Never
I sit on a boulder overlooking the orchard, elbows planted on my knees as I watch the gardeners pick fruit in the rain while my list of neglected duties grows ever longer. I should be hunting draygonets. I should be carousing with courtiers, planning and scheming with advisers, arguing with the queen. Laughing with Raff. Instead, I sit here brooding.
And since Lara left a week ago, I have never felt less like laughing than I do right now. With my queen gone, the poison flows thick and hot once again. Hate and bitterness unfurl in my blood like snakes waking from hibernation, slithering through my body, a creeping, crawling death march.
Whiskers and hot horsey breath tickle my cheek as Jinn nudges my shoulder armor, nibbling at the stiff layers of leather that resemble angled wings. He wants me to stop mindlessly tearing grass with my fingers, get to my feet, and engage in an interesting activity. Or even better, do something exciting.
“Give up, Jinn. I can’t be bothered racing around the kingdom with you.” I rub my chest as he whinnies a protest. “The poison moves, spinning the same rotten thoughts through my brain over and again—wreak havoc, cause suffering, induce pain. End someone. Who? Anyone. I long to give in to these wretched desires. Tell me, if you were me, would you let darkness conquer your soul?”
He snorts and pushes my shoulder, this time nearly knocking me from my lonely perch.
When I glance up, the High Mage is hovering in front of me about three inches from the ground, and I nearly tumble off the rock in surprise.
“Must you sneak up on me like that?”
“Dear Prince of Air, the pure light of the Lake of Spirits always shines upon you,” she says, her voice soothing. “It is your true birthright.”
“Is it?” Wet hair curtains my face, swiping at it, I gaze into Ether’s black eyes. Beside her, Balor wags his ridiculously long tail like a milksop whelp. “At this moment, the pits of Hell feel like my natural home. What brings you here?”
“I have your hound. He’s been fussing outside my door all morning, making quite a racket.”
Damn dog, trying to get the mage involved in my business.
“I thought I would find you near the gardens.” She smiles not unkindly. “Magret tells me you’ve been quite a nuisance the past few days. Have you no business to occupy yourself with?”
“No. Nothing I care about.”
“Perhaps you should visit the Moonstone Cave today. I believe the portal is open.”
“What?” My fingers stop ripping at grass. The High Mage frowns at the blood coating my fingers. “How?” I ask.
She rolls her eyes as though speaking to an imbecile or a mindless Unseelie fodden.
A harsh breath rushes out, and the black clouds quicken. “You’ve opened it again.” I accuse.
“Yes. Why do you mope here alone thinking about the human? If you want her, all you need do is pass through the portal and find her.”
“It isn’t that simple. I refuse to feel this way about someone Aer has chosen for me. I will not let her win.”
Ether laughs, and purple rose petals rain down on us, piling in a sodden mess at our feet, thanks to me. “You have it wrong. By loving this human, you have won. Aer wants you to despise her, to beg to be freed from the girl. Find happiness together and you win.”
“So, I become king, and when I eventually die, pass the curse onto my sons and they onto theirs forevermore? No. I think not.”
“Teach your children to honor and follow their hearts. We cannot be sure what will become of them, but a life lived with true love, even a brief life, is surely enough. What greater happiness could you wish for them?”
“If I do this, the Merits will cry war before I make her queen and try to take her from me.”
“Make her yours in another realm where they cannot touch her.”
“It’s pointless.”
“Is it? Did the poison halt its course in her presence?”
“Yes. I was myself again. I saw humor in things that would normally make me ache to rip out someone’s lungs.”
“And now you are apart?”
“The blackness moves again. Anger and hatred overtake my mind, burning my thoughts, turning kindness to ash.”
“Go to her and love and light will return to you. The curse may follow you. The curse may stay behind. The only way to know is to slip through the veil into your future.”
“But if the curse stays in our land, it will pass to Raff.”
“Most likely. But Raff is a much different creature than you. He wouldn’t mind being king. Come to your senses and stop this miserable rain from falling, Ever.”
“I can’t.”
“Try.”
Muscles hardening, I slow my breathing, focusing on light, blazing sun. Bright bluebells. Warmth. Sapphires. Lara’s laughter. The taste of her kisses—sweet as honey.
Ether’s smile grows as the sky clears, her skin glittering like diamonds in the sunshine.
“See?” she purrs softly. “You can do anything you want.”
Sighing, I sift rich, red soil through my fingers. “But I dream of impossible things—a babe with silver eyes and Lara’s red hair.”
Her brows arch high. “Is that so impossible? Perhaps it is a glimpse into your future. As you well know, it is indeed rare for a fae to get a mortal with child. Rare, but certainly not impossible. Love is required. Follow your heart, and you will triumph over Aer.”
At the mention of that witch, the sky above shakes, clouds streaking across it like ink-black hounds chasing each other’s tails. My eyes meet Ether’s, silver mercury spiraling through them. Hot. Uncomfortable. “But if Lara bore a halfling of royal blood, how would she deal with such a creature in the human realm?”
“In our land, Lara’s gift of song is no cheap parlor trick to be trifled with. Here, she has power. You thought yourself as good as dead to finer emotions, and now look at you. Bring her back to the Emerald Castle where she can protect herself and enjoy your lives together. Doing so will neutralize Aer. I have the strength to hold the portal open for one more hour only. Dana knows when I will be able to summon it again.”
This could be my only chance.
Without another word, I stand long enough to kiss the High Mage’s fingers, then leap onto Jinn’s back. “Balor, come,” I shout, wheeling in the direction of the stables. I crouch low over Jinn’s neck as he gallops hard until we scrape to a stop in the courtyard, dust and stones flying.
Raff, Kian, and Seven are preparing to ride out.
My brother waves. “Ever, at last you’ve woken from your dreary spell. Coming riding with us?”
“No,” I say, dismounting and meeting them in the center of the yard.
Red hair alive like writhing snakes, Kian smirks and folds his arms over his chest.
The imp’s black eye winks at me as she smiles and drops a slow curtsy. Today, her curling horns are green. “Please say you’ll join us, Prince Ever. It’s been so long since we’ve dallied together.”
“I’m sure Kian will be pleased to entertain you.” I flick my head at him. “Go now. I need to speak to my brother alone.”
Kian’s smirk vanishes and, grumbling loudly, he tugs Seven’s arm and drags her through an ivy-covered archway.
“What is it?” Raff asks, watching me pace before him.
I stop and huff a breath. “If I leave here now to find Lara, the Black Blood may pass to you. I know not if this will happen for certain, but—”
Dropping onto his haunches, he pats Balor’s wiry fur. Fire and amusement spark in Raff’s wolf-like gaze. “Hurry up and go, then. I wouldn’t mind being king. Pity that I’d have to trek regularly out to that ghastly Crystalline Oak to seek some girl I don’t know, but other than that, it sounds like fun.”
Clouds dissolve, leaving only blue skies. Raff smiles, turning his face to bathe in the warmth.
“Ah, brother of the fiery sun, I should have known you would say this. Why did I worry?”
“Indeed,” he agrees. “You’re going now? What will you wear?”
“Pardon?”
“Your clothes… you can’t appear in the mortal world dressed in leather armor carrying your katana at your waist. It’s been centuries since they wore such things.”
I nod and summon a traveling glamor. “Of course.”
Squinting against the sun, he laughs up at me and hugs Balor’s neck. “The huntsman? No. I think not.”
I fight a frown and try again.
This time, Raff falls backward, rolling over the dirty pavement, helpless with laughter.
“What is wrong?” I finger my belted tunic embroidered with silver falcons, golden feathers spike through my hair in the form of a crown. I look fine. “This is not a funny outfit.”
“In Lara’s city, it would be hilarious. You look like a fae prince, and an evil one whilst you wear that fine scowl. Prince Temnen showed me what the desirable young men wear in human cities. Close your eyes and I’ll share it with you.”
My lashes lower against my cheeks, and incredible images of men reclining on giant illuminated boards held up above tall glass towers flicker against my lids. Ah, so, it seems I must appear as a warrior dressed in tight smooth or ripped cloth. Or almost naked, my skin oiled, and clad only in small undergarments.
Opening my eyes, I concentrate and shiver as a strong wave of magic rolls over me. “There,” I say, staring down at my pale blue pants, the material ripped at the knees. Over my chest I wear a stretchy black top, my tattoos flowing from under the short sleeves, molding around my biceps. I still wear my usual knee-high black boots, and all I require to complete the look is one of those strange metal horse-like machines to ride and mirrored-glass covers for my eyes. Although, that might be overdoing it.
Raff gives me a crooked grin. “That’s better. Now try smiling.”
Striking a pose similar to the men on the Earth board paintings he showed me—arms folded, hip jutted—I grin.
“Ha ha! That’s positively demented. You look good, brother.”
I know he’s not lying. I draw him against my chest and slap his back. “I must go. Take care of Jinn and Balor for me.”
“I will. And remember, Ever, you become what you love, and Lara is goodness and happiness. You have made the right choice.” His gaze skims my face. “What is it you’re still worried about?”
“She deserves better than me.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. You are perfect for each other. You’re going to visit Mother?”
I nod.
“I wish you all the luck in the seven realms, then.”
“I’ll need it.”
My pulse pounds as Jinn trots briskly through the city to the Great Hall. When I enter, Mother takes one look at me and, even from a distance, it is enough for her to dismiss the courtiers draped over the dais entertaining her.
The thud of my boots resounds as I stomp forward, fracturing the very fabric of the air. I arrive in front of her throne and hold her gaze while she tries to intimidate me with a long silence.
“Tell me,” she says.
Ice forms on the walls and floor, groaning and cracking with each word I speak as I inform her of my plans. Her long green nails dig into the throne’s armrests.
When I stop talking, water drips, the only sound echoing in the great chamber.
Finally, she speaks. “Do not be stupid over a tiny scrap of a human girl. They are common as hobgoblins, and the novelty of bedding one so weak—well, of course it would appeal to you, Ever—but it will quickly wear off.”
“She is my mate.”
Condensation dampens everything in the room, the vaulted glass ceilings, my hair and clothes, the green columns shimmering with moisture as water magic builds.
A growl rumbles in my throat. “Queen or no, I advise you not to do that. If you try to drown my intentions with your willful waves, I will breathe, and you will never see me again.”
Her knuckles crack. “I could crush your human in an instant.”
I blow a breath through my nose and watch her fingers clamp on the sea dragon heads. “Should you even once look at her with ill intent, I swear I will work tirelessly, endlessly to collapse your kingdom.”
“It is your kingdom,” she snarls.
I shrug. “When I return, it may very well be Raff’s. So be it. Make your choice now, for I am running out of time. What will it be, your son and future grandchildren or prejudice and petty hatred?”
Her arms shake, fingers tightening until the armrests snap, gold dust sprinkling the marble floor. Then she smiles, and luminous aquamarine moths dance circles around her obsidian crown. “I choose you, my child of gold and silver. My solemn Prince of Air.”
“Vow it, then. Vow to protect Lara from all harm—from any person, being, or quarter.”
Milk-white fingers extend toward me, her gown’s gossamer-blue sleeves draping the floor. “Come here to me.”
I step forward and take her hand, gripping it hard as she speaks.
“My son, Everend Calidore Fionbharr, noble thirteenth Black Blood heir, I vow to always protect your lady, the human Lara Delaney, and to never scheme, or raise a thought to harm her, or allow another to do so for as long as my heart shall beat. There, are you happy now? It is done.”
“Give me the dragonfly pendant and I’ll be satisfied.”
She laughs as though this is an amusing game, but she taps the back of my hands, and when I turn my palms up, I find Lara’s necklace in one and a smoky blue chalcedony stone set in a copper and gold chain in the other. From the air she plucks a leather pouch and tosses it at me. I catch it, gold tinkling inside.
“A symbol of my goodwill. The gold to care for your lady. The necklace for your babe, if ever you have one.”
“Thank you,” I say, first kissing her fingers, then those cold blue lips.
“Return home soon, Ever. Don’t make me send someone to recover you.”
She sounds like she’s speaking of my dead body. Tucking the necklaces into the pouch, then pocketing it, I bow and march away before Queen Varenus can change her mind.
I make a flying stop to put my rooms in order, zoom by the gardens, and then speed with the wind to Castle Black.
Before long, I’m standing at the mouth of the Moonstone Cave, arms wrapped around Jinn’s neck and breathing in his scent. Savoring it. “Be good. Let Seven ride you while I’m gone, but perhaps not Kian.” He snorts and I touch my nose to his before dumping a pile of carrots on the ground.
“Do me a favor and get rid of these for me?” He begins chomping on three at once, and I pat his back. “Thank the Elements I won’t have to eat them myself.”
I drop to my haunches, and Balor lies at my feet, so I can rub his warm stomach. “Don’t cause trouble with Spark, alright? If she wants to ride on your back, I’m certain you can bear it. You are braver and infinitely more sensible than she is.” I kiss his rough head and walk toward the cave.
What if my magic doesn’t work through the veil? I could spend eternity searching for Lara. It’s a chance I’ll have to take.
I square my shoulders, chest moving like bellows as I take slow breaths and let magic trickle from my fingertips, the release of power a cool relief.
Before I enter the cave, I inspect the sky one last time. Even though it’s daylight and I can’t see them, I feel the gravity of the stars that have guided my every hunt tethering me, pulling me back to Talamh Cúig for more adventures.
“Another time,” I tell them, and move into the dark cavern, moonstone and water glistening from every surface. The noise of the waterfall increases, drowning out the drip, drip, drip and the erratic beat of my pulse in my ears.
I step into the pool, tiny waves slicking my thighs and lapping at my strange clothes. The curtain of water ahead vibrates and my hand reaches toward the iridescent spray. It doesn’t burn or corrode, so I keep moving, and just as the cold flows over my head, I hear it. I hear the most incredible sound.
A lilting song.
Lara’s voice.
Lara!
I can hear her singing.
Without another thought, I dive through the cascading water into blackness. Black blood. Black heart. Night poison. I’m spinning through its barrenness like a lost comet, mind splintering, body fracturing when light suddenly explodes, setting me adrift on a starry ocean. I float in a sea of softly glowing milk-like liquid. Billions and billions of twinkling lights. A passage, a byway of milky stars.
My muscles loosen, my heartbeat slows as I lose consciousness, and the song guides me forward.
Lara.
