it out, then shut the door again. “Someone will find you soon.”

  It was a shame we couldn’t take the carriage, but I didn’t know how to direct it, given that there was no driver.

  I tossed Tarron his clothes and dug out my own, then went to the other side of the carriage and pulled them on. Finally, I felt like myself again. My clothes were my armor, and being so raggedly dressed felt gross. And since we were headed right back to battle, I didn’t need to be making a pit stop at my house for clothes.

  Dressed, I stepped out from behind the carriage. “Ready?”

  Tarron was dressed in his black clothes again, looking handsome as the devil. The potion we’d taken to make us look Unseelie had faded, and I preferred his normal face.

  “Let’s get out of here.” I turned and headed toward the edge of the property.

  We hurried through the palace grounds, finally reaching the main town.

  “Let’s stick to the alleys,” Tarron said.

  I followed him through the narrow, winding alleys. At one point, we were able to steal cloaks off a washing line, which helped us blend in even better.

  As I made my way through the city, I realized how eerie it was to leave the darkness of the palace behind. Out here, we were amongst the regular Unseelie, and it wasn’t quite what I expected. It was so much more…normal.

  My mother’s magic had clearly polluted the castle grounds and those within it—they were probably her main forces in her attempt to expand her empire—but out here, it was life as usual.

  Sure, there was more dark magic and general trickery and mischievousness. Just like Darklane. But it wasn’t all bad.

  I’d have to think on this more.

  Finally, we reached the edge of town. The meadow that separated us from the portal in the forest was completely empty except for the path that cut through it.

  Tarron and I hovered in the shadows, watching.


  “If the queen finds us missing, that road is the first place they’ll check,” he said.

  “They’d see us right away. And the sky is completely clear, so flying isn’t a great option.” I peered around the edge of the building and looked at the main road. A wagon rumbled down it, the back piled high with barrels of stuff I couldn’t identify. Two horses dragged it, but no driver. Just like our enchanted carriage from the ball. It was headed right for the path that led out of town. “I think I might see a possible ride.”

  Tarron turned to look. “Excellent.”

  The wagon neared, and I bent to grab a rock from the ground. The carriage was nearly to us, and the street was still empty. Good. Once the wagon had passed, I threw the rock in front of the wagon, and it rolled along the ground. The two horses rose up and neighed. The wagon stopped.

  “Come on.” I ran for the back.

  Tarron and I climbed in between the barrels, and he conjured two rough brown blankets. We huddled beneath them, pressed side by side. His warmth seeped into me, both comforting and unnerving. We weren’t exactly on great terms, but we had no choice but to remain together.

  My heart thundered as I waited. Finally, the wagon began to roll. I grinned.

  Perfect.

  It was a silent, tense ride to the forest. By the time the shadows grew dark from the trees, I was ready to get the hell out.

  “These barrels are full of potion bombs,” Tarron murmured.

  “What?”

  He handed me one. “I just pulled it out of that one.”

  I looked at the low barrel he was pointing to, then at the small glass globe I held. A shining green liquid gleamed within.

  “Shit.” My mind raced. There has to be thousands of potion bombs in here. Enough for a huge attack.

  If this was headed to the portal, that meant it was headed to earth. Probably to Magic’s Bend. “Aeri said demons were starting to come out of the crevasse. I bet the Fae will be the second line of attack.”

  “We need to destroy this cart.”

  “Agreed.” We were nearly to the clearing. “Let’s do it now.”

  He nodded and climbed gracefully from the cart. I followed, sprinting to the front of the carriage and drawing a blade as I ran. I sliced the harnesses off the horses and smacked each on the butt. They sprinted off. When I was far enough away, Tarron hurled a fireball at the wagon.

  It went up like a mushroom cloud, the explosion hurling me backward. I slammed into a tree and grunted.

  Tarron ran toward me. “Are you all right?”

  “Fine. I guess I was still too close.” I staggered upright, my ears picking up the sound of footsteps. “Someone is coming. Hide.”

  We ducked behind a huge tree trunk just as a troop of Fae soldiers came. They’d run from the direction of the portal. No doubt they were headed to Magic’s Bend.

  “I’ll take care of them.” Tarron raised his hands, his magic swelling on the air, bringing with it the scent of autumn and the feel of water.

  The earth rose up behind the Fae soldiers, breaking apart as Tarron forced it upward. The soldiers never even saw—they were too busy staring at the explosion. It crashed down on them, smashing them to the ground.

  Groans sounded from beneath the piles of dirt, but it’d take them some time to dig themselves out.

  “Let’s go.” I sprinted from my place behind the tree, headed for the portal.

  It was unguarded, thank fates. Every single Unseelie had been drawn by the explosion.

  I hurtled through the gleaming black portal, not even waiting for Tarron. He followed close behind, and we both arrived back at the top of Mount Schiehallion in seconds.

  Cold wind whipped across the peak and chilled my skin.

  I touched my comms charm. “Aeri, where are you?”

  “Top of the big building on the west side of the street. The old music hall.”

  “Be there in a sec.” I reached for Tarron’s hand. As soon as his stronger one gripped mine, I called upon my magic, transporting us back to Magic’s Bend.

  We arrived in chaos. The flat roof of the old music hall was covered with supernaturals prepping for battle. Mages, shifters, and even a few city Fae. I caught sight of a few demon slayers I recognized from work, along with members of the Order of the Magica. They grabbed weapons and raced to the edge of the roof, jumping and climbing down to the street.

  I ran to the edge and looked down. The crevasse was enormous. Demons climbed out, dozens of them. Our side fought valiantly, trying to hold them back with magic and might. Colorful blasts flew through the air as spells were cast and weapons flew.

  To my right, Claire and her brother, Connor, hurled potion bombs down at the attackers. In addition to making a mean latte, Connor was a master potion maker. His sister, Claire, was a mercenary, and together, they made a mean team. Acid bombs and freezing potions splashed against demons, who shrieked and flailed.

  “You’re here just in time for the fun!” Claire shouted.

  “Wouldn’t want to miss it.” Especially since I’d caused it.

  Right beneath us, I spotted the shimmery blue form of Del, one of the FireSouls and Cass’s sister. She was part phantom, able to adopt the form at will, and she fought like a mad woman, beheading demons with her sword almost as soon as they reached her.

  “Mari!” Aeri’s voice called from the right, and I looked over.

  She sprinted toward me, dressed in her white ghost suit. Behind her, I spotted Cass. Her red hair gleamed in the early morning light. Magic swirled around her, and she turned into an enormous griffon. Gleaming golden feathers surrounded an enormous beak. Her sister Nix jumped onto her back, and Cass raced for the edge of the building, her huge wings carrying her high into the air. Nix also favored a bow and arrow, and she fired it expertly down at the demons below.

  Badass.

  Aeri reached me. “Are you okay?”

  “Fine. I need to get down to the crevasse.” I glanced at Tarron, who had stuck by my side. “Him, too.”

  “Let’s go. I’ll watch your backs while you work.”

  “Thanks.”

  “We’ll keep an eye on you, too,” Connor said.

  “Thanks, guys.” It would really help to have them providing top cover.

  Aeri leapt over the side of the building and scaled down it to the ground at record speed.

  “Let’s do this.” Tarron’s wings flared wide, and he flew to the ground.

  I followed, landing silently next to Aeri. We needed to reach the edge of the crevasse, which was only fifteen yards away.

  Problem was, there were at least a dozen demons between us and our goal.

  I looked at her. “Let’s clear a path. Quick.”

  She nodded, immediately understanding.

  We each drew a dagger from the ether. I sliced it against my palm, hissing at the pain. But I enjoyed it all the same. Anything to know I was in control.

  I called upon the lightning deep inside me, stepping away from Aeri so there was a good twenty feet of space between us. She did the same, and we held out our hands so our palms faced each other.

  “Now!” I let the magic burst out of me, the electric current lighting up my nerve endings with power and light.

  The lightning shot toward Aeri, and her current joined with my own, creating a steady line of deadly force. This was a power I could only use with her, because we’d once created it together in an attempt to escape Aunt. It was badass, though.

  We ran forward, dragging the lightning through any demon that stood between us and the crevasse. They dropped like stones, shaking and spitting.

  Fifteen down.

  We reached the edge of the crevasse, and I dropped my hand, cutting the electric current. I leaned over to look down into the darkness. My mother’s magic welled up, along with the burning rubber smell of the demons and their underworld.

  Whether she’d hired them as mercenaries or made some kind of pact with them, she’d gotten a great deal. There were hundred
s climbing up the walls from deep within. All different species, but mostly fire demons from the look of the dark red skin and blunt horns.

  “Fates,” Tarron said from behind me. “I’ve never seen anything like this.”

  “I think it’s a first.” Normally, demons came through portals created by mages who wanted to use their services on earth. Their services being mainly killing.

  This, though…

  It was unprecedented.

  All to get to me.

  I shivered.

  This was the wrong kind of motherly love.

  “I’ve got your back,” Aeri said. “Now get to work.”

  I nodded, drawing in a deep breath and calling upon my magic. It was hard to focus with the battle raging all around. To my right, Cass swooped low and bit a demon in half with her enormous beak. Behind me, I could hear Aeri fighting another demon. Colorful blasts of potion bombs exploded all around.

  “I’ll start closing the earth back up as soon as you remove the magic that keeps it apart,” Tarron said.

  “Okay. I’ll work fast.” I forced the distractions to the back of my mind, focusing on the deep crevasse. Specifically, focusing on the dark magic that seemed to coat the thing. Now that my magic rested easily inside of me, it was like I could see for the first time.

  Faint, glowing patterns covered the walls of the crevasse. They swirled over the surface, imbuing the stone with strength.

  It was my magic. Or at least, it was the damage that I’d done. I needed to remove the magic swirls so Tarron could close up the ground. I had no idea how to do that, so I did what I always did.

  I winged it.

  I reached out with my power, trying to make a connection with the magic that I’d left staining the stone. It took a few tries, but I finally got ahold of it. If I removed the magic from the stone walls, where the hell would I put it?

  I tried absorbing it back into myself, and it seemed to work. The magic flowing into my body made me vibrate with power, but I didn’t stop.

  It was so damned difficult, though. I felt like I’d lose the thread of it any moment.

  As I worked, demons climbed the walls toward me. Tarron hit them with blasts of sunlight, making them tumble back down into the depths of the earth. They howled as they fell, the sound making my hair stand on end.