A flash of white caught her eye mid-stretch and Shade bent over the sink to get a better look. She strained her eyes against the sun to make anything out. She could see Anna standing up. She was slightly away from the picnic table. James remained seated, but had started yelling something to Anna that Shade couldn’t decipher through the window. Anna turned towards the edge of the shield, facing the darkening woods. Shade squinted but couldn’t see beyond her sister. A deep, twisting knot formed in her stomach as a feeling of dread swept through her, sending the hairs on the back of her neck prickling.
“Mom?” Shade’s voice quivered as she glanced back at her mother before shooting out the back door.
“What is it Shade? Shade?” Her mother’s voice trailed behind her as the kitchen door slammed. Shade hopped over the steps and ran across the lawn. Brisa followed quickly behind her, curious to see what was going on. Anna was still as a statue, staring at the forest beyond the shield. James was also frozen where he sat.
“Anna! Get inside now!” Shade yelled towards her, but Anna seemed to be hypnotized into a trance, as if she could not look away from the forest.
What’s out there? Why aren’t they moving? Thought Shade. What the– Brisa?
Brisa’s hand was now outstretched and skimming the shield. She ran straight to it. Shade felt the dread churn in her own stomach as she screamed towards her friend. Brisa’s fingers lit the shield up like a flare shooting out in ripples from where she had touched it. The flash took Brisa with it. Her body was sucked through the shield as if it was absorbing her. Shade screamed and reached for her but found her friend already gone, but not before she had noticed someone’s disembodied hand reaching through the shield towards Brisa, and pulling her through.
“Brisa! Oh, no, no, no!” Shade stopped right before the shield. The boundaries of it flared lightly, rippling and fading where her friend had once stood. Shade’s chest was on fire as she tried to catch her breath after sprinting from the house. She barely heard the yelling behind her as Soap raced out of the house, and Jade beckoned out to James from the porch.
Shade stared at the now stilled shield. The other side was dark with only slight flashes of metal betraying whoever stood on the other side.
“Shade, we meet again,” a deep chilly voice flowed out to her from across the barrier. Shade scanned the dimming forest for the owner of it. She closed her eyes and pushed her senses across it, reaching the dark and penetrating it like caressing fingers flowing over the grasses and trees. The dark magic that cloaked the light ripped away with her magic like a blindfold that had been removed, revealing the massive dark army.
Hordes and hordes of Sluagh, Goblins, and Demons surrounded them. Their red-orange eyes stood out in the darkness of their toad-like, grayish, black skins, appearing like orbs of blood. Corb stood in the front of the awaiting dark soldiers with his white hair tied back, and his glistening eyes glowing like two moons in the night. One of his arms embraced the entranced Brisa as he held a sharp curved dagger that glinted over her throat. The metal shined like a mirror as he held it steadily. The handle was plain and exquisitely carved silver. Intricate and beautiful, but not as fancy as Shade would’ve thought a First Lieutenant of Queen Aveta would have.
“Do you like my dagger?” Corb’s voice seemed fluid and smooth as it rippled across the barrier and floated into her ears. Shade sucked in a breath, wondering what to do next as he continued. “I’ve had it for over a thousand years. Made from the metals of our Ancients own mines. It’s infused with the powers of the core of the Earth. Stronger than anything ever made, and free of iron. So sharp, Brisa would die a quick painless death if I so sliced into her throat. It would cut it like butter.” The magic in his voice flowed over Shade like a sleeping draught. It was fogging up her concentration, and making her legs feel weak. She shook her head, willing the haze to go away, trying to clear her mind.
Feeling better, she continued to stare at the ancient Faery as he studied her intently. He seemed to find what she had done fascinating. A spark of life teased behind his dead eyes. Shade had a feeling that he was not much more than an animated body. Old and stale inside.
“I can feel your powers chastising mine. Quite amusing that my telepathic control does not work on you. I’m not surprised though. I’ve heard that you are quite unique.” Corb paused as he let his eyes wander away from her and scanned the area behind her. “Too bad your friends are no match for it.”
Shade pulled her eyes away from him to peek behind her. Gasping, she almost stumbled. Soap, Jade, Benton, Anna, and James stood frozen in their places with their eyes glazed over. Still as statues, they made no attempt to come forward or even acknowledge her when she yelled out to them. She turned back towards Corb. His face remaining as still as ever, like he never smiled or had any kind of feelings splay across his cold exterior. Shade gulped down her growing panic.
Shoot, shoot, shoot. What now? Shade was really missing her spirit guides right now. They would have helped immensely in this mess.
“Let her go Corb,” Shade’s voice wavered as she looked around at the army, searching for some way to get Brisa back without having to fight that many soldiers. The army was massive and ran the perimeter of the shield. They shifted on their feet, anxious for action and agitated with the wait. Ripples of their cackling voices swam around the encampment. Shade could feel sweat dripping down her temple as her fear bubbled up inside. She could not defeat them outside of the shield. She would have to trick Corb into coming into the dome himself to have any chance of saving her friend.
“I don’t think so Shade.” His eyes watched her, making her wonder what went through his mind. The ice-cold exterior was no help. His telepathy was a hindrance.
“What do you want?” Shade chewed on her lip, watching the sharp blade of the dagger pushing against Brisa’s tender skin. She didn’t move, entranced by Corb’s spell. Shade’s fear made her head spin. She didn’t even notice the tears streaming down her own face. Corb watched her as the tears poured. She didn’t wipe them away, trying not to tear her gaze away from him or the blade. He seemed almost robotic as his eyes passed over her face from one cheek to the other, watching the shiny tears roll down her face, fascinated in some strange way. Shade waited for his answer, desperately hoping it would be something other than what she thought he wanted.
“You, Shade. Just you.” He let go of Brisa, sheathing his blade on his belt. Taking her hand he came to stand before the shield, leading her behind him and scanning it with his cold shining eyes. “I admire the power it must have taken to create such a sanctuary,” Corb said. “Even from amateurs, it is well made.”
If it was well made, how did you get to Brisa? Shade furrowed her eyes, her anger slowly replacing her panic.
Hearing her thoughts Corb tilted his head to her, boring his eyes into hers. “It wasn’t easy Shade. I don’t really have to use my telepathic abilities too much in Faerie. Magic is more potent there. Humans are much easier to manipulate, telepathy being more of a human trait. Rare but still human. No spells are required. I do have to try harder to enchant the Changeling. He might be disabled for a bit longer than the others.” He waited, as if expecting her to do something. She turned to look at Soap. He was frozen but slightly shaking. He fought the telepathy, but could not break through its stronghold. Blood-tinged tears streamed down his face from the effort. Shade’s body shook with fear as she turned back towards Aveta’s evil guard.
When she didn’t move closer, Corb stepped back a bit and extended his hand towards her, almost caressing the barrier. “A trade. That is what I propose. Give me your hand. Come with me, and I let your beautiful human friend live. I will lead her into your sanctuary as you leave it.”
Corb paused again, his blank face and quick movements made her want to slap some personality into him. Shade stopped biting her bottom lip that was now sore and reddened from her nervous chewing. She let her shoulders drop, feeling defeated. This wasn’t a good deal either way it went, and she knew that it wouldn’t go her way.
“What if you don’t let her go? What guarantee do you give me Corb?” She narrowed her gaze back into his still eyes. She swore she saw the corners of his lips turn up ever so slightly.
“You are quite clever young one. So wise beyond your few years. Many forget so soon how to bind a Fey to their word but you, you are not so careless.” He snickered, showing just a little sliver of emotion in his hardened exterior shell. “Very well Shade. I swear to you that as you cross over the shield to me, I will let your friend return to your home unharmed. I bind myself to this oath, as Faerie itself binds me. Now, if you please,” he nodded and re-extended his arm towards her, beckoning her to cross.
Their eyes never left each other’s. He seemed patient, or maybe centuries of living made you that way. She wondered why he had not withered yet. Was there a strong mind under there? Was it insane? She hoped it was the not the latter. He was the oldest Faery she had ever laid eyes on. Her curiosity was only bypassed by her fear as she took another deep breath, closing the gap between them. Her hand reached out across the tingle of energy that separated them, finally letting his hand clasp over hers as he pulled her out and simultaneously pushed Brisa back into the dome.
On the other side, Shade felt the cold autumn breeze roll around her, sending shivers up her arms and down her spine. She hugged herself, realizing she didn’t have her travel pack, coat or anything. She glanced back at her family and Soap. All still frozen where they stood. Even Brisa, who was just inside the shield, was unmoving.
“Wait, I’m cold. I don’t have anything to cover myself; it’s getting really cold. I…” Corb stopped and placed a finger to her lips, shushing her. Shade froze, feeling suddenly even colder, if that was possible.
“Enough. I almost forgot about your human taint. Can’t you warm yourself Fire-Witch?” Corb snickered at her.
“Yes, but I’ve never done it for extended periods of time. I…”
“Here, take this and be quiet,” Corb pulled a fur cloak out of a pack on the back of his dark demon-like horse, and shoved it into her arms. “Put it on now, we’re leaving.” He waited as she unraveled it and swung it over her shoulders, tying it at the neck. She was instantly warmer, but her fear made her entire body continue to shake. She glanced back to her family again and stopped.
“Wait! Aren’t you going to unfreeze them? Release them. Please, you can’t just leave them like that!” Shade stepped towards the dome but Corb grabbed her in blur of speed.
“Stop right there. You will not be returning. They will resume their lives as soon as we leave. We are not risking them using their magic on us before that. Now get up on the horse, my patience is wearing thin.” Corb’s voice slid out in a deeper tone, almost growling at her. She turned and looked at him, but his blank face betrayed nothing. She wondered if he really had any patience to wear thin, but she did not want to find out.
Shade gave him a nod and reluctantly followed him back to his horse. Cringing as her hands touched the coarse black hair of the demon steed, she pulled herself up onto the saddle. The beast was unearthly. Probably from a place so dark it sucked the light and soul out of everything. Corb pulled himself up and sat behind her, bringing one arm snug around her waist and the other to the reins. His hands were encased in dark leather gloves as he pulled the reins and turned the demon steed around. The dark horse’s breath steamed in the cold night and seemed to not appreciate having her along for the ride at all.
The feeling’s mutual, thought Shade.
She felt Corb’s arm tighten more around her as they trotted into a gallop through the ranks of nightmarish soldiers. All sneering and growling at her. Shade wondered what they thought of being led by a Sidhe Faery like Corb.
Being so close to him made her stomach churn and her skin tingle. He radiated cold. He was the very essence of winter that made her soul feel lost. She swallowed down the sickness she felt from the evil emanating from the dark troops. She wondered how any Queen of Faerie could condone such vile things as she tried to breathe through her mouth. The retched smell of the army hit her like a freight train as the ranks split open to allow a path for them to gallop through. She hoped they would get through the horde soon, but she wasn’t too sure she would like what was on the other side.
As long as her family was still safe, Shade momentarily felt okay. She silently spoke to Dylan in her head, hoping somehow he would know how much trouble she was in. If anyone could help her, it was him. She prayed that somewhere out there, he would hear her plea, and save her from the clutches of Aveta.
The terrain flew past them as they entered the forest. The rhythmic trotting of the steed’s hooves mimicked the racing of her heart as the night grew colder and more ominous.
Chapter Twenty-four
DARREN’S ICY-COLD stare stabbed into her like ice picks. Narrowing his eyes, he watched her wiggle in the chains, and panic at the sight of him. He was the last person she ever expected to run into again. He was the only person she had never wanted to see again. His eyes seemed to dance in amusement as he watched the panic and fear rip through her. He seemed to enjoy it. The sadist in him relished her pain like a rare treat. He hadn’t spoken a word to her yet, but as Shade’s terror filled the room, he breathed it in and let it fill him with the pure pleasure it caused him.
Her wrists ached and burned as the skin rubbed away with every movement she made in the shackles. Blood oozed from her wounds and dried along her arms and hands in streams. It was sticky and itched along her skin, making her feel even more agitated than Darren’s presence alone did. She couldn’t get away. She was completely trapped and powerless. The chains bound with her and some sort of curse. Something else had binded all her magic, leaving her utterly human. She wondered if he was here to torture her, and desperately hoped not. His idea of torture would probably be very close to death. She closed her eyes, wishing for his image to fade away, knowing it would not.
“Mom?” Shade’s voice quivered as she glanced back at her mother before shooting out the back door.
“What is it Shade? Shade?” Her mother’s voice trailed behind her as the kitchen door slammed. Shade hopped over the steps and ran across the lawn. Brisa followed quickly behind her, curious to see what was going on. Anna was still as a statue, staring at the forest beyond the shield. James was also frozen where he sat.
“Anna! Get inside now!” Shade yelled towards her, but Anna seemed to be hypnotized into a trance, as if she could not look away from the forest.
What’s out there? Why aren’t they moving? Thought Shade. What the– Brisa?
Brisa’s hand was now outstretched and skimming the shield. She ran straight to it. Shade felt the dread churn in her own stomach as she screamed towards her friend. Brisa’s fingers lit the shield up like a flare shooting out in ripples from where she had touched it. The flash took Brisa with it. Her body was sucked through the shield as if it was absorbing her. Shade screamed and reached for her but found her friend already gone, but not before she had noticed someone’s disembodied hand reaching through the shield towards Brisa, and pulling her through.
“Brisa! Oh, no, no, no!” Shade stopped right before the shield. The boundaries of it flared lightly, rippling and fading where her friend had once stood. Shade’s chest was on fire as she tried to catch her breath after sprinting from the house. She barely heard the yelling behind her as Soap raced out of the house, and Jade beckoned out to James from the porch.
Shade stared at the now stilled shield. The other side was dark with only slight flashes of metal betraying whoever stood on the other side.
“Shade, we meet again,” a deep chilly voice flowed out to her from across the barrier. Shade scanned the dimming forest for the owner of it. She closed her eyes and pushed her senses across it, reaching the dark and penetrating it like caressing fingers flowing over the grasses and trees. The dark magic that cloaked the light ripped away with her magic like a blindfold that had been removed, revealing the massive dark army.
Hordes and hordes of Sluagh, Goblins, and Demons surrounded them. Their red-orange eyes stood out in the darkness of their toad-like, grayish, black skins, appearing like orbs of blood. Corb stood in the front of the awaiting dark soldiers with his white hair tied back, and his glistening eyes glowing like two moons in the night. One of his arms embraced the entranced Brisa as he held a sharp curved dagger that glinted over her throat. The metal shined like a mirror as he held it steadily. The handle was plain and exquisitely carved silver. Intricate and beautiful, but not as fancy as Shade would’ve thought a First Lieutenant of Queen Aveta would have.
“Do you like my dagger?” Corb’s voice seemed fluid and smooth as it rippled across the barrier and floated into her ears. Shade sucked in a breath, wondering what to do next as he continued. “I’ve had it for over a thousand years. Made from the metals of our Ancients own mines. It’s infused with the powers of the core of the Earth. Stronger than anything ever made, and free of iron. So sharp, Brisa would die a quick painless death if I so sliced into her throat. It would cut it like butter.” The magic in his voice flowed over Shade like a sleeping draught. It was fogging up her concentration, and making her legs feel weak. She shook her head, willing the haze to go away, trying to clear her mind.
Feeling better, she continued to stare at the ancient Faery as he studied her intently. He seemed to find what she had done fascinating. A spark of life teased behind his dead eyes. Shade had a feeling that he was not much more than an animated body. Old and stale inside.
“I can feel your powers chastising mine. Quite amusing that my telepathic control does not work on you. I’m not surprised though. I’ve heard that you are quite unique.” Corb paused as he let his eyes wander away from her and scanned the area behind her. “Too bad your friends are no match for it.”
Shade pulled her eyes away from him to peek behind her. Gasping, she almost stumbled. Soap, Jade, Benton, Anna, and James stood frozen in their places with their eyes glazed over. Still as statues, they made no attempt to come forward or even acknowledge her when she yelled out to them. She turned back towards Corb. His face remaining as still as ever, like he never smiled or had any kind of feelings splay across his cold exterior. Shade gulped down her growing panic.
Shoot, shoot, shoot. What now? Shade was really missing her spirit guides right now. They would have helped immensely in this mess.
“Let her go Corb,” Shade’s voice wavered as she looked around at the army, searching for some way to get Brisa back without having to fight that many soldiers. The army was massive and ran the perimeter of the shield. They shifted on their feet, anxious for action and agitated with the wait. Ripples of their cackling voices swam around the encampment. Shade could feel sweat dripping down her temple as her fear bubbled up inside. She could not defeat them outside of the shield. She would have to trick Corb into coming into the dome himself to have any chance of saving her friend.
“I don’t think so Shade.” His eyes watched her, making her wonder what went through his mind. The ice-cold exterior was no help. His telepathy was a hindrance.
“What do you want?” Shade chewed on her lip, watching the sharp blade of the dagger pushing against Brisa’s tender skin. She didn’t move, entranced by Corb’s spell. Shade’s fear made her head spin. She didn’t even notice the tears streaming down her own face. Corb watched her as the tears poured. She didn’t wipe them away, trying not to tear her gaze away from him or the blade. He seemed almost robotic as his eyes passed over her face from one cheek to the other, watching the shiny tears roll down her face, fascinated in some strange way. Shade waited for his answer, desperately hoping it would be something other than what she thought he wanted.
“You, Shade. Just you.” He let go of Brisa, sheathing his blade on his belt. Taking her hand he came to stand before the shield, leading her behind him and scanning it with his cold shining eyes. “I admire the power it must have taken to create such a sanctuary,” Corb said. “Even from amateurs, it is well made.”
If it was well made, how did you get to Brisa? Shade furrowed her eyes, her anger slowly replacing her panic.
Hearing her thoughts Corb tilted his head to her, boring his eyes into hers. “It wasn’t easy Shade. I don’t really have to use my telepathic abilities too much in Faerie. Magic is more potent there. Humans are much easier to manipulate, telepathy being more of a human trait. Rare but still human. No spells are required. I do have to try harder to enchant the Changeling. He might be disabled for a bit longer than the others.” He waited, as if expecting her to do something. She turned to look at Soap. He was frozen but slightly shaking. He fought the telepathy, but could not break through its stronghold. Blood-tinged tears streamed down his face from the effort. Shade’s body shook with fear as she turned back towards Aveta’s evil guard.
When she didn’t move closer, Corb stepped back a bit and extended his hand towards her, almost caressing the barrier. “A trade. That is what I propose. Give me your hand. Come with me, and I let your beautiful human friend live. I will lead her into your sanctuary as you leave it.”
Corb paused again, his blank face and quick movements made her want to slap some personality into him. Shade stopped biting her bottom lip that was now sore and reddened from her nervous chewing. She let her shoulders drop, feeling defeated. This wasn’t a good deal either way it went, and she knew that it wouldn’t go her way.
“What if you don’t let her go? What guarantee do you give me Corb?” She narrowed her gaze back into his still eyes. She swore she saw the corners of his lips turn up ever so slightly.
“You are quite clever young one. So wise beyond your few years. Many forget so soon how to bind a Fey to their word but you, you are not so careless.” He snickered, showing just a little sliver of emotion in his hardened exterior shell. “Very well Shade. I swear to you that as you cross over the shield to me, I will let your friend return to your home unharmed. I bind myself to this oath, as Faerie itself binds me. Now, if you please,” he nodded and re-extended his arm towards her, beckoning her to cross.
Their eyes never left each other’s. He seemed patient, or maybe centuries of living made you that way. She wondered why he had not withered yet. Was there a strong mind under there? Was it insane? She hoped it was the not the latter. He was the oldest Faery she had ever laid eyes on. Her curiosity was only bypassed by her fear as she took another deep breath, closing the gap between them. Her hand reached out across the tingle of energy that separated them, finally letting his hand clasp over hers as he pulled her out and simultaneously pushed Brisa back into the dome.
On the other side, Shade felt the cold autumn breeze roll around her, sending shivers up her arms and down her spine. She hugged herself, realizing she didn’t have her travel pack, coat or anything. She glanced back at her family and Soap. All still frozen where they stood. Even Brisa, who was just inside the shield, was unmoving.
“Wait, I’m cold. I don’t have anything to cover myself; it’s getting really cold. I…” Corb stopped and placed a finger to her lips, shushing her. Shade froze, feeling suddenly even colder, if that was possible.
“Enough. I almost forgot about your human taint. Can’t you warm yourself Fire-Witch?” Corb snickered at her.
“Yes, but I’ve never done it for extended periods of time. I…”
“Here, take this and be quiet,” Corb pulled a fur cloak out of a pack on the back of his dark demon-like horse, and shoved it into her arms. “Put it on now, we’re leaving.” He waited as she unraveled it and swung it over her shoulders, tying it at the neck. She was instantly warmer, but her fear made her entire body continue to shake. She glanced back to her family again and stopped.
“Wait! Aren’t you going to unfreeze them? Release them. Please, you can’t just leave them like that!” Shade stepped towards the dome but Corb grabbed her in blur of speed.
“Stop right there. You will not be returning. They will resume their lives as soon as we leave. We are not risking them using their magic on us before that. Now get up on the horse, my patience is wearing thin.” Corb’s voice slid out in a deeper tone, almost growling at her. She turned and looked at him, but his blank face betrayed nothing. She wondered if he really had any patience to wear thin, but she did not want to find out.
Shade gave him a nod and reluctantly followed him back to his horse. Cringing as her hands touched the coarse black hair of the demon steed, she pulled herself up onto the saddle. The beast was unearthly. Probably from a place so dark it sucked the light and soul out of everything. Corb pulled himself up and sat behind her, bringing one arm snug around her waist and the other to the reins. His hands were encased in dark leather gloves as he pulled the reins and turned the demon steed around. The dark horse’s breath steamed in the cold night and seemed to not appreciate having her along for the ride at all.
The feeling’s mutual, thought Shade.
She felt Corb’s arm tighten more around her as they trotted into a gallop through the ranks of nightmarish soldiers. All sneering and growling at her. Shade wondered what they thought of being led by a Sidhe Faery like Corb.
Being so close to him made her stomach churn and her skin tingle. He radiated cold. He was the very essence of winter that made her soul feel lost. She swallowed down the sickness she felt from the evil emanating from the dark troops. She wondered how any Queen of Faerie could condone such vile things as she tried to breathe through her mouth. The retched smell of the army hit her like a freight train as the ranks split open to allow a path for them to gallop through. She hoped they would get through the horde soon, but she wasn’t too sure she would like what was on the other side.
As long as her family was still safe, Shade momentarily felt okay. She silently spoke to Dylan in her head, hoping somehow he would know how much trouble she was in. If anyone could help her, it was him. She prayed that somewhere out there, he would hear her plea, and save her from the clutches of Aveta.
The terrain flew past them as they entered the forest. The rhythmic trotting of the steed’s hooves mimicked the racing of her heart as the night grew colder and more ominous.
Chapter Twenty-four
DARREN’S ICY-COLD stare stabbed into her like ice picks. Narrowing his eyes, he watched her wiggle in the chains, and panic at the sight of him. He was the last person she ever expected to run into again. He was the only person she had never wanted to see again. His eyes seemed to dance in amusement as he watched the panic and fear rip through her. He seemed to enjoy it. The sadist in him relished her pain like a rare treat. He hadn’t spoken a word to her yet, but as Shade’s terror filled the room, he breathed it in and let it fill him with the pure pleasure it caused him.
Her wrists ached and burned as the skin rubbed away with every movement she made in the shackles. Blood oozed from her wounds and dried along her arms and hands in streams. It was sticky and itched along her skin, making her feel even more agitated than Darren’s presence alone did. She couldn’t get away. She was completely trapped and powerless. The chains bound with her and some sort of curse. Something else had binded all her magic, leaving her utterly human. She wondered if he was here to torture her, and desperately hoped not. His idea of torture would probably be very close to death. She closed her eyes, wishing for his image to fade away, knowing it would not.
