39. Thirty-Six

Thirty-Six

Transformation

W hen Lily climbed out of bed, in her home, she was a bit surprised to find a box with a bow. Lily opened the lid, revealing a beautiful green dress. She gasped and held it up. The dress was a vibrant green. Leaves were embroidered along the sleeves and hem of the dress in gold stitching, framing the edges of the dress. Vines adorned the bodice.

"This is beautiful," she whispered. She had never owned anything so stunning. "What is the occasion?" she called, wondering if her father was still in the home. She opened the bedroom door just as he walked out of the kitchen.

He smiled. "You deserve some nice clothes. But also because we are honoring Queen Talia today."

Lily looked back at the dress. "You wear colors here when people die? In Rencheston everyone wears black."

"No. Here we celebrate life. The entire day is a celebration with food, dancing, and music."

"When does it start?"

"At lunch." He turned back to what he was cooking.

Lily walked down the short hallway and noticed he had slices of warmed ham, some toast with orange marmalade, and fresh fruit. "You seem to be a man of respect here. May I ask why?"

"I was married to the sorceress." He grinned. "It may be because I too have a little bit of magic." He shrugged.

"You do?" Lily slid into one of the bar stools. "What kind?"

"I sometimes see visions. But I can't control them, like you can with your magic. I knew the elves were coming to Vasha years ago when your mother sacrificed herself. I didn't know when or how horrible the battle would be, only that they were coming with weapons. Had I known the rest..." He cleared his throat. "But I haven't had a vision since."

She nodded and picked up a plump blueberry. "Can you teach me how to use my magic?"

"I will try my best." He slid a plate in front of her. "Now eat up. Asher is undoubtedly waiting for you."

"Why is that?" she asked as she cut the meat in half.

Her father chuckled. "Do I really need to explain how he feels toward you?"

Lily felt her cheeks burn. "Don't be silly. I'm only a wizard's apprentice. He's a prince!"

He raised a brow. "Lily, you are the enchantress of Vasha. That role is sometimes even more important than the king."

She hesitated. She hadn't been treated like she was important her entire life. Being more important than a king felt...wrong. She pondered on the thought as she ate her breakfast, then got dressed in her new dress.

Lily combed through her hair, wishing she had learned how to do the fancy things the noblewomen in Rencheston did with their hair. She decided to leave it down and smiled at herself in the mirror. For the first time in her life, Lily felt like a woman, not a girl or an apprentice.

She was an enchantress.

When Lily exited the bedroom, she met her father, who wore a stunning white tunic with gold trim.

He beamed at her. "You look just like your mother."

She fiddled with a sleeve. "Does everyone in Vasha know who I am?"

He nodded. "The word has spread that you're my daughter. I'm afraid rumors spread like wildfire here." He stepped forward and took both of her hands. "I want you to make me a promise."

"What is that?"

"Today, I want you to dance and smile and laugh. I want you to forget all about the humans and whatever danger they pose. I want you to talk to Asher. I want you to have fun. Be the kid you didn't get to be." He kissed her forehead.

"I think I can make that promise."

The market was all abuzz with people setting up long tables. All of the market booths had been covered and pushed aside, creating an enormous open space. Lily knew this was one of those special nights when the tables in the great hall of the palace would be packed with people, and it didn't disappoint when Lily made it through the propped-open front doors.

Doubt slammed into the back of her mind and she stopped walking.

Her father stopped just a step ahead.

She took a deep breath. I am powerful. I am confident. I am the daughter of Rose. She held her head up high.

"I'm proud of you," her father whispered as he walked behind her.

When Lily entered the great hall, it fell silent and all eyes turned to her. Then there was a rush of excited whispering.

Lily raised her hand and smiled awkwardly. "I'm Lily. It's...good to meet you all."

As quickly as it had fallen silent, the room resumed with the noise of clapping, and some shouted their names as Lily passed, quickly introducing themselves. Her father led her down the rows of benches to the long table at the far end of the room, where the royal family sat.

Bashton stood on his chair, waving both hands furiously, making Lily grin and wave back.

Mardai stood at the middle of the head table with Asher to his right. There was a vacant seat directly next to Mardai and one beside Asher. Zeb and Bashton sat on the far right. Falu and Tara sat to Mardai's left.

Asher grinned when Lily met his gaze.

A comfortable excitement built in her chest.

Her father stopped and pulled out the seat next to Asher. "You get to sit here. I'll take the seat beside Mardai. Asher doesn't always bite."

Lily's cheeks flushed.

Asher winked at her.

"Dear friends, today we gather to remember the life of my dearest wife, Talia," Mardai announced to the room. "I do not wish to speak long and linger on her death, but I am also aware of the rumors spreading around. When the humans came, Talia and I went to speak with the humans and, without provocation, they attacked and murdered her. The humans then killed some of our men. We honor those fallen. Spend the day focused on the goodness in each as they protected Vasha." He raised his glass. "To Talia and those who died."

Respectfully, each person raised their glass and lowered their head for a moment of silence.

Mardai was the first to drink from his glass, everyone following suit. "There is one more matter I would like to address. Asher, the next in line to the throne, my son, has taken on a great responsibility as I have been healing. I am impressed with those of you who have stepped up to help protect our borders by building lookout posts and volunteering your time to keep the rest of us on alert. I must regretfully say that we are still in danger from humans. But for the rest of the day, please spend your precious moments of joy eating and dancing. Celebrate the lives who protect us."

This time, everyone cheered and took another drink.

Lily smiled at the taste. It was a berry juice, dark and rich.

"I'm glad you're here," Asher whispered as several women rushed out of the room only to return with trays of food. "You look...you're beautiful." He grimaced. "I know it sounds foolish to focus on that, but I should say something more like...it's like you're glowing."

"I feel it in my heart," she replied. "I finally know who I am. For the first time in my life, I know ." She couldn't stop herself from smiling.

Asher reached under the table and took her hand. "I can see it in you."

"Did you really fight a darshorn?" Zeb asked.

Lily turned to him. "What is that?"

"The thing that looks like a giant bird with purple and black wings!" Bashton grinned. "Asher told us all about it!"

"Asher said you fought one in Demon's Pass, but I don't believe him," Zeb added.

Lily looked over at Asher and then back. "I do believe that's what gave me the scratches."

"Did you kill it?" Bashton asked.

Even Zeb leaned forward eagerly to hear the answer.

"I honestly don't know. I don't remember much until I woke up to Trayden snoring in my face."

Zeb cracked a smile while Bashton fell into a fit of laughter, nearly falling out of his chair.

"Why don't you two give her a break for a little while?" Asher shook his head. "Let her eat her food before it gets cold."

"I don't mind," Lily said with a smile. "This place..." She shook her head, looking at the people, the room, and then back at Asher. "This is everything I ever dreamed of. The home I always wanted."

"And the home you now have." He let go of her hand to take the plate of meat handed over by his father. He served her first and then himself. "Do you have any memories now?"

She shook her head. "I remember dancing with Father. And Mother playing the violin. But that's all."

Asher's grin lit up his face. "I bet that feels good."

Lily finally picked up her fork and took a bite of her potatoes.

"Lily and Asher sitting in a tree," Zeb sang under his breath. "K-I-S—"

Asher quickly scooted his chair back and jabbed Zeb in the shoulder with a spoon. "Enough."

Mardai cleared his throat. "Boys? Do you really need to misbehave and show Lily this side of you?"

Lily laughed. "Yes, Asher. Behave yourself."

He playfully rolled his eyes.

As the crowd finished their meal, they dispersed out into the market, where music began to play through the open doors. She watched them and remembered what her father had said about having fun.

She looked over at Asher. "Do you want to dance with me?"

Asher was on his feet before she finished her sentence. He held out his hand to her.

Lily accepted it and gathered her skirt to run with him to the entrance. Lily looked up at the sky with white clouds lazily drifting across it. It was the first time in days they had clear skies. Warm pink and purple hues caressed their bellies, and Lily took a deep breath of the fresh summer air.

"Do you know how to dance?" Asher asked.

"No. Teach me." She grinned widely and faced him.

"Okay. Hands..." He placed one of her hands on his shoulder and the other one in his hand while his right hand rested on her hip. "Now comes the easy part. We feel the music and move with it. I'll guide you with my hands."

Lily narrowed her eyes skeptically and pinched her lips. "I'll do my best." She stepped her feet apart and swayed her body to the music.

"Good. Now just move with it." Asher pulled her toward him and gently nudged her feet or stepped forward and guided her backward.

More than once, she stepped on Asher's feet. He only smiled or laughed. Lily eventually laughed with him. Each song was a little better. They carried on all afternoon.

A merry song started and Asher's adorable bright grin filled his face. "This is a great dance! Everyone does it together. Come on!" He drew her out to the middle of the crowd and they held hands with others. "Left foot. Right foot. Yeah, like that!"

They tapped their left heel out in the center three times, then the right foot, then stepped to the right crossing their legs, then to the left. Couples broke apart from the group to spin each other around and then rejoined hands with different people.

Lily smiled so wide her cheeks hurt.

Asher pulled her to a stop after the song, matching her laughter after spinning her too many times. "I need a drink."

"So do I." She rubbed her aching cheek.

"Go sit over there. I'll get the drinks."

Lily took his hand. "I'll go with you."

"Look, it's Trayden!" Asher pushed his way through the crowd to his best friend and nudged him.

Lily nodded to the green-haired woman on his arm. She didn't miss the green scales also adorning the girl's hands and arms, just like Sand had.

And speaking of Sand, he came scampering over with a plate overloaded with sweets and Percy at his heels.

"It's good to see you all healed, Lily," Trayden said. "This is my—"

"Girlfriend," the girl said with a confident grin.

" Girlfriend . Emery."

Emery extended her hand.

Lily didn't hesitate to accept it. "I'm so happy to meet you! Trayden helped me get back from the pass after Asher and I escaped."

"I've heard a lot about you." Emery smiled politely. She looked down at Sand and ruffled his hair. "My little brother said you have magic."

"I'm so happy you made it back, Sand." She crouched so she was eye-level with him. "You were so brave to get Mardai back here. He's alive because of you."

Sand shrugged. "That's what everyone keeps saying. All I did was stay on the horse."

Lily shook her head. "You didn't get scared and run away. I hope I can be as brave as you."

He laughed.

Lily scooped up Percy and snuggled him close. "I hope you haven't gotten yourself in any trouble."

Percy licked her face.

Asher handed Lily a drink. "Go have fun dancing. Lily and I are going to go for a little walk before dinner."

Trayden winked. "Have fun, you two." He led Emery away.

Asher leaned to Lily's ear. "I know a good spot. Follow me." He reached back and took her hand.

Lily set Percy on the ground so he could continue following Sand, then took Asher's hand and walked with him.

The music faded behind them. When she allowed herself to focus on the world around them, she heard the crickets singing.

Asher stopped near a fence and a large flowering bush. "My family loves you, you know." He plucked one of the flowers and tucked it behind her ear.

She sipped from her cup and looked over her glass at him. "Are they the only ones?"

"Not just them, no," he said softly.

Lily lowered the glass.

Asher reached out and touched her chin. And Lily felt the same pull they had a few days ago when they were this close. This time, there was no one to interrupt.

The setting sun filtered through lazy clouds, lighting Asher's features. Lily saw his lips, his sparkling eyes, and she knew in her heart that she had feelings for him she didn't yet understand. Asher ran his thumb down her jaw, finally leaning in. Their lips lightly brushed each other, soft and warm.

But Lily leaned up into the kiss, pressing harder.

She felt Asher's lips spread into a smile.

"What?" she asked. "Was that bad?" She leaned back.

Asher took her glass and set both of them on the ground before he wrapped both arms around her and drew her right up against his body. This time, when they kissed, Lily felt her entire body ignite. She dug her fingers into his hair, her breath caught and lost somewhere in her burning lungs.

The sounds of people disappeared.

And suddenly Lily stood before a tree, her bare toes warm in the mossy carpet surrounding the roots. She had never witnessed anything like it. The trunk was twisted and the shadows seemed to form the outline of two women embracing one another. She didn't need to be told this was the tree Liam and his father were searching for, nor did anyone need to explain the woman holding the other was her mother, Rose, holding the elf queen, Merete. The sky was a dull lavender color, not one that she'd ever experienced in any sunrise or sunset, and there was no sound from the forest around her.

"Lily." The voice flooded her mind and she felt a tingling sensation across her skin. "Vasha needs you. The humans are at our door and will murder everyone in sight. You have been taught magic your entire life, but you are far more powerful than you even realize. You must find the strength within yourself to protect our people. Vasha will burn. You must get everyone out."

She stepped up to the tree and placed her hand on her mother's arm. She knew it was her speaking. "I don't want to risk doing something wrong."

"Seek your strength inside of yourself, for that is the true power of a conduit."

"But how?"

The sky began to darken.

"Go, now, Lily."

Lily desperately tried to hold on. "I have so many questions I need answered. Mother, please!"

Her eyes flew open and she found herself staring into Asher's face. He held her face in his hands, and concern pinched his brows together. His lips moved, but no sound came out.

"The humans are coming," she whispered.

Asher blinked and brushed the hair from her face. "What do you mean?"

She finally came to her senses and looked up at him. "The humans are coming. How do we evacuate our people?"

"Evacuate?" Asher looked around them, searching for something. "I see no scouts."

"It was my mother. She warned me."

Asher leaned back. "Oh.

Lily shook her head. "Mother said they will murder everyone if we don't get everyone out. I don't know anything else, but I know it was my mother who spoke to me."

Asher ran his hand over his face and looked up at the cliff. "Khalil's perch has a tunnel. That cave is actually a secret entrance." He met her gaze again. "But no one has been through that tunnel in...ages. We hid the children there during the first human attack, but we haven't evacuated through it since...I don't know."

"We need to spread the word now and get as many people out before Prince Liam shows up with his army." Lily turned, but Asher caught her wrist.

"You are certain?"

She arched a brow. "You doubt me?"

He hesitated, then shook his head. "Actually, no. You warn the people in the market square. I'll run to the vipers. Because you haven't transformed yet, if you yell...I won't be able to hear you."

"Then I'll yell until someone does. I'm not completely helpless. I've got magic, remember?" She smiled.

"I know. It's . . . I just want you safe. Okay? Please?"

Lily didn't pull away from him. She looked up into his eyes. "We will be fine. We will evacuate our people and stop the humans from releasing Merete."

Asher traced his knuckles down her cheek. "You have so much more confidence now." He flushed and let go of her. "I'll meet you at Khalil's perch, okay?"

Lily grabbed the front of his shirt, rose to her toes, and planted a kiss on his lips. "I'll see you in an hour or so." She dropped back down and strode back to the crowd. "Pardon me, everyone!" she said loudly.

The musicians stopped playing and everyone turned to face her.

"I do not mean to cause alarm, but the humans are on their way. You need to return to your homes, grab food, and get to Khalil's perch as quickly as possible."

Stunned, no one moved. They looked at one another, and then began turning to their king.

Mardai was at the edge of the crowd with a drink in his hand and as surprised a look on his face as the others. He quickly rounded his shoulders. "If Lily is warning us, we need to move. Each family to your own homes. Those with teenagers, distribute them to help the widows and widowers."

Lily took it upon herself to escort an elderly woman to her house and moved quickly through her kitchen, gathering the food items the woman pointed out while she got her blanket and a bag. Lily walked at her side up the steep trail to the cliff, constantly looking down the way they'd come at the stream of people now beginning to ascend the mountain.

The sun lazily rose, but the sky was a vibrant red. Lily had seen the shade of red two summers ago when the northern hills caught fire. It had been a summer of drought and the hills burned fast and long, stifling the sunlight with smoke.

Lily searched the sky for any sign of that same smoky hue, but it wasn't there.

Once at the top of the cliff, Lily got a proper look over the valley, and she focused on the far western end where she and Asher had entered just days ago.

Her blood ran cold.

Her gaze locked on the shape in the sky.

"A dragon?" she blurted out loud.

All those nearby stopped and looked in the direction she was focused.

"How is that possible? There haven't been dragons seen in this area since the blood plague," a woman with a baby in her arms said.

But Lily knew that shape in the sky was too big to be one of the Karasha in the shape of any sort of bird. "Get in," she urged the people. "Move swiftly. I must warn Asher." Her heart pounded. And then she felt her bones snap.