Ethereal's Quest

By Leslie Cook

This is book 3 of the Ethereal series. Kyra is at the mercy of the gods. Separated from the divine power, which she took for granted, she must prove herself worthy to the gods. Death lingers as the fates' judgment decides her outcome. Is she worthy of the destiny thrust upon her? The truth of her past and her identity is revealed. Is she able to accept who and what she is? Danger lingers in the shadows as history grips the future.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fulton Books, Inc.
• Release date: Jan 20, 2023
• ISBN: 9798885059213

Book preview

Copyright © 2023 Leslie Cook

All rights reserved

First Edition

Fulton Books

Meadville, PA

Published by Fulton Books 2023

ISBN 979-8-88505-920-6 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88505-921-3 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Contents

Chapter 1: Kyra

Chapter 2: Kyra

Chapter 3: Kyra

Chapter 4: Kyra

Chapter 5: Kyra

Chapter 6: Kyra

Chapter 7: Kyra

Chapter 8: Kyra

Chapter 9: Kyra

Chapter 10: Kyra

Chapter 11: Ebru

Chapter 12: Kyra

Chapter 13: Kyra

Chapter 14: Shadow Walkers

Chapter 15: Kyra

Chapter 16: Kyra

Chapter 17: Ebru

Chapter 18: Kyra

Chapter 19: Kyra

Chapter 20: Ebru

Chapter 21: Kyra

Chapter 22: Kyra

Chapter 1

Kyra

I swing the door open to a vacant plywood space with pane glass windows. The floor groans in protest to the unexpected weight of our footsteps. The light of the midday sun is blinding in the cloudless sky, and the view of the Blue Ridge Mountains is endless. Liam walks to one of the windows and gazes across the horizon. Taking in the vision of the mountain ranges, it would be easy to assume a lack of civilization. I am about to say something when voices and footsteps climb the exterior stairs. Let’s get moving, Orèl announces. I nod, swinging the door shut, then move toward him. Liam steps away from the window, and Orèl places a hand on our shoulders. We vanish just as the door of the outlook structure opens.

We appear in pitch darkness, which is a complete contrast from where we came from. The air is damp and musty. A slow drip echoes as our eyes adjust to the abrupt change. We turn, and the spear’s tip is embedded in the crevasse of a rock, just like I left it. A dim light from above shines down, making it appear auspicious. Is that it? Liam asks.

Yes, I say anxiously.

Liam senses my edge. What is it? He takes hold of my hand, and its comforting sensation interrupts my trepidations.

This is not how we left it, Orèl announces.

What do you mean? Liam asks.

We share a concerned glance. Look around, I say to Liam. His head swivels. He is at a loss since he has no reference to how the cave looked before. See the webbing? It is everywhere. There is no way to approach the spear without touching it. Liam looks confused. This cavern was empty when we left the spear here.

How is this possible? Orèl asks.

I don’t know, I tell him. And I don’t want to stay to find out.

I agree, Orèl reaches to place his hand on my shoulder.

After a long pause, I turn irritated. What are you waiting for? Shock comes over me when he is bound in webbing and lifted away. Liam swerves just in time to see a mass of unnaturally giant spiders moving in our direction. Shit! I call out. Liam jerks me to him, and I yell, Ignis!

Now, now, now. I cringe when Anansi’s condescending tone resonates. None of that. Liam is snatched away as webbing spins, binding him the same as Orèl. I call out to him as he is lifted away. Kyra, it has been so long. His voice reverberates as he speaks in a slow, taunting rhythm. I wheel around, trying to find where it is coming from, but there is nothing except webbing and moving shadows. I have missed our interactions. I was so hurt when you left me to go off on your own. I have been here pondering what could have made you do such a thing. We were having so much fun together.

My eyes dodge back and forth with the moving silhouettes in the fluid darkness. I squeal, jumping when something prickly touches my leg. Anansi laughs. Do not mind my pets. They are only curious. I am sure they would enjoy playing with you like we used to.

I am in a total panic. I hate spiders, and they are everywhere. The web is crazy sticky, and I don’t want to touch it. You are different, my princess, Anansi says with mock concern. You are not looking well. A massive figure that is half-spider, half-man descends in front of me on a single thread.

I struggle to focus and not think about what is creeping around, but I can hear them scurry. The webs jostle as they crawl up and down the walls. How were you able to escape? I muster up the courage to ask.

He belts out a laugh. You are so silly, child. That is why I like you so much. You are so arrogant and naive. Emerging from the darkness, he towers above me. He bends so he can look me in the eyes. I am a god! His voice echoes as it booms. Do you actually think the simple magic of an infant Fae witch would be powerful enough to hold me? He stands, sauntering away with a cocky swagger, which is impressive since he has eight legs.

My eyes squint close at the realization of what he is saying. I am such an idiot! What was I thinking? Why did you stay?

He chuckles audibly, looking over his shoulder. I do as I please, child. This place you chose for me has a charm that I find appealing.

I am glad you approve, I mutter under my breath shakily.

You should be, he says, walking up and down his webs. Tell me, little Fae princess. What brings you into my web? He hangs upside down, peering at me from the ceiling. Pleased with the pun, he grins, revealing his pincers, making him appear menacing. Oh wait! He points a finger in the air. Let me guess! It will be so much more fun that way. He drops down, flipping in the air, landing upright on his eight legs. He approaches, lifting my chin, straining my neck. A long, sharp finger strokes the length of my collar, sending shivers down my spine. You are missing something. Something you took for granted. He grins. You want it back, don’t you, princess? He raises an antagonizing eyebrow. You and I had so much fun together. I was so distraught when you tossed me aside. He feigns his discontent. I lack the incentive to offer charity since you threw me away without a care in the world about my well-being. Tell me, what are you willing to do to take back that which was taken from you?

I furrow my brow. It appears you already know why I am here, Anansi.

He lets my chin go, and I am relieved. It is all the talk among the heavens, he says, sauntering away. Yamaya has been bragging about how she discovered Danu’s secret hiding place for her fallen Ehi of the Tuath Dè Danann. Imagine my shock when I learned that my little Fae princess was the keeper. And you naughty little thing,—he waves a finger in the air—you claimed a Nephilim. That is quite an accomplishment. He sighs endearingly. I am so proud. To think you have accomplished so much in such a short amount of time. The tribunal of the fates has been convened. Should your Nephilim’s character lack virtue, she will be doomed to be exiled from heaven and her human soul damned to serve in the pits of hell. What is it you intend to do, little Fae princess? I twist about, watching him walk circles around me.

What do you think that would be like for you? I look questioningly, and he giggles. Are you not linked since you have claimed her as your female? I am still lost about what he is implying. He laughs at my juvenile confusion. You are so adorable since you know nothing, little princess. Do you think her insanity would not influence you in any way? I wince when I begin to understand. Yes, little Fae princess. Your link would not be severed. It would be shared. You would experience her agony as your own. He chuckles at my frustration.

I think I shall guess as to why the little Fae princess has decided to grace me with her presence. The god she left lost and forsaken in the depths of the mountain. Tell me, little Fae princess, what do you have to offer a god, such as myself, that is of any value? He moves in close enough for me to smell his breath. You would think that it has a stench, but it is the opposite. It is the scent of sweet nectar, and I am positive this is how he attracts his victims.

What do you want? I ask.

Kyra, no! Liam calls mentally. There has to be another way.

Decide for yourself. Time is of the essence, Anansi taunts.

Don’t do this, Kyra, Orèl says through our link.

Silence, servant! Anansi snaps, and Orèl groans in pain.

What if I say no? I ask him through narrowed eyes.

He smirks. Then my pets will have their fill of Fae flesh since you have no means to exit. Something lifts me to be eye level with him. I am not to be trifled with or teased, he says in warning.

What do you want, then? I ask again.

He grins menacingly. I think—he taps his chin—I should like a feather.

Kyra, no! Orèl calls out, then groans painfully.

One feather? I ask. He nods. And that will get me into heaven for the tribunal? He nods again. And you will release my companions that came with me? His eyes shift in their direction, then he nods. Why do you want it?

He bares his fangs, hissing. Liam screams in pain, and I sense a jolt from him; I panic. Okay, fine! We have a deal! As soon as I said the words, I winced. I knew I had succumbed to the influence of this trickster god, and I would understand the effects in the future. I don’t care, though; I glance in Liam’s direction when I sense his calm again.

Anansi’s long finger turns my head to him. The deal is struck. One feather for admittance, he says with a devilish grin. I wonder how this will work out since I have no idea where my feral is. He chuckles. It has been nice doing business with you, little Fae princess. Then he snaps his fingers.

My eyes flutter open, and there is a ceiling I do not recognize. I blink, turning my head. I am utterly disoriented. Where am I? The room is small and cozy. The decor is rustic but has a warm, feminine charm to it. I reach up to rub the sleep from my eyes, noticing my warm beige complexion. What is going on here? The door swings open, and a lean, tall Fae male enters. He has short dark hair and the same warm beige complexion as me. What are you doing? he asks me with a sharp, irritated tone. Why are you still in bed? We are going to be late! Mom needs us downstairs. Then he jerks the covers. I reach to grip the comforter out of reflex. Get up already! he snaps, releasing his hold. He cuts his eyes, storming out. I am totally lost. What the hell was that? Mom! he calls out. Ava won’t get out of bed, he says it like he is tattling on whoever Ava is. Is that me?

Ava! a woman calls out. Don’t make me come up there!

I struggle to blink away my confusion. I am at a loss about what to do right now. I look around considering what my options are. Do I even know my options since I have no idea where I am or what I am doing? I attempt to remember the last thing I was doing. I was in the cave with Anansi, and we made a deal. Then he snapped his fingers, and now I am here, wherever here is. I survey the space suspiciously. What should I do? After lying in bed a bit longer, I came to a decision. I guess I should just go along with everyone until I figure this out.

I throw the covers back and stand. What do I look like? Walking to the circular mirror on the wall, I gaze at the reflection staring back. Wow, I am beautiful. I look nothing like myself. I am Fae, and I have a mane of long dark hair that is full and wavy. My complexion is a warm beige, and my eyes are dark chocolate. I am curvy and petite, which is very different from the athletic figure I am accustomed to. Ava! Let’s go! the male’s voice calls out through the door, annoyed.

I search the closet for something to wear other than this oversized nightshirt. I slide open the door and grin at her steampunk fashion choices, which are consistent with Fae society. I snatch up a knit top, fitted pants, tall boots, and a button-down vest. I smirk since she is far more conservative than I am. I have no idea where the bathroom is, so I will have to figure all that out later. I venture to the door, swinging it open to a narrow hallway. There is a lot of commotion with clanging pots and pans similar to a busy kitchen.

I turn in both directions of the hallway. There are three doors with an open space at the end, which I assume is a living room. I suck on my lower lip, deciding to pick which way to go. Of course, I chose the wrong one and go to a dead end, but I found the bathroom, which is a plus. I opened all the doors, finding two other bedrooms. They are small and sparsely furnished since space appears to be limited. Everything is neat and well organized. I do not see many pictures on the walls or shelves, making the area appear more open. I turn around, starting in the direction of the living room.

The living room is also a tiny space with a couch and lounge chairs. There is a door at the far end, and I wonder if there is a balcony. I pivot down the steps behind me, where the commotion is coming from. I am tentative since I am unsure what I am walking into. I pause when there is a bustling restaurant kitchen fully staffed with Fae and humans. I remain on the steps, watching them rush around prepping for the day.

Ava! I snap from my stupor when a woman calls out my or her name. A more mature version of my reflection marches toward me with a stack of plates in her hand. She has her hair up in a loose bun, wearing a chef’s uniform. Help your brother prep the dining room! she barks. I blink at her since I am at a loss. Come on! She jerks her head for me to get moving. Like a lost puppy, I walk to her taking the heavy stack of plates. Get moving! You don’t have that much time before you have to head to the palace.

My head snaps around when she says this. What is she talking about? I am so overwhelmed right now. I need a time out to figure out what is going on. The male from before steps through the swinging kitchen door, and I assume that is where I need to go. Pushing the door open with my shoulder, I place the plates down on a table. Then I comprehend it is a restaurant. Spinning around, I understand that they live upstairs. The male takes some of the plates, placing them on the table in front of the chairs. I do the same since I have no idea what else to do with myself.

While walking around the dining room, I keep asking myself why I am here. The male rushed back and forth into the kitchen to acquire silverware and condiments. Ava, Caleb! the woman calls out. Come and eat something.

Coming! the male calls back rushing into the kitchen. I guess his name is Caleb. I follow, and there is a bowl on the counter with peas and corn paniyaram. They serve Indian food here; at least I think it is Indian food.

She scoffs when Caleb puts most of the paniyaram in a small bag. Save some for your sister, she scolds. Ava, you will be late. Take it with you and eat on the way. Late? Late to where? Everything is happening so fast. She slaps Caleb’s hand away to keep him from taking any more of the small dumpling-looking muffin items from the bowl.

Ava, another female voice calls from the dining room.

Aubrey is here, she says, putting some of the paniyaram in a small bag for me. Take some for her as well. She hands me the bag, shoving me out of the kitchen. Hurry, now go! Have a good day! she says before barking orders at the kitchen staff.

Hi, Caleb, says a fair-skinned Fay female with long blonde hair. She is wearing a plaid mini skirt, a white crop top, and thigh-high stockings. Caleb is oblivious at her attempts to be flirtatious when he blows by her and out of the door. She watches him through the massive display window while he rushes down the street. The interaction makes me smirk.

I walk up to her, tentative, and she pays me no attention. Are you hungry? I ask shyly.

She turns and looks, shifting her attention to the open bag in my hand. Thank you, Mrs. Grover! she calls out, reaching into the bag. Your mom is the best! She takes one, putting it in her mouth. So good! she proclaims, shoulder-shoving the door. I follow her, reaching into the bag to try this out. I am pleasantly surprised when I bite down on the warm vegetable muffin concoction. There is potential for this to become an addiction. Aubrey reaches for another, and I almost jerk the bag away.

So are you excited? she asks. I look bewildered, and she scoffs. You are such an airhead, she teases. Look around! The whole town is getting ready. It is the queen’s birthday celebration, and the king is going all out. Her parents are even coming. My attention drifts while I walk, eat, and take in the sight of the town.

This place looks familiar. Why does it look so familiar? Have I been here before? Fae and humans are putting up banners and steamers in the streets. I think a dance stage and food stalls are being placed near the pavilion. She continues, Your family is lucky since your restaurant is so close to the pavilion. I am sure business is going to be booming for you. I do not respond to her statement since I have stuffed my mouth full of food, and I don’t know what to say anyway.

It is going to be so great, and we are going to be right in the middle of it! she beams, and I blink. You look like a chipmunk with your cheeks like that. She laughs, shaking her head. Do you think we will see the royal family tonight? I shrug, chewing. I wonder what they are like. I bet they are so elegant and sophisticated. What kind of life must that be like? I reach into the bag as she rambles, and I am disappointed when it is empty. I wrinkle my nose in protest of this empty bag situation. Now I know why Caleb was trying to take them all. He won’t get them all next time. Ava, what do you think? I look at her, dumbfounded, when she interrupts my secret plotting.

Oh, um, I am sure they are very nice people, I tell her.

She shakes her head, offended by my nonchalant statement. Nice people, she snaps. The queen liberated us from the coven and employed the humans so they would no longer be a threat. I think they are more than just nice people.

I nod since I have no idea what we are talking about. Why will we be in the middle of it?

She scoffs, like I just asked the most ridiculous question. Because we are working the reception tonight. Remember? Are you feeling okay? I reply with a confused glance. We have been talking about this for weeks. At first, we weren’t, but then word about the queen’s parents being in attendance came. They were going to be short-staffed, so the apprentices have to work too.

Oh, right, I say as we round a corner. I pause and blink when I recognize a crystal shop. I went there with Micah and Lazlo once. I know where I am. I am home! I am in the Uswain region. This is the palace town. I am jolted out of my revelation when a human walks out of the little shop. Wait, that isn’t right. There are no humans in the Uswain region. They were all sent to earth. What are they doing here?

Ava. Audrey breaks me from my perplexing thoughts. I shake my head, turning to her. What are you doing?

Oh, nothing. I thought I recognized someone, I say, scanning the scene as more humans work alongside the Fae. I am so confused right now. I know Liam said they sent them to earth so the Fae would no longer be able to oppress their kind. Why are they here? Are they being oppressed right now, or are they living in harmony with the Fae? I cannot tell, walking with Audrey. I am so confused.

Look. Audrey points to the palace spire above the rooftops. We are almost there, she says excitedly. This could be the most important day of our lives. What if the queen sees us and wants to make us her females?

I squint. Why would we want that?

She scoffs again. What is wrong with you today? Why wouldn’t we want that? Everyone wants to be one of her females?

But why? I ask.

She rolls her eyes. Because you would be with the queen all the time. You would be a part of something significant and special. All of her females are chosen by her, so that means she sees something in them that makes them unique. That is a huge deal. Everyone wants that! I am unimpressed by her explanation. Are you going to be like this all day?

I am always like this, I reply.

She cuts her eyes. Don’t mess this up.

I nod. I promise to stay out of your way. The queen is all yours.

She presses her lips together in skepticism as we round a corner. When I stop suddenly in utter shock, she turns. What are you doing? I point in at the platform in the middle of the street. And?

Now it is my turn to scoff. How can you say that? Can’t you see those people? They are yoked and strung up in the square.

They are humans. They violated the laws and tried to run away. That is their punishment. We walk here all the time. Why are you having a problem with it today? I look at her in complete disbelief. She grabs my arm, jerking me to keep moving. We have to go, she says, glancing over her shoulder. We don’t have time for this. We are going to be late! Picking up the pace, she drags me along.

We are practically running as we approach the side entrance to the palace. This appears to be where all the hired help enters and exits. Two palace guards verify identification with a retina scanner resembling a small flashlight. Audrey fumbles into the line that has formed for shift change. We inch forward as Fae are cleared to enter the palace. I turn my eyes up to the spires towering over the wall. I have never seen the palace from this perspective before. I am still perplexed about the humans that we passed in the street. I want to release them. I don’t know what they could have done that would cause them to be punished that way. I do know what it is like to have experienced such hardships. The memories make me shudder. I will look in on them when I travel back by there. If I can free them, I will.

Someone shoves me forward, and I glare. They meet my challenging glare with their own. It is a tall older Fae, and I am sure he is not the type to back down quietly. What are you doing? Audrey scolds, pulling me forward. You are going to get us in trouble! She scurries to stand in front of the guard for her retina scan, then rushes through the gate. I am next and follow right behind her without issue. Stepping into the courtyard, I paused, looking up at the high steeples and the many levels of balconies. I need to get out of the palace more. Someone shoulder bumps me as they walk by. I glower at the same person that was standing behind me in line as he walks off.

Audrey takes hold of my wrist jerking me to go with her. What is going on with you today? We are going to be late! She lets my wrist go when she knows I am right behind her. We hurry through an archway and down a decline into a corridor. We follow it to a door, hurrying through.

There is an intimidating female Fae dressed in a pencil skirt suit with her light-brown hair pulled back into a tight French twist. She narrows her eyes, scowling at us shuffling in. You are late, she barks.

Yes, ma’am, Audrey says, standing with her eyes fixed on the ground and her hands folded in front of her. She glances, attempting to tell me to do the same. My eyes dart between the two of them, and I scurry to stand next to her.

The female approaches, looking down her nose like a drill sergeant inspecting her troops. Get changed and get to the dining room, she growls.

Yes, ma’am, Audrey says, pushing me to move in the direction of the door. She watches us scamper out of her sight. Audrey closes the door, then leans against it, panting. She looks at me. That was close, she says with a mischievous grin. She can be ruthless! She pushes off the door, and we go down the hall. She is so intense. One thing goes wrong, and she is ready to pounce, she talks over her shoulder while we walk. I glance behind me. Who is that person? I never thought to consider all the people who maintain the palace. I only ever interacted with James. I sigh; I need to invest the time to get to know the people.

We follow the corridor until it opens to a locker room. I continue to follow Audrey like a lost puppy, and she gives me a questioning glare. What are you doing? Your locker is over there. She points to her right across the vast expanse of lockers. I am pretty sure that after today she may no longer want to have any association with me. I nodded at her walking in the general direction she points. I am not sure where I am going or even looking for.

This locker room is massive with showers, commode stalls, benches, and laundry chutes. I meander up and down the benched aisles, hoping something jumps out to let me know which one is supposed to be mine. It is awkward since I can hear Audrey open and close her locker door. I can only assume she is changing and is almost ready while I amble around, lost and confused.

I am in the middle of one of the aisles when she passes in a maid’s tunic and fitted scrub-like cargo pants. She stops and turns when she sees that I am not ready and looking very lost. What are you doing? she snaps.

I shrug. Um… I forgot where my locker is, I say tentatively.

She frowns, marching to me. She places a hand on my forehead, taking my temperature. She says nothing, shaking her head. She takes my hand, walking me to my locker. Inspecting it, I see my name. I sigh, then turn my head as she taps her clogged foot against the tiled floor. Her impatience is palpable, and I take the not so subtle hint to get changed quickly. My lips purse in apology, and I open the locker door. She sighs audibly, waiting for me.

A few uniforms are hanging. One is a long-tailed pants tuxedo. Another is a maid’s dress with an apron and three more uniforms resemble what Audrey is wearing. There are clogs on the top shelf to change into also. I make the obvious choice of unforms and begin to change.

Audrey wastes no time when I close the locker door. She spins on her heels, and I rush to follow her. She swings open a door at the far end of the locker room, and we step into a corridor. It’s a labyrinth of arched hallways and doorways. I assume this is all part of the servant’s passageways through the palace so they can travel uninterrupted and unseen. It is another world within the palace walls.

Audrey has rushed off without me since I am wandering around awestruck by the intricacy of these corridors. I am struggling to figure out if there is a way to navigate through here easily. There are different-colored lines on the floors that match some of the stones on the archways. I wonder if that means anything.

I hurry my steps, catching up with Audrey as she races around the corner and up some stairs. Her patience is spent, and she is no longer interested in babysitting me. That is understandable. I need to keep up. More people in different-colored uniforms move through the corridors, and it is getting congested.

Audrey opens a random door, and somehow we have arrived on the palace’s main floor. I pause. I know this place. It is where Liam held the ball for me to announce my residency. I grin at the memory since that is also the night he claimed me as his mate.

I turn when a judgmental throat clears, interrupting my reflection. It is the same female from earlier in her skirt suit and tight hair twist. She is scowling, and I sense the silent command to get moving. I drop my gaze and hurry to Audrey. She is talking to someone in a different-colored uniform, and I presume she must be a supervisor. Audrey disappears into the busy crowd, and I stand in front of the same woman with anticipation of receiving direction. People are hustling about everywhere, preparing the room for the evening’s festivities.

The female is about to say something when a voice from behind me says, I have a special project for this one. The woman gives a curt nod, and I slowly turn to the skirt-suited female towering atop me. I smile meekly, avoiding eye contact. She looks down her nose and says, Come with me. She takes impressively long strides in her stiletto heels, and I almost have to run to keep up with her. I am a little panicked since I have no idea where we are going or how to get anywhere. I am already lost with no reference to figure out what direction I should go. I am a little overwhelmed and stressed at the moment.

She finally stops after we have zigzagged through the palace, and I have no idea where we are. Standing in front of a door, she has a pleased look on her face. She pushes it open, and I step inside. My jaw drops when I see the long rows of stalls, sinks, and urinals with marble floors and fancy trim. I can only assume what the special project is she has in mind for me. I hear her stilettos echo on the floor as she enters. She waves her hand. All of this needs to be cleaned before tonight’s events, she says smugly. I wrinkle my nose, gritting my teeth. She grins walking out, leaving me alone in the monstrous public bathroom.

I slump against the wall, rubbing my eyes. What the hell? Then a thought occurs to me, and I smirk at my cleverness. I love to remember that I am a witch. I shift my eyes back and forth with mischievous intentions. I stand up hoping I have not lost my magic touch. I giggle at the thought. I pat down my uniform, shaking out my shoulders. I say the incantation, Ortus est dispersit. Munda et clara voce steril ulla nova casia odore aeris. Et odores odoramentis ill nostre dispensamus in lemons et reponi cum odore rosas cum interruptione currit. I grin when channeled power moves through me. An invisible wave blows across the bathroom, and everything becomes shiny, smelling fresh and clean.

I stumble a little when I feel woozy. I hold my head as perspiration beads on my skin. I reach out a hand, resting against the wall for a moment. I guess that didn’t go away. I am still feeling the effects of my missing feral even though I seem to have hijacked this female’s body. I shake my head. Why is this happening? I drop my head back, forcing myself to stand. I think I need some air. I open the door, peeking around. It is all clear, and no one is in the hallways. I sigh in relief.

I step out, moving in the direction of a window, hoping it will lead me to an opening or balcony or someway outside. I do not have to walk for very long when I find an open terrace to the courtyard. I smile in relief, stepping out and bracing my arms against the railing. There is a slight breeze, and it is refreshing against my damp face.

I blink, scanning the garden. It is very similar to what I remember. Am I in the past or the future or something? The fountain is the same, but a portal hub should be close to it. It is not there. I look, and Anika is missing as well. My brow furrows, trying to understand what is going on. I turn my head a little more, and there is a Life Tree in a different location. It has more shade and is also more prominent and mature.

This is so odd. Without thinking, I begin down the stairs. When I round the corner away from the balcony, someone grabs me from behind. Panic comes over me as I kick and scream. A hand covers my mouth, muffling me, and my arms are pinned. I am being lifted and carried backward.

Chapter 2

Kyra

Kyra, calm down. It is me, a familiar voice whispers. I blink in disbelief as we move away from the courtyard behind the balcony.

When I stop struggling, his hold relaxes. He moves his hand from my mouth, and I turn to look up. A smile beams across my face when it is Liam. I jump up, hugging him. He wraps his massive arms around me. You’re here, I whisper in his ear. Everything is better now, and I breathe a sigh of relief; now I feel safe.

Yes, I woke up in the soldiers’ barracks. Someone came in banging pots and rushing us out of bed, he says, putting me down. I grabbed the first uniform I saw and put it on.

He touches my cheek, smiling. You look like you, I say to him.

He smirks. So do you.

This is so weird. Everyone else sees me as Ava, but you can see me as me, I say.

He nods, swirling around. Let’s go find someplace to talk.

I nod. You know a place?

Of course, he says, taking my hand. This is my palace.

Are you sure? This is not like I remember it, I say.

Come on, let’s go, he says, leading us from the confines of the stairs. We hurry across the courtyard, trying not to draw attention to ourselves. It is not that difficult since everyone is focused on preparing for the evening’s events. We have to stop and hide from time to time to avoid unwanted attention. Liam guides us to a small open archway with a concealed entrance on the southwest corner of the palace.

What is this place? I ask him, crossing the threshold.

It is my family’s crypt, he says, moving in deeper. It is an impressive catacomb of high archways and stone caskets. Sculptures that resemble the likeness of the occupants are at the head of each coffin. We do not walk in far enough for me to get a clear view of his family history before he stops us.

He sits on the wide edge of a fountain near the entrances. He pulls me to stand in between his open legs. Now that he is not towering over me, I can look him in the eye. He takes hold of my legs, lifting them to sit on his lap. He strains against his pants, and it makes me grin. I was worried about you, he says, exploring the waistline of my pants. I wasn’t sure if I would be able to find you.

I reach up stroking the back of his neck. Where do you think we are right now?

He leans down, resting his forehead on mine. His hands move up the length of my body. His firm, warm touch comforts me. I have missed the feel of his touch. All my males are unique in how they fuck, touch, and what they like. It is what I love most about them. I don’t know, he says breathily. This is my palace, but it is different. It is missing things, and things are out of place. He takes hold of my face, pressing his lips against mine. I moan against his mouth, opening up to him, tasting every bit of him. Our tongues tangle, and we savor the experience of each other. I suck on his bottom lip, and his chest rumbles with a low growl. You have too many clothes on, he says.

That can be remedied, I tell him, catching my breath. I blink, realizing I don’t sense the bond. I do not have time to focus on it since Liam is pulling on the waist of my pants. He pushes me off his lap, removing my pants. I unfasten his fly, and his hard cock bounces free. He lifts my shirt from me, grabbing my ass and holding me to him.

His fingers are inside me, and he grins when I tighten from his touch. You are so naughty, Kyra, he says, lifting my legs to straddle him. His fingers tease my nub, while I stroke the length of his hard erection. My palm barely fits around him as I move my hand up and down his thick shaft. I squeal when he lifts me, invading my entrance. He groans at how tight I am on him. We pause as I adjust to the size of him. It is so good to have him pulsing and twitching inside as my arousal drips over his balls.

I want to feel him deeper inside. He cups my face, kissing me to taste every bit of my flavor. I moan, and he holds me firmly to him. He pushes himself in harder, gripping my ass and pulling my hips tighter to him. I cannot get enough of feeling him. I want the connection. I want more of him. I want to be full of him. He makes me needy with desire. I grip his hair between my fingers, and he grips my breast in his fist. He sucks and pulls on my nipples with his teeth, and I moan at the sensation of painful pleasure it sends through me. I want him to abuse me with erotic desires.

I can feel the length of him growing longer and harder as my hips move back and forth. I want more of him. I want him to touch the deepest parts of me. He is on the edge, and I know we both want the same things. We are filled with trepidation and do not know what will come of whatever we are experiencing. We fear that this could be our only time together. He holds me, so he is deep inside.

He stands, and I wrap my legs around him while he walks to the wall. He pushes my thighs wide apart, staining my hips as he begins pounding himself deeper inside. I can feel every thrust as he pushes himself deeper and deeper, and I want more. It is making me high, yearning for more. I suck and pull on him, taking every bit of him in. My dripping wet pussy is needy and demands more from his cock. Dammit, Kyra, he says in my ear before we release and fall over the edge ecstasy. We pant, catching our breath as he holds me. I will never have enough of you, he says, sucking on my earlobe.

He nuzzles my neck, and we kiss again. We are slower and more tender, tasting and adoring each other. He is still hard inside when I fold my legs around him as he carries me back to the edge of the fountain. He sits so that I can still feel him deep in my abdomen, pulsing. He moves a random strand of hair from my face. Where did you appear?

I woke up to Ava’s brother coming in and fussing at me to get up. They have a restaurant in town, and they live over top of it, I tell him.

He nods. Then it is a safe place?

I think so. It is near the pavilion. They will be part of the festivities for the queen’s birthday, I tell him.

He smiles. Do they seem like nice people?

Yeah, I tell him. They seem like people just living their lives. His hands explore the length of my body. Why do you think we are here?

He shakes his head. I don’t know. One minute we were in the cave, and the next, we were here. I thought we might get separated, and maybe you would be sent to the tribunal, but then we ended up here. There is something not right about this place. Everything is a little off.

Have you been outside of the palace yet? He shakes his head. There are humans here. I thought you said that all of the humans in the Uswain region were sent to earth.

He furrows his brow. They were. There are no humans in my region. He moves some hair behind my ear and kisses my forehead.

I saw them. They were working alongside the Fae and some of them— I pause, and he kisses my cheek.

Some of them what? he kisses my neck.

Some of them were yoked and strung up in the street, I tell him.

His finger taunts my nipple, sending a tingling sensation through me. I move my hips to tease his brutally delicious penetration against my abdomen. I smirk when he groans, then I chew on my bottom lip. He pinches my nipple, and I tighten on him. He is teasing me, and I love him for it. I may have to abduct you from this family if you keep my dick hard like this, he pants just before bearing down. I gasp, and he chuckles with my breast in his mouth. His eyes flash feral for an instant as he watches my reaction, and I twitch against him. He holds my hips to him and penetrates even deeper. He does not hold back and releases, dropping his head against my chest.

I don’t know that I would stop you, I say, playfully working my fingers through his hair.

How is your heart? he asks.

I take too long to answer him, and he looks up, concerned. It’s fine, I say with an unconvincing tone.

It’s not. He looks me in the eye, and I shy away. He presses his finger to my chin, turning me to look at him. I don’t need the bond to tell me when you are holding something back.

Then you don’t feel it either? I ask.

He shakes his head. But I can see you.

You aren’t worried? I ask.

He smiles. I am worried about a lot of things, but we are out of our element, so I do not know what I should be focused on to worry about. Your heart is more concerning. Our bond could be linked to our physical bodies, which we do not seem to be in right now.

How is that even possible? I ask.

I don’t know. This is magic on a completely different level than I have ever experienced, he says.

Where or when do you think we are? I ask as he relaxes.

I am not sure. Tell me about your heart, Kyra, he demands.

I sigh. I just got a little dizzy when I used magic, is all. I shrug.

He gives me a suspicious look. What were you using magic for? I shift my gaze to see if there is a way for me to change the subject. Kyra, he challenges.

I become a little defensive, talking with my hands, waving them about. There was this really serious female in a skirt suit that singled me out. She was like, ‘I need you to clean this whole bathroom by yourself before the big event.’ I was like, what? Then I remember I am a witch and can use magic, so I cleaned the bathroom with a spell.

He smirks. I think he may have found the delivery of my story a little entertaining, which I find annoying. I think that woman may have it out for me. Try to be sparing with the magic, he says condescendingly.

I roll my eyes, crossing my arms. Yeah, whatever.

He picks up my top, pulling it down over me. So you are an apprentice with the maid staff?

A what? I ask, lifting my arms.

This is an apprentice’s uniform to work in the palace, he says.

Oh, so that is what she was saying. I stand from his lap, reaching for my pants.

Who? Liam asks, pulling his pants up.

Audrey is Ava’s friend, and she was rambling on about working in the palace, I tell him, shimmying into my pants. She walked with me this morning. I think we are supposed to work the event tonight. Will you be there?

I am sure I will be standing guard somewhere in the palace, he says. I think I am in training.

Liam. He turns when my tone becomes more serious. Why do you think there are humans here?

He buttons the top of his pants and sits back on the edge of the fountain. I don’t know. They shouldn’t be here.

I shake my head. Everything is different and the same. It is so weird. It is like the Twilight Zone or something.

The what zone? he asks.

I smirk, shaking my head. It’s an earth thing. Becoming distracted, I go deeper into the crypt. Your whole family is down here? My voice echoes as I walk.

He stands to follow. Yes. My family has been ruling over this region for many generations. Legend has it that we are direct descendants from the first king.

My interest piqued, I look across my shoulder. Who was that?

King Oberon, he says. My eyes pop a little, and he acknowledges my expression. What?

There are legends about the same king on earth. He is known as the first king of the elves, I tell him. My lips purse. It seems that the earth plane and the Fae realm have some kind of connection that is more intricate than we realize. Why did you choose the earth plane to send the humans to?

I didn’t, Liam says. My ancestors made that decision. All we do is uphold and honor the treaty made many thousands of years ago. We maintain the outpost and deter any interference from others. He stops suddenly, and I turn when he is not walking with me.

He is rigid, staring at one of the sculptures. I go to see what has captured his attention so intensely. What is it?

Looking stunned, he says, It is me. I investigate the figure, acknowledging the resemblance. It is a much younger version of him. I am dead, he says in disbelief.

I place a comforting hand on his back. No, you’re not. I smile when he turns to me. You are standing right here in front of me. I return my attention to the figure. That Liam is dead. The Liam I am in love with is standing right here. I rest my head on his shoulder and move his arm around me. What do you think happened?

I don’t know, he says, holding me tighter. He looks, and his mother’s figurine is next to his. But that was about how old I was when my mother passed. His focus becomes intense as he attempts to figure out what happened. His mind wants to put the pieces together to make sense of this.

Who do think is the king, then? I ask.

He shakes his head, whirling around. My father’s remains are here as well. Micah or Marcus would be next in line to rule if they are here.

I guess we will find out soon enough. I wonder who the Ethereal queen is, I say nonchalantly.

I didn’t think about it, Liam says. I wonder who it could be if it isn’t you.

You think it might be me? I ask. I shake my head. This is so trippy.

He shrugs. Maybe. When is your birthday?

I shrug. I don’t know. I don’t remember anyone ever acknowledging my birthday. I have no idea when it is.

How do you know how old you are, then? he asks.

I just went with what the coven told me. I never thought to question it. It always seemed like a trivial thing since it wasn’t ever acknowledged, I tell him.

My answer bothers him, but I don’t know what to do about it. The coven doesn’t celebrate birthdays? he asks.

They do, just not mine, I tell him. It wasn’t like I was ever invited to any parties or anything. I smirk at a memory. "My little brother tried to declare a day for me once. He gave me a present, but then he got fussed at