Chapter 17 – Alex
Chapter Seventeen
ALEX
Sera changes before my very eyes, turning into the godsdamned swan all over again. The tiniest part of me hoped coming here would magically break her curse, but I suppose I was a fool to have even wished for that.
The transformation complete, Sera the swan glares up at me in a way that is so Sera, I almost laugh.
A cough comes out of the swan, which is odd. I’ve never heard her do that before. I blink, and a stream of fire blazes up into the night sky, right out of Sera’s mouth! What in the actual hells? A fire-breathing swan? Now I’ve truly seen everything.
“You’re a spitfire, all right!” I sputter.
The swan honks angrily at me, and I jump away just in time to avoid another stream of fire.
Bleeding hells, how am I going to make sure Swan Sera doesn’t fly off and get lost? I have no clue where I am. Things just got a whole lot more complicated. I’m not keen on wrestling a swan, much less a fire-breathing one.
“Now listen up, Spitfire,” I say, circling the swan, praying the pile of her clothes she’s standing on doesn’t catch fire. “I promised to keep you safe, so some cooperation would be grand.”
The swan eyes me warily, but to my surprise, she doesn’t take off or send any more flames my way.
“Do you need something? Are you hungry?”
Swan Sera makes a grunting noise that I take as assent, and she starts sniffing around the trees and brush, looking for something edible.
I can’t help but wonder, if her swan self grazes all night, is Sera full come morning? Perhaps I should ask her. Swan Sera makes another grunting noise, nudging at a bush that has some kind of purple berry on them.
“Oh nice, you found food!” I say cheerily, my own stomach rumbling, but I’m not quite sure I want to get too close to the fire-breathing beastie, nor do I know if these berries are safe for human consumption.
Swan Sera rustles in the bushes again, and when I don’t come closer to investigate, she makes an irritated sound.
Is it just me or is Swan Sera far more interested in me here than at home? Is she more aware? Perhaps it’s the magic of the fae realm.
“Are you trying to tell me something?” I ask.
It almost looks like she rolls her eyes before she bobs her head, directing me toward the bush.
“Why, Spitfire, are you looking out for me?” I can’t help the grin. “Are these safe for me to eat?” I crouch down, picking a plump juicy berry off the stem, holding it up in the moonlight. When Swan Sera gives me another nod, I pop it into my mouth, enjoying the explosion of flavor.
“Gods, I have never had anything quite like this! But I swear, if you tricked me and I end up sick, there will be hells to pay.”
Swan Sera honks in what sounds like amusement before going back to foraging for more of her own food.
After stuffing myself with far too many berries, I pick up Sera’s clothes and fold them in a neat pile before leaning back against a tree, the exhaustion of traveling through realms finally getting to me.
The soft shuffling of Swan Sera foraging almost lulls me into slumber, but I fight to stay awake.
I need to keep watch, make sure she’s safe.
Not to mention, I still have no idea how close civilization is or if there are wild beasts that might want to take a bite out of us. I rub at my eyes, leaning forward.
When I open them, I’m face to face with Sera. I almost jump back in surprise at the close proximity of the swan who usually avoids me or makes rude honking sounds. The swan’s violet eyes peer curiously into mine, and I startle again.
“Your eyes aren’t black,” I say.
The swan rolls her head in a way that speaks volumes.
“No, Sera, you don’t understand. In the mortal realm, your eyes were black.”
She tilts her head, and I reach out to touch her, but she snaps her beak at me.
“Sorry! Fine, I won’t do that again.”
Swan Sera comes a little closer, settling near my feet and tucking her majestic head beneath her wing. I’m so tempted to stroke her feathers, but I refrain, leaning back against the tree.
I’m completely unprepared. I wasn’t planning on traveling through the portal, but when Sera started screaming, there wasn’t even a choice.
My pack for our trip to the lake remains with the horses in the human realm.
All that came with me is the small blade in my boot, my favorite bo staff that was strapped to my back, and whatever happens to be in my pockets.
I slide my hand into my right one, fumbling around for anything, and I pull out a single vial of the green tonic Margot gave me.
How the damned thing didn’t break in our fall from the sky, perhaps I’ll never know.
Almost as if the thought of it brings it on, a craving for vespira burns through my blood.
Sweat dots the back of my neck as I think of the earthy taste my body yearns for.
Perhaps it’s a good thing I’m in a new realm. How can I be tempted by something that likely doesn’t exist here? I tuck the vial back into my pocket. I’m stronger than I think I am. I don’t need it.
Reaching into my left pocket, my fingers curl around a small bag of . . . herbs? Yes! The nonaddictive stimulant will help me stay awake to keep watch. Kian swears by the stuff.
I try to get more comfortable and really look at the realm around me.
Twin moons light up the night sky, casting a soft glow over the forest’s lush carpet of teal grass.
While the two suns that set were a sight to behold, the night boasts a quiet beauty.
Tiny flowers sporadically bloom around us in vibrant hues of fuschia and violet.
The stars look closer than in Rakveren, but perhaps that’s an optical illusion.
I could so easily drift off to sleep, the hum of insects creating a relaxing backdrop.
It’s peaceful here, the air thick and coated with honey, or perhaps that’s merely the scent of the berries Sera found.
I chew on my bitter herbs, letting the taste keep me as awake and alert as possible in such an oddly comforting grove.
The rustle of leaves overhead has me looking up into the trees, praying to whatever god might listen that Sera was joking about snakes, but the flutter of wings signals it’s only a bird returning to roost for the night.
Swan Sera appears to be resting deeply, and I desperately wish I could join her.
“You know,” I say softly, hoping I won’t wake her but needing to speak aloud to keep myself awake until the herbs kick in, “when you’re back in your fae form, we need to have a talk about that kiss.
” When Swan Sera doesn’t stir, I continue, “I wish I knew what you meant by it. You’ve pushed me away more times than I can count, told me we could never happen.
Do I just enrage you enough that it sets you ablaze? ”
I recall the way her skin heated beneath my fingers the two times we kissed. She admitted to the fire in the palace . . . Did she merely use me to burn the sea creature or did she actually want me to kiss her?
“More secrets, Sera?” I whisper.
Of course there are more secrets. She is full of them. But I understand a small bit perhaps. She’s been used and abused because of what being fae means, held to a word she could not break. She mentioned the power of a name? I wonder if I’ll ever learn hers.
Who is Sera really?
Hours pass, the air growing colder. I wrap my arms around myself and rub at them to keep warm. I have no idea how I’m going to survive tomorrow with no sleep. Gods willing, we’ll find a place where we will both be safe.
When the first sun peeks over the horizon, I look down at my feet, surprised at how quickly Sera transformed back into her fae form—her very naked fae form.
She’s curled up in what seems like a terribly uncomfortable position but appears to still be asleep.
I drape her clothes over her like a blanket, hoping they will keep her warm enough.
Feeling a little more at ease that she did turn back—part of me was worried about the fae realm affecting her curse even more than it has already—I let my eyes slip shut.
Just a minute. That’s all. We need to find somewhere safe . . .
Something nudges my boot and I startle, opening my eyes to the bright suns beating down from high above. Shit. How long was I asleep?
“You snore,” Sera says with a quirk of her lips.
“You could be a little nicer, considering I kept watch while you slept all night.”
She snorts. “All night, huh? Your snoring woke me, and I’ve been awake for hours.”
I palm my face. “How nice of you to allow me those few hours.”
“I do appreciate you looking out for me last night,” she says, her voice soft.
“It was nothing.” I wave a hand before stretching my arms overhead. “Any idea where Rae sent us? I imagine Lunesai is just as large if not larger than the human realm.”
Sera sighs. “I didn’t wander too far, considering I didn’t want you to wake up and panic, but we are in the Woodland Court, which is where I’m from.”
“Well at least Rae’s aim wasn’t completely off,” I say, frowning.
“I still can’t believe I’m actually back here.”
I glance around the forest, noting the vibrancy of the colors has increased tenfold in the daytime. “It’s so incredibly beautiful here.”
Sera looks wistfully through the trees. “Believe it or not, the pool that brought me to the human realm is likely not too far from where we are. Now that I’ve oriented myself, I recognize the place.
It’s changed a little, as things do over time, but I’m certain we’re closer to my home than I originally thought. ”
“That’s good news. I’m sure you’re dying to see your family.”
Sera stiffens, running a hand through her silken strands. “I’m a little afraid. It’s been so long. Perhaps they’ve forgotten about me. It’s not as if they sent someone to look . . .”
The hurt in her voice breaks my heart, but I continue to listen.
“An enchantress warned me about the pool; she knew I spent my days there. Wouldn’t she have told my family?” She looks down at me with those sad eyes, and I so badly want to take her into my arms.
“Haven’t the doors between realms been closed for centuries? Perhaps they didn’t know how.”
Sera squeezes her eyes shut and turns her back. “Yes, perhaps.”
“How old are you, Sera?”
She whirls, arching a brow. “Don’t you know it’s impolite to ask a female such a question?”
I shake my head, raising my hands in mock surrender. “Forgive me, my lady, I didn’t intend to be rude.”
“I’m no lady,” she says, the phrase I’ve heard far too many times.
Jumping to my feet, I stalk toward her. “You certainly have the airs of one.”
Unflinchingly, she stares me down. “You don’t know anything about me.”
“I wonder why that is?” I glower. “I’ve known you almost a year now, and you’re still harder to peel than an onion.”
Sera crinkles her nose. “Did you just compare me to a smelly onion?”
I cross my arms and nod. “So what if I did? You don’t let anyone in. I don’t even know if Sera is your real name.”
She scoffs. “I’ve made that mistake before.”
“What? You don’t trust me?”
“I trust no one,” she bites out.
I take a step back, lowering my arms to my sides. This female is infuriating, but I still find myself drawn to her. I could chase her for a lifetime and never grow tired. Oh the things I would do to earn her affection, to earn more of her smiles.
“Spitfire,” I say softly, brushing an unruly strand of hair behind her delicately pointed ear, enjoying the way she leans into my touch, perhaps without even realizing she’s doing it.
“You don’t have to trust me, but I hope you know I will do everything within my power to keep you safe.
I won’t use or abuse you. You have my most solemn word.
And while I might not know much about your history or even your true name, I do know you’re incredibly brave.
No one works harder than you, and your selflessness knows no bounds.
You’ve given to the point of losing yourself to a horrific curse, and you never once let it stop you from your work, from continuing to take care of those around you.
You’re an inspiration, and I only wish I had half the strength you do. ”
Sera’s eyes glimmer with emotion, and when a single tear spills down her cheek, I swipe it away with my thumb.
“Alex,” she whispers.
My hand hooks around the back of her neck, and I pull her closer, desperately wanting the taste of her lips on mine again.
The hand on my chest pushes, and disappointment crashes through me at the rejection. I let go, the loss of her proximity leaving me bereft. How she affects me so much could drive me to madness.
Sera picks up her pack, and I grab my bo staff, strapping it to my back.
“Where are we headed?” I ask.
“Home.”