Chapter Two

I t actually takes less than two minutes before Ryu is bounding back toward us. He bends so that I can stroke his nose, winks at me and then disappears, leaving a once again naked Reaper in his place. There is a slight chance that I don’t avert my eyes as quickly as I probably should but fucking hell, I’m not a saint by any means, and I have never been more glad of that than I am right now.

Loki smirks at me like he knows I checked out Reaper, and I stick my tongue out at him.

“For fuck sake Ryu, again!” Reaper exclaims exasperated, and deep gravelly laughter echoes through my mind making me erupt with giggles. “Can you hear his laughter, Farren?”

I nod, unable to get any words out, and I’m met with broad and amused smiles.

“Did Ryu just wink at you?” Mayhem asks and out of the corner of my eye, I see him hand Reaper some clothes.

“Yes, he did,” I reply, “although I’m not sure why.”

Rival clears his throat, “We need to get out of here.”

“I’m dressed,” Reaper mutters.

“We need to find somewhere safe to stay as well,” Zev adds, giving me a knowing look.

It’s going to take some getting used to having someone who knows so much around all the time. For some reason though, I don’t mind. I kind of like that he knows things and that I don’t have to tell him. Strangely enough, I find myself wanting to tell him things about me which is weird as fuck.

“I can help with that,” I reply, and I get curious looks in return. “I told you I’d been here before.”

“Yeah, but you made it seem like you were here for a quick visit.” Rival states, looking at me searchingly.

“You know their language, and you have the mark that makes you one of them. That’s more than just a quick visit, Love,” Loki adds.

“Look, I can explain all of this later. We need to get out of here,” I reply and then start to whistle, calling Fae horses to me and hoping that he’s not currently using the carriage.

“I highly doubt the horses are going to make it here,” Storm mutters, falling back on our usual banter.

“I’m not calling my horse,” I reply and give him my middle finger because despite the fact that we’re getting on so much better, I like going toe to toe with him.

“Wait, someone here taught you the call for their Fae horse?” Loki asks, his eyes wide.

“Horses,” I reply, without giving them any more information, because they’re going to find out soon enough anyway.

“Farren, there’s a lot that you aren’t really explaining right now,” Rival says pointedly.

“I know,” I reply with a shrug.

Before anyone can question me anymore, four Fae horses appear, pulling a carriage behind them and landing next to us.

“Flying,” Loki mutters, “they were flying.”

“Do you know how rare flying Fae horses are?” Rival mutters.

Zev grins, “As rare as rocking horse shit.”

Mayhem chuckles, “I see what you did there. Bravo.”

Zev mock bows, “Thanks, man.”

I smirk and start to make my way over to the horses. I’m guessing the carriage wasn’t in use, or the guys would have even more questions right now, and so would he.

“I’m not getting in that,” Storm mutters.

I pause and turn back to see all of them hesitating. I raise my eyebrow, genuinely confused by their reaction, as I ask, “What?”

“Well, we all know the reputation of the people here. How do we know it’s not a trap,” Mayhem asks.

I sigh, “Look, we need somewhere safe to stay. I know somewhere that we can stay. You’re just going to have to trust me.”

Ultimately it's up to them, so I turn away and carry on towards the horses, greeting them each by name. It’s been a while since I last saw them, but we have a pretty strong bond. Being here is going to get really complicated, and taking them where I am is also going to present its own set of complications.

It doesn’t take them long to decide to trust me, and I smile as I move to step into the opulent carriage. We only just fit, and as I look around at the others, it’s obvious to see their unease, especially Reaper and Storm. I guess it must be weird to have someone fly you when you’re used to flying yourself.

“What about Poca?” Mayhem asks.

I frown, “I don’t know. I’m not sure if the lockdown is going to apply to him or not. I guess we’ll find out if he decides to make an appearance.”

“Considering that we have no idea how long we’re going to be here, I really hope that he can get through,” Loki adds, looking concerned.

“Me too, but either way, he will be okay.”

He nods in agreement and then, as we rise higher, they all start to look out of the carriage at the landscape below. As they stare out of the windows and we fly over small villages, I can see their confusion at what they’re seeing.

“It’s not like I thought it would be,” Killian mutters quietly.

I smile softly. I really hope that they like this place as much as I do. Despite the rough edges, cutthroat nature, and deadly daily life, this place is my home.

“They all look so happy,” Rival adds.

“Yeah, and it’s clean,” Loki adds incredulously, “I mean, I know the towns and cities in the rest of the Fae Realm aren’t exactly filthy, but it honestly looks like they take real pride in their homes and towns.”

“It shocked me at first, too,” I reply and then decide to give them a bit more information since they’re going to need it for us to do this task successfully and hopefully pass the Warrior games, “Everyone in the Shadowlands has a role and does their part to ensure that everything runs smoothly. There is no leader, no governing body, and no king.”

Their eyes widen at my words, and Storm asks, “No, King?”

“No. There are a lot of reasons why supernaturals are here, but a vast majority of them are here because of their distaste for the kings or queens of the various courts.” I reply.

“I don’t blame them; we all know they’re corrupt as fuck. The majority of them anyway,” Killian says with enough anger in his tone that I know he’s thinking of his father.

“There are a lot of people all over the various courts that would like to live without the rule of the monarchy, so why aren’t they here?” Rival asks, always curious.

“Because although it looks peaceful, it’s not. You have to be strong, clever, conniving and ruthless to survive here. So, the average supernatural wouldn’t make it. They’d be killed or imprisoned.”

“What about consequences?” Storm asks, “Or even protectors, who protect the way of life that everyone has here.”

“Well, it's run on kind of a rotation. Everyone that lives in the Shadowlands takes a shift watching the borders. But only the borders, any disputes in town or anywhere else are handled by those involved. That means if you pick a fight with someone, you better know for damn certain that you can fucking win because if they decide that your life is forfeit, then no one will step in to help you, and there will be no punishment.”

Killian’s eyes light up as he smiles wickedly, “I think I’m going to like it here. Those are the kinds of rules I could get behind.”

I chuckle.

“Ryu likes the sound of it too,” Reaper grins.

“I’m still not comfortable here,” Storm grumbles, his arms crossed over his chest.

Loki rolls his eyes, “Of course you aren’t. You don’t have enough information to satiate your curiosity yet.”

Zev’s eyes flash white briefly, and he smiles as he looks directly at Storm and says, “You will be comfortable here, mate.”

“Does that ever get tiring?” Mayhem asks him.

“What?” Zev replies, looking confused.

“You’re almost always having visions. Doesn’t it get tiring to be switching between the present and future constantly?” Rival asks. It’s something that I’ve wondered about as well, so I’m curious to hear his answer.

Zev looks momentarily surprised that someone has cared enough to ask him and then replies, “Not just the present and the future, but the past and alternate realities, things happening in different realms. I can see it all.”

“Wow,” I mutter, “I can’t even imagine how difficult that must be.”

Killian shakes his head, “Mate, it’s bad enough with just the glimpses I get; as Rival said, that’s got to be so exhausting.”

“It was at first, and it made growing up a hell of a lot more complicated than it already was.” Zev replies, “But I’ve gotten used to it, and I’d be lost without it now. It’s a part of me, and although some of the visions are truly harrowing to see, especially if I can’t help either because the goddess has forbidden me, or I can’t get there in time, or they’re in a different realm or timeline or something. That doesn’t get easier.” He sighs and then adds, with a self-deprecating chuckle, “It hasn’t exactly made it easy for me to make friends either. People tend not to like that I know more than they’d necessarily ever tell me, or if something bad happens in their lives, they automatically blame me because I didn’t warn them, wrongly assuming that I see everything or that I can tell them if I do see something.”

His eyes meet mine from across the carriage, and I can see the weight of his gift in his eyes. He didn’t lie; he likes it, but it does get heavy, carrying the burden. I can’t help but think that it must get lonely and heartbreaking too.

Following my instincts, I lean forward slightly, “I can’t speak for the others, but you’re one of us now, whether you like it or not. If you get a bad vision, one you know you won't be able to change, I’ll be there for you, if you want to eat your bodyweight in food to make yourself feel better, or break shit or go hunting, whatever you need. I know you won’t be able to talk about it, but I want you to know that I’ll be there. I’m also not going to blame you for anything that happens, I know you’ll warn us if you can.”

He stares at me in shock, lost for words which gives the others time to chime in, with their own opinions.

“Well said, Love,” Loki starts and then looks at Zev, “It sounds to me like you had some pretty shitty friends in the past.”

Zev chuckles, his eyes still on me.

“I know what it’s like, man, and we’re not going anywhere,” Killian adds, his eyes studying Zev closely, not that he notices.

Mayhem and Rival share a look and then answer together, in the most twin-like way, “You’re in now.”

Storm shrugs, “You fought alongside us. That means you’re one of us as far as I’m concerned.”

“Ryu likes you,” Reaper simply adds, and I suppose that is the highest compliment that he can give. From what I know of Ryu so far, he’s very sparing with his affections and if he likes Zev, that’s a pretty good fucking sign.

Zev smiles as he finally looks around at everyone, “Thank you, you guys have no idea how much that means to me.”

The guys just nod; there’s no need for any more words; they’ve got their point across and said what they wanted to.

“So how long until we get to wherever we’re going, and how do we know it isn’t a trap?” Loki asks, changing the subject.

Killian smirks, “He has a point. I mean, how long has it been since you were here?”

Meeting his eyes with a raised eyebrow look, I reply, “A not-so-subtle way to fish for more information; however, I will answer anyway. I haven’t been here for six months.”

“That’s it?” he asks as he sits up straighter.

I nod and then add, “It’s not a trap, you’ll see. That’s our destination.”

Their attention turns to look out of the windows as Reaper asks, “The fortress?”

“Yes, it’s even less safe after dark,” I reply, gazing down at the huge castle, with its turrets and courtyards. It even has a small woodland within its grounds, all of it surrounded by a forty-foot, two-meter thick, stone wall. It’s warded and has built-in deterrent spells, just in case someone was ever stupid enough to try and get into this place.

I don’t know whether the guys can just tell that if they ask me anything else now, I won't answer, or they’re too distracted by the view of the castle to bother, but either way they all remain silent. I try to see it from their eyes, and I guess you could definitely say that it’s impressively imposing.

As soon as the carriage lands, directly outside of the huge imposing doors, I jump out.

“Farren, wait,” Killian calls after me, sounding more nervous than I thought he would.

They all quickly follow me out of the carriage, a hell of a lot quicker than they followed me into it. They obviously think that there could be danger here, which is cute. I know I’m going to have to explain all of this to them soon, but I would kind of like to put it off for as long as possible.

Within seconds, I’m lifted off the ground as strong arms encircle me, holding me close.

“Hey, Grey,” I mutter, my heart lightening. I’ve missed him like fucking crazy. Probably more than I should’ve, but I’m not going down that route now.

“Put her down,” Storm demands, a growl in his voice.

Grey chuckles, “Silly boy.”

“Put me down, idiot. I would really like it if you guys all got along, and them thinking that you’re hurting me right now would not be a good way to start.”

He chuckles as he squeezes me tightly once more and then reluctantly lets me go, “Fine.”

I spin around to face six very angry and very dangerous-looking men, weapons and magic at the ready, and I’m surprised that Zev is behaving exactly like the others. I guess he didn’t get a vision about Grey.

I can’t help but roll my eyes, “Chill the fuck out, or you’re going to piss off the person who is opening up his home to us for the foreseeable future.”

Grey clears his throat, and I glance over at him. He towers over me at almost seven feet tall; his hair is dark as night and tied in a messy bun on the top of his head, wisps of it framing his angular face. His black, red-ringed eyes are sharp as they look me over. He has another form, but in our nearly four years of knowing each other, I have only ever captured glimpses of wings, claws, and maybe a couple of other things. All I know is that he’s incredibly fucking powerful, like out of this world crazy powerful.

“Yes?” I ask him.

“I’m letting you all stay here?” Grey asks, amusement dancing in his eyes.

I roll my eyes, “Of course you are. I’ll explain, but first, I’m trying to diffuse a situation.”

He arches one eyebrow and sweeps his arm out, “By all means, Little goddess.”

“Little goddess?” Zev asks, narrowing his eyes at Grey.

Grey smirks, “Nice to meet you, Seer.”

“Don’t pull your tricks on them until I’ve at least introduced you,” I chastise him.

“Sorry,” he replies, not looking sorry at all.

I decide to ignore him, “Guy’s this is Grey. He’s my friend.” Turning to Grey, I ask, “Do I need to introduce them?”

“What do you mean?” Rival asks as he pulls back his magic but leaves it just below the surface, ready to call on at a second's notice.

“Yeah, we sure as hell have never met him before,” Loki adds.

Amusement literally sparks in Grey’s eyes, “She means Loki and Rival, that I already know your names.” He nods to each of the others, naming them as he goes, “Storm, Killian, Zev, Mayhem, Reaper and, of course, Ryu.”

The guys stiffen and stare in shocked speechlessness.

“Great, now you broke them.” I sigh, pinching my nose.

Grey’s booming laugh rings out, and he swings an arm around my shoulders, pulling me close and making all of the guys glare at him. “Come on. I’m sure you’re all hungry. I have food for every appetite,” he glances at Loki, “and I am looking forward to hearing how you managed to get through the border, considering I can’t even get out.”

My head snaps in his direction as he turns me, and we head into the castle, the guys following quickly on our heels. I have to double-check that I heard him right, “You can’t?”

When his eyes meet mine, they’re serious, the red around the black pulsing as he replies, “No, I can’t.”

“Whoa, I did not expect it to look like this in here,” Loki whistles.

The interior does not match the exterior, and since I was last here, he’s done even more work. Clearly, his gifts are slowly coming back after the ordeal. Unexpectedly, you aren’t greeted by stone walls and cold, dank air. No, the place is clean, bright, warm and inviting. Huge area rugs with warm lighting; he’s got music coming from somewhere. Every fireplace is lit, which probably helps with the warmth in here.

There are the paintings that you’d expect, but the scenarios depicted in most of them are of battles that I have never heard of, involving creatures that I have never seen. I asked him about them once, but he brushed them off as stories, nothing more. I never told him about the feeling I got from them, anger, sadness, vengeance and triumph. I feel it all, and it makes me nervous to look at them now that my magic seems stronger than ever.