The Anointed Fae: The Anointed Fae Series, #1

By Jess Huxx and Anna Raven

Eons ago, nine gods representing the elemental bloodlines split the realm in three, separating elements to ensure peace between the fae. But as the barriers between the realms start to falter and the elemental magic dwindles, students born into the most powerful families from the three realms are ripped out of their worlds to study their elemental magic together for the first time at the newly formed Trigon Academy of the Arcane Arts.

 

In an epic fantasy coming-of-age tale filled with romance, the story follows Oriel, a social, superficially driven redhead from the Leukós realm, and Aries, a sullen, lonely water elemental from the Tenebrous realm, whose futures have already been chosen for them by their families. After Trigon, Oriel is set to marry a power-hungry playboy from one of the most elite fire elemental families in Leukós, and Aries is expected to follow her family's powerful, dark, legacy, despite being unaware of what awaits her.

Though the two girls are vastly different, together they discover an ancient legend that not only forces them to lie but creates rippling consequences. Oriel and Aries realize not everything is as it seems, finding themselves working together to uncover the mysteries behind the legend, and unearthing more secrets than they could have imagined.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Huxx & Raven Publishing
• Release date: Aug 26, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215966433

Jess Huxx

 Jess Huxx is a wife and a proud mom. In the real world, she has a degree in Actuarial Science and is presently pursuing her MA in creative writing. In her fantasy world, she is a woodland elf who uses her incredible archery skills to defend the world from the endless stream of evil heartless villains. She has co-authored her first novel, The Anointed Fae, with Anna Raven, and is currently working on three writing projects, one of which is the sequel to Jess and Anna's first novel. 

Book preview

Trigon Academy of the Arcane Arts Map

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Prolog

Tell me what I need to know, and this will all be over, the voice asked again.

I don’t know. I gasped, my body searing from the pain. I don’t know anything.

I could hear my tormentor pacing up and down, their footsteps echoed around the chamber.

There must be a way for me to identify them, the male voice said. How many are there?

I don’t know, I breathed, my body reeling with pain.

It must’ve been earth magic that hit my chest, the smell of dirt filling my nose as a solid mass of rock crashed into me with a sickening crack. Pain seared up my ribcage.

Just tell me, and I’ll spare you.

I don’t know.

Why did you always have to be this stubborn?

The magic chains holding me in place cut into the skin of my wrists. A wave of heat engulfed me, a blazing fire raging around and within me. My screams were so loud I couldn’t believe they were coming from me.

Please.... I whispered; my body close to giving up. Pain numbed to a white, throbbing heat.

Tell me how to find them, my tormentor asked again, his tone filled with acidic cruelty.

Enough, a female voice echoed through the room.

He has what we’re looking for, he’s done all the research, he knows the teachings, he has to know how to find them, the voice of my tormentor barked.

How long have you had him here? the female voice asked.

Hours, and he hasn’t said a thing.

Are you sure he knows?

He has to.

Another ball of fire magic hit me, the flames coiling around my chest, the smell of burning flesh filling the room.

I said enough.

Ice magic wrapped around my body, cooling the burns.

Why won’t you just tell us, old man? a male voice asked.

My teachings were just fables, stories of ancient truths, I mumbled, shuddering from the pain, unable to catch my breath.

Then tell us about the teachings, tell us about the fables, my tormentor shouted.

I tried to open my mouth, but no words came out. Instead, blood trickled out of my mouth. My lungs were unable to draw any air, each rattling breath pulling me closer into oblivion.

If he dies, we have nothing! the second voice shouted, sounding panicked.

Then we will heal him, my tormentor said.

We don’t have that kind of magic.

My body started convulsing. The sound of their footsteps rushing around and the feel of their hands told me they were trying to save me. They freed me from the magical chains. I mustered up every last bit of energy I had left and reached for my blindfold.

You, I whispered, looking into my tormentor’s blue and brown eyes. Why?

Why? His breathing was calm. Because this is the only way to ensure power remains within the circle. You just have to tell us how to find them.

I choked. Blood spilled from my mouth as I lay gasping for air. Images of my wife and son flashed through my mind, memories piling on top of one another. I would never be able to share the truth with them. They would never know or understand why I had to die, why I had to leave them so soon.

Just tell me how to identify them, you old fool, and we will leave your family out of this.

I gathered every inch of strength I had left, smiling, knowing that when this was over, I would peacefully cross over to Caedes, where my soul would rest.

No, old friend, today I will die, and their identities will die with me.

Chapter 1

Chancellor Udos Altrus

Huge archways encircled the room, each framed by an alcove with a statue at its center. The statues represented the nine gods and the respective element from which they were born. My eyes came to rest on Verglas, the god of ice. In his hand was an ice crystal continuously changing size, one moment filling the outstretched hand of the statue and the next only the size of a tiny snowflake. I had been a member of this council for many decades, but the magic that resided here still amazed me. I leaned forward on the crescent-shaped table. The other eight councilors were still arguing. We faced a problem to which we had no solution, possible solutions, but none guaranteed to work.

The room grew quiet.

So, are we in agreement then? I asked.

Vixra glared at me through her one good eye and waved her hand dismissively. Clearly, she was not happy but had finally given in. I looked over at Feron and Gaduna, the only other council members who were completely against the idea from the start.

Gaduna spoke, her eyes wide. Fae from the different realms won’t ever get along, there has and will always be a power struggle between the Lumini, Tartarean, and Mesial. That’s why the gods split the realms in the first place. Travel between the realms is forbidden for a reason. She swiped her shoulder-length black hair out of her petite brown face.

I stared at her blankly. Realm travel is only forbidden because a council decided it to be so thousands of years ago.

Udos, she started.

Chancellor Altrus, I corrected her.

Apologies, Chancellor Altrus, I’m sure they had their reasons. And, although we know the rumors that fae from other realms are barbaric are not true, the rest believe it, heart and soul. They’ll be sure to encourage their children to avoid the other realmers. Not to mention, I have been on this council for two years now and still cannot see eye to eye with most of you. 

A laugh came from my right, Paskel lazily tapped his cane against the table. You cannot see eye to eye with your own shadow, Gaduna. His eyes swept around the table and returned to me; a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. I, for one, look forward to seeing what will happen when these students come together. It will be marvelous! he said, laughing boisterously.

Gaduna stood from her chair. This is no laughing matter Paskel. Previous councils kept them apart. If we bring them together and they don’t get along, there might be dire consequences. They are the children of the most powerful fae from each realm. One wrong move and we might be at war.

I rose out of my chair.

Enough, I yelled, my voice bellowing across the room, making Gaduna sink into her chair. All three realms, Equipoise, Leukós, and Tenebrous have seen a decrease in magic over the last few centuries, and it is getting worse every year. Creatures are breaking through the barriers, seemingly from somewhere in between, a place where we didn’t believe anything could thrive. For now, they are mostly small, but it won’t be long before larger creatures make their way through to the other realms. Each realm only knows how to deal with its own creatures. I clenched my fists. Should I remind you about the town that was destroyed by the Blasbarok?

Vixra touched her wrecked eye. No one has to remind me.

I didn’t need reminding either, the creature was over six feet when standing on all fours, a body like a hound but with a sharper snout. It was covered in impenetrable scales instead of fur, its sharp claws digging into the earth each time it lunged forward. The stench pouring out between its jagged teeth was an unbearable decaying smell that will haunt me for the rest of my life. Vixra was first on site that day, most of her injuries were treatable, but the decaying rot that its claws left behind cost her an eye. It took the entire council to take the creature down and no one knew how to deal with it since the monster had never been seen in any of the realms.

A voice pulled me back from the memory. Why do you want to drag almost 500 kids from their respective realms all the way to Trigon? Can we not just educate the most powerful, adult fae? They can then go home and teach the young fae from their own realms? Feron asked, adjusting his tie.

No one would be able to tell how much time he spent in front of the books by just looking at him, he had perfectly styled brown hair and always sported tailored fitted suits.

Feron, those fae are set in their ways and will not be eager to learn new skills. Besides, I doubt there will be enough time for them to transfer the knowledge after we’ve taught them all we know, I said firmly, frustrated with the continuous back and forth. If we bring the students here, we can directly transfer important knowledge to a large group of fae, and they can gain experience in the safety of the school.

Looking at them one by one, I dared them to say another word. I assume we can continue with the arrangements then? Was anyone going to oppose it?

Nothing.

A smile played around my mouth.

Good! I’ll prepare the school grounds.

Excuse me, Chancellor, Gaduna interrupted. I do have another concern. Why are we mixing students from different realms into the houses, why not keep them in separate dorms?

I scratched my head. To be honest Gaduna, the houses were enchanted during their creation to select students using a certain unknown criterion, and no one has been able to figure out how to remove or change that enchantment. We can adjust some of the room assignments, but that is about it.

She raised her eyebrows in surprise. Interesting.

I scanned the paper in front of me. Feron, before we conclude, did you finish the comparison between the curriculums of the different realms?

Yes Chancellor, since the curriculums have always been determined by the Realm’s Council, they are identical. Students who already completed their first, second, and third year at a local academy, can just continue their studies at Trigon next year without any impact.

I rose to my feet. Good, enjoy your last few months of peace and quiet, council members. Your new students will be arriving soon, and Trigon Academy will, for the first time in history, host students from all three realms; the Mesial from Equipoise, the Lumini from Leukós, and the Tartarean from Tenebrous.

With a huge weight off my shoulders, I walked to the statue of Dhara. Earth moved between her fingers, the element which I represent on the council. One quick nod to Paskel, before I slipped around the back of the statue, finding the well-hidden staircase leading to my private office. As I descended into the dimly-lit corridor, my steps slowed a little. Everything was coming together as planned, everything I said was a convenient truth, and even though I managed to convince the rest of the council, I now had to convince myself. There was nothing I despised more than the thought of having the other realmers around me, their weakness among the strong, but if we wanted to find THEM, we had no other choice.

Chapter 2

Oriel

Red, orange, and yellow filled the horizon, and birds chattered excitedly as they greeted the slow approach of night. Glancing back at the hotel behind me, I sighed. This wasn’t how I wanted to spend my last night in Leukós. It wasn’t different from any other weekend; every Friday and Saturday I had to be at some formal function. But this was my last night, I wanted to be home, eating homemade cookies with Chef, going through my bags to make sure I’d packed everything, and spending quality time with my critters.

I had mixed feelings about going to the Trigon Academy in Equipoise. Leukós, the realm I grew up in, was a tropical paradise, even our winters were warm. Equipoise on the other hand had four distinct seasons varying between frozen winters and warm summers. Cold winters meant snow and many sensational new outfits I could wear, including fluffy boots and knitwear. I had to admit I was nervous about the ‘other realmers’ who were rumored to be cold, ruthless, and untrustworthy. There was also the fact that I was leaving a wonderful father and my rescued animals behind. One person I did not mind leaving behind was my mother, my own personal nightmare.

I heard footsteps at the top of the stairs coming from the hotel and whirled my head around to see if it was someone sent to call me back to the black-tie event I was attending, but through the last few rays of sun that hindered my sight, I saw a pair of sneakers and relaxed, turning back to the beautiful hotel gardens.  I felt something cold against my leg and jerked away. Next to my feet, sat an ocean-blue foxlike creature with large ears, its three tails flaring out behind it and the tip of its tails and ears white. It turned its little head and my heart melted at the sight of those big sparkling eyes.

A gravelly voice broke the silence. I’m sorry, she typically avoids people.

A few feet away stood a young man with short, dark blonde hair. He was tanned, had cosmic blue eyes, characteristic of a wind fae, and a shy, one-sided smile.

I returned the smile and knelt next to the cute creature. I don’t mind, I love animals. I started scratching its soft coat. I’ve never seen a creature like this.

She’s a sable fox, he said, walking closer. Her name is Meo.

Meo, hey girl.

He knelt next to her, the faint scent of vanilla and cedar drifting to my nose.

My heart skipped a beat as my eyes met his for a moment. I blushed, turning my full attention to Meo. Shy? Me, Oriel Aurora Donahue, who didn’t have a shy bone in her body? Where does she come from?

He shifted uncomfortably. She’s from Tenebrous.

I blinked. Tenebrous?

Yeah, it is a long story. He cleared his throat. Don’t take this the wrong way, but you don’t seem like the kind of girl that likes animals.

My lips twitched into a smile. Yeah, I’m one of those books with way too much glitter and fluff on its cover, but on the inside, there is just a bunch of plain pages.

He chuckled and started rubbing Meo too. Plain pages maybe, but if you love animals the content is sure to be good.

I hope so.

I glanced up into his blue eyes and found him smiling at me. Distracted, my fingers wandered down Meo’s back and bumped into his hand. Our hands were barely touching but the effect was huge. I could hardly breathe.

Footsteps at the top of the stairs broke the spell.

Where is that girl? The unmistakable shrill voice of my mother carried from the shadows. Her curly blonde hair, pale face, and bloodred lips made their appearance. She put her hand irritably on her hip.

I stood straight and pulled on my dress.

When her eyes adjusted to the sun, she glared at me. Can’t you for once be where you supposed to be? Her eyes narrowed more when she looked at the man standing behind me.

I turned towards him. I have to go; it was nice meeting you and Meo. I wanted to ask his name, but the tapping of my mother’s foot against the floor tiles distracted me. A quick glance in her direction and then back at the mysterious stranger.

He gave another shy smile. It was nice meeting you too.

Disappointed that I had to leave, I turned to my mother and made my way up the stairs.

My mother’s nose wrinkled, and she pulled at my dress. Who was that?

I don’t know, he had a fox for a pet. She was cute.

Go and wash your hands and make sure you don’t smell like a filthy animal. There are important people here tonight that we need to impress.

I turned to walk to the door, but she grabbed my arm.

Oh, and dear, I told you our reputation is all we have, don’t go throwing it away by talking to fae like that.

I narrowed my eyes, Fae like that at least have a heart.

She lifted her hand in the air ready to hit me, I closed my eyes waiting for the blow, but nothing came. Useless girl. Be grateful I can’t send you back to the hall with a red cheek. But you’ll get what’s coming to you when we are back home.

She stomped away. I opened my eyes, took a deep breath, and made my way to the washroom.

Back in the hall, I put on my socialite smile and, with perfect grace, joined my mother and father’s side, pretending to be the happiest girl in the whole of Leukós. We dined and danced before ending up in smaller groups talking.

I love your dress Oriel, a short girl with curly blonde hair squeaked.

Thank you. I swayed my butt side to side to show off the flowy purple fabric of the A-line, off-shoulder dress with a ruffle split front.

Where did you buy it? At FaeFabulous? Another girl asked

The girl with curly blonde hair clicked her tongue. Oriel is a Donahue, she doesn’t buy her dresses in shops, she gets them made by the best designers in Leukós. Right, Oriel?

I smiled widely. Of course.

Good night, Oriel, I hope you enjoy Trigon, a gruff voice said behind me.

I turned around and found an old classmate standing behind me. Aww thank you. I hugged him. I’ll miss everyone here.

We’ll miss you too, he said and waved at the girls behind me. Then he walked off with a swagger. I turned back to the girls so I could pretend to be interested in their riveting conversation.

I’ve heard he is dating the model who was on the Glitter Fae magazine cover.

Please, he doesn’t date, he has a new girl every time I see him.

You know him well, Oriel, is he seeing her or not?

I cocked my head. Who are we talking about?

Zyron.

I sighed. Zyron D’Arco, a handsome young man that could make most woman’s knees buckle, about 7 years older than me, midnight blue hair, and most importantly, the son of the richest and most powerful fae in Leukós.

Three pairs of eyes watched me intensely, and I raised an eyebrow in response. I have no idea.

Come on, Oriel, you’re family friends are you not?

No, he is closer in age to my sister, Elva. They usually hang out. And, I snorted, we don’t really get along.

That was the absolute truth, just last week we had a huge fight. We went to the Lake for Elva’s birthday and Zyron took over. He invited a bunch of random fae and even convinced some girls to have a wet t-shirt competition. I clenched my fists at the memory. He ruined my sister’s day. Not to mention, after my sister blew out the candles on her birthday cake, Zyron, in front of everyone, told her he hoped that was the closest she got to the cake because she couldn’t afford to gain any more weight. That was the moment I lost it, threw the cake in his face, and pushed him off the pier. As punishment, I had to carry his bags when we went hiking the next day. Mother’s orders. He made sure not to pack lightly. Hateful man.

One of the girls pointed behind me. Oriel, I think your mother is looking for you.

I turned my head to see my mother waving sweetly at me, I returned the smile and walked over to her. She led me out the hall to a private meeting room, dropping the pretense the moment she closed the door. I was expecting another spat, but instead, she smiled at me, which made me even more nervous.

What’s wrong, mother?

Nothing dear, the negotiations with Mr. D’Arco have been finalized.

So, Elva and Zyron will marry? I asked, pained. I knew my sister wouldn’t be happy with that selfish, womanizing asshole. Since my family was in a bit of a financial crisis, and my sister would be taking over the family business, she put herself and her happiness on the line. I cringed at the thought of her having to spend her life married to him.

No, but he is willing to marry and settle down five years from now when you return from Trigon.

When I return from Trigon?

He doesn’t want to marry your sister; he wants to marry you.

I laughed and shook my head. There is no way, he doesn’t even like me, we don’t even get along.

My mother’s face turned stern, sucking with it every inch of warmth from my body, as though a shard of ice had struck my faintly beating heart.

No, mother, you can’t make me marry him, please? I begged, tears threatening to escape.

I can, and I will. You know I hold the futures of everyone you love in my hands, so do as I say. A sly smile curled around her mouth, as she tapped her hand on my cheek. I’ll give you a few minutes, pull yourself together, Zyron wants to speak to you. She turned and walked towards the door, pausing, and adding over her shoulder. Heaven knows why he decided to marry you, but look at it this way Oriel, for the first time in your life, you can feel like you’ve done something right. With a dark chuckle, she disappeared.

I sank into a nearby chair, taking deep breaths, trying to calm my thunderous heart. Thoughts rushed through my mind; this must be a mistake, it can’t be happening, he’ll realize it as soon as he steps through the door, he’ll have to.

Someone approached and the door opened. I stood and straightened my dress. Zyron walked through the door with his larger-than-life presence, midnight blue hair, and ice-cold, emotionless eyes.

Oriel.

Zyron.

His eyes roamed over my body as he walked towards me, stopping only inches away. No insults today?

Well, I can’t really insult my future husband now, can I?

He chuckled as his fingers started tracing up the slit on my thigh, his eyes never leaving mine.

Why? I whispered.

I have my reasons.

I couldn’t take it anymore and broke eye contact, trying to step backward, but he put his hand around my middle and held me in place.

Don’t. He leaned in and kissed me, my body stiffening. Grunting, he pulled me closer. Oriel, I own you now, stop fighting it.

The ring isn’t on my finger yet, asshole, I growled, anger boiling up in me.

There she is. He looked happy, like he had been waiting for me to lose it. I do own you. You know the only reason you're still going to Trigon is because I decided you should go. Don’t make me change my mind.

So, does that mean we’re officially engaged?

No, not yet. I don’t need any complications now; we go on as we would have before the arrangement. We’ll meet every six months when you come home for breaks. And when you come back from Trigon, we will get engaged and married. At least, that’s the plan for now. I could always change my mind.

That, at least was a little comfort. I had some time.

Zyron looked at his watch. I have to go; I still have a few things to take care of tonight. I’ll be in touch. He leaned in to kiss me again. I stood motionless, not willing to give into his kiss, not that it stopped him.  He turned and held his arm out for me to take, leading me back to the party.

Chapter 3

Aries

I stepped onto the balcony overlooking acres of land that belonged to my family. The icy hills of Mt Brumal, the northernmost part of Tenebrous, all for my taking, sprawled out in front of me. Yet, I didn't want any of it.

Ms. Vygros?

I turned to meet our butler, Vasnon’s, soft gaze.

Yes?

I believe it’s almost time, Ms.

Thank you, Vasnon.

A shiver ran through my body, my grip tightening around the leather bag straps in my hand. Today, for the first time, I would leave the realm I’d called home for eighteen years.  My mother had tried to soften the blow by informing me that it was only the most powerful fae in the realm selected to send their children to the newly formed Trigon Academy of the Arcane Arts.

It’s for the good of all the realms, Aries, think of everything you’ll learn.

But it all sounded like bullshit to me. The other realms had never featured on my family’s list of things to care about before. From a young age I had even been separated from my fellow Tartareans; kept within elite circles and confined within our stone walls.

Aries. My father’s call boomed through the manner.

Vasnon cleared his throat. Should I take your bag?

I’ve got it, thank you.

Are you okay, Ms. Vygros?

Does it matter? I shrugged; my heart full of sadness.

It will be okay, young Vygros.

Vasnon wasn’t just the minder of the manner, he was my friend, my only friend.

Would you mind telling my parents that I'll be down in a moment, please?

Of course.

Vasnon turned to leave me in solitude. My thoughts buzzed as I took in the icy terrain one more time, knowing I wouldn't be home for a couple of months at least. As much as leaving was hard, the thought of always being alone seemed harder.

Aries! My father bellowed a second time.

I took a deep breath, filling my lungs with the cold, familiar air. Stilling my body, I allowed the cold frost to sit against my skin, before turning to re-enter through the large glass doors.

Are you ready? my mother asked as soon as I entered the great room.

If I said no, could I stay?

Don’t be ridiculous, Aries. You are the daughter of two of the most powerful fae in all of Tenebrous. What would people say if you didn’t go? my father interrupted and I instantly regretted my sort-of joke.

How could I forget; daughter of the great Leros and Atris Vygros.

I scanned his face, trying to look past the thick dark hair and beard complementing his tanned skin, hoping to find some ember of warmth.

Excuse me?

I paused. You know, I see it.

See what? he asked, his narrowed eyes on me.

The reason other Tartarean are scared of you, I said coolly, trying to soothe the nerves in my voice before speaking. Those gleaming red irises, they hold no compassion.

Compassion? My father’s nostrils flared. My eyes symbolize my element of lifeforce. It has nothing to do with compassion, or sending you away.

Aries, why are you trying to provoke your father? my mother said.

I was jus—

This isn’t a punishment, this is an honor, my father interrupted.

For you.

He sighed and I could see my words getting under his tough exterior.

Aries, with our family name comes responsibility, he said with a deep frown, scanning my face for acceptance. You will represent Tenebrous and this family; it’s not up for discussion.

It never is.

Before either of my parents could respond to my bravery, a thunderous boom echoed through our great hall.

Lord Vygros, presenting high council member Paskel Graff, Vasnon announced calmly as an older man with white hair, dark eyes and a cane walked into the room.

Paskel! My father embraced the man. Always good to see you, old friend.

Same to you Leros, Atris. Little Aries, is that really you? Paskel asked, taking in my small frame. My how you have grown.

My father’s chest puffed up. My one and only heir.

Let’s have a look then, shall we? Paskel muttered, coming closer to study me. 

At what? I questioned, a hard edge to my voice.

Paskel ignored my question and instead continued to move around me like a wild animal hunting its prey. He pulled my chin closer to study my face.

Still quite the pity that she ended up with the element of water, Paskel stated.

My mouth fell open. I was unable to hide my disgust at his comment.

It happens, but she will be one of the strongest water fae we’ve seen.

My mother let out a soft