Elena shot her hand up and stabbed a funnel into the screeching black cloud. The Migols split for an instant, and Kheelan leaned in, urging the horse to go faster toward the opening. It was our only escape. From above, a Migol perched onto a branch and dug its hind claws into the tree to keep from blowing away. It roared as we passed, and swiped down at us. Kheelan ducked, and I pressed close to him stifling a scream as the horse lunged through the opening, the beast’s claw grazing the back of my neck.

A steady tunnel of wind circulated around us, keeping the Migols just out of reach.  Elena broke way in front of us, thrusting funnel after funnel. Trees collapsed onto the wraiths and cleared the path that wound into the mountains to Gri’ah.

I braved a look back, and three wraiths’ merged, together gathering enough speed to gain on us. Its blood red eyes fixed on me, the fiery collar around its thick neck squeezing, tar oozing from its skin as it clenched tighter. It lunged, and a scream lodged in my throat when a vine of air whipped from our surrounding shaft. It flailed my cape up in passing and sliced the wraith back to units. One was wounded, evident when tar splattered onto the trees with a passing hiss.

Fire instantly shot through me. Shock from the pain darkened my sights for a moment, my hold on Kheelan weakening. I screamed, but through the screeching, the pounding hoof beats, and Elena’s violent winds, my voice went unheard, my pain unnoticed.  I cringed, and dug my hands deeper into Kheelan’s chest.  The tar that splattered on me trickled down my back, searing its path on my flesh.

“Hold on! We’re almost there!” Kheelan spoke into my thoughts, unaware of my pain. He could have easily healed me, but I didn’t want him to lose focus. He couldn’t. Not with the gates so close ahead...and death biting at our heels The pain though sent my inner compass spinning, and in Elena’s funnel I lost all my bearings. Instead of tipping forward onto Kheelan, my hands slipped from around him and I fell back.

I choked on a scream as I slammed back onto something and arms gripped me from behind. Black hair whipped my face—Elena. I don’t know how she made it so fast, but she clenched her arms around my waist and whipped the horse with a gust of wind that gave us a push forward. 

Looking ahead, for an instant I thought maybe I had died.The pearly Gates of Gri’ah stood tall, glistening under the silvery light breaking through the clouds. Its whitish hue glittered into the surrounding darkness, and for a second, my heart swelled. We were safe. But approaching the gates, my blood ran cold. A line of Fae sentries manned the perimeters. In noting our approach, they didn’t move nor tried to help in any way. They stared straight ahead, their gleaming breastplates blinding.

In frightening synchronicity, the assembled Fae extended their hands in front of them. I thought they motioned for us to stop, but suddenly the wraiths behind us arched their flight pattern, and waved into the air. Gone.

Our horses whined, rearing to a sharp stop when the Migols descended again like black shooting stars, and landed with a roaring crash before the each Fae. A flaming leash shot out from each guard’s hand, attaching to the Migols’ fiery collars.  The beasts growled and hissed, but didn't dare move. I understood then. These Migols belonged to these Fae, and the Fae guards tamed the Migols with fire. Fire was the only thing that could kill them,  fire was the only thing that could control them.

Still, we’d made it to the gates—alive. I made to breathe, but the Fae fixed us with their cold gazes, and it gripped my lungs. If I gagged, I would have vomited shards of ice. A dispiriting thought settled in my mind. Elena’s premonition said we would reach the Gates of Gri’ah. We did. But would we ever make it inside?

There was silence for a moment.

 “Who is in charge here?!”  Kheelan roared, the ground around him icing over. I was surprised I understood him, but then realized I’d never broken our connection. He swung off of his horse, and I grimaced at the sharp cracking of the ice when he landed. I’d never heard him in that tone, nor felt him so…dark. His anger was so out of character, I was scared.

Kheelan’s shadowed eyes narrowed, and he approached them, each step shattering beneath him like ever falling chandeliers. “How dare you leave Migols to roam the lands without their masters? Queen Aeval will hear of this—“

“It is the Queen who ordered their release,” a voice rumbled from behind the line. The groaning of gates resounded, and the towering doors opened slightly. I stopped breathing as the line of Fae parted. Though their faces remained expressionless, every single one stiffen. I did too.

 A Migol stalked out first, his talons hooking onto the icy ground.  Blood red eyes glowed through the white breaths clouding his face. He was the biggest of the wraiths, his flaming collar doubled. Looking up, I bit back a gasp, the memory of Kala’el whipping into my mind when I beheld the Migols’ master. But whereas Kala’el’s glamour sparked waves of desire and, well, mischievous thoughts— this Fae sent lashes of fear down my spine.

He strode to the middle of the field, broad chest leading. Stopping, his glacial blue eyes slid past Elena with a smirk, dissected Kheelan with a scowl, and stopped at me with enough glamour to burn my skin off. But the pain I felt from the wraiths burn forced me to straighten my spine, clouding over my fear and weakness to his glamour.

“State your name,” Kheelan ordered, superiority seeping in his tone as he stepped forward, demanding the Fae’s attention once more.

“I am Loch, Commander of the Fire Legion, and Faithful servant to her Majesty, Queen Aeval.”

Kheelan chuckled coldly. “Then, servant, I demand to be escorted to Aeval immediately. I will ask her myself if such carelessness was truly ordered by her.”

Loch’s eyes widened slightly. Kheelan’s words seemed to hit him like slap in the face. “Carelessness? Are you questioning the Queen’s orders? You will be wise to know that insulting the Queen carries a penalty of death. Pray that she is expecting you, or my Migol will feast on an early meal.”

“Trust me, I do not need an invitation, never have—”

Loch’s expression grew grim. “Things have changed.  The kingdom has been raided by the Resistance three times in the past two weeks, many of our brethren slaughtered by the arrows of those bastards. Rumors say some of our own kind have gone against the code of their fathers, of our people, and have joined the filth that is the Resistance…and here you are, arriving uninvited, and travelling with a human....”

The guards behind him all clenched their hands, and the wraiths sunk to an attacking level.  My stomach tightened at his implication.

Loch’s slid his gaze to me. “What is your name, human? What region do you belong to?”

 “She is mine, and answers to no one but me,” Kheelan answered readily.

“A Domis?” Loch’s lips curled. I didn’t like the predatory glint in his eyes. “If the girl is truly your Domis, then let her show us her marks and I might believe you.”

Elena cursed under her breath and dismounted, gnawing at what little hope of safety I had left. Clearly we’d overlooked the fact that I would need to be explained, and clearly we’d have to fight our way out of here. I gripped onto my sleeves tightly, and Loch whirled his wrist, unwinding the leash around his hand.  The slackened Migol stepped forward. Kheelan didn’t flinch.

“Marked, or unmarked, she is my property,” Kheelan said through gritted fangs, “And I suggest you tighten your hold on that beast. I may not be able to kill him, but I will obliterate you if he touches her.”

Loch smiled, the tips if his fangs sticking out ever so slightly. “And who are you to stop me?”

 “He is Kheelan Stok’yael from the Water territories of the Inner Circles of Hillenia,” a frail voice echoed all around. Startled, I spun, cringng when pain shot down my back. An older Fae stood at the mouth of the forest. He was much older than any Fae I’d ever seen, and looked strangely...human. His skin, though glowing, had lost the youthful elasticity and glasslike nature that all Fae seemed to be blessed with.

He walked slowly toward us, his white robe swaying at his feet as if he floated. Every Fae lowered their eyes, Loch included. He continued, “Commander to the Water legions of her Highest Queen Alistrina, son to Her Supreme Grace Aria, and Utmost Sage Dasius… may their souls forever rest with our ancestors.” 

“Who is he?” I barely whispered to Elena, surprised she even heard me.

“Vurim, High Priest of Gri’ah,” she replied in equal silence. “He was a dear friend to Her Grace and Sage Dasius.” Elena paused. “He was Ivan’s mentor, and he spoke very highly of him.”

I let out a slow breath, and dared look to him as he passed. His eyes were kind, and I couldn’t help but feel safe. I didn’t want to, but I did.  Gracing me with a gentle, glamourless smile, he stopped beside Kheelan.

“I heard all the commotion during my walk and had to see what it was. I should have known it was you.”

Half embarrassed, Kheelan’s eyes faded back to the blue I never tired of.  “Vurim,” he said quietly, taking hold of the Fae’s hand and lowering his forehead momentarily onto it.

Vurim smiled widely.  “Has word been sent to the Queen that she has a guest?” he asked Loch. Loch shook his head like a frightened boy, and I regretted not having a camera.

“No, my Lord. I didn’t think to bother Queen Aeval with an uninvited guest, especially one that arrives with an unmarked Domis and refuses to authenticate his ownership of said human—“

Vurim waved his hand dismissively. “Nonsense, He and the Queen are long time, intimate friends. You would have known this had you asked, instead of assuming.”

 Loch’s lips tightened to a line, and he nodded obediently. His gaze fixed angrily on Kheelan for a moment, and then slid to me, deliberate and dangerous. It was one knowing that I would be trouble. I held his stare equally unwavering, knowing that he already was trouble.

Vurim tapped his staff once on the damp earth. “Come then. I will escort you to Aeval. I am confident she will be happy to see you, Kheelan.”

“As I will be to see her,” Kheelan laughed throatily, his voice affected by the deep glamour. His eyes swirled to turquoise blue pits of desire that made breathing for me an agonizing inconvenience. I didn’t like what his words hinted. A wave of heat flushed me, and I blinked, forcing myself to swallow through the prickling that swelled in my throat. It couldn’t afford to be…well, I didn’t know what, but I didn’t like it, and it wasn’t the time.

Kheelan walked back to us, and Elena went to mount when Kheelan extended a hand to me. “Maybe its best you ride with me. You may not bear my marks, but having you with me will make a statement to anyone who thinks about touching you. At least until I can ask Aeval for protection.”

I stared at his glowing hand side-eyed, and frowned. “Yeah, I bet there’s a lot she can help you with—and could you please turn yourself off, or whatever it is you have to do before talking to me? Your glamour is giving me a headache," I lied.

Once his glow receded, I looked at him. It didn’t make a difference. Glamour or not, he was still stunning. But without the glamour, I could resist, and so I shrugged. “I’m fine here with Elena. You can ride ahead. I'm sure you and Vurim have lots to catch up on.”

Confusion glossed over Kheelan’s stare, but Elena was quick to scoff and hand Kheelan the reins. She climbed onto his horse and trod away to Vurim, leaving me alone with Kheelan in a frigid breeze.

Kheelan watched me for a minute longer, blond strands blowing into his eyes. Sighing, he shook his head and climbed onto the saddle in front of me.  I slid my hands around his waist, and he cupped his hands over mine, drawing me closer. I was freezing and he was so warm, but I shifted back.

Kheelan looked over his shoulder, his brows knit together.  “Are you okay?”

“Just peachy," I said as blood streamed down my back, and pain crushed my chest. Kheelan paused and massaged his neck roughly. I could tell he was irritated. So was I. But instead of questioning me further, he looked forward and straightened his spine.

“For all intents and purposes, you are my Domis now. That means that now, more than ever, you have to listen to what I say, especially in front of others. I know you weren’t raised to be degraded like this, and I wasn’t raised to honor it, but things are different now and we may have to do things we don't like. Things will be smoother if you just stay quiet and play along. If I ask you to ride with me, you do it. If I ask you a question, answer it.”

 “Great. I answer yours, but you don’t answer mine,” I murmured.

 “What—”

“Nothing, I’ll do what you say, Master.  It’s not like I have a choice,” I added under my breath.

Kheelan shook his head, his shoulders slumping with an exhale. “You’ve always had a choice, Charlotte,” he said, his tone darkening. “You’re either just too scared to realize it, or too scared to make it.”

My brows furrowed, and I opened my mouth, but no words came out. I don't think we were talking about the same thing anymore, and honestly, I couldn’t think straight through the pain. Maybe it was the loss of blood, but I wasn't myself, and couldn't help the anger that hummed in my blood. Maybe it was best to keep quiet.

Not saying another word, Kheelan spurred the horse forward. And though our bodies rocked pressed together, we were each in our own world, separated by an ocean of silence.

                                                                              **

Smoke whirled into the air, and I tucked my nose into my cloak, the damp smell of smoke burning my nose as we rode through the grief stricken streets of Gri’ah. Huddled in the front of burnt cottages, soot covered Fae gathered together against the cold, crying children clinging onto their mothers. Endless pained and weary gazes met ours, and they lowered their heads in shame.  I coiled further into Kheelan.

 “I know,” he whispered, squeezing my hand gently. Regardless of or moods, I was grateful he was there.

 “Who could have done this—why?”                                                                                                         

“The Resistance,” Kheelan answered plainly, the same pity clouding his silvery eyes as he looked back to me. “They’re a combination of freed Domis and Fae who tired of the mistreatment of humans in our realm. Their mission has always been the freedom of all Domis--”

Kheelan stopped abruptly, a thought settling on his brow. He turned to Vurim who walked ahead. “Vurim, Loch mentioned the Resistance’s attacks have been intensifying….”

 “Indeed, this tragedy before you has become all too familiar these past two weeks. The Resistance has been raiding palaces along these lands, burning all along the way. With everything going on in the North, I’m surprised they waste their time raiding us, a minor kingdom with hardly any influence or wealth.”

Vurim paused, nodding in thought. “It’s perplexing. Aeval thinks they are raiding us purely out of hate. I’m the only one who believes that they are looking for something…if only if I knew what. They’ve never bothered attacking the inner palace before, yet it’s what they’ve targeted these past two raids.  Loch has led our warriors victoriously, driving them away but, I fear they will return soon. I have asked Aeval to reach out to them, but she refuses, while her people continue to suffer and live in fear.”

Kheelan looked uneasy, and I forced myself to look past the coincidence of our arrival and the resistance’s swell in attacks. I also really didn’t like this Queen Aeval.

 “And what exactly is going on in the North?” Kheelan asked slowly, concerned.

Virum’s brows furrowed. “You mean, you haven’t heard? I’m surprised, Kheelan. I thought you would be the one explaining things to me. It concerns your brother after all.”

Kheelan shifted uncomfortably, and our horses stopped sharply as if they too cared about what had to be said next.

Vurim came up beside the horses. “After the attacks on the Temple of Souls, and the mysterious death of Her Grace, Kala’el has called for a peace meeting between the Seelie and Unseelie Courts in Tarshish. Though it is to discuss peace between our people, Xanthus mobilizes his armies, as does Alistrina. I fear that war is imminent.”

Mysterious death? Bile rose into my throat, and Kheelan grew tense in my arms.  I’m sure we all shared the same thought, and the same concerns. Ivan was in Tarshish, and it was clear that Alistrina was in danger.  But there was no way we could rat out Kala’el and not endanger ourselves.

“And what has this to do with Ivan?” Kheelan asked.

Virum’s voice dropped another octave. “Nothing has been officiated yet, but if the rumors are true, Kala’el has convinced Queen Alistrina to forgive Ivan for his transgressions against the crown. He is to be the next Grace. It will be announced during the peace meeting.”

I gripped Kheelan, my hands trembling violently. Everything around grew distorted, tears springing to my eyes. War was due to break out, and Ivan was at the center of it all.

“I really thought you would have known." Vurim said.  "If the Queen can forgive him, I am certain you can as well, Kheelan. He’ll need you at a time like this, and you don’t have much time. You know what happens after he becomes Grace. He'll have to—”

“I know, and this isn’t the time to discuss this," Kheelan clipped and with a kick,our horse began its trot. My head shot to Kheelan, then to Elena whose glamour slipped ever so slightly. But it did, and it was obvious there was something I didn’t know.

What will Ivan have to do once he becomes Grace? I whispered into Kheelan's thoughts. He didn't answer.

I blew out a breath. "Kheelan, what will happen--"

"I said this isn't the time." His tone didn't ask for a reply, neither did the wave of heat radiating from his body. I sunk back, pissed and curious. What was I missing in this conversation? By Kheelan’s reaction, obviously something big. But searching Kheelan’s mind, all I got was black. And Elena, she didn’t even look at me.

We rode in silence for a while longer. Looking around, however, my heart sunk. Regardless of what happened in the North, the townsfolk were in immediate danger and would perish under much less than a war. I knew it wasn't my place, but I felt their agony and desperation all around me. I sensed their pain in the elements that flowed through them, and through me. We were all connected and I refused to pretend that it didn’t affect me.

“What of these people?” I asked. “Why are they not being helped?”

Vurim sighed. “Aeval has forbidden we offer them aid. She thinks many of them are in league with the resistance, and maybe if they all suffer, someone will speak up.” He shook his head solemnly.

Stunned, my jaw wound. Not because I didn’t know what to say, but because I was trying to keep from cursing out the Queen and getting myself killed. I scoffed. “That’s insane. How can she sit up there in her icy throne and pretend as if her people aren’t suffering? Maybe one of them betrays her, but what of the rest? What of the children? They don’t even have a proper fire to keep them warm!”

Elena shot me a shut the hell up look, and Kheelan looked over his shoulder, less than pleased. I bit my lip and slumped down.

“Domis, right,” I murmured.

Vurim chuckled. “Domis or not, the girl is right.  What Aeval is doing may do more harm than good. The humans already see us as insatiable animals of little mercy. What good will it do us if our own people starts to see us the same way?" Vurim looked up to Kheelan. “Maybe your presence here isn’t chance after all. You’ve always been able to charm Aeval into a better mood. I hate to burden you with this task, but—”

“You don’t need to ask, Vurim. I’ll be happy to talk to Aeval as soon as possible. But, in the meantime, may I spark a flame for them? Night is coming, and many will not make it till morning in this cold.”

Vurim looked around warily. “Aeval gave strict orders that we’re not supposed to help. You know her temper, and the risk of disobeying her. Perhaps you should ask her first—” Vurim started, but dismounting, Kheelan gripped his shoulder, clipping his argument midflight. Elena blew out a resigned breath and got off as well.

 “You forget, old man, I am not one of you,” Kheelan said respectfully, smiling. “Besides, I’m sure Aeval will forget all about her orders once we are alone.” He winked at Vurim, glamour flashing across his eyes.

The insinuation twisted my stomach. It was obvious Aeval was not just an intimate friend, but an intimate friend.  Like hell I wanted Kheelan to help her forget her orders. Thoughtlessly, I dismounted and reached for Kheelan. “Wait, maybe Vurim is right and you should ask the Queen first—”

Kheelan shot me a sharp look, and roughly tore his arm from my hold. I jumped back, and around us, everyone grew quiet.

Cursing, Kheelan took me by the elbow and dragged me away from Vurim and Elena, to a shadowed alley between two cottages. I struggled, but his fingers dug deeper into my arm. I’d never seen him so angry, especially not toward me.

Darting his icy stare around, onlookers scrambled away. Hell, under that stare I wanted to scramble away too. Kheelan thrust his hand up, and a wall of ice flashed between us and the onlookers. Kheelan whirled to me.

 “Tell me what it is I have to do for you to listen to me, for you to understand that I am trying to keep us alive?” he roared, the ice chamber vibrating around us. "I asked you not to say a word!"

“I forgot my place, I know—”

“No, you don’t know.  If you did, you never would have publicly questioned my decision! This isn't the human realm anymore, Charlotte. In this realm, we are not equal! In this realm there are laws that require I punish you for going against my word!" He broke off,  raking a hand through his hair roughly.

 “But you’re not from here, they can’t make you follow their laws.”

“It’s not just Gri'an law--It’s Fae law. If a Fae can’t control his Domis, he either handles her or she is taken from him. So unless I can think of something, there are going to be a lot of dead Fae out there, and even more coming after us.”

I grew white, my breath caught. I’d always been proud of being outspoken, but I cursed my big mouth.  It kept getting me in trouble, and pushing Kheelan from one stone wall, to another. He’d killed enough for me, and he’d be forced to do it again. But another fight was more than I could handle. I swallowed, my powers buzzing in my blood.  Taming them would become harder, especially with the amount of blood I had lost—

"What are you expected to do? What would be my punishment?" I asked, not really wanting to.

Kheelan fell back onto the ice, his voice a helpless, cold whisper. "I'm expected to drain you until my marks suffocate the life from you.”

***

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