Summer of Frost (Forever Fae #3)
L.P. Dover
Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring
two Courts to Four is what it will bring.
Without the Four the evil will spread, the Land of the Fae will fall into dread.
The next generation will provide the Four,
the maiden souls and nothing more.
The Power of Four will start with the first,
if he gets the power, only then will you be cursed.
The Power of Four will be drawn to the others,
their power is strong, the power of lovers.
The moment they become one,
only then will the change have begun.
Two Courts to Four is what needs to be, to save the Land, so shall we see.
Tonight was the Winter Solstice Ball, and of course, I was running late … like always. When I walked through the huge double doors of the ballroom, the force of the exuded power almost knocked me off my feet. I froze in my tracks, darting my gaze around to find the reason for such power. Something wasn’t right. Everything around me was normal; the Summer Fae were here, and everyone was dancing around and drinking. Yet, why was my heart pounding out of my chest? Why was the intoxicating energy trying to pull me in another direction?
My date and lover for the time being, Alston, had my arm tightly wrapped around his while we walked through the crowd, acknowledging everyone as we passed. If he felt what I was feeling he wasn’t showing it, but how could he not, it was so strong. Alston had short, black hair and striking, blue eyes that reminded me of our Lake of Ice. He walked with a regal gait, so sure and confident, and always had the Winter Fae women fawning over him. He came from a prominent family of the Winter Court, and was also one of our warriors, even though he could’ve easily taken a place on the council. He lost the battle when it came time for my Guardian Ceremony, and ever since then, I think he’d secretly held a grudge against Oren, my guardian of two years.
Peering over my shoulder, I glanced quickly at my guardian—who was following close behind—to see if maybe he was feeling what I was. “Do you feel anything strange, Oren?” I silently asked him through our connection.
Oren narrowed his eyes and examined our surroundings with great fervor. He replied back, “I don’t sense anything other than your frantic heart. I don’t think there’s a danger in here. Do you feel threatened?”
“No, it’s not like that,” I said, looking around the room. “I don’t know how to explain it, except it’s strong.”
“I’ll keep a look out,” Oren assured me, and gave me a wink.
Giving him a quick nod, I turned my gaze back to the crowd. Alston squeezed my arm, and whispered gruffly in my ear, “I can’t wait to get out of here. How about we take a break and head to your room?”
“Is that all you think about?” I hissed impatiently, rolling my eyes. “We just got here.”
Alston shrugged, his leer emanating a mischievous gleam. “I can’t help it. You look f*cking hot in that dress. Blue is your color, it brings out your …” he said, staring at my breasts, but finished his sentence saying, “… your eyes.”
“Somehow, I don’t believe that.” I laughed, smacking him in the arm.
Normally, I would be all for us leaving the Ball, but the sensation I’d had since coming into the room had given me pause. I was about to tell Alston what I was feeling when my best friend’s voice spoke out from behind me, stopping me.
“What are you two whispering about?” Sarette asked, coming to stand before us.
Looking at her was like seeing me in the mirror. From a distance, we looked almost the same with long, straight black hair, same height, and same features. We’d often been mistaken as each other, but if you examined her closely, her eyes were a majestic blue while mine are emerald green, a rarity among my people. No one in the Winter Court had green eyes like me, and mostly everyone thought it had to be because of the prophecy.
I scowled playfully at Sarette, and hooked a finger in Alston’s direction. “Your cousin wants to blow off the Ball and have his way with me in my room, or better yet, I have my way with him.”
Sarette shook her head, exasperated. “Isn’t that the reason you two were late getting here in the first place?”
I nodded. “Yes, and apparently, that isn’t enough to satisfy him these days. Maybe I should find someone with fewer needs.” I said it as a joke, but in a way I wanted it to strike him where it hurt. Alston got pissed and stalked away, which was my intention with the jab. He was fun to be around, and amazing in bed, but he had started wanting more than I was ready to give.
Sarette followed her cousin’s retreating form, but glanced back at me with concern etched on her elegant face. “What’s up with you two?”
“I don’t know,” I remarked, shrugging my shoulders. “He’s been really clingy lately, and showing more signs of jealousy and hostility toward Oren. They fight all the time and it drives me insane. I guess he’s still angry he lost the battle to be my guardian, but even so, he’s gotten really possessive … I don’t like it.”
A smile took over Sarette’s face.
Laughing, she took my hands. “He acts that way because he’s in love with you, Sorcha. I know you don’t want to be tied down with someone, but he’s really taken with you. You should let him in your heart instead of pushing him away. I honestly think you’re trying to find reasons to push him away. Wouldn’t it be great if we became sisters instead of just best friends? I’ve never seen him act this crazy over someone … ever.”