Forever Fae (Forever Fae #1)(44)

“Where are you?” I demand softly. “We need to know what’s happened to you and how to get you back home.”

Calista looks up at me slowly and whispers, “Is this real? Are you really here?”

I take her face in my hands and look directly in her eyes.

I answer, “Yes, I’m here, and so are Merrick and Elvena.” I wave my hands around at the setting and say, “This is a magical dream that we pulled you into. We don’t know how much time we have so do you have any idea what’s going on?”

She seems to regain herself with the knowledge that this is real and she’s actually communicating with me.

She shakes her head and says frantically, “Oh my God, Ryder, so many things have happened. Warren is the one who took me!”

I flinch with the knowledge that my best friend has indeed played a part in Calista’s capture. I suspected he turned traitor, but it was still hard to accept. He’s going to pay for this dearly.

I nod my and agree, “I figured he played a part in this.” Her eyes grow solemn when she sees the hurt that must be showing on my face. “There’s so much to tell you, but I’m sure Merrick and Elvena would really like to speak to you, too.” She nods her head and takes my hand. We begin walking back around the lake to where Merrick and Elvena are waiting.

Calista squeezes my hand and reveals, “Warren told me the lies he told you about Merrick and me. It was all part of his plan to separate us and then find a way to take me.”

I nod my head in understanding.

“I know it was all lies. Merrick told me that nothing happened between you two.” I turn to look at her while we walk and I plead, “Please forgive me, Calista. I shouldn’t have doubted you, and I am so…so sorry.”

We continue walking and we are almost to the others when she replies, “It hurt that you didn’t believe me. I was so angry that I was actually going to let you go and never see you again. There is no way I’m choosing between my best friend and the man I love. There has to be a way for me to be with you and still be friends with him. He’s my guardian, and he’s always going to be with me.”

I pull our clasped hands up and kiss her knuckles one by one. I smile at her and murmur, “It will all work out, love. Right now we need to focus on getting you back.”

She looks at me and nods her head in agreement. When she sees Merrick and Elvena she lets go of my hand and goes straight into Elvena’s arms. The sobbing comes again, and Elvena just holds her and tries to calm her.

“It’s alright, child, we will find you and get you home,” Elvena whispers to her.

Calista lifts her head to see Merrick and she finds her way into his arms. I know they are friends and he is her guardian, but it doesn’t make it any easier seeing another man consoling the woman I love.

Merrick expresses to Calista, “I can’t hear you anymore. I’ve tried to push through, but I can’t. Have you tried as well?”

Calista nods her head while still holding him.

“Yes, I’ve tried. The place I’m in is surrounded by dark magic. It feels like a wall is put up in my brain and I can’t get through.”

Elvena cuts in and commands, “Do you know where you’re at and who you’re with?”

Calista looks to me and then back to Elvena.

“Warren took me and I know there are other people, but I haven’t seen them yet. He locked me in a room, but what I don’t get is that this room is amazing with a huge bed and an enormous bathroom. I’m a prisoner, but yet I’m not being treated like a prisoner, other than being locked in. Warren told me that tomorrow I will meet the dark sorcerer, his name is Alasdair, and that he wants my power to fulfill his. He wouldn’t give me all the answers because I would find them all out today. From the vibe I’m getting, this sorcerer wants a little more than just my magic.”

This sends me over the edge and I yell, “Oh, hell no! That f*cker is not going to lay his grimy hands on you.” I look to Elvena and plead, “We have to get her out, now! What can we do?”

Elvena answers, “I have a plan, but it won’t be able to happen until tomorrow. We just have to stay strong.”

Calista looks at me. She can clearly see the anger and worry all over my face, so she comes to stand beside me and wraps her arms around my waist.

She whispers softly, “I’m strong, Ryder, and I promise I’m going to get out of this perfectly fine and virtue intact.” I pull her to me and the thought of knowing she will be leaving me soon and will be in the hands of the dark sorcerer is terrifying.

She doesn’t know about Avery yet so I begin to tell her.

“There is something else you should know. Avery went missing and Elvena found traces of dark magic in his quarters. I believe you may be seeing him soon.”

Her body deflates against mine and she groans angrily.

“I can’t believe he would betray my father and our kingdom. I haven’t seen him yet, only Warren. There are no windows in my room so I can’t escape. Once I am taken to the Black Forest, how are you all going to get me out?” She asks, looking a back and forth between us.

Elvena offers reassurance.

“I have some ideas to get you out, but it involves some serious magic. There is something I must tell you as well.” Elvena takes Calista’s hand and points to the golden ring on her finger with the purple stone.