Chapter 2

Aelia

Stars, my head hurt. Slowly, I pried my eyes open to find a pair of light gray ones lingering over me. The familiar surroundings coalesced—the dark wood paneling, the small bed. I was still at home.

"Thank the goddess you are all right, estellira." Aidan's rough hand cupped my cheek, and I closed my palm over his. "What happened? I found you collapsed outside last night, and Raysa, you gave me such a fright."

I opened my mouth to reply, before snapping it shut once more. "I—I don't remember. I went outside to check on the chicks, and then everything after that is a bit hazy." A flash of light brushed across my subconscious thoughts. "I believe I may have been struck by lightning."

"Raysa forbid." An unreadable expression twisted Aidan's lips for an instant before the ever-patient mask slid back into place. "As long as you are all right, now."

I pushed myself up off the mattress and wobbled, my knees still slightly unsteady. Aidan took my hand, his silver brows puckered in concern.

"Are you certain you are all right?"

"If I said no, do you think the Fae lord will forget all about coming for me?"

A rueful chuckle slid through his lips. "I only wish, my child." He walked me toward the back of the cottage, to the small bathing chamber. "Now, go get dressed, I have a surprise for you. It is your birthday, after all."

A smile came unbidden, lifting the corners of my lips. I'd nearly forgotten in all the madness. My steps felt a little bit lighter and more sure as Aidan released me and I hurried into the dimly lit chamber. I vowed to enjoy this day for as long as possible and pretend it was a birthday like any other.

I flicked on the lantern and caught a glimpse of my reflection in the old, cracked mirror. My silver-blue eyes were bloodshot and weary, my hair a tangled mess, the streak of platinum running across my scalp like a skunk's tail. I tucked the errant locks beneath the dark curtain of black in a vain attempt to conceal it. With a frustrated sigh, I peeled off the leathers and tunic I still wore from yesterday, the stiff fabric brushing over a sensitive spot on my chest. Wincing, I glanced at the skin just below my collarbone and gasped.

Slashes appeared across inflamed, red skin.

Gingerly, I ran my finger across the strange markings engraved into my chest. "What in all the kingdoms?" I whispered aloud.

"Be quick, Aelia!" Aidan called out. "I am uncertain how much time we will have today."

With a quick glance at the empty basin and lukewarm water in a pail, I opted to forgo a bath this morning. Besides, the more unappealing the Fae lord found me, the better my chances to escape bedroom duties.

Running a brush through my hair, I splashed some water on my face and pinched my cheeks for color. I seemed even paler than normal this morning. The odd markings caught my eye once more and my lips twisted at the sight of the unsightly burnt skin. It must have been lightning.

Reaching for the dress I'd hung on the door days ago, I fingered the soft, pale blue satin material. It was the finest frock I owned with puffy, translucent sleeves and a full skirt lined in crinoline. Aidan had scrimped and saved for an entire year to buy it. It was silly, really. Yes, it was my twentieth birthday, a cause for celebration, but it was also surely to be the worst day of my life, so far. A hint of unease swirled low in my belly, warning it was far from the last.

Carefully, I stepped into the dress and snuck a quick peek in the mirror, hoping it covered the angry red engraving on my chest. I barely recognized myself in the delicate gown, a marked difference to the worn tunic and leathers I typically wore. I almost looked beautiful. And thank Raysa, the sloping neckline just covered the angry red lacerations. The last thing I wanted was to worry Aidan. Crouching down, I rummaged through the pockets of my discarded leathers and found my daggers. Once I'd secured them to the sheaths around my thighs, I felt more like myself. I didn't often don this sort of gown while wearing my most favorite weapons, but I'd have to make do.

"Aelia, everything is ready!" Aidan's voice drew my attention away from my reflection.

"Coming!"

Blowing out the lantern, I stepped out into the main room where Aidan awaited. He stood at the table with a big grin lighting up his face. "Happy birthday, estellira." A small cake sat on a plate, covered in chocolate confection and wild berries. A lit candle stood in the middle, the flame flickering happily.

"Oh, Aidan, it's perfect."

"I hope so. It's been decades since I've made a cake from scratch." He ran a palm over the back of his neck with a sheepish grin as he regarded me. Handing me a knife, he slid into his worn wooden chair. "Go ahead, have a taste."

I sliced a heaping portion for myself and one for Aidan, my mouth already salivating. Sweets were a treat we couldn't often afford, even with our copious supply of eggs for trading. I took a big bite and couldn't keep the groan from seeping out.

"It's incredible, Aidan. How long have you been keeping this secret from me? Had I known you were such a talented confectionary, I would have saved all our extra gildings for sugar."

He smiled as he licked the fork. "That is exactly why I never told you." He wriggled in his seat, then withdrew a small pouch from his pocket. "There is one more thing."

I eyed the tiny leather sack curiously, a twinge tightening my chest.

Aidan handed it to me, an uncharacteristic sparkle in his eyes. "Well, go on, open it."

My fingers trembled as I unlaced the twine, pulled the drawstring open and upended its contents into my palm. A delicate gold necklace tumbled out, and my heart clenched at the sight of the braided chain and small medallion that hung from it. "It's beautiful," I whispered. I thumbed the warm metal and a faint etching caught my eye. Bringing it right up to my nose, I tried to make out the strange symbols. "What does it say?"

Aidan cleared his throat, his eyes dipping to his folded hands. "I'm afraid I'm not sure. I believe it is in the old tongue of Faerish. I wish I could say I had it made for you, Aelia, but I stumbled across it in the village a few months ago. Raysa must have guided me to your gift for this special day."

"Well, I love it, whatever it says." Handing it back to him, I turned around in the chair. "Will you help me put it on?"

"Of course." Lifting my hair, he closed the clasp and tucked it beneath my dress. The chain was so long the medallion disappeared beneath the satin trim. I tried to pull it out from between my breasts, but Aidan slowly shook his head. "It's best to keep it out of sight, Aelia. We wouldn't want to draw too much attention."

I nodded slowly. He was right. Such a valuable item shouldn't be flaunted. Though I couldn't imagine there would be thieves at one of the courts. Out here in Feywood was a different story, though. Poverty and desperation pushed even the gentlest soul to do unthinkable things.

A sharp pounding at the door sent my heart leaping into my throat.

No… It's too soon. My panicked gaze lifted to Aidan's. His lips pulled into a scowl, then his hand found mine across the table. "Everything will work out in the end, estellira, I'm certain of it. The goddess is always watching, and she will keep you safe."

I ran my hand over the silky material of my dress and the hard, metal indentation hidden beneath. If the goddess didn't, my dagger would.

The sharp squeal of the chair legs scraping across the wooden floor jerked me into action. I had to keep my wits about me if I was to survive this. And I swore to myself that I would. Aidan trudged to the door, his steps slow and reluctant.

"Aidan, I'll be okay," I called out over my shoulder as I stood and moved across the small room to the niche beside my bed. I'd packed my bag days ago in preparation for the dreaded event.

"I know you will." He offered me a tight smile and marched the remaining distance to the door.

From the corner of the cottage, I watched, holding my breath as the door swung open to reveal my destiny.

A large, dark-haired male filled the doorway, a sneer curling his lips. Murky shadows danced across his arms, silent eerie whispers murmuring on the breeze. Curses, Shadow Court. Though I'd never seen a citizen of the Court of Umbral Shadows up close, the division between each kingdom was evident in not only his blatant powers, but also in his physical characteristics—the dark hair and eyes. All the Fae of the Light Court had light complexions, blonde, silver or white hair, and pale irises. Kin like me were a mixed breed of light, dark, and everything in between. The male Fae towered over Aidan and, for the first time, I felt truly small. My adoptive father had always felt like the strongest male I knew, but compared to the giant in front of him, he appeared almost fragile.

"I am Lord Liander Nightkin, and I'm here for the girl," the male bellowed, glancing at a sheet of parchment clenched in his fist. "The female Kin, Aelia Ravenwood, is now my official property, per the Treatise of Aetheria." His dark eyes raked over me and a sinister smile spread his lips. Dread pooled in my gut at the hunger in his gaze.

My hand instinctively dropped to the blades tucked beneath my dress. So much for my daily plea. There was nothing weak about the male standing before me. It didn't matter; everyone had a weakness, and I'd find his.

Throwing my shoulders back, I marched toward him with my hand clenched around the one measly bag I was allotted. "I am Aelia Ravenwood," I replied, impressed with the coolness in my tone.

"You will do very nicely, woman."

An errant breeze lifted the long hair from the Fae lord's shoulders, and dark wisps lashed across his face. With a grunt, he swept the wayward locks behind his pointed ears. Gold circlets lined the sharp ends.

"I'm afraid not," a deep voice boomed from farther outside, compelling every tiny hair on my body to stand at attention.

The Fae lord spun around, wings made of shadows curling behind his back, his dark brows furrowing. "What is the meaning of this?" Liander growled.

Yes, what was the meaning of this? I crept toward the door, and Aidan followed.

Behind my new owner stood another male Fae with hair like liquid night. Bottomless midnight eyes met mine, causing my breath to hitch from the intensity of his stare. An unnamable force compelled my gaze until I took in every fiercely gorgeous inch of him. From the tousled dark hair to the stubble lining his strong jaw, down to the broadest shoulders I'd ever seen on a male. His black doublet molded to his form like a second skin, revealing the carved muscles of his chest and the hard planes of his body.

Good goddess, I'd never seen a more frighteningly beautiful male.

He stepped forward and shoved a rolled-up parchment into the Fae lord's chest. "Per the decree from King Elian of the Court of Ethereal Light, any Light Fae deemed worthy at the age of twenty years will be required to attend the Conservatory of Luce to train as a Royal Guardian of the Crown, at the sole discretion of the Royal Council."

The Shadow Fae let out a deep belly laugh, and I barely suppressed my own chuckle from bursting free.

"You must be mistaken, boy." Liander held up the yellowing sheet. "This female is no Fae worthy to protect the king or our realm, she is merely a lowly Kin, and she is mine."

"First of all, I am no boy," Dark and Dangerous snarled, closing the distance between them. Despite Liander's towering stature, there was something lethal about this Fae male. Darkness loomed across his broad shoulders, wrapping him in an aura of danger.

The Shadow Fae shrank back, blinking quickly, and something like recognition flashed across his dark eyes. Liander opened his mouth, but the male in front of him was already gone, reappearing an inch from my nose. "Second of all," he continued, that penetrating gaze chasing from my eyes down to my chest. His fingers closed around the neckline of my gown, and a gasp escaped as he slid the fabric aside and revealed a gilded symbol stamped across my flesh. The inflamed, grisly marks were gone, replaced by a shimmering, pattern of swirls seemingly forged from light itself. "She most certainly is Light Fae."