Secrets

By Catherine Sitz

Sierra settles into life in Bresslewood, but they are soon hit with another disaster that would involve all eight realms and the creation of a new realm.

The race of Invisibles is tricked and use Dak and Mavis in their ill-fated scheme that backfires and releases an evil that threatens the realms. Out of the darkness and despair also come

• Language: English
• Publisher: Entertainment Enterprise
• Release date: Mar 1, 2024
• ISBN: 9781947040038

Catherine Sitz

Catherine Sitz has been writing since she was a teenager. Her other works include Book II of The Eight Realms Series: "Escape" as well as books under pen name C.L. Montgomery, including "Beyond Hell" and "For All Time."Catherine was born and raised in West Texas, where, for most of her adult life, she worked in the oil and gas industry. Upon retiring, Catherine has dedicated her time to writing. Catherine currently resides in Central Texas.

Book preview

Chapter One

Dak

Dak studied the woman smiling at him from the other side of the bars. Something tugged at the back of his mind. She looked vaguely familiar.

Now, why don’t you think we can be friends? she

asked, seductively.

Oh, I don’t know, maybe because I’m on this side of the bars, and I’m pretty sure that you put me here, he said, gripping the bars with both hands.

She smiled, her blue eyes twinkling. You’re only there for my protection,

Dak studied her closely. She had to be Mags’ sister, Mavis. Are you afraid of me? he asked.

Should I be? she teased. So, where are we?

Somewhere safe, she smiled sweetly.

I was safe before you snatched me, he reminded her. Mavis frowned. I’d like to think that I rescued you, From what? he asked puzzled.

Not what, whom, she answered cryptically. "Mags, of

course,"

Of course, he repeated absently, wondering what her

game was.

Mavis frowned angrily. Are you mocking me? Dak smiled, showing off his pointed teeth as he leaned against the bars. Now why would I do that? After all, we are such good friends, or we could be, if you would let me out of here,

And then what?

We become friends, he said smiling.

I think I feel safer with us becoming friends with you in there and me out here, she laughed.

"Well, I don’t feel so safe being locked up in here. Is

this how you treat your friends?"

I’m sorry you don’t trust me, but you will. Please let me know what I can get you to make you more comfortable,

Dak turned and looked at the threadbare mattress and said, I’ve got all the comforts of home. What could I possibly need?

You have a nasty streak, she said glaring at him with her hands resting on her slender hips.

I do apologize. Being in a cage makes me a little testy. "The sooner you behave yourself, the sooner you will be

set free."

"And just what do I have to do to prove that I’m

behaving?"

No more smart remarks would be a good place to start. I need you to trust me so I can show you the truth.

What truth? About Mags. What is the truth?

"Did she tell you that she killed our parents and tried to

kill me?" she said sadly.

Dak was stunned. Mags wouldn’t have hurt her family. He looked deep into Mavis’ blue eyes. She either believed what

she was saying or had told herself this lie so often, that she believed it.

He would have to play along, or he would never get out

of this cell.

You don’t believe me? she asked.

"I’m stunned. That is terrible. Why, would she do

something so horrible?"

The kingdom of course.

I’m sorry, he said sadly, pretending to go along with

her.

Mavis’ eyes opened wide with surprise. "What did you

say?"

I said, I’m sorry. You believe me?

"I don’t know what to believe, but I’m sorry that you

lost your family."

Mavis studied Dak closely. Could he really believe her? She needed him to trust her, but this was entirely too easy. You will be given food and blankets. We will talk again tomorrow, she said, turning and disappearing back up the stairs.

Dak watched her go. He sat down on the cot, wondering

how he was going to get out of this.

Mavis shut the door behind her and leaned against it. She had to make Mags pay for what she had done.

Regaining her composure, she entered the large empty room. She never knew when they were watching her. She had to stay strong. She couldn’t appear weak.

She could feel them around her, watching her every move. She wished they would show themselves.

One of the Invisibles took form in front of Mavis, startling her. She stopped and studied the ethereal figure before her, masking her emotions.

They were a strange unfriendly race. No wonder the

other realms knew little about them.

How is your prisoner?

She wanted to scream at him that Dak was her guest, but conversation was a waste of time with them.

He’s fine, she replied, wishing he would get on with

the real reason he appeared before her.

He will help you accomplish your task? In time. I need to gain his trust first. His magic is strong enough? I believe it is.

Perfect. We are excited about this endeavor.

I’m aware. But you must understand that it may take time to accomplish.

We understand.

Mavis shivered. The way he spoke sounded like a threat. Thank you, she said sweetly.

I’ll leave you to enjoy your evening, he said fading

away.

Enjoy the evening, doing what? She left the castle and wondered around the palatial grounds before returning to the castle as darkness approached.

The palace was enormous and well kept. Framed pictures of landscapes dotted the marble walls. Mavis stopped in front of one that reminded her of home.

A pain of longing clutched her heart. She would make Mags pay for killing their parents. She wiped a single tear from her smooth cheek and continued exploring the castle.

She wondered outside to the balcony that overlooked the well-manicured lawn, framed by a dense forest. She wondered who kept everything in perfect order.

She couldn’t imagine any of the Invisibles that she’d met working in the yard or cleaning the palace. Were they able to maintain perfect order with magic? She had no idea how

powerful they were since they kept to themselves. Little was known about them, except their current desire to increase the size of their realm.

She was afraid of what they would do to her if she failed. Shivering, she hugged herself and pushed the fear away.

Dak studied the sheet clad servants that brought him food and bedding. They were rail thin and extremely pale. They looked near death.

They floated more than walked. He tried to get a look beneath their long flowing robes to see if they had feet.

Any attempt to engage them in conversation was ignored, so he watched them and learned. Odd, he couldn’t tell if they were male or female.

They unlocked his cell and three of them entered. Two forced him into the corner, while the third made his bed.

You could have just asked me to move, Dak said, staring at the two pale creatures in front of him.

One of them met his gaze with his dark empty eyes. You are a prisoner. We don’t make a point of conversing with prisoners, he said in a flat toneless voice that was dry and raw as if he spoke very little.

And here I thought I was a guest, he laughed.

The Invisible studied Dak, confused by his laughter.

You find it amusing being a prisoner? Dak smiled. I find it amusing indeed.

The Invisible was intrigued. He hadn’t encountered anyone like Dak, not that he had encountered many outsiders.

The Invisible making the bed finished and floated from the cell. The remaining two started backing slowly away from Dak.

What’s your name? Dak asked, surprising him. Why do you ask?

"It’s customary to introduce oneself where I come

from."

I am called Falon, he said as he backed out of the cell, closing the door behind him.

It’s nice to meet you Falon, Dak said as the trio disappeared up the stairs leaving Dak alone, or so he hoped.

Well, that was weird, Dak thought to himself. He crossed the room, picked up his food tray from the table and sat down on the bed, studying the plate they’d prepared for him.

It looked like an assortment of meat and fruit he’d never seen before. He quickly ate and was surprised that it tasted better than it looked.

Finished, he floated the tray back to the table while casting a spell that would allow him to see the Invisibles if they decided to spy on him. He was relieved to discover he was alone.

He laid back against the soft pillows and decided to try

and sleep.

He awoke the next morning to see Mavis studying him from the other side of the bars. An Invisible was lurking in the corner unaware that Dak could see him.

Good morning my lady, Dak said, sitting up, grinning at Mavis. I’m hurt that you didn’t tell our host that I’m a guest, not a prisoner.

Mavis glared at him, masking her frustration with his cavalier attitude. Is everything a joke to you? she asked.

Dak eased himself off the bed, slowly crossed the room, gripping the bars with both hands, he started at Mavis. Why don’t you stop playing games and tell me what you want from me.

This wasn’t going at all how she’d planned. He wasn’t afraid of her, and she wasn’t certain she could control him. She exhaled softly. I need your help, she said honestly.

Asking would have worked much better than kidnapping me.

I’m sure if I’d asked you to help me avenge my parent’s death you’d have willingly agreed, she stated.

Why do you think Mags is responsible? "That’s what I was told. I was left for dead after we

were attacked."

Who told you this? Who found you? Your father. He nursed me back to health and told me what my sister had done so she could control the realms.

Dak’s eyes widened in surprise and anger. This explained so much. I’m afraid you’ve been lied to, he said softly.

You’re calling your own father a liar? she asked

confused by his reaction.

My father used you. He wanted to gain control of the Eight Realms.

Mavis turned away from Dak, her mind raced. This couldn’t be true. She’d done terrible things to try to avenge the death of her parents. Mags had to be guilty. She turned back to face Dak. This can’t be true.

"Don’t feel too bad. He lied to me too, for the same

reason."

Mavis felt sick inside. "He betrayed his own son. But

why?"

Power. He’s always envied the power you possessed. But you have the power of magic. Most of our magic is very limited. You are different. Why? I have no idea.

Dak glanced over at the Invisible listening quietly in the corner. He showed no reaction to their conversation.

Mavis was visibly struggling with what Dak had told her. What do you need my help for?

"The Invisibles desire to increase the size of their

realm."

Dak frowned. Why?

I didn’t ask. I agreed in return for their help. Their help to destroy Mags? Mavis lowered her head sadly, Yes.

I won’t help you destroy Mags. I’m telling you the truth. She loved your parents. She loves you. She would never do anything to hurt anyone.

Tears streamed down Mavis’ cheeks. "What have I

done?" she cried in anguish, fleeing the room.

The Invisible silently followed her.

Mavis raced from the room, up the wide marble staircase to her room at the top of the stairs. She threw herself across the enormous four poster bed and cried silently into the pillows.

Four Invisibles watched her silently with interest.

Chapter Two

Trust

Mavis descended the stairs to Dak’s cell.

Dak was sitting up in bed leaning against the pillows. He smiled at her when she reached the last step.

His smile was contagious. She couldn’t help but smile in

return.

Dak was relieved they were alone. "Please shut the door

behind you," he asked.

Frowning, she did as he asked. Please explain why you want the door closed.

I’d rather not have one of them sneak up on us. Why is that?

"I’m going to trust you and I hope that in return, you

will trust me."

I trusted your father. Look where that got me. I tried to kill my own sister.

Dak rose from the bed and faced her. "I’m nothing like

my father."

I hope not.

"Are you aware that the Invisibles observe you without

your knowledge?"

Mavis looked nervously around the room. "How do you

know this?"

I cast a spell that allows me to see them. Will you cast it for me so I can see them as well? I will if you let me out of here.

"On one condition, give me your word that you won’t

try to escape."

"After everything I’ve told you, you can’t still want to

hurt Mags."

"No. I wish my sister no harm. Your father is another

story."

So, you still feel the need to seek revenge? Not necessarily, but I want him to pay for his lies. He’s paying for his crimes.

I’m afraid of what the Invisibles will do if I don’t keep my promise. In return, I want to know who killed my family.

I have no idea how to increase the size of this realm. That is far beyond my magical ability.

They know how. They just need our help. Dak frowned. "Wonderful. So, are you going to free

me?"

Hesitantly, Mavis unlocked the door and stepped aside. Dak silently cast a spell, allowing her to see the Invisibles. You should be able to see them now.

Thank you. We have a meeting with their council. Please try not to anger them. We know little about them and their abilities.

"I think its past time for us to know more about them. Dak followed Mavis up the stairs whistling softly. As they made their way to the council chambers, they passed dozens of Invisibles watching them.

It was creepy the way they silently observed them.

Dak noticed Falon off by himself. He winked at Dak,

startling him.

Dak pretended not to have noticed, but he knew Falon

wasn’t fooled.

They entered the council chambers where a dozen or more Invisibles were seated around a large marble table.

They nodded silently as Mavis and Dak entered the

room.

The large wooden doors were shut behind them. Dak took a mental count of the Invisibles who chose not to reveal themselves as he took a seat at the table.

Byron, the council leader, banged a polished wooden gavel on the table to bring their meeting to order.

He nodded to Mavis and Dak.

"Thank you for joining us. This is an exciting time for

my people," he said.

"Dak has agreed to help you, but he wants to know why

you want your realm increased," Mavis said.

Byron studied Dak with feigned interest. We are outgrowing our realm. We need room to grow.

Dak hid his frown. They had no idea that he could see them even when they hid behind their invisibility, so he knew he was lying.

He had no idea what he was up to, but he didn’t trust

him.

Mavis smiled warmly, pretending to believe him. So how can we help accomplish this?

It will take powerful magic to create a new realm. With your magic and ours, we will be able to create the realm.

When are we doing this? Dak asked.

At the rise of the new moon tonight. Byron said

proudly.

You should rest until then.

Dak smiled, pushed away from the table, and left the

room with Mavis.

Dak steered Mavis outside for a walk where they could

be alone.

Dak turned to Mavis. Any idea why they really want to create another realm?

No, but they scare me, she said rubbing her arms

absently.

Dak wondered if he could really trust Mavis. Was she playing him? Let’s just do as they ask and then get the hell out of here.

Mavis frowned. Are you sure?

Dak shrugged. What else can we do?

Mavis frowned. I think I will get some rest before tonight. She patted Dak on the arm before leaving him alone in the dark.

Dak hurriedly left the path and gathered herbs and

flowers.

He quietly made his way to his room and closed the

door behind him.

He created three glass vials. He divided the herbs and

flowers and put them in the vials.

He cast a spell over each vial turning the contents red,

teal, and purple.

He cast separate spells over each vial and the contents

and then the vials vanished.

He laid down on the bed, chanting a spell over and over. He stopped when Falon knocked on his door. He rose from the bed and admitted Falon to his room.

Falon glanced nervously around the room. You must leave the minute you open the new realm, he warned, struggling to block his connection with the other Invisibles.

Ok, but why? Dak asked, having every intention of

leaving.

It won’t be safe, he said to Dak’s surprise. "I want to

come with you," he added.

Really?

"Yes. Others want to leave as well. Something very

wrong is going on."

Tell them to go to Lady Mags. She will take them in. It will bring trouble to her. She can handle it. You will be there too? Yes. I will meet you there.

Falon patted Dak on the shoulder. Be safe my new friend, he said, vanishing and leaving Dak alone with his thoughts.

Minutes later Mavis knocked on his door.

Dak opened it and Mavis pushed past him. He closed the

door behind her.

She turned and faced him. I’m scared. What if we don’t succeed? What if we do?

Dak gripped her arms gently. Calm down. Whatever happens, after we try to create the realm, get the hell out of here.

They might come after us.

They might, but I’m not sticking around to see what happens. I suggest you do the same.

Mavis nodded fearfully. Why are you so afraid of them? They possess powers we don’t understand. A knock on the door halted Mavis from saying more. Dak opened the door and Bryon greeted them with a smile. Are you ready? he asked.

Of course, Dak said, smiling.

Good. Good, Byron said. Please follow me. Mavis and Dak obediently followed.

Byron led them outside to a clearing. Hundreds of Invisibles were waiting for them.

The Invisibles parted to allow them into the circle, then

closed the circle behind them.

Byron stopped and faced Dak and Mavis. We can’t thank you enough for your help. Shall we start? What do you want us to do? Dak asked. Take Mavis’ hand.

An invisible moved close, taking Byron’s hand. Mavis and Dak joined hands. Byron took Mavis’s other hand.

With our combined magic, we will use the ancient spell that created the realms.

"Concentrate on forming the land, trees, and sky. The

spell will do the rest. Mavis nodded. Let’s begin."

Byron turned his face to the sky and began to softly chant a spell. Dak only caught a few words when his entire body started to tingle.

If anyone else felt it, he couldn’t tell. The tingle turned to an ache that numbed his entire body. He tried to concentrate on forming a new realm, but the pain grew more intense, making it impossible for him to concentrate.

The other Invisibles turned their faces to the sky. Mavis tightened her hold on Dak’s hand. She was

starting to sweat.

Suddenly, the sky darkened and the ground shook

beneath them.

Dark clouds formed over them, and lightening flashed

across the sky.

Thunder cracked and the ground opened.

Suddenly it was eerily quiet. The air was thick, making

it hard to breath. You could smell the ozone.

The sky opened and they were soaked in seconds.

Then a deafening noise filled the air, then all was quiet.

Dak vanished in a puff of smoke and raced toward the

gate and home.

Dozens of Invisibles vanished and raced after his smoky

form.

Mavis seemed stunned, but quickly recovered and

vanished in a cloud of red smoke.

The remaining Invisibles headed toward the new gate;

they’d just created.

Byron tried to pass through it and couldn’t

His pale face turned red with frustration, then anger.

He looked around for Dak and Mavis. When he didn’t see them, he cried out We have been betrayed.

Chapter Three

A New Realm

Sierra and Mags had just returned to the palace after a long day searching for Dak when the ground shook violently beneath them.

Sierra was suddenly hit by a wave of energy that nearly

knocked her from her horse.

Feeling the energy around them Mags asked, "Are you

okay?"

I think so. What was that? I have no idea.

Sierra’s heart skipped a beat. A smile spread across her face. She slid off her horse and waited anxiously.

Mags’ brows drew together in confusion. Her frown was

replaced with a smile.

Seconds later, Dak appeared in front of Sierra.

Sierra threw herself into his arms hugging him tightly. Where have you been? I was so worried. It’s a long story, he replied as dozens of Invisibles

appeared around them.

Oh my, Mags said in surprise.

We better get inside, Dak said. "I’m afraid I brought

trouble with me."

So, what’s new? Sierra laughed.

Dak led the way across the bridge, the full moon lighting their way. He noticed that Mavis wasn’t among the Invisibles and frowned.

Sierra linked her fingers with his. What’s wrong? she asked, concerned. Another long story. You weren’t gone that long.

How much trouble did you get into? she laughed. That remains to be seen. He replied smiling down at

her.

The Invisibles hesitated briefly before following Dak

and Sierra inside Mags’ castle.

Mags closed the door behind them quickly putting a

protective spell around the castle.

Tera landed on Mags’ shoulder; her pretty face clouded

with concern.

Please notify the guards that we have returned and prepare rooms for our guests, she whispered to the butterfly.

Yes ma’am. There will be food in the main dining hall if anyone is hungry.

Thank you. You are amazing as always, my friend. Tera blushed and hurried off to prepare rooms for their

unusual guests.

There is food in the dining hall. Let us enjoy while Dak explains what has transpired in his absence.

The Invisibles looked nervous.

Falon stepped forward nervously. He could sense that his people were moments away from vanishing. Thank you for your hospitality, My lady.

You are most welcome, Mags said sincerely, smiling warmly at her quest. It is a pleasure to have you here.

Mags led them to the dining hall. A table was piled high with an assortment of meats, cheese, fruits, and the magical desserts of the butterflies.

Dozens of the tiny butterfly people were hurrying back and forth carrying food trays ten times their size.

Sierra was amazed by how quickly they prepared

everything.

Pretty amazing, aren’t they? Dak whispered next to her

ear before softly kissing her on the cheek.

Amazing, Sierra replied softly, squeezing his hand. Falon led the way filling his plate and taking a seat at the table. He tried hard not to stare at the tiny butterfly people.

Mags took a seat next to Falon. The desserts are amazing. They are like nothing else in all the realms, she said.

Dak and Sierra sat across from Falon.

I apologize for rushing into this, but we left the Invisible Realm under strange circumstances, Dak said.

"Their leader, Byron, may or may not be extremely

angry."

Mags frowned. I’m not following you.

Falon exhaled. My lady. Thank you for your hospitality. I will try to explain if I may? Of course. Please do, Mags said. Dak and Mavis…

My sister was with you? Mags asked in shock.

Yes, Dak replied sadly. I’m sorry, please continue.

"Dak and Mavis were coerced into helping Byron create

a new realm."

What? Why did Byron want another realm? The realms were created centuries ago, Mags said.

I’m not sure. The reason I was given was false. He said we had outgrown our realm when in fact our numbers have diminished.

Were you successful in creating a new realm? I believe so, Dak answered.

But there is one problem with it. I cast a spell on it, he said proudly. I didn’t trust them, so, no one can enter the new realm except Sierra.

What, Sierra cried. Why me?

"I didn’t completely trust Mavis and if I’d chosen

Mags…"

With us being sisters, she could have found a way around your spell, finished Mags.

Very clever, Sierra said proudly.

So, you believe the Invisibles will come here to force you to remove the spell? Mags said.

Dak frowned. Something like that. Sorry. That was a wise and brave thing you did, Mags said

proudly.

"I apologize for my confusion, but why did you leave

your home and come here?" Mags added.

We have lost all sense of ourselves My lady, Falon

said sadly.

Please, call me Mags.

The Invisible council makes every decision for us. We stopped living and barely exist.

I’m terribly sorry for what has happened to your people. You are more than welcome to remain here, but I think you might be happier in Opaque.

I’ve not heard of this race, Falon said.

"Opaque is not a race. It is made up of multiple races whose magic and power grow stronger with each new race that