Page 22

BEYOND THE VEIL

“ O nly two tents?” Breena grumbled.

“The less to carry, the better,” Rhaegar responded, shifting a rucksack on his shoulder. A wicked battle axe was strapped to his back, its blade glinting in the shafts of light sprinkling through the tree canopy.

“I know, but you snore. Ah, perhaps I can share with Kaden.” She wiggled her eyebrows.

“Uh, I’m spoken for.” Kaden chuckled, fiddling with the baldric across his chest, his sword hilt bobbing behind his back.

“Bollocks. Sharing is caring. Right, Ryn?”

A snort escaped me as Kaden huddled closer, his hand clinging to the thigh of my black trousers. I tapped my finger against my lips. “Hmmm. Let’s see if he misbehaves and revisit the sleeping situation.”

“How dare you,” Kaden gasped. “I’ll have you know that I plan on misbehaving”—He swatted my bottom—“ and sleeping in your tent.”

Rhaegar swung his head side to side, a small smile playing over his lips, and a whoop of laughter fell from Breena. I grinned, stretching on the toes of my ankle boots to kiss him on the cheek, but he turned quickly and met my lips with his.

“Up ahead.” Rhaegar tipped his chin forward.

All morning, we had traveled along the edge of the coastal cliff. Little critters frolicked or flew out of our way as we hiked through the woods. Ahead of us, the veil swayed and glittered. A quick intake of breath raced through my nose.

“Well, that’s fecking impressive.” Breena jogged ahead, her rucksack bouncing.

As we reached the boundary, Kaden grabbed my hand, holding it tightly. To our left, waves churning and crashing against the sea cliff mimicked the trepidation rolling through me.

I looked at each of them, nodding, and we stepped through. The familiar energy in my scar vibrated, and heat swept through my body. All our eyes were glowing brightly, little beads of swirling light stuck to our clothing.

Breena’s mouth was agape, her fingers fluttering over the tiny orbs as they leaped off our bodies and back into the twinkling shroud. She spun, laughing, as the sparkling air twirled around her, the moss illuminating where she danced.

She paused, the glow in her eyes—in all our eyes—fading. “Is this what you see all the time, Seryn?” She slid her finger over a nearby tree, its glimmer following her touch.

“Not exactly. I see auras of living things when I want or when they’re feeling all the feels.” I shrugged. “This place is something else. The colors are insane and the sparkles—so many sparkles.” I spun one finger through the glittering air, and Breena smiled bemusedly, watching as it frolicked.

Breaking our trance, Rhaegar walked forward. “Shall we? We’ve got a lot of ground to cover.”

“We shall,” Breena agreed, putting her arm through his elbow.

We didn’t get far before a disembodied rasping voice flitted through my mind.

Little Staaar.

A shiver ran over me, and I gritted my teeth, shoving my hands through my curls.

“Gran?” Breena murmured, her eyes glassing over as she tried to pull away from Rhaegar.

I grabbed her forearm before she had the chance to wander. “Steady yourself, Breena. It’s a mare wyrm.”

Kaden drew his sword, rolling his shoulders back, his jaw set square. He marched toward the creature’s call, his biceps tense and fist clutching the hilt of his weapon.

Breena struggled against her friend, trying to run forward and calling for her grandmother. When she cursed at him and went for her curved daggers, the warrior dropped his rucksack with a sigh. Around it, moss lit up as it landed. Then, Rhaegar picked her up by the waist and positioned her wriggling body over his shoulder.

“You bloody bastard! Unhand me!” Breena yelled.

He nodded toward Kaden, and I drew my dagger, trailing after him. She needed to see the beast to understand better that it wasn’t her loved one, just its cruel power playing tricks.

As we approached, Rhaegar set Breena down, barring one enormous arm around her to keep her in place as she reached her arms out and cried, “No!”

Kaden strode up to the Void creature and, without hesitation, stabbed through its belly. I winced at the sight of my mother being impaled but lifted my chin as her image quickly morphed into that of a gelatinous leech writhing and screeching.

As it slumped to the ground, Breena calmed, falling limp in Rhaegar’s arms. He released her, and she smoothed her hands over her red tunic and trousers. She scrubbed her hands over her face, huffing. “So, those are the fecking worst.”

I rested my hand on her shoulder. She was still a bit rattled, but probably wouldn’t admit it. It wasn’t pleasant seeing someone you loved being hurt.

“I’ll be fine. Let’s move.” She put her hand on top of mine and dipped her head, blowing out a breath. After a moment, she walked away with Rhaegar to gather his rucksack.

Kaden came to me and wrapped me in his arms. Calming myself, I buried my face in his chest, breathing him in. My pulse slowed as the image of my mother faded. I looked up, kissing him on the jaw and rubbing my hands up and down the sides of his waist. “You did well. You okay?”

He kissed me on my forehead and nodded, jaw clenching. I couldn’t imagine what it had been like for him to stab what looked like his mother. But I knew Kaden, and I was sure his heart was crumbling at the edges even if he wouldn’t admit it. I put one hand on him, gently sliding my thumb over his cheek.

Breena and Rhaegar returned, and we continued our journey.

We walked for hours with no sign of the meadow. The sun was dipping low, shades of magenta and orange coloring the forest.

As we entered a small clearing, Rhaegar said, “This will be good for tonight. Let’s set up camp before sundown.”

Breena and Rhaegar worked fluidly, each moving around the other in a silent dance, completing tasks without talking as if they’d done it a hundred times.

It didn’t take long before we had a small fire going.

“What do you know about the trials?” Kaden asked the warrior as I settled between his thighs, leaning against his chest. He adjusted the thin blanket we shared over my legs.

Rhaegar reclined against a log next to Breena. “It’s typically variations of combat tasks against your opponents or beasts. There have also been tests of endurance, strength, and ember. Different every turn, so I wouldn’t try to set expectations. However, working together and utilizing each of our strengths will have the best outcome.” He bent forward, poking the fire with a long stick, sparks flying.

“Dream team right here.” Breena laughed, waving one hand in a circle at each of us. Rhaegar smiled, the flames reflecting in his dark eyes.

“Have you ever competed before?” I asked.

“Not since I’ve been Gavrel’s second. And before this,” he said, holding up his tattooed hand, the silver ink blinking in the firelight against the deep, rich color of his skin, “recollections elude me, naturally.”

“What’s different this time around?” Kaden asked, leaning his chin on my shoulder.

The warrior held the stick in the flames, the end smoldering. “A turn’s supply of rations will help many. If that were the prize in the past, I would’ve participated. Alas, Ancients know I’ve never been gifted with such spoils. Otherwise, my family’s story may have been different.” He tossed the stick into the fire, leaning back and watching it burn.

He hadn’t mentioned his family much, but when he did over the last few months, it was clear that they were no longer in the mortal plane. He'd shared stories about his sister and how she’d become ill when they were young and didn’t have the nourishment required to bounce back.

I wrapped my arms around my middle, my eyelids shuttering against a rush of sympathy mingled with dread. Kaden embraced me.

I couldn’t fathom Letti being taken away from me, especially due to her basic needs not being met. But I understood losing someone you loved. I rubbed my chest, trying to soothe the ache spurred by Rhaegar’s heartbreaking history.

If he felt anything similar to the unshakable, prickling grief I had experienced, he didn’t need words right now. It was a constant companion whispering to our hearts. So, I stayed silent, as did the others, letting the peace we were blessed with tonight offer solace. At least, in this moment.

Tomorrow would be a new story. I glanced up, wishing upon the glittering stars peeking between the leaves that we all made it safely through this journey.

We stayed up for a bit, caught in silent memories and the bonfire’s crackling flames before sleep beckoned. Breena and Rhaegar claimed the first watch, so Kaden and I bid them good night as we retired to our tent.

I settled on the bedroll, snuggling into Kaden. He curled his arm over my waist, pulling my back into his front. His warmth sunk into me, and I sighed—a welcome, dreamless sleep quickly overtaking me.

My body was swathed in a stifling heat. I groaned and shifted, trying to free myself from it. Is there a rock digging into my backside? A particularly stimulating moan flitted across my ear. My eyes flew open, adjusting to the early morning dimness.

Not a rock.

Kaden’s fingers burrowed under my tunic, rubbing my belly as he pressed his hard length into me. A sleepy smile slipped across my lips, and I pushed back, enjoying the sensual sounds he made in his half-asleep state.

His gravelly chuckle vibrated into my back. “I see you’re the one misbehaving, Ms. Vawn.”

“Are you going to make me share a tent with Breena?”

“Only if you stop what you’re doing.”

I smirked, grinding my bottom into him. He growled, slipping his hand along my skin, shoving my tunic and linen breastband over my chest as he cupped one heavy breast. A small moan fled my lips.

He kissed my shoulder and then nipped it. “Hush now. Unless you want our friends to hear.”

My hips moved faster, and I bit my lip in an attempt to keep quiet. He stifled his sounds of need, his biceps straining as he left my breast and slowly skimmed down my stomach. His fingers slipped under my trousers and underwear, two skilled fingers circling the needy nub at my apex.

I gasped, feeling how slick my skin was against his.

“That’s it, sweeting. You’re so wet for me.” His teeth slid over my earlobe, and I reached my hand behind me to cling to his neck, my nails digging into his skin and hair.

He thrust two fingers into my core, and I started to cry out before he bent his upper body toward me. I turned my head, my mouth meeting his so he could ravish my lips and swallow my moans.

My whole body quaked as he pumped his fingers in and out, his thumb twirling and pressing against my throbbing clit.

I tried to be quiet.

I really did.

But it was too much when he bit my bottom lip and dragged his teeth over it.

A garbled whimper flew from me as I exploded around his fingers. He grunted, thrusting into me one last time, his cock expanding.

“Damn it, woman. When I’m with you, I’m an inexperienced fledgling.” He chuckled, adjusting himself as I sat up and righted my clothes.

“Aw. How I pity you.”

“As you should.” He curled over by me while still lying on his side and bit one round cheek. I squealed, scurrying away.

He added, “I’m lucky I have an extra pair of breeches, you saucy wench.”

“Wonderful. Time to put them on so we can take the second watch.”

He grumbled as he did so, his large body bumping into the top of the tent the entire time.

Breena met me outside. “Well, well, well. Sounds like someone had a pleasant awakening.”

A ruddy warmth swept over me, all the way to my hairline. I swatted her arm as I looked around our camp. “Any trouble last night?”

She grinned, “Unfortunately, no. All was quiet in fairyland.”

“Love to hear it. Enjoy your sleep.”

“Oh, I will,” she said, stretching her arms and yawning.

She wiggled her eyebrows at Kaden. He smiled as we sat near the extinguished fire.

I nibbled on a piece of jerky I’d brought and offered some to Kaden. Between his teeth, he took the small bite I held, running his lips over my fingertips.

Coughing, I shifted on the log and pressed my thighs together as he smirked. It would be several hours before daybreak, and we were on high alert now that we’d gotten some sleep.

Hyperaware of our surroundings, every sound made me jump. We’d gotten lucky so far—but with various Void creatures wandering around and possibly opponents, our luck was bound to run out.

The Reverie Weald was equally mesmerizing in the dark as it was in the day—embered air and flora shimmered in a moonlit display as if the stars were dancing among us. Every step brought about an incandescent glow that whispered over the touched surfaces.

After several hours, the pink rays of the rising sun consumed the moonbeams, stealing into the shadows.

My head drooped. As my eyelids fluttered, something pinched the tender skin of my backside. “Bloody void!” I yelped, jerking forward.

Kaden leaped off the log, twirling, his sword ready. “What the?—”

I spun around, my hand rubbing my bottom. “Something poked?—”

Out of the corner of my eye, a flurry of kaleidoscopic colors whizzed by. A burst of air swooshed past my right cheek, my curls stirring against my skin. My attention snapped to the side, but only coiling sparkles lingered.

Kaden jumped, swatting one hand at his shaggy hair, his sword clattering to the ground.

Breena’s head popped out from her tent, yawning. “What’s the ruckus?” She rubbed her eyes before lurching forward as Rhaegar tumbled out behind her.

“Blasted pixies!” he shouted, his bulky frame wriggling on the glowing moss beneath him. A frenzied blur of shimmering movement bounced on his stomach. When he whipped his hands toward it, the glowing shape zoomed into his forehead, knocking him back.

I swore I heard a tinkling titter as a trail of luminescence rushed away from him and then vaulted off Breena’s nose.

A strand of my hair was tugged from my scalp. “Ow!”

Kaden and the others were flailing around, cussing, and slapping at the space around them. Another flash of shifting colors whizzed by my face.

A snarl of frustration shot from me, and I stomped my foot. My hands snapped out in annoyance, iridescent energy sizzling from my scar. It rocketed over my body and flared as I bellowed, “Enough!”

Everyone froze, looking at me with wide eyes and mouths gaping.

Rhaegar sprawled on the earth; one arm extended as he gripped a wriggling, winged creature between his thumb and forefinger while another yanked on the toe of his boot.

Breena knelt, her suspended hand clutching a chunk of her dark hair as another twinkling beastie pulled the end of it.

Kaden stood, his arms limp as he stared at me. Two glimmering sprites tugged at each of his ears, their tiny squeaks of exertion streaking through the silence.

With its fisted hands on its waist, a pixie—as Rhaegar had called the little fiends—materialized in front of me, four lucent wings flapping like a hummingbird. A frenzied swirl of splintered, rainbow-like hues gleamed around its figure, which was no bigger than my hand. With each puff of air, wispy white hair fluttered around its shoulders. With a seafoam green complexion, its features—neither feminine nor masculine—were strangely humanoid except for pointed ears and a flattened nose, which comprised two narrow slits in the center of its face. One of its light eyebrows cocked, copper eyes glowering.

My mouth twisted, my glare narrowing. I mirrored its stance and thrust my knuckles upon my hips. “If you would be so gracious—please call off your friends.”

The little beast huffed and crossed its arms over its chest. Then it stuck its tiny, jade-colored tongue out.

“Now,” I insisted, allowing my gift to flicker and ripple over my body in warning.

It flinched, squeaking and showing its palms to me. Turning its head, but keeping one metallic eye trained on me, the pixie let loose a string of anxious chirps. The others ceased their mischief and gathered around their leader with tilted heads, ogling me warily.

Rhaegar sat up, scratched his jaw, and grunted, “Well, I’ll be …”

The corners of my mouth tipped up, my aura dissipating. “Thank you.” I bowed to them, an idea weaving through my mind. “Would you happen to know where a meadow of giant flowers dwells?”

Furtive glances were shared between the winged troublemakers. Nervously, one pixie stabbed a finger in the direction catercorner to the coast, its bottom lip trembling. The group began to twitter anxiously as if scolding the defector, flitting around the creature and pulsing with light.

My brows rose as I glanced at Kaden, my fingers steepling in front of a barely contained smirk. His eyebrows rose, eyes twinkling with amusement.

Breena hoisted herself up, taking a few steps in the direction the pixie had indicated. She began to look toward me, but then her gaze snapped back as she withdrew her daggers and dashed off into the woods.

“Damn it, woman,” Rhaegar grumbled as he followed her, battle axe in hand. In the distance, the glow of footsteps lingered upon the moss where someone or something had spied on us from behind a gnarled tree, its bark’s radiance still gleaming from where it was handled.

“You all right if I go with them? They might need help,” Kaden asked, unsheathing his sword.

I nodded. “I’m fine here. Go ahead—I’ll watch the camp.”

Hesitating, Kaden pressed his lips together.

“Truly, I’ll be okay. Go on.”

He turned reluctantly, running after our friends.

The pixies suddenly stilled, hovering above my head, eyes unblinking. A grim line settled across the leader’s mouth, and it darted this way and that in front of my face. I waved my hand, trying to shoo the creature away, but it clenched its fists and yanked on the collar of my tunic.

“Okay, okay. You want me to follow you?”

It chirped, beaming—exposing teeny razor-like teeth—and zoomed past my shoulder, the others following. As a unit, they zigzagged through the forest, and I followed behind at a brisk pace. Their energy trailed behind them like shooting stars leading the way.

We only moved for a few moments before they reared up, circling above me. My neck strained to look at them before one swooped down, tugging one of my curls. “Hey!” I cried at the sharp sting. The little monster gave me a toothy grin before flying forward and landing on the outstretched hand of a young girl.

I blinked, my heart thumping. Is this a trick? Another Void demon?

The girl studied me with inquisitive, golden eyes, her aureate waves wisping in the twinkling breeze. She wore a simple gossamer dress that swept down to the moss, pooling around her feet in a puddle of white. She giggled, smiling fondly at the pixie sitting in her palm. “Much obliged, sweet one,” she praised in a dulcet tone.

It looked at her adoringly before hugging her thumb and flitting away. The other pixies followed, scattering among the luminous flora in a flurry of multicolored streaks.

Without thought, I stepped back, resting my hand on the hilt of my dagger.

“I mean you no harm, Seryn,” she said, her voice caressing me. I stiffened, head tilting to the side, eyes squinting.

“How do you know my name?”

“Let’s just say I’m a friend. For countless turns, an encounter with you is something I’ve dreamed of. I dare say—you remind me of Maya.”