A Twist In Time: The Mage Rebellion, #6

By Brooke Gaspard

Second chances? Hell knows I handed out my fair share of them, despite knowing that the betrayal would be swift and deep. Those second chances left a rip in time that may permanently alter everything as I knew it. Now, as I face the past knowing what may be ahead, will I be able to save the people whose deaths left my soul hollow? Will I be able to fix the mistakes that drove my loved ones away when I stepped into my true power? Or will I repeat those mistakes and become something worse than their darkest nightmares?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brooke Gaspard
• Release date: Mar 12, 2024
• ISBN: 9798223818878

Brooke Gaspard

Brooke Gaspard is a native of southwest Louisiana. She loves to connect with her readers to talk about the books or just connect with one another. You can contact her on Facebook page The Mage realm or on ticktock and instagram. You can find her when she is not lost in her own imaginary world gardening, tending to animals, at a good rock concert,  or homeschooling her two children. She is an avid reader, always up for some wild adventure, a watcher of hell's kitchen, and Joe Kendra. She can not wait to see everyone in the next book for another part of the adventure and would love to hear your thoughts. Until next time, keep causing Chaos and Mayhem.

Book preview

Playlist

1: Far from home (The Raven) by Sam Tinnesz.

2 If I surrender by Citizen Solider

3. Daylight by David Kushner

4. Solider by Tommee Profit

5.Mayhem by Halestorm

6. Wolves by Sam Tinneze and silverberg

7 Way down we go by KALEO

8 Finish Line by Skillet

9 For the Glory by (feat, Hollywood Undead) All Good things

10 Cold Blooded by The Pretty Reckless

11 Hurts Like Hell by  Tommee Profit

Author’s note

Dear reader, if you have made it this far in the series you already know our girl had been kicked one too many times. I’m sorry to say that won’t be stopping anytime soon. This book will start our plunge into new realms, with that plunge Sara will begin to find new parts of herself.

If you don’t wish to read things getting darker mentally, physically or emotionally for Sara, go back and don’t read this part of the series. Just leave it as Sara and Delhar lived happily ever after.

If you are here for all the changes and personal growth with some questionable morals, then buckle up buttercup. Sara is about to do things most would wonder if she should and others will celebrate.

In this book you will find possible triggering situations like, torture, betrayal, and violence. Insinuations of SA.

Thank you for all your support so far with Sara and her life story. I do promise it will end in happily ever after.....eventually, but not anytime soon.

Chapter 1 Sara

Isat in my brother’s home on the stairs between where he had died and where Cate had died. The bloodstains are still there, thickly soaked into the wood floors. The silence around me was heartbreaking.

There was a time I would have welcomed it, but here in this place, I would have given anything to be back in the past having dinner with them being loud.

I pushed my tears away as I walked up the stairs, making my way to their untouched bedroom, standing in the doorway. The bed with their yellow sunshine comforter was still made perfectly.

J was always a neat freak. He hated anything out of place. I made my way to the dresser without daring to touch anything. I didn’t want anyone to see my fingerprints in the dust and know that I had come to visit.

They all believed I had gotten over his death. That I had taken a magic pill and moved on, but the truth of the matter is I was still having a hard time breathing every single day.

I swallowed the lump that had formed in my throat, turning to the pictures blinking back my tears once again. I couldn’t help but to put one single finger out to run it across his cheek.

The picture was of me and him together at one of the many balls dancing. I cleared my throat loudly, shaking my head. I should have stayed just a little longer for another dance. I should have given you a tighter hug. I am so sorry J. With that my headphone was going off.

Where are you?

I frowned down at it, sniffing loudly before pushing the tears back, putting on the mask I had been wearing of happiness before answering Rei. Has the castle fallen down?

Rei’s dry laugh filled the room as I denied him seeing me. No,home, but Fi is here looking for you. Lor came to find you at my home not knowing where you were. So I’m going to take it you are waging a war since you answered me so slowly.

Sneering at the headphone before finally giving the room one more longing look, I answered back dryly. I took a moment to myself. Can none of you eat breakfast before coming to find me? The sun just came up.

A long pause followed my statement before Rei’s voice came through softly. Sara, it’s noon,

Laughing softly, I frowned down at my phone. I will be home in a few.

Cutting the headphone off I headed for the door, carefully closing and locking it behind me, leaving my heart locked in there with it.

Absently making my way through the castle I forced my way through the mass of beings as I went to the stairs rushing up them only to find Lor and Fiona impatient waiting on me. Oh for fuck’s sake.

Spinning I tossed my hands in the air as I heaved an enormous sigh. Shoving the apartment door with a snap I didn’t even bother hiding my frustration with them.

Smirking, Lor raised a dark eyebrow as he spoke smoothly. Busted.

Sneering, I shook my head as I snapped back at him irritated. Yes, you busted me taking time for myself. You are right. Would you like to punish me for it?

A slow dark smile crept across Lor’s full lips as he glanced towards the bathroom door just as Delhar exited it watching me curiously. Is that an offer?

Nodding, I wrinkled my nose as I sassed him slamming my hand on my full hip. Only if you don’t back out.

Delhar’s tense laugh filled the silent room as

Fiona watched me. The tension damn near radiating off of her just moments ago suddenly dissipated.

A slow smile spread across her beautifully painted lips, almost as if she were happy with my annoyance. It’s so nice to see you two back to normal. I’ve missed it.

Her words had my stomach twisting as I swiftly looked away from Delhar. Sure we were together, but I had been seriously questioning us for a while now.

Snagging a cup of coffee, I downed it swiftly before speaking once more the second it was empty. So what are all of you doing in my rooms?

Rolling her beautiful green eyes, Fiona jabbed a finger at a cake that looked to be made by her when she was just a child. Your birthday, of course.

My entire body froze as I desperately tried to think of the day. Unfortunately I couldn’t think of anything other than shock and confusion causing me to step toward my calendar glancing at the date. It’s not my-

My words stuck thickly in my throat as I found that it was in fact my birthday, causing me to sigh softly. Ok, its my birthday.

Snorting loudly, Fiona pushed her dark red hair from her face. I figured getting our friends together would be a good way to celebrate.

I couldn’t help but bristle. They hadn’t done this for the last three birthdays. Why now?

Right, it was probably because they all suddenly liked me again. There were things happening in the vampire realm that Fiona may need my help with, and Delhar was just trying to make up for the three years he missed. I, on the other hand, wanted nothing to do with today.

Yeah, sure, that would be great.

Smiling brightly, missing my unwilling tone, Fiona began speaking once more in a chipper voice. So tonight we can have dinner and just enjoy one another’s company. You know nothing fancy, just family having a small get together and all.

Nodding, I began hastily making my way toward the bathroom as I mumbled. Yeah tonight, let me get some work done and a shower in and I will totally be ready for this.

Narrowing her eyes on me Fiona watched as I pushed past Delhar and into the bathroom. Shoving the door closed behind me, I locked it tightly.

I needed a moment. The walls were closing in. I hadn’t realized it was my birthday. The only thing I could remember about today was that it was the day I had lost J. This was the day my life turned upside down.

Reaching into the shower, I turned it on, closing my eyes as the steam filled the air. The sound filled my ears, but it wouldn’t keep the voices from the other side of the door away from me.

Jerking my clothes off,I braved stepping into the water before slowly sliding down to the floor putting my hands over my face as I let myself cry in complete silence.

I was trying to push forward, but my body was physically hurting from the emotional pain. My mind was bringing things up I didn’t want to think about, making my heart bleed as if it were me on the table in the Underworld.

Looking to the heavens with my eyes still closed, I shook my head whispering softly. I can do this. I have to. Slowly I opened my eyes, trying to push the thoughts and memories from my mind.

I knew it wasn’t really my birthday, but this was the day I dragged myself out from the Underworld so many years ago. This was the first day I had been in this realm, and I watched J green with envy. I saw how much he was loved wishing I could be loved like that one day. I still didn’t feel like I had found anything in this realm other than pain but I had tried my hardest for so many years.

A sudden soft knock on the door had me jerking my head up, making me aware they hadn’t left yet. Sara, can you let me in? You left your clean clothes out here with us.

Clearing my throat I snapped my gaze to the door, making it unlock with my magic before bowing my head again as I let the water wash the tears away. Sara are you ok?

Pursing my lips, I peeked out of the shower curtain. I will be.

Delhar chewed on his lip for a moment before shutting the door behind him, pulling his shirt off tossing it to the floor with his pants and shoes.

Scoot over.

I couldn’t help but smile as I let him in the shower. Wrapping his arms around me tightly, Delhar buried his face into my throat, sighing softly. I thought you had bolted this morning when I found you gone.

Rolling my eyes, I let out a soft snort. What must I do to prove to you I’m not leaving Delhar?

My words had his arms tightening around me roughly as he mumbled, embarrassed. The plea in his voice grated against my skin like glass. Talk to me, please.

Opening my mouth I went to just spill everything out only to slam it shut once more. Shaking my head adamantly I turned in his arms to face him with a dark look. If I talk to you, I will fall apart.

Pulling me closer Delhar placed his chin on my head as he spoke just for my ears. I will hold you together until you can hold yourself together.

I let my arms wrap around him as I shook my head. I want to stop hurting. I want to give you the love you deserve, but I don’t think I have it in me anymore. My loud sniffling filled the bathroom as my tears fell to mix with the shower water once more.

Sara I will take whatever you throw at me.

Pulling away from him, I tried to not snap at Delhar. Truth was he had left me for three years. Delhar had shut me out and not trusted me.

Now, after a year of trying, I was still struggling to talk to him. Maybe I was the problem.

Licking my lips, I reached for the soap, stuffing those thoughts back into deep recesses of my mind and lied. I don’t want to celebrate anything, but for all of you I will.

Frowning, Delhar watched as I washed my hair and body quickly before stepping out of the shower to dry off. I was putting as much distance between us as I could.

Chapter Delhar

Iwatched her shut down. She did her normal routine of cleaning herself, putting her clothes on, but nothing was ever truly looked at anymore. Sara’s weight and muscles were still almost nonexistent. She had lost what looked to be seventy or more pounds in the past year. She hardly ate anything anymore and when she did, she stuffed it into her mouth while she was on the run.

Then, when Sara and I were alone, we either kept silent or were touching one another. We didn’t talk about much anymore. Things were always kept at a distance.

Finishing washing myself, I turned the water off, dressing silently as Sara made her way into her rooms. Lor and Fiona had all left to get food and drinks for the night.

There Sara stood in front of me physically, but emotionally she was gone. Sara, don’t do this. Please.

Turning her face up to mine, a slow sad smile formed on her lips that didn’t reach her now hollow hazel eyes. I’m trying so hard. Can you not understand that?

Giving her a single nod, I reached out to touch her face, causing her to pull away from me once again. Do you want us to all leave?

Wrinkling her nose, Sara once again forced her smile to grow. No, I just have to try harder. That’s all.

Giving her a slow nod, I took my seat on the couch, closing my eyes. Depression had been hanging off of her like a dead skin and, for some reason, it didn’t seem as if it was going to fade away.

I didn’t know how to help Sara. The smiles I mustered up seemed to keep her at arm’s length. Of course  I tried to hold her as she cried, but Sara wouldn’t speak to me about anything. I needed her to trust me, but nothing seemed to show her I was here for her.

Two hours later, Rei and Anya made their way into Sara’s room with a platter of food, smiling brightly. Did we miss it?

Sara’s fake smile could have fooled anyone but Rei. Slowly his bright smile slid from his boyish features as he knowingly nodded. His chin shockingly wobbled as his voice shook with emotions. I know.

Those two broken, whispered words had Sara turning away from all of us as she pulled out a drink from the air with her magic, mumbling. You are early for the first time in your life, Rei.

Rei’s laugh bounced off the stone walls as he took a seat next to me. She’s one to talk.

I couldn’t help but laugh with him as we both smirked. That she is.

Everyone joined us that night and Sara kept quiet, as she always had. Problem was, it wasn’t because she didn’t have anything to say. No, it was because she was a million miles away, until just before midnight.

Those beautifully broken hazel eyes went to her drink before lowering to the ground below the window seat. Suddenly, her voice rendered us all speechless. I’m sorry you have to celebrate my birthday when it’s the day that changed everyone’s lives for the worst.

Lor’s black eyes slowly turned gold as his mouth thinned. Rei’s ocean blue eyes turned sad as he went to argue with her. Sara-

Swiftly standing up, Sara visibly swayed on her feet as she snapped drunkenly. I can’t do this right now. I want to go home.

Frowning, Demarcouse posed the question I had been dying to ask first. Where exactly is home?

Sara turned her deadly gaze on him as she spoke on a broken whisper. I don’t know anymore.

With that heartbreaking statement, Sara turned back to the window, remaining silent once more. All eyes in the room were locked on Sara for several minutes before Lor finally broke the silence nervously. Sara, tell me a story about him.

Sara’s back straightened as she dragged her gaze around to meet Lors. The deep-seated rage coating her voice as she sneered at him sent shock waves through the room. "They ruined everything again. This was supposed to be my day, my hour, and yet he chose to die on my day.

She just had to fucking share it, now what the fuck am I supposed to do? All I can think about is if she wouldn’t have died, I would be at her party and-"

Clamping her mouth shut suddenly, Sara locked her gaze on me as she shook her head. Sara was drunk and showing her authentic emotions as she seethed. I hate him for this. I hate her for sacrificing her life.

Just like that, Sara left the room filled with anger and fear.

Standing, I desperately glanced around the room, wondering if anyone had any idea of where Sara may have gone. No one was moving until I finally spoke roughly. Where is she?

Lor’s gold eyes turned to me as a frown painted his face thickly. You wouldn’t know?

Squaring my broad shoulders, I shook my head unsure of what to do. I sat in Sara’s rooms until the sun was just about to rise.

Everyone else had left hours ago. I’m sure Lor had gone in search of her in the Underworld. Rei insisted he was going to look by the lake. Fiona and Demarcouse though, just simply went to bed.

My mind kept telling me something wasn’t right. That this needed to be fixed before Sara went off and did something completely crazy.

Still I couldn’t come up with a solution. The sun was making light of the night when I decided then and there Sara would come to me when she was ready. Sitting here mulling things over wasn’t doing anything to help her or me.

Making my way home I went straight to my workout room, readying for a long day, only to find Sara beating her feelings out. You have been here the entire time?

Pausing for only a breath, Sara gave me a small shake of her head. First, I went to your rooms, but you didn’t come home. Then I came down here after a nice long sleep on your couch.

Lifting my chin, I met her eyes in the mirror. Her soft pleading voice filled my ears on more. Fix me Delhar.

My heart shattered as I gave her a frown, making my way toward her slowly across the mats. Tell me how and I will, Sara.

My words had Sara wrapping her arms around me. A soft sigh fell from her lips as she buried her face into my chest. Please don’t leave me today.

I didn’t need her to ask me twice. I shadowed us in my room. The second I stepped away from her, I was speaking. Sara, I don’t know how to help you.

Taking a seat on the couch nearest to me. I let her crawl into my lap, wrapping her arms around my stomach as she pressed her cheek against me. I ruined everyone’s life by coming her so damn long ago. I don’t want to be celebrated.

Chapter 2 Sara

Ileft my own birthday party drunk and angry. I was angry at the realms. Everything felt out of control and it was all because of my selfish brother.

Going to the Underworld to hide away was out of the question though. Lor would find me there. Instead, I shadowed to the War realm.

Standing in the entrance hall, I looked around me as I had so many times before when I felt as if I was spinning out of control, gathering my emotions. I had to pull my guard back up before making my way up the stairs two at a time.

Raising my fist, I gave the door three quick knocks waiting for the enter to come from the other side. When the door swung open, War’s angry green eyes searched the air above me before lowering almost comically until they found me.

Sara, is something wrong?

Staring up at one of my oldest friends, I gave him a small nod. I need a distraction, mind being one for me tonight?

Swinging the heavy door open wide, War watched me curiously. I figured you would be celebrating your birthday with the Middlander tonight.

Wrinkling my nose up at him, I made my way into his immaculately clean rooms. Pushing a drink into my hand, War let me speak over the rim of it softly. I am not in the celebrating mood tonight.

Raising an eyebrow, War took a seat in the plush arm chair across from me elegantly. The Middlander not tickling your fancy anymore?

Snorting loudly, I rolled my eyes at War. War, I’m a bit drunk, please don’t try getting all existential and what not with me tonight.

Reaching up, War scratched at his perfectly straight nose. Those bright forest green eyes shining despite the low light. Sara, it’s ok to fall apart. We can handle it.

Lowering my gaze to the floor between us, I felt my lip wobble as I pulled in a loud, ragged breath. I don’t know how to move forward. I still have so much to say to them.

A single tear fell down my cheek, stopping on my chin when I did finally manage to look at War, causing him to give me a weak smile. "They broke their promises, War. Damn it, I’m pissed about it.

I want all three of them back just so I can kick their asses."

Laughing softly, War watched me through grief stricken eyes, causing me to swallow thickly before I whispered softly. "I want to play cards tonight. That’s all I want is to play a game of cards with my friends.

Do you mind setting it up?"

War didn’t even hesitate, that was the thing about him. He may be loud and arrogant, but when you needed him, he was there, silently listening and never judging. He held his opinions to himself unless you asked for them and he never threw your mistakes back in your face.

Leaning forward, he gave me a quick playful wink. Give me half an hour and then meet me downstairs in the card room, little Sara.

True to his word, half an hour later and Glutton, Vengeance, Vanity, War and myself were sitting down to a table full of food and drinks. Well, well, well look who actually wants to spend their birthday with us.

Rolling my eyes, I tossed a cheese ball at Glutton, smiling brightly. Don’t start shit with me. I will have to kick your ass and take all of your money if you do.

Surprise flashed deep in Glutton’s dark brown eyes as his head went back. His loud laugh bounced off the polished stones. Damn that wicked little mouth is going to get you in trouble one day.

Sneering at him, I picked my smokes out, putting one to my lips as I murmured. One day, where the fuck have you been? My mouth has always gotten me in trouble.

Deftly, Glutton began passing the cards out, our witty banter beginning to flow back and forth between all of us, putting me at ease. These were the friends I needed.

Against all odds, we had come back together. After everything that had happened, we pushed forward without a second thought to any of it.

This was where my mind had been traveling to when I needed space. These were the beings that knew me better than me lately. They always helped in any way they could without asking for anything in return.

The clock struck five in the moring, signaling our ending for the night. Pushing up and out of my chair I began helping clear the table, causing War to snort loudly. Sara, I have people that do the cleaning. Stop that.

Cocking my head to the side, I locked eyes with War as I shook my head. You are spoiled. You know that, right?

Giving me a bright smile, War downed the rest of his drink before leaning toward me ever so slightly in challenge. And you are not spoiled enough if you are cleaning up your own messes.

Van’s immaculate eyebrow rose as she looked between the two of us, causing me to sneer. I will see all of you another night.

With that, I shadowed to Delhar’s workout room. I knew he would be looking for me, so my mind worked on a very plausible lie. They couldn’t know that I was preferring the Fae realms over them. That was just asking to be locked away until they brought me to my sense.

Here I sat in Delhar’s lap, hardly taking up half of it as I closed my eyes, wanting someone else to carry me for a while. I should have never come here to these realms.

Delhar’s arms tightened around me with my whispered confession. Please, just let me talk to you.

Running his hand up my back lovingly, Delhar let me keep pushing forward. "I wish I could take it all back. I wish I could go back to the Underworld and turn back time and let all of you live without me.

Their deaths are my fault. I will never be able to take it all back. I should have turned around and just let that demon take me so long ago, like I wanted. I shouldn’t have fought. I want to lie down and let Charles swing that damn sword.

They would all still be here and I wouldn’t know what I was missing. They may still hate me, you might still be happy not knowing the darkness and pain like you do.

Hell, you and Demarcouse would still be close and-"

My pause caused Delhar to snort. Suddenly, his fingers were under my chin, turning my face up to meet his. "And Fi wouldn’t be here. My brother would be alone and I would still be lost.

You see, Sara, with all the darkness you thought you brought, you also brought light. You taught us all who to love and how to love.

Look at Lor, without you, he would still be under your mother’s thumb, not loving anyone, not even himself. His life would be nothing more than bloodshed and enslavement.

Rei would be alone or ten to one dead. J would have been king, something he never wanted.

All this self loathing is just that, a pity party for yourself. You must pick yourself back up after a good long cry and understand that none of us will ever let you go for any price."

I wanted to scream at him. Delhar didn’t understand. There were deals I had made to get us out of the last war that were starting to pull at me. That’s on top of everything I had lost. I was failing at everything and the price was about to get higher if I couldn’t change it.

Delhar’s blue eyes watched me closely, causing me to look down at my hands, mumbling softly. "I hate J but I also love him. Some days I think it’s over and then boom, I am sobbing while I beat some poor punching bag to nothing. I survived the war, but I have lost so much in the process.

The only thing I can think of doing is bringing her back from the eather, so that I can kill her all over again. Aarron didn’t get enough pain that she dished out.

I want to pay it all back. Problem is she’s out of my reach and I’m here dealing with everything she took away from me. Aarron broke me and everything I hold dear."

Reaching up, Delhar brushed my hair from my face as he whispered lovingly. So take it all back.

His words had ideas flowing through my mind rapidly. And just how would I do that?

Tapping me on the tip of my nose, Delhar watched me sharply. One day at a time. Rebuild your relationships first.

Delhar was talking about moving forward. I was talking about fixing my mistakes from the past. That’s why I snuggled deeper against his chest, closing my eyes so that he couldn’t see the plan formulating in my mind.

My brain was now running a million miles a second. I would take it all back, no matter the cost.

Chapter Delhar

Iknew the second Sara was awake things were different. Those beautiful hazel eyes went to and fro as if her thoughts were racing and she was trying to read them without me knowing it. She lay silent and unmoving until I finally braved speaking softly. I’m glad you are awake.

Glancing up at me, a nervous smile flitted across her features as she tried to pretend once more, until she forced herself to speak. That makes one of us.

Icy dread suddenly seeped into my bones as she pulled herself from my grasp, causing me to tighten my grip on her. I didn’t want to lose her in this moment. Something told me this wasn’t going to be a good day.

Don’t push me away Sara.

Raising an eyebrow, Sara let a frown mar her beautiful features. You are right. I’m sorry.

Her words were supposed to give me comfort and calm me down. They, in fact, did the opposite and caused the fear to rise by the second as she leaned toward me. I’m gonna be better today. I’m not going to think about all of that shit. The only thing I’m going to think about are the things I have right here and now.

Leaning up, Sara gave me a soft peck of a kiss, causing me to snatch her back up the moment she pulled away. I needed more contact with her, causing my kisses to become rough and needy. This was what I had been holding back with her. The emotions.

Her body didn’t melt against mine though. Instead she remained ridged, as she pulled away from me. Wrinkling her nose at me she adamantly shook her head causing her hair to fly wildly around her causing me to speak roughly. You don’t mean that, Sara.

Her almond hazel eyes suddenly shot deep red as she hastily stepped away from my bed. What do I not mean exactly, Delhar?

There it was once again, the distance between us, causing me to force a half smile trying desperately to diffuse the situation. That you are sorry. You will always be you, Sara. I never want you to be sorry for it. I love you for just you.

My words didn’t placate Sara even a little. Her single curt nod and brilliant forced smile as she leaned down slowly once again couldn’t hide the frustration deep in her eyes or even the deepened lines on her face. Im going to deal with stuff in the Underworld. Then the Above realm. When I’m done, you and I have a date, mister.

Sara was now pulling on her boots, avoiding all eye contact as she pulled her shoulders back, squaring them as she prepared herself for the day. I will see you later, Delhar.

Sara didn’t give me the chance to argue or question her further as she just simply disappeared with her things. My day started as it normally did after her departure.

First, I took breakfast in my rooms in complete silence.That was something I had started doing since they had put that damn demon in my mind. I gave it just a single hour of entertainment. Then the rest of the day I would push it to the back.

When I went down to my office, I began reading through some of the plans for the next few months of parties, weddings, and preparations for winter. Most of the work had turned monotone, which is what I preferred.

We had been out of the war for a little over four years. Things seemed to be fully settled down in both realms.

The moment Fiona and Demarcouse stepped through my door, I was speaking. Can I be of assistance to you two?

Giving me a nervous smile, Fiona fidgeted with her delicate fingers. Last night didn’t go as planned.

Folding my hands into my lap, my eyes found my brother’s dark ones as I shrugged. Sara is grieving every day. It’s a struggle, some days less than others, but it seems yesterday was almost a losing one.

Fi raised her chin, looking more like her mother than ever before. Normally, I would be speaking to my mother about the matters I’m dealing with. I’m afraid to do that right now, though, and I’m not sure if she could handle the issues.

Tracking them with just my eyes, I watched as they sat across from me, keeping their eyes from meeting mine again. Suddenly Fiona was spilling something that seemed to be weighing heavily on her for a long while. "I have been hearing rumblings, rumors really, of a price being on my mother’s head.

I’ve tried to find out who would be brave enough to do such a thing. Only one name keeps cropping up."

Pursing my lips, I let my mind drift through the different ways we could handle this without Sara finding out. And whose name would that be Fiona?

Giving me a small smile, Fiona finally met my cold eyes with fear filled ones. Aluria.

Sliding my gaze to Demarcouse, I watched as he nodded. Fi’s voice suddenly drew my attention once again. I have searched on my own and that is all anyone will utter.

Pushing myself up slowly from my seat, I let a soft sigh fall from my lips. Sara told me this is exactly what she feared when I let our mother’s soul live on.

Demarcouse’s gaze hastily went to the stone floor as he frowned. What are we to do?

Narrowing my gaze on him swiftly, I snapped harshly. We don’t breathe a single word of this. If Sara were to find out, she would hunt her down without a care of who would get in her way.

Nodding, Fiona let a frown appear on her petite features. Lor, he will find out soon. He is her right-hand man and best friend. When he finds out-

The moment Lor’s name left Fiona’s lips, he was next to her, watching her through narrowed black eyes. A smirk painted his lips, making him look damn near animalistic. His deceptively smooth voice filled the room effortlessly. He already knows. Don’t think I live under a rock.

Suddenly, Lor’s black eyes rolled as he stepped away from them cautiously. Well, technically, I do live under a rock, but I hear everything from where I am at just fine.

Fearfully Fiona stepped back into Demarcouse’s arms, gasping loudly, causing a dark laugh to escape Lor. Did I frighten you little Fiona?

Shaking her head quickly, Fiona absently let her hand find her chest, almost as if she were clutching at it. No Lor, you have never frightened me.

Tsking her, Lor shook his finger at her as he paced around and behind the two. The predatory gleam in his gold eyes was the only emotion Lor seemed to give them as he let his challenge be heard in his voice bluntly.  I don’t like liars. You two will do well to remember that. I don’t care whose daughter you are. No one decides where you are going but you.

Those gold eyes flashed toward me as he raised his chin confidently.The business like tone Lor normally held was suddenly replacing the gleeful tone he held for the other two as he addressed me. "I was made aware of the situation a few weeks ago. I have also run down every lead and almost all of them lead back to the Dragon realm.

Problem is I am not allowed to enter it upon Sara’s orders. She wishes them to not be tainted by the Fae realms.

Why? I haven’t found out yet. I’m sure that will come to light soon."

Tossing her hand in the air quickly, Fiona damn near shouted. I can’t go there either. Mom put it in our agreement when we became allies again.

Raking a hand through my hair I thought through all of the problems suddenly heaping onto our plate. Drake and I aren’t good enough friends for me to just walk into that realm without an agenda.

Frowning deeply, Demarcouse glanced around the room. The tension growing thickly by the second before he cocked his head to the side carefully speaking. Do you find it strange that none of us but Sara has any contact with the dragons? I mean, that’s a little strange that none of us are even welcome there but her, right?

Wrinkling her button nose, Fiona’s eyes suddenly shot wide as they went to Lor swiftly. My mother would never order a hit on herself. Would she?

Pursing his lips tightly, Lor stilled as he brooded. His gold eyes slowly fading back to black. I would never put anything past your crazy mother. When she gets something in her mind, it’s hard to get her to reconsider.

I couldn’t believe what we were all seeing. Sara was hiding something from all of us and now we were putting the pieces together.

Collapsing roughly into my chair, I deflated as I muttered softly. Nothing leaves this room just yet. We can think of ways to get to the Dragon realm without Sara knowing. If anyone gets an idea, we meet here again. Got it?

Fi and Demarcouse nodded swiftly, making their way out of the room, closing the heavy wooden door tightly behind them. Lor, on the other hand, stood analyzing my every move. "Delhar, I’m warning you to tread lightly. If Sara finds out about this, she will feel betrayed.

She may