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CHAPTER 1

YVETTE

The room is eerily quiet. I step closer to Mama as the early morning sun floods through the windows, accentuating her pale, sickly features.

She’s breathing. Barely.

I swallow past the burning in my throat and readjust the pack that’s slung over my shoulder. It’s brimming with a week’s worth of supplies. If I hurry, I can make it to Sorsston and back in just four days.

I pray all goes to plan and that I’ll find a skilled healer in the secluded mountain city. If I don’t find a healer, or the healer isn’t willing to travel, I’ll have to venture further north than planned.

Gods, please keep Mama breathing while I’m gone.

Please help me find a healer who’s well-versed in treating mangga bites.

A shudder passes through me as I recall the horrible scream my mother let loose when the venomous, six-legged creature clamped down on her leg.

Mama and I were on our way to visit my aunt, whom we hadn’t seen in years, when we had the frightening encounter with the mangga. It happened at the very end of our journey just as Aunt Heather’s little green cottage finally came into sight. Somehow, I managed to kill the hissing creature before it could strike again.

If only we hadn’t taken that shortcut through the grassy meadow. If only we’d stuck to the main road.

Regret wells in my heart. The shortcut was my idea.

Footsteps sound in the hallway, and a second later, I feel a comforting hand on my shoulder. I turn and wrap my arms around Aunt Heather, burying my face in her chest. She smells like cardamom and vanilla and nutmeg, as well as a multitude of other scents reminiscent of a cozy home. Gods, I’ve missed her.

“This is all my fault.” My voice cracks. “If she doesn’t make it, I’ll never forgive myself. I’m not just talking about the shortcut through the meadow, but the trip to visit you. That was my idea too. Mama was reluctant to leave our home in Trevos and travel all the way here, but I talked her into it and promised her everything would be okay.”

Aunt Heather pulls back and cups my face. She looks so much like Mama that I almost break down in tears. “It’s not your fault. Besides, she’s going to make it,” she says in a kind but firm tone. “Do you hear me? She is going to make it. I will take good care of her in your absence. You just hurry back with the healer and all will be well. Remember what I told you. Visit the apothecary shop and ask for Evelyn. She’s an old friend of mine and the best healer I’ve ever known. I’m certain she’ll come.”

“You haven’t visited Sorsston in almost a year. What if Evelyn’s no longer there?” Countless worries flit through my mind, each one darker than the last. “With the Summer Court army nearby, she might’ve fled to a safer area.” During the past few months, the fae have wreaked havoc in the human territories, conquering many villages and even large kingdoms like my home city of Trevos.

Aunt Heather’s stoic expression wavers, and she glances out the window. A faraway look enters her eyes, then she blinks it away, squares her shoulders, and refocuses her gaze on me. “If Evelyn’s no longer there, ask around the city. She has a lot of friends who live in the countryside like me, friends who would be glad to take her in if she had to flee Sorsston. Someone might know where she went.”

I nod and blink back a fresh wave of tears. I don’t dare voice the other worries I’m harboring. Like, what if Sorsston has been conquered just like Trevos? Almost a year has passed since the Summer Court army defeated my home city. Not only are they still occupying Trevos, but they plan to remain in control indefinitely, and during the initial weeks after the short but bloody battle, they wouldn’t allow any humans in or out of the city, enacting a complete lockdown.

If the fae are occupying Sorsston and have it locked down, will I still be able to reach Evelyn’s apothecary shop? I think of the letter I have in my pocket, penned by the newly appointed fae Warden of Trevos himself, that is supposed to guarantee my safe passage on the road. But would the letter help me gain admittance to a settlement that’s locked down by the fae?

Gods, I can’t fathom Mama dying. I simply can’t.

“I know what you’re thinking,” Aunt Heather says in a gentle tone. “You’re thinking about what happened in Trevos. You’re worried Sorsston might’ve suffered the same fate and that it’ll complicate your search for Evelyn.”

I smile through my sorrow. “I haven’t seen you in almost eight years, but it’s as though no time has passed. It would seem you can still read my mind without any difficulty.” An ache pierces my heart when I think about the time lost. All because my late father didn’t like Aunt Heather. Eight years ago, after a disagreement with my aunt that was entirely his fault, he forbade Mama and me from visiting ever again. He even tried to prevent Mama from sending and receiving letters, the hateful man.

Aunt Heather returns my smile and smooths a hand through my hair. “Be gone with you, child. The sun has just risen, and you need to get on the road. Please promise you’ll be careful.”

“I promise.” I lift my chin. “I promise I’ll be careful, and I promise I’ll return soon with a healer. With Evelyn.” I infuse my voice with conviction. Maybe if I actually believe I’ll succeed, then I will. Fake it until I make it. I must think positive, and I must be strong. I must be brave, and I mustn’t cower.

Even if I meet the Summer Court army on the road.

I quickly remind myself of the letter that guarantees my safe passage. If any of the fae tries to hinder my travels, they’ll be risking the wrath of the powerful, highborn fae lord with whom I’m acquainted. Warden Valloc. He mated with my dearest friend, Mira, several months ago, and I have her to thank for arranging the letter.

I give my aunt another hug, kiss Mama’s cheek, then depart the cottage. The morning is bright but so cold I can see my breath. Thankfully, it hasn’t snowed yet this winter, and I pray the first snow holds off until I return with a healer in tow.

My chest tightens when I come across the grassy meadow where we encountered the mangga just yesterday afternoon. I unsheathe a knife from my belt, holding it at the ready as I give the meadow a wide berth. I reach the main road a short while later and stick to it, even though walking through the forest would be preferable because it would keep me better hidden. But where there’s one mangga, there’s always more, and I have no wish to encounter another one of those ghastly creatures.

I alternate between a moderate jog and a fast walk, wanting to hurry but also not wanting to exhaust myself too quickly. If all goes well, I’ll reach Sorsston by tomorrow evening.

The wind picks up, and I pause just long enough to wrap my cloak more tightly around my body. I also don a hat and mittens, knowing it’s only going to grow colder the further north I go, and I anticipate it’ll be downright brutal when the sun sets.

As I take off again, sticking to the edge of the road in case I need to make a quick retreat into the forest, I keep uttering silent prayers to any gods that might listen to please help my mother. She’d been so excited to see her sister after all these years, but by the time I’d carried her to the cottage after the encounter with the mangga, she was barely conscious.

What will I do if Mama doesn’t make it?

After a long visit with my aunt, Mama had planned for us to visit Sorsston solely for the purpose of finally finding me a husband. While her pronouncement had surprised me, I hadn’t argued. I trust her, and I know she would never pressure me to marry a man I didn’t fancy. I also know she would carefully vet any prospective husbands to make sure they aren’t anything like my late father.

My thoughts continue to roam as I break into a jog, clutching the straps of my pack so it doesn’t jostle too hard with my rapid steps.

Before Papa died, I’d wanted nothing more than to get married and start a family of my own, but that desire stemmed entirely from my longing to get away from him. He wasn’t a nice man; he was cruel and conniving and verbally abusive. I’d always hoped to find a kind, affectionate husband who wouldn’t just be willing to let Mama stay with us, but who would also be bold enough to challenge my father if he tried to take Mama back by force.

Yet Papa habitually refused every marriage offer that came my way, even from wealthy suitors, and I never got the chance to help Mama escape.

Looking back, I suppose he probably suspected my plans. That’s why he never allowed me to marry. Because he knew I would try to take Mama with me.

I would be lying if I claimed I missed him, though his brutal death had come as a shock. A few weeks after Trevos fell to the fae, he was discovered stabbed to death in an alley, likely the result of a business deal gone wrong.

As I slow to a brisk walk and reach for my canteen, I can’t help but wonder what my life might be like if I’d gotten married years ago like I’d wanted. Then my heart sinks when realization sets in. I would probably be a widow with several small children, like most of the young women my age from Trevos. Thousands of men, young and old, died trying to protect Trevos from the Summer Court army.

Perhaps it’s best that I’m still unmatched.

I take a quick drink of water, then shove the canteen inside a pocket on my bulging pack. I inhale a deep, fortifying breath as my appreciation for the splendor of the countryside grows. Despite the seriousness of the situation, I can’t deny that I enjoy being on the open road. As a child, I used to dream about traveling the realm. But as I got older, I realized I likely wouldn’t leave Trevos beyond the occasional visit to Aunt Heather’s cottage on the outskirts of Sorsston.

When I round a sharp turn in the road, a massive snow-capped mountain range comes into sight. Whoa. I’ve never been so far away from home before, nor have I ever glimpsed mountains so tall.

The newness of it knocks the air from my chest, and I’m suddenly filled with a deep sense of awe.

It’s so beautiful, and I’m so very far away from the home I likely won’t ever return to. I feel like I’m shedding old parts of myself as I travel farther down the road. No matter what happens to Mama, my return to Trevos seems unlikely.

My legs ache as the road becomes steeper, and a quick glance over my shoulder shows just how far I’ve traveled. From this elevation, I’m provided with a clear view of the winding dirt road that disappears into the forest at the base of the mountain, as well as distant lakes and a few small homes that rest atop the rolling hills. It’s a sweeping expanse of green and blue, and gods, how it takes my breath away.

At this time of year, the forests usually aren’t so green and vibrant, but the fae’s magic recently started spreading from their courts and into the human lands. Ussha, the supposed lifeforce of their magic, has had a profound effect on the plant and animal life in the human lands. It causes fruits and vegetables to either glow or sparkle and grow out of season, and it makes the leaves on trees and shrubbery glimmer. It has also caused exotic animals once native to the fae lands to venture into human lands. Creatures like the mangga.

It's my understanding that the spread of ussha has also caused the fae themselves to leave their courts and create new settlements in both human and orc lands. Apparently, the fae are drawn to areas that contain high concentrations of ussha, which helps them sustain their magic.

The disagreements over land usage, however, has led to much fighting, and I can’t help but wonder how long it will be until the fae have conquered the very last human and orc territories. Will my people know peace again within my lifetime?

I focus on the road ahead, break into another jog, and pray Sorsston hasn’t yet fallen to the fae.

A large shadow suddenly passes overhead. My steps falter, and my stomach plummets to the ground. I glance upward.

Cold fear grips me. A winged fae male is soaring high above, and given his flight path, it would seem he’s circling in on me. He flies lower with each pass. My mouth goes dry, and I instinctively reach into my pocket and touch the sealed letter that guarantees my safe passage.

I peer into the forest and consider making a run for it, despite the letter. Winged fae are always highborn, and I can’t help but worry that this particular fae might somehow outrank Warden Valloc.

My gaze sweeps over the landscape as I almost hope to spot an army. If there’s an army, there will be witnesses. In my case, witnesses might be a blessing.

But I don’t spot an army. There’s no one. I’m out here on a mountain road in the middle of nowhere with a highborn fae circling me as though I’m his prey and he’s preparing to pluck me off the ground.

As he descends further, sunlight glints off his golden, near-translucent wings. His platinum blond hair is wild and long. It flows behind him like a violent waterfall as he dives straight for me.

Fucking fires, no.

In a panic, I bolt for the forest, but I only make it about a dozen paces.

The massive, highborn fae lands in front of me in a blast of warmth that leaves me in no doubt about which court he calls home. I gaze at him in utter astonishment, unable to form words.

Gods, he’s stunningly beautiful. I cannot look away.

He’s clad in form-fitting leather that accentuates his broad shoulders and well-defined muscles. His skin is sparkling gold just like his wings, and his eyes are piercing blue. His full, sensual lips are twisted in a smirk.

He regards me with an air of mockery as he looks me up and down. I lift my chin, withdraw the sealed letter from my pocket, and clutch it close as I wait for the opportunity to reveal my protected status.

Why can’t I find my voice?

“What have we here?” His deep voice thrums through me and somehow causes my face to flush. “Little human, there isn’t a village for miles and miles. Are you lost?” His tone is as mocking as his expression.

Still, I can’t speak. Aside from a few conversations with Warden Valloc, who I sort of trust since he’s happily mated to my best friend, this golden creature is the only other fae who’s ever addressed me.

Given his ethereal but masculine beauty, and the certainty that he could end my life in mere moments if he wanted to, I find myself struggling to breathe let alone form a proper response to his question.

When he steps closer, the heat of his body wafts over me again, an immense warmth that chases away the winter chill. I also detect the pleasing aroma of star jasmine, honeysuckle, and gardenia. A result of his Summer Court magic, no doubt.

“Are you lost, little human?” He encroaches further on my space, and fuck if I can even remember my own name right now. I feel as though he’s hypnotized me with his wild beauty.

“No-no,” I finally force out. “I-I’m not lost.”

“Not lost?” He makes a tsking noise. “What in the fires are you doing out here on the road all by yourself? Aren’t you worried that a ravenous fae male might swoop out of the sky, steal away with you, and keep you as his pleasure slave?” His eyes dance with mischief, and I pray he’s joking.

Problem is, plenty of young women and men went missing during the early days of the fae’s occupation in Trevos, most of whom were never seen again. It’s well known that the fae like to keep human pleasure slaves and concubines. There’s a good chance he’s not joking.

A shiver courses through me, along with an unexpected warmth that pulsates between my thighs. My face heats anew. Gods, I’m not attracted to this beastly creature. I’m not.

He smiles, revealing white, sharply pointed teeth. Teeth that could easily tear a hole in my neck. I take a few steps back, only for him to match me step for step.

I clutch the letter to my chest and try to summon bravery. If he senses my fear, that will only encourage his wickedness. That’s what everyone says about the fae. That they love to feed off the fear and pain of humans, particularly virgins.

Another shiver rushes through me because I’ve never even kissed a man before. Does this golden-winged fae know just how innocent I am?

“Why are you out here all by yourself, little human? I asked you a question, and I expect an answer.” This time, his voice isn’t as mocking as earlier. There’s a bit of sternness to it that makes me tremble. I suppose he doesn’t like having to repeat himself.

I clear my throat. “I am running an errand for my aunt,” I say, not wanting to reveal the full truth. If he knows how desperate I am, he might use it against me. “I’m on my way to Sorsston, and I have a letter of protection from the Warden of Trevos himself. Perhaps you’ve heard of him. Warden Valloc. He’s also known as Lord Kaiden, and he hails from Linnshire in the Summer Court.” I pray Warden Valloc’s reputation as a powerful highborn fae is enough to scare the golden creature who’s towering over me with his wings flared wide.

“A letter of protection from Warden Valloc?” He grins again. “My my. You must be someone of importance if you garnered the favor of the Warden of Trevos. Who, exactly, are you? Hm. Let’s find out.” He plucks the envelope from my hands, breaks the seal with a long fingernail that might as well be a talon, and withdraws the letter.

The warmth of summer increases, swirling through the air, as the golden fae scans the letter. Then he places it back in the envelope. Blue light emits from his fingers for a second or two, and the seal becomes intact again.

“The letter appears authentic enough.” His eyes dance with dark glee. “Miss Yvette Harmon of the Kingdom of Trevos. You’re a long way from home, sweetling.” He places the letter back in my pocket, and his abrupt closeness and brief touch causes goosebumps to rise all over my body.

“So, you’ll step aside and allow me safe passage?” I try to refrain from shaking while he stares down at me with an increasing smirk.

“Alas, I cannot drag you into the forest and ravish you as I was planning. I must honor Warden Valloc’s wishes and allow you to pass.” He clutches his chest and feigns a look of sorrow. “Ah, but what a pity I can’t turn you into my little pet. You look delicious, and I bet you moan so prettily.”

I flush from head to toe. I’m relieved he plans to let me pass unharmed, but his words are a bit shocking. From time to time on the streets of Trevos, I’ve found myself on the receiving end of unwanted bawdy talk, but until now it’s never been directed at me by a highborn fae.

He steps back and his wings flare wider. “Perhaps I’ll dream of you tonight, little human.” He winks at me, then shoots into the sky and soars away, leaving me equal parts stunned and reassured.

I quickly resume my travels north, running at full speed. I keep glancing at the sky, but he seems to have disappeared. Thank the gods. Still, I can’t help but feel paranoid that he might return.

If it weren’t for the letter of protection, would he have honestly stolen away with me? Would he have ravished me in the forest and proceeded to keep me as a pleasure slave? I shudder to think about what might be happening to me at this very moment had Mira not asked Warden Valloc to write the letter.

I’m so focused on running as fast as possible while keeping one eye on the sky that I fail to notice the newcomers until it’s too late.

Without warning, I find myself surrounded by over a dozen human males. I come to a halt and spin in a slow circle, looking from man to man. There are no friendly faces to be found, and I go cold all over. My fear deepens when I notice a wagon holding a large cage being guided in our direction. I spot a few people, both women and men, inside the cage.

Flesh traders.

Oh, gods, I’ve encountered flesh traders.

I withdraw the knife from my belt, the very knife I used to kill the mangga just yesterday, and hold it at the ready. My action causes the men to laugh, and I flush with anger. How dare they threaten me? How dare they mock me? My mama is dying and I don’t have time for this.

I must reach Sorsston. I must find a healer and save my mother.

This can’t be happening. It simply can’t.

“Get in the cage willingly, little lady, and we won’t rough you up,” the largest man says as he steps forward. He’s also the cleanest and most well-dressed of the bunch, and I surmise he’s the leader.

“You don’t want to take me. Trust me, you don’t.” With my free hand, I withdraw the resealed envelope from my pocket. “I have a letter from the Warden of Trevos that guarantees my safe passage on the road.” Maybe dropping the warden’s name will be enough to scare these humans off. I can only hope.

The leader scoffs. “The Warden of Trevos? We heard what happened in Trevos, and we don’t answer to the fae. Get in the cage. Now.” He nods at the horse-drawn wagon as the driver pulls it to a stop. “There’s an auction right outside Sorsston tomorrow at noon, and a pretty young thing like you will make a fine addition.”

An auction? Dread coils in my gut.

After putting the letter away, I readjust my grip on the knife.

I think of my ailing mother.

I won’t go down without a fight.