CHAPTER 22
Rue
My mouth drops open in surprise. “This is Dar’tha? The fae healer?”
“The one and only,” Dar’tha greets with a flourished bow. As she rises, she winks at me, causing Slade to push me further behind him, but I don’t feel like I need protecting from this woman.
If anything, there’s a certain draw about her pulling me in. Which, admittedly, could be because she’s a fae, and they’re known for their enigmatic presences, but that doesn’t seem like that’s what this is.
“Where the hell have you been?” Caylix demands. “Our scouts seemed to think you disappeared off the face of the planet.”
Her smile falters. “I returned to Faerie for some time,” she admits. “I uncovered something that could potentially... tip the scales and needed to consult with the elders. After some deliberation, we’ve decided it’s time for us to step in. And that starts with you, Rue.”
Her statement hangs in the air, leaving behind a whole plethora of questions that I’m too dumbstruck to voice. I exchange a bewildered glance with my mates, unsure what to make of that, but they’re as confused as I am.
“Tell me,” Slade starts. “What does this have to do with my soulmatch? And don’t give me any bullshit half answers.”
Fae technically cannot tell a lie, but they’ve gotten creative over the years with half-truths and admissions buried deep inside pretty words. They’re experts at it, really.
Dar’tha opens her mouth to respond when Mauve lets out a pitiful, keening sound. Her brow dips in concern as she kneels, pressing her hands over the wound once more. She glances at Arya, who is actively crying and seems completely unaware of anything going on around her.
The glow around Dar’tha‘s hands fades. “I’m sorry, I’ve done all I can,” she tells Arya gently. “The rest is up to your mate.”
Arya’s name echoes through the trees, carried by a deep male voice. I turn to find Ian sprinting through the trees, his long strides somehow graceful despite favoring his left leg. The fabric of his shirt is ripped and torn in several places. My eyes are drawn to the largest tear, a jagged claw-like mark that runs across his chest, yet there is no blood, only sweat and dirt.
Claws? The image from my tea leaves last night flashes through my mind and a gasp escapes my lips.
“Mauve? Shit, Mauve!” Ian’s panicked voice snaps me back to reality as he reaches us, dropping to his knees beside Mauve’s still form. His strong arms scoop her up effortlessly, cradling her gently against his chest as he glances at us for answers. “What happened?”
“Feral.” Arya’s voice is strained and hoarse. Her piercing hazel eyes widen in shock as they take in Ian’s state. “Ian, are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” he reassures her in a shaky voice. “I’m not injured. I took two down on my way. I felt the anguish through the bond and feared—“ His words are cut off by a surge of emotion and he clutches Mauve closer to his chest. She looks so small and fragile in his arms. My heart aches for them both as I watch their love and worry radiating through each other.
Dar’tha‘s sharp gaze darts around the area, scanning for any more potential ferals. “We should get inside. There’s much we need to discuss.”
Slade’s body tenses, and he growls low in his throat. “I don’t trust you.”
I place a comforting hand on Slade’s arm, redirecting his intense gaze to me. “My gut is telling me she’s not a threat. I think we should at least listen to what she has to say, okay?”
His nostrils flare, but he eventually relents with a heavy sigh. “Very well.”
The water pelts my skin, hot and stinging as I try to scrub Mauve’s dried blood off my hands and arms. Mauve’s injury weighs heavily on my mind as I finish rinsing off and hurriedly dry myself, slipping into a clean pair of clothes. Making my way down the stairs, I allow the bond to lead me to my mates.
My men sense my presence instantly, their eyes swiveling to find mine as I enter the formal living room and sit on the couch, sandwiched between Rhys and Slade.
“How is Mauve?” I ask quietly, knowing Slade took them all to a spare bedroom while I cleaned up. The last time I saw her, she was still lifeless and frighteningly pale, and the image is burned into my mind. The amount of blood she lost from her wound...
Dar’tha‘s face softens and she replies, “She’s still unconscious. The wounds she sustained were deep, and would’ve proved fatal had I not stepped in when I did. It’ll take time for her to heal, but I sense she has one of those strong fighting spirits about her.”
I exhale a breath I didn’t realize I was holding, relief flooding through me. “Thank you for what you did. I think I speak for all of us when I say we’re grateful. I couldn’t imagine—“ I trail off, letting that hang out in the open, not daring to speak it into existence. Thinking about coming as close as Arya did to losing a mate today is almost enough to make me physically ill. I can’t fathom being without one of them.
Rhys’ hand lands on my knee, giving it a reassuring squeeze. Kathan’s chest rumbles with a growl like his mind also went where mine did. Same with Caylix and Slade, who send comfort down the bond.
Dar’tha‘s eyes flicker over our faces, reading the complex emotions written on each of us. “I understand the pain all too well,” she says, her tone full of sorrow. “It’s an experience no one should ever have to endure.” She clears her throat and sits straighter, apparently done with that conversation. “I need you to trust me when I say that I’m here to help. There are dark forces at work. Ones that could potentially eradicate vampires entirely.”
If Slade is shocked or stunned by her statement, he doesn’t show it, keeping an impassive stare. The wolves, on the other hand, seem as horrified as I am.
Slade’s gaze never leaves Dar’tha as he speaks, his suspicion clear. “Why would a fae help us? What do you want in return?”
It’s a valid question. Fae are known to sometimes bargain with humans and other supernaturals, and they almost always want more than you’re willing to give for whatever deal you’re trying to strike.
“As this is a matter of balance, nothing. Shifters may be our world’s natural protectors, but fae keep the balance between good and evil. This dips into that territory. It’s time for us to step in and ensure the balance doesn’t slip too far to one side.”
Worry churns in my gut like concrete in a mixer. “Okay, that sounds extremely ominous. Can you tell us what all of this is about? And how am I involved?”
Dar’tha snaps her fingers and my ears pop as a shimmery border appears around the six of us. “Just in case,” she states as we all gaze upon it curiously. I recognize it as a barrier spell. Some witches can cast something similar, but it’s nothing like this. I’m sort of in awe of the magic she possesses. “I hope my honesty in what I have to tell you earns me some trust.”
Kathan’s jaw clenches. “Get on with it, Dar’tha.”
She ignores him completely, her gaze drifting off into the distance as she takes a moment to gather her thoughts. My heart races with anticipation, equal parts anxious and nervous for whatever she’s about to reveal. We have zero answers about how I cured that feral, and it’s slowly been eating away at me.
Sometimes I’ve wondered if it was a simple fluke, but Dar’tha‘s words have me second-guessing everything.
Dar’tha abruptly sits forward, uncrossing her legs and placing both hands on her knees. Her eyes hold mine, intense and unreadable. “Not many supes know this, but I’m not a simple healer like I pretend to be. In most cases, I’m actually sent to glean information from those I’m healing.”
Slade raises an eyebrow. “I’ll be honest,” he begins. “I’m not shocked.”
“Which is why you’re still lord after all these years,” she counters wryly. “You’ve always had your wits about you.”
Slade doesn’t respond, but he gives her a short nod of acknowledgment.
Dar’tha takes a deep breath before continuing, her gaze shifting to meet each of the shifters’ glares around the room. “I’m also in charge of a vast network of spies. One of my informants, a bartender at The Growl, could read auras.” She pauses, wincing, like she’s expecting the room to erupt.
As she expects, the shifters explode into a chorus of growls and snarls, jumping to their feet. Even Slade’s typically composed expression is marred by an outraged lip curl.
“You’re telling me you have spies at The Growl?“ Caylix roars above the others, his eyes flashing gold with anger.
Dar’tha puts her hands up placatingly. “I know how that must make you all feel,” she states calmly. “But know that we don’t do it with malicious intent. We simply observe and make judgment calls, only stepping in if necessary. Our order is made up of a small group of supernaturals, all sworn to protect the balance.”
Caylix mutters something under his breath, too low for me to hear, and motions for her to continue.
“One night this informant came to me about a young woman who set her alarm bells off, though she couldn’t quite put her finger on what it was other than this woman was shrouded in darkness. Said she’d never seen anything like her aura.” She turns to me, her gaze intense. “Until she met you a few days later, and you were the complete opposite.”
My mouth pops open in shock. That’s why the bartender was staring at me so weird? Does that mean I was a “beacon” to her, too?
What in the actual brimstone?
“What does that mean?” I question.
Dar’tha watches me intently. “When this informant stumbled upon you again after you’d been attacked and healed that feral, it reminded me of a prophecy I’d been hearing whispers of.”
“A prophecy?” Rhys murmurs, almost like he didn’t mean to say it out loud.
Dar’tha‘s eyes bore into mine, her gaze filled with knowledge.
“Two halflings, bound by blood, one pure of heart and one filled with dark desire, shall determine the fate of all vampire kind. One to ignite the flames of their salvation, the other cursed to bring about their ultimate destruction, doomed to destroy one another.”
As Dar’tha‘s words hang in the air, there’s a palpable tension among the group, a range of emotions echoing through our bond. Everyone seems to be digesting the implications of this prophecy in their own way.
“Two halflings?” I ask incredulously, unable to see how this prophecy could possibly involve me. “I’m not a halfling.” That’s something I know with absolute certainty, and have never doubted. My parent’s may have died long ago, but I know they were witches.
Dar’tha‘s smile is tinged with sadness. “You are. However, it seems as though your fae side has been hidden and locked away. It would take an extremely powerful fae, such as myself, to even notice the binds or perform it in the first place. Clever work, really.”
My eyes widen in shock and disbelief. There’s no way, right?
But a voice in the back of my mind whispers that my magic has always worked differently compared to others. I’ve always felt like I was missing a piece of myself. Could this be true? Something deep in my gut trusts it.
But who would lock a piece of me away and, more importantly, why?
It almost had to be my parents, but again, why? Did they know about this prophecy?
Divines, what I wouldn’t give to be able to call and ask them. Gah, this is why you don’t leave skeletons in your closet that can come back to haunt your children. Just tell them the hexin’ truth.
Dar’tha watches me as I sort through everything mentally before continuing, “I have a feeling you’ve already noticed some of your power seeping through? Magic has a way of coming out when you need it the most, no matter what chains have been placed on it.”
Holy tits on a witch. Could my newfound power really be of fae origin? I guess it would make sense when I’ve never shown the signs before. And I’d think several life and death scenarios would really help loosen some binds.
“And Rue? Fae always recognize their own kind. You’re one of us,” she says with absolute conviction, not a shred of doubt on her face.
My brow dips in confusion. “Is that why I felt that tug in my gut when we first met?”
Dar’tha nods. “If you’d like, I can help you fully unlock your power.” She sticks her hand out for me to take and I eye it in shock.
Two hands clasped in an embrace.
Oh double curses, my tea leaves are freakishly accurate. Or maybe it’s been my magic this whole time, and I didn’t realize it. My heart thuds in my chest as my eyes dart around the room. Is it suddenly louder in here? Why can I hear something like rushing water?
“Dar’tha, would you mind giving us a moment with our mate?” Kathan interjects, sensing my rising panic.
“Of course,” she responds. “Take some time to discuss this amongst yourselves. I know how shocking this must be.”
You can say that again.
Her hand falls to her side as she stands. Before exiting the barrier, she turns. “There is much left to be revealed and not a lot of time to prepare Rue, so don’t take too long. I’ll be here when you’re ready,” she states and leaves.
Great. As if being told I’m half fae and involved in a doomsday-style prophecy isn’t e-hexin’-nough already, now we’re on the clock? I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart so I can process everything that Dar’tha has revealed, but it’s a lot to take in. Too much.
Her words echo through my mind. Half fae. Me? It can’t be possible, right?
Right?
But the more I think about my past and the differences between me and my peers, the more it, grudgingly, makes sense. Could this be why I never truly felt like I fit in with the witches? Why I always felt like I was on the outside looking in?
Rhys’ hand finds mine, his touch comforting, anchoring me when I feel like I’m about to blow away. “Soo, half fae, huh? I never would’ve guessed that.”
“Are you alright, little witch?” Caylix asks, his voice gentle but full of concern.
I shake my head. “I-I, well, I’m not sure what to think.”
Slade eyes the group. “How much do we trust this information?”
The wolves exchange a glance. “We’ve known Dar’tha for years and she’s always been reliable,” Rhys says.
“And if there’s even a slight chance Rue may be involved in this prophecy, we can’t ignore it. ‘Doomed to destroy one another?’” Caylix growls. “No one will lay a hand on our mate while I’m still breathing.”
The others echo their agreement.
“You think we should let her unlock... my fae side?” The words are weird on my tongue and slightly jarring. Certainly not something I’d ever thought I’d say.
“That part is up to you, and no one else, mon amour. But I think you should use any power you have at your disposal to your advantage,“ Slade responds, giving me his opinion, but ultimately leaving the decision up to me.
Rhys nods. “If you choose to unlock your fae side, we’ll be here every step of the way.”
“Always,” Kathan agrees.
Caylix speaks up, “We’ll stand by you no matter what. We trust your instincts.”
Well. Now I know where my mates stand, but where do I?
It would be so easy to send Dar’tha away and ignore all of this, but how can I do that if there’s a possibility this prophecy truly is about me?
I don’t think the fates will stop spinning their threads simply because I’m terrified.
And with my men at my side? I’m not sure there’s anything I can’t do.
I straighten my spine, rolling my shoulders to ease some of the tension. Kathan instantly moves to help massage them, surprising the hex out of me. “Okay. Bring her back in. I’m ready.”
Dar’tha re-enters the barrier after Slade motions for her and a broad grin breaks across her face like she can already sense my decision. I stare at her outstretched hand, hesitating for a second. Without giving myself time to freak out, I clasp her hand in mine before I can change my mind.
A jolt of electricity shoots through my palm the second our skin touches. Suddenly, I’m flooded with images and memories that aren’t my own. They flash by too quickly for me to really get a grasp on anything, but deep in my gut, I know Dar’tha is really who she says she is. Her intentions are pure.
As I snap back to the present, a strange warmth and energy flows between us, almost like a tangible force connecting us.
My skin starts to glow a bright red, pulsating with the influx of magic that Dar’tha is transferring to me. The intensity builds until it’s almost blinding, making it hard to see anything else. And then, with one final surge of power, something within my soul snaps together like it should’ve been there all along.
A powerful pulse explodes out of me and then everything goes dark.