5. Lira
5
LIRA
D arkness surrounded me, similar to when I’d been injured, but it wasn’t the same. My stomach churned with unease. I gathered my bearings, knowing that physically, I was next to Tavish. The faint buzz of our bond pumped through my blood, constricting my throat.
There was no telling how Tavish was reacting.
I needed to talk with him, but there was only silence around me.
Then the darkness around me changed into a vision.
I stood in the center of a forest with green, leafy trees all around and a sun twice the size of Earth’s beaming on me.
I lifted my head, enjoying the heat on my skin, when I heard a familiar voice call out, “Lira, you know that’s not fair! You’re using your magic to hide your scent.”
My heart thumped as I spun around and flew deeper into the thick treetops.
I looked forward to my semiannual visits with Tavish. Even at nine, I’d felt a kindred spirit in him, and ever since I’d been able to fly, we’d played chase. It had started by accident when I was young and shy around him and tried to get away. Now, I enjoyed the thrill of him chasing me.
I’d cut a sharp left when arms wrapped around my waist. Tavish’s boyish face beamed, the sharp edges that were so clear on the man I’d gotten to know since my capture not yet present. His silver eyes sparkled like the weight of the world and future hadn’t crashed onto his shoulders, and my younger heart squeezed with an echo of the magnitude I felt today.
“That’s not fair!” I squealed, trying to scowl but not succeeding. “You used the darkness to cloak you.”
“And you used your water to hide your scent.” One hand released me, and he booped me on the nose. “All’s fair in a chase, sprite. You should know that by now.”
I rolled my eyes, pretending I was annoyed, but I didn’t pull it off. The best I could muster was mashing my lips to hide my smile. “And that’s why your name should’ve been Thorn and not Tavish.” I wrinkled my nose at him to look more menacing. “Because you’re prickly and cause pain.”
“Ah… but that’s more fitting for a Seelie than me,” he teased.
An unfamiliar voice called his name.
His smile dropped, and he released me, fluttering his wings. “I must leave. It’s time for us to head home, but one day, we won’t have only hours but forever to chase one another.”
My little heart skipped a beat, though I didn’t comprehend why. Instead, I straightened my shoulders to appear composed. “We’d better go.”
The two of us flew back toward the voice that had called him, and we reached eight people standing together, four on each side, facing each other.
My breath caught as understanding of who they were washed over me.
My biological parents stood in the middle on one side, and the two people flanking them had my mind tensing. Even though they didn’t look quite the same, there was no doubt they were my adoptive parents on Earth.
Dad’s and Mom’s skin was the same shade as on Earth but with a faint golden glow that made them look otherworldly, especially with their pointy ears.
Across from my two sets of parents stood Tavish’s parents, flanked by Torcall and Finola. Two of the eight I had known in my human life, but the Unseelie and Seelie royals were just returning to my memory.
“It was an honor visiting with you again.” Tavish’s mother bowed her head, her long white hair slipping over her slender shoulders and almost blending in with her skin, which resembled the color of the snow that covered their kingdom.
The Seelie queen returned the bow, her hair the same shade as mine—medium blonde. It waved down her golden dress, emphasizing the golden freckles on her cheeks and her emerald-green eyes.
My favorite color.
“I’m excited about the potential of our kingdoms finally joining and becoming one.” The Seelie king puffed out his chest and turned his cobalt eyes on me. “Lira is strong and smart, so she will be able to rule over the two kingdoms as one.”
All my life… at least on Earth… people had known I was adopted. I’d become used to standing out with Eiric and my parents. Seeing my biological parents caused my chest to squeeze. I was a blend of them both, having my mother’s hair and the same shade of eyes as the king, as well as his sun-kissed complexion.
“As is my son.” The Unseelie king’s jaw clenched. His gray eyes hardened, the edge in them matching the look I’d often seen in Tavish’s today.
“That’s fantastic, seeing as we’ll be ruling together.” Tavish cleared his throat and winked at me. He leaned toward me and whispered, “Don’t worry. I’ll never be that grumpy.”
Before I could see what happened next, the image around me changed.
I lay in a massive bed with ten pillows underneath me. My biological parents sat on the edge of my bed, telling me good night. The moon hung high in the cloudless night outside the window to my left, where the view was partially obstructed by a sizable pink tree that reminded me of the cherry blossom trees Japan was renowned for. The most unsettling sensation was the contentment and love my younger self felt for them.
The memories sped up as I relived each one.
The next ones seemed more familiar as faces, feelings, and places started to feel like home.
Then they stopped, like a dark cloud hovering over me, yanking me back into the present.
“Lira.” Tavish’s voice shook in tune with my body. I need you to wake up.
My body thrummed as my consciousness settled back over me, and I choked as pain and terror settled into my heart and limbs.
Agony, that didn’t belong to me… but Tavish.
I cracked my eyes open enough to see Tavish leaning over me, and the chill of the room confirmed I was still naked.
Of course, my magic would choose the first time I had sex to bring my memories back.
“Sprite.” His head lifted, his stormy eyes lightening with hope. “Thank gods. I knew we shouldn’t have completed our bond until you were fully healed. I’m so sorry yet again .” His love, remorse, and concern replaced most of the fear.
My heartbeat quickened, and my cheeks stretched into a smile. “With all your apologies, you’ll never get out of the debts you owe me, thorn.”
His head jerked back, and the twinkle in his silver eyes returned like some of the memories I had experienced moments ago.
“What did you just call me?” he whispered.
“Thorn?” I lifted a brow. “Is that not okay?”
“You remember?” The corner of his lips lifted.
“I remember you chasing me.” I wondered if that was why I had wanted to run earlier and liked the idea of him finding me. “And you were cheating with your magic.”
He laughed warmly, his expression smoothing more into one of boyish charm. “Only because you used your water to wash away your scent. It’s only fair when both of us can use our magic and not just the one.” His face turned solemn. “But love, are you okay?”
I thought about that. The warm and refreshing spots in my chest were stronger than I had ever experienced… except for when I was younger. I had never noticed the warm spot when I was younger. Maybe because it had always been a part of me that I’d never accessed. But coming back and having my magic reactivated, I could feel that I had two different types of magic within me. I’d never done that before, and I wasn’t sure how or why I was now.
Knowing Tavish needed comfort, I lifted my head and kissed him. I’m more than good and would actually be perfect if your arms were around me.
I suppose I could oblige you with that. He nipped at my lips and settled beside me, pulling my back against his chest. Neither of us attempted to get dressed, and his body curled around me. Now that we’d completed the bond, the buzzing had grown into a jolt, and it felt natural to be nestled into him like this.
He peppered my neck with kisses, and I exhaled, completely content. And this time, I fell into a comforting sleep surrounded by the touch, scent, and taste of Tavish.
A whimper and scratching sound stirred my consciousness. My body thrummed with warmth, peace, and comfort, so the last thing I wanted was to open my eyes and move from this spot, but the whimper grew louder.
Awareness washed over me, and my mouth dried.
Nightbane.
I’d put him in the bathroom and forgot to let him out after we had sex.
Even though Tavish’s body was cooler than mine, the jolt between us warmed me so much that I didn’t need covers. I inched slowly from Tavish’s arms and tiptoed to the bathroom.
At the door, I turned the handle slowly so as not to make a noise. When it was about two inches wide, Nightbane shoved his nose through the crack, forcing the door the rest of the way open.
I stumbled back a few steps as Nightbane trotted out, glaring at me. His eyes weren’t lime-colored—like when he wanted to attack but worse. They were a dark green, like I’d hurt him.
It was official.
I was a wildling.
“I’m sorry.” I hung my head, feeling like I was getting chastised by a parent. “I…” I stopped short, unsure what to say.
“Listen, beast,” Tavish rasped sexily. “Don’t make my mate feel bad about needing to connect with me. You’ve cuddled with her many nights while I’ve lain awake, jealous. It was your turn.”
My head jerked in his direction, and I took in his disheveled appearance. Warmth spread through me. Clearly, he was having similar thoughts because his eyes were locked on my naked body, and he was already hard.
Go ahead and put him back in the bathroom, sprite. He licked his lips. I’m thinking we need more time alone without an audience. Waking up to you naked and covered in fated-mate markings is the sexiest thing I have ever experienced in any realm.
As my cheeks warmed, my legs took on a life of their own, forcing me to head toward him.
Nightbane huffed, reminding me that Tavish and I weren’t alone. Then someone knocked on the door.
My lungs seized, and I searched frantically for my gown. I didn’t want someone walking in on us naked.
“Your Majesty, do you want to join us this morning to search for Eldrin?” Finola called. “We’re getting ready to leave, and you haven’t been down for breakfast.”
Tavish scowled, and heaviness like disappointment filled our bond. “Yes, I do,” he called back. “Please get someone to bring breakfast to the room immediately and inform them I’ll be eating off both plates, so neither better be poisoned.”
I spotted the gown crumpled on the floor where I’d pretty much attacked him. I snagged it and slipped it over my body as Tavish searched around the bed for his own clothes.
If it weren’t for Eldrin, there’s no way I’d leave this bedroom. Tavish stepped into his pants, a frown on his face. But you won’t be safe until he’s behind bars, so I’m sorry.
Enjoying the view, I strolled around the bed, damn near pouting as he slipped on his tunic. He closed the distance between us and placed his hands on my ass cheeks to pull me against him.
I yelped before his lips captured mine, and his tongue slid into my mouth.
I responded eagerly, but another round of knocks on the door had me wanting to snarl.
“I’m coming in,” Caelan informed us, and the door opened.
When I attempted to take a step back, Tavish held me in place, moving his mouth so he nibbled on my jaw. My breath caught, and I enjoyed the unexpected sensation.
Caelan’s disapproving headshake had me closing my lips altogether. He held black armor in his hands.
Tavish groaned and glared at his friend. “What’s so urgent?”
“I thought you might be grateful for me locating armor for Lira.” He tossed the top and bottom onto the bed. “I’m assuming she’ll be joining us while we search for Eldrin.”
My heart rate picked up. I’d been outside the castle only twice. Once when I’d arrived and the other when I’d attempted to escape. The thought of actually learning about the kingdom had my blood pulsing with excitement.
“It’s too risky for her to be out there.” Tavish frowned. “She should stay here where she’s safest.”
That joy quickly changed to frustration, and I took a step back, needing distance. “You’ve got to be joking.”
“Why in the blighted abyss would I joke about something like this ?” Tavish lifted his chin and crossed his arms. “Your safety is the only thing that matters to me.”
“And that of your people.” Caelan rolled his eyes.
“My people come after Lira.” Tavish turned his gaze on his friend. “I need to make that perfectly clear.”
Caelan sneered. “Don’t worry. You have.”
Wow. This was tense, and I needed to refocus on the moment. “He brought me armor so I’ll be protected. And I bet most of the guards will be out there searching with you. It’d be good for your people to see us together. Reinforce what you said yesterday and all that.” I smiled and batted my eyes, hoping my words would sway him.
“She’s right, and if you hide her, you’ll make them resent her more.” Caelan pointed at the armor. “With her by your side the entire time and with Finola and Moor protecting you, she’ll be safer out there than in here.”
Moor.
That was the guard who’d taken Torcall’s place. My chest constricted.
“I don’t—” Tavish started.
“Remember when you said I wasn’t a prisoner anymore?” I lifted a brow and rocked back on my heels. “Did you mean it?”
He huffed, and his shoulders sagged. “Of course I did, which is now working against me.”
I laughed and kissed his cheek. “Good, then we’re settled.”
You’d better love me, sprite. His eyes lightened as warmth spread between us.
Oh, I do, thorn. I winked at him and dashed over to the bed, ready to put my armor on.
My heart felt like the moment was perfect. Tavish had listened to what I wanted, to my needs, and we were going to find his cousin together. The way we’d be doing everything else from here on out.
Within an hour, Tavish and I had eaten and put on our armor.
We flew out of the castle’s massive front doors, which were rarely used except in situations where the illusion of the castle taking action needed to be had. Then we soared over ground covered in snow so thick it hid the stone path below.
The sky showed a hint of light as snowflakes hit my face, the coldness refreshing and the air crisp with a hint of salt from the breeze that blew in from the sea where the village ended.
Everyone stood outside their homes, which reminded me more of townhomes or apartments than actual cottages. A dusting of snow covered the dark slabs that the houses were made of, making the entire place look pure white except for the surrounding dirt and rocks.
The fifty guards with us separated into teams and began searching each house while Tavish and I hovered in the sky side by side, waiting for Eldrin to be found. Another fifty guards left to search the ruined lands, to be thorough, but Tavish and Caelan believed Eldrin had to be somewhere inside. He wouldn’t survive out in the lands for long. The mushrooms were nearby, in a cave with four guards keeping watch since last night in case he showed up. He would eventually need to come for the food. Unseelie weren’t made to survive on meat alone.
The longer we stayed in place and the guards continued the search, the more disgruntled the Unseelie became.
A few women glared at me with all the hatred they could muster, and I forced myself to smile back at them, wanting them to see I didn’t feel threatened. Still, my heart ached. Would these people ever see me as more than Seelie?
Who’s upsetting you? Tavish linked, taking my hand and scanning the almost three thousand people the guards had forced from their homes so we could do this sweep.
The yellow-eyed man from the night I’d escaped spat on the ground, causing some of the snow to melt. He wasn’t even trying to hide how he felt about me.
Tavish followed my gaze and snarled, but before he could say anything, something exploded at the far end of the houses.
“What the blast—” a man screamed, but his words cut off as smoke rose from the windows.
Someone down on the other end yelled, “Fire!”
The guards had made it almost to the halfway point, and they all came flying out of the houses with tense frowns on their faces.
Finola pointed at Tavish and me and said, “I need two guards to take them back to the castle until we find out what happened. This could be a threat from Eldrin.”
“We’ll take them,” a woman guard with frosty-blue-tipped hair answered and pointed to the male guard beside her. “Everyone else, go.”
Finola nodded, and she and the others flew toward the threat.
My heart raced. I can use my water—
That’s probably why Eldrin made a fire, Tavish answered, tugging on my hand to take me back to the castle. To lure you away, knowing how you like to help.
I tensed, hating how well Eldrin knew me… almost better than I knew myself.
“Go ahead. I’ll be right behind you,” Tavish said and released me as he drew his sword.
The woman flew next to me while the man remained behind with Tavish, watching our backs.
With a few flaps of her wings, she came super close to me… so much that our arms brushed. She lifted her right arm up like she was readying her sword. Then the weapon vanished and morphed into a needle, which she stabbed into the back of my neck.
Tavish, I connected as fear squeezed my heart. I tried to turn and only managed a half spin. Just enough that I noticed Tavish’s eyes widen as I lost the ability to move my wings.
The man flying beside him struck with his right arm. The sword he held shortened into a dagger and lodged into Tavish’s neck.
Arms caught me as I began to drop, but that didn’t matter.
All I could focus on was the pain that spiked from Tavish as the edges of my vision darkened.