Dark Entries: The Air Court, #1

By Dagmar Avery, K. Margaret and S.A. Price

As the planets align, Ridley "Riddle" Echo, Princess of Air Court, is worried about where she stands as a royal. The last great hope of bringing magic back to Faerie's natural witches, the Anointed, Riddle not only needs to fulfill her duties as a Light Court princess, but ensure that their dying sect doesn't go extinct.

And those duties include participation in the Stellar Games, even though Air Court is still fledgling as best.

But bringing back magic and becoming the conduit for her court is not without perils and setbacks. As a woman far removed from court life, one focused on her job and her family, becoming a princess in every sense of the word is going to take confidence she doesn't have, trust she doesn't feel and hope that blankets everything she does.

With the laying of her Sithen stone, foundations are created, not only for her new home, but for the woman she is destined to be. For magic is calling, and hunting for her in a guise she never expected.

And with the help of her friends, all things are possible.

• Language: English
• Publisher: S.A. Price
• Release date: Nov 11, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201717520

Book preview

THE AIR COURT BOOK ONE

DARK ENTRIES

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DAGMAR AVERY  &  K. MARGARET

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

DARK ENTRIES (THE AIR COURT, BOOK ONE)

Copyright© 2021, Dagmar Avery and K. Margaret

Cover Artist: Stella Price

Interior text design: Stacee Sierra

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All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.

DEDICATION

For You. Because she didn’t realize she needed you, couldn’t figure out how. But you knew. Patience is a virtue.

Prologue

Full moon high in the sky above the small island inside the lake, Ridley Echo sighed as she traveled toward the land, by boat, to start the ceremony that would plant her Sithen, and start her personal adventure of princesshood.

It was past time in her eyes to do it and start this journey but with everything else in her life, the timing had to be perfect in order to maximize the magical output for her court. The Anointed had been living on the dregs of what they originally had access to, and while they were just as anxious to have their court back to a livable magic, there were always tenets and protocols to adhere to.

Are you ready? Sheridan asked, as she came up to stand beside her.

She looked to her mentor and nodded. Past ready. She smiled. Do you think I’m going to have to do things like Theo and Eira?

Sheridan shook her head, her silvery hair flowing in the breeze. I don’t. You are all different women, so you will all have different journeys. The woman looked to her. And I know you are anxious, and have been. But this is right, this is the right time, and it will bring you the males, or females, that will bolster your magic, and make you happy.

As if one is inclusive to the other, she said with another sigh.

For Air Court, it is. Sheridan wrapped her arm around her. It’s how it’s been for as long as any of us can remember. If you don’t like it maybe this will be the way to change it.

Their approach slowed as the dock came into view. Riddle smiled as she spied her best friend, Candiria Asterion, standing among the gathered group, with her men by her side. She waved back to her friend as the boat docked and noticed the other princesses, their men, Senara and Chess and the rest of her household, and a few others of the Nightmare princesses including Queen Verity.

Sheridan grinned at her, the woman’s bright eyes starry. Let’s go, Rids.

Riddle nodded and climbed off the boat to meet with the Head of the Anointed, Willomena, at the end of the dock.

Princess Ridley, Acolyte Echo, are you ready to bring magic back to Air Court, with the laying of our first Sithen?

She nodded and the crowd behind Willomena parted, wisps appearing in a line. She knew they belonged to Willomena, the lone member of the Anointed that could still call magical beings to her person. There was a reason why she was the head of the sect.

Walking down the aisle, Riddle was happy that her sect wasn’t all about robes and frippery. She had dressed as she was comfortable, as all her sect did, to better maximize their personal gifts, though she was barefoot, to better connect with Faerie.

We tread on our mother, we ask her to bless this union of stone and earth, of power and hope, Willomena said as they walked toward where they would lay the stone, to become the keystone of her Sithen.

The house on the grounds was a relic, a large skeleton looming before them. Once a beautiful and massive country house on the island, it had been hit by lightning in the thirties, and all that was left was the stone foundation, and some of the stone columns. Torches surrounded the space, their family and friends now on the outskirts of the torches, giving them the room they needed.

Sheridan stopped in front of her father and bowed to him, and Riddle went to him with a smile. Holding the box that housed her Sithen stone, Saul cleared his throat.

With the laying of this stone, Magic begins once more for Air Court, and as I hand it over to our princess, so too do I hand over the reins to our court, so that she may guide us into prosperity and opportunity.

Riddle took the box from her father and turned to Willomena who was now three steps down into the foundation. She followed her in, and the woman’s voice rang clear as a bell.

House head Ridley, Princess of Air Court, the fates, and Faerie, Mother Gaia and Sister Nyx await your placement. Who will stand with you, to create the circle?

Riddle looked to Sheridan, who nodded. A princess’s power was her own, but it was the essence of the ones she considered closest to her that would allow her to grow, both as a princess, and as a magic user. Connection was key in everything the Anointed did, and before this, she never thought to be close enough to do anything like this, but now...

I call my Dark twin, Candiria Asterion, to stand to mirror my person. My best friend and sister chosen. The keeper of my secrets, she said with a smile.

She heard a gasp and turned to see Ria’s grinning face. Her friend pointed at herself and mouthed ‘me’ as her smile grew. Then her back straightened and her face became more serious, though delight and excitement still shone in her eyes. I would be honored, Princess Riddle.

Grinning like an idiot, she watched Ria skip down to her and stand across from her and then spoke again. I call my sister, Rue Echo, to stand to my right, my sister by blood, and the keeper of my joy.

Rue walked up, dressed in a long black maxi dress and bowed to her, standing to her right. I got you, sis.

Nodding to her sister, and then to Ria, she sighed as butterflies entered her stomach.

I ask Queen Senara Chaos to stand at my left. She looked to Sen. A woman of beauty, ambition, and kindness. The keeper of our courts, and a friend divine. She nodded, hoping Sen would take the spot. True, they weren’t especially close, but she had always felt a sister in Senara.

Senara smiled at her, a slight pink staining her cheeks as she walked forward. When she reached her, she leaned in to kiss her cheek. No place I would rather be. Her voice lowered. This is quite exciting. Thank you for allowing me to be part of it.

Just wait, she whispered as she watched her friend stand to her left.

With all four in place, Willomena started a chant that the rest of the Anointed, interspersed within the crowd watching, echoed. Soft drums started to beat, one for each house in attendance, the bong of the soft hide lulling with the melodic chant.

She looked to Sen, then Rue, then Candiria, who winked, and went to her knees and opened the box, her stone glittery blue with swirls of lavender and black, as if it were a moving, living thing, nestled in the black velvet. She picked it up and smiled at the lovely familiar weight to it and closed her eyes, focusing and setting her intention.

Let this stone root, Dear Mother, she whispered in her mind. Let it bring life and happiness, laughter and beauty back to this island. Let this stone bring what will come, let me be worthy of those who will find me.

Lowering her hands to the dirt, she let the stone settle and then moved her hands. She watched in awe as the stone levitated for a moment then landed with a thump into the dirt. She, and she knew the other four, felt a pulse because they all gasped, and they watched as the stone sank into the earth, blue and lavender veins reaching through the ground, as if arteries of glittering stone.

The stone has been accepted into the land, Willomena said once more and Riddle felt another pulse, this one sliding up her spine slowly. She shivered and stood as the drumming stopped and the torches went out, leaving them all bathed in the light of the moon, and the wisps that had started to enter the trees. She looked to Sen, Rue and Candiria with a grin.

So proud of you! Rue said as she wrapped herself around her. A younger version of herself, Rue, and her twin, Duke, had their mother’s coloring like her, the white hair and grey eyes.

Thank you, she said as she moved away as Sen walked up.

You can feel the magic you bring already, Senara said, taking her hands. You and your sect are a gift to Light Court and I know with you heading up Air, it’s only going to get stronger. I can’t wait to watch you help Faerie heal.

Thank you, Sen. She nodded to her friend. We had hoped the stone would take, and there would be magic. The island is a nexus both here and in Faerie, though the Anointed haven’t been able to access Faerie here. I hope the Sithen rooting will give us access, it’s wild, untamed, and I want so badly to be part of it. Please tell me you will come back once the Sithen becomes.

Of course, I will. I’m excited to see what your Sithen looks like and meet the avatar. Sen smiled. I have no doubts this land will become a beacon for magic. It’s just been waiting for you to sow the seeds again.

I hope so. She pulled Sen into a hug. And thank you for standing with me, for closing the circle. Most Acolytes in the past have had their own magic circle. But she didn’t. Acolytes were few and far between these days, less and less females exhibiting the touch, the call to Mother Gaia or Sister Nyx. I’m humbled you agreed.

I was honored you wanted me to be a part of it. Sen squeezed her tight before pulling away. You just wait. Soon you’ll have a new circle around you, ones who will not only make you more powerful, but will complete you on a level you never thought possible. Sen looked over her shoulder to where her men stood. When she turned back, her cheeks were once again stained pink. A little advice. Don’t force anything and don’t let your head speak too loudly. Allow your heart to lead the way. The ones Faerie calls to us are chosen for a reason. Trust me, it’s easy to think the woman is drunk on some of her choices but she’s never, ever wrong.

Riddle’s laugh echoed around them and then her eyes went wide and she clamped her hand over her mouth and shook her head, then pulled her hand away. I’m sure you are right. Terrible, but right. What are the odds I’m going to end up with my own lunatic like Anders?

I think you’re safe, Sen said with her own laugh. My huntsman is definitely one of a kind. I don’t think anyone could survive two of them. Ria walked up next to Sen. I don’t know, my Niko is pretty close, she said with a grin. Though he’s a lot crankier than Anders but he’s hotter.

He is cranky. Though they are both sexy as hell. All the guards are. She wrapped her arm around Ria’s waist and pulled her close, wondering to herself if all the princesses had that one guard that drove them completely insane. She was about to ask when she heard a soft gong sound.

Thank you to all who have joined us, royals and gentry alike. Air Court has set up a repast on the far side of the island, if you are inclined to stay a while and enjoy our hospitality, Saul said, his voice ringing. Simply follow the torched path. He looked to her. And yes, there are cupcakes.

Riddle giggled and winked at her father and then looked to Candiria. Cupcakes.

Oh, then we are definitely staying, Ria said, her eyes lighting up. Though I hope they have enough. I am eating for a litter of foxes now.

Daddy never skimps on cupcakes.

Rue looked to Senara. Highness, can we walk together to the repast? I had some questions about what you do. I’m going to be going to college for forensic accounting.

Senara’s face lit up and she slipped her arm through Rue’s. There is nothing on any realm I like talking about more than forensic accounting. You might regret asking me. She smiled and starting walking away with Rue, her focus solely on the topic at hand.

Ria chuckled. Rue has no idea what can she just opened. I think my cousin may like accounting more than Chess. Come on, she whispered, we need to get to those cupcakes before Carnex does.

Arms still around each other’s waists, they walked in tandem, Ria’s men just before them. Carnex knows better than to eat them all, he knows I won’t bring any more to Rome, she whispered and then sobered. Thank you for standing with me, Ria, I couldn’t have don’t this without your support.

Ria blew a raspberry. As if I would ever say no to you. Me and you, we’re stuck with each other forever. And when I say forever, I mean for-ev-er. She laughed. So, you have to tell me, how does it feel to plant your Sithen? Mine was always there. I need details, but use small words so I don’t get a headache, she added with a wink.

There’s a thrum here now, something deep, something I’m feeling in my bones. I don’t know what’s going to happen, but there’s a pulse, she sighed and looked to her friend. I’m nervous, Ria.

Of course, you’re nervous, your life is changing, her friend said. But it’s exciting. You have so much to look forward to, it’s going to be an adventure. You’re going to kick every obstacle’s ass, take names, and find you a sexy guard who will wait on you hand and foot while also making you crazy. She grinned. You’re gonna love every moment of it.

I hope so. I mean it all feels real now, she said softly as they made it to the rise just before the repast. Possibilities were on the horizon, and she would meet them head on because she was a bad ass, but it didn’t make it less nerve wracking. But she was hopeful, hopeful that whoever came to the call she sent out into Faerie would be everything she ever wanted.

***

The foundation underneath the sleeping man rocked, cracks snaking out along the long-forgotten temple by the strength of the tremor. Eyes flashed open. Eyes the color of electric blue with swirls of purple. Eyes that had been closed for far too long.

Feeling the strength of what awakened him, he sat up, smile spreading across his cruel, beautiful face. Finally, he thought. Finally, what he had been waiting what felt like eons for was ready for him. Even if she wasn’t, she would be. He’d make sure she was ready for everything coming her way. He’d been the one who chose who would wake him, unlike the others who had left it to chance. Being the most powerful sorcerer who’d ever existed and a god who was still worshipped out in the open, he didn’t leave anything to chance.

Standing from his resting place, he stretched out his muscles and allowed his beast to take over. The jaguar would sense his destination far better than the man and he had no intention of waiting another moment to find her. No need for her to come search for him, when he intended to find her first.

Chapter One

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Ten days after the laying of the Sithen stone.

Riddle daubed glue on the underside of the skeletal tree she was holding and then stuck it to the base of the mini cloche she was turning into a mini graveyard. Sitting across from Candiria, she was helping her create mini graveyards for Ria’s baby shower that her mother, Iridia, was throwing her for the brood she was gestating with Barden.

Such a cute idea, she said to her friend. It was craft night, and before she got knocked up by the fox, it had been booze night, but since she was carrying precious cargo, it was all tea and cupcakes, not that Riddle minded the cupcakes. Hell, she brought them most of the time. And this is just the court shower, right? For your mother’s friends?

And my mother’s, Barden said as he walked through. My family is over the moon with this. He leaned down and kissed his princess. You are going to come, right?

She smirked. I wouldn’t miss it. She winked at Ria and started looking through the little mini tombstones. How you feeling, Ria?

Absolutely fantastic, Ria said and smiled back at Barden. I would feel even better if my sexy fox decided he wanted to give me a shoulder rub. Ria bobbed her brows before returning her attention on Riddle. Now, since I have been distracted making these adorable little graveyards, I haven’t had the chance to ask you if you’ve run into anyone you wanted to take a bite out of yet. Inquiring minds wanna know.

Barden leaned in and kissed her shoulder. Anything you want, baby, he said and set to work on her shoulders.

Riddle smirked, watching the exchange. Barden was ever in love with Ria, and he had been so attentive to her since they found out she was pregnant with their kits. She hoped for the same someday, if nothing else, at least one man to love her the way all of Ria’s did.

Kinda hard to meet anyone when all I do is go to work and come here, she said wryly. Though I’m not complaining. Sheridan thinks my call isn’t strong enough yet to bring anyone to me, considering how new our court is to royal life.

Aren’t you working on that festival, though? I mean those rock star guys seem your speed, Barden offered.

Maybe, but I just book the bands, I don’t think I have ever met the majority of them. When shows come up and such, I usually just don’t go, sending some of our human DJs instead.

Ria made a face. Whatever you do, do not fall for a human. That would suck. Her friend picked up a little gravestone and glued the bottom, all the while her face pinched up in thought. Too bad you aren’t Nightmare. If you were, then they’d come to you. I didn’t have to go looking for any of my men, they all just pretty much showed up at my doorstep.

It’s the reason why I don’t do events. Human men aren’t a distraction, they are a liability, she said and nodded. And don’t get me started on the constant thought of exactly what you just said. I’m just not the kinda girl that goes out there. I mean all the Light Court assholes that wanted me wanted the company. And I know LC has great guys, like Sciath Court’s males, but I have always been friends with them. My father and Leo came up together, so I just don’t see them like that. Toss in the fact that Air Court families mostly produce females. She shrugged. Meeting any quality men is tough.

Ria rubbed her hands together, a mischievous smile on her face. I’m just going to have to do something about that. Too bad you aren’t into dead guys. I know plenty of hot single men, problem is they smell a little like grave dirt. She scrunched her nose. "We just need to get you out there. Once they get a look at you, you won’t have to go to them, they’ll be beating people back just to get to you.