By the time we arrived back at the mansion, I was more relaxed than I had felt in a long time. Freeing our beasts was something we needed to do pretty regularly. I could go a very long time between shifts, but there was always this tension inside which wouldn’t abate until I shifted.
“I’m going to go find Rowan,” I said to Kade.
“No need,” she trilled, stepping into the front foyer, where I stood with a multitude of other shifters. “I’ve been waiting for your return. Are you ready to train now?”
I nodded, shaking my arms out. “More than ready. I just need to grab some lunch. Want to meet in the basement? We have mats and everything set up in there.”
Rowan shook her head. “No, we can’t be indoors for this. Do you have a garden? Somewhere we can see the sky? Somewhere with flowers, and plants, and life? Nature is essential to all fae magic.”
I caught Kade’s eye, and I knew both of us were thinking the same thing. My mate’s family was very connected to the mecca, Kade more so than any before him. This probably meant he was connected more to his fae side, which explained why he loved his gardens so much. I loved them too, especially when I found the time to wander through the flowers, but it wasn’t the same for me.
Somehow Rowan read my mind. “You’re winter fae. They draw power from nature in different ways. Less blooming gardens — which is a Summer Court thing — and more snowflakes, icy lakes, flurries of wind and ice…”
I nodded a few times. “That actually makes a lot of sense. I love winter. I used to just lie in the snow and let it coat me head to toe. Drove my mother insane.” My pretend mother that is. I tilted my head to take in Kade. “You’re descended from summer fae, aren’t you?”
He wrapped an arm around me, pressing his lips into my temple. He smelled of sunshine and life, of spice and man … yes, he was definitely summer fae.
He pulled away slightly and said, “I have never felt more at home than when we stepped into the Summer Court lands. I believe I am either summer or spring descended.” His voice got very growly as he answered my unspoken fear. “And I believe it matters nothing that you’re winter fae. We’re bonded mates. The division of their lands is as destructive as the division of our boroughs were.”
I breathed deeply, silently thanking the fates for him. “I agree. I would choose no other. I want no other.”
Rowan was smiling again. She gestured to Violet, who was hovering close by, and the pair started toward to stairs. “Violet can show me the garden. I’ll meet you there.”
Violet gave me a wink as she swiveled her head to look back at us. “I’ll start spelling the garden so that the humans don’t see anything weird.”
“Perfect,” I called after them both, and they were off like two long lost friends, chatting side by side. It was good to have Rowan here. She might be exactly what Violet needed to accelerate her healing. I was glad she’d come.
Kade’s arms fully swept around me then, distracting me. With one arm he lifted me higher so our faces were close together, and then used the other hand to tenderly stroke my cheek. “While you train, I’ll work with Baladar and Nikoli on the secret project. We’ll call for Violet if we need her.”
Right, the dark book. There was so much going on I didn’t know what to deal with first. It was nice having a partner to share the responsibilities with.
“Be careful,” I felt the need to add. “I’m worried about that book, and the … the possibility that the darkness could consume us.”
Here was hoping we were strong enough to withstand it.
“I think the magic born are more susceptible to being drawn under its influence. They were born to wield magic. If I help, I can keep an eye on them. Make sure they’re okay,” he said seriously.
Kade. Always the protector. Wrapped in his arms, I was trying to decide if it was worth separating myself from him. I mean, how badly did I really need to learn my fae powers? His chuckle startled me, his huge chest rumbling around me.
Then he kissed me, his lips capturing mine. When he kissed me it was never enough, I always wanted more.
“Later,” he promised, pulling away.
Nikoli appeared in the doorway then, bagel in hand. Somehow he knew Kade was ready to go now, and with one final wave they disappeared through the double doors, off to wherever Baladar was. The ancient magic born had not accompanied us on the run. He said he preferred to wolf it alone, but in truth, I wasn’t even sure he ever shifted anymore. He was powerful enough to contain the wolf.
I entered the dining room, and was pleased to see the normal buffet of food set up. We fed a lot of shifters in the mansion; there was almost always food in here. I quickly piled food on my plate. If I was about to expend a ton of energy, I needed to be fueled up. Almost silent footsteps caught my attention, but I didn’t have to turn to know it was Finn.
He settled in at my side, and I fed him bits and pieces of my food. We enjoyed the moment, just the two of us. It was rare that we were alone anymore. And sure enough, more footsteps soon echoed down the corridor, and Calista dropped down in the seat across from me.
“How are you holding up?” she asked, not wasting time on small talk. “Baladar is working on the book, but I’m worried about messing with that dark crystal.”
I sighed, dropping my roll. “I’m worried about it too, but I can’t see another way. We need to understand the power we’re up against. And maybe we need to figure out how to use the darkness to fight back.”
“What if it consumes you?”
“I don’t know. I’m afraid it could destroy us all, but burying our heads in the sand won’t change the truth. And the truth is that the winter queen has allied herself with the Dark Fae Lord. And they have a dark weapon.” I hesitated before adding, “I’m not sure I can win this one. I’m not sure I’m strong enough.”
I had always been able to tell Calista what was on my mind. She was my sounding board, my voice of reason. I did not have to be a queen, or an heir, or anyone special with her, I could just be myself, show my fears. I had very few people in the world I could do that with. Kade, Violet, Finn, and Calista were pretty much it. Even for Blaine I put on a brave face.
Calista placed her delicate hand on top of mine and she smiled. “I have watched you grow up, Arianna. You were strong and fearless, despite having no real support in your family. I have never seen you fail at something you really set your mind to, and I know you won’t fail your people. I have no doubt that you will defeat the winter queen and the Dark Fae Lord, and whoever else tries to harm your people.”