Page 35

Cedric

The pain might as well be nothing. The barbed whipping and constant iron knuckle sandwiches were like lullabies singing me to sleep. Spitting out a mouth full of blood I stared up at my tormentor. I knew the crimson staining the corners of my mouth, my teeth, and my entire body. I knew I must look like the bedraggled street rat I was. This was what I got for leading a revolution and failing . There isn’t an inch of my body that these fae haven’t defiled, cut, electrocuted, or skinned. I don’t even know how I’m still alive.

A month ago, hell just a couple of weeks ago, my associates and I were ready to stage a quiet assault on the Duchess of Autumn. We had the manpower, the magic, the plan was flawless. I mapped out everything, what I hadn’t seen coming was for my brother to betray me.

I stared up looking at the iron-masked executioner, guard, whatever he’s called, as he landed strike after strike against my face, stomach, ribs, anywhere and everywhere on my body. I coughed up another pint of blood gasping for air.

Everything was going exactly as I had planned: the infiltration into the castle, the divergence of guards, the assassination of five of the Duchess’ most trusted advisors.? Everything turned out to be for shit.

My own brother was a double spy the whole time sent by the duchess herself to sneak into my group of ‘ rebels ’ as he so elegantly put it. Rebels? We were simply the voice of the civilians, the fae, the humans, the living beings who were tormented by the rulings of a madman, or in this case a mad woman.

I might have been too young to remember what life had been like for us when the King of Blood and Shadow ruled but I believe anything was better than her rule, the Duchess of Autumn. All humans were branded slaves at birth, with no rights, no authority, even the air they breathed was bathed in their forefathers' blood. So why was I, a fae, working to help liberate them? Because I grew up human. I was cared for by the streets that the fae mocked and threw trash at. I grew up watching my friends and family, even if not by blood, die from disease and whippings.

From what I heard things weren’t so different when the King of Blood and Shadows ruled but at least he provided decent accommodations rather than just tents and sticks for humans to live on. At least he gave food and decent clothing. Sure humans were slaves but we weren’t sleeping on rocks and dirt. We weren’t cannibals or a display of entertainment for the fae. I wasn’t saying we should let the King of Blood and Shadows rule again, but at least when he ruled the desert still had rain.

Hell, I heard it wasn’t good for the fae either. In the time of the Duchess of Autumn, even the fae have been starving, turning to humans as a source of delicacy. Once we killed the Duchess I was going to rule, I was going to help make this court better again, better than any of its former kings and queens or duchesses and dukes. I just wanted to avenge my mother. She wasn’t my blood, hell she was human, but she raised me and my friend. She helped raise all of us in the rebels. She gave us as much food as she could scavenge. She built us a good enough tent to shield us from the sand storms. Each year I watched her smile through the toughest of times, through her own hunger, even through her constant beatings by the noble fae.

So why- why did they have to hang her of all people? Why did they choose her to be raped and exiled on a stage like some jester on display? She was the reason we rebels formed.

I try not to think of it. Her smiles at us like nothing was wrong like we didn’t need to worry or cry as we watched them ram into her. It was like she was nothing but a hole to stick their meat in. I remember it all, I have to because that rage I felt then was the only fuel driving me right now. Forcing me not to give in. Because I knew if I did my friends would also suffer the same consequences as Ms.Maybell. ?All the fucking speeches about mercy and a shortened sentence were false.

Fae couldn’t lie, I knew that but I also knew that every word that came out of the Duchess’ mouth wasn’t the truth either.

Something tells me that the traitor of a brother I had knows that. He knows what happened to the shadows that used to guard us humans that have turned against us. He knows what happened to our family members that we don’t ever see again, not even on the podium. The only question was why did he follow her? Like all fae, I had a gift, light magic. My affinity, which is rare for most fae to have at all, was mind-reading.

I read his thoughts, I knew he wanted what was best for fae and humans alike for the whole realm, so why did he betray me?

I blinked wearily at the question the guard was asking, “For the last time who were you-“ His words were cut off as he fell to the floor. For a moment in the urine-drenched cage, I thought I might have succumbed to my delusions. You know the ones you get after being tortured for too long because before me was a man in a suit and another in some formal wear.

”Gods, does it stink in here.?” I heard the first man say as the world continued to spin.

“Yes well, it is a dungeon.” The other man replied, his voice slightly lilted, almost lyrical.

“You sure he’s the guy?” The first spoke again crouching down to my chained form.

His dark hair smelt heavenly in my current state. When you haven’t smelled anything but rat dung, blood, and piss for the past couple of weeks even water would smell good.

“Who-“ I began my voice cracking from the strain it took on my vocal cords to speak before black enveloped my consciousness.

The last thing I heard was, “Yes, now hurry. We’ll stage a coupe another time.”

Eli

I was waiting for that bastard to answer when finally a ripple came through my hand mirror. I had been ignoring the man hoping that maybe if I didn’t contact him he would forget our little bargain. Since it also didn’t pan out well, surely the bargain was no longer in place, right?

“Finally, what took you so long?” I barked out as soon as the green hair of that bastard, Alexander, showed up. His green piercing eyes, cold and empty of any joy they once held were the first to settle as the rippling stopped. Maybe that should have been my first warning, the lack of emotions he dawned was so different from the panicked idiotic man I first believed him to be.

“Eli, how good of it for you to call. I was expecting you to call once Akasuki was back with you. It has been a while since she left the spirit realm. Don’t tell me you're going back on our bargain?” The sight of his face was enough for me to grit my teeth.

“Please, I am a fae of my word. I’m just letting you know that your plan A didn’t work on her.” I spat out already too infuriated that I had to work with this bastard of all fae in the first place.

“I know, she broke out of our meetings some time ago,” Alexander rolled his eyes, causing my boiling rage to come sprinting out. I nearly threw the hand mirror across the floor. I was so peeved that he didn't think it was fit to tell me these things. He dares to question if I was the one who would break our bargain. The way I see it, him not telling me about Everetta's escape from her limbo was a direct violation of what we agreed upon.

“And you didn’t think of telling me?” I roared out while also trying to maintain a cool level-headed tone. I stared at the red powder lining the edges of my room.

“No, I didn’t because I know you don’t have any intentions of following our end of the bargain. If it wasn’t for the magic binding us I’m sure you would have backed out by now. Which is why I’m informing you now that I will be coming to get Akasuki in a month, have her ready for me unless you want to face the consequences of a failed bargain. I’ve already given up on Everetta. It’s clear she has no regard for your realm or her life. I will save what I can. As far as I’m concerned Aki is the only one who has a shred of humanity out of you ROYALS .” Alexander spat before the line went dead. I gawked at his audacity slamming the mirror down and sending its bejeweled emeralds scattering across the floor. It was then that I noticed something. The uppermost drawer was slightly a jar.

Growling I moved to close the opened cabinet, my father's dying words replayed in my mind, “Check my drawers.” At the time I thought it was nothing. After all, it was just the nonsense of a dying man, but it was my father. If it was his final wish maybe I should grant him just that. It was probably nothing anyway.

I reached down and pulled the drawer wider, its dark wood a smooth yet rugged feel under my fingers as I pulled out a letter addressed to, me?

Confused, I wondered how he might have known me in this life. He'd never even met me before I came to the court. I open the red waxed seal, the signature wolf head stamped into it.

Dear Eli,

My most idiotic son, and the most like me. I can not say much for there is magic in the air that binds my tongue. I am sure you haven’t noticed anything strange being the caring little pup you are. You always were the most spirited but also the most foolish. You won’t hesitate to defend and protect your family and friends, just like I once had. And it is because of such foolish actions that I am where I am now, dead. So, let me give you a bit of warning my son. Do not trust the girl with bright hair as golden as the sun. She will only cause you more pain and sorrow. Do not protect her either, or care for her in any manner for she is her mother in all sense of the word. Above all, I know I am a man of very few words and even fewer endearing sentiments but know that I, the King Of the Wolves, have always loved you my true children.

Let my princess know that although she may be stubborn and cold like snow she is her mother's daughter, as for my son, my true son, whatever his name shall be in this life for I know my son and he is not the bubbling idiot who I had given birth to in this life, let that son know I did appreciate his mind and steel heart. As for you, my little pup, the child that resembled me the most. I did love your mother, and I did love you, how could I not, you are me and I am you.

I have done some things I am not proud of. I have made mistakes but you, my children, and especially you, my little pup, have never been one of them. I am proud of all of you, my dear children. Which is why I must warn you again, do not get involved with that woman, she is far more dangerous than her gifts imply.

Love Your King Father,

Oberon Kinard Avalar Vallian Wolf

I frowned at the letter in my hands but just as I was about to re-read the letter a knock sounded by my door.

“Brother, we need to talk.” Fletcher smiled. The soft curls of his lips instantly had me on guard, what my father wrote to me will have to take a back burner for now.

The last time my brother gave me that look, the one that said he wouldn’t be leaving without me hearing him out; the one that had ice frosting over the hinges of the door, was to warn me about those shadows. Now what was it? With Everetta gone for a while, it couldn’t be good.

“It’s about the children you never knew you had.” He replied, making himself comfortable on the blue sofa and taking a sip of my tea. Seriously, does no one understand the policy of not drinking another’s tea? Wait, children. What children?

Kira

I couldn’t breathe; I couldn’t do anything. Each breath I inhaled took so much energy. Maybe… maybe it was time. I should just let go. I’d already lost everything, lost them .

“Haha-“, I couldn’t help but let out a wheezing scoff, or at this point, it was just a mild cough.

Here my captors thought they would come for me. Little did they know I’d been alone for nearly fifty years now. Isn’t it funny? I spent my first twenty years not knowing what I was, and when I finally found my pack, or what I thought was my pack, they left me. They promised me safety and security, at least for a short time. They claimed I was their mate until their real mate came into the picture, and then I was tossed aside like a used towel. Next thing I knew, I was alone again, a lone wolf in a world so cruel and unforgiving as this.

For a while, it was nice, not having to be alone. Having food on the table every day, getting to sleep in a nice comfy bed, lying next to someone, their warm arms wrapped around me. But, as always, I ended up alone.

I’ve heard my captors talk about disposing of me, so really, ending myself now would just be taking the task off their hands. But just as I was contemplating the notion, a surge of power crossed through my veins as breathing no longer strained my body. As my energy came back like a spike of adrenaline flooding my veins. I found my mind clearing.

Why the heck should I die? No, it doesn’t matter if I’m alone; who cares about that stuff—I’m going to get out of here, and I’ll kill all those who get in my way.

With my newfound strength, I broke myself out of these magic binding cuffs, something I couldn’t do before. Something only a fae could break out of—the fae, creatures that were said to be dying off.

I wrestled myself out of the dungeons, clawing and biting off any of my captors I saw as they tried to catch me again. But I was no dog to be put down. I was a wolf , and I won’t be bound again.

After massacring every single person in that building, I found myself chasing down this last guard as he ran through the forest. I smiled in my wolf form, chasing and howling as the human hunter ran. I found myself loving the hunt as I felt the fresh grass underneath my paws for the first time in forever. Breathing in the fresh air after so long was like breathing in gold.

Suddenly, a man, whose hair was as golden as the sunlight, beamed out towards me as his hands gripped the cowardly guard's neck in a vise lock.

*Crack*

The sound was deafening in the silence that followed as I snarled at the new man before me. His pristine suit, and despite his small stature, I could tell he was strong. He exuded confidence, power, and unrestrained magic.

A fae.

A high one if the magic he was exuding was to be believed. I took note of the companion beside him, a woman whose hair was as white as snow despite her youthful appearance. For all I knew, she could be thousands of years old. She seemed to be of Asian descent as I took note of her pristine dewy skin; hell, they both looked flawless. Was she another high fae? Though she seemed less powerful than her male counterpart.

“Hmm, so you’re my daughter. A shame, really,” the blond-haired man said as the woman behind him gave him a nudge. “Eli!” She exclaimed, almost embarrassed for the man. Despite her lower magical power, the man seemed to acknowledge her reprimand, even appearing a little bashful, red tinting his cheeks. “Yes, well, she's weak.” He seemed to shudder. I chuffed, for I was still in my wolf form, at his little comment. I’ll have him know I just killed thirty men on my own, okay, well twenty-nine, since he technically killed that one guard I was hunting.

“But, she can shift, which means she must be somewhat strong, and let's not forget whose daughter she also is,” the woman began as she started to walk towards me, but the man halted her at my small growl, gently tugging at her wrist.

Whoever they are, fae or not, they're obviously not my friends.

The male, Eli, I think that was his name, the woman did address him like that, held up a hand hauling the woman, “No, I want to see what she can do. After all, if she’s going to survive, she’ll need to be at least a little strong.”

Was he purposely trying to infuriate me? Ugh, he was most definitely a fae then; those creatures were always so full of themselves. While I have no doubt high fae are strong, I have killed one in my life. Yes, I had been in a slightly better condition when I did that than I am now, but that surge of energy I felt seemed to have also given me more power.

Holding up a hand towards me, he beckoned me as if to taunt me. Growling, I snapped at the air accepting his challenge. But in an instant, I was flung back just as I launched myself at him.

“Eli!” I heard the female fae scold as I shook away the fuzziness clouding my vision. What the heck, well, I guess he did have something to boast about. Still, if I was going to die, I’m sure as heck going to fight to the death. I bit the air, my only warning before I launched myself at the boy again, only to find the air getting knocked out of me. I felt the rough splinters of bark against my fur as I slumped against the tree, and soon enough, I was shifting back, coughing up blood. “W-what the hell are you?” I bit out because that power, that enormous amount of magic, shouldn’t even be possible for a high fae. So what was he?

“Hmm, you held out longer than I expected. As for who I am, well, I’m your father.” That was the last thing I heard before a light so blinding surrounded me.

Everetta

I was back here again. There was a cool breeze whistling in the air despite everything being black with no clouds in sight. The midnight-colored sand still felt cool underneath my gold sandal-covered feet. I’ll have to make this quick. I don’t plan to stay for long. I have better things to do. In the distance, I could make out the only glimmering object in this barren landscape, a golden cage. Making my way over to the little girl trapped in the golden bird cage I smiled down at her.

“You lied to me.” She whispered.

I shook my head sadly, “That right there is the problem. You're too trusting, too naive. I can’t have that part of me live on. You’d give me too much hope and I can’t have hope, not where I’m headed.”

I reached out my hands like a viper. Wrapping my fingers around her pretty little neck as the cage disappeared. Her tears streamed down my hands as I watched the breath leave my other half. This will be the last time I'd see her, the last time we would ever meet again. “Fl-Fletcher will-” She began but I was already late on schedule. My new body was calling for me and like I said where I was going I didn’t need this side of me to come with me. She would hinder the necessary choices I needed to make. Eli sure fucked up a lot of things. For one I thought I'd killed this side of me a long, long, long time ago. Yet, here she was still chirping her merry songs. Welp, this just means I get a second shot at killing her.

“Fletcher will understand,” I shrugged as she shook her head, tears streaking down her face. I pitied her if just a little. She was the side of me where the Fae Realm was a glorious place to live filled with joy and laughter. It’s just that’s just one side of the Fae Realm, the side weaker fae wished to see.

I was not weak.

I can't be weak, and I can’t have mercy, for she is also mercy, she is the side of me that holds on- no clings on to hope, and second chances. I- No matter how much I wish I didn’t have to do this, I needed it for my future, for my court, for the realm… for them. I have played my cards. I have set things in motion. I am already moving my chess pieces across the board. I can not stop now.

Sure Eli’s little play and Fletcher’s death placed a little wrench into those plans but I needed the crown and she couldn’t be with me when I was sitting atop the throne. I watched as one last sad tear traced down her cheek before her body dissipated into smoke and ash. It started from her head then her body slowly blew away from some unforeseen wind. I dusted off my hands of the black san. Turning I stared one last time backward to what? To a wish for a happy life, to a life where I didn't need to play the villain, or maybe as a goodbye to the part of me, I just killed.

I walked out towards the light at the end of this infinite shore and into a new life.

Unknown

Good.

Things were unraveling the exact way I had planned. Now all that’s left is for the King of Blood and Fire to free me, and he will. But, the timing needs to be right. I haven’t been giving him small little details for nothing.