Chapter 3

CHAPTER 3

A islinn

We were heading to Santorini. Fiona was arranging flights while Violet and I were packing our bags. I was distracted because our mates were not happy amidst the flurry of travel preparations. Bas and Argies stood nearby with determined yet conflicted expressions on their faces.

"I still don't see why I can't go with you," Bas insisted, his tone a mix of cajoling and frustration. "I've got my gear ready. You know we can be of use."

Fiona looked up from her tablet and shook her head. "We've been over this. As much as we love having you with us, you need to stay behind, Bas. We can't leave Artemis unprotected, especially with that shield on the loose. We're counting on you two and Thanos to keep an eye on things here."

Argies's eyes darted between us with concern. "I know better than to keep arguing. I'll be here if you need anything. We might not be able to fight your battles, but we can arrange an earlier flight or anything else you might need. Don't hesitate to call us. "

I patted Argies's chest and smiled up at him. "Thanks, love. We will call."

Violet offered a reassuring smile. "We will. We're relying on the three of you to hold down the fort. Artemis's safety is the top priority. It will not end well for us if she becomes mortal on our watch. Your mission is far more dangerous than ours."

Bas's face transformed into his normal resting-bitch-face as he dipped his head. "It's a good thing we have your ancestral magic on our side."

We discussed how the safest place for Artemis was Pymm's Pondside. Especially since we now had the Auric Blaze and the power Selene's ashes had added to the land. We continued our preparations while Bas used that to continue trying to get us to take him with us.

Maps were spread out, magical accouterments were checked and double-checked, and travel arrangements were finalized. Santorini beckoned with its promise of ancient mysteries and divine secrets. But first, we had to ensure that all was secure back at Pymm's Pondside.

"Alright, Bas, Argies," Fiona said, her tone affectionate and filled with trust. "You guys take care of things here. We'll be in touch as soon as we can."

Bas nodded reluctantly, his protective instincts warring with the desire to be at Fiona's side. "Keep in touch, and let me know if you need anything." He pulled Fiona into his arms and kissed her soundly.

I looked away and squeaked when Argies grabbed me up and did the same. I got lost in the kiss for several seconds. I was in a pleasant daze when he finally broke away. I noted my best friends had the same looks on their faces. Looks like Violet had gotten a goodbye kiss to end all kisses as well.

Thanos released Violet, his gaze focused and solemn. "Remember, caution is your ally. Don't underestimate the dangers that await."

After exchanging farewells, we made our way to the airport. The mundanity of security checks and bustling travelers created a stark contrast to the supernatural quest unfolding beneath the surface. The flight to Greece was uneventful. The drone of the engines mingled with the murmur of mundane conversations around us. Fiona leaned over, her voice barely above a whisper. "Do you think the mundies would notice if I made the wind blow through the plane?"

Violet scoffed softly. "Hardly. They're too absorbed in their mundane lives to notice anything." I had to agree with her on that. Although, I didn't want to test that theory.

Upon arriving in Greece, we boarded a boat to Santorini. The deep blue waters sparkled beneath the Mediterranean sun, beckoning me to dive into their depths. Tourists chatted animatedly around us, snapping photos of the picturesque scenery.

As the boat cruised across the Aegean Sea, a shadow fell over us. My alarm bells went off, and I turned my head to look over my shoulder. I moved toward Fiona when my gaze landed on a Dark Fae. There was no mistaking his aura. His presence carried an air of menace.

Fiona's eyes narrowed, her expression tightening with wariness. "Well, well, well," the Dark Fae sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. "I shouldn't be surprised to see Light Fae trying to encroach on my territory."

Fiona rolled her eyes, not bothering to hide her annoyance. "Listen, asshole, we are just passing through. Regardless, it is you who are mistaken. Santorini isn't your playground."

The Dark Fae's lip curled into a sinister grin. "Oh, but it is now. I claim this island as my domain, and intruders like you aren't welcomed."

Violet scoffed, her sarcasm cutting through the tension. "Oh, how scary. Did you draw up a deed for your 'domain', or are you just playing make-believe?"

The Dark Fae's eyes gleamed with malice. "Watch your tongue, mortal. This won't be the last you hear from me." With that threat hanging in the air, the Dark Fae slinked away into the shadows, leaving us to continue our journey. I exchanged a knowing look with Fiona and Violet, silently bracing ourselves for whatever trouble lay ahead.

As the boat gently rocked on the azure waters, I felt a surge of determination mingled with apprehension. Our quest had taken a turn already. As much as I had hoped to avoid conflict, I knew better. At least this time, we knew who the enemy was and could be proactive.

The rest of the trip passed quickly while we tried to keep an eye on the Dark Fae without being obvious. As we stepped off the boat onto the sun-drenched shores of Santorini, I was awestruck by the island's beauty. The town sprawled before us in a dazzling display of whitewashed buildings adorned with vibrant blue accents, set against the backdrop of the deep blue sea and clear skies.

"Talk about a postcard-worthy destination," Fiona remarked, shielding her eyes from the glare of the sun. "It's enough to almost make me forget we're here on a supernatural scavenger hunt."

Violet smirked, her gaze lingering on the picturesque scene. "Leave it to us to turn a divine quest into a sightseeing tour."

We watched as the Dark Fae slinked off into the labyrinthine streets of Santorini, disappearing into the bustling crowds of tourists. Fiona nudged me, her expression determined. "We need to find out what that Fae is up to," she whispered, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. "I know we're here to find the temple, but I would rather find out if this guy is a threat before he attacks us."

A heavy sigh left me as I nodded. "I was thinking the same thing. We can't let him cause harm to this island, either."

The narrow cobblestone streets that wound through the town were lined with quaint shops and bustling cafes. We ducked behind a row of potted plants, using the vibrant foliage as cover to observe the Fae's movements.

"Looks like he's heading towards that church," Violet noted, pointing discreetly. "Let's follow him, but stay out of sight."

We trailed the Dark Fae from a distance, weaving through the winding alleys and hidden passages of Santorini. The island was a maze of narrow pathways and secret corners. They provided ample opportunities to remain unseen.

As we approached the church, the Fae hesitated at the entrance, glancing around warily. Fiona motioned for us to stay back, her expression serious. "Whatever he's up to, it can't be good. Let's wait and see what he does next."

The Fae lingered for a moment before slipping inside the church. Without missing a beat, we quietly followed suit, stepping into the cool interior of the ancient building. As we entered the quaint church on the outskirts of Santorini, a sense of unease settled over me. The interior was dimly lit by flickering candles, casting eerie shadows across the ornate wooden pews and stained-glass windows. The air was heavy with the scent of incense.

In the center of the nave, we spotted the Dark Fae standing before the altar. His dark form a stark contrast against the peaceful surroundings. He was so focused on his sinister task that he hadn't seen us yet.

The mundie priest was an elderly man with a kind face. My heart skipped a beat as he approached the Dark Fae cautiously. "Can I help you, sir?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern.

The Dark Fae's eyes glinted with mischief as he muttered something under his breath. Instantly, the priest's eyes glazed over. He slumped to the ground, unconscious.

"What is he doing?" Fiona whispered, her voice laced with fury.

I watched in disbelief as the Dark Fae began arranging strange implements on the altar. He had an assortment of candles, herbs, and arcane symbols. "He's setting up for a ritual," Violet murmured, her tone grim.

Fiona took charge, her voice cutting through the ambient sounds of the island outside. "We've got to stop him without drawing mundie attention. The last thing we want is for them to come in here and see what's going on. I'll do an aversion spell. You make sure no one hears what happens in here," she told Violet, her words were barely above a whisper.

Violet nodded, her fingers weaving intricate patterns in the air to cast her enchantment. The bustling sounds of the island dimmed. They were swallowed by an eerie quiet that amplified the echo of our footsteps against the stone floor.

My fingers tingled and I bounced in place as my body prepared to jump into action. I could feel the magic I'd gotten from Fiona running through my veins. It was just as eager. I stepped forward, my Fae heritage resonating with the elements around me. I summoned gusts of wind, whipping debris into the air and unsettling our foe. The wind carried a faint scent of salt and sea, mingling with the heady aroma of local cuisine.

The Dark Fae growled and his black eyes landed on us as he sent a fire bolt hurtling our way. Without waiting for my friends to join me, I focused on the defensive, shaping the air into a shimmering barrier that deflected the Dark Fae's shadowy attacks. Fiona countered with bolts of crackling lightning, each strike illuminating the church with a blinding brilliance. The air sizzled with ozone, punctuating the clash of magic.

The Dark Fae, undeterred, retaliated with tendrils of darkness that snaked through the air. Violet's illusions danced amidst the chaos. They disoriented our opponent and bought us precious moments to regroup.

The fight unfolded with a series of dazzling maneuvers. Fiona leaped aside, narrowly avoiding a dark tendril aimed at her feet. I conjured a whirlwind, sweeping debris into the air to obscure the Dark Fae's vision. Violet's illusions twisted and turned, creating phantoms that confused our foe.

In response, the Dark Fae's eyes gleamed with malice as he conjured a torrent of shadows. Fiona raised her arms, casting a shield of crackling energy that absorbed the dark assault. I countered with a surge of elemental force, pushing back against the Dark Fae's advancing shadows. With a swell of determination, I focused my energy, channeling a beam of light that pierced through the darkness. The Dark Fae staggered, momentarily disoriented by the sudden onslaught of radiant energy. Fiona and Violet's power joined mine, and the bolt of lightning we sent next hit the Dark Fae square in the chest. His eyes widened and he dropped like a stone.

Fiona raced toward the fallen priest while Violet and I kept an eye on the Dark Fae. Violet was braver than me and approached the guy. She nudged him with her toe and looked back at me. "He's dead. We should deal with him so we can find that temple before anything else decides to crash our party."

"How do we get him out of here without being noti..." My response was abruptly interrupted by the opening and closing of the door to the church. Our eyes traveled over and I was taken back by the unexpected arrival of an older woman. Something about her felt familiar as she approached us with an air of authority. Her gaze was sharp and perceptive.

"You're safe with me since I can see you've taken care of the trash," she said and gestured to the Dark Fae.

Fiona stood and moved closer to us. "How did you know we were here?"

"I sensed your arrival the moment you stepped off that boat," she replied with a knowing look. "I might have missed you three if that one's dark energy hadn't tripped the alarms we set throughout the island. I knew right away something was amiss, and I had to find out what."

"You're Light Fae," I blurted when it hit me. That was why she felt familiar to me.

"I am. What brings you to Santorini? Few supernaturals ever venture here and the dozen of us here like it that way," she said as she moved down the aisle.

Fiona smiled at the older woman. "We're here on a mission for the goddess Artemis. We need to visit Hephaestus's temple and gather some information, possibly an artifact."

The woman's expression softened, and she nodded in understanding. "Artemis's business doesn't often intersect with the affairs of mortals. This must be important. I know of the temple. The forge of Hephaestus is a place of power but we don't go there. We like our peaceful life."

"This quest is urgent and we will do our best to minimize our impact on your island," Fiona promised.

"The others will be glad to hear that." She switched gears and moved to the priest's side. "He's alive. Did he see your battle with that one?"

I shook my head. "No. The Dark Fae knocked him out before we could stop him. Can you tell us how to get there?"

She inclined her head. "That's a relief. Michael doesn't deserve to be burdened with the knowledge of the magical world. As for directions, you need to keep an eye out for the blue-domed church on the other side of the island," she instructed. "Once you pass that, look for a series of mosaic-tiled steps leading upward. That's where you'll find the ancient stone archway."

Fiona nodded her head vigorously. "Blue-domed church and mosaic-tiled steps. Got it."

The Fae woman shared more intriguing details. "The path to Hephaestus's temple winds through a hidden olive grove," she revealed, her eyes twinkling with ancient wisdom. "The trees have stories to tell if you listen closely."

Violet raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued. "Stories?"

The woman nodded knowingly. "Oh yes, tales of gods and mortals intertwined in the shadows of these ancient groves."

That seemed too easy. There had to be more to the directions. "And then what?"

"You'll come upon a weathered stone bridge spanning a tranquil stream," the Fae woman continued, her gestures painting vivid images in our minds. "Cross that bridge, and you'll find yourselves at the foothills where the temple stands."

Fiona grinned, her excitement palpable. "Sounds like a beautiful adventure."

The Fae woman smiled mysteriously. "Ah, my dears, on Santorini, every step is an adventure if you know where to look."

Before we could express our gratitude, the woman turned her attention to the fallen Dark Fae. "Leave him to me. I'll take care of this distraction so you can focus on your quest."

As we prepared to take our leave, the woman's parting words were cautionary. "Not everything is as it seems on this island. Be vigilant."