Chapter 9

"Are you all set, darling?" Arsenio asked as he leaned in through the open car window.

"Yep," Nora nodded, pulling on the seatbelt.

"Alright," the old man said. "I'll go lock up."

"Okay," Nora took a deep breath.

She watched the old man walk back to the town hall with his ring of keys jingling in his hand. The town was still as quiet as ever. But it wasn't morning like last time. It was mid-day and there were a few people walking around, coming in and out of the shops. Nora's eyes watched them as they went about their day, completely unaware of her or Arsenio.

Nora!

Nora jumped as Hayden's angry voice growled through her mind-link.

What the fuck! What the actual fuck, Nora!

Hayden, please. Not right now. Nora tried to push as much conviction as she could behind her words. But she knew it was no use. Hayden could probably feel how scared she was to be sitting in the car waiting for Arsenio.

Where are you? Hayden demanded to know. Are you at the town hall?

No.

Stop lying to me, Nora. Hayden snapped.

Just then Arsenio climbed into the car and put the car in the ignition.

"Okay, we're all set," he said, not seeing how Nora sat holding her breath.

Stay right there, Hayden commanded. I'm coming to get you.

No, stop it.

I swear to the gods, Nora! Once I get my hands on you, I'm going to strangle you!

Nora's hand wrapped around the seatbelt as she looked over at Arsenio.

"Could you drive a little faster?" She asked.

"Is everything alright?" The old man looked over with concern.

"Yes," Nora nodded. "I just don't want Hayden catching up with us."

"Fair point," Arsenio said, stepping on the gas.

How could you do this to her? Hayden spoke to someone else, leaving his mind-link open to Nora. I know she didn't do this willingly. What did you do? Did you threaten her?

Hayden, stop it! Nora squirmed in her seat. This was my choice. I need to know what's happening.

You couldn't have waited for me? Hayden asked, his voice losing its anger and shifting into despair very quickly. Nora, is this because of what I said last night?

N-no, Nora felt her heart contract painfully in her chest. She couldn't tell if it was her or Hayden who felt it worse.

Then why did you run? Hayden asked. Please, just tell me where you are.

Hayden! Nora's heart filled with frustration. I need to do this on my own.

Why?

Because I've always done things on my own! You don't get to swoop in and take over and act like you are some kind of prince charming. No one gave you that permission.

Take over? Hayden asked in disbelief. I'm trying to take care of you! You don't have to do anything on your own!

That's not how I do things, Nora said, pushing down the guilt she felt for snapping at Hayden.

We can talk about this in person, Hayden tried to keep his cool. I'm on my way.

No, Nora's throat tightened. Stay where you are. Stay with your family. Stay with Birdie.

Nora, Hayden began to lose his mind. His breathing labored and his brain melted. What are you doing?

I'll let you know when I find them.

No, don't you dare switch o-

Nora shut her eyes tightly and shoved Hayden out of her mind with all her might. She felt him push through and break down her walls several times, screaming and yelling at her, but Nora sat still using all her energy to block him out.

"Are you alright?" Arsenio asked when he noticed Nora growing pale in the passenger seat.

"Yes," Nora nodded. "Just very tired."

"You don't look so good," the man grew concerned. "Are you feeling faint?"

"A bit," Nora confessed, still pusing Hayden out.

"We're almost there," Arsenio said, driving a bit faster.

By the time Hayden stopped, Nora could barely keep her eyes open. The car pulled off of the main road and followed a dirt path through the forest until they came to a broken dock by the edge of the woods. Arsenio helped Nora out of the car and carried most of her weight onto the boat that waited by the water for them.

Nora couldn't keep her eyes open as they set sail. She reached up and touched her necklace to make sure it was still around her neck as the cold sea air tossed her hair around and made her shiver.

"Is she sea sick?" Someone asked.

"Don't know," Arsenio answered.

"You okay there, girly?" the other voice asked Nora.

Nora waved her hand, not having enough strength to answer. She shut her eyes and focused on the waves below, trying her best to take in as much air as she could. The last time she was on a boat, it was sinking to the bottom of the ocean.

After a few minutes, Nora was beginning to drift off to sleep when Arsenio gently shook her shoulder. She opened her eyes and realized they had docked in on another small island a few miles from the one they were previously on. Feeling slightly better, Nora slowly climbed to her feet and looked around.

"We have a bit of a walk," Arsenio apologized.

"No Uber?" Nora asked.

"No cars at all," the old man laughed.

Nora suddenly missed the portals. And thinking of the portals made her miss Hayden. And thinking of Hayden made her mind snap back into focus about what she was doing.

"Ready?" Arsenio asked, lending her a hand.

"Yes," Nora nodded bravely even though she wanted to lean over the side of the boat and throw up.

Once Arsenio helped Nora off the boat, he began to lead her up a trail along the side of the water that ventured into a small sleepy town much like the one Nora had seen when visiting the town hall. The houses were all closely built out of stone and glass windows that were covered by tightly drawn curtains. The flowerbeds outside were empty, some lingering with dead plants. The cobblestone sidewalks were set from fresh rain, making everything seem gloomy and depressing.

"What is this place?" Nora asked, looking around.

"The gateway to Makatza."

"What is that?"

"You really don't know anything about our people, do you?" Arsenio looked over his shoulder and laughed.

"No, I don't," Nora said with anger. "And it's not my fault either. My mother....Samara didn't do her job."

"Makatza was the homeland of the feys. It's not on Earth. It's a parallel dimension," Arsenio explained. "It has long been locked away from the common feys. When the high blood disappeared, there was no one left to grant access."

"What's there?" Nora asked. "In Makatza?"

"Some say it's the wild. Where fey magic is at its strongest, even for common blood. But most believe it's where the Veda is."

"Veda?" Nora asked.

"The fountain of birth," Arsenio said. "It's a sacred water hall for Feys. Kind of like the Vatican or Mecca."

"So there are feys in this town?" Nora looked at the houses.

"Yes," Arsenio said. "The pull to Makatza is at its strongest on this island."

"Where are they?"

"You will meet them soon enough," Arsenio smiled. "But first you must meet someone else."

"Who?"

"Udara," Arsenio said proudly, holding up his head. "Our leader, the queen of this little island."

"Is she a guardian?"

"No," Arsenio laughed. "She's a fey."

"I'm going to meet the fey queen?" Nora paused.

"Our fey queen," Arsenio corrected her. "The real fey royalty have all disappeared. Udara isn't high blood, but she has done the most for her people."

"Why do I have to meet her?" Nora shifted her weight.

"Because you are a vestal who has not been purified yet."

"Purified," Nora's heart began to slam against her chest. "Like burned? In Olympian fire?"

"Yes," Arsenio nodded. "It is very important that you are purified before you give blood."

"Why?"

"Because tainted blood can kill the Shajara."

"What does that mean?"

"We're getting late, Nora," Arsenio sighed.

"Am I being purified today?" Nora hurried up the hill behind the man.

"Yes," Arsenio nodded. "If that's what Udara commands."

Delay giving your blood as long as you can....

Heyder's voice echoed in Nora's mind. Her pulse spiked up as she tried to think of a way to slow down everything. Her hand found its way to her necklace and she wondered if she should break the charm now.

But what if there were no feys on the island?

Nora couldn't risk bringing Heyder and Hayden into a trap. She needed to see the feys with her own eyes first before she called them.

Udara's home was set at the top of the hill at the edge of town. Nora looked over her shoulder and realized the queen had a spectacular view of her whole island from where she sat. The massive stone structure was built like a fortress with high walls and even a drawbridge.

Arsenio helped Nora pass over the threshold, before announcing their arrival to one of the men standing at the gate in a hushed voice. Nora hung back and looked around, her heart in her throat.

"Arsenio," a woman, with long black hair and a round nose appeared at the stop of the stairwell.

"Afet," Arsenio bowed.

Nora stared.

There was something about the woman. The light seemed to appear brighter around her. Her long hair was glossy as if made of glass. Her beady eyes landed on Nora and she smiled.

A fey.

Nora gasped.

"Nora, this is Afet," Arsenio made the introductions. "Udara's adviser."

"Welcome back, Nora," Afet's smile widened.

"Back?" Nora asked.

"Yes," Afet gave a small nod. "This is your birthplace."

"My..." Nora's head began to spin.

"I am aware of the situation we are in," Afet said. "To say I am disappointed in Samara would be an understatement."

Arsenio nodded his head.

"But we must go on," Afet sighed. "Come along. Udara is waiting."

"Arsenio," Nora grabbed the old man's arm. "I don't think I am ready to be burned."

"It's painless," Arsenio said. "You won't feel a thing."

"No, no," Nora shook her head. "You don't understand. This is all a bit too much. I'm still trying to process what's happening."

That seemed to catch the old man's attention. He paused for a second as his eyes flickered to Afet.

"Let's meet Udara first," he said, lowering his voice. "She is fair and just. Tell her your situation. I am sure she will find a solution for you."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes," Arsenio said. "And I will speak to her too."

Nora didn't fully believe the man. But she didn't have much of a choice. She quietly followed the fey upstairs, her eyes bouncing around every time she saw another fey in the halls or in any of the rooms. Her hand lingered over her necklace, clutching the charm.

Afet led them through a series of halls and stairs until they arrived at the fourth floor of the building. She stopped by a set of double doors and signaled the two fey standing outside. Nora tried not to stare at their pointy ears but she couldn't help but look on in amazement. She knew Birdie looked just like them. But the girl always went out of her way to hide her features.

The double doors slowly opened and a murmur of voices greeted Nora and Arsenio. Afet entered first and announced Nora's arrival. The crowd in the large hall fell silent and all turned towards the door.

Nora's palm began to sweat and her legs felt funny. She counted ten feys and that was only what she could see over Arsenio's shoulder. The hall, which seemed like a ballroom, had columns all around with English Ivy wrapped around each one like a blanket. The dome ceiling was all glass, letting in the gloomy gray light from the skies. The floor was adorned with mosaic patterns, depicting flowers and dancing feys.

As Nora followed Arsenio to the center of the room, a murmur started up again. She looked around at the many unknown faces, feeling her anxiety choke her.

"Let me see her," a gentle voice, like an angel, spoke up.

Arsenio bowed his head and stepped out of the way.

Nora stilled, coming face to face with a tall woman dressed in gold. Her skin was as rich as onyx, making the gold crown stand out even more on top of her head. Her eyes were kind and gentle, filled with warmth like the sun. The laugh lines around her mouth became visible as she smiled at Nora and took in a small breath.

"Nora," the woman sighed.

Nora looked at Afet and then at Arsenio.

"This is Udara," Arsenio introduced. "Our queen."

Nora turned back to the women, "H-hello."

"Hello, darling," Udara smiled.

Nora caught a glimpse of her pointy ears as the queen moved to look around.

"We have our savior," Udara announced proudly.

A cheer erupted around the hall making Nora's heart seize. She looked at the queen and then at Arsenio, who seemed to be in quite the mood to celebrate.

"No, wait!" Nora stepped forward. "I'm not a savior!"

"We will discuss that matter in private," Udara whispered while waving to her people with a bright smile.

"I don't even know you," Nora said. "What is going on here?"

"Come along," Udara took Nora's hand firmly. She turned to the crowd and held up Nora's hand like a victor. "We must now prepare. Please excuse our absence in the celebration."

"Wait, hold on," Nora tried to yank her hand back but Udara held on.

The fey pulled Nora away towards the back of the room with Arsenio and After following behind. Nora began to panic as they moved her away to another room. Her hand gripped around her necklace, ready to pull it off and break the charm.

"First thing first," Udara said as Afet closed the door behind them. "Let's get you purified."

"No!" Nora jumped back. "This is way too quick! I don't even know you people."

"We would never harm you," Udara frowned. "I know this is all very unfamiliar and strange. But trust me, darling, there is a lot that is depending on your blood right now."

"My blood..." Nora's head began to spin. "No, wait. Not yet."

"We don't have the time to discuss this right now," Udara said. "We have to save the tree. We can talk for years after."

"Come," Afet began to guide Nora towards the back of the room.

"No," Nora stepped away.
"Nora, please," Udara frowned. "Don't make this hard."

"I'm not trying to," Nora said. "I just need to know what's happening before I give you anything."

"Afet, call the guards."

"No!" Nora looked at Arsenio.

"Udara," Arsenio held up his hands. "Listen to the girl."

"My people are in danger," the fey said. "I can listen to her once I save them."

The door opened and four guards marched in. Afet motioned towards Nora and they immediately began to head towards her. In a panic, Nora jumped back and held out her hand to protest.

But just then, her palms warmed and a ripple of heat washed over her.

Nora watched as her palms began to glow before she blasted the guard back.

Everyone around the room froze.

Udara's eyes widened in alarm as Arsenio paled. Afet placed her hand over her mouth to silence her gasp as her ears turned red.

"How..." Udara took a step forward.

"Stay back!" Nora warned.

But Udara did not listen. She flashed forward with the speed of light and grabbed Nora's arm. Nora shrieked in protest as the fey pushed back the sleeve of her sweater and scratched at her skin.

"What are you d-" Nora wanted to ask the woman what she was doing when she noticed the blue glow beneath her skin.

Udara's hands turned cold as her lips pressed in a thin line. She looked up with dread, disappointment, and heartbreak.

"Who did this to you?" She asked, holding Nora's wrist. "Who marked you?"  

What does this mean????