Fae Tales: A collection of fae tales, #3

By Tiffany Shand

Enter the world of Fae Tales 3…

Rogue Fey

Sera struggles to uncover the secrets of the keystone, an ancient artifact believed to be the key to saving the fey from the brutal reign of mages. While Bastian helps her to keep one step ahead of the tyrant that is his father, the high council leader of the mages, another, darker threat looms on the horizon.

Memories Found

Now on the run after being framed and nearly executed by the Circle, Zoe Finn must find her forgotten memories or die trying.

She wakes up on a strange island. But it's no deserted paradise. The Circle is still out for her blood, and the island's terrain is vast and unfamiliar. The inhabitants are complete strangers, with the line between friends and foes blurred and broken.

Fae Light

Silvy never thought she'd get here. After surviving the last faceoff with the fae queen, life has been almost perfect. She has an amazing boyfriend, true good friends, a real family, and one last term at the academy.

Despite how well things are going, Silvy knows she won't have the life she fought so hard for until she unravels the secrets of the past and the Unseelie King's whereabouts are known.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tiffany Shand
• Release date: Dec 5, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201380533

Tiffany Shand

Tiffany Shand was born in Essex, UK and started writing short stories when she was a child. She has always done writing in one form or another and started writing novels in her early teens. She writes both non-fiction and fiction, but mostly fantasy and paranormal romance. After doing a creative writing course in her early 20s she is now a freelance writer and professional proofreader. Tiffany lives in Essex with her two spoiled cats and one very nutty hamster.

Book preview

ROGUE FEY

TALES OF THE ITHEREAL PART 3

BY TIFFANY SHAND

Chapter 1

Serafina Valeon gripped the armrests of her seat and heard the drone of a much larger airship not far behind them. We’re going to crash! Sera cried as Bas swung the jumper around. The small airship groaned as her husband made it bank a sharp left.

Liana and Niall who sat in the back of the ship both cried out as they were almost pulled from their seats.

Geez, Bastian, watch it! Liana snapped.

I’m trying, Bas snapped back. The jumper is too damaged to control properly. If we take another hit, we’ll crash. I don’t know how long I can keep this thing flying.

Sera gripped the edge of her seat, hearing the groan of a massive airship not far behind them. How the heck had the mages found them again so fast? After escaping from the Ashran compound and the clutches of the hunters who were looking for them, they’d spent the night in a nearby forest they’d thought they were safe.

Try aiming for those trees, Niall said, pointing to a canopy of trees ahead of them. We should be able to land somewhere nearby.

Bas tried again, but the jumper continued banking left. Sera sensed his panic as she spotted the hunters’ ship getting ever closer.

How far are we from Layard’s cabin? she asked, pushing her long blonde off her face.

Bas shook his head. We’ll never make it there now. Damn it! I thought we’d have enough time before they caught up with us. He gripped the controls and glanced back at the others. Brace yourselves; we’re going in.

Sera stared at the ship chasing them on the jumper’s screen, just as they were preparing to fire on them again. I could create a glamour. She’d been considering the idea throughout their vigorous journey and trying to decide how she’d manage it. Now seemed like a good time to try and see if it would work.

Bas gave her a hard look. To cover the whole ship?

I can try. She bit her lip, though she didn’t feel as confident as she sounded. I’m open to suggestions.

Bas looked at the console then nodded. Do it.

Light flared in Sera’s hands as she conjured a glamour. White light glistened around her body, expanding outwards. Glamours worked by camouflaging and making someone or something blend in with its surroundings. But she’d never glamoured something as massive as the jumper before.

She gritted her teeth as the light enveloped everything. Hurry, I can’t hold it for long.

Bas pressed a few buttons causing the jumper to spin to one side, flipped upside down then dropped like a stone through the mass of trees. An alarm screeched in warning of an impending impact.

Sera lost her grip on the magic and squeezed her eyes shut, feeling the blood rushing to her head. Her worst nightmare of flying in airships had finally come true. They would crash. She braced herself the inevitable as her stomach flip-flopped. She waited, expecting to feel the force from the impact, the crush of metal and bone – but it didn’t come.

For a second, Sera opened her eyes again. When she saw Bastian gripping the controls, she felt a ray of hope. If anyone could get them out of this, it would be him. Her stomach recoiled as he forced the ship up the right way with cries of alarm from Niall and Liana.

We’re going down! Bas yelled.

The jumper broke through the canopy, falling in a blur of black. It hit the ground with a loud groan of metal, but they were down and still alive. For now, at least.

Sera took a breath then another before yanking off her belt. Bas? She turned to stare at him, desperate to know if he was alright.

Bas lay slumped in his seat, eyes closed.

She spun around to check on the others, relieved when she saw her foster sister Liana still moving.

Ow! Li groaned. If mages were supposed to fly, they would have been born with bloody wings! I hate technology!

Are you alright? She moved to check on Bas. She felt a steady pulse at his throat as she sent healing energy into him.

I’ll live. Li rubbed her head and yanked off her seat belt. Niall? Niall, wake up! Her eyes widened. Sera, I hear the other ship! Damn it; we need to get out of here. She tugged at Niall’s seat belt, trying to get him loose.

Shush, keep still and stay quiet, she hissed.

Sera felt the hum of power from outside where ley lines ran through the earth. She tugged at them and wrapped a glamour around them, hiding the fallen jumper. It wouldn’t last long; her strength was waning, and she prayed the ship wouldn’t stay too long looking for them.

Niall’s out cold, Li said.

They heard the whir of the engines overhead circling the area. At least now she had the aid of the lines, she could hold the glamour a little longer. The ship circled twice before finally retreating.

Sera dropped the glamour, breathing a sigh of relief. She checked on Bas and Niall but sensed they were both alright, aside from a few scrapes and bruises. She sent energy into both, and they soon woke up. They were both groggy, and it took a few seconds for them to become fully alert, but at least they were alive.

Where are we? Bas clutched his head, rubbing his scalp.

No idea, but the hunters have gone. Sera gave him a quick hug and ruffled his hair. Good thing you have a hard head.

Bas stood up and examined the console. This is bad. We’ve got no power. Shit, this could take weeks to repair.

At least we are all still in one piece. Sera checked Niall’s bruised shoulder, but he shrugged her off as he joined Bas by the console.

Sera moved to the back of the jumper and tried to open the door, but it refused to budge. She drew magic and forced the mechanism to move. The door groaned open, landing with a thud as it gave way. Smoke filled the air from trees as they burned. Li, fire!

Li sprang up and headed off, using her dragon abilities to douse the flames. Dragons were immune to fire and could easily extinguish it with their magic. Li raised her hands, and the fire fizzled out.

We’re going to be stuck here a while, Bas told her. We drifted off course. By my calculations were at least a hundred miles from Layard’s cabin. The jumper won’t be flying again anytime soon. Circuits sparked and flashed as the ship’s remaining powers drained away.

Guess we’ll just have to make the best of it then, she said. We’ll need to make a camp. We can’t sleep in here. Li and I will get some tents set up while you get to work on the jumper.

Bas ran a hand through his hair. Maybe you and Li can find out where the hell we are.

She smiled. Not much of the old world is charted like the mage lands, but we’ll take a look.

Sera and Liana moved off, checking the surrounding forest to make sure there were no more fires from the crash. They’d broken a few tree branches, but the trees seemed to have protected the jumper from the worst of the fall. It still looked intact and without severe damage on the outside at least.

Camping with two mages in the wilderness. Oh yeah, this is gonna be fun, Li remarked as she moved through the brush. Don’t know why Maverick had to stick around.

Hey, you panicked back there when you thought he was dead, Sera pointed out.

Li scowled at her. As if I would.

Why can’t you just admit you might actually like Niall as more than a friend? Sera scanned the tree line, relieved to see no more smoke or sign of the enormous airship that had been following them.

Li burst out laughing. You must have hit your head pretty hard and be having some full blow hallucinations to think that, she said. Now we’re gonna be stuck keeping two mages alive.

Sera arched an eyebrow but decided not to address Li’s underlying attraction to Niall any further. Why do you say that? They can take care of themselves.

They don’t know these lands like we do, ada, Li said, using the dragon’s term for sister.

True. We better warn them about what to avoid.

Sera spotted a clear area a few feet from the jumper. She and Liana set up two small tents.

Bas came over to join them, gulping down some water from a flask. Good job with the tents. He gave Sera a quick kiss and cupped her face. Are you okay? That took a lot of power to cloak the jumper. Twice.

She shrugged, ignoring the tiredness she felt. I’m fine, she insisted. It’ll be getting dark soon. Maybe we should call it a night.

Hey, I thought about those crystals Alward uses to grow the Ashran’s tunnels. Maybe we should use them.

Sera shook her head. They’re for emergencies, and I only have a couple of them. We should only use them as a last resort.

Bas sighed. Okay, you’re right.

I made some dinner from the supplies. It’s not much but let’s all sit and eat. Sera handed him a tin of food she’d recovered from the fallen jumper as he sat down on a log beside her.

Liana lit a small fire which Sera glamoured to avoid attracting unwanted visitors. The four of them sat around it. Sera and Li didn’t feel the cold much because they were used to the various changes of temperature that frequently happened in the old world.

So, what’s the plan? Niall asked, scowling at his soup as he warmed it up on the fire.

The plan was to get to Layard, Bas replied. But with the jumper out of action – I don’t know. The council will have a price on my head now, so we’ll all need to be extra careful.

That goes for being here, too, Sera added. The old world is much wilder than what you’re used to. Plants, trees, animals – all of them have a life of their own. Be careful what you touch when you’re here and try not to blow anything up.

Right. Don’t eat anything without asking us first, Li added. And don’t try hunting any animals either. Most of them are probably a lot stronger than the kind you’re used to.

Wonder if I’ll have a price on my head too? Niall said, stirring the lumpy contents of his dinner.

Who would want to find your ugly mug? Li retorted, glaring at him.

He grinned. I’m more than just a pretty face, spitfire.

Sera smiled. It felt good to have the two bickering again. Despite their predicament, she was glad they had each other.

Maybe you two should do a sharing ritual like Sera and I did, Bas suggested. Then Niall could have all your knowledge of this place like I do with Sera.

Li glared at him. Whoa, sharing is an intimate thing. The moron and I aren’t married like you two, she said and shuddered. I’m not marrying Niall. Nor am I sharing my thoughts and memories with anyone.

I’m up for it if you are, spitfire. Niall waggled his eyebrows at her.

Liana laughed. In your dreams, moron. Plus, I’m not fey, Dragons don’t share anything.

Sera stirred the soup she’d made earlier. Maybe we could travel through the lines.

Bas stared at her. Alward said not to after the Leorx came through.

Maybe I could move us all and the jumper too, Sera said, considering the idea. It had never been done before, but she didn’t believe in limitations.

That will take a colossal amount of energy, Bas said and shook his head. No, I’m not letting you risk yourself like that.

She snorted. You’re not letting me do anything. She jabbed him in the shoulder.

Still, you’ve never moved anything as big as the jumper. We’ll stay here for a while and take a good look around tomorrow.

Sera nodded without saying anything. She didn’t like the idea of staying out in the open like this, but they would have to make the best of it for now.

Chapter 2

Bas went to work on the jumper, trying to get its primary systems online. Most of the circuits had been fried – either from the crash or when the guards in Elmira had tried to prevent him from escaping. It pained him to see his beloved ship in such a state, but he’d have to make do with what little resources he had out here. They were too far from any mage town or city for him to go and buy parts. He doubted he’d get the jumper online anytime soon.

He thought of Sera’s idea to try and transport them, plus the jumper, through the ley lines. It’d would be too dangerous. He looked up as the first rays of dawn peeked through a blanket of inky darkness. Finally, some real light to work with.

Bas rubbed his eyes, yawned and gulped down some of the tea he’d brewed. Nothing like the strong stuff they had back home, but not too bad.

Pausing, he raised his hand and drew magic. Strange, how he’d stopped using the crystals mages used to get energy from after gaining Sera’s knowledge and learning that energy had been harvested from fey slaves. The realisation had sickened him to know that so many people were killed just to keep the mages stocked up on power. He’d never touch those again. He’d learned from Sera that magic not only came from within, but there was magic all around in nature and the lines of energy the fey used.

As far as he knew, mages had never been able to use the lines – most were oblivious to their existence – but one thing he learned from Sera was mages and Ithereals weren’t so different. Their magic seemed interlinked in some ways. He wanted to talk to Sera about trying to use the lines himself – he thought she would be supportive – but he wanted to try himself first. It would certainly help if he could use the lines himself; they came in handy for when they needed to make a quick getaway, especially if Sera and Li weren’t around to open them.

Bas cast his senses out, scanning for the lines of energy. Sera said they hummed or vibrated, feeling like blood pumping through veins. According to the fey, they were the earth’s lifeblood.

He raised his hand, feeling power ripple between his fingers – no light like Sera had or fire like Li had – no, mage magic wasn’t pretty like theirs. He concentrated, trying to call the lines into focus where he could see them just as he’d seen Sera do a dozen times. Come on, show up. I know I can do this.

Energy vibrated between his outstretched palms, tingling against his skin. Bas grinned then yelped when a charge of static jolted through his right hand, knocking him backwards. He stumbled, straightened and shook his hand, trying to get the pain to disburse. He didn’t want to wake Sera; if he did, he would have to explain what he’d been doing. He wanted to make sure he could do it first before telling her.

Bloody magic! Bas checked his hand, relieved it hadn’t left any visible marks.

He turned his attention back to the screen, then opened the engine pod. Best not to tell Sera about this little incident.

The sun would be up soon. Maybe they’d find a town or village nearby. Some fey still lived openly here. Maybe he’d get lucky and find some parts for the jumper.

A clang vibrated outside, making Bas tense. He grabbed his knife, clipped it to his belt and drew his sword. Then he saw he had left the bay door open. The mechanism had been so temperamental since the crash that he had thought it best to leave it open, but maybe that hadn’t been such a good idea.

He ducked against the wall, feeling cold steel against his back, bracing himself. Footsteps pounded against the ramp as something came inside. The stench of decay filled the air, making Bas want to gag. A Leorx. He would know that smell anywhere. How the hell had it gotten to them here? Not that they knew much about where the strange creatures came from in the first place.

Bas braced himself, pulling out his knife. Damn it, how the hell would he fight one of them in such a small space?

He held his breath, let his knife fall back into its sheath and pulled a glamour over himself, just as he had seen Sera do. It wasn’t as nice as one of Sera’s glamours, but it would do. The beast moved through the jumper, then Bas heard its footsteps faded as it left. He released out a breath, letting the glamour fall away. He peeked around the corner and saw the entrance now clear. The beast had retreated.

Shit, what about the others?

Bas reached out to Sera with his mind as he hurried from the jumper. Sera? Sera, wake up! He raced back towards the camp, leaves crunching underfoot and mist splattering his clothes with tiny droplets of water.

A roar echoed up ahead, and he felt Sera’s presence stronger at the edge of his mind. There’s a Leorx!

So I noticed! she replied. I’m coming out.

As the camp came into his sight, Bas spotted another demon which joined the Leorx he’d seen in the jumper. Great; two of them. Just what we need. Bas pulled out his stunner and fired, sending out a stream of blue energy. It hit the first Leorx in the back. The creature turned, snarling at him.

Okay, stunners don’t work.

Li sprang from the second tent, hurling fireballs at both creatures but it had little effect. Sera and Niall emerged from their tents too. Bas drew his sword as Sera hit one demon with a burst of light.

Use knives, not stunners, Bas told his team.

One demon lunged at Niall who dodged it. Bas drew magic too, throwing a strike as he ran. He hit one beast making it roar; then it took off in the opposite direction.

We’ll get it. You and Niall take care of this one! Sera yelled and spread her wings as she took to the air with Li running behind her.

Bas lunged at the other Leorx, claws slashing as he just tried to dodge its blow, but its claws tore through his shirt sleeve. He grunted from the pain but ignored it. Why do these damn things keep coming after us?

He noticed Niall vanishing back into the tent but didn’t have time to wonder what his teammate might be doing. The demon came at him so fast it almost had him by the throat. He couldn’t risk getting bitten by the thing as their venom was poisonous.

Bas dropped and rolled and then lifted his sword, thrusting it up into the demon’s chest. The creature howled in agony. Bas shoved the sword higher, feeling the blade glance off the beast’s ribcage until it pierced its heart.

The demon crumpled to the ground when Bas pulled his sword free. He wiped the blade on the grass, breathing a sigh of relief. He headed towards Niall’s tent; then he heard movement. He saw the demon rise, about to strike.

Get down! Niall cried and threw something at the Leorx.

Bas caught a flash of light before the air around him shattered like thunder without sound. The force of the explosion sent bats crashing to the ground. Ears ringing, he looked up to see Niall standing there, grinning.

Ah, thank the gods it worked, Niall breathed.

Bas clutched his head as he scrambled up trying to shake off the ringing sensation. You could warn me before you try to blow my head off!

It’s dead, isn’t it? Niall looked him up and down. You’re still in one piece – plus, I did warn you. I told you to get down.

Bas leaned on his sword for support. Of all the things he’d expected from living in the old world, being blown up by his best friend hadn’t been one of them.

Bits of demon now lay scattered over the ground. He hoped they couldn’t regenerate from that.

Come on; let’s make sure the Li and Sera are alright. Bas headed off after them.

Bas and Niall hurried off in the direction Sera and Li had run off in. When he heard a scream, Bas moved faster. Up ahead, he saw a tree moving, its branches curled around the Leorx. The beast snarled and thrashed but to Bas’s amazement the trees seemed to be winning. It squeezed the demon and ripped off its head, then dropped the head and body to the ground.

Bas couldn’t believe his eyes. He’d never seen or heard of trees being able to do anything other than grow and shed leaves.

The branches shot down, wrapped around Sera and hauled her into the air.

What the— Bas spotted a figure lurking in the branches. It looked almost humanoid, but her skin looked like bark and her hair like pale orange leaves. Her eyes were green – almost cat-like. She seemed to be controlling the tree.

Power flared in Bas’s hand as he prepared to strike the strange woman.

Bas, don’t! Sera shouted.

Are you joking? he asked, staring up at her in disbelief. I’m not going to let that thing behead you!

Don’t interfere! Sera squirmed, and the branches tightened around her.

Why the hell not? he demanded, staring up at his wife.

She’s right, don’t attack. Li grabbed his arm.

Bas glared at her, shrugging her off. You saw what that thing… He wondered why neither of them seemed too concerned about the tree-wielding psycho. He didn’t bother searching through the memories he had for Sera either; he was too worried about getting her the hell down and out of the tree’s grasp.

Hush! Li snapped.

Bas, she’s a dryad, Sera said. You can’t hurt her!

And? If she hurts you— He knew dryads were some type of tree-dwellers closely related to the fey, but that’s all the knowledge that popped into his mind.

Tree killers! the dryad screeched. You dare attack my tree!

Bas made another move, ready to strike the dryad down and get Sera out of the tree’s clutches.

Don’t! Li hissed. Let Sera handle this. Dryads are a lot more powerful than you think.

Bas did not doubt their power after seeing what it had done to the demon. He just didn’t want Sera’s life put at risk.

I’m sorry, we didn’t mean to attack your tree, Sera said. We meant no harm. In fact, we were trying to save you from the demon.

Bas’s jaw tightened. Why the hell are you apologising to it?

Sera ignored him. I’m fey like you – Ithereal. We are kin, and kin don’t harm each other, she continued. I swear we meant no harm.

Bas gripped his sword. If the damned tree didn’t let go of Sera soon, he’d blast it to bits.

The dryad paused. Kin… she mused.

Come on; you know Sera won’t harm you. Put her down, Bas snapped, keeping a tight grip on his sword. Those demons attacked us, and we were defending ourselves.

The dryad’s eyes narrowed on him. You used deadly fire. You are one who rapes and ravages the earth with your unnatural magic, mage! she spat. My sisters and I have seen what your kind does to us.

He shoved the blade of his sword into the ground and lent on it. I’m not like other mages, and I haven’t attacked your tree. Yet. He glowered at the dryad. Can’t you see my wife is like you? Put her down, or I will blast your tree apart.

Bastian! Sera said, glaring at him. I told you to stay out of this.

Bas returned her glare. He didn’t care if she got angry at him; he just wanted her back on solid ground, away from tree-killing dryads. She could be mad at him later, as long as she was safe.

The dryad turned her attention back Sera. You’re mated with a mage? How could you do that? the woman’s lip curled. Mages are the enemy!

Sera sighed. He’s a good man – he respects our kind and our lands. He may be a little rough around the edges, but he means well. I apologise for harming your tree – it wasn’t our intention.

Bas felt his patience running out.

I’m the one who killed the other beast, Niall added. We…

Li hit him on the back of the head. Shut up, she hissed. You will make things worse. I told you to be careful about what you say in this world.

I promise none of us will harm your tree or any other again – not on purpose, anyway, Sera said and glanced down at Bas.

Will we? Bas grunted in response.

We are kin, and many would wipe out this forest. We fight against those people.

I promise to, Li added and nudged Niall. You need to promise as well.

Niall nodded. I promise too.

The dryad frowned. Fine. We accept your apology and will hold you to your oath.

The branches moved, dropping Sera onto the ground. She rubbed her arms and said, As a show of faith, I’ll prove we meant no disrespect. Her hands flared with light as she touched the tree and the scorch marks vanished.

The dryad let out a squeal of delight, clapping her hands. You’ve proven yourself worthy. Here, take this. She leaned down and dropped a small wooden flute.

Sera caught hold of it and bowed her head. Thank you.

You may call on us if you ever have need, the dryad said. Just blow the flute, and we will come to your aid. She then vanished back into her tree.

Bas rubbed the back of his head. What just happened? he asked.

I think we just made a powerful new friend. Sera smiled and gave him a quick kiss. Next time though, let me handle things.

As long as she keeps her tree branches to herself, Bas muttered, running a hand along Sera’s shoulders to make sure the tree hadn’t left any marks on her. And doesn’t wrap them around you again, I don’t mind having her as an ally.

He’d never look at trees in the same way again, though.

I don’t understand how the demons found us, Li remarked as they headed back to camp.

Bas hesitated. I think they were attracted by the power of the lines, he said. We can’t stay out here in the open like this for long. He didn’t want to leave the jumper, but he would if it meant getting his team to safety.

Sera frowned at him. I thought I felt someone using the lines earlier. Where were you?

Trying to work on the jumper.

I’ll get started on breakfast, Li said and glared at Niall. Don’t try to blow us all up.

Hey, it worked. Much better than anything you’ve come up with, spitfire.

Bas was grateful when the pair drifted on. It was me using the lines earlier, he admitted.

Sera’s eyes narrowed. How? Mages can’t use the lines, well, except for Layard.

Well, that’s not true after all. He sighed. I didn’t say I was any good at it. He held up his hands. Hey, I thought it would be worth a try.

Her face softened. You need to be careful. Ley line magic is very dangerous to the inexperienced.

But if I could use it, it would come in handy. And I have a great person to teach me how. He wrapped an arm around her.

I’ll think about it, she said. We can’t use the lines at all unless we have to. If the demons are attracted by them, we’ll have to avoid using them altogether.

Chapter 3

Sera hitched her pack over her shoulder as she and Liana headed away from the camp. I hope we can find some decent supplies in the village.

We’re lucky we even crash-landed anywhere near a village, Li replied. We should be on our guard too. We don’t know what kind of reaction we might get.

I’m an Ithereal, and you’re a dragon – why would anyone treat us any different?

Li shrugged. Better to be cautious than careless. With war brewing again, we can’t trust anyone, not even other fey.

I hope they have some parts Bas and Niall can use on the jumper. Sometimes markets have pieces of mage tech. I might get lucky.

Why are you looking for parts? Li asked. You could glamour Bas or Niall and send one of them. We need to get supplies, like food and stuff. Merchants like you better than me, so I need you to help me haggle.

Having a mage wandering around – even a glamoured one – might raise suspicions. But I have a good idea of what tech to look for. Sera pushed her way through the trees as branches caught at her clothes.

So, what happens with you and Bas now? Do you think you can make it work? Li shoved a branch away and pulled Sera into the clearing, which revealed a dirt track leading to the nearby village.

We are making it work, she said, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. We’re happy. Despite their predicament, things with Bas felt better than ever now they were finally able to have an open and honest relationship together. She’d even started wearing her wedding ring again, which she’d kept all these years, despite them being apart and thinking they’d never see each other again.

Yeah, but he’s walked away from everything he’s ever known to a place where mages are killed. That can’t make things easy.

He has my knowledge of the old world. She tried not to let Li’s words bother her and wondered why she’d even brought it up.

Yeah, but he’s still a mage. It won’t be easy for him, or Niall, here. Li shook her head. From my experience, mages don’t cope well in strange new environments.

Sera frowned. Why are you saying this? I thought you were happy for us?

I am, ada, but I’m not blinded by love. Look, I know Bas loves you, and you love him, but you’ve never openly had a relationship before – not a real one anyway. I’m just saying it won’t be easy. Li eyed the gold band on Sera’s left. You weren’t exactly a married couple either since you were both kids.

Sera snorted. Nothing has ever been easy for us. We were torn apart on our wedding night. He thought I was dead for over a decade, she said. I know it’ll be hard, but I know we’ll get through it.

Good. I just went just don’t want to see you get hurt again. Li squeezed her hand. How did Niall wind up in all this? I get why Bas left Elmira, but why did Niall have to come with him?

We’re a team, and he didn’t like what was happening in Elmira either. Sera laughed. Besides, you missed him.

Li rolled her eyes. Yeah, right.

They moved out of the woods and along a dirt track until the sounds of people talking and the rich smell of stew cooking wafted through the air. Sera loved the familiar sounds and smells. It reminded her of growing up with Li and Alward. He’d taken her to places like this. It felt good to be out in the open among her own people again. She didn’t have to hide her wings or her true nature.

I’ll go and search for some decent food, Li said, eyeing the different stalls with a sigh. You go look for whatever Bas needs. But watch yourself, ada.

You too. Don’t haggle too much. The last time we went to a market the villagers almost chased you away.

Li rolled her eyes again. Their prices were ridiculous. I was only asking for a fair price.

Sera laughed and moved off, scanning the different stalls. She spent a few minutes trading for herbs and other ingredients but knew she had to spend her crystals wisely. Getting food and parts for the jumper was their main priority. She wished she could show Bas around but knew she couldn’t risk it. Glamours might help hide fey from mages, they but wouldn’t work so well around other fey. Some Ithereals could see through even the strongest of glamours.

Spotting a stall brimming with gadgets, Sera headed over. The merchant, a short fat man with a long red beard appeared as she went up to the stall. She guessed he was a dwarf. He beamed at her as she approached. What can I get for you?

Sera recognised his sleazy grin straight away. Someone out to make a quick bunch of crystals, no doubt.

"If you