Betrayals of Spring (Forever Fae #2)(34)

I walk out the front door and Aki is waiting for me on the porch.

“Come on, Aki, let’s go get our princess.”

He huffs and runs around me once before bolting away to the cottage. His enthusiasm and excitement brings a smile to my face and joy to my heart. I know Meliantha has an affinity for animals, but I think Aki would have been drawn to her anyway, affinity or not. He is wagging his tail and staring at the cottage door as I approach. I knock firmly on the door and wait patiently for someone to answer. A few seconds later Meliantha opens the door and looks at me and Aki with the most beautiful smile. Her eyes look a little sad, most likely from the situation with Elissa, but it doesn’t take anything away from the lovely features of her face.

Her auburn red hair is down and she’s wearing a knitted cream-colored cap that hugs the top of her head and over her ears. She’s also wearing a cream-colored snow jacket with cream-colored snow pants to match. I know she can’t be comfortable in all that, being from the Summer Court and all, but she looks absolutely amazing.

After being stunned into silence by her beauty, I finally find my voice.

“I have a surprise for you,” I say with enthusiasm as I hold out my hand for her to take. She gazes at me with excitement and quickly grabs my hand. Seeing her elation fuels mine, so I pull her hurriedly out the door and into my arms.

“Come on, let’s go.”





- Night of the Attack -



My mind feels like it’s in complete shock. I think it’s a combination of everything that is taking over my body. I am angry, tired, hungry, devastated, frustrated, and every other terrible emotion you can think of. The list could go on forever, and it still wouldn’t touch the way I truly feel. How many of my loved ones is the dark sorcerer going to use to torment me? First Kalen, then Finn, and now Elissa. Who knows what’s going to happen to Elissa at the trial?

The walk back to the cottage with Ashur is not easy. He was the one who witnessed the horrid display and I know he fears what will happen to her, and also for me. He cares for Elissa in a deeper way, so his feelings go way beyond just fear. While we were with Kalen and the warriors, Ashur told us what the dark sorcerer said while he was in Elissa’s body. He said he will see me soon, and deep in my gut I know it is the truth. He will come for me because I know his time is running out. But when will he make his move?

My home will not be long in the Summer Court now that the transformation has begun. Kalen and I will form our new court as soon as possible, I hope. I can feel the land calling to me. It’s pulling me with an invisible force, demanding I claim it and make it mine. I’m deeply honored by this gift, and as soon as I leave this Winter haven I’ll be one step closer.

“Soon,” I whisper among the wind.

In order for the dark sorcerer to get my magic, he has to get it before Kalen and I bond. Once I combine my power with Kalen’s, the dark sorcerer will no longer be able to use it because it will no longer be pure. By the way things are going, it might be best to complete the bond tonight. My heart races at the thought of making Kalen mine tonight, and being able to make love to him. I wonder what he would say about completing the bond tonight. I shake my head and silently laugh at myself, I’m sure he wouldn’t mind in the least.

When we made it to the cottage and walked inside, Finn was nowhere to be found. I wonder if he’s in my room or in another one. I’m sure I am about to find out.

“Get some rest, Princess, we have a long day tomorrow.”

Ashur looks worn and defeated, so I walk over to him and put my arms around him, holding him close. He grips me tight and all his sorrow and all his heartache pours into me in a huge rush. His pain runs deep like a knife being shoved in my gut. It’s deeper than I could ever imagine, so I do the only thing I know of to help. With him holding me tight, I release my power, sending it through every ache and every pain in his body. I mainly send it to his heart because that is where he needs it most.

His grip lessens, and he pulls back, startled and wide-eyed.

“What did you do?”

I take his face in my hands and I answer silently, “I’m taking care of my Guardian for once. The pain was too much for you to bear, so I took it from you, but you must not speak of this to anyone. I don’t want anyone to know what I can do yet.”

He closes his eyes and bows his head.

“Thank you, Princess.”

I kiss his forehead and release him.

“You are most certainly welcome, Guardian.”

He nods his head and slowly walks away toward his room. Once I hear his door shut, I make my way to my room. The door is shut and I hesitate for a second before turning the knob. I turn it slowly and open the door. I look around the room and Finn is nowhere to be seen. I’m relieved, but I also feel guilty. I open the door to the room beside mine, and there he is. His white-blonde hair is fanned out across the pillow and his steady breathing lets me know he’s in a deep sleep. Knowing I’ll be leaving him and the Summer Court sends a twinge of guilt sparking through my chest. I will miss his companionship greatly.

I close the door quietly and I walk back to my room. It’s late in the evening and my body is worn from the long journey here and the stress of the recent events. I unfasten my dress and slide it off. A nice, hot shower is what I need before I go to sleep for the night. Maybe it’ll wash away all the evil I feel surrounding me. The bathroom smells of lavender and everything is laid out in all shades of purple. I need to make it a point tomorrow to ask Kalen what the obsession is with the color purple; although, I think I already know the answer.