Page 23 of To No End (Tales of Forgotten Fae #1)

CHAPTER

22

The following day I didn’t see Nori at breakfast, training with Theory, or lunch. When no one else knew her whereabouts, I began to worry that Saryn might have done something to get rid of her. When I sought her out, I was relieved to find her in her room. She sat on her bed, seemingly unaffected by my barging in without invitation.

“Why aren’t you training?” I exclaimed.

“Train for what? To run a knife across a stranger’s neck? To degrade myself in front of others? To witness someone I care for be intimate with another?” Nori yelled back, showing more angst than I’d ever seen from her.

All this time, she had bottled everything up in silence. But I could finally see the stoicism beginning to waver. Something about what she had said felt eerily familiar, but before I could place it, she declared boldly, “I’m leaving. Tonight.”

“You can’t,” I argued, “They’ll kill you.”

“I’ve seen their tortured nightmares. You have no idea what they have in store for us,” she retorted angrily.

“Nori, please stop this,” I pleaded, trying to convince her she wasn’t thinking clearly. “They warned us about the enchantments and leaving without permission, are you willing to risk it?”

“The risk is my own, Cress,” she replied confidently. “It’s my life to risk, and there’s no one else for them to take. If I die, there are no other children in my family. This is my decision to make.”

She may have had a point. Nori being an only child meant there were no others to deliver to the Order, but I couldn’t let her go through with this. It was a suicide mission, but somehow, she firmly believed staying was a fate worse than death. I pushed aside the weight of that thought for my sanity.

“Please just wait, let me try and figure something out. I don’t know, maybe I can talk to Theory and see if there’s another option.”

I knew what I was suggesting would be ignored. They’d made it clear. It was the Order or nothing at all. I sat on the bed across from Nori, who reached out and clasped my hand in hers.

“Thank you for being my friend, even if I am useless.”

I tried to fight back the stinging tears building in the wells of my eyes. “Just give me time, that’s all I’m asking.”

Nori did not reply or give me any indication that she was going to grant me my request. I left her room feeling utterly defeated and on edge, trying to anticipate when she might make a move. But if she did, how would I stop her? What could I do that wouldn’t put my safety in jeopardy?

All afternoon I was distracted by my encounter with Nori. I debated telling Saryn and Theory, I almost let it slip to Gia. Maybe the threat of leaving and the enchantments weren’t true, or maybe Nori would find a way to slip past them. Perhaps Saryn would just let her go, since she had been nothing but a “thorn in his side.”

While making my way toward the terrace, I heard a loud commotion. I looked up to see Cairis running back toward me, frantically yelling that Nori was leaving. “What?” I gasped, in shock that she would already attempt this so soon.

“Where is she?” I asked exasperated.

“She told us not to follow her and then flew down to the stream in the valley. She’s walking alongside it now!”

“We have to go after her!”

Cairis’ expression told me everything I needed to know before he said it.

“No one will go. They’re heeding the warning about the boundaries.”

I took off sprinting back into the stronghold, desperately searching for Saryn or Theory. I finally found them together, strolling casually toward the flight deck for class. I worked to catch my breath and string together a coherent thought.

“Nori’s trying to leave. We have to stop her!”

Saryn looked at me, zero surprise on his disinterested face. “Great, this solves the problem of what to do with her.”

If I hadn’t already panicked into action, I might have taken a moment to try and punch that disinterest off his face, but I didn’t know how much time she had left before encountering some invisible border along the valley.

“She thinks there won’t be any consequences because she’s an only child, she’s not thinking straight!” I hunched over, resting both my hands on my knees, heaving deep breaths.

I heard Theory let out an amused laugh. “She’s very misinformed. If her life is forfeit and there are no other children, they’ll come for her mother. From what I hear, she’s still quite young. I hope she’ll be more pliant than her daughter.”

My eyes bulged with horror. To be eligible for the Offering, you had to be of age for conscription and childless. If Nori was gone, then that makes her mother eligible. If she had known this outcome, she would’ve never attempted this. She’d never let her mom take her place. Were they telling the truth or just trying to scare me? In any case, I had to stop this somehow.

As if Saryn had been reading my mind, “Don’t waste your energy, Cress. She will drag you all down. She already is, with this whole charade. Let her be useless in the afterworld.”

His harsh words set off an overwhelming chain of thoughts in me that narrowed with perfect clarity. I thought back to what Nori said this morning: “I’ve seen their tortured nightmares,” “run a knife across a stranger’s neck,” “to witness someone I care for be intimate with another.”

She had been inside my head. My dreams. There was no other possible way she’d know. The flashes of dreams flooded back into my mind. Me holding a knife to the neck of a person I’d never seen and sliding the blade across, blood splattering over my hand. Then Trace, undressing another female, causing my jealousy to boil. She’d been in our dreams, all of us, including Saryn and Theory.

I gritted my teeth, seething my words at Saryn, “She’s not useless you piece of shit. She’s a Dreamwalker, and I’m getting her back!”

Saryn’s eyes narrowed with disbelief. Before I let him say a single word, I spun and took off running toward the tunnel to the terrace.

I saw everyone on the landing looking out over the valley.

Cowards. That’s all I could think as they stood there idly.

There was no time for hesitation, and I prayed that my wings would come quickly when I called to them. With each stride, I closed in on the ledge, and yet my wings did not stir. My will was focused sharply on stopping Nori. I leapt from the ledge, knowing full well if my panic stopped my wings from unfurling, I’d be falling straight to my death.

As soon as my feet left the ledge, I looked out into the valley, seeing the sunlight blanket the trees, and felt the weight of my body dip for just a second before my wings finally splayed outward, catching me and carrying me on the wind. I began to fly lower, scanning the river, looking for signs of Nori when I finally spotted her.

I flew so fast that the crisp air cut at my cheeks. I swooped in and prepared for an abrupt landing. When she heard the thump of my arrival a few feet behind her, she looked over her shoulder, surprised.

I raised my hands trying to show her that I meant no harm and began to pace slowly toward her. “Please stop and just talk to me.”

But Nori did not stop. Instead, she took off in a sprint full speed toward her destination. I gathered my resolve. I had to stop her, to at least tell her about her mother, and then she could decide; from there I’d have to respect her decision.

Nori moved fast in spite of her shorter legs, but my strides were still longer. We weaved in between boulders and tree roots as I chased her through the forest. No matter how many times I called her name, she did not relent. When I was finally nipping at her heels, I took one giant leap and tackled her to the hard ground.

She writhed below me. Screaming and crying, fighting to break through my grasp.

“Get off me! Let me go! Please just let me go…”

I held her tightly in my arms, hoping her panic and adrenaline would subside. She felt small in my arms, but she fought me with all her strength until she could fight no longer.

“Just listen to me,” I begged. “I promise if you listen to me, I’ll let you go and I’ll respect your decision.”

Nori looked at me with distrust, the first time I’d ever seen this expression directed toward me—though I had witnessed it many times toward Saryn and Theory.

I loosened my grip and released her. She shoved herself off of me, both of us sitting across from one another on the mossy dirt ground. She looked as exhausted as I felt.

“If I must meet the Gods today then let it be of their making, I welcome my creators,” she practically spat at me in insolence.

“They’ll come…for…your mother,” I panted out the words.

Nori’s attention perked up in alarm. “…What did you say?”

“Saryn and Theory assured me if you leave, you will perish and then the Order will come for your mother.”

“What? That’s impossible… Why? How?” Nori’s worry dripped from every urgent question.

Still trying to catch my breath, I replied, “She’s of age, she’d be childless, and she’s young. With you dead that makes her eligible for the Offering.”

More tears began to stream down Nori’s face as I watched her hands curl into frustrated fists.

I began to crawl toward her slowly, trying to remain non-threatening.

“I’m so, so sorry. I couldn’t let you go through with this without knowing.” I paused, then added, “Please don’t go.”

Nori’s head hung in despair for a moment longer, but when she raised her gaze, I beheld a rage unlike any I’d seen before. A glow appeared to ripple across her deep black eyes.

I held my hand out and waited, hoping for her to take it, as I said, “You’re not useless. I know what you are.”

Nori tilted her head, assessing me, and her eyes terrified me.

“You’re a Dreamwalker, Nori. You are more than useful. You’re unique.”

Her voice trembled. “Ever since I arrived here, I’ve been accidentally slipping in and out of people’s dreams while I’m sleeping. The people here are tormented and plagued with nightmares. I wish I had never bathed in the waters of Mirtith. I don’t want this.”

“Come back with me. I promise it will be ok. We will find a way to control your gift.” She finally took my hand and I helped pull her up to a standing position.

Nori didn’t face me but continued to hold my hand, staring into the distance, back to the terrace where the rest of our companions stood.

“They have no idea the monster they’ve got on their hands now that they’ve threatened my mother.”

Her statement was a warning, and a promise. I could not deny her this fury. It was probably the only thing that was going to motivate her to stay. We were told to let go of our past and sever those ties, but I knew that Nori needed this to fuel her. If this was the thing that hardened her, then she needed to embrace it.

We flew back to the stronghold, and most were surprised to see Nori return with me. I knew she was angry; I could still feel her energy resonating, but there was also a hint of embarrassment.

“Look what the cat dragged back,” Saryn remarked with displeasure.

“Shut your mouth!” I sneered. “You want to collect little gifted monsters, well here she is. You’re lucky I brought her back because as far as I know, she’s the only Dreamwalker amongst us, isn’t that right, Saryn?”

The rest of the group had surprised looks plastered across their faces, but Theory began to circle Nori, assessing.

“True, but what good is she to us if she refuses to fight?” Her question addressed the group, not Nori.

I turned to face my peers, pleading with my eyes for them to trust me, to believe in Nori. No one spoke, and none of them seemed specifically inclined to welcome Nori back into the fold after she had just tried to escape.

If they understood her beliefs, they might have had some semblance of empathy. However, before I could come to her defense, Nori spoke to the entire group.

“You shall have my sword, but you shall never have my chastity. I will walk every enemy dreamscape you ask of me. I will defend you all with my last breath, whether you take me as your family or merely let me stay to protect mine. This is my offer.”

Her conviction was admirable. Part of her words rang true for each of us who were here in place of our siblings, instead of someone else, for someone else. We were here to protect the ones we loved and that they loved, and so on.

“Who will accept these terms?” I asked, directing my plea to the others.

Deafening silence in the hollow valley hung over us for a long time. Nobody moved or spoke. Worry began to set in that perhaps they would reject Nori entirely, that her gift would not be enough, when suddenly Varro stepped forward. The sunlight beamed off his golden skin, his eyes sparkling like cool blue water.

“I accept.”

His earnest words were music to my ears. I could have fallen to my knees and cried as I took a deep, stuttering breath. I felt like I’d been holding it since we arrived back on the landing, and Varro’s alliance was the release I needed.

Gia stepped forward. “Well, I’m not going to disagree with the golden boy here.”

Cairis followed next. “I’m in, but you better stay out of my dreams. I can’t be held accountable for what debauchery you might encounter.” He laughed and Gia rolled her eyes.

There was only one left. Trace. In typical fashion, he stood there, arms folded across his chest defensively, expression riddled with concern. I gave him the same pleading look I had given the group, but now my gaze was solely on him. Why wasn’t he stepping forward for her? For me?

He finally stepped toward the group, and just when I thought he’d remain silent, he added, “If you prove to be reckless again, if you put anyone in this group at risk, I will take care of it myself.”

Saryn smirked in Trace’s direction, nodding in approval. Trace’s words were cold and cruel. A shadow of the black cloak he had warned me I knew nothing about.

Saryn offered a slow clap. “I’m glad we could keep the family together. Let’s hope your little diplomat and her Dreamwalker are worth the accommodation.”

I was utterly drained from the way the day had unfolded. My muscles were sore from chasing Nori. A soak in the waters of Basdie had quickly become the solution I sought. Begrudgingly, I made my way to the bottom of the falls. It was truly ironic how far one had to travel to get to the healing pools. Each step I took put further strain on my already too-tight muscles.

When I finally reached the pool, I heard the sound of quiet singing, a song that felt oddly familiar. I walked farther down the hall toward a different door from the one where Trace and I had met. Leaning my ear against the door, I listened closely, trying to make out more of the song. The words and soft melodies danced through my memories. I closed my eyes, letting them seep into my bones.

A song of the sea; one of many my father would hum to us as a lullaby. He never sang the words, but the tune was undeniably recognizable. The sound was intoxicating, luring me toward it. I found myself reaching for the doorknob, seeking out the source.

The room was another healing pool, but much larger than the one next to it. This one was long and narrow, water snaking its way into a deep cave-like tunnel. The glowing light of the pool barely illuminated the darkness at the end of the tunnel. The song of the sea echoed along the cave walls, resonant, and caused goosebumps to form on my arms. The voice was beautiful and hypnotic, growing louder as a shadowy figure approached from the cavernous opening.

I swallowed a nervous lump in my throat as a glistening wet, shirtless, golden Varro approached, and when he saw me, his singing came to an abrupt end, snapping me out of my haze.

Feeling like I had intruded, I quickly apologized, seeking to make a swift exit. “Ugh, I’m sorry, I didn’t realize this pool was taken.” Why did I say that? Of course, I realized someone was in here, the noise is what drew me to it.

“You sure about that?” He smiled teasingly.

I tried to look anywhere but at him. I failed. The water droplets speckled along the lean muscles that corded every inch of his body. His short white curls were dripping and the glowing pools reflected off his bright blue eyes.

“Oh, I had just heard a familiar sound,” I replied, realizing immediately I’d just contradicted myself.

“I thought you didn’t realize this pool was taken?”

It was clear he was not going to let up. Before I could pivot with some other excuse he added, “This pool is larger than some of the others. You’re welcome to join.”

In my head I acknowledged how much larger this pool was than the other, and I tried to hide the embarrassment of why I knew that. I regretted my arrival instantly, knowing I could be elsewhere, healing in solitude.

But now I was here, with someone I didn’t particularly like, and I’d look ridiculous if I entered the pools fully dressed. I began to undress, trying not to trip over my attire. I stripped down to just my undergarments and tied my hair up to avoid getting it wet.

Varro watched me the entire time, never once turning his gaze away. He may have tried to act unimpressed, but his clenched jaw and slightly raised eyebrow were a tell that I didn’t entirely disgust him.

I entered the waters and made a small gasp as the heat consumed my limbs. He stood there, unmoving, with his hands resting on his hips while he assessed me.

Walking through the pool, the water level hit just above my waist, which meant on Varro—who was much taller than me—I could see the rigid angles of a striking V-shaped muscle hovering above the drawstring of his submerged white trousers. I made my way farther back into the tunnel, taking a seat on the ledge and relaxing into the warmth of the waters, letting them begin their work on my aching muscles and bruises.

Varro intended to keep me company, apparently, even if I didn’t ask for it. To be fair, he was here first. He positioned himself on the ledge across from me. We sat there in silence for a few minutes. During that time, I noticed that strange hum once more. It felt like small waves of vibration against my skin. I looked to the surface of the water to see if there was evidence of the vibration rippling along the top, but there was none.

I had never felt this strange sensation before. Not until I was delivered to the king and took the Bath of the Four Mothers. I had convinced myself it was the magic awakening in me from a long-dormant slumber.

Given Varro’s actions earlier, I figured I owed him some semblance of thanks. I certainly didn’t want to be indebted to him, but I could show my gratitude.

“I appreciate you stepping forward earlier, for Nori.” I was about as good at showing gratitude as I was apologizing; whether he realized it or not, this was a leap for me.

“I did it for you.”

His words pierced through me. I tried not to let the shock of it appear on my face. I thought he disliked me, the way I disliked him. Why would he do anything for me?

“And because it was the right thing to do. We’re all here instead of someone else, right?” he added.

I exhaled with relief trying to ignore his initial remark and took that as an opportunity to redirect the conversation.

“Who are you here for?” The question felt intrusive, but he’d left the door open for that by even mentioning it at all.

His once calm expression now flickered between sadness and anger.

“My sister.”

He had a sister too.

“Oh, is she younger than you?”

If he was here instead of her, then that meant she, too, was of age.

“We’re the same age,” he answered.

Clarity eluded me for only a moment.

“Wait, are you a twin?” I asked excitedly, as I had never met another twin in my life.

“You could say that.”

His reply was heavy, loaded with more than I could discern. But I was too consumed with the fact that I’d finally met another person who might know what it’s like to have another half from birth.

“I’m a twin as well!” I offered, sounding much more elated about this rare encounter than him.

“I know,” he said, “I’ve overheard your conversations.”

I cocked my head at his admission. Had he been eavesdropping on me, particularly, or had he been spying on all of us?

“Too bad you got stuck with the lesser beauty of the two Corliss twins,” he joked. I tried to imagine what a female Varro looked like. I bet she had long white curls and the same warm golden skin and rosy pink lips.

“I should say the same,” I said, thinking of Versa and all her soft, delicate features.

“I very much doubt that.”

Varro’s eyes now had a hint of lust swirling in them. My cheeks blushed at the implication of his words. I felt awkward and wrong, sitting here with the son of my father’s enemy. It would be easier to just ignore that, but occasionally I found it eating away at me.

“What did you mean by ‘you could say that’ ?”

A pained look flashed across his face as he turned to look away from me for the first time.

“My sister and I were triplets. Our baby brother was the smallest of the three. With my father having one strong male and female heir, he decided a sacrifice to the old Gods of the sea would bring him good favor. He tossed our brother into the Endless Tides. He broke our mother’s heart that day. And he severed a tie that my sibling and I will never recover.”

My heartbeat stilled and I sat frozen in horror. His father had killed his own son, an infant, at that? Lord Corliss was even more barbaric than I ever fathomed. What kind of evil existed in his heart to do what he’d done? The crisp blue of Varro’s eyes that usually seemed alight with life now appeared dim and cheerless.

“With only one male heir, what are you doing here?” I asked, knowing undoubtedly that males were favored over females when it came to lineage.

“My sister was the Offering. But when my father was finally captured, I demanded they accept me instead. I’ll be damned if my sister is ever taken to a place where her will isn’t her own, her body isn’t her own. I am here, and always will be, so she never knows this fate.”

He paused before continuing, as if questioning whether he should.

“I am saddened for you and whoever didn’t protect you from this,” he said wincing, realizing the full meaning of his words.

Immediately he apologized. “I…I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to imply…”

“Yes, you did. But that’s okay. I understand. Could my father have done something more? It’s pointless to question that now. I know I’m far more equipped to be here than my sister, and for that I’m grateful. She is betrothed and gets to be loved, to live the life she deserves.”

It’s possible I misjudged Varro. While we did not broach the subject of the rebellion—I’d save that for another time—we had found common ground. Both of us were here so our siblings weren’t. More than that, we could relate to the deep unwavering connection to those siblings. It’s not something he needed to say, I knew he knew. I knew he felt a similar pain in being here, detached from our other halves.

Varro made his way toward the exit of the pool. I stayed tethered in my seat watching him walk away. The muscles of his back were just as much if not more defined than the ones on his front. As he walked up the steps of the pool, his soaked britches sagged low, hanging just low enough to allow the tight arches of his buttocks to peak out from them. He was truly a masculine specimen sculpted in the image of the Gods. I was glad his back was turned to me, otherwise he might have noticed just how little I concealed my gawking.

He turned to face me and continued with an inappropriate show. The drenched pants emphasized a clear outline, indicating he was very well-endowed. I watched him dry himself and shake his curly locks. He knew exactly what he was doing, and he finally looked at me with a coy grin. I was staring and he knew it.

“Tomorrow. Same time. Same place, Moirai,” he said, before strolling out the door. He did not wait for my response, or for me to realize the words he’d spoken were in the old tongue. The sound was like a sweet caress. But despite all my learning, I did not recognize the last word.