Betrayed (8 page)

C
learly
, I shouldn’t have worried about the scarred lands, or the destruction from the storm, because when I stepped outside on the balcony I was awed to see everything back exactly as it’d been before the storms, if not better.

I raised a questioning brow at Michael.

He shrugged. “Somehow they managed to do the repairs from the basement. At least no one saw them leave, but I have a feeling they would have no trouble tricking anyone.”

Very true. I paused, feeling the air. “It feels different.”

“How so?” Michael asked.

“Calmer. Peaceful even. My mother was right, the halflings are going to be able to restore the planet. I don’t think it’s going to take them very long either. I don’t even think they’ll need my help.”

Michael looked away. “What will happen when things are back in balance? Will you return to your homeland?”

I hadn’t really thought that far ahead. “I don’t want to but it will really depend on what happens with my mother. If she reclaims the lands and I have her blessing I will stay here on Earth and watch the little ones grow. I’m sure I’ll have to travel back and forth, but I would prefer to stay here most of the time.”

I noticed his shoulders visibly relaxed.

Michael blew out a breath. “And if things end badly for your mother?”

That was not something I wanted to put my focus on. “I guess it wouldn’t matter where I lived at that point. But she’ll figure it out. She always does.”

The thought of my mother losing her kingdom was something I couldn’t even begin to fathom.

Michael took a step closer. “What about us?”

My pulse jumped in the hollow of my throat. “What do you mean?”

I watched his hand as it reached up, his thumb grazing the side of my cheek, his touch warm, gentle. “Are we together?”

Together?
I wasn’t quite sure what he meant by that, but I liked the sound of it. The thought of it was strangely thrilling to me. “Together in what way?”

“As in, you and me.” His thumb eased down and traced my lower lip. “Not having to hide our attraction. Being a couple out in the open.”

My body sagged into his as soon as his lips touched mine. When we finally pulled away I whispered, “Together. I like the sounds of that. Yes, we are. I don’t care what everyone else thinks. This is my life and I’m going to live it how I want.”
At least until I was called to the throne.

Just then the door creaked open and in walked Demitrious. He glanced between the two of us with a raised brow. “I didn’t intend to interrupt. Princess, you are needed downstairs.”

We broke apart, but not before sharing a smile.

“What’s going on?” I asked, when I realized Demitrious was even tenser than usual.

He held the door open. “We’ve got a problem.”

“Is it mother?”

He shook his head. “You’ve got to see for yourself.”

Annoyed, I followed after him. Sometimes I wished this demon was more talkative. With haste we descended the stairs. Suddenly, my steps faltered, nearly causing me to trip before I even reached the bottom.
You’ve got to be kidding me!

Isla, was sitting crossed-legged on the floor, in a circle surrounding her were several of the demons and otherworldly creatures from the Underworld. They all had their eyes closed and Isla was chanting strange tones I’d never heard before.

Demitrious glanced back at me with his hands held out to the side of him, open as if to say he had no idea what she was doing. Looking back at Michael, I saw he had a smile on his face. He was proud of her.

Yeah, I wasn’t quite there yet. Who knew what she was up to. I didn’t want to interrupt in case she was weaving a spell or something. It really bothered me that I was clueless to the words and tones she chanted. If I didn’t know and the demon didn’t know—even with his vast knowledge—it was cause for concern.

The creatures surrounding the young girl were clearly in a trance. It was strange to see them so docile. There was no rhyme or reason to the type either. There were demons, goblins, shifters, witches, and more.

“How long have they been like this?” I whispered.

“I watched for over half an hour, before I came to get you. I have no idea when it started.”

“You have no idea what she’s saying?” I asked, in disbelief.

“None. I can catch a couple of the phrases but that is all.”

“What are they?”

“It’s hard to explain because it doesn’t make any sense. I’ve heard transmuting a couple of times, but also the command to step into the Underworld.”

I inhaled sharply. “Why would she want that?”

“I was hoping you would know.” A look of concern softened his face.

Panic began to well up inside of me. I was torn between breaking the trance and allowing her to finish what she’d started. If I broke the trance while they were in the Underworld I had no idea what the repercussions could be, but I was also worried for Isla’s safety. The worst part was, I couldn’t even merge with them, because I didn’t understand what she was doing.

Michael remained silent, his eyes fixed on the scene below.

We stood there for a good thirty minutes until Isla’s eyes popped open, her gaze quickly settling on us with a small smile. Gods, she was gorgeous. It hit me she appeared to be about the age of a young teenager. Not much younger than Michael. Just the thought made my heart lurch.

“Daughter, what have you done?” I spoke softly walking toward her. Even though she was now back in the living the rest of the creatures were still in a trance.

“What had to be done,” she stated easily, folding her hands on her lap and glancing up at us serenely.

I let out a breath slowly, trying to hold on to my patience. “Which was?”

“The group surrounding me had plans to destroy you. They have been living under your roof with the intent to kill you while you slept.”

“That would never happen.” I nearly rolled my eyes. There wasn’t anyone in this room, except maybe Demetrious that had that power. “That doesn’t answer the question. Why were you in the Underworld?”

Her eyes twinkled; she gave Demitrious a knowing glance. “I wondered if you knew where I was.” She paused. “I opened a death door and pushed them through it. They are currently working through their lifetime of negative karma. They have been imprisoned by a hell of their own making. Some will come out of the trance, cleansed, and others will never reemerge.” She shrugged. “We’ll have to wait and see.”

Michael scratched the back of his neck. “And how long will it take before we know? Are they just going to stay here, like that?”

Rising to her feet, Isla snapped her fingers and they vanished before our eyes. “The ones that return can be trusted. The ones that don’t? No longer our problem.”

Mouth agape, I stood staring at this young woman before me. Did she have any idea how much power she just wielded? Let alone the fact that she had entered the Underworld, and then returned, without zapping any of her energy. Unheard of. “Isla, I wish you would speak to us before you make these decisions on your own.”

A soft smile played across her lips. “You would have said no.”

Of course, I would have said no
, I thought in exasperation.

“We came here to help, Mother. And we will do so by any means necessary.”

A grin creased Demitrious’ face, making me want to scream. I had no idea how to handle these children. “She has a point, Princess.”

Rubbing my thumb across my forehead, I willed myself to calm down. “What’s done is done. Isla, I would like you and the others to get to work on building the surrounding village. Make enough cottages that each creature can have their own space. I want them out of this castle by nightfall.”

“As you wish.” Isla grinned as she spun on her feet, practically skipping out of the room and down the stairs.

Obviously, keeping the children contained in the basement was a losing game. At least if I gave them something to focus on it might keep them out of trouble. Maybe.

“Don’t say a word.” I held up my hand toward Michael and Demitrious.

“I’ve never seen anything like them.” The demon shook his head. “It’s as if they have the hand of the Creator at their beck and call.”

I regarded him for a moment. I hadn’t thought of it that way. “Perhaps they do.” More than anything I wished my mother was there so I could seek her advice.

T
he following day Michael
, myself, and the children decided to venture farther into the unknown areas surrounding the castle. Blake flew ahead of us and would loop around on occasion, giving us a report on what to expect. Mostly it was a lot of barren land. We didn’t run across any people or creatures which was strange and sort of eerie.

Randomly we would stop, springing forth vegetation before moving on.

“Where are the other people?” I asked Michael. There had to be more than the tribe.

He gave a shrug. “They would sometimes randomly wander in to the tribe’s cavern but usually there were only a handful of them.”

Whistling to get Blake’s attention, I waited for him to land beside us and shift into his human form. After quickly conjuring clothes onto him, I asked, “Blake, have you seen large masses of population while you travel around?”

He scratched the back of his head. “Not really. I mean, I’ve seen groups of about twenty on occasion, but nothing significant. I could fly farther north and south if you want me to search specifically for humans.”

“He won’t find them,” Nixie said, walking backwards. Her frame was small and slight, but she was starting to get curves. She was stunning and brought out a protective streak in me. I worried someday her heart would be broken by someone unworthy of her attention.

Narrowing my eyes I asked, “Why not?”

With a twirl, she said, “They’re underground.”

My steps faltered. “How can they be underground?”

Blake nodded his head. “That makes sense. In what used to be the larger cites there are underground tunnels. From my understanding they used to travel that way several decades ago.”

The other children were quiet, but I could tell they were talking to each other. Drove me crazy I wasn’t included in their conversations.

Finally, Calamus spoke, “What are you thinking, Mother? Why do you want to know where the rest of the population is? If you wish we could travel around, fertilizing the lands around them, and once they see the crops, they will come to the surface.”

“Not without me,” I said firmly.

Turning toward Michael I asked, “How far away are these cities?”

Blake answered for him. “They are scattered all over the continent. Some are several thousand miles away.”

“Where is the nearest city?” I asked impatiently.

Blake gave a shrug. “No idea.”

Suddenly, Jinx , the other boy, blinked out.

I closed my eyes, clenching my fist. “Jinx! Get back here!”

Michael laughed, and threw his arm around my shoulder. I pressed my face into his shoulder, breathing in the faint smell of him. “Why do you even bother to think you can control them?”

Sometimes I wondered that myself. The thought dismayed me.

“Where did he go?” I demanded of the others.

The four of them gave me conspiring grins. “Don’t worry about Jinx, he can take care of himself.”

Of that I had no doubt—out of all of them Jinx had the most access to the darkness. Whether he would use it or not was another question. Who would have thought that mixed offspring would be stronger than full bred? Sure as Hades not me.

“Let’s get back to the castle so he knows where to find us.”

Isla actually rolled her eyes. Now I knew how my mother felt.

“It’s going to be dark soon,” I said in a lame attempt at making up for trying to be the overprotective mother. I was too young for this job.

As we turned to walk back through the newly grown woods, the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end. Everyone stilled accept Michael, he didn’t register the threat.

Without even realizing it, my hands shot up, the dark magick ignited from my core.

Before the creature stepped out of the shadows, a blast of power erupted from my hands. I would protect my children at all costs; it was as natural as breathing to me.

The burst of power split one of the trees. It came crashing down, but there was never any danger of it hitting us. Dirt kicked up a cloud of dust, and from the shadows a giant of a cyclops emerged.

In the flash of an eye another bolt of power flew through the air—the cyclops raised his hand, effortlessly deflecting the blow.

Calamus stepped forward. “Mother, leave him alone. He means no harm, he is terrified.”

My hands dropped to my side, I felt the rage fizzle out of my body.

The large creature loomed over us.

Lifting his hand, Calamus wove a different kind of energy at the large beast.

I watched stunned as the monster dropped to his knees. Calamus drifted closer to the cyclops.

My heart thumped against my breastbone. I realized I couldn’t move. Calamus or one of the others had frozen me. My magic was not accessible to me.

Michael and Blake were looking at me as if to say stop him, but I couldn’t. Agony tore through me as I stood helpless. If that monster hurt them …

My anger boiled. The cyclops were savage monsters.

The other children moved forward so they were like an arch in front of the cyclops. Calamus raised his palm and placed it on the creature’s massive chest. The cyclops’ nostrils flared, and then his eye closed and a small smile played across his lips.

Finally, I was able to move again. I rushed forward. “What are you doing? If any of you
ever
take my power like that again …” I paused.
What? What could I possibly do to them?
“It’s disrespectful to steal another’s power like that. Anyone else would kill you on the spot.”

Calamus didn’t bother to turn. “Sorry, Mother. But you often react impetuously, and it’s not always the wisest course of action.”

My mouth agape, I wanted to throttle the kid. He sounded like the parent not the other way around.

The cyclops’ eye opened. His head bowed slightly before speaking telepathically to me.
Princess, I came forth not to harm you but to thank you. I’ve been locked away for centuries and one of your children set me free. There are others, but they have fled to the higher ground. I wanted to tell you that you have our loyalty forever, and your Jinx, he will be revered. I have given him the power to reach us if any of you shall ever need us. We are powerful beings, as you know. You have no reason to fear us any longer.

My mind reeled. The monster was right, the faeries had feared the cyclops for as long as I could recall. Having them as an ally would certainly be monumental. I hesitated.
If what you say is true, I would honor a truce between our kinds. The queen will be most pleased. I’m sorry I struck out at you.

Do not apologize, you acted on instinct. Regardless of what this wise young being says, always act on instinct. It will serve you well in the future.

I found myself drifting closer to the monster.
Do you have a name?

I am Oak.

I couldn’t suppress my smile.
Oak, it fits you. I must warn you, if any harm comes to my children, I will not hold back.

In answer he picked up Calamus as if he weighted nothing and set him on his shoulder.

Just then Jinx blinked back into existence. “Mother, do not worry. They are harmless and just want to be free to live without being constrained. They came to Earth hoping to have freedom only to be locked away again. They will be guardians of Mother Earth, if allowed to live in peace.”

I let his words sink in. Guardians of the Earth—that was just what the planet needed.
Is this true?

I swear an Oath to protect the Great Mother at all costs to our last breath, in return we just ask to be left alone.

Well, I can’t promise what others might do, but you have my word that there will be a truce between the fae and your kind. I speak for my mother because she is unable to join us now.

Thank you, Princess.

All of the children climbed over the giant, laughing; a sound that was not heard enough.

After we said our good-byes, we made our way back to the castle. I was still upset with Jinx for leaving and Calamus for interfering even if he had our best interest at heart. I think what bothered me the most was that they had the ability to do it.

As much as I hated to think about it, my mother’s words echoed in my head.
They are children of the Earth, that is their mission. They are here for her.

Nixie must have felt my sadness, since she eased her way over and gave my shoulder a little squeeze. “We do love you, Mother. We cannot always follow your guidance, because we are being guided by forces much stronger. There is no room for parental oversight, you must allow us to do what we are here for. You have to trust us, everything we do is for the Earth. We are her children as much as yours. Please do not see this as a slight, it’s as it has to be.”

I blinked. How were my children so much wiser than myself? It was unsettling at times. “I guess I wish you had stayed little longer. It’s only been weeks and you are practically of age.”

She gave me an impish smile. “There will be plenty of time for play later. For now we must work, we’re closer than you realize.”

I wrapped my arms around her shoulders, and when she laid her head on mine, I inhaled her scent. All of my sadness and anger vanished. I was in complete gratitude for this moment and would cherish it always. “Thank you, Nixie,” I whispered.