The Marked Son (Keepers of Life) (17 page)

They argue over what to do with me, but finally, Leo convinces Jason I’d be better off at home.

My eyes flutter open for a brief moment as they haul me across the area where I’d created beauty out of nothing. The ground is torn up, and the trees are ragged and bald in spots. Destruction rears up wherever I look.

My eyelids droop. I feel like I’ve been hit by a bus. “Too much,” I slur over and over again. I can’t move, and my feet drag furrows into the forest floor, scarring further the beauty that had once been.

It’s no easy task getting me home. The wind picks up, and the rain slithers between the high limbs to plaster our shirts to our skin and mud to our shoes. When we finally get to my house, Grandpa pulls off my shoes, slings my arm around his shoulders, and drags me inside. “Looks like you boys had one hell of a night.”

“Too much.” The words rumble once again from my throat.

He snorts as he shoulders his way into my room. “I’ll say. Boys and liquor do
not
mix.”

I’m not drunk, I want to say.

But you are
, a little voice inside of me says.
Drunk on magic
.

Unexpected Complications

Holding the netted
pux
up, Kera said a quick spell, binding them to her realm before letting them go. It was the best she could do.

No guilt threatened her resolve as she watched them buzz high into the trees where they’d most likely begin plotting another way to cause havoc.

“Out in the dead of night in your underclothes? Scandalous. I never pegged you as a rebel,” said a soft feminine voice drifting out of the darkness.

Kera jerked around, dagger in hand. Reclining on a low branch was Lucinda, another one of Faldon’s hopeless causes, and about as unlikely to become a useful member of society as a dragon. Her snow-white mane cascaded over her milky-white shoulders as she flipped beneath the branch, dangling for a moment before dropping to the next, her eerie, pale-green eyes studying Kera.

“You do know it’s forbidden to use that particular spell on living creatures,” she said.

Kera’s stomach knotted.

“Don’t get me wrong. I agree. The
pux
should be contained.” Lucinda leapt from her branch, and in midair, gobbled a
pux
before she landed, catlike, onto another branch. “They’re far too tasty to let roam at will.”

Lucinda’s gaze latched onto the knife in Kera’s hand. The playful tilt to her lips disappeared, and a dangerous look entered her eyes.

Kera slowly returned the dagger to her waistband. She’d do anything to calm her unexpected visitor and get her to leave. “I had no choice. They’ve been—”

“I’m sure your reasons are sound.” Lucinda interrupted, her intense look morphing into a conspirator’s grin. “I certainly won’t tell anyone.”

It was just like the manipulative creature to dangle a promise in the air, only to snatch it away without warning. Kera had to obtain a true vow, one Lucinda wouldn’t break. “Promise me you won’t tell anyone what I’ve done.”

“About binding the
pux
or consorting with humans?”

Kera clutched her necklace. “I never—”

“Who am I to judge? I’m not one to use a proper door either, especially one guarded by three warriors who have orders to kill anyone crossing between worlds.” Lucinda dropped gracefully from the tree and sauntered over, her hips swaying in her clingy, silk dress. She stopped only a few feet from Kera and leaned in. “Messy business, being killed. I don’t recommend it.”

Kera tried to ignore the quiver that unexpectedly raced up her spine. Had Lucinda seen? Could she sense her fear? Wild things always knew when a person was afraid, and right now, Kera had never been so terrified.

A knowing expression crossed Lucinda’s face. “You’re shivering. Chilly?” A plain dress and dark blue coat appeared in Lucinda’s hand as if she’d pulled them from the air. “You’ll need these.”

Kera took them. If Lucinda thought she’d need them, she’d gladly take them, but it didn’t waylay her fears. “Why are you being kind?”

“Now I
am
hurt.” Lucinda moved close—too close—and peered at Kera’s lips as if she could see the kiss that lingered there. “A woman in love is hard to resist.”

Kera’s fingertips covered her mouth. “I’m not in love.” The hateful creature couldn’t know about Dylan. Not yet.

Lucinda’s bared her startling white teeth in a smile that was anything but comforting. “Be at rest, little liar. I won’t tell your secrets.”

Kera’s fingers crushed the woolen dress. “I don’t lie. We of the
first
can’t lie.”

Lucinda let loose a throaty laugh and moved silently into the darkened forest. “You owe me, Kera, daughter of life…and death. You owe me.”

Magic whooshed from the direction Lucinda disappeared, and Kera caught sight of a fluffy white tail before it melted into the darkness.

“Lucinda, wait.” Kera called, but the evil creature stayed away.

The forest grew still, subdued by the hunter in its midst. Gooseflesh rolled along Kera’s arms, and she buffed them away. Whenever possible, it was best to avoid a
lutine
. They were ferocious and too cunning to trust. Having one know your secrets was a danger that made Kera more than uncomfortable.

She eyed the barrier. If you didn’t know about the opening, you wouldn’t see it, but she knew it was there. Now, so did Lucinda. If the ability to break through the barrier didn’t worry her before, it definitely did now. She’d have to tell Faldon. He’d know what to do.

Kera put on the dress, wrapped the coat around her body, and returned home, her thoughts full of Dylan and the shock of finding him.

She’d made it through the marbled front hall and halfway up the grand, curving staircase when her father’s loud call stopped her in her tracks.

“Kera! Where have you been?”

She whirled about, forcing her eyes to widen with innocence. “I was out walking, enjoying the night air. I couldn’t sleep.”

“We have company.”

Navar came into view. His entitled demeanor demanded attention as much as his heavily adorned military attire. The goblet full of wine appeared especially fragile in his hand. He raised the glass to her and smiled—a beautiful smile that held so much hate. She heard the murmur of others. A celebration was underway. What horrible deed had Navar done now that warranted cheer?

Kera bobbed a quick curtsey. “My lord.”

Her father stood at the bottom of the stairs, resplendent in a suit of superfine black wool paired with a cream colored vest shot with gold thread. His expression was unreadable, stiff. Something was terribly wrong. “We only awaited your return to—”

“Look at her,” Navar interrupted. His dark eyes reminded her of two drops of rancid oil; whatever they touched came away with a greasy stain. “She’s given us a good chase, but I warn you, Hadrain, a spoilt daughter makes for a spoilt queen. You assured me she was neither.”

Kera’s breath stilled. “Queen? Me?”

Guilt traced the contours of her father’s face. “Kera.” Her name on his lips sounded lost. Disconnected. “I meant to tell you, but the timing was never ripe and…”

Navar stepped forward and held out his hand. “Now the time has come, and your presence is required.”

Kera didn’t acknowledge Navar. Her eyes were only for her father. “When?”

“You marry in three days’ time.”

Pain ripped into her and threatened to erase every last speck of joy. The thought of Dylan, knowing he waited for her...that she couldn’t wait to see him again…

Navar moved closer, his hand held out confidently, his smile certain of her reception of the news. “Come. Join us as we celebrate our union.”

She couldn’t move. Her gaze flickered from Navar to her father and back to Navar’s hand. He had killed her friend with that hand. No amount of washing could cleanse the blood from his fingers. She took a step back, reviled by the thought of him touching her.

“Kera,” her father warned softly.

She didn’t listen. She backed up the stairs as if she’d stumbled into a den of murdering thieves.

“That’s right, my dear.” Faldon’s voice filled the awkward silence as he swept forward out of the shadows. “You must change. The occasion is too important for such simple attire.”

Kera didn’t gracefully exit their presence. She turned and darted up the stairs as if her life depended on it.

Once in her room, she slammed the door. How could her father give her away like she was some forgotten trinket, recently found and unwanted? She paced her room and tugged at a loose string along the sleeve until it began to unravel. Her maid entered, carrying a dress Kera had never seen.

“Where did you get that?”

At the sharp question, the young girl faltered in her duties. “It is part of your trousseau, my lady.”

“You made this? In secret?”

“Not just me. Your betrothed ordered it. A whole wardrobe awaits your inspection.”

Kera’s chest tightened, and she said on a strangled voice, “Where’s the gown?”

The maid glanced from the gown in her arms to Kera. She’d been with Kera for years, knew her every wish before Kera spoke it, but now the girl seemed at a lost as to what she should do. “My lady?”

“The wedding gown! Where is it?” Her voice sounded harsh. Accusing. Her own maid had conspired against her, and Kera hadn’t seen it coming. How had she been so blind?

Hesitance showed on the maid’s face. “The seamstress isn’t finished. It should be ready in time. I promise.” The maid stepped forward, a little smile tugging at her lips, presenting the dress in her arms for Kera’s inspection. “This one is my favorite. I know how you love the color blue.”

Kera and Lani both loved the color. Had her maid seen Lani hanging in the square? Did she know that headless body was Kera’s best friend?

“I would rather rip it to shreds than put it on.”

The maid’s smile fell. “You don’t like it?”

Kera had to gain control of her emotions. She took a deep breath and managed a brittle smile. “No, it’s just…I only wish I’d been informed. I would’ve loved to have an opinion in the matter.”

“I warned your father, but he insisted you adored surprises.”

A feeble laugh escaped. “He was wrong.”

“I’m sorry.” The maid held up the dress. “But it’s lovely. Truly. All of them are.”

It
was
beautiful. Kera fingered the silk. She’d have to put it on. Nothing could be done but make an appearance, mollify the crowd, and then escape.

The party was torture, the good wishes endless. By the time the sun rose, Kera was allowed to retire to her room. She tried to sleep, but thoughts of her father’s betrayal flooded her mind. When her father tapped on her door, she lay abed, refusing to open her eyes. She was like the living dead—breathing, yet empty.

By late afternoon, she got up. Another dress she’d never seen had been laid out for her, the fabric luxuriant, the construction perfect. She hated it on sight. Even so, she put it on.

Navar had sent a few of his men to watch her. Luckily, she knew more ways to escape her home than they did, and slipped out through a secret door at the side of the house. Since her father had betrayed her, her only ally was Faldon. They had a lot to discuss. Too many disasters were converging to give her peace of mind. Navar couldn’t find out about Dylan. Nothing mattered except keeping him safe. She and Faldon had to figure out a way to repair the barrier.

When Kera approached the sage’s home, she saw a gathering of young men—servants of the council members—milling around outside. Uncertainty made her slow. So far, none of them had noticed her, but if she lingered any longer, that wouldn’t be the case. One of the men stood and turned in her direction. At the same time, a milk-white hand darted out and pulled Kera into the late afternoon shadows.

Lucinda’s eyes danced mischievously as she put a finger to her grinning lips. “If you want to know, come with me.”

Trusting Lucinda was like playing with a fireball—hold on too long and she
would
get burned. Kera bit her bottom lip for an indecisive second, then nodded. In the blink of an eye, they became a translucent vapor. If her captor let go, Kera felt as if she’d descend into a puddle at her feet. Not the most comforting image.

Lucinda guided Kera past the men, and together they slipped inside Faldon’s house.

With Lucinda’s hand in Kera’s, they walked among the councilmen whose murmured distress melted into an unsettling chant. Among them stood her father. Kera wasn’t surprised. Whenever the council met, her father was in attendance. This was his land, and any problem would ultimately fall in his lap.

“Are you sure?” her father asked, his face wreathed in displeasure.

The councilman he questioned straightened to his full height. “I have it on good authority there’s a young man in the human realm, one who supposedly has power beyond his circumstances.”

Kera’s grip tightened, but Lucinda only shrugged as if to say she had no idea how they’d found out about Dylan.

“But to suggest it’s one of us. So close.” Faldon’s gray hair fluttered as he gave his head a strong shake. “It seems unlikely. How could the council not know for all these years?”