Iron Belief (Faerie Believers 04)

By Kalcee Clornel

The final book in the Faerie Believer series.

Things between Kath and Kaevin are finally working. There are no more secrets, and they trust each other completely. But with Kath being a Believer and Kaevin King of the Tempest Fae, they may still have no future together.

The new threat seems to involve both hunters, fae, and Believer power, and a new girl gets caught in the war. Allie has spent her whole life working hard and helping those she can, but will anyone be there when she's the one who needs help?

Keath wants nothing to do with Ethera, and is tired of the lies and deceit; tired of trusting the wrong people. One of those people may be Katie, who still feels the need to keep important things secret from even her closest friends.

Good days have returned despite the lurking secrets and danger, but with dark fae, murderous hunters, and deceitful mortals, the end of the darkness and danger is nowhere in sight

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kalcee Clornel
• Release date: Mar 1, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301396085

Kalcee Clornel

Sci-fi and paranormal fiction writer. Author of the Audian Forces and Faerie Believers series.

Book preview

Iron Belief

Book Four of the Faerie Believer Series

Kalcee Clornel

Other Books by Kalcee Clornel:

Faerie Believer Series:

The Emerald Fae

Ironic Hearts

Broken Beauty

Natural Magic Series:

Ash Magic

Iron Belief

Kalcee Clornel

Copyright © 2013 by Kalcee Clornel.

Smashwords Edition

Illustration Copyright © Lisa Bagherpour aka fairiegoodmother.deviantart.com, Kalcee Clornel, and Angie and Jamie aka lisajen-stock.deviantart.com

All rights reserved. By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the nonexclusive, nontransferable right to access and read the text of this e-book on-screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse-engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of the author Kalcee Clornel.

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each reader. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

All rights reserved.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Chapter One

Never Fight Alone

No! The word sounded through Kathleen’s mind as she was thrown to the ground. She lashed out blindly and made contact with something solid. The hunter who had thrown her grunted in pain as his leg buckled. Kath turned her head just in time to see a thick boot coming at her abdomen. She rolled and the boot came down on nothing but ground. She pushed her hands beside her head and propelled herself up, leaping onto her feet.

A second later, a dagger swung towards her. She dodged, but another dagger sliced into her arm and she ducked backwards to get her bearings. There were too many hunters. She was beginning to think it was a bad idea to tell her best friends, Katie and Keath, she could handle one night fighting hunters alone. Katie had a date with Crush; the two hardly ever had time to spend alone with each other, and Keath was attending a situation that had come up in the Killarney forest, involving three faeries and a young human girl.

Kath hoped her trainer Carlow would show up, as he often did, but if he was around he would have made an appearance already. He had been leaving her on her own more often these days, since Keath had more or less taken over as her guide. He usually kept her safe enough. But now she was alone, with too many hunters around her, slicing at her with deadly daggers. She managed to take half a dozen down, but she was tiring. Kath tried to focus on the good things. Auel had not made an appearance. She hadn’t seen him since the last time he had kicked her butt and disappeared, and she hoped she would never see him again, but was she ever that lucky?

Kath landed a few more death blows before a dagger slipped under her defences and sliced into her chest. She blinked, too stunned to move or feel the wound. The dagger slid deeper and she grasped at the hilt, using her other hand to swing her own dagger at the hunter, delivering a wound big enough to kill him. She didn't watch the iron blood consume the hunter, she knew it would happen. She was more concerned about the dagger sticking out of her chest.

She tried to think, fingers still around the hilt, but her mind was shutting down fast, her vision clouding over. Her limbs failed to respond and it was hard to breathe. Gradually she began to feel again, but she wished she hadn't. White hot pain burst to life within her chest, as though it were on fire. The world around her tipped over, but strong hands caught her limp body before she hit the ground. She was placed gently on the ground. Kath blinked and tried to see who was helping her. Kaevin’s face swam into view.

Kathleen! He ground out urgently, as his fingers gently brushed her cheek. Dammit, Kathleen! Before he could say another word, the hunters came at him. Kath couldn't see what was happening, she could barely think at all. Only one thought pounded through her. The hunters could kill Kaevin. They were fatal to him. They were fatal to all faeries – that was why she had to kill them. They lived to kill faeries, she lived to kill them. Kaevin returned after what felt like an eternity, his face white as he looked over her wound.

Kathleen still had a hand clutched loosely around the dagger. Her eyes watched him through half closed lids, her breathing irregular. He fought the urge to curse again and closed his own hand over the hilt of the dagger, drawing it out of her slowly, carefully. It had touched her heart. Kaevin found his own breathing changing to match hers, but he stayed focused. He put his hands over her wound, trying hard not to put too much pressure on it.

Kathleen watched him and her lips moved as though she was trying to tell him something. He studied her questioningly and watched as her lips formed the words, No, you’re hurt. Don't.

Kaevin was exhausted and the fight with the hunters had taken its toll on him, but Kathleen was his life and the only way she was dying was if he died first. He frowned at her and tightened his jaw, making sure she understood it was time for her to shut up.

Kathleen sighed and closed her eyes. Kaevin used the power within him that came easier than anything else, letting it heat up his hands and the wound. With excruciating slowness it began to heal.

A few moments later Kathleen was pushing his hands away and sitting up. She wasn't completely healed, but she wouldn’t let him do any more.

Stop, Kaevin. I’m not in danger of dying anymore. My Believer strength will eventually heal me. You have to let your faerie strength heal you. You have an annoying habit of healing people to the point where you nearly die.

Kaevin was exhausted, but he still managed a smile. Seeing Kathleen alive was all he needed. Blackness closed over him and he felt Kathleen’s arms close around him as he sank towards the ground.

Is he okay? Kathleen asked Carlow worriedly. Carlow had been her trainer and guide to all things ‘Believer’ until it was apparent that Keath had inherited the family legacy. His family was connected to the Believer from the moment the Believer power first came into existence.

Carlow didn't answer, studying Kaevin closely, monitoring his breathing and checking his temperature. Kaevin was still out cold.

Carlow! Kath yelled impatiently.

Kath, calm yourself or I will have Keath take you home.

Kath glanced at her best friend Keath, half faerie, half human, and Carlow’s son. He had been home when she returned and she hadn't found out how the situation with the human girl and the faeries turned out. She had been too preoccupied with Kaevin. She looked Keath over and saw several bruises.

What happened to you? she asked, concerned. Kath and Keath shared a connection that was difficult for either of them to understand. He took over from his father as her trainer and guide, but he wasn’t as experienced as Carlow was. Kath and Keath were connected and magically bound to protect and watch over each other. They had once mistaken the bond for something more personal and complicated, but Carlow cleared up the situation, explaining that it was the bond and that it proved Keath had inherited the Russmore family legacy from generations past.

It was nothing, Keath answered with a small smile, his soft brown doe-eyes studying her carefully. If Keath said it was nothing, then it was true. Keath didn't lie, he was always open and honest, and his emotions were nearly always written all over his face and reflected in his eyes.

But, he added. I don’t think you can say the same. His eyes travelled over her, and she knew he was taking in all the bruises and cuts and other wounds.

Ran into more hunters than I could handle, Kath answered honestly. I was stabbed in the chest and Kaevin saved my life.

I figured it was something like that, Carlow said wryly, his eyes still on Kaevin. Next time you don’t go out alone.

Carlow! Kath protested. It’s my job, my destiny and duty. If I cannae do this on my own, then I am not worthy of the Believer power.

Kath, you aren’t experienced enough to be left alone yet, Carlow said, still examining Kaevin. He began to apply a salve onto Kaevin’s skin. Kath knew that salve. It healed faeries from the touch of hunters.

Is he going to be okay? she asked worriedly, her heart heavy and pounding hard. Each breath she took felt like a breath forced.

Kath, Carlow warned. I’m concentrating here.

Sorry, Kath squeaked. She started pacing, unable to sit down or stay still.

Kath, Keath said softly. You need to rest.

I can’t, Kath muttered. There’s no way I’ll be after resting, not until I know if Kaevin is alright.

She heard Keath sigh, but he fell silent.

Kathleen, Kaevin murmured softly. If you don’t stay still, I am going to get up and make you.

Kaevin! Kath rushed to his side. Are you alright? He didn't look alright. His face was white and his breathing shallow.

He will be, Carlow answered, applying more salve onto Kaevin’s bare chest. Though it may take a day or two.

Damn, Kaevin muttered. I don’t have a day or two. I have a kingdom to run.

I am sure Gaerul can handle things for a while, Keath said.

Gaerul is part of my personal guard. He cannot run anything but the guard. He can only advise. Only someone I can trust, someone who I appoint with the approval of the crown, can handle things when I am not able to.

I am sure the kingdom will be fine without you for a day, Carlow said, closing up the salve container.

You clearly don’t know the Tempest Kingdom, Kaevin replied with a wince. His brows knitted and he looked at Keath. He narrowed his eyes, as though thinking.

What? Keath asked, folding his arms.

You, Kaevin answered. I can appoint you to handle things for me.

Bloody hell, Keath cursed, unfolding his arms. You’re kidding. No, Kaevin! Keath and Kaevin were like brothers, and it often seemed like they would do anything for each other, but there was clearly a limit on that ‘anything.’

Keath, think about it, Kaevin said hoarsely. I know you are not a part of any faerie court and I know you never want to be a part of the courts. But you are the only one I trust.

I will have to swear fealty to the Tempest Kingdom, Keath stated flatly. So no thanks.

You can’t always be neutral, Kaevin growled in frustration.

Says who? I can be whoever I want to be. It’s my choice.

Kath had to admire Keath’s strong will. She turned to Kaevin. Is there any way for him to help without swearing fealty to the kingdom?

No, Kaevin said shortly. I wish there was another way, but there isn’t. He sighed, realising his tone was rather abrupt. He can’t run the Tempest Kingdom for one minute without having sworn his loyalty, Kaevin explained. The Crown won’t allow it.

Just appoint Gaerul, Keath shrugged. He’ll be able to handle things for one day.

I cannot. One day can be a long time. It can make a hell of a difference. The Crown won’t let me appoint someone who I don’t trust completely. There are only two people who fulfil that requirement. Kath, as the Believer, can’t swear fealty to any specific kingdom. That leaves you, Keath.

Kath blinked at Kaevin’s words. Her mind began to race. Kaevin was right, she couldn't swear fealty to any kingdom. So what kind of future did she and Kaevin actually have together? She hadn't thought of the future before, hadn't thought of what would happen if she and Kaevin wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. They couldn't get married or pledge an eternity of love to each other, because to do so would mean to be tied to the Tempest Kingdom, and she was not allowed to do that. If Kaevin ever married, his bride would become Queen of the Tempest Kingdom, and would have to be loyal only to the Tempest. Wasn’t that the way things worked? Kath could never do that, not with the Believer power within her. It made her heart sink thinking about it.

Kathleen? Kaevin was looking at her with concern. Are you alright?

Yeah, Kath smiled, glad her face wasn't as open a book as Keath’s. I’m just glad you're going to be okay.

Kaevin smiled wearily, his grey eyes gazing at her in relief. I’ll be fine, Kathleen. My council can help me with the kingdom for one day. You should get some rest.

Kath nodded, needing an excuse to take some time to think about her relationship with Kaevin. I’ll see you later, she smiled. I’ll be at home.

Kath, Keath caught up with her outside his home. I’ll walk you home.

Kath didn't have the energy to argue, so she just nodded.

Are you sure you’re okay? Keath asked, looking her over as they walked down the street. You look extremely pale.

It’s nothing, Kath said dismissively. The last thing she wanted to talk about with Keath was her feelings for Kaevin. How is Ethera? Kath asked, attempting to change the subject. It worked.

I don’t know. I thought I was okay with what happened, but I’m not. Even though I want to, I don’t trust her. She knows it. So I guess we’re avoiding each other.

She did save your life.

I know, Keath agreed. But someone once said that one of my biggest faults is that I trust the people who save my life, beyond all reasonable measure.

It was their best friend Katie who had said that, after Kaevin had tried to make them think he was the enemy.

No, Keath. You have to trust your intuition, it’s never been wrong yet.

Yes it has. You didn't trust Ethera. I trusted her and look at what happened.

Your trust wasn't misplaced. I only saw something in her that she was hiding, I saw deceit. You saw something else, something more important. Whatever you saw means something, Keath, because she turned against the man who was like her own father, and she did it for you. She risked her life to save yours.

Ashley saved my life too, and look at what happened there. Trusting someone isn’t easy for me, especially because I always trust the wrong person. Ashley had been Keath’s girlfriend, but then she grew close to Raeshon who, at that time, was the faerie prince of the Forest Grove Kingdom. She cornered Raeshon into taking her into the faerie world forever. He did it at great risk to himself, but it was done. She was now one of the fae - not as powerful as them - but as close as a human could get to being one of them. She was learning how to control her connection to Raeshon, who was now the King of the Forest Grove Kingdom.

Keath held no hard feelings towards either of them. Raeshon had earned his trust. It had taken a long time, but Keath knew Raeshon was one of the good fae. He still felt awkward around Ashley, especially now that she was a faerie, but they were still polite and managed to have conversations every so often.

Keath would have trusted Ashley with his life, but he hadn't trusted her with Raeshon. And now he didn't trust her at all. He didn't trust Ethera, and aside from Kath, Katie, Kaevin, and Raeshon, he didn't think he would ever trust anyone again. It was a good thing, he knew. It was time to remember what he had learnt his entire life, trust was valuable and rare and he could not afford it more than he had already.

You just need time to work through your feelings, Kath said when they stopped outside her house. Trusting again will come with time. Ethera will understand.

She does understand, Keath folded his arms with a slight shrug. That’s why she’s going back to South America. She said she is giving me some space, and she needs some time on her own to figure out her own situation. All that happened messed with her head too. One minute she’s saying she’ll never leave, and the next she’s booking a flight.

So it’s over between you two? It seems kind of difficult for that kind of passion to die out so easily.

It didn't die easily. It disappeared somewhere between the moment she led me into a trap and the day she said she was leaving back to South America.

I’m sorry, Kath said sympathetically.

I’m not, Keath shrugged. I’m relieved. I can’t deal with more complications. I just want things to be simple, straightforward and honest. Why is that so much to ask for?

It’s not, Kath said. But in our world, I wouldn’t get your hopes up too high.

Yeah, Keath nodded, looking out into the night, his eyes shadowed. How did our lives end up so dark and dangerous?

I don’t know, Keath, Kath answered wearily. "But I don’t see the end anywhere in sight.

So, Katie said in her most business like tone. We cannot keep holding meetings in the backroom of the restaurant kitchen.

I agree, Kath spoke up, raising her hand enthusiastically. I say we stop holding meetings altogether. I am sorry, Katie, but so far we’re doing a fine job. Kaeyla knows who to tell when a crisis comes up on her radar. We don’t need to have meetings. They be boring and they take up the time I need to hunt.

Kath, Crush said warningly, glancing at Katie, who looked crestfallen.

I’m sorry, Kath mumbled, sinking back into her chair and folding her arms. Continue.

Kath is right, Raeshon backed Kath up. We don’t have anything to discuss.

Of course you would agree that meetings aren’t needed, Kaeyla put her hands on her hips. You only live for excitement.

Kaeyla please, Raeshon grinned, putting a hand over his heart dramatically. You hurt my feelings with your false accusations. His grin didn't diminish, but his tone turned serious. I have enough meetings to deal with, being King, and we all know who is responsible for that. He looked pointedly at Kaeyla and Kath.

I won’t apologise, Kath put her hands up, palms forward. I did what was needed. I knew you were meant for the Crown and I had to make sure you accepted it. What is it with you kings, anyway? Both of you hate being a king, but both of you are brilliant at it. You two need to quit whining and stressing about it for goodness’ sake!

Kath, are you alright? Kaevin put his hand on hers gently.

I’m fine, Kath said crossly, before getting to her feet. Look, someone can catch me up later on whatever you guys are going to discuss. I’m going out hunting.

Not alone, you’re not, Kaevin disagreed. Not after the other night.

Kath closed her eyes, trying to keep herself calm and relaxed. It was harder than ever before. Please, Kaevin, I can manage. If I get into trouble, I will call.

Kaevin must have sensed that she was upset about something and she didn't want to talk, because he sat back and nodded. He didn't look happy, but at least he backed down.

Chapter Two

Illusion of Power

Kath hurried towards the nearest forest as fast as she could. She hurtled through the forest, weaving around the trees and avoiding the thorns and dangerous fallen logs. She wasn't sure when she would be ready to talk to Kaevin about their future, but it wasn't going to be any time soon. She felt so alone and weighed down by her life. Everything and everyone seemed to get her upset and angry and she hated feeling that way. She stopped and rested against a trunk, breathing deeply.

Difficult being a Believer, isn’t it? a voice broke through her thoughts. A soft haunting melody of a voice, one she had heard once before. She was about to turn towards the source of the voice when she found him standing right in front of her. He smiled slyly, his eyes just as she remembered. Everything was the same. His shirt was hidden beneath a long black coat with a tall collar, but it was definitely black as well, from what she could see. She couldn't see much. She found it difficult to look at anything but his eyes, constantly changing from green to grey, colours dancing around each other within his eyes.

Auel, Kath greeted him in a whisper.

It’s a hard life, Aeul leaned closer. Believe me, I know. He took a step forward, standing barely an inch away from her. His hands rested on the trunk on either side of her, locking her in place. She could feel his breath on her face, slow and steady, his eyes never leaving hers. His stare seemed intimate, but far from romantic. It was personal on a different level, as though he knew things about the power inside her that even she didn’t know.

How could you know? Kath whispered. What are you?

I was like you once, Kathleen. I was a Believer. His voice darkened on the last sentence, his eyes straying to her lips, and down to her throat. You know how easy it would be for me to kill you right now, Kathleen? So easy.

Kathleen swallowed, watching him watch the slight movement

Reviews for Iron Belief (Faerie Believers 04)

[Brandon · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent finish to the series! It did what all great books do, in my opinion, which is tie up the loose ends, and it did that amazingly well. It has a lot of action, romance, and suspense. Great read!