Page 25

Her head hung low as unbearable pain coursed down her back and through the rest of her body.

She tried to keep her breathing even. Tried to fight through the pain, but she was overcome and woozy; her head fuzzy as she barely remained conscious.

So, she let herself hang there, naked from the waist up, exposed to the world.

And she didn’t care anymore. Didn’t care about what they did to her.

She only hoped they would hurry and kill her.

She gave up.

A voice sounded. Calling her name softly.

I’m hallucinating , she thought with closed eyes, ignoring the words.

But there it was again .

“Ava,” it repeated, lilting and feminine and so… familiar. “Ava, dear. Little bird.”

Lifting her head, Ava opened her eyes. Before her was a woman wearing a white gown and casting a heavenly glow.

“Mom?” Ava whimpered.

Her mother smiled, face aglow with a golden light. “Yes, little bird. It’s me.”

Ava’s heart broke as she looked closer at the apparition. Her golden hair flowed down her back as she regarded Ava with piercing green eyes. Her mother looked the same as she remembered her, except powerful magic radiated from her and her ears were pointed. Fae.

Her lip quivered and her vision blurred as she couldn’t keep the tears at bay. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I’m sorry. We wanted to wait until you were old enough. When your grandfather and I left Eorhan, our only goal was to keep you safe. We didn’t know Deidamia and Andras had followed. Not until it was too late. ”

Ava let the tears fall. Streaks of grief washing away the dirt on her cheeks.

“I can’t do this,” Ava whispered, the sound barely audible.

“You must,” her mother responded.

Ava shook in her chains. “Why? I didn’t ask for this. I don’t want to be here. I just want to go home.” She broke on the last word, and she let out a loud sob.

Her mother spoke with authority, voice smooth and powerful. “This is your home, Ava. We don’t always get to choose our path. Sometimes it’s chosen for us. Eorhan needs your help.”

“What if I don’t want to help?” Ava asked. “What if I refuse?”

“Then you doom this whole realm. Everyone here will die or become slaves to the daemon queen. They will never stop hunting you, Ava.”

Ava shook her head. “I’m not strong enough.”

“My little bird,” her mother interjected. “You’ve always thought you weren’t strong enough. That you weren’t good enough. But I’m going to remind you that you are . You are always enough.”

Ava sighed, breath shaking, as she stared at her mother who remained silent and looked back at her with equal parts love and steel in her eyes.

“So, I’m truly fae? But I don’t have pointed ears or any magic.”

“You are,” she answered. “Though I would not share that information with anyone until you’re sure they can be trusted. You’re different because you were not born here.”

“How do I know who I can trust?”

“You’ll know,” she replied.

“Do Deidamia and Andras know? About me?” she asked.

“Yes.”

“Where am I from? Which kingdom? Is there a way to attain my magic?” she continued, words spilling out faster than she could keep up. She had so many questions.

“We were from Monterre, the earth kingdom.”

“Okay,” she whispered. Finally, a real answer. It made sense. Her mother’s abilities with the plants and flowers on the farm.

“I have no one left back home. Where do I go?”

“I’m sorry about Eleanor. She was a good friend.” Ava felt the sting of tears welling. “When you escape, you must get to the capital city of Monterre. You’ll be safe there.”

“Will the fae welcome me?” she asked.

“Not at first. They’ve never met a human. You must not tell them everything right away, lest they accuse you of trickery. Most of the fae there are welcoming, but they’re very suspicious of outsiders. A path will be opened for you to make your way there.”

“How do I get out of here?”

“Look for a friend,” her mother replied. “Help will come to you when the time is right.” Ava’s heart crumpled. She was sick of the vague replies. She wanted more answers. Even in death her mother was keeping things from her. “Ava,” her mother said.

“Yes?”

“You used to be tenacious. Determined when you were truly passionate about something. You used to argue with all your science teachers because they got information wrong about plants and animals.” Her mother laughed quietly. “Where did that woman go?”

Ava’s eyes welled with tears. “You—mom. You left me… and I—can’t do this without you…” she was crying hard now. “You’re all I had… and I don’t know how to be strong anymore,” she whispered, tears falling.

“Ava,” her mother spoke with strength in her voice. A greater strength than Ava had ever heard from her. “Remember who you were before my death. You are strong. It’s always been there, you just need to believe in yourself. Be the stubborn obstinate woman I know you are deep down. Be angry .”

Ava stared at her mother, taking a deep breath. She felt that anger. Had felt it ever since Eleanor was killed, but her fear had taken over and she’d let it.

“They killed your best friend, Ava.”

Her arms shook above her as Eleanor’s death replayed in her head. “I know,” she said through gritted teeth.

“They will keep killing. They’ll kill children.

Innocents. Anyone in their path without a second thought.

What are you going to do about it?” Her mother was radiating power, like warm static electricity pulsing in the air.

She’d never seen her like this before. This was her true fae form showing through; her magic and her authority emanating from her, even in this corporeal body.

“I’m going to get out of here,” she whispered. “I’m going to go to the capital and befriend the fae that live there.”

Her mother walked closer, her face inches from Ava’s. “And then what?” she spat.

Ava felt it then. Her anger. Her wrath as her mother stared into her very soul. “Then I’m going to figure out how to kill Deidamia and Andras.”

“Yes. Yes, you are.” Her mother smiled proudly, tears in her own eyes, as she touched Ava’s cheek. “Find the man you’ve heard in your dreams. He will help you. Teach you what you need to know.”

She barely felt her mother’s touch, but it was there. Like a phantom stroke of air, brushing down her face. “I miss you so much,” Ava said.

“I know, little bird. But I’ll always be with you.” The figure began to fade, as if her time here was cut short.

“Mom,” Ava said, voice breaking again. “Don’t go yet. Wait. ”

“I love you, sweet girl. Remember what I used to tell you when you were scared.” Her face was becoming more distant, body wavering. “If anyone stands in your way. Crush them. Crush. Them .”