Sapphire Falls (The Lost Realm #2)

9. Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Morgan

M organ walked up the endless stairs of the Towers corridor, following closely behind Avery’s two friends, Susan and Rue. Her heart hurt that her sister had left her alone with strangers and went off to find that king. She felt queasy and sweaty as she tried to follow the others up the stairs. It had only been three weeks since she’d been discharged from the hospital, and she was still taking pain pills to deal with the agony of her broken body’s slow healing. Fortunately, she’d had them in her jacket pocket when she went over the falls and had taken one around lunch. There were only six left in the bottle and she shivered to think of the kind of pain she’d be in when they ran out.

Selene had brought her a gown to wear to this supper, and it was the most gorgeous article of clothing that she’d ever worn. But, she felt like something smashed and half mended in the elegant gown. Her broken face could never look beautiful in such splendor. The harsh red lines of her scars hadn’t fully healed yet, and the off the shoulder gown revealed her mangled neck and shoulders from where the monster had dragged her down the mountainside in his jaws. She didn’t say anything in protest when the gown was brought to her, even when the sight of her reflection made her want to throw up.

“Almost there, Morgan!” Rue called out from a few stairs ahead. “You would think the Nepheli could be a little more hospitable and at least fly us to where we need to go. Or, you know, not put our bedroom in the middle of the tower.”

Susan giggled and stopped to wait for Morgan to catch up to her. “Are you okay, Morgan? We can take a break if you need one.”

Morgan nodded through heavy breathing. Her infection from the attack and her stay in the hospital had left her weak. She’d always been petite, smaller than her sister’s muscular body, but after her hard recovery, not even her own clothing felt like they fit her anymore. “Just… give me a minute,” Morgan rasped.

Susan nodded and patted Morgan’s shoulder. “I’m from a community of healers. I don’t know if Avery has told you that yet. I’m not a skilled healer, but I can try to help you. I’m sure Kyla brought some salves, and Avery has been showing a strong aptitude toward healing magically. We can help you recover from this attack.”

“Thanks for the offer,” Morgan said and paused. “I think I’ll be okay.” She passed Susan and continued climbing the staircase. She didn’t want their pity or sympathy.

Two winged guards waited at the staircase to escort them down a long corridor, past other windows and open balconies. The open air windows exposed a sunset sky of remarkable colors—all pinks, oranges, and reds. The late evening light glimmered off the spires and peaks, revealing a beautiful alpenglow. For how many pane-less windows this place had, it still was a comfortable temperature. Morgan assumed, like her tea and bath, that it was magic that kept the rooms comfortable.

The guards motioned to a wooden door carved with a bas-relief of a woman receiving a shining crown on her head. The sun above sent rays down to her head and the obvious fae crowd knelt before her.

Susan nodded to the guards and Morgan followed close behind her as they entered a large and stately dining room. The long table stretched across the expanse of the room and there were many folk already taking their seats. A few looked up as Morgan and her companions entered, but she immediately put her head down to avoid eye contact.

The woman, Kyla, who had helped her find Avery, came over with an intimidating red-head. He had to be the tallest fae in the room and his body was ripped with corded muscles. The fur tattoo—no, essence—moved slowly under his skin. The sight of it sent a chill down Morgan’s back. She felt herself growing clammy as she watched the towering man approach them.

“Morgan!” Kyla exclaimed. “It’s so nice to see you again. I wanted you to meet my mate, Garnel.”

Just being close to this man made Morgan want to scream and run from the room. He was too much like her attacker, and as she looked around the room, she saw there were dozens of men similar looking to the monster who had hurt her so badly. Morgan couldn’t stop herself from shaking as Kyla put a reassuring hand on her arm. She saw Kyla mumble something to the enormous man, and he backed away slowly, turning to talk to a woman who resembled a fish out of water.

Kyla led Morgan to a spacious balcony just past soft, billowy curtains. “Morgan, I’m an empath. I can feel your emotions, and right now I can feel your fear. You don’t have to return to that room. I can help you back to your bedroom if you prefer it, or I can help soothe the fear. I can give you some of my essence and change the feelings you are having. But only if you want that. It’s your choice, Morgan, but I know this must be very frightening and overwhelming for you to be in a room with so many fae.”

Morgan’s breathing was still too quick—her heartbeat still too rapid—as she thought through her options. She didn’t want to look weak in front of these monsters. Not after she’d already shot one of them. “I can’t leave yet. Where’s Avery?”

“She and my brother are sitting at the head of the table with King Rylo. Should I get her for you?”

Morgan knew Savine was leaving later tonight. Avery hadn’t waited for her before coming to dinner, and she didn’t want to bother her now. “No. You said you can remove the fear? How? What can you make me feel instead?”

“I can help you feel calm, happy, brave, whatever you need to get through the night,” Kyla said.

Morgan nodded. She wanted to rid herself of the fear that was coursing through her. “Give me courage and confidence. If I’m getting thrown into a pit of wolves, at least arm me with the courage to make it through this meal.”

Kyla smiled, showing remarkably white teeth for someone without access to modern dentistry. “Excellent choice. Take a deep breath with me.” She laid her hands on Morgan’s shoulders and the fear, uncertainty, and pain she’d been experiencing vanished. She felt stronger and more willing to face the room filled with monsters.

Morgan sighed with relief. “That feels good. Thank you, Kyla.” As she spoke, she saw Avery pass through the sheer curtains.

“Kyla, please don’t do it!” Avery said as she tugged Morgan from Kyla’s grasp.

Morgan flinched. “You know she can change a person’s emotions?”

“Yeah, it’s wrong that she does it without asking.” Avery turned to Kyla and snapped, “Kyla, you can’t change someone’s emotions without their consent.” She actually looked angry at Kyla. Morgan noticed the sparkling emeralds that adorned her sister’s neck and ears.

Morgan stuck out her hand, touching her sister’s wrist. “It’s okay, Avery. She asked me if I wanted her to change my emotions and I agreed. I feel better this way.”

Avery frowned. “Are you sure you’re okay with it?”

“Yeah, I didn’t want to spend this dinner feeling terrified.” Morgan shrugged and looked into the room. Most of the guests had found their places at the table.

“Okay. As long as it’s what you want.” Avery turned her attention to Kyla. “I’m sorry I jumped to conclusions, Kyla. That was wrong of me.”

Kyla just shook her head. “It was me who was wrong that time. I know I’ve had to earn your trust back, but I won’t do it again.”

“Alright then. Let’s get this dinner over with,” Avery said as she walked toward the dining room. “Morgan, you’re with me. Remember what I said? Do not eat or drink something from someone you don’t trust. We can lie, but they can’t. However, when one of them directly feeds us or gives us something to drink, they can control what we say. It’s like a compulsion or something. You’ll be forced to answer their questions.”

How would she miss a detail like that? Morgan was already dreading how she’d eat since Avery shared that information. “I didn’t forget.”

Avery gave a tiny nod. “I’ll put food on your plate and Savine will be serving me. Even the servants giving us the food could potentially force us to confess things. Savine won’t force anything unwanted on me and I’ll just pass some food from my plate to yours. Rue is giving Susan her food.”

They slid into their seats, Avery next to Savine and Morgan next to a pale, slight built man with white hair and the greenest eyes she’d ever seen.

The man said, “What an honor to be placed next to you, Morgan.” She was sure he was being sarcastic, but couldn’t detect sarcasm in his tone. “We wouldn’t be gathered here without your quick work. I’m Raikin.”

“Thank you? The former king was my first gunshot victim, but maybe not the last here.”

Raikin gave her a sinister grin, showing his white teeth. “You may be more useful than any of us realize.”

Now it was Morgan’s turn to smile. The sensation tugged at the tight skin around her healing scars. “Well, I don’t plan to be useless here. That’s not in my nature.”

At that moment, Avery poured Morgan a glass of dark crimson wine and placed a bit of food on her plate. “Would you like more?” Avery asked.

Morgan shook her head and sipped at the wine. At the head of the table sat the Sun King, Rylo. His wings were draped across his low back chair, relaxed and gleaming gold. She hadn’t paid close attention to him the other night, but now she noticed the slight golden glint to his face, almost like he wore makeup. It seemed to fade then grow more distinct as he talked with Savine, like the glow was coming in waves. He was, without question, the most beautiful man she’d ever seen.

From her angle, Savine seemed very uncomfortable. He was hardly eating and the strange marks under his exposed skin seemed to churn uncomfortably. Morgan couldn’t make out what they were saying, but the gleam in Rylo’s eyes and the frown on Savine’s face told her they were arguing.

She watched as her sister put a protective hand on Savine’s arm. Immediately the tension in his face relaxed a bit.

“Our king has many difficult memories from this place,” Raikin commented. “It will be best for him and for the Latians to leave as soon as this farce of a dinner party is over.”

Morgan nodded and took a bite of salad. “And what is your opinion on my sister and I being forced to stay here?”

“It will be easier to have them separated before the bond is accepted, and best for Savine to do the work he was born to do. You and your sister won’t come to harm here. If Rylo wanted to harm Avery he would have done so already. Though what he wants with you is another question.” Raikin stared at her, looking at the scars on her face and the damaged skin exposed along her neck and shoulders.

“You’re staring,” Morgan seethed.

Raikin nodded, unabashed. “You’ll grow used to it, I am sure. But that rage you have for our kind? That should not be something you give up. Harness it, learn to use those dark shadows you displayed, and everyone will stare at you for your power, not your scars.”

Morgan felt a strange sense of pride at his words. She would become a force here.

At that moment, Savine and Rylo’s voices raised to a crescendo. “You dare to threaten Avery? After everything you have done to us?” Savine roared as he stood from the table. In far too quick movements, Savine punched the other king in the face, coming back for another strike. Light burst from Rylo and he stood to his full height. They were nearly equal in height, but while Savine was stacked with muscles, Rylo had a leaner build.

Avery grabbed Savine’s shoulder. “No! Don’t!” she shouted.

Savine froze, his attention drawn to Avery, but Rylo didn’t hesitate to strike the Latian king. Guards from both nations moved forward, swords drawn, and Raikin jumped to his feet, ready to defend his king.

“Stop! Both of you!” Avery screamed, drawing Savine close. “We’re leaving, Rylo.” Morgan watched as her sister took Savine’s hand and walked out of the room, side by side with this towering fae man. Morgan’s chest tightened as she looked around the room at the folk left gaping. She’d need Kyla to take away the unease brimming at the surface soon.

Rylo stood, his cheek already swelling, and spoke in a voice that seemed equal parts bored and at ease. “It appears our Latian friends have become upset at the dinner conversation. Don’t let this end the festivities.” He lifted his glass to the guests and drank deeply before returning to his seat.

Raikin sat down again, his face drawn in a poisonous glare at the Sun King. Morgan turned to him and asked, “Should somebody follow them?”

Raikin’s cocked his head in the direction that Avery and Savine went. “Savine is with the only person he’d want near him right now.”

Avery

Avery and Savine stood on the top terrace of the Towers. The stars were shrouded in thick cloud cover and the scent of moisture hung in the air. Avery knew Savine needed to get outside and cool off after they stormed out of the dinner party. Since it was quicker to go up than down thousands of stairs, she chose to lead him to the place where they were first reunited after Rylo had taken her captive.

Blood spilled from Savine’s nose as his breath came in shallow, angry spurts. “Breathe, Savine. It’s okay. We’re safe,” Avery whispered as she pressed her hands to his chest, letting her magic build and flow into him. As her power moved through him, working to heal the obviously broken nose, Savine’s breathing became more relaxed. The blood stopped flowing and he pulled Avery tight against his chest. His body wrapped around her possessively and Avery couldn’t help but savor these last few moments in his arms.

After several minutes, he finally loosened his hold on her. “I don’t like you staying here. Did you hear what he said? If you’re not going to comply with your side of the bargain, then he will imprison you and your sister in the Tower of Teeth.”

Avery felt queasy at the thought of what Savine had gone through in Rylo’s prison tower. “It won’t happen, Savine. It’s going to be okay.”

Savine gave her a gentle shake, his essence writhing. “Avery, you don’t know what he can do to you!”

Avery stretched up, tilting her face up as she pulled Savine down and placed a tender kiss on his cheek. “Then I’ll be a very good guest for a month and make sure he has no reason to do anything to hurt me or Morgan. But, I’m not leaving her here alone. Once we’re in Latiah he won’t be able to force me into our agreement.”

Savine looked at Avery with skepticism. “There are consequences for not upholding an oath like what you took, Avery. I don’t know what they are for a human, but for the fae it can be very serious. Rylo taking an oath to not harm you is the only reason why I’m even considering letting you stay.” He paused for a moment. The cool fall air prickled Avery’s bare skin as Savine pulled back from her, looking down to the ground far below them. “I told Kyla she needs to stay with you and Morgan. And I want you to ask Rue and Susan to stay too.”

Avery nodded. “I don’t think Rue and Susan had any plans of leaving me here alone. I’m fine with Kyla staying if she’s willing. I know what you’re thinking. She can manipulate the Nepheli if she needs to. It’s not a bad idea.”

Savine pressed his thumb and forefinger to the bridge of his nose. “I can’t believe I’m leaving you tonight. This is the most foolish mistake in a lifetime of mistakes. Willfully leaving your side.”

He huffed out a breath and pulled Avery close, kissing her hard on the lips. He kissed her like his very life depended on it. Punishing and bruising in its intensity, Avery opened to him and surrendered to his touch. It felt like he was trying to memorize every detail of her, to imprint her being onto his soul.

Finally they pulled back and Avery gasped at the emptiness that came from losing his touch. She felt the strange, coiling tension between them rise, like if they weren’t melded together she would lose herself.

“This is going to hurt, isn’t it? Being away from you. Damn, it’s going to hurt me inside and out to not have you near me,” Avery confessed.

Savine responded by kissing her again and Avery lost any thought of the world beyond this man and his embrace. He scooped her into his arms and she felt weightless as her dress billowed around them. She continued to kiss him, working her mouth down his neck as he carried her toward the stairs. With her hands she traced the lines of his essence, trying to memorize every curve and line of Savine’s body for the month ahead.

Avery didn’t stop him or protest as Savine carried her down all the thousands of stairs in the Tower of the Moon. As he held her, she whispered all the things they would do together once they were reunited. A slow, steady murmur of what they would become and the life they would share.

And she meant it—even if she wasn’t sure how they could ever be together. He was a king. He had the weight of a nation on his back, and she had been a carefree girl looking for her next big adventure, with no plans of starting a relationship or looking for stability. Meeting Savine had transformed her life, and she wasn’t willing to give up on sharing that life with him, even if all these feelings were terrifying. That was the reason why she hadn’t said “I love you” yet. It felt too big and too final to say, and she wasn’t ready yet. It was a relief that Savine hadn’t asked her to reciprocate those words.

She wanted a life with him, but the barriers to get there felt insurmountable. Avery wasn’t a queen, and despite what Savine said, she wasn’t sure if she could give him what he needed.

Savine sat Avery down on the ground once they were outside the Tower of the Moon, and Avery realized that this was her first time outside since she arrived in Nephel. It had been the longest time she’d ever been inside, and the ground beneath her seemed to pulse in greeting.

All the Latian fae were assembled, and Avery saw Jay and Gaelyn in action, organizing the elk and gear. Savine squeezed Avery’s hand before he let go of her, walking over to Kyla.

Instead of following him, she walked over to Jay as he saddled Jari, Savine’s war bull elk. Jari gave a grunt as Avery stroked his black furred neck. “Jay, are you ready to finally go home?” Avery asked.

Jay gave her a friendly smile, “Anywhere I’m with the elk and Raikin, I’m at home. Orofine will bring its own challenges, but I’m not going there right away. Gaelyn and I are traveling back to Bayberry to move the warriors who stayed behind and any others over the pass before the snow falls.”

“And Raikin?” Avery asked.

“He and Garnel will be at Savine’s side when they enter Orofine. He needs them there, with the warriors to make a show of strength as he takes his throne. Also, I suspect my mate will soon be made Sage.”

Avery paused, touching Jari’s soft muzzle. “What is the Sage again? I think Rylo said something about it once.”

Jay rubbed Jari’s neck. “The Sage is the King’s second in command, often the voice of the king when he’s not available.”

“Is that what you want?”

Jay’s lip twitched, but that was the only thing that gave away his apprehension. “I want Raikin to be happy. When we accepted our soulmate bond, I knew that being bonded to someone as ambitious as Raikin would mean some sacrifice on my end. But, I’ve found my place and I support him in his. He will make a good Sage. I can’t think of anyone better, and I don’t say that just because he is my mate. Raikin has a way of making Savine see reason when Savine allows his demons to overshadow himself.”

Avery nodded. She understood exactly what he meant. Savine had been so focused and determined to keep his people safe, to serve their needs over his own, that he had lost himself in the process. She could only imagine that there had been many moments when he needed Raikin’s cool sense of convincing to get Savine to make difficult decisions. Even now, Raikin had been on Avery’s side that she should stay in Nephel for a month.

Kyla and Savine approached her. They both looked tense, and Kyla’s eyes were rimmed red. Kyla leaned in and gently touched Jari’s head. “So, I’m to stay with you, Avery. My brother helped me understand the importance of my presence here.”

Savine gave his sister a demanding look. “Your service here will be most helpful, sister.”

“Yes,” Kyla snapped. Avery hadn’t heard Kyla speak so harshly before, not even to Savine. She turned and began walking to where Avery could see Garnel, laughing with a group of warriors.

“I guess that didn’t go well?” Avery asked.

Savine shook his head. “You need her more than I do. She sees that now, but she wants to return home.”

Avery sighed. She would never get used to how difficult decisions and actions were here. Life was simpler at home, when the biggest concern was figuring out how to make rent. She almost wanted to laugh at herself for how stressed she’d been when she asked Morgan if she could live with her.

“And you’re about to leave?” Avery asked.

Savine nodded. The devastation on his face made Avery’s heart ache.

“Avery, I can’t—”

“Don’t, Savine. Let’s just say ‘see you soon,’ okay?” Avery tried to put on a smile, but it was strained. Damn, why did this goodbye have to hurt so much?

“Your face reveals what you really think, but alright. We’ll say your human goodbye,” Savine said, tilting her face up toward his.

Avery flung her arms around Savine as he bent down, kissing her. He pulled back sooner than she wanted and she had to keep herself from wrapping her arms around him tightly and refusing to let go.

“See you soon, old man,” she said as a few tears escaped down her cheek.

Savine gently wiped them with a scrape of his calloused hands. “See you soon, Little Flower.”