When they crested the top of the hill, a lone pale one in full black armor emerged from the mist and stood unmoving as he stared. He didn’t give chase or screech or shout threats. He watched. It was more unnerving than if he charged. Layala kicked Midnight into a gallop, catching up to her companions.
“They’re not chasing us,” Layala said.
“Nevertheless, we’ll keep up this pace until we’re certain,” Thane responded.
It wasn’t until Doonafell came into view that they slowed to a pace they could talk without difficulty. “Who would have the ability to get the stone?” Layala asked.
Fennan shrugged. “It wasn’t actually that difficult. It could be anyone.”
Layala balked, holding her aching shoulder. “Not that difficult? We almost died back there.”
Thane chuckled. “I’ve been in much closer calls.”
“Well, I haven’t. And neither of you even got hurt. My shoulder feels like it’s going to make my arm fall off.”
Turning toward her Thane pulled back on his reins. “Why didn’t you tell us you were hurt?” When he stopped everyone did.
“It wasn’t bad enough to keep me from riding.”
Aldrich shifted in his saddle. “I gotta hand it to you, Lightbringer. You’re tough for a female.”
Both Layala and Piper grunted. Layala tugged the fabric of her short sleeve up to see the real damage. It was scrapped and bruised but not life threatening. “I remember kicking your ass not that long ago. Perhaps you should stop underestimating females.”
“I still won that bout in case you’ve forgotten. Besides, I was afraid to hurt your pretty face, so I took it easy on you.”
“Liar,” Layala retorted. “I’m up for a rematch if you are.”
“Perhaps when your shoulder isn’t injured,” Thane cut in. “I need to speak with Atarah about the stone.”
That’s when she noticed the dried blood down the side of Thane’s face. “Thane, your head. You did get hurt.”
He lifted his shoulder and rubbed his face on his sleeve. “It’s nothing. You four get back to camp.”
The urge to ask to join him bubbled up in her throat but before she could get the words out, Thane took off in the opposite direction they would be heading. “Is he really fine or is he just saying that?”
Fennan answered, “Thane heals quickly.”
“He’s mentioned that before but what does that mean exactly?”
“Whatever injury he had on his head will have already healed on its own. Probably within minutes if it wasn’t that deep.”
She had never heard of such a thing before, especially not without the aid of magical plants. “But elves don’t heal that fast. Maybe faster than humans but not minutes or even hours.” She gestured to her shoulder. “Obviously.”
“Thane isn’t your average elf, just like you aren’t. But it’s not because he’s a mage.”
“Then what?”
“You should ask him that,” Aldrich said.
Layala waited outside Thane’s tent until it was long past dark for him to get back. Not only did she need answers about the All Seeing Stone, which was their best lead to break the spell between them but she wanted to know what made him different. Why hadn’t he told her? What could it possibly be? Did he have a rune mark for healing? If he did, that meant it would have come from the Black Mage’s spell book because according to Atarah all rune magic was from the Black Mage. Maybe that was why he hadn’t told her. But then again, she’d seen most of his flesh aside from his thighs and private areas and the only rune mark was the mate rune on his wrist.
She glanced at her tent where Tif and Piper were already asleep, then looked about to see if anyone was around. A few guards walked by on patrol, but mostly everyone had gone to bed for the night. Peeling aside Thane’s tent entrance, she slipped inside. The light from the moon penetrated the fabric enough that she saw everything once her eyes adjusted. Was she being too bold coming in here without him? She knew what he might think when he came back, but she sat on his bed anyway. The sheepskin was soft under her fingers. She tugged her boots off and then kicked her feet up. She’d jump up when she heard him coming. But after a while the softness of the bed and the heaviness of her eyelids pulled her to sleep.
A light clinking stirred her awake. After remembering whose bed she lay in, she shot up. Thane was unlatching his weapons with his back to her. Her cheeks suddenly burned—did he know she was here? She didn’t want to scare him by speaking or getting up, so she waited silently. He tugged his tunic over his head and kicked off his boots. When he pulled at the belt to his pants, she was certain he hadn’t seen her. Part of her wanted to keep watching; he had a body to be admired and she was admiring. She imagined running her hands over the muscles on his back and shoulders.
He dropped his pants to the floor and stepped out of them, standing in his black braise shorts.
Say something. Say something. Then she remembered he watched her undress once upon a time. Instead of speaking, she cleared her throat.
Thane turned his head slightly but wasn’t startled. “I wondered if you were going to say anything but clearly you were enjoying the show too much.”
So, he knew she was there and undressed to his undergarments anyway. “Clearly.”
He smiled and pulled another pair of soft sleeping pants out of his trunk and stepped into them. “Why are you in my bed, dearest? Not that you are unwelcome.”
Her heart started beating faster. She suddenly thought of all the things they could do in this bed if she wasn’t cursed. “I wanted to ask you something and fell asleep waiting.”
“Is that all? What a shame.”
She smiled and couldn’t remember why she waited here in the first place. What did she want to ask again?
“How is your shoulder?”
“It’s a little sore but fine.”
He sauntered over without putting a shirt on. She fought to keep her eyes off all that delicious bare skin. When he sat beside her, he looked at her expectantly.
“Um, what did Atarah say?”
“Unfortunately, she has no idea who it might have been, and we’re back to where we started.”
“Not entirely,” Layala said. “We know it exists, and there is the dragon shifter.” She fidgeted with the sheepskin, pushing her fingers through its softness, trying to get her mind off how close Thane was. She could feel him through their mate bond like a caress against her skin although he wasn’t touching her. Her mate rune tingled, and she stood.
Thane’s fingers deftly wrapped around her wrist. His thumb stroked skin. “You know how I feel about seeking out the sorceress. She’s not the answer. I have a feeling it would end badly.”
“Then what?” Layala sighed. “Then we just marry to stop from turning into pale ones and fight the pull of desire forever? Unless we find the All Seeing Stone and have an answer for certain, we can never truly be together.”
“And that is what you want? Do you want to be with me?”
For how much she hated him all her life she couldn’t believe her answer. “Yes.”
A small smile tugged at the corners of his beautiful mouth. “Then we’ll find it.”
Every fiber of her being desired to be with him. Something in her demanded she reach up and drag her thumb over his lips and kiss him again and slowly strip him of his clothes. She couldn’t. Maker above, she couldn’t even though everything about him drew her in. But Novak’s death was there, haunting her. His funeral flashed in her mind. Images of his mother sobbing on her knees, hugging his headstone. While Layala watched from a distance like a coward. She wanted so badly to apologize, to tell his mother the truth of how he died but she never could say it, and the guilt ate away at her to this very moment. They deserved to know the truth; that she poisoned him, that her body poisoned him. Her chin trembled and tears seeped from her eyes. “Can I stay? Can you hold me? I just want to lay next to you.”
His brows raised slightly, and he nodded. “I’d love nothing more.”
As they laid together clothed, bodies tangled, they talked. About their lives before, about places they wanted to see in the future, and adventures he went on as a kid with Fennan and his friend Osric. They laughed about how the boys set traps for pixies to get their dust, and tried to wrangle gnomes and force the poor creatures to make them treats. The time made Layala fall for him all the more. She forgot about the war and pale ones and curses. Her heart ached with a pleasant sort of pain, loving their conversation and his arms snuggly around her middle until she drifted off to sleep laying on his chest.
When morning came, Thane woke Layala to a platter of fruit and scrambled eggs for breakfast. She smiled as he set the tray on her lap while she was still in bed. “Thank you.”
He nodded and took a sip of his juice then said, “You’re welcome. My sister wishes to spend some time with you. She wants to make up for how she’s treated you.”
Layala picked up the fork. “She does?” Layala was skeptical at best.
He grabbed the single chair, flipped it around and straddled the back, resting his forearm across the top. “I know she hasn’t been nice, but Talon has a lot to learn. She’s young, and I think being here the last few weeks has opened her eyes. Will you please allow her to apologize?”
Lifting a shoulder, Layala nodded. “Sure. Maker knows I’ve needed to apologize for things.” Thane smiled and the sight of his happiness made flutters erupt in her chest.
When she’d barely had a chance to finish her breakfast, Talon burst into the tent. “Are you ready to go, dear sister?”
Thane smirked at Layala. She set the tray aside and straightened her top. “Where are we going?”
Talon wrapped her arm around Layala’s like they were two children skipping off into the forest on an adventure. “Somewhere special.”
Layala glanced back at Thane as she was dragged out of the tent. He winked and said, “Have fun.”
Talon walked them toward the woods. “So, I know tensions have been high between us. And even though you are a low-born elf, you are my brother’s mate and destined to be queen.”
It was a backhanded apology, but Layala didn’t expect much else. “I apologize for not being very nice myself.”
Talon tugged her toward the encroaching woods. Everything in Layala told her to stop, that this was far enough. The closest elf was at least fifty yards away but what did she have to fear from Talon? She couldn’t wield a sword, and she didn’t have magic. She wasn’t a threat. “Where is this special place?”
“There is a really pretty waterfall. Have you not seen it?”
She had but was it this way? “I have. Piper, Fennan, Thane and I went there a few days ago.”
“Uh, my brother is falling for you so hard. I can see it all over his face.” She grinned. “I thought you two might kill each other before you could ever get married.” She cackled at Layala’s stare. “I’m exaggerating of course.”
Thane had mixed feelings for her. She knew it because she felt it through their connection. Just as she had mixed feelings when it came to him. He wanted to love her, but it was like they stood on opposite sides of a canyon with a gap wide enough that they could reach and be inches from grasping but never touch.
“I think we should stay close to camp,” Layala said even as she crossed into the woods. The thick canopy of trees let down small rays of sunlight, but it was markedly darker in this part. “There could be pale ones near.”
“Don’t worry, Aldrich is waiting for us there. He checked the whole area. I told him to grab a bottle of wine for us.” The mention of wine had memories of kissing Thane and telling him she wished she could have her way with him come to mind.
“I guess if Aldrich is here, it should be fine.”
“So shouldn’t we be planning a wedding? Thane did set a day and it’s not far away.” Layala hadn’t given thought to what she would want a wedding to be like since Novak died. Before, she dreamed of a lavender gown with lace and long, draping sleeves with a crown of white flowers. He would have worn his finest tunic with a traditional black groom’s cape. The entire village of Briar Hollow would have been in attendance and even a few families from neighboring towns. They’d drink the finest wine and dance and sing until midnight.
Picturing a wedding with the High King of the Elves of Palenor was much different. More extravagant than she could even imagine. There would be thousands in attendance, most strangers. But it would be glorious and beautiful.
The seven-foot or so waterfall came into view, crashing loudly into the pool below. A cool misty breeze drifted toward them bringing the smell of moss and wetness. A bottle of wine with two glasses set on a cut tree stump waited. Frogs croaked in sync with one another, and a pair of silver butterflies fluttered by them. But she didn’t see Aldrich anywhere.
“I had to sneak us out here because Thane got upset with me yesterday when I drank a whole bottle of wine and,” she smacked her own forehead, “and started dancing for a huge group of the Ravens. He says I should be embarrassed.”
“Dancing isn’t anything to be embarrassed about,” Layala said, confused that Thane would reprimand her for it.
“With your top off it is. I had on my bralette of course but he jerked me away so hard it left a bruise on my arm.” She huffed. “The Ravens weren’t even upset with me. They threw flowers at my feet. Fennan was even there.”
Fennan should have stopped her. “Well, you are the Princess of Palenor. You must know certain behavior is expected. You’ve given me the lecture, remember. Thane wants to protect you.”
Talon poured them both a glass and handed the first to Layala. “Here you are taking his side again. I know I never told you but what you did to save that mother and her children, it was very brave of you, even if you have remarkable magic. I wouldn’t have fought those horrible things… I was terrified and I ran.” She filled her own crystal goblet and raised it. “So, here’s to letting go of old grudges and building new friendships.”
Layala arched an eyebrow but clinked her glass against Talon’s and took a long drink. It was more bitter than the others she’d had lately. “Is this from here?”
“Yes, not as good as the drink from the woodland elves I’m afraid.”
“Speaking of woodland elves,” Layala cleared her throat nervously. “Would you ever consider marriage to—” a shadow moved among the yew trees on the other side of the river.
“Marriage to?” she prodded.
Movement directly to her left drew her attention and her magic tingled. “I think there’s someone—” a quiet whistle cut through the air. She jerked Talon aside and an arrow sliced into Layala’s ribs inches under her left breast. She gasped as the pain registered seconds later, and wrapped her hand at the arrow’s shaft protruding from her. Her magic waffled, wanting to break free but Layala couldn’t see a target. Talon screamed, dropping her glass; it shattered with a spray of red wine.
She came to Palenor to kill the Athayel family and instead, she took an arrow for one. She choked in pain, staggering on her feet. On instinct she pulled Talon aside instead of reaching for her magic. She kept it hidden for so long it didn’t come naturally. Something she was regretting. “Run,” Layala said, in a hoarse voice. She choked trying to drag in a breath.
When the world began spinning, Layala pawed at a nearby tree for balance but missed and fell, rolling onto her side. Her heart crashed until it ached. Sweat beaded on her brow. Gasping with pain, each breath she pulled in was like fire filling her lungs.
Crawling over to her, Talon tentatively touched the arrow. “What do I do?” Looking around frantically she started to cry.
“I said, run!” Layala said angrily. “This arrow was for you.”
Her eyes widened and she shoved up, panting. “I’ll get help.’’ Then she was gone and Layala was alone with the sounds of the waterfall to lull her into a daze. Truthfully, she didn’t know if the arrow was for Talon or not. It could have hit either of them but if she hadn’t pulled Talon to the side, it would have nailed her right in the back. She didn’t see the face of who fired the arrow, only a hooded figure among the trees, but she didn’t think it was a pale one.
Footfalls drew her out of her stupor. She struggled to open her eyes, wishing she had the strength to reach for her dagger to defend herself. Was this it? Her last moments? Maker, Thane was in danger too.
A soft voice called to her. Was it her mother? Did she wait on the other side?
“I’m here.” A light feminine voice said, and small hands pried open Layala’s mouth and shoved something soft and velvety in. “Come on, chew it. It will help stop the bleeding. You have to live. I can’t stay here with the jumbos by myself. I can’t. This world is too scary without you.”
“Get Thane,”’ she murmured and closed her mouth but couldn’t work up the strength to chew and she succumbed to the darkness.
A sharp sting hit Thane through the bond. He whirled around to see Talon bursting through the tree line. “Thane!” she yelled. Blood splattered across her light blue dress, and cheek.
“What happened?!” He ran to her as did the group of soldiers he’d been talking to. She fell into his arms out of breath, sobbing and speaking inaudibly. His eyes zipped from side to side scanning the forest. Layala had been with her. “Where is she?”
“I left her by the waterfall,” she choked, “I’m sorry. I didn’t know what to do.”
He didn’t have time to ask more questions of Talon. He grabbed two soldiers by the front of their uniforms. “Come with me.” They raced past trees, weaving around them until they were but a blur. When the crashing of the waterfall pressed upon his ears he went even faster until there she was, curled up on her side, unmoving. The gnome knelt beside her, crying into her hands. Thane’s heart seized when he saw the tip of an arrow protruding from her back. He dropped to her side, gathering her into his arms. “Layala?” His chest ached at the bluish color of her lips, the marked paleness to her usually warm skin, but she still drew a shallow breath.
“Secure the area!” The little gnome held onto Layala as he lifted her off the ground. “Find who did this and bring them to me. Alive.”
Orion nodded grimly. “We’ll find them, sire.”
Thane tore through the woods with one destination in mind. He couldn’t risk removing the arrow without a skilled healer present or she could bleed out in under a minute given the location of it. “You have to hold on,” he whispered. “I know you’re strong. You’re one of the stubbornest elves I’ve ever met.”
As fast as his legs could carry them, he sprinted. Somehow it was as if they shifted through time and space, everything blurred, and they arrived at the Mage’s Tower. He could manipulate matter with his magic but what was this? He crashed through the door unable to take the time to consider what happened. “Atarah!” he roared.
She turned from her position at the table and jumped up. “Dear maker, get her to a room. This way, hurry!”
Thane dabbed a damp cloth on her forehead as he watched her life slipping away. He didn’t even care for himself. He didn’t care that he was growing weak. Atarah helped him remove the arrow, and the stream of blood that it released made him grateful he didn’t try to remove it himself. Atarah gave her a tonic and helped him bind the wound dangerously close to her heart, but things hadn’t changed much in the last hour.
“I don’t know if the healing herbs are enough.” Atarah rested a hand on Thane’s shoulder. “And if she lasts the night there may be permanent damage.”
Tifapine sat on the edge of the small bedside table looking on with a tear-stained face. This was the first time Thane had ever seen her out in the open. She held onto Layala the entire sprint there. Thanks to her quick action with the healing leaf, it bought them more time.
“Is there anything more we can do?” Thane asked, unable to keep the unsteady emotion from his voice.
“I’ve done all I can but,” Atarah paused. “I’ll be back shortly.” She turned and left the room, closing the door quietly.
Thane climbed into the bed beside Layala and rested his head against her shoulder. Her skin was too cold; he needed to warm her up. Pressing his hand to her chest a warmness emanated from his palm. If he knew more about how the body healed, he thought his magic might be able to close and heal a wound, but he’d never tried and didn’t dare risk harming her further. Slowly, he stroked her hair. “Please wake up,” he whispered and pressed his lips to her cheek. “You can go back to your aunt and to Briar Hollow after our wedding. You can find plants and drink ale to your heart’s content if that’s what you want.” He smiled at the memory of their first meeting. “But if you want to stay, I promise I’ll love you so fiercely that they will write sonnets about our love. I will tear this world apart for you, I will fight until I have nothing left to give and destroy anyone who hurts you, and I will guard your heart most of all. Just, please, wake up.”
“I don’t think she can hear you,” Tifapine said, wiping a tear from her ruddy cheek.
Thane sighed. “I know.”
“What if your sister set this up?” Tifapine stared at him unblinking. “I’ve thought about it for a while. She brought Layala out there, alone.”
Thane closed his eyes. The thought made him sick. “I don’t think she would do that. That would mean she was trying to kill me too.”
“Maybe she didn’t know.” Tifapine nibbled on her lower lip and looked away muttering, “It was just a thought anyway.”
The door slowly creaked. Thane turned and sat up when Atarah carried an open leather-bound book in her hands. It was thick, at least five hundred pages. Atarah’s heavy expression made Thane nervous.
“I fear the only thing that will save her now is a healing rune. She lost too much blood and the paleness of her skin worries me. Her breaths are too shallow. Her heart has slowed.”
Thane stood and scanned the page. “This is one of the Black Mage’s books.”
Tentatively nodding, she placed the tome on the table. “It is.”
