Wings of Memory: The Underground Trilogy, #2

By Anna Kyss

When Kiernan leaves England, he hopes to unlock the secrets that could save his people from extinction. But the path to answers is fraught with danger. He never imagines what lay hidden in the Costa Rican rainforest. Shortly after arriving, Kiernan encounters the human girl that he spent months yearning for. Kiernan must decide between his love for Meghan and his budding loyalty to his brother, Avery. He tries to place his brother first, until faced with an impossible decision. Kiernan needs to tap into magic to save his people. The only problem: unleashing his magic involves breaking his vow to his brother. What if the only way to help Avery is to choose Meghan?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kyss Publishing
• Release date: Feb 10, 2014
• ISBN: 9781498967242

Book preview

The last time Kiernan had issued her an invitation, Meghan had nearly lost her life. The memories plagued him. His fault. Halfway across the world had not been far enough to outrun his guilt. It had tucked itself neatly away, but since his arrival, his regrets had slowly unfurled. How could he offer another invitation without knowing the risks?

He walked alone, down the path that led to the ocean. The sounds of the breaking waves grew loud—he spun around and backtracked.

What if the stakes were too high? If he couldn’t protect her?

He reversed direction once more, heading back to the ocean. He couldn’t leave without at least seeing her. Even if staying away were in her best interest.

The salty breeze quickened as the path opened and the forest thinned ahead.

Kiernan spotted her as soon as he neared the playa. She sat upon the sand, scanning the tideline, just as her hotel had predicted. His first instinct was to run down the sandy stretch, but he stopped himself. Light and Dark continued their battle within him, fueled by desire and doubt.

He settled for pausing behind a foliage-dense stretch of the shore. Tropical shrubs and bushes hid him, while squat palm trees provided something to rest against.

Are you just going to gawk at her all night, or will you gather the courage to surprise her? Wish plopped down next to him.

I plan on saying hello, when the time is right.

Kiernan, everyone knows you fancy her.

Shh! She’s going to hear us. He peered through the palm leaves. Meghan sat alone on the isolated playa, staring out at the moonlit Pacific. He was a fool for believing he was strong enough to leave once he set eyes on her. He couldn’t leave the beach without approaching her. And when he talked to her, the offer would force itself out, no matter the risks.

He could barely wait to discover her reaction when she learned their paths had crossed yet again. He had always been a skeptic, but it was becoming hard to not believe in destiny. Two different people, living on two separate continents, following their own paths—paths that had intersected once more. What would she make of it?

Just run up and hug her, Wish suggested. It’s totally serendipitous you both ended up in Costa Rica, anyway.

Do you think? Kiernan asked.

Wish grinned as he formed a heart with his hands, framing their view of Meghan. An English faerie and a Portland girl meeting on a beach in Costa Rica? How could it not be due to fate?

Kiernan was inclined to agree. Being guided to the same tiny land, in a world of so many different lands, had to mean something. It wouldn’t hurt for him to steer it along.

Thanks for bringing me along on your quest. Wish crouched next to him.

How could I leave you? The entire trip centers on learning more about your heritage.

Kiernan realized Wish had sat up, muscles taut, staring intently at something approaching across the sands. He squinted his eyes, trying to make out the shape.

Meghan jumped up, standing protectively in front of something. A rock, maybe? She had changed since he’d first met her. She seemed stronger.

Her voice came to him, barely audible over the waves. It’s illegal to disturb the nest.

A man stood over her, his stance menacing.

"No… tortuga. Vete!" Meghan yelled.

The man tried to shove her aside. He muttered angrily in Spanish.

The hairs on Kiernan’s arms prickled. Nobody was going to threaten her.

Before he could move, Wish raced across the beach. He stood in front of Meghan, hands on his hips, facing the intruder. Why are you bothering Meghan? She’s the nicest person I know.

Wish? W-what are you doing here? Meghan stepped away from the threatening man.

The man argued more, entirely in Spanish. Kiernan couldn’t understand anything he said. It was the most frustrating part of being abroad.

He wants the eggs. He’s trying to steal the eggs, Meghan said.

Eggs? Wish ran his hand over his bald head, looking completely befuddled. What eggs?

Meghan pointed to a large shadowy shape in the sand.

As Kiernan crept closer, he realized what he’d first taken for a rock was an enormous sea turtle, nearly as long as he was tall.

A turtle mama? You’re trying to steal from a turtle mama? Wish glared at the man.

Meghan grasped his sleeve. Listen, I have no idea why you’re here, but can’t you glamour him or something?

Oh, good idea, Wish muttered, loud enough for Kiernan to hear from down the beach.

Kiernan stayed back. Maintaining the element of surprise could be useful.

The man stepped forward again.

Wish turned toward him. We have an important journey to embark upon. You’re going to forget the innocent little turtles and find something better to do.

The air shimmered for a moment. The muttering man faded, and a tall man stood in his place, wearing archaic clothing that was decorated in feathers.

How are you doing that? she asked Wish.

He scrunched up his nose. I don’t think I’m doing anything.

The image flickered back to the angry man, then once again was replaced with the archaic-looking one. The past follows. The foreseen future becomes the present. Beware!

Another warning. Kiernan couldn’t help but think of the Green Man’s blasted messages, which had led his brother to sacrifice himself. Kiernan had spent the last five months wondering if the three messages were conjecture or prediction.

Regardless, they had all proven true.

Unable to take his eyes off the shimmer, Kiernan ran toward Meghan and Wish, still too far away to grab the man. With a flash of lightning, the man vanished.

Where did he go? Wish looked up and down the playa.

Probably some trick. People will do anything to steal the eggs. Meghan turned to Wish. What are you doing here? We’re halfway across the world from England. It’s not possible…

Wish grinned. I’m adventuring. Kiernan and I are on a secret quest.

Meghan turned around, then froze when she saw him. Kiernan?

After a half-hour of enthusiastic greetings, Wish bounded off down the beach. Meghan pulled a blanket from her backpack and placed it upon the sand. I can’t begin to describe how surprised I am to see you.

It was inevitable we would meet again. Kiernan caught himself staring. He turned away and watched the moonlight catch on the rolling waves.

She laughed. I always imagined our next encounter would occur in Solas, when I visited.

Unable to resist any longer, he leaned close, stared into her eyes, and whispered, "You imagined encounters with me? I would love to be a part of those dreams."

Kiernan—

And visiting me? You were already planning on visiting me? He ran one finger down her cheek.

"I dreamed of visiting the village. I’d love to see Selena, visit with the Light Fae, and…"

He could feel her gentle sigh. And?

She leaned against his shoulder. "Why are you in Costa Rica? How are you here?"

He wrapped his arm around her, nestling her even closer. We flew in the aeroplane, of course. It’s not like we’re mermaids.

Are there really…?

He grinned and shrugged. Who knows?

Meghan suddenly stiffened, then moved across the blanket. She stared out over the ocean and seemed far too quiet.

What’s wrong? It feels like we had a row, but without any argument at all.

She wrapped her arms around her knees. To tolerate an airplane, you must have…

She thought he was blood-sharing again.

Kiernan forced himself to calm before responding. I drank a special draught prepared by Selena. The elixir does contain blood—Fae blood. Each of the Council donated a drop on Solstice night.

Solstice? Why Solstice?

Some mumbo-jumbo about the potency of the longest night of the year.

She stared up at the stars. That makes sense. Selena taught me some infusions are more powerful when prepared at different times. Winter Solstice. The evening before light returns. I can see how the longest night would serve as a protectant.

They faced each other, not talking and not quite looking at one another.

After a moment, he sighed. He had been at his lowest point, the last time Meghan saw him. He had since worked tirelessly to earn the respect of the Light Fae. He wanted her to see how much he had changed since she left England five months before. I haven’t, you know. The temptation was there at times, but I resisted.

I’m sorry. She finally glanced at him. I never expected to see you. Costa Rica seems so far from England. Why did you come?

"Why did you come?"

She sighed. I was hoping to mentor with a native herbalist. It’s not exactly the type of thing you can set up ahead of time over the computer, so I booked a trip down.

No luck?

None. Which is how I ended up volunteering with the turtle conservation group. I figured I should do something useful over spring break. Meghan shook her head. Nice change of subject. You still haven’t told me why you followed me.

We’re on a quest! Wish plopped down next to Meghan. "A grand adventure—to find my secrets."

I remember how you suspected Wish’s blood could be some sort of key to unlocking how to protect the Fae, she said. Wish, you’ve never flown before?

Flying was grand. We were higher than the clouds! Wish jumped back up and reached toward the clouds.

"He was very enthusiastic about his first flight," Kiernan said.

Did Wish need to drink an elixir too?

He drank nothing, which confirmed my theory. Ten hours, surrounded by high concentrations of metal, and he was in perfect health. Kiernan playfully punched Wish’s arm. "There has to be something unique about Wish. No other Fae could tolerate those conditions without sickening.

We can talk of such things tomorrow, when our journey begins. Wish scooped Meghan up and raced for the water. For now, let’s swim!

It’s my watch! The turtles…

Wish scrunched his nose and turned in a semi-circle. All taken care of. Nobody will bother the beach tonight.

Wish! I don’t have my suit on. Don’t throw me in the—

Kiernan watched from the shore as Meghan disappeared under the waves. She came up for a breath of air, then dove into the water again. Wish stopped giggling and lurched in the water, before he was pulled under. Meghan reappeared, dripping wet, but laughing.

Kiernan could not resist. He pulled off his shirt, slipped off his sandals, and approached the ocean. As the first waves lapped against his ankles, the warmth of the water surprised him. He slowly waded deeper, until the water reached his waist.

I’m going for a moonlit swim, Wish announced.

Watch out for the sharks, Meghan called.

They will never even see me. Have fun reunifying! He winked, then dove into the water.

How are you still so dry? She swam closer to Kiernan.

Give me a moment. I’m still acclimating to the water.

Acclimating? Wait—have you been swimming before? She wrapped her arm around his. Water droplets ran down her shoulder onto his arm.

Well, there was that hot spring near our hideaway. He smiled with the memory of their secret cottage. Those days with Meghan, after their escape, had been some of the best of his life.

Doesn’t count. That spring was just deep enough to sit in. You’ve really never been swimming?

Father had no time for frivolity or fun, Kiernan finally admitted. I’ve never even set foot in the ocean before today. Ironic, given that England’s surrounded by water.

Meghan swam backward while still holding his arm. It’s never too late to learn to swim. Follow me!

He hesitated for a moment, digging his heels in the soft sand of the ocean floor. He wanted to present himself as a strong, confident leader, but he couldn’t even master simple childhood activities. I don’t think—

Don’t think. Meghan leaned closer to him. Trust me.

He allowed her to pull him until the water reached his shoulders. She reached for his hands, then placed them on her waist. The gentle waves lapped at his chin and soaked the ends of his hair.

Meghan rested her palms against his shoulders. Kick your feet and allow your body to move with the waves.

He could feel her legs paddling in front of him. As he began to kick the water, their bodies pushed even closer together. He struggled to focus on moving his legs when his attention was solely on Meghan’s petite frame, pressed so closely to his.

See? Swimming isn’t difficult. She grinned at him.

No, it’s rather enjoyable. He gazed into her eyes, then tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

Are you still talking about swimming? Meghan let go and swam backward, as though she were going to dive away.

Kiernan grabbed her hand. I don’t bite.

Anymore. Meghan smiled.

He had missed her gentle teasing. Besides. He pulled her close again. You can’t leave me in this dark and dangerous ocean, all alone.

She wrapped her warm arms around his neck, hugging him. I missed you, Kiernan.

I missed you, too. He rested his forehead against hers as they bobbed in the water. Isn’t it serendipitous, how our paths have crossed, once again?

She remained within his arms, but moved back far enough that water pooled between them. Almost too much so.

Honesty time. He sighed. Our quest actually begins a few hours away. We made this little rest stop specifically to find you.

Quest? Wish used the same word.

I’ve spent the past five months tracing Wish’s roots. The path has been frustratingly vague, but I finally procured a clue.

If you found the source of his magic, you might be able to save the Fae. Meghan looked at him. You might be able to save—

I know.

Wait. How did you know I would be here? She sounded more curious than angry.

Let’s just say that the flowers whispered it to me.

Selena.

He nodded. How Selena knew where to find you is beyond my knowledge, but she felt you might be an important asset for our journey.

Selena thought it was important that I join you? Meghan seemed lost in thought.

Kiernan nodded. He could only hope that the faerie elder’s words would sway her.

"Do you want me to come?" Her voice could barely be heard over the crashing waves.

Of course I want you to come. He placed his lips to her ear. Please say you’ll join me.

She swam backward until only their fingers touched. The moonlight reflected off her green eyes and lit the water enough for Kiernan to see her conflict. There’s a huge part of me that wants to say ‘yes’, but—

But? He shook his head. "Tomorrow, I’ll be waiting on the road to the playa at sunrise."

I made a commitment to the turtle conservation project. I mean, I just set things up today, so there’s the possibility…

He drew her closer. There are so many possibilities.

Oh?

Kiernan lowered his face until his lips hovered just above hers. He could almost taste the salty droplets from the sea that dotted her bottom lip. So many possibilities. Think about it, Meghan.

Wish drove down the sandy road leading to the playa while Kiernan looked out the window of their rental. He had barely slept the night before, too excited over seeing Meghan again. When morning finally came, his elation turned to worry.

Would she come?

His heart leapt when he spotted her by the playa. She sat upon a wooden fence, her oversized backpack resting at her feet. She actually showed up. He blinked, but Meghan just smiled and waved.

Wish stomped on the brakes, and Kiernan’s head nearly connected with the front windshield. Before he could protest the rough stop, Wish jumped out of the car and ran to her.

I just knew you would go adventuring with us! Wish picked her up and spun her around. Do you remember our grand adventures fleeing from the Underground? What was your favorite: escape one or escape two?

If he kept talking about those memories, Wish would scare her away. Kiernan grabbed Wish’s arm and stopped him from spiraling. Meghan stumbled as soon as she was released, nearly falling, until Kiernan steadied her.

You came. He kept his hands around her tiny waist.

She stared into his eyes. I’m here.

Wish pulled Meghan away before Kiernan could explore the words’ deeper significance. Have a look at the car. We’ve never done a road trip before. Wish opened the passenger door for Meghan and bowed. Your carriage awaits, my pretty redhead.

How did you get a car? she asked.

We went to the car hire, same as the other tourists. Wish showed them his… Kiernan turned to Wish. What did you show them?

My Brony fan club card. Wish giggled. They didn’t even blink.

She glanced at the car. Do you even know how to drive?

Wish’s smile spread farther across his face. Oh yes, and what a great story. Poor little V.W.—my first car didn’t quite survive its maiden voyage.

She grasped Kiernan’s arm, her eyes pleading. Would you take the steering wheel? Please?

He quieted for a moment. Father kept me on quite a short chain. I have no idea how to operate an automobile.

Wish clapped his hands. Ooh, we should give you driving lessons today. Wouldn’t that be fun?

Meghan covered her face and remained outside the tiny red car. Finally, she peeked inside. Great, stick shift. I have no idea how to drive that.

You don’t trust my driving skills? Wish slumped against the door of the car.

I saw your ‘smooth’ stop. If I’m going to set foot in that car, you need to make some promises.

Absolutely. What do you require of me?

"Number one: no driving over