Chapter nineteen
you shall go to the ball, whether you like it or not
“ N othing,” Bowyn replied.
I stood in Darragh’s kitchen. Unsure how to respond, I blinked in disbelief. Bowyn threw his head back and let out a rumbling laugh. Discomfort settled in my stomach as I whispered, “I’ll be naked?”
“Are you petrified?” Bowyn teased. I fell silent and leaned on the counter for support. “Oh, don’t torture yourself,” Bowyn said. “You won’t be wearing anything, but you won’t be entirely naked either.”
Nope. Don’t like that.
“So, what will I wear?”
“What do you know of the Queen?”
“Uh, Briar? Was that her nickname? She fell in love with the last queen’s son. She had to steal some ring to prove her power or…something?”
“Well, you’ve robbed the tale of any magic but, yes. Once Briar bested Jorgen and escaped the burrow with his ring, she marched straight to Queen Aithen, who was hosting a wedding for her son Erebus. As you can imagine, Briar didn’t posses any fine clothes, or lavish jewelry. Nonetheless, she strode into the court, wearing nothing but her filthy garments. She presented herself to Queen Aithen, and all those gathered in their fancy clothes. Undisturbed by the sneers, Briar smiled before the audience. Darkness filled the great hall, and wild shrieks frightened the contempt from those who judged Briar so quickly. As the darkness ebbed, it revealed a towering beast of shadows. Like a coursing waterfall, the shadows fell away. Briar stood before all, wearing a gown of moonlight.” Bowyn stared fondly into the middle distance. “They say she plucked the stars from above and wove them into an ebony gown that shimmered brighter than any celestial body.” Bowyn released a lengthy, longing sigh. “We celebrate the light ball every year to commemorate that day.”
“I mean, this still sounds like just a party.”
Bowyn’s eyes bulged and he grabbed my arm. He reminded me of a parent scolding a child as he growled, “It’s more than just a party.” Releasing me, Bowyn continued. “It’s a demonstration of power and control. It takes incredible concentration to project magic for an entire evening.”
“So, it’s like a hologram?”
“What’s that?”
“It’s a projection of an image. You can see it, but it doesn’t exist. If you reached out to touch it, your hand would move through it.”
“That’s precisely what this is,” Bowyn replied. “You will create and wear your gown of light. The task requires constant focus, and given that it’s a party, there will be many distractions.” Bowyn flourished his hand, conjuring a floor-length mirror. He pulled me before it. I cringed, and focused on Bowyn’s reflection behind me, rather than my own. “Now, are you ready to forge your dress?”
“What?!” I balked and tried to back away. “I don’t know how I can possibly do that. Any magic I’ve done has just…happened. I have no co ntrol over it whatsoever.”
“I’ll help you.” Bowyn placed me squarely before the mirror and squeezed my shoulders. “You’ll be the most beautiful person there.” He admired himself. “Except for me, of course.”
I shook my head but said, “Okay.”
“Marvelous.” Bowyn clapped. “Now, you must think of light as fabric.” He closed his eyes and trailed his hands through the air, painting the scene. “Picture a sunbeam falling through your window. Focus on the motes dancing in the light, make them sparkles in your train.” Bowyn trailed his hands over his body. “Think about every fold of fabric, every jewel, every movement.” Opening his eyes, Bowyn smiled. “Use your imagination—anything you can dream of.” Bowyn covered his eyes so I might undress. “Go on, give it a try.”
After a silent pep talk, I stripped. I closed my eyes and conjured images of the things that made me happy, of the things I loved. For some reason, my mind kept trailing back to Darragh. Dress. Darragh. Dress. Darragh. I thought of how much he’d loved Ever After, the comfort movie I held so close to my heart.
I had an idea.
I envisioned a white gown. My shoulders bare, the delicate fabric cut low across my chest. Gems twinkled down the long sleeves that ended in neat points over my hands. White and grey layers of sheer light tucked in beneath my breast, and then flowed into a lengthy, trailing skirt. I left my feet bare. Where they touched the ground, white flames crackled around my slender ankles.
Bowyn squeezed my hand.
I opened my eyes, and it was there. I dragged my fingers along my chest. Despite seeing intricate jewels and fabric, I touched skin. Bowyn wore a proud smile. “Resplendent,” he murmured. “In a million years, I couldn’t have created a gown so breathtaking.” He took my braid in his hands. “Do you trust me?”
“No.”
Bowyn looked up, hurt. His face softened when he noticed my smile. He gave my braid a playful tug and removed the elastic. Bowyn’s large, but dainty fingers brushed my hair. With each stroke, the strands grew darker and longer, until my hair fell in vibrant, effortless curls over my breasts.
“Can you all do that?” I played with a curl.
“Those of us with vision.”
While admiring myself in the mirror, I caught sight of Bowyn’s proud gaze, and realized I hadn’t spoken in quite some time. “What if I lose my concentration and slip up?”
“I suggest you watch how much you drink and if something happens, well, everyone will know this isn’t your natural hair colour, won’t they?” Bowyn gave me a cheeky smile and withdrew a small glass bottle from his robes. He squished a pump attached to the lip and spritzed me with perfume. I coughed and crinkled my nose. It smelled just like Bowyn, which was fine, though it wasn’t my taste. Certainly not something I’d wear if given the choice.
“What are you going to wear?” I asked.
“Ah yes!” Bowyn raised his hands. “That is the real question, isn’t it? Stand back, my darling.” Bowyn twirled, and the skirts of his robe raised around him. When he stopped spinning, he wore a slightly more intricate version of the red robes he’d worn before. Perhaps a few more tassels of gold here and there. He grinned and clutched his hands together, reminding me of a child who’d just donned a tiara and a princess dress. His outfit was much less grand than I’d anticipated. Beside me, Bowyn actually looked a bit dull.
Still quite handsome though.
“Can I call you Bo?”
Bowyn stroked his beard, considering the request.
“In some places back home, beau means beautiful.” I paused, “Or belle, if you prefer the feminine, I suppose.”
“Well! Far be it from me to deny you the opportunity!” Bowyn beamed. “Oh! I have one more thing for you.” Bowyn shuffled around in a bag he’d thrown on the counter. He withdrew a glittering object and handed it to me. I traced my fingers along the sparkling silver pin. Shaped like a fox, its cunning eyes were inlaid with diamonds. The foxes tail tapered into a sharp, deadly point.
“What’s this?” I touched the point. “Ah!” Blood blossomed on my fingertip.
Bowyn held my finger to stop the bleeding and murmured, “A last resort.”
“Uh, thanks.” I looked at myself in the mirror, covered, yet naked. “Where uh, where do I keep it?”
Bowyn looked down and winked.
“Bowyn!”
Bowyn laughed. He took the pin, drew my hair back, and tucked it amongst the curls. The sly, silver fox sparkled in the light. The pin was gorgeous…though I couldn’t help but wonder what I might need it for.
In the mirror, my smile faded.
***
Elwyn
I’d hardly left my room since my father’s death. Today, that would not be permitted. I’d be attending the Queen’s light ball, willing or not. Staring at the mirror, I tried to conjure anything to wear. All I could muster was a pathetic, ill-fitted, black gown. It hung from my bones, unflattering and saclike. The colours weren’t crisp, the black nearly faded to grey. The Queen would be disgusted.
Good.
An annoying, rhythmic knock sounded on my door. Leshy, napping on my pillow, jerked awake. He rolled off the bed and scurried beneath. “Yes?” I called. Bright colours reflected in the mirror, and I whirled on the Truth. “What do you want?”
The Truth smiled, a sweet, sickening thing. “I come bearing gifts.” She laid a brown box on the bed. “Nice dress.” She pumped her eyebrows once and said, “See you tonight,” before closing the door behind her. The gift reminded me of my father. An ache cleaved my chest, I fought a sob and crumpled onto my bed.
I examined the box, careful not to touch it. The familiarity to my father bled away. Fear seeped from the brown paper like blood through a bandage. Leshy crawled back up, giving the box a wide berth. Taking wary steps, he jabbed the box with a paw.
The box moved.
Leshy squealed and scurried beneath the bed. I picked up the box. It moved again, this time accompanied by a dull thump thump . I unwrapped the brown paper. Another thump thump sounded as I lifted the lid. Smears of red stained the inside.
Thump thump .
The heart within beat again.
“Guh!” I dropped the box. It tumbled to the floor and the heart spilled out.
Thump thump .
Blood spurted from a valve. It sprayed across the floor and pierced the light of my dress. Warm droplets splashed my ankles.
Thump thump .
The valve pumped once more. This time, an object oozed out. With shaky hands, I picked it up and smeared blood away. It was an intricate bouquet, carved in white bone. A sharp, golden pin backed it.
A broach?
The broach tingled with energy. Before I could resist, the memory of its creation ensnared me.
Ophyr knelt over a man. I recognized him, though I didn’t know his name. He’d been in the great hall while the Queen interviewed suitors. Now, the man writhed, and foam spilled from the corners of his mouth.
Just like Audra.
Unlike Audra, Ophyr didn’t wait for the poison to finish the job. He plunged a blade deep into the suitor’s chest, dragging it down to his navel. The man tried to scream, but only choked, spewing frothy saliva into the air. Bones cracked as Ophyr dug in the man’s chest cavity.
“Here we are, almost done.” Ophyr made a few quick slices with his blade. Blood dripped from his face as he pulled the heart out. He stood and inspected it. “Perfection.” Talking to no one in particular, Ophyr said, “Oh, I almost forgot.” He knelt over the corpse and braced it with his foot. He snapped away a piece of the sternum and examined it. “This will do nicely.”
The memory fell away.
I ran to the window and hurled the broach out. It arced through the sky and fell out of sight.
I needed to leave.
I needed to leave right now.
I tugged a satchel from under my bed; Leshy came with it. “Get in,” I ordered. Leshy scrambled in and moved aside as I shoved in clothes and a jewelry box. After hiding the satchel beneath the layers of light that comprised my dress, I snuck out. Heading toward the kitchens, I walked quickly. I’d grab food and flee. I rounded a corner .
Ophyr strode down the hall. We locked eyes and he waved. I retraced my steps and ducked into the main hall. I’d wanted to avoid it, sticking to the side paths where fewer people would see me.
“Elle!” Ophyr shouted. Footsteps echoed against the rock as he chased me.
I grabbed my satchel and hissed, “Hide!” Leshy leapt out and bounded to a crack in the wall. I tossed the satchel, and he dragged it in after him. Leshy disappeared just as Ophyr rounded the corner.
Ophyr scanned the area. “Who were you talking to?” I didn’t respond. Ophyr looked me up and down. “Did you receive my gift?”
“Yes.”
“You’re not wearing it.” Ophyr frowned. “After I put so much thought into romantic presentation.” He put a hand to his chest, and another to his forehead. In a dreadfully mocking tone, he said, “My heart, it only beats for you.”
I felt sick.
“They don’t call me a nec romancer for nothing.” Ophyr nudged me with an elbow. I stepped away—Ophyr grabbed my arm, gripping it so tight, my hand numbed.
“Release me!” I pulled, but Ophyr held fast.
“Such spirit. I like that.”
A familiar, raspy voice uttered, “What are you doing?” Both Ophyr and I tensed. Darragh paused at the entrance to the main hall. He glanced at Ophyr’s hand, still clasping my arm. Darragh grabbed Ophyr’s forearm and wrenched it off me. Ophyr tried to pull away, but Darragh’s arm was granite. He held tight. Looming over Ophyr, Darragh said, “If I catch your hand on her again, it’ll be the last thing you touch.”
“So strong,” Ophyr sneered. “I could really put that strength to good use.”
“You’ll have to kill me first.”
Darragh let go. A bubbling, blistered handprint remained on Ophyr’s skin. As Darragh turned to leave, Ophyr shuffled in his pocket. Torchlight glinted on metal—
“Look out!” I screamed.
Darragh didn’t flinch.
Ophyr froze, the knife he held still suspended above Darragh’s neck. The tip of Ophyr’s blade glowed red, and heat waves distorted the air above. Veins corded in Ophyr’s throat as he struggled to move.
Darragh held him firm.
The blade began to melt, and liquid metal drip-dripped onto the ground. Ophyr’s eyes widened as thick, silvery metal oozed down the hilt. The metal hit Ophyr’s skin, where it sizzled like a hot skillet. A scream muffled in Ophyr’s throat, unable to escape his paralyzed lips.
“It’ll go numb any moment. Don’t worry.” Darragh crossed his arms and leaned on a stone pillar. He watched Ophyr, unbothered by the throaty screams that filled the hall. Ophyr’s hand was completely coated in boiling metal now. It reached his wrist and—
Darragh released him. Ophyr collapsed, cradling his arm. I expected him to threaten Darragh, scare him, or promise something terrible.
Ophyr said nothing.
“Best see if the healer can save that hand,” Darragh said.
Ophyr kept his gaze trained on the floor. He trembled as he climbed to his feet and slunk away. He didn’t turn his back on Darragh until he reached the end of the hall.
“Tell me if he comes near you again.” Darragh stalked in the opposite direction.
“She killed my father.”
Darragh hesitated. “I’m sorry, Elwyn.”
Before I could say anything else, the Queen and the Truth entered the main hall. Darragh ducked behind a pillar, making himself as small as possible. The Queen caught sight of me and snapped, “Is that what you’re wearing?” I glanced at the dark, drab gown. When I looked up, Darragh was gone.
“Come now. Erabus wouldn’t want you mourning forever.” The Queen twirled her fingers and white light crept from the floor. Goosebumps prickled my flesh as it travelled up my legs and smothered me. The light fell away, and a lacy gown of creams and lilacs remained. The Queen flourished her hand and a gleaming train fell down my back. It shone like a white river down the hall. The Queen pointed at the door. “Now, we’ll go to the great hall.”
“I-I’ll be right th-there,” I stammered.
“No.” The Queen beckoned me. “Now.” Invisible hooks tore my skin, forcing me to follow. “And one more thing.” My heart fluttered as the Queen extended her hand to me. “I’d like you to wear this.” She unfurled her skeletal fingers.
Ophyr’s broach sat in her palm.
My fingers trembled, but I took the broach. I glanced at my bare skin, covered only by folds of light.
“Put it on,” the Queen hissed.
***
Nell
“When does this thing start?” I peered at the sun setting over Darragh’s cottage. “Won’t it take us forever to walk there?”
“Walk?!” Bowyn balked. “Looking like this?” He swept a hand down his body. “No. No, that won’t do, my love. I’ve asked a client to meet us and take us to Shadow Peak. We’ll walk a little way from Darragh’s cottage and meet them outside of town.”
“How will they get us there?”
“They’re a cavort.”
“A what?”
“They jump from one spot to another.” Bowyn took my arm as we walked. “We’ve got some time to kill. Would you like some gossip about Darragh?”
“Always.”
“Hmmm,” Bowyn pondered. “Where to start?”
“What about Darragh’s parents? He never mentions them.”
“He’ll never forgive himself for what happened. To acknowledge his parents is to acknowledge what he did. It’s easier for him not to discuss them at all. It’s a shame, really.” Bowyn placed a hand on his heart. “They’ve quite the passionate tale, Lin and Ani.”
“Can you tell me?”
Bowyn frowned. “It’s not the shortest of stories.”
“Oh.”
“Well, perhaps I can summarize it for you,” Bowyn suggested. I gave him a sideways smile. Bowyn squeezed my arm and returned the smile. “Darragh’s mother, Linovahle Mitalrrythin, was a guardian to the Queen. Lin wasn’t particularly powerful, nor was she high-ranking, but when the Queen began her”—Bowyn paused, as if the next word tasted foul— “gathering missions, Lin was amongst those chosen for the task.”
“Is that how you came here?” I interrupted.
Bowyn’s mouth fell in surprise. “Yes.” Bowyn’s tone was laced with an uncharacteristic bitterness. “I was scooped from my family and brought here to be civilized .”
“I’m sorry,” I said. “Is Bowyn your real name?”
“It’s the name I was given when I arrived.”
“What name did your parents give you? ”
Bowyn hesitated. He inhaled deeply and whispered, “Sira.”
“That’s beautiful.”
Bowyn blinked a few times and tugged my arm. “I’m sorry, my love, where was I?”
“Gathering mission,” I murmured.
“Ah, yes! During a gathering mission, Lin and her company came upon a small village. They kidnapped many men. Santiana, Darragh’s father, was among those men. On the journey home, Lin was charged with guarding the prisoners. Now, Santiana—Ani—wasn’t powerful, and I imagine he was taken for his…visual assets.” Bowyn wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. “Many of the crew took a fancy to Ani. While Lin was doing her rounds, she caught a crewmate forcing themselves on Ani. Lin, renowned for her wicked temper, tore the woman away and tossed her overboard. The captain was outraged, she had Lin tied to the mast for three days without food or water. When Lin came down, the captain had her thrown in the brig with the men. Ani, forever grateful for what Lin did, refused to let her die. With what little power he had, Ani nursed Lin back to health.” Bowyn sighed. “I suppose they were smitten with each other after that.”
“That’s a very sweet story.”
“Yes, well, unfortunately it doesn’t end there. When the ship landed, Ani was sold.”
“What?!”
“The captain was quite jealous of the budding relationship. She made sure Santiana was sold, discreetly. Lin was heartbroken, and she abandoned the Queen. An exquisitely risky thing to do.” Bowyn raised his brows for emphasis. “Lin spent ten years looking for Ani—”
“Ten?!”
Bowyn nodded solemnly. “One day, while travelling, Lin caught sight of her old captain. Eager for revenge, Lin concealed herself with magic and followed the captain…straight to a brothel. Although it was Linovahle, not the captain, who was about to get a nasty surprise.”
“Santiana,” I murmured.
“Yes. When Ani undressed, Lin could conceal herself no longer. She exploded in a rage of fire, incinerating the captain. One death was not enough to satiate Lin’s fury. She blew through the brothel and burned every client. Her fire was only extinguished when she caught sight of Santiana’s horrified face, begging her to stop.”
I remembered my argument with Darragh in the forest.
I’d called him a monster.
“Lin stole Ani away. He wept, believing Lin dead, a lie fed to him by the captain. The night Lin and Ani were reunited was filled with such passion—if Darragh was conceived then, it’s no wonder he’s so powerful,” Bowyn said, matter-of-factly. “When Lin and Ani returned, Lin was arrested. News of the brothel slaughtering travelled quickly, and the people demanded justice. Lin was brought before the Queen to be tried, but a remarkable thing happened.”
“What?”
“The Queen spared her.”
“Why?”
“The Queen sensed the life Lin carried inside her. She claimed Lin’s actions were justified, and she would not be tried, but the Queen bade her a warning: ‘A life for a life. I will claim my debt one day.’”
Bowyn straightened and scanned the trees.
“You should take greater care out here in the wild,” a voice called from behind. Bowyn’s shoulders sagged, and he exhaled. His smile didn’t meet his eyes as we turned to greet whoever had called out. Spreading his arms wide, Bowyn cried, “Sateen, my love!”
A few steps behind us, a person stood on the path. They were slender, with severe, high cheekbones. The sides of their hair were shaved short, and the top cut at an angle so that one side was slightly elevated. Black whorls and markings covered their arms and neck.
They were tall.
Very tall.
They could easily look Bowyn in the eye.
Speaking in a quiet, sensual voice, they said, “A handsome boy like you knows better than to be out here so unarmed.” They looked Bowyn up and down. “And dressed like that?” They made a tsk noise and shook their head.
An incredible thing happened then; Bowyn blushed. He gripped my arm tighter. “I’ve got a powerful young woman here to protect me.” Sateen’s eyes found me. They were piercing, a dreamy pale blue. It was my turn to blush. Bowyn said, “Sateen, this is Nell. Nell, this is Sateen. They’ll be taking us to the mountain.”
Sateen gave the tiniest of nods. “Would you give us a moment, my love?” Bowyn released me and strolled over to Sateen. I waited while they exchanged small talk. There was a frightening stillness about Sateen. They did not fidget; the only movement was the occasional shift of their eyes between Bowyn and me. I kept an anxious eye on Sateen, I couldn’t shake the uncomfortable sensation that they crept closer every time I blinked.
I didn’t want to be alone with them.
Bowyn returned. “Sateen will take you first, and then they’ll come back for me.” I tried to hide my dismay. Sateen watched me closely.
“Sounds good,” I lied.
Sateen grinned. The smile looked so big on their slim face. They approached me with slow, deliberate steps. “May I?” I gulped and nodded. Sateen crouched so they could slip an arm around my waist. Sateen’s thinness was misleading. A strong, sinewy arm curled around me. “I suggest you close your eyes; the experience can be rather…disorienting.” The thought of willingly blinding myself around Sateen made me queasy. Though I didn’t want to, I shut my eyes.
Whooshing wind pummelled us. My stomach shot up inside me, like a rollercoaster cresting that first drop. “You smell like somewhere far away,” Sateen whispered. Before the panic took hold, our feet smashed into the ground, hard. My knees buckled and I tumbled forward. I picked myself up, and—Sateen’s face was right in front of mine.
“Agh!” I leapt away. “Can you not do that?”
Sateen cocked their head. “Do what?”
I stooped to brush a leaf from my knee. “Get closer when I’m not looking at you.” I stood back up. Sateen was an inch from my face.
“Like this?” Sateen leaned down to meet my eyes.
“Hhh!” I stumbled back.
Sateen straightened and chuckled. They faded into thin air, reappearing with Bowyn seconds later.
“Are you coming to the ball?” Bowyn asked.
Sateen’s lip curled. “No.”
“Why not?” Bowyn stamped his foot. “It’ll be fun.”
“I have no use for spoiled children,” Sateen replied. “Remember that.” Before leaving, Sateen met my eyes and smiled. My stomach clenched. Whether the cause was excitement or fear, I wasn’t so sure.
Sateen vanished.
Stroking his beard, Bowyn said, “I think they eat people.”
“They what now?”
Bowyn made a face of mild inconvenience. “Well, I mean, you met them.” He gestured vaguely at the air Sateen had occupied.
I stared at Bowyn, open-mouthed. “What makes you think they eat people? And if they do, why are we traipsing around with them?”
“Well, as far as I can tell, Sateen likes me.” Bowyn walked toward the mountain. “And they’re very useful.”
“What makes you think they eat people?” I repeated.
“Oh, just, things that come up in therapy. People that go missing. I hope they have mushroom bread tonight. You’re going to love it.”
“Aren’t you worried they’ll eat you?”
“Mind your manners and you’ll get along fine.”