Golden Heir

By T.L Thorne (Trisha Lynn)

Second book in the Five Kingdoms series.

Adeila is settling into her life in Faerie, but dreams plague her. Visions of the past, present and future she doesn't understand, and it seems no one can really help her, but herself. Marissa, her human best friend, is missing and Adeila is her only hope. A strange pilgrimage sets her off into a path of prophecy, revelation and self-preservation, but also into an old enemies hands. She finds an ally in an unlikely place and discovers lies and betrayal well hidden by her own family. Adeila discovers just how strong she is, and just how deep her bonds run.

• Language: English
• Publisher: T.L Thorne (Trisha Lynn)
• Release date: Oct 7, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463771679

T.L Thorne (Trisha Lynn)

I live in Southern New Hampshire with my husband and two quirky Siberian Huskies. I have been writing since high school but stopped entirely upon my mother's death at the age of eighteen. Now almost ten years later I have rediscovered that passion.I love hiking and discovering New England. I enjoy nature, fishing, snowmobiling and pretty much anything to do with the outdoors. I read and write every moment I have down time. Bloodlines is my debut novel and I hope you enjoy my Faerie world, the characters it possesses and the future worlds to come...

Book preview

Recap and Prologue

Breath of Magic, book 1 of the Five Kingdoms of Fae series introduces Adeila, a teenager with powers she’s trying to control and hide. When she accidentally uses her magic on her best friend, she knows she needs help. She just never thought it would come in the form of Loki. The strange golden-eyed new student.

Sent from the King of Oakend, Loki is supposed to infiltrate Adeila’s life and return her to the Fae realm, but it is hard to trust someone that causes such a strange reaction from her. What's worse is crazy things keep happening to her, like getting mugged and sensing terrifying things from people. Then it all comes crashing in around her when Loki explains what she is and that she's the princess of another realm.

Once she goes to that realm she can no longer deny where she belongs, but she rebels against it (as teenagers do) and remains in the human realm, putting herself and her friends in danger. After an attempted kidnapping she is brought to the Fae realm, but trouble follows her.

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I’m Fae.

Not the little winged troublemakers from the fairy tales of the human world, those are pixies. They fly around landing on your shoulder and radiate light like glow bugs in the night.

No, I am Faerie; a genetically altered being with magical abilities, and an incredibly long lifespan. The Fae can use 20–35% of their cerebral capacity, whereas humans only use about 10. Making them—us—more aware of their surroundings and themselves, thus being capable of magic.

I had been left in the human realm over eighteen years ago by my biological parents—the king and queen of Oakend—because a war raged in the Fae realm, and they wanted me safe. They discovered the reason for the dark army's invasion was me. This army had wanted me. To this day no one knows why.

My personal Fae bodyguard came to retrieve me from the human realm just before my eighteenth birthday. I was childish and refused to be swayed from my need to have a normal life and then I was nearly kidnapped.

That changed everything.

Unfortunately, the perpetrator of that failed attempt is still at large.

It’s all a mess. You would think being a Faerie princess would be great, but it's not. It is a shit show.

Faerie is a whole new world. Like stepping back in time to the medieval days, but with magic.

Now I could never go back to the human way of life.

Not that it is easy—far from it. But I’m a part of something huge. Something primitive and beautiful that makes my heart happy.

I have parents that cherish me. I am bonded to a unicorn. The mythical horse with the horn. His name is Obysson, and he is mine—and I am his. The bond is interesting, and we haven’t even scratched the tip of what it entails.

Everything feels right in this world.

Adeila read the journal passage twice. She had written that five nights after returning to Faerie, after being nearly kidnapped by a small mercenary group led by a rogue wolf. It was now over three weeks since that day. She had been too busy to write in the journal since then.

She sighed, then drew a straight line below the last entry, and wrote a simple one-lined passage.

That is until my best friend went missing.

1

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She is my best friend! I must at least try to search for her.

Her father, the King of Oakend, leveled her with a stern look. Your concern and loyalties are noble, but do you not remember your near abduction?

Adeila hung her head. She would never forget. Her mind played back a blur of that night. Jake, Marissa’s one-night stand, had been her attempted captor. He was a Fae wolf gone rogue from his pack, and part of a mercenary group. Whom they worked for continued to cause speculation among them.

Of course not, she breathed.

If it hadn’t been for Loki and the others, they would have been successful in their kidnapping. No one knew what they wanted with her.

Good. We will coordinate a team to search for her.

Send me with them, please. I know her better than anyone.

Adeila had not been in Faerie long, but she had figured out that she was his weak spot. He would give and do anything for her. Adeila would never use it against him, but this wasn’t about her. This was about the safety of her friend. She could deny them all and sneak out on her own, but she didn't want to break the trust and relationship she'd built with them. Plus, she hated to admit, that going out alone scared her.

The human realm is no longer safe for you. Even with warriors at your disposal, our magic works differently in the human realm, and we risk the chance of exposure. His voice softened progressively as he continued, Adeila, my love, I can’t risk you. My heart can’t take it. With a soft sigh, he gestured behind her. Loki will send out a team and, if it pleases you, he will head them.

Adeila had lost this battle. The fact that she was eighteen and technically an adult held no precedence here. It held no sway primarily because she was heir to a throne and had almost been kidnapped already, but secondly because she was beloved by her parents. Something she was still getting used to.

Loki stepped in front of her, his golden eyes compassionate. Tell me everything I need to know, and I’ll do my best.

She could only nod.

We’ll head out tomorrow at dawn. His eyes flickered from hers to her father. My king, may I speak to the princess privately?

Her father sighed as if the weight of the world sat solidly upon his shoulders. Yes, Loki, of course. You are dismissed.

Bairon gestured to Adeila before she followed Loki out. My daughter, I am sorry that you can’t go, but you must understand your safety is my priority. As it always will be.

Adeila was torn between acceptance and rebellion. Was this what it felt like for a normal teenager who rebelled against their parents? She’d never been a normal teenager, always independent and ferociously self-sufficient. She was making up for it now, it would seem. The constant balance of rebellion and respectfulness was exhausting.

Her father was trying to keep her safe in the only way he knew how.

Loki led her to a huge room—half library, half study. She often found her father hunched over his desk there.

Adeila you may reach me at any time with your mirror. I will ensure you are communicated with at every turn.

It’s not the same, Loki! I’m trained and capable of defending myself this time around.

His sigh resonated in the sunny room. Yes, you may be, but if we can keep you out of harm’s way, which is the route your father will take. You know that. He is not keeping you locked up as a prisoner. Just because you’re going through all this training, we hope you never need to use it.

Her eyes cut sharply to his. That makes no sense!

I understand, but you’re training for yourself. Your transformation into a princess. Someday a queen. A war may break out, mercenaries may try to strike the castle, or an assassin could breach our walls. We have no idea if that attack in the human realm was something inspired by someone in Faerie, if they seek retribution or vengeance, or if it was an isolated attack by a mercenary group centered in the human realm. No one knows the truth yet. We have no idea how safe either realm truly is. We must be vigilant. Until we understand the reason, we can’t lessen your training or guard. We must be ready if anything happens again.

I understand that Loki, I do, but I still fear for my friend.

I'm concerned that Marissa may— He looked away quickly.

May what, Loki?

He sighed and raked a hand through his hair. "I’m concerned that Marissa was taken to draw you out. Bring you back to the human realm. That’s why your father is so adamant about you not going."

She had given that a lot of thought, and it was what she feared most herself. It would kill her if that was the case. Any harm that may come to Marissa would rest entirely on her shoulders. And she would never forgive herself.

Loki took a deep breath, then put a gentle hand on her shoulder. The touch ignited so much that she almost stepped away from its ferocity.

We will find her. I promise you, he said gently. "Don't place this upon yourself."

Adeila put her palms flat on the desk’s dark-wood surface and took two calming breaths to steady herself. She needed to do something. If Marissa were taken because of her, she would never be able to live with herself.

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Ahern and Rembly trailed leisurely behind her to the back gardens. She had come down into the same gardens when she’d escaped the castle on her first visit to Faerie. The thought still made her smile. She hadn't come to terms with any of this at that time. She’d been convinced she would wake up and it would all be a dream. Even now it was hard to believe. Just a few short months ago she had felt normal. And then Loki had shown up at her school and changed the course of her future. She would have never been comfortable in her skin living in the human realm, always hiding what she could do. She may have been able to lead a semi-normal life, but she would have been in constant fear that someone would discover her power.

When she reached the small pond, her wrist prickled. She rubbed her fingers across the two small hoof prints interlocked within swirls, circles, and filigree that circled and swirled around her wrist, along with the vines and oak leaves that branded her as a Dennoak and the heir to the throne of Oakend. The mixture of both tattoos mingled tastefully on her skin and melded into each other. She smiled to herself, as she felt a presence and walked toward the golden equine. Obysson was majestic. The horn that sat upon his forehead was ivory, entwined like rope, and was almost three feet in length with a sharpened spear-like tip.

Obysson was her bonded unicorn.

She tried to come to see him as often as possible, but her parents and Loki kept her time well scheduled. She leaned her head against his soft cheek, and every bit of frustration, and worry melted away. Obysson gave her a sense of peace that she could never wish to obtain anywhere else. She had needed this.

That night Adeila could barely think straight. A soft knock came at her door, and Adeila offered entrance with a sigh.

She was in no mood for visitors and continued to stare out the window.

Adeila, honey, I understand your concern, but you must eat dinner.

She looked up as her mother walked into the room. Oh yes, she had completely missed dinner. Kami told her about dinner an hour ago, while she’d been brushing Gulliver. Her stomach took that chance to rumble.

I'll send something up for you. Adeila nodded distractedly. Deleana frowned. Sweetheart, I know you are concerned, but you must take care of yourself. You’re doing your friend no good not eating.

Something shattered in Adeila, and she spun. "I am doing my friend no good at all! I can't do anything to help her! You have all seen to that!"

Deleana sighed and looked at Adeila kindly. They had figured each other out in the brief time Adeila had been there. My love, you must understand that your safety is—

I get it. I know. She touched her forehead. I love you guys for it, but I just feel useless.

Without an invitation, Deleana wrapped her arms around her. It only took a moment for the vanilla and lavender scent to take over Adeila's senses, and she tucked herself into her mother's arms.

I know, baby. I'm so sorry this has happened.

Adeila began to cry. Every emotion she had felt in the past couple of days—burst from her. Deleana whispered soothing words to her. It felt good to let everything out and have someone who cared so strongly for her and see her life and safety above anything else.

Finally, Deleana drew back and rubbed her shoulders. Now, my darling, you must compose yourself. You need to be clear-headed to aid their search. As a monarch, you are rarely allowed to go on the missions, rarely allowed to go between realms. Instead, we leave that to those that are trained and trusted to do so. This must be the case for you. It will be a good training exercise.

Adeila wiped her eyes, squared her shoulders, and took a shaky breath. Her mother was right, she needed to get her shit together. You’re right.

Deleana smiled and gave her a few minutes before calling for her dinner. Now while you eat your dinner, we shall speak of the Spring Festival.

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She watched as Sorryn spoke in quick undertones to Kami who would be staying back with her in the Fae realm, whilst the rest of the team and numerous Guardians would be going to the human realm to form an investigation team for Marissa and the few other retrieval jobs that she had overheard Loki speaking of to his various team members. She had much more faith in him and his team finding something than the human police. She felt in her gut that this was no human matter. Everything inside her screamed that this was her fault. This was to draw her out. They were playing off her emotions and relationships. It may not be drawing her out physically, but it was getting to her.

Loki and Bairon had decided that with everything that was going on, and with Loki and most of his team leaving the castle, it was time to set a group of warriors to specifically be her Guardians. Ahern, Airis, Behn, and Qeilan—all of which she knew. Her freedom would be demolished, but it made her parents and Loki feel better, so she said nothing. She was comfortable with these men, and it would be nice to see the same faces each day and know they were her warriors to call upon. It was still weird, but at least she understood.

Airis was the only one she didn’t know well. He was exotic, edgier looking, with wild black hair, darkly tanned skin, and deep gray eyes. His tattoos were geometrical lines overlapping. She could not help but notice the outline of a dog-like creature, like a wolf but taller, leaner. She hadn't seen it close enough to depict the animal's real description nor had she asked of it. He seemed a little mysterious but polite, with an heir of youth. She felt kindred to him as soon as his grey eyes had met hers. There was something in the magic, in the air between them. Not attraction yet similar. Something she couldn’t quite interpret.

After final planning, the team was ready to go. Adeila was a ball of nerves, but more aptly she was pissed that she wasn’t accompanying them.

Any last bit of advice, princess? Sorryn's indigo eyes twinkled, but his tone was serious. He had been very understanding throughout all of this.

Yes, now would be the time. This voice had her heart thumping out of rhythm and the knots in her stomach intensifying. All thoughts of Sorryn dissipated. Her eyes swung to Loki. His eyes were unreadable, his presence stoic. His frost jeweled sword at his hip and his dark hair shone in the sunlight.

She tried to get her heart rate to calm, with a steadying breath. I can’t think of anything I haven’t already told you, but I can barely think straight. Can I contact you if I remember something?

Yes, you may contact me with any further instructions. For now, we’re just going to ask some questions, and let the trackers check her home, the place she was last seen. I'll keep you as updated as possible. He nodded his head to her, pausing for a heartbeat before mounting his horse, Arrio.

She released a breath, reigned in the magic that had warbled from her at Loki’s frosty scent.

Sorryn sent her a wink. Don't worry, princess, all will be well.

Her eyes reluctantly shifted from Loki's graceful form to Sorryn. I hope so, Sor.

He smiled at the nickname and enveloped her in a hug. She would miss him. His constant, patient, smiling, companionable presence. She had come to trust and rely on him above all others. He had become the big brother she never had. She hugged him back with relevance and love.

A clearing throat had them pulling away, and her eyes connected to golden ones. Loki’s stony features were a mask, but she read annoyance in them. Were they taking too long for his liking? Annoying Fae warrior. Adeila had the vehement urge to stick out her tongue or give him the middle finger, which was childish and non-princess-like, making her want to do them even more. Instead, she surprised Saibol with a tight hug. The chestnut-haired woman laughed and embraced her back. I’ll miss you, little princess. She gripped Adeila’s shoulder lightly and smiled. We’ll be back soon.

She smiled at the siblings and waved to the rest of the team. Her eyes, out of their own accord, met Loki's again and his magic hit her subtly. The smell of the forest at dawn and winter frost. Warmth spread across her while involuntarily raising the goose flesh along her arms. She wondered if he’d done it on purpose, or if his magic had done it on its own, but she didn’t have long to think on it before the cool breeze settled back over her and his magic retreated. Loki nudged his horse to the front of their procession. Then they were gone.

2

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They had been in the human realm for no more than a few hours when the overwhelming sense to return to Faerie overtook him. He pushed it aside. He had several jobs to do while here and needed his head in the game.

First, they went to the school and waited for Becky, then he and Saibol followed her home. When she got out of her vehicle in her driveway, Loki approached.

Oh, my gosh! Where did you all disappear to?

He waved a dismissive hand. Have you any idea where Marissa might be?

Becky's eyes widened. I don't know, but the police are saying it seems like she ran away. Like with a boyfriend or something. I just don't think she'd run off, not even for that hot blonde guy she liked.

Loki's brows pinched together. Jake. His thoughts swirled. He’d been afraid of this. Has he been hanging around?

They had altered the human’s minds so everyone that witnessed the attempted kidnapping thought that the emergency alarm had been tripped by a disorderly club hopper. Marissa—knowing nothing of the truth either, had spread that Adeila went to live with her real parents, which was the story she knew. It was said that Loki, Sorryn, and Saibol had moved away. It was an unlikely story but unless directly contacted by the Fae, people tended to forget them. It was a Faerie glamour magic, born to them, that helped keep their existence safe.

It was apparent that Becky needed to be given another little push, since seeing him again had triggered memories. He would handle that directly after he'd received some more information from her.

No, but Marissa was depressed that he never contacted her after the concert. What a major jerk. Marissa swore off guys, but, well, you know...

Loki nodded. He’d gained nothing particularly vital for this search, so he pushed glamour into her mind. He hoped the others were having better luck.

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SAIBOL

While Loki went to speak with Erik, she was left with the tracker. She appreciated that he was having her head one of the teams. The others were scattered on various jobs in the area. It stretched their team thin. So, it was her, Marston, Brynn, and a few of the king’s guards. Being the senior person in their ranks, she took the lead and gestured to Brynn and Eli. You two scout. See if you find anything the human police may have missed.

Saibol turned to Marston who stood quietly appraising them. She resisted the urge to groan. Dealing with him was always a delight. Not. Marston, I’ll come with you. She controlled the involuntary shiver when he met her eyes.

They were proceeding in circles. She knew Marston was an exceptional tracker, but she’d never seen him so lazy about a mission before. Saibol understood that finding a missing human girl wasn’t typically part of the job description, but it was still a mission. One their king had given them personally. She was quite certain Marston was leading them in a large circle on purpose. Two hours prior she had handed him one of Marissa’s shirts, to which he only lifted it briefly to his nose before setting out. It typically took a tracker a few moments of familiarizing themselves with a scent before beginning a track. She'd tried to take the dismissive action as a good sign, that it was a strong enough human scent that he'd have no troubles picking up a scent trail, and hopefully leading them to some clues to the missing girl’s whereabouts. How wrong she’d been.

Why in the Goddess couldn’t Loki have given her any other tracker?

Mar, I truly think—

He cut her off. The trail has gone cold. We should try another area.

Camble, a newly appointed king's Guard, shook his head. His topaz eyes flitted to hers. Even he was annoyed. She threw up her hands in surrender and sighed. Whenever she got the nerve to call Marston out on something, he always changed course. He’d been doing it for over a year now. She planned to bring it up to Loki this time. Hopefully, someone else had better luck.

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He’d been surprised driving up to find a gate blocking his entry. He'd had to tell the attendant he was a friend of Erik's to gain access to the white mansion. As his finger hovered over the button to ring the bell at the door, his Fae hearing picked up the thump of a ball on asphalt. He proceeded down the steps to the back of the house. Loki skirted a giant pool with several fountains. The sound was pleasant at least, even if the entire house was ostentatious.

Erik stared at him blankly as he approached. Dude, what are you doing here? I thought you'd moved or something?

I did. I came back when I heard about Marissa.

Erik's eyes went dark. There's no way she meant anything to you.

Loki arched a brow at the darkness in the teen’s eyes and the jealousy in his tone. I'm doing it upon Adeila's behalf.

Erik's body jerked in reaction to her name, and Loki watched him try for composure. Erik tried to play off his next words but failed. How… You’ve spoken to Adi?

She’s worried about her friend. What do you know Erik?

The boy’s eyes narrowed. What, are you some kind of cop now?

Something like that.

Erik scoffed and shook his head. Right. Well, I already gave the police all the information I had. Can't help you.

Erik, this is a girl’s life at stake, put your pride aside.

Erik groaned. Fine, I'll tell you what I told the police, but it's not much. We’d been at a party at Chris' together. Everything was going fine, then around eleven, she excused herself to go to the bathroom and never came back. Becky and I looked for her about twenty minutes later, and she was gone. Some of the people inside said she'd come in, used the bathroom, and went back outside. She never made it back to the bonfire. No one saw anything, heard anything. I have no idea where she went. He started to choke up, pride slipped with genuine concern. She'd never have left on her own. She wanted to come to that party. We... He stared hard at Loki. We'd come together.

Realization dawned on Loki. They'd been seeing each other. A gnawing pit of anger filled him and he desperately wanted to do bodily harm to the human. Instead, he walked away.

Wait, Erik jogged after him. Are you going to tell Adi?

Loki rounded on him. Does it really matter, Erik?

Erik sunk his head. I guess not. It's just... They... I don't know. He paused, but Loki got the meaning loud and clear. Erik and Marissa weren’t planning to tell Adeila about it, so it wouldn't complicate things further. They just assumed with her being so far away, she'd not hear of it until they could figure out how to tell her.

Just let me know if you need any further information on Marissa.

Loki nodded. Will do. Loki may not have any real lead on Marissa's whereabouts, but he was now burdened by a painful secret.

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You found a cold trail?

When Marston nodded, Loki let out a long sigh. Alright, we'll find this Chris' house tomorrow and see if we can find a trail from there. That seems to be where she had gone missing anyway.

Marston nodded, Saibol gave him a look of misery, the others acted like they saw nothing. Loki looked around at his disorganized team, bewildered. He had no idea what in the five kingdoms this strange negative energy was about, but he didn't have time to contemplate, because his mirror vibrated in his back pocket. His heartbeat sped and his palm began to sweat. He knew who contacted him without looking at the surface. He went to his bedroom for privacy. Loki never got nervous speaking to anyone, but as he pulled the mirror out, his heart continued to pound. He’d missed her in the last twenty-four hours. Something he couldn’t afford. He tried to blank his features keeping the excitement at the prospect of seeing her firmly off his face. He knew she had developed an annoying knack for reading him. The discovery unnerved, excited, and scared him all at once.

Loki touched the surface. Adeila’s image wavered, then cleared. So clear, it was as though he could reach out and touch her skin. Her silken dark blonde hair was pulled into a messy bun; tendrils had fallen out to frame her face. Her eyes were dull with worry, her face paled, but it didn’t hide her beauty.

Any news? Her voice held a tired quality he'd never heard before.

Nothing, but it’s still early. We’re going to the place where she was last seen tomorrow.

She nodded, sighing. He had never been one for small talk, but in this case, he felt the need to try. I take it preparations for the festival are going well?

Adeila blew out a breath, blowing a tendril of hair with it. I guess so, but I haven't a clue. I have nothing to reference, but I'm learning from Delea—Mom. Adeila tucked the wispy tendril back behind her ear, he noted she let her finger linger there a moment. Kami has been wonderful, by the way. Thank you for leaving her with me.

I hope you two are staying out of trouble.

A small smile slipped, and her eyes flickered across his a second before she looked down. He had no idea what else to say.

She bit her lip and filled the silence with a question he didn’t want to answer. Did you... Did you talk to anyone from school?

He wanted to crawl into a hole. Over the mirror wasn’t the place to tell her. Yes, so far just Becky... and Erik.

He saw Adeila's eyes flash briefly, but she refused to acknowledge it, as did he. I assume they had no helpful information?

Nothing we didn't already know. We did learn where she’d gone missing and will venture there tomorrow.

Adeila bit her lip again and looked away a moment before her eyes returned to his. It was a party, wasn't it?

Loki took a small breath. Yes.

She was with Becky... and probably Amber. I would think one of them would know something.

It would appear they were all together at a bonfire, but when Marissa went inside to use the restroom, she never made her way back to the fire.

Her eyes flashed with fear. "That does not sound promising. Had she left to go home, instead of burdening one of them for a ride?

That was my first thought, and I assure you it will be considered thoroughly by my team.

He watched raw fear envelope her beautiful features. I dread what it means if she did try to walk, Loki. Was she kidnapped? Killed? What the hell happened to her?

Please— Her voice shook, and he had to take a breath to reign in his own emotions at seeing her tears. Please, let me know how everything goes tomorrow.

I will, he said quickly.

Good luck. Please tell your team and everyone I appreciate their efforts.

Of course, my lady.

When the link wavered, and his reflection swam back at him Loki leaned forward, his head in his hands. He wanted to fix this—not because he’d been ordered to do so, but he hated that haunted look in Adeila’s eyes. He shouldn’t care so much, but Goddess damned him, he did.

He pulled into the drive to find Saibol and Marston in a heated discussion.

I question you, Saibol said in a calm but accusatory tone, because I believe you are doing this for show.

Marston’s cold eyes snapped to Loki as he approached. Saibol is questioning my abilities.

I am not! I am questioning your commitment to this mission. Saibol flung up her hands. Which I understand, I just feel like you’re kicking stones, waiting to get pulled out. You don't care to find the human.

Loki raised his brow.

Marston calmly looked at Loki. Because I believe she got into a vehicle of her own free will and drove off, I am not trying?

Wait, wait. Loki held up both hands to silence them. What did you discover? Loki gave Saibol a pointed look and she folded her arms over her chest.

Her scent led from the backyard into the house and to the driveway. My abilities deduce that she came out the front door and left in a vehicle of her own accord. No struggle occurred. I could smell no fear, only recognition. She knew the person.

Loki nodded. He glanced at Saibol. Saibol, you don’t believe him?

Saibol huffed. I didn’t say that it's just... He—Just... She threw up her hands. Never mind. Saibol turned on her heel and stalked off.

Loki sighed. Camble gave Loki a long look, then took off in the direction Saibol had gone. Loki raked a hand through his hair. This was not going as well as he’d hoped.

He turned back to the tracker. Okay, Mar, are we ruling out foul play?

I am unless something happened after they'd left this area. You know I can’t trace someone in a vehicle.

Loki nodded, his mind racing. A vehicle possessed too much metal, iron, and technology. It messed with a tracker’s ability.

I think she knew the person, Loki. Marston’s voice was low, reasonable.

Do you think they were Fae? Wolf? He thought of Jakobus.

Marston shook his head. I don’t believe so.

He blew out a deep breath. Well, we’ll have to try the family home again tomorrow.

Marston nodded but Loki didn’t miss the flash of annoyance. This wasn’t their forte. He imagined his team was frustrated they were caught up in this mission, but Loki needed to remind Marston that this was work regardless of how he felt about it. It had been a long few months of spending far too much time in the human realm. But they had all known what they were getting into before they’d begun training as agents.

Something else on your mind, Mar? He played the nickname to be friendly, but his tone spoke of the consequences to insubordination.

No, sir.

Good. Head back. I’ll deal with our redhead.

Marston snickered and sauntered away. Loki had noticed a minuscule change in the young half-Goblin’s demeanor over the last few months. Loki had taken a chance on the Ravenswood half-breed and had never questioned his loyalty, but lately, he had been pushing his luck. Loki hoped it was a youthful phase Marston was going through. They were all young still, in Fae standards, and human. Young and reckless, even though they had so much responsibility. He needed to remind himself sometimes that they still needed to live a life outside of what they did for work.

Dejected Loki made his way over to where Saibol and Camble were speaking quietly. Saibol straightened when he approached. Loki wasn’t mad at her, but he didn’t appreciate her storming off.

He got right down to it. Explain yourself, Saib.

She shook her head. It hardly matters.

He softened. She meant a great deal to him—the closest he would ever have to a sister. If it matters to you, it matters to me. You know that.

I'm not the tracker here.

He was getting frustrated. Saib.

She pushed her mahogany hair back and looked away from him. I just don't think he's giving his all.

A tracker's abilities are finicky. You know that.

Yes, it just feels like he's putting on a show. Going through the motions, but he already has a premeditated mindset that he is not going to find anything of interest.

I appreciate your concern and I will look into it. As soon as Dev returns, I’ll have him go over everything.

She sighed. Marissa means nothing to me, but Adeila does, and if Marissa means something to her then I think we should do our best.

I agree. If she were taken by Fae or otherwise, we’ll find her, Saib. Even if I must pull every damn agent I have into this—if the king will allow it.

How'd those other missions go today?

He raked a hand through his hair. Still going, I'm afraid. That's the next matter on my agenda.

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SAIBOL

Saibol was thankful Loki took Marston with him when he left. She turned her attention to the others, who were talking amongst themselves, and it gave her a moment to study them. Brynn was a friend of sorts and great for this type of work. Level-headed and trustworthy. Her long raven hair glinted in the sunlight. Saibol looked upon Eli next. He was quiet and thorough, with wild auburn hair and forest green eyes—those of a tree nymph. Eli would become a wonderful asset to them, as a master bowman. Then her eyes couldn’t help but wander to Camble. There was just something about him. She'd had very limited time to explore romance as an agent. Saibol loved the life she had chosen and liked working with her brother and Loki, but since that first rescue of the Ravenswood prince, it had been a whirlwind. As she watched Camble she felt that tightening in her stomach, that thrill in her blood. Camble interested her intellectually, chemically, magically, romantically, sexually. It surprised her. She'd noticed him once while he was training in the guild and had appreciated his bronze, muscled body but it had gone no further than appreciation of a magnificent male form. Now that he was accessible, she wanted to know where it went.

He caught her staring and sent her a slow, sexy smile and she lost her train of thought. Camble opened the car door for her, then the passenger door for Brynn before pulling his large frame into the back with Eli.

She met his topaz eyes in the rear-view mirror and felt the heat of his gaze. She wanted to discover just what this was between them.

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The mirror wavered and when it cleared Sorryn had a wide grin on his face. We've got our guy.

Loki sighed deeply. Thank the Goddess. One victory down. It would give his team a boost in morale.

Sorryn's grin wavered. I take it things aren’t going so well over there?

Loki groaned. It depends on who you ask.

Do you wish us to bring him straight back to Tanglewood, or…?

Sending them back would be the wisest decision, Loki contemplated, but then he'd lose a few of his men for another day.

Honestly this guy is a runner, Sorryn stated with a grimace. I'll be as quick as possible, but it may take all of us to bring him in. If we try to keep him locked up in a room or—

No. Go straight to the Goose Lake portal into Tanglewood. I'll speak with Giddein and make sure he has men there to receive the rogue. If they wish to detain you for any reason, be quick. I'll give him as much information as I can beforehand.

Sorryn tipped his head. Aye, aye, Captain.

Loki rolled his eyes, but before he clicked off the link, he made sure to add. Good work, Sor.

Sorryn grinned again. So, I found my guy before Dev?

Loki shook his head but fought a grin. It is not a compet—

The mighty tracker has been outmatched by a simple fire F—

Loki clicked off the link, but the grin edged further. Sometimes it was like dealing with teenage boys. He sobered. Technically none of them had had that teenage experience. They'd been training for the protection and progression of their kingdom and realm since a very young age. They’d rarely had the enjoyment or folly of fun-filled teen years. Instead, they were trying to do something revolutionary with the retravel unit. Loki didn’t usually feel melancholy or jealous over his choices, but a part of him did now. A certain princess was at fault for that.

Loki had come to Oakend when he was twelve to train as a Guardian. Neberuk had a decent warrior training facility, but it was nowhere near as extensive as Oakend. Something else Loki planned to change someday. An expansion with the Neberuk Warrior's Guild. It would never be to the grand extravagance of Oakend's, but at least something more than it was now. He was proud of the kingdom he hailed from, but it was no question that his father had never taken to the warrior end of his legacy. His two youngest sons, on the other hand, had. Lestrol, the eldest of the Staghorn heirs had taken right after their father. Keeping to himself and his political well-being.

The progression of that reign was stuck in the same rut it had been for hundreds of years now. Loki loved his parents and his home, but there was nothing of advancement there. They lived and survived and that was enough for them. There was no interest in progression or prosperity. Taivon Staghorne felt that if it was not broken, there was no need to fix it. It was the main reason Loki had left. He missed it. He missed his parents—despite their coldness that matched their land. He missed his brothers, the village, the mountains, the cold, the smell and ambiance of snow, and the fortress of Hailstorm, where he'd grown up. As the youngest he’d likely never rule, so the only life he could wish to lead in the mountain range was to be an Elite guard for his eldest brother, to seek glory in hunting and scouting, to marry, and hopefully have children. It could have been a good life, but it was not for him. Not yet.

3

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Torrential downpours washed across Oakend. Adeila watched the rain with confusion.

I thought the Fae could control the weather. Why leave the day in shambles, stuck inside, if you can control it? It made no sense, so, when she caught up to her mother on her way to breakfast, she asked.

Deleana laughed. Ah, my dearest, but we do not wish to manipulate the Goddess' will entirely. We let her do as she pleases most of the time. It would rain our magic to constantly manipulate. Deleana glanced out the window with a whisper of a smile. The Goddess thinks today is cause for a mild monsoon. Deleana put her arm around her daughter's waist and Adeila grinned.

She hated being stuck inside. Lucky for her, or