Page 40 of Raven Rebel (Sablewood #1)
“That’s enough of that,” Brenna said, relaxing her stance as the heat faded. “I can hold it longer, but it’s exhausting. Besides, this was a motivational display. I really want to see what you can do.”
Meara pursed her lips. “I haven’t been successful as of yet.”
“Do we need the Autumn Lord’s assistance?” Brenna teased. “I’m sure he would be thrilled to help.”
Meara’s gaze could have sliced stone. She exhaled and stretched out her hands before clenching them.
Unsure of what to do, she stretched her neck, tipping her head from one side to another, trying to relax herself.
Mentally drawing into herself, she looked for that feeling, the icy sense that felt more like an absence than magic within her.
Her chin dipped down, her chest rising and falling slowly. After a moment, she looked up.
Brenna shrugged, her cheeks rising in an apologetic half-smile. “Nothing, sorry. Or nothing that I could see. That doesn’t mean you weren’t working magic.”
Her hands rose and flopped back to her sides, palms hitting her brown trousers as she let out a growl of frustration.
“Try to relax,” Brenna said, crossing her arms and hugging herself.
“Honestly, this might be worse,” Meara said, twisting where she stood. “Before, I didn’t know what could happen, now I know I have a bit of magic but it’s unreliable and inaccessible.”
Brenna grabbed her arms. “You just need time.”
“Like you did?” Meara snapped. Her sister’s face slackened, brows pinching together as her beautiful amber eyes turned glassy. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that. It’s only that it seemed to come so easily to you.”
“I’ve worked really hard, actually.” Brenna’s lips pressed together, her tone brittle.
“You’re right. You’ve been diligent, and it shows,” Meara said softly.
“I have, but you’ve been wrapped up in your own worries.
You’re missing all the wonderful things around you,” Brenna chided.
Frowning, Meara bit her lip. “You have Cerne’s attention, he obviously adores you.
” Meara opened her mouth to argue, but Brenna held up a finger to stop her.
“And we have friends here, nice rooms to stay in, every need met. You have no reason to be unhappy.”
Meara’s shoulders slumped. “I’m sorry. I do appreciate all those things. But it feels temporary. ”
“Maybe,” Brenna said, “but that’s true of everything in life.” She rested her head on her shoulder, and slowly Meara relaxed against her. “Come on, try again. Maybe let’s go to a shady place and your shadows will feel more at home.”
Meara laughed, the tension draining from her. Even if things fell apart, she had her sister. Her sister who now had powerful magic. She allowed Brenna to tug her away from their small clearing and into the smattered shade of swaying treetops.
She sighed, settling her feet into the soil and counting out her breaths. Brenna’s words repeated in her mind, a mantra of positivity, and if she believed hard enough, maybe it would unlock the magic she knew was within her.
The stomping of horse hooves drifted through the trees, and Meara’s eyes snapped open.
Within minutes, a group of horses drew near.
She didn’t recognize them, and from the white and gray of their clothes, she did not think they belonged to the Autumn Court.
She gripped Brenna’s arm, ready to pull her sister to safety.
Brenna tugged herself free. “I can handle myself,” she muttered.
The riders noted them, and the leader peeled off, shouting orders for the rest to continue.
His midnight black stallion trotted forward, and the faerie swung from his back with the grace that comes from power and a lifetime of experience.
“Lady Brenna,” he exclaimed.
Meara narrowed her eyes, studying his features. He was familiar, but it wasn’t until Brenna stepped forward with a bright smile and said, “Emrys!” did she place his face - the king’s advisor Brenna had danced with.
His dark hair fell around his face, disheveled from riding hard.
He raked his fingers through it, smoothing it back.
Everything about him was cold, from his blue-black hair to his marble complexion, but most startling, his eyes shone a reddish brown.
His smile revealed canines a bit longer and sharper than the faeries she had grown accustomed to.
“Why are you here?” Brenna asked, drawing near to him. He took her hand and kissed the back, holding it between them longer than necessary. Meara bit the inside of her cheek, resisting the urge to interfere.
Emrys dipped his head, worry darkening his eyes. “Unfortunately, I bring concerning news.”
“What?”
“It’s best discussed with Lord Cerne. May I escort you back to the lord’s manor?” His gentle way of speaking and soft smile felt calculated, like every motion was practiced. Meara bristled.
“Yes, I would love that.” Brenna turned, a rosy tinge to her cheeks. “Meara, are you ready to go back, or do you want to stay longer?”
“It’s fine,” Meara said. Even if she wished to stay longer, she wouldn’t leave Brenna alone with this fae male if she could help it.
“Excellent.” He looked up, the dappled light painting his pale skin ivory.
She had to admit he was handsome, and from the way her sister looked at him, she found him exceedingly appealing.
Brenna tucked into his side, wrapping her hands around his arm.
He leaned down to speak to her as they walked.
The black stallion fell into step alongside them.
Emrys' companions waited at the manor house.
He whistled and his horse trotted over to stand with the others milling about, nosing at shrubs and clumps of grass to eat.
Five tall fae warriors stood in a line. Seda spoke with the nearest, her hands propped on her hips.
Her jaw ticked and every muscle in her arms and back tensed.
“Captain.” Emrys greeted Seda. “Is Cerne here? We should speak.”
“Yes. We should.” She regarded him with a hint of disdain that made Meara want to smile. “Come inside.” Begrudgingly, she led the way into the manor house.