Chapter 9
CHAPTER 9
Archon Oniville returned and reported to Norivun that more jewels had indeed been stolen—it wasn’t just rhifilyte gems. And if Saroly had been working alone, then the traitorous female had indeed been busy. She’d stolen thousands of precious stones.
Fury strummed from the archon’s aura, but she called for a hydration tea, then made sure Bastian was comfortably seated and warm by the fire. She apologized to us, explaining she would have ordered Bastian food too, but their facility didn’t allow food on the premises in order to keep their work areas decontaminated.
“There’s a salopas down the lane.” Norivun’s guard with the long braid nodded toward the exit. Ryder, I thought was his name. “They serve excellent food. I’m sure they would be happy to serve you if you would like a meal.”
Sandus, the guard with a beard, nodded in agreement. “It’s where we usually go when we travel here.”
Archon Oniville also inclined her head. “Our staff usually ventures there during their breaks. I also recommend it.”
“Bastian? Can you hold off on eating for a while?” Jax asked his brother.
Bastian lifted his mug toward the archon, his playful and affectionate aura filling the room. “As long as you keep this tea coming, I’ll be just fine.”
I leaned against the wall, closer to Jax, and watched it all. Even though I didn’t know Jax’s brother at all, I was beginning to understand why Jax was so protective of Bastian and felt so deeply about his brother.
A natural charm, a truly charismatic aura, surrounded the half-breed. There was something about Bastian that made one want to smile and laugh. A feeling, or perhaps his energy, called to those around him, putting them at ease and making them want to play. The true Bastian was nothing like the catatonic male we rescued from the cavern. And I just thanked the stars and galaxy that we’d gotten him back.
As though reading my mind, Jax’s attention slid my way. Utter relief and pure joy still filled his expression. But as Jax’s brother leaned back in his chair, sipping his hot beverage, the crown prince of Stonewild returned his attention to the metalwork fairy across from us.
We still hadn’t finished what he started.
Archon Oniville bowed at Norivun. “I would like to stay here while the rest of our inventory is accounted for.” Her expression hardened. “I need to learn more about what Saroly has done.”
Norivun inclined his head. “Of course.” The royal regarded Saroly coolly, his aura swirling around him in barely controlled pulses.
And once again, Jax’s expression turned glacial. “I have some more questions for you.”
Archon Oniville pulled out the chair beside Jax. “We both do.”
Saroly sagged in her seat, and even though insolence still radiated from her, she seemed resigned to the fact that she’d been caught.
Jax crossed his arms. “ How many anklets total did you create for someone on the Silten continent ?”
Saroly shrugged. “I don’t know the exact number, but it was close to ten thousand.”
My breath sucked in, and Alec and I shared a shocked look. Someone had wanted to enslave ten thousand half-breeds. But why?
“ Who were you working for ?” Jax’s Mistvale command again coated his words.
She shrugged once more. “I have no idea. Our communication was all done via dillemsills, and payments were delivered to me anonymously by someone working for whoever commissioned the anklets.”
All of us shared a frustrated look. If Saroly had no idea who she was working for, whoever it was had kept their tracks covered well.
Jax continued his questioning, not letting up, while Norivun’s guard, Haxil, took careful notes of everything that Saroly revealed. It soon became apparent Saroly had crafted all of the anklets that the half-breeds at the Centennial Matches had been wearing.
But her acts of treason didn’t stop there. She’d also stolen other gems and made other illegal jewelry over the seasons—my collar being only one of those creations. The only blessing was that she’d been working alone, and there wasn’t a large criminal network that the Solis authorities would need to track down.
We spent hours in the room, learning just how far Saroly’s treachery went. It turned out that she had been swindling gems, of various varieties, from the Hartivul Mine for hundreds of full seasons. Her treachery hadn’t started with the half-breeds’ anklets. It hadn’t even started with my collar. She’d been doing it for centuries ...long before I’d ever been born.
Initially, her thefts had been small, only a gem or two once a winter, and she’d initially sold the gems loose, not constructing them into jewelry or weapons. When asked how she’d done so, she explained that she devised a way to break into the facility’s vaults, wield a powerful glamour, and steal what she wanted, effectively covering up her tracks as she went. And since the vault’s gems were never all utilized at once for legitimate projects, and stock was continually replenished by the mines, her ploy had worked. The female was a genius really, not only blessed with an incredibly strong affinity but a cunning mind as well.
It was just unfortunate that she’d chosen to use her skills for selfish gain versus the good of others, because over the seasons, her thefts had grown, and her creations had advanced. She often constructed her nefarious pieces of jewelry at home, working on them when she wasn’t crafting metallic items in the facility. Which was how she’d gotten away with it for so long, since nobody knew what she was doing.
Jax’s questions continued as Jax helped Norivun and Archon Oniville uncover everything that Saroly had done.
When he finally finished every line of questioning they could think of, I was horrified to learn that Saroly’s metallic jewelry had likely affected more than five thousand fae in the centuries she’d been stealing, and that didn’t include all the anklets she furiously crafted in the previous months. Apparently, since all of the anklets were the same, and she’d grown so practiced in her magic, she was easily able to duplicate them, making a huge amount of the jewelry all at once.
The female was truly powerful, and I prayed to all the gods and goddesses that most of the ten thousand anklets she created hadn’t been put on any half-breeds yet, but in reality, we didn’t know. After all, we had no count of how many half-breeds were still in the Wood’s underground caverns.
Of the other five thousand individuals that she’d affected over the seasons, most of the fae were scattered throughout the realm, not only residing on my continent and the Solis continent but also on the Nolus continent and Lochen islands as well. Saroly had even gone so far as to sell the stolen gems to creatures in the other realm, something that had nearly made steam rise from her archon’s ears.
And when Saroly finally revealed why she’d done such crimes, I was sickened to hear that the reasoning was as unforgiveable as they got. A noble reason might have made my heart soften slightly, but Saroly had done it all for rulibs. She proudly admitted that she was wealthier than any fairy in Harrivee Territory, unbeknownst to anyone around her.
Hearing that made her archon scowl. “And over the seasons, when you’ve disappeared on your trips and have taken your extensive time away, were you using your rulibs to fund those ventures?”
Saroly sneered. “Of course. I’ve been living like a queen for hundreds of winters. I have many properties scattered throughout the realm and dozens of servants at my beck and call.” She laughed lightly, and for the first time seemed to enjoy the line of questioning. “None of you ever even knew. That was the best part of it all. You all thought I was just another fairy toiling away in this despicable facility when in reality, I was outsmarting you all.”
My hands balled into fists when her purely selfish motives came to light. While Saroly was living like a noble from a House, thousands of fae had been suffering because of her choices.
Trivan was right. She did deserve a visit from the Dark Raider.
Norivun’s aura surged as he stood and began reviewing the notes Haxil had taken. It would likely take many, many summers to track down all of the fae who had been affected by Saroly’s treacherous deeds and to recover all of the stones that had been stolen. And given Norivun’s barely controlled rage, I knew that ultimately, that task could very well fall on his shoulders.
A twinge of pity rose in me for the gigantic headache that had just been thrust upon the Solis royal.
Finally, when Norivun and Archon Oniville confirmed that they had all of the information they needed, Jax looked toward his brother. “Are you doing okay?”
“Fine, I’m just fine.” Bastian cocked his head, making his antlers sway. He’d probably downed a dozen cups of hydration tea since the questioning had started. “On second thought”—he patted his stomach—“I’m seriously starving, bro. Can we at last get something to eat?”
Jax laughed, and the rest of us stood up to join him as Nish and Sandus clamped Saroly’s arms behind her back, then told Archon Oniville to call for the Fae Guard. The corrupt metalwork affinity fairy wouldn’t be enjoying her freedom again anytime soon. And her days of living like a queen had finally come to an end.
Jax, his friends, Bastian, and I sat around a table in the local salopas that’d been recommended down the road. Norivun and his guards had stayed back at the facility to issue orders to the mine archons and other authorities in the area as they began the needed process of cleaning up Saroly’s mess. Even though Saroly had been working alone, there were many wrongs that had to be made right, the security of the mines and the vault’s storage being paramount. Because if she’d been able to break into them, others might be able to devise a way to as well.
“It was very kind of Norivun to assist us as he did,” I murmured to Jax. Music filled the salopas from a band playing on stage while locals drank and ate, more than a few giving us curious looks. I had a feeling a group of Silten fae hanging out in their local eating establishment wasn’t the norm around here.
Jax inclined his head and took another drink of ale. “I owe him a debt.”
Bastian looked up from the bowl of stew he’d just finished. He raised a hand to the barkeep, signaling that he wanted another. He’d already eaten an entire hen, two salads, and a bowl of rice, but he didn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon.
“Have you at least had enough now to answer some questions?” Jax asked his brother, his tone amused.
Bastian took a huge gulp of his ale, then set his drink down and wiped his mouth. “Okay, now I’m ready, but I’m still hungry.”
An enchanted tray floated toward us and deposited another bowl of stew in front of Bastian. He picked up his spoon, but instead of taking a bite, he eyed his brother. “So, what the guys were telling me”—he nodded toward Bowan and Lars—“while you were questioning that fairy, is actually true? For the past three months I’ve been under the control of someone because of that anklet I was wearing?”
Jax nodded, his mouth a firm line.
“You really don’t remember anything about that time?” Bowan cocked his head, and his earring caught the light. “Not even this morning when you attacked us?”
Bastian’s eyebrows, similar in shape to Jax’s, shot straight up. “I attacked you?”
Alec nodded. “I spilled several mugs of coffee in the process. You owe me the cleaning bill on my pants. Those were my favorite ones, and I had to change.”
Bastian snickered, and his antler rack swayed slightly. “I wish I could have seen that. I love when your pretty clothes get messed up.”
Alec slugged Bastian in the shoulder, but a smile spread across his lips.
“You truly did attack us,” Lars said quietly. “You threw me through a door.”
Some of the amusement slid from Bastian’s face. “I did? Stars, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to. I never would have done that if I’d been in control of myself. Well, unless we were wrestling. I do love beating you lot when we spar.”
Trivan clapped him on the back. “It’s good to have you back, Bas, even if you are a poor sparring companion.”
Bastian laughed and flicked Trivan’s hand with an antler. “Care to take those words outside?”
Trivan grinned. “Any day, stag.”
The laughing and joking continued, and Jax grinned. I leaned into him, soaking up the newly elated emotion puffing along my mate’s bond. In all the time I’d known him, I’d never felt such intense relief from him. His brother truly did mean everything to him.
When the teasing finally slowed enough for him to ask a question, Jax said, “What do you remember, Bas? Do you recall anything about the summer or the past three months?”
Bastian took another bite of his stew, his jaw working slowly as he chewed the meat and vegetables. “The last memory I have is walking to work at the end of spring. It was dark. My shift started early at the shipyard that day. I wasn’t really paying attention to my surroundings, just ambling along, and then...” A heavy frown descended over his features. “Nothing. I don’t recall anything past that.”
I cocked my head. “Do you remember hearing anything unusual that day? Before your memories disappeared?”
Bastian shook his head. “No.”
“Do you think he was attacked from behind?” A heavy groove appeared between Lander’s eyes when he swung his attention to the group.
“I’m assuming so.” Jax scratched his chin, then took another drink from his tall mug. “Do you recall sensing someone else’s presence? Even if you didn’t hear anything?”
Bastian shook his head again. “I don’t. I don’t remember anything other than thinking of Anna while walking. She and I were planning to share a meal that night. I was supposed to cook it, and I was trying to figure out what to make that would impress her.” He grimaced. “Oh, shite. Anna ! I just realized I haven’t seen her in months, even though that morning feels like yesterday to me. Do you know how she is? Has she been asking about me?”
“She has.” Jax explained what he knew, sharing that she was one of the first fae he had his staff contact after realizing his brother was gone. “I couldn’t contact her directly, obviously, since she doesn’t know we’re brothers, but one of my staff did. Anna’s been searching for you too, asking questions all over town since the day you disappeared. She’s been very anxious to find you, and like me, she hasn’t given up.”
“Really?” A hopeful expression grew on Bastian’s face. “Does that mean she didn’t find anybody else in the past few months?”
Jax shook his head. “She hasn’t, not last I heard. She’s still loyal to you. About as worried sick as I’ve been if my staff are to be believed.”
Bastian perked up and quickly ate the rest of his stew, then slugged the remainder of his drink. “I need to get home. I have to explain to her that I never would have left her on purpose.”
But when he tried to rise, Jax clamped a hand on his shoulder. “You will, and soon, but not until we figure out who took you.”
Bastian slumped back in his seat.
“Your brother’s right,” I chimed in, my voice gentle. “Until we know who’s behind this, there’s no telling if they’ll simply abduct you again, and according to Saroly, the fae who commissioned those anklets bought thousands of them. Who’s to say they won’t simply put a new one on you?”
Bastian glowered and scrubbed his cheeks. “Stars and galaxy. I hadn’t thought of that.”
“So now what?” Phillen asked. The burly guard sat at the end of the table, looking as tense as a board. “I wouldn’t mind getting back to our continent too. All this makes me nervous, and I’d like to check in with Saramel and ensure she and Cassim are okay.”
I nodded sympathetically. If I had a three-summer-old child, I would want to ensure his safety as well.
Jax made a move to stand. “We can portal key back to Leafton now if everyone’s ready. We’ll need to make a few more appearances as we allow word to spread that we’re done at the Matches.”
“Then let’s get out of here.” Bowan elbowed Trivan, who sat at his side, and everyone began to slide out of the booth.
The local Solis fae cast us more curious stares, but we all moved to the door and out into the snowy night before anyone could approach us.
The night sky loomed above, even more colorful and dazzling this far north. Freezing wind blew through the streets, and I pulled my cloak tighter to my chest.
Jax fished a portal key from his pocket, and everyone moved into a circle, while Phillen explained to Bastian that Quinn had amassed a jar of portal keys, which made traveling extremely easy.
“How peculiar.” Bastian scratched his head when Jax showed him the key.
I clasped my mate’s hand and gave him a heavy look. “You do know what this means, don’t you? Since Bastian can’t remember anything, and he doesn’t know who’s behind his abduction, and Saroly didn’t either, I’ll have to venture to the Veiled Between again to get answers. It’s the only way.”
Jax’s nostrils flared as my comment sank in. Because even though all communication between Saroly and whoever had hired her had been done via dillemsill—which indicated that it might be a Silten fairy behind it since dillemsills were native to our continent—that didn’t necessarily mean it was. It could be anybody. Perhaps a Lochen, Nolus, or another Solis fairy was to blame. We had no idea since Saroly hadn’t bothered pursuing more information. All she’d cared about was amassing rulibs. She was so much like my former guardian it was sickening.
Jax finally inclined his head. “I know.”
But even though his answer was accepting, his concern for me still strummed along our bond. The effects his calling had on me seemed to be long-lasting, but I’d proven the last time I’ve ventured to the Veiled Between that I was stronger now, that using my magic didn’t hurt me anymore like it once had, and with my collar now completely removed, I was likely even better off.
I squeezed his hand. “Trust me. I’ll be fine. I’m no longer restricted by my collar. My magic is fully untethered. The semelees should now see me as their queen, which means they’ll bow to me completely.”
Alec rocked back on his heels. “She’s right, Jax. She survived her last trip to the Veiled Between just fine, and if she goes again, everything could be answered.”
The crown prince of Stonewild Kingdom nodded. “You’re right. My mate is now likely a queen of the semelees. I daresay she’s probably the most powerful female fairy on the Silten continent.”
A feeling of pride swept through me, and a tingle of excitement followed. “It’s about time I embraced my birthright. I will find us answers.”
A heated glow filled Jax’s eyes. “My mate, the lorafin queen. Who would have thought I’d end up so lucky?”
Intense joy abruptly flooded me, and I could only hope that, eventually, his parents would feel the same. The king and queen of Stonewild Kingdom still had no idea that their son had mated himself to a non-royal commoner.
But since we were going back to Stonewild soon, I knew it was only a matter of time before they found that out too.
But all in good time. First, we had to discover who created Bastian’s collar and put a stop to them.
We used a portal key to travel back to Leafton, knowing our presence would inevitably be missed if we didn’t stick to our original schedule of enjoying the Match Finals.
Bastian’s eyes grew wide when he beheld the destruction of the Stonewild royal suite at The Silver Hand.
“I did this? Seriously ?” He swung his head back and forth, surveying the damage. Then he laughed. “I have to say, it’s actually quite impressive.” He flexed an arm.
Phillen snorted, and Bowan laughed.
But Trivan rolled his eyes. “Rubbish, this was all from that strength the anklet gave you. I can still beat you sparring. Fairly easily, I’d like to remind you.”
Bastian dropped low, knees bent. “Oh, is that right? I see your ego hasn’t changed in the slightest while I was comatose. Maybe it’s time I remind you how easily I can best you?”
Trivan grinned, and the two of them tackled one another, getting a chuckling laugh from Jax even though more furniture began to fly.
I couldn’t help but laugh too when another chair crashed into the wall, even though it added to the damage that would need to be addressed.
Alec shook his head. “Children, I swear. We can’t take them anywhere.”
While Trivan and Bastian’s boastings and wrestling continued in the living area, the others set about cleaning up the mess from earlier this morning. Unlike the spilled coffee, which a cleaning charm had easily taken care of, the broken walls and exploded plaster would take longer to reconstruct and would require purchasing advanced construction charms. Lars and Phillen volunteered to venture into the city to buy what was needed for the task.
I tugged on Jax’s sleeve as the others got to work. “I’m going to our chambers. I need to venture to the Veiled Between while the rest of you clean up so we can finally have full answers. We can’t delay this anymore. We need to know who’s behind it all.”
My mate’s midnight brows slanted together. “I’ll stay with you, just in case you need my help to return.”
I slid my hand through his, knowing that I very well could need help, because while my magic was now entirely free, I was still new to navigating the Veiled Between without my collar. I’d had to use the pull of Jax’s magic once before to find my way back when I inadvertently traveled there during a dream. There was nothing to say I wouldn’t need his help again until I learned to command my magic fully, even if I now was a lorafin queen.
We entered our chambers, and I shut the door behind us.
“You’ll stay at my side?” I asked quietly, then lay on the bed.
Jax kneeled beside the mattress and took my hand. A fierceness entered his expression that took my breath away. “I’ll never leave it.”