Kingdom of fire and fae, p.1
Kingdom of Fire and Fae, page 1
KINGDOM
OF
FIRE AND FAE
By
J.E. Taylor
Kingdom of Fire and Fae © 2025 J.E. Taylor
All rights reserved under the International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, organizations, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
Warning: the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
Cover Art by Adrijana Cernic
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright Page
Kingdom of Fire and Fae (Fire and Fae Duet, #2)
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
CHAPTER TEN
CHAPTER ELEVEN
CHAPTER TWELVE
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
CHAPTER NINETEEN
CHAPTER TWENTY
EPILOGUE
KINGDOM OF FIRE AND FAE
Welcome to Solstice City—a realm where floating markets dazzle beneath the luminescent glow of rune-powered streetlights. And destiny’s threads entangle Lanae and Draven in a perilous weave.
In a world teetering on the brink of chaos, Lanae and her brother confront their gravest challenge yet. Alestain Firetwill has resurfaced, commanding an army ensnared by his sinister mind control, turning allies into adversaries and family into fierce foes. Racing against time, the siblings must break their parents free from Firetwill’s grip before they’re forced into a heart-wrenching battle against their own flesh and blood.
Meanwhile, Draven embarks on a treacherous journey to reclaim the fabled Dragon’s Heart. With Solstice City freshly risen from its ashes, the city’s fate now hangs by a thread. Should Draven falter, the city will be reduced to cinders once more.
As fire clashes with fae, and magic intertwines with love, the power of family, courage, and loyalty is put to the ultimate test. Can these bonds withstand the overwhelming darkness? The fate of Solstice City—and the world—rests in their hands.
Dive into this electrifying conclusion where every whisper hides a secret, and every shadow might conceal an ally—or a foe. Perfect for fans who crave intricate characters, lush world-building, and plots that keep you on the edge until the very end.
CHAPTER ONE
Solstice City Reborn
AS DAWN BROKE OVER the rejuvenated Solstice City, its cobblestone streets glistened with the first light of day, thrumming with newfound energy. Lanae Nightshade wandered through the bustling markets with her brother Caelum, their footsteps resonating against the stone paths. The aroma of freshly baked bread and exotic spices filled the air, mingling with the distant sound of merchants hawking their wares. Vibrant banners and colorful awnings fluttered in the gentle morning breeze while the sunlight danced off the polished marble of the surrounding buildings. The crowd was a kaleidoscope of cultures, with vendors showcasing their handmade crafts and produce.
Lanae’s eyes sparkled as they stopped at a blacksmith’s table, eyeing some of the newly crafted swords on display. The sun gleamed off the polished blades, casting a dazzling array of reflections. She admired the intricate engravings on the hilts and the craftsmanship of each piece.
“Don’t you think you have enough swords?” Caelum asked as he fiddled with the pommel of his new Solstice City guard sword, the fresh leather strap of his sheath creaking with each movement. His newly minted uniform, crisp and immaculate, made him stand out among the crowd.
Lanae side-eyed him, and pride filled her. Today was his first day out of training. She just hoped it would be much less eventful than her first day during the height of the war with the dark fae.
“You can never have enough swords.” Her lips turned up in a grin.
Since they had defeated Xoltan Firetwill, there had been no more attacks from the dark fae. They had sent a missive to the council that they would like to start the peace process. The parchment had arrived sealed with an unfamiliar sigil, and she had been given the honor of delivering it straight to the council.
Draven had scoffed when she told him, but he still carried a monstrous chip on his shoulder against all fae. Well, all besides her and Caelum. At least he came to a truce with Faide and the council after Caelum had recounted what Draven had done to the gauntlet stone and his participation in defeating the dark lord.
A shadow crossed over the table, and she looked up into those intense green eyes that held her heart. Draven Emberwing was a force of nature all on his own. His commanding presence sent a shiver of excitement through Lanae. His crimson hair, tousled by the morning breeze, framed his chiseled features.
“Another sword?” He echoed her brother’s words, his deep voice reverberating through the air.
Caelum snickered beside her, the sound almost swallowed by the bustling market around them. He reached out to inspect one of the knives, its blade gleaming under the morning sun, and he paused, drawing a sharp breath.
Dread filled Lanae, and she shot her gaze to her brother’s face. That vacant look she remembered from the mind-control machine graced his expression, but the assault of his emotions in her mind confirmed her brother was still inside his head. Unlike what had happened in Xoltan’s court, where his expression had been truly empty.
His gaze cleared, but the unfiltered terror in his eyes as he looked at her squeezed her chest like a vise. His knuckles turned white around the knife handle before he released it with a clatter.
He blinked and swallowed hard, glancing between her and Draven. “I think our reprieve is over.” Even his words shook, a tremor that echoed the fear pulsing through the telepathic connection he had with Lanae.
Caelum hadn’t had a vision in years. With him coming of age, his unique powers were coming into their own, and as a little kid, he had been prone to random spells, as their parents called them. But seeing his vacant look brought those memories back with a vengeance.
“What did you see?” She faced him, her heart thumping in a wild timpani beat.
“Mom and Dad reanimating.” He glanced toward their house, where they had imprisoned their catatonic parents after the war with Xoltan. All Xoltan’s mind-controlled minions had fallen into a catatonic state, waiting for another Firetwill to take control of them again. The house, once a sanctuary, now loomed like a prison.
Draven pulled him away from the vendor stall. “You have visions?”
“I used to get them a lot when I was little, but they stopped when I hit puberty.” Caelum ran his fingers through his hair, the motion quick and agitated, a clear divergence from his usual calm demeanor.
Lanae put her hand on his forearm and squeezed, but her stomach knotted. “Do you know how long we have?”
Caelum shook his head, his eyes unfocused. “Weeks. Days. Hours. I don’t know.” He turned toward the Citadel, the one building that wasn’t structurally destroyed by the attempt at merging realms. It still stood stoically in the center of the city as a symbol of their resilience. “I need to warn the council.”
“I’ll check that the safeguards are still in place at home,” Draven said, his jaw set. “Go with your brother.”
Lanae leaned up and pressed her lips to Draven’s. That familiar tingling of their fate bond rolled through her body, a momentary comfort to the turmoil roiling her abdomen. “Thank you.”
She headed away from the shiny swords with Caelum by her side. Her mind raced with worry. Perhaps Caelum’s first day might be even more daunting than hers was, after all.
CHAPTER TWO
Guard Duty
CAELUM FIDGETED BY LANAE’S side as the Fae Council flowed into the ornate room, their robes trailing behind them like the tails of comets. Golden light filtered through the stained-glass windows, casting colorful patterns on the polished wood floor. This was the first time Caelum had been before the entire council, and nerves bit at the edges of his palms, making them itch.
Faide Frostvale, the head of the Fae Council, settled into his seat, his presence commanding attention even among the esteemed assembly. His violet eyes, sharp and knowing, locked onto Caelum with an intensity that made him shift uncomfortably.
“You have news?” Faide’s voice was calm, but the underlying authority in his tone was unmistakable.
“Not news exactly.” Caelum glanced to Lanae for support, his sister’s presence a comfort amidst the storm of his anxiety. Lanae’s expression was serene, betraying none of the turmoil radiating through their bond.
“My brother had a vision.” Lanae’s voice rang out clear and strong, the acoustics of the grand hall magnifying her words so they bounced from wall to wall, echoing in
Faide’s eyebrow rose, and he leaned forward, the movement almost predatory in its focus. “Well, spill it, boy.”
Caelum chewed his lip, trying to formulate a more politically correct way of delivering the message, but the urgency of the situation made him abandon decorum. In the end, he just blurted it out. “Alestain Firetwill is awakening his forces.”
Six words.
And every council member paled, their stares turning to the empty seats. The once-vibrant council now had positions still vacant, haunting reminders of those who had succumbed to Xoltan Firetwill’s mind-control machine. The silence that followed was thick with dread, each member’s face a reflection of the collective fear that gripped them.
Faide’s fingers drummed on the table, breaking the heavy silence. “We have prepared for this moment for the past three years.” His words dripped off his tongue in a measured calm that belied the magnitude of the situation. “Please notify the senior guards and have them meet us in the situation chamber.”
Caelum swallowed hard, the reality of his vision’s implications settling like a lead weight in his stomach. He glanced at Lanae, who gave him a reassuring nod. They had a battle ahead, and every second counted.
“Yes, sir.” He turned with Lanae at his side and headed out of the council chamber. Caelum’s mind raced as he and Lanae descended the winding staircase, the echoes of their footsteps a rhythmic token of the urgency of their mission. The grand corridors of the council building bustled with activity, unlike the last time Caelum had graced these halls. Council assistants hurried past, their robes a blur of colors, while guards stood at attention by every doorway, their presence a constant indicator of the ever-present need for vigilance.
A shudder throttled his spine at the memory that surfaced, the stark contrast between now and then making him uneasy. Lanae gave him a questioning side-eye, her brows knitting together in concern.
“Just remembering the last time I was in this part of the building.” Caelum’s voice was just a whisper as the memories threatened to overwhelm him.
“After the battle with Xoltan?” Lanae’s tone was soft, but there was an edge to her words, a shared understanding of the pain they had both endured.
He shook his head, a rueful smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “No. When you were tried for treason.” His words were heavy with the weight of the past.
Lanae’s eyes softened, and she reached out, briefly squeezing his hand in silent support.
He surveyed the number of people moving through the corridors, noting the determined expressions and the sense of purpose that permeated the air. “It’s a lot busier now.”
“Well, they moved all the city offices here. It isn’t just the council anymore,” Lanae explained, her gaze sweeping across the bustling scene. “The administration, logistics, and even the intelligence units are all centralized here now. It’s become the heart of Solstice City’s governance.”
Caelum nodded, taking in the transformation. The once solemn and almost deserted halls were now alive with activity. As they continued their journey through the corridors, the memories of the past faded, replaced by a dread that made each footstep heavy.
As they crossed the threshold into the bustling streets of Solstice City, the vibrant energy of the metropolis enveloped them. Children laughed and played in the squares, and street performers entertained clusters of onlookers with their skills.
Caelum’s thoughts, however, were far from the lively scene around them. His brow furrowed as worry gnawed at him. “What if we aren’t completely free of their influence?”
Lanae let out a breath, her gaze warming as she looked at him. “We are,” she reassured, though her tone carried a hint of exhaustion.
“But what if we aren’t?” He stopped abruptly, grabbing her arm and making her meet his intense gaze.
“Caelum, we both were freed by Nero’s magic. It severed the hold that bastard had on us.” Her firm voice rang through the air and she placed a hand on his shoulder, a placating gesture that set him on edge.
“I haven’t had a vision for years. So why now?” His voice wavered, carrying hints of fear and confusion. He glanced around, taking in the thriving city that had once been on the brink of despair.
Lanae sighed, and her eyes reflected her empathy as much as their telepathic bond. “Maybe it’s because the need is greater now than ever. Visions come when they’re most needed, Caelum. Perhaps Nero’s magic awoke something within you that lay dormant until now.”
Caelum’s grip on her arm loosened, and he nodded slowly; the worry clutching his belly eased. He looked at the city around them, the people who depended on them, and a renewed sense of resolve to keep all he held dear safe flared. They had overcome so much already, and with Lanae by his side, he knew they could face whatever challenges lay ahead.
LANAE SCANNED THE CITY as they made their way to the guard barracks to inform the generals that they were needed at the Citadel. Her mind turned over Caelum’s question. Even though she had told him Nero had broken Firetwill’s hold over them, his query had burrowed under her skin. The bustling streets below, filled with the clamor of preparation, seemed a world apart from her inner turmoil.
At the barracks, they relayed their orders to the gathered generals. The air was thick with urgency as the leaders nodded in understanding, their expressions grave. The looming threat was tangible, and there was no room for hesitation.
Once the messages were delivered, she and Caelum exchanged a brief but significant nod. “Stay sharp,” he murmured before they parted ways, each heading to their respective stations.
Lanae made her way to the training grounds. The rhythmic rattle of weapons and the shouts of warriors greeted her as she arrived. She scanned the area, her eyes landing on a familiar figure, who she had closely trained with over the last couple of years.
Jenna, one of the formidable women warriors, was in the middle of an intense training session. Her movements were almost as precise and powerful as Lanae’s, which made for a good sparring partner. The clash of their swords echoed through the training grounds, drawing the attention of nearby warriors who paused to watch the impressive display. As the bout ended, Jenna removed her helmet, revealing a crop of blonde hair with purple highlights and a smile of accomplishment.
Lanae approached, ready for an outlet to work out the anxiety still stiffening her muscles. “Are you ready for a real sparring session?”
Jenna rolled her eyes playfully. “Give me a second to get a drink and then I’ll kick your ass.”
Lanae let out a bark of a laugh, the sound carrying across the training grounds. “When have you ever kicked my ass?”
“You never know. Today may be that day.” Jenna grinned and sidled up to the cooler for a drink of fresh spring water. She took a long sip, seeming to savor the refreshing flavor before wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. “Besides, I’ve been working on some new moves. You might be in for a surprise.”
Lanae raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “New moves, huh? Well, I’m always up for a challenge.”
Jenna’s smile widened as she set her drink aside and picked up her sword. “Good. Let’s see if you can keep up.”
Lanae squared off, waiting for Jenna to make the first move. When it came, she parried, striking the sword away with little effort. The rest of the guard gathered closer, eager to witness the friendly yet fierce competition between two of the Citadel’s finest warriors.
DRAVEN SLID INTO THE house and stopped in the entry, tilting his head to listen. At first, only silence reached his ear, then a scratching sound came from the back of the house. His brow furrowed in suspicion.
“Nero, you better not scratch up that door again!” he called out, his voice echoing through the quiet house. With a resigned sigh, he closed the front door and strode through the hallway toward the kitchen.
Upon entering the kitchen, Draven found Nero perched on his bed, the picture of innocence. The griffin’s large, soulful eyes blinked up at him, as if to say, “Who, me?” But the wood shavings scattered across the floor told a different story.
Draven crossed his arms and tapped his foot, raising an eyebrow at the griffin. “Seriously, Nero? We’ve talked about this.”
