Faes enlightenment, p.1
Fae's Enlightenment, page 1
part #4 of Call of the Elements Series
Fae’s Enlightenment
Book 4
Call of the Elements Series
Copyright © 2020 by Yvette Bostic
All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
Acknowledgement
I’d like to start by saying, while there are some references to places and events, any similarities to specific people are purely coincidental.
I hope you enjoyed the beginning of the Call of the Elements Series by reading Magister’s Bane, Vampire’s Crucible, and Elemental’s Domain first. Don’t start with Fae’s Enlightenment, or you’ll be truly disappointed.
I had a blast writing this tale and allowing the characters to run wild with their own stories. I hope you enjoy reading it just as much.
I want to say thank you to the people who’ve helped me throughout this process. My husband has been my encouragement, as well as the perfect sounding board and first-draft proof reader. I could not have done it without his positive attitude and patience. Thank you to my wonderful editor, Hannah at Between the Lines Editorial (www.btleditorial.com). She is an extremely talented young woman who’s also a joy to work with.
And thank you to Aleksandra Klepacka (https://www.facebook.com/AlissandraArt/), the very gifted young artist who created my cover art. Thank you to my very gracious beta readers. Your comments and opinions about the characters, events and time lines make all the difference!
And last but not least, thank you to my readers! You’re the reason I continue to write.
The Light in the Darkness Series:
Light’s Dawn: A Novella https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C1WNLJ8
Light’s Rise-Book 1 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0762Q52DP
Light’s Eyes-Book 2 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079GHC3CD
Light’s Fall-Book 3 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CV5QQMY
Table of Contents
Acknowledgement
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Epilogue
Prologue
Nardan and the captain of his personal guard approached what had once been a site commonly used by the fae royalty. Years of abandonment showed itself in the cracked stone pillars and layers of dust covering the white marble table. Nardan’s first reaction at the sight was anger, but he quickly pushed it aside. Today’s meeting would dictate his path for the future.
“It’s shameful this place of beauty is no longer revered among our people,” his captain said, his voice solemn and subdued.
“Indeed, Lodron.” Nardan waved his hand, and the years of dust lifted from the stone, carried away by the burst of air he created. “Let us hope today’s meeting ignites the winds of change.”
The fae royal families had drifted apart after Elise and Sabina betrayed their husbands. Nardan had ignored the two queens at the time, thinking they would replace their husbands with more pliable mates, but they hadn’t. Both queens now ruled as tyrants, oppressing their people and imprisoning their men. He shook his head. The past was the past. He could do nothing to change it.
Focusing on the future was his only option. He would rid the other kingdoms of their tyrants and give all fae hope for a new future. He often wondered how the queens did not see what they were doing to their own race. How did they not see the precipice they balanced on?
The once mighty fae would fade into extinction if they continued down their current path. Nardan’s people were all so closely related, they could not breed. He knew beyond doubt the Woodland and Highland Fae kingdoms were no different. With the other two kingdoms cut off from him and each other, their only options to reproduce were on Earth. After several centuries, the results were not good. Half-breeds diluted their bloodlines, making the fae even weaker.
He refused to sit back and do nothing. His meeting today would be the last piece needed to begin the war. A civil war long in the making. One that could have been avoided had he made a different decision five centuries ago.
Thinking about the fae’s loss of their elemental magic re-ignited his anger. He tamped it down quickly. Anger and resentment wouldn’t bring back what was taken from them.
A shift in the realm brought his attention back to his current task.
“They have arrived, Your Highness,” his captain whispered.
“Yes. Hopefully she brought the one we seek.”
Nardan strolled around the table and sat in the stone chair facing the entrance. A strategic move on his part. Each of the seats were designed exactly the same to ensure equality among the kingdoms, but that didn’t stop the rulers from positioning themselves in what they perceived as the seat of power. Ages ago, when they actually met in this place, they’d agreed to always sit in a different place at the table. Another assurance of equality. That carefully planned cooperation died with the betrayed kings.
“Nardan.” Elise flowed up the steps into the pillared room. A pale peach dress draped over her narrow shoulders and brushed the ground, covering her petite body. The white sash around her tiny waist pulled the delicate material tight. He’d forgotten how small she was, even for a Woodland Fae. “It’s been far too long since we last met in this place.”
“Yes, it has,” Nardan said, rising from his seat for a moment but not completely standing. A deliberate affront to her social standing. He wasn’t there to placate her perceived status. They both knew she stole the throne from her husband.
Her thin lips pulled into a frown, but the expression failed to diminish her striking features. Like all fae, her beauty distinguished her from a mere human. She sat on the edge of the chair across from him, running her thin fingers down the fabric of her gown. Her two guards stood just behind her, their eyes fixed on a spot behind Nardan.
Nardan smiled at the two men. Both wore the leather armor and green Woodland tabard of their people. His amusement came from her choice of men, one clearly being her last surviving son—just as he’d hoped.
“What do you want?” Elise asked, dropping all pretense of civility and giving him the perfect opportunity to avoid the social games expected of them.
Nardan leaned against the stone back of his chair and steepled his long fingers. “I hear your granddaughter is still alive.”
“Yes, and will remain so,” she spat. “Why does it matter to you?”
“It matters because her existence is in violation of our laws,” he replied, not reacting to her caustic response. “Surely I don’t have to tell you that.”
Elise’s eyes narrowed at him, and he refrained from smiling. He already knew everything she was about to reveal, thanks to Lodron.
“I was deceived by that damned elder vampire,” she hissed. “And then the elementals threatened me. I cannot act against her.”
“That’s unfortunate.”
“Don’t act like you didn’t already know. What will you force me to give up to ensure she dies?”
He chuckled and leaned forward in his seat, resting his forearms on the marble table. “I will take care of your granddaughter if you give me your son.”
She jumped to her feet, an ugly sneer marring her delicate features. “Absolutely not!”
“Why not?” Nardan maintained his calm tone with effort. He had her right where he wanted her. “You don’t allow him to procreate for fear of him producing a daughter. You’ve never cared for your children, so what possible attachment can you have?”
“He is mine to do with as I wish,” Elise snapped.
Nardan glanced at the man in question. He stood silently next to Elise, his clenching jaw the only indication that her words stung. His light brown eyes remained glued to the same object behind Nardan’s head.
“Then we’ll allow the Justices to convene and decide your fate for allowing the girl to grow up with the humans,” Nardan stated, rising from his chair. “I was hoping to avoid the drama from such an inquisition.”
He watched the emotions flit across her face. He would have her son. She couldn’t allow the Justices to investigate her actions. Nardan wasn’t even sure they still existed, but the threat still held some weight, even with him. No one really wanted to find out. But very few had known of the baby Cedric hid among the humans until she grew up and saved them all.
The perfect reason for the Justices to reemerge.
Elise leaned forward, placing both hands on the table. “Fine. Take him. But when he leaves my house, neither he nor his offspring have claim to my throne.”
“That has always been true, as you well know.” Nardan circled the table and approached Elise’s son. “Welcome to my kingdom.” He extended his hand to the man who met his gaze and gripped his hand in return.
“Thank you, Your Highness.
Chapter 1
My gaze darted around the table at the motley crew of cheating, card-playing bastards. Every one of them had tried to read my mind, but not tonight. I came armed and ready for battle with the theme song from that mermaid cartoon I loved as a kid.
Our resident stone giant, Qeb, dealt the cards. When we’d started our nightly card games a few weeks ago, he’d refused to participate in the demoralization of my character. Like that hadn’t already happened. So, Qeb was relegated to dealing the cards with his large stone fingers. Something he was really good at, much to my surprise.
Except that for tonight’s game of Blackjack, the earth elemental had to be an active participant. He acted annoyed, but I knew it was a bunch of bull. He loved it just as much as the rest of us.
I ignored my cards as they landed in front of me and watched the expressions of the other players.
As always, my water elemental, Göksu, picked up his card first and leaned back in the chair across from me. The lamp on the wall behind him flickered through his transparent humanoid form, giving him an eerie glow. His face-up card was a nine. He smiled like always, even when his cards sucked.
Braden chuckled, the irritating sound that was his nervous twitch. His card had to be really good, or he was bluffing. Despite our emotional bond, I couldn’t tell. A queen of diamonds sat next to his face-down card. He must have peeked too quickly for any of us to notice. Damn vampire.
Niyol, my air elemental, flicked up his card, peeking at it before placing it face down on the table next to his two of clubs. He glanced at me and smiled. I grinned, waiting for our final player to check his hand before I started my serenade.
I turned to the fire elemental next to me, and Aviur zapped me with his sexy heat, making my insides light up with desire. Braden growled, but I laughed.
“Stop it, pervert,” I said, smacking Aviur’s glowing arm. “Look at your card already so everyone can have their half-second to try to cheat.”
Protests erupted around the room, but they were a bunch of liars. They all tried to read my mind as soon as I looked at my cards. It was amazing when I didn’t lose every single hand.
Aviur’s fiery fingers covered his card and swept it towards his chest. He glanced at it, then set it face down next to a jack of hearts. The first time we played, I was sure his cards would turn into a pile of ash. Of course, they didn’t. Just like Göksu’s didn’t turn into a watery mush. Even though I was getting used to my magical life, the elementals’ ability to not destroy everything they touched still amazed me.
“Alright, princess,” the fire elemental purred. “Give us our half-second.”
My hand hovered over my face-down card, and I started humming the catchy tune.
“That one has a nice rhythm to it,” Göksu said.
“Mhmm,” was my only reply as I belted out the words in my mind. The other three elementals groaned as if it physically pained them to hear my song. I thought the words were completely appropriate. Though I hadn’t wanted to be part of their world in the beginning, nothing could take it from me now.
I peeked at my card and continued singing. A king of spades sat on the table for everyone to see, and an ace of hearts rested in my hand. Perfect.
“And you say we cheat,” Niyol hissed.
“I agree,” Aviur said.
“She is merely thwarting your efforts to ensure her loss,” Qeb argued for me as I continued my song. “I think it’s admirable and rather creative.”
“What song did she pick tonight?” Braden asked, drawing my attention. He could feel my emotions, but he couldn’t get into my head the way the elementals did.
“Something about wishing to be part of your world, out in the sun, and by your side,” Qeb replied. “It’s interesting, if not contradictory.”
“Ah, a very popular mermaid among young children.” Braden smiled, and I momentarily lost track of my song. How did a centuries-old vampire recognize a child’s cartoon?
I almost asked him, then remembered I was supposed to be distracting the damn cheaters at the table. I started humming again and pointed at the dealer.
Qeb turned over his face-down card, placing a ten of diamonds next to the seven of clubs. Seventeen for the dealer. His stony face turned to Göksu, who nodded and received another card.
The water elemental turned up the edge and frowned. Busted!
Braden chose to stand, keeping just his two cards. Interesting.
“Hit me,” Niyol said, asking for another card. But he didn’t look at it. To be that confident, he must have had a really low card to go with his two. Or he was bluffing.
Aviur glanced at me, and I grinned. They didn’t know what I had or Göksu wouldn’t have busted his hand. The fire elemental nodded as well and received a card. He picked it up, and flames flared around his eyes. Busted again!
I giggled, interrupting my tune for a second. But I didn’t care because my plan worked.
“I stand,” I chirped, then continued singing.
All eyes fell on Braden, then Niyol.
Braden turned over his card, revealing a ten to go with his queen. He smiled at me, and I blew him a kiss before giving my attention to Niyol. He frowned and turned over a five and six, not even beating the dealer.
A huge smile spread across my face, and I let my song go. I didn’t even have a chance to flip my card before the whining started.
“Cheater,” Aviur grumbled.
Niyol hissed incoherently, and Qeb’s rumbling laughter shook the table.
I revealed my ace of hearts. “Pay up, boys.”
We used poker chips to bet, but they meant nothing more than a chance to rub it in. Especially for me because I rarely won. The idea to sing a mental tune grabbed me after my first night of losses, when I realized my benevolent elementals didn’t like to lose and that they’d taken advantage of their ability to read my mind. Damn cheaters.
Qeb collected the tokens and passed them back to me, The Winner. I couldn’t stop the silly grin on my face. We’d started the card games when I couldn’t get my mind off the hundreds of people I killed during our battle against Jack. I knew they would’ve killed my allies and exposed the entire magical community, but it didn’t change the fact that their blood was on my hands, literally. So, card night had turned into a welcomed distraction and a fun evening with beings who cared about me.
Braden actually suggested poker night, but after the first week, we’d explored Blackjack, pinochle, hearts, and all kinds of stuff. Niyol and Göksu were always there. Gordon sometimes joined us when he wasn’t busy with Braden’s to-do list. Qeb and Aviur showed up when they weren’t training with Kellen, my ex-mage partner. Three weeks later, our almost nightly card game felt like a tradition. A tradition that was about to end. I didn’t want to think about it.
“How’s the search for a partner going?” I asked, referring to Kellen’s new mage partner.
“I believe we’ve found a suitable match,” Qeb replied, “but we’re trying to introduce them slowly.”
“Good idea,” I said. “Is he still asking about me?”
“Every chance he gets,” Aviur answered.
I frowned. It wasn’t Kellen’s fault our partnership was dissolved. I blamed it on the elementals surrounding me, but I wasn’t sure it was an entirely fair accusation. I couldn’t remain with the mages even if I wanted to, which meant Kellen and I couldn’t stay partners. But he wasn’t trying to move on, either.
“He knows I’ll be completely out of touch for the next several months, right?” I asked.
“Of course,” the earth elemental rumbled. “We’ll use that time wisely.”
“Thanks. He deserves to be happy.”
“He isn’t the only one,” Braden muttered. I didn’t miss the insinuation.
“You’ve made the last few weeks absolutely fabulous.” I pinned him with my icy blue stare. He’d taken the time to give me a tour of Europe, and I’d loved every moment of it. Topped off with a promise to see the rest of the world’s wonders, my vampire had made my life pretty good.
I’d get over the guilt of killing people eventually, right?
Braden eyed me but didn’t smile. Thanks to our bond, he felt my less-than-honest statement.
“Will we continue our card night when I go?” I asked tentatively. “I know Braden can’t join us, but it’d be really nice to have company every once in a while.”
