Demon Revelation: The Day of Fear

Devil's Romance

When I first met Breandan, he touched me and it feltstrange. Then he said something about us no longer having a choice. That is was sealed. And a while ago Conall said he sensed something odd. I think he was feeling thethe after effect of whatever it was.

Ana sucked in a breath. Ah, that surprised even me, and boy did I feel it. The disturbance slammed into me like a sledge-hammer. Others sensitive to such things would have sensed it too. The moment it happened the future shifted so dramatically it gave me a killer headache. She turned her head and her eyes echoed her reaction to whatever future she saw moving over me. They looked haunted. But it does explain why you and Breandan coming together is so important. The connection itself, well, its happened once before and it didnt end well. I threaded my fingers through the grass at my side and waited. Ana focused hard on my face then looked away. You must avoid speaking of it, Rae. Dont tell anyone, she said in a rush. There are those who will not accept.

The sudden urgency threw me, and I leaned up. Why? And dont evade the question.

She saw my surly expression and sighed. In the end they died and they took thousands of fairy lives with them. The curiosity in my face prompted her to continue. The word youre looking for to explain what you feel is a nexus. When you touch something is created between you and Breandan that is unbreakable, untouchable. It grows. The longer you are apart the greater the need for contact with him will become. When you do touch it will be likelike a direct tap to the Source. The longer you are apart the greater the, ah, release of energy will be.

By the scared look on her face, I dont think the big release of energy was a good thing. The larger implications of what she was saying sunk in and burned a hole.

What if I dont want to be tied to him?

Its done now.

But, I-, I still dont even know what it means.

Bonded ones can never rule or lead because they end up too wrapped in each other to think or see straight.

Thats not what I meant. What does it mean in real terms? Like does it mean Breandan and I are destined to be together?

The idea was so clich� it was gross, but it was one I understood easily.

“How the hell would I know?” I shot her a look. “Oh, you’re forgetting what I can and can’t do again. I can tell you if you’ll turn right down a fork in the road instead of left, but I can’t tell you why you chose that direction. She paused thoughtfully. Unless say, the right was blocked and you had to go left. See what I mean?

With a tremble, I digested what I had learned. Breandan and I were tied together by an unbreakable magical bond, for life. And I wasnt even sure I liked him.

Does Breandan know? I asked.

After you met the first time I saw what would happen should it grow beyond control. I warned him to stay close and to touch you skin to skin as often as he could. She grinned. I dont think he minded the instruction once hed met you.

I dont understand. We can connect to the Source. Big deal. You can touch the Source.

This is more complex than a simple channeling of power. When the nexus opens you become a living embodiment of the energy in its raw form. A Source in your own right.

I frowned and chewed my lip. Sounds intense.

She barked a laugh and rubbed at her eyes. You have no idea.

I sensed her close up on the subject and thought of something else. Why does Devlin want me to go with him? He seemed very insistent that I go home with him.

This is where it gets complicated. Has Breandan or Conall explained the limits of the Source yet?

I can get better at wielding magic with practice, but can never draw more than my limit. I said, proud of myself for remembering.

Clever girl, but for you and Breandan the rule no longer applies. Youre bonded.

Oh, I said, neatly put in my place. I see.

Ana gazed above and her face was frightened. There are three ancient items of magic in the form of golden amulets pure fairies - Priestesses, whose purpose is to keep the balance of life - can wield to make themselves extremely powerful, and become more connected to the Source. For nearly two thousand years the balance was maintained. But then one Priestess forgot her purpose, and it got out of whack. The dark outweighed the light, and things that never should have been possible occurred. Her face took on a sour look. The Rupture was a side effect of her failure. If she was doing job and keeping the balance, it never would have happened. The vampires would have been stopped. But the result of that failure is clear to see, look at the world we live in.

Youre looking for these amulets, I said, to try and bring back the balance. But Devlin has other plans. Its like a race.

She nodded. A bloody sprint to see who can amass the most power before inevitable war. The grimoire, a book of spells has been in the Tribes possession since before anyone can remember. It would be horrific if a force of evil was able to open it. She shuddered delicately in the grass. The grimoire is locked, and the key is the three amulets combined, wielded by a pure fairy.

Why are you guys so worried then? If you have to be pure to-

It doesnt matter which type of pure you are. Pure evil can unlock the book just as pure good can.

Whos the dumbass thought that gem up?

You did. Rather, one of your past reincarnations did.

Ah, I said.

Breandan lost an amulet piece this morning. It gives protection to the possessor. She smiled at a spider scuttling across her leg. She picked it up and held it in her palm, moved her hand this way and that as the hairy brown arachnid searched for a place to get off. Its guardian gave it to him for safekeeping as he felt he could no longer conceal it.

The implications of what she was saying hit home. So, the Tribe now has one amulet, and the rebels have-

Officially, none, she said and grimaced. Lochlann will not forgive Breandan easily for that screw up. He became its protector, and left it unprotected to run around after you since you got lost. Like I said before, Ive saw that sticky spot you slid into with Maeve.

I scowled darkly. Everyone sounded so ready to bend over and take it from this fairy Lochlann, but I didnt see him risking his hide to guard the amulet piece. Where was he? He was needed here.

Ana set the spider on the grass, and waved goodbye as it scurried away into the undergrowth.

Rae, the next time we hear strange noises in the forest, what do we do?

Go the other way, I mumbled.

Correct. She beamed at me. Dont worry, all is not lost. We can even the score. There are two more, hidden with their guardians and well find them, just you watch.

I let it all sink in. My hand unconsciously strayed to the pendant, no, the amulet piece lying under my tee shirt. Ana honestly didnt seem to know that I had it. But Conall, Breandan and Devlin did. Ana was a witch and gifted with the Sight. How could she not know that I was a guardian too? Something was off. There were still large gaping holes in the tapestry that was being woven in my mind. Devlin was an evil fairy-lord. Pure evil and he wanted my amulet piece so that he could try to open the grimoire. Lochlann, another bad ass fairy and Breandans older brother was leading the revolution to bring back the balance, and was therefore fighting against Devlin, which made him the good guy, right? The grimoire was a scary powerful book that Devlin had, but couldnt open because it was locked. Somewhere in the middle of this myself and two other fairies had been chosen as guardians of the key, the amulets. I assume to keep them safe from evil, because though my moral compass was dubious at the best of times, I didnt feel evil, which made me good too, right?

But then why did I not know any of this? Why had I been dumped on the steps of a Temple Priests house, glamoured as a human baby with no memory or knowledge of whom or what I was? Surely, if this amulet were important it would be madness to entrust it to someone who may have just thrown it away one day. Everything was falling into spaces, but some bits didnt fit.

One thing I knew for certain, though I was curious - who wouldnt be - I didnt want a part in any of it. No matter what Ana thought it was too big for me. The whole political battle between the rebels and the Tribe, and the battle between good and evil. The only reason I could see I was a part of it was because of my connection to Breandan. After all, no long lost relative had come forward to claim me.

The macabre tone of my thoughts had me scrambling around my own head for a distraction. Uh, the way you talk, I said, you consider yourself part of the fairy rebels?

She snorted. The gods created the Source and we all came from that. I dont care they look different to me. Were made of the same basic stuff.

But youre human, I said stubbornly taking in her normal ears, skin and lack of other limbs. There was no glamour over her; Id looked hard for it.

If you want to get technical about it Im the white witch, but for the most part yeah, human. You are most definitely fairy.

So its true then. All witches are bad? Barring you, I mean.

Sadness flickered across her expression. Fairies are magical. It is the essence of what they are, and for the most part it protects them from influences that can rot a person to the core - jealousy, greed and spite to name a few. Humans who can touch the Source, witches, do not have these natural safeguards.

What makes you different?

The same thing that makes you different. Her eyes lingered on my wings. The will of the gods.

Stunned by her knowledge I pried without thinking. How old are you?

Fifteen.

I thought back to when I was fifteen three years before. Trying to work out why my body was so developed, and why I didnt want the boys to touch me like the other girls did. I compared myself to this powerful girl and cringed. I went to pull my hood up but at Anas stern look I rested my fingers on the fabric, and my stomach clenched.

I am in so much trouble. I dont think I can do this.

She glared at me with a face of thunder. You know what, this oh no poor me routine has to stop, Rae.

What? I wailed. I have a right to be upset.

I raised my palms helplessly and swallowed the excess saliva building in my mouth.

You dont have time to mope, or be worry about whats coming, because its already here. Sorry to be the one to break it to you, but its crunch time. I wish you had more time to prepare, I do, but fact is you dont. You need to face who you are and accept your place beside Breandan. The Tribe has stolen the amulet of protection. They grow more powerful, and now they have one of the four. In many futures you try to run but trouble finds you. If you dont accept this-

Clamping a hand over my mouth, I leaped up and dashed into a corner before emptying my stomach onto the ground. I heaved until nothing but clear, acidic liquid dribbled from my lips. My mind scuttled over everything and I retched, puking air. Leaning my head on the cool stone I clung to the trailing ivy rooted to the wall, and breathed in the light scent from flowers sprouting in-between the gray bricks.

Pushing away from the wall I swayed back over to Ana. I let my legs give way so I was seated, leaning forward limply.

Chew this. She pushed something green into my hand.

I stuffed it in my gob and chomped down. A clean taste exploded in my mouth, down my throat, and into my belly until the nauseated feeling subsided. I spat the wad of green out of my mouth and raised it in my upturned palm.

She motioned to the lump of weedy grass. I laid a spell to help you.

With bigger things to be upset about then a bit of magic, I tossed it and pushed hair out my eyes. How am I supposed to react to this? Thinking on it I came up with nothing. My wings flexed behind me and I sighed. This is too big for me, it was too big when I found out I wasnt human. My hand drifted to touch an elongated ear; it twitched beneath my touch. Youre telling me that I have to be with Breandan or he and his brother will fail in their quest to overthrow Devlin. I dont even know why they are against him.

Though I could guess. Devlin seemedcruel.

I wish I could say something wise and comforting, but thats not what Im here for. Thats not my purpose. But I know youll make the right choice. Leaning over to give me a hug she pressed her cheek to mine. I stiffened. Moving away, she laughed quietly. Oops, sorry. I forget.

Shrugging it off, I plucked at the grass. How do you manage with all this?

She grinned. Its cool. My strength is my Sight, but I can draw some power from the Source should I want. I have known who and what I am since I can remember. The rebels are the only real family Ive ever known. I dont want to be without them. We shared a smile before Ana looked up to the night. Nothing can compare to fairy kind. She lay flat on her back, and I paused trying to figure out how settle beside her.

A few minutes of unsuccessfully lying down and shifting into awkward positions I leaned up and thought move out a little, and my wings moved out a little. I leaned back and the grass pricked the skin between my shoulder blades. My wings folded up against my body to cocoon me; curving overhead. The overall effect was snug as we watched clouds roll across the sky.

Tell me about them? I asked.

Theyre all different, living solitary lives for the most part, even those sworn to the Tribe. The majority remains Outside, but there are those who live within the Wall disguised as human, like me.

Youre not a slum girl, I said. You talk like an upper dwell. I wondered how many other demons were living as ordinary humans. Its strange to think of demons as so civilized. Im used to thinking of them as, well, something close to animals.

Ana snorted a laugh. Do you consider yourself as animal?

I chose to avoid answering that.

Can you tell me how many demons there are?

My, my counting assets already. She laughed at my blush. The other demons have their own laws, and I have no idea about their numbers. We believe the fairy number to be teetering at a thousand, her voice was proud. There may be others hiding in the regions across the seas. Then there are the outcast fairies.

My tail curled around my waist to jiggle in front of my eyes. I clasped the tip in one hand and pushed it behind me. Youre going to get bored having to explain every comment to me really soon, but outcast fairies?

Its nice to get a new perspective on things. Dont worry; you deal with all this rather well. She spoke with confidence, and scratched her nose. Where was I?

The, uh, outcast fairies, I reminded her.

They hold no allegiance to the Tribe or us rebels, around three quarters of our kind.

Why so many? Dont they like having someone to guide them?

Well, you have to think about it without taking sides. The fairies are divided into two squabbling factions, she made a sweeping gesture, and wedged between the rest of the supernatural kingdom. Make no mistake, we are the most powerful race.

Proud, I said.

Honest, she said back. The vampires launched the Rupture, and we had no choice but to fight since the humans tarred all demons with one brush. It was either fight or be slaughtered. Devlin has made relations between fairies and other demons terrible, unbearable. Made mistakes that got us stuck in mess we are in now. If you were the outcast fairies, who would you trust?

There were once only two people in the world I trusted, I could relate. But still. Lightening split the picturesque sky and the hairs on the back of my neck rose.

Crazy, I said.

No, I am not and neither are you. This is the way it is. She paused. It could be worse.

Time is up, a voice said from behind me.

Breandan had arrived with Conall a few steps behind. Streaks of mud dirtied his face and sculpted chest, as if he had been rolling around on the floor. I didnt see any serious wounds on him, but it was hard to tell under all those tattoos. I wondered again why he had so many. My gaze drifted up his chest and locked with his. I picked up his intoxicating scent of earth and sun, and I dragged in a lungful like it was a drug.

Breandan, someone squealed from a distance.

The world shunted back into focus and my eyes left his. Ana launched herself onto him and he scooped her up into a bear hug, swung her round in a wide circle. I managed to keep a semblance of calm, keep my expression neutral, and Im proud to say I did not drag her off him by the hair.

Ana, he said solemnly. Whatchasee?

Everything, she said, laughed.

You made a joke, I said then stood and busied myself brushing bracken off my jumper, refusing to meet the curious stares. It was just that Breandan didnt seem the kind to crack a joke, and the fact he was doing it with her and not me was irritating.

Beaming up at him, Ana swung her arms and smiled coyly. I was getting a definite crush vibe from her. He dropped his hold on her and extended his hand to me. I stepped forward to clasp it, felt contentment. He didnt ask about my missing glamour or make reference to my changed form, and I was grateful. His eyes rested for a long while on my wings then my tail. Heat crept up my neck and spilled into my cheeks. I ducked my head down so my hair covered my face.

I peeked up, and Breandans face was set, but glowing.

Ana rolled her eyes and ran her hand through her hair. Ill see you soon, Rae. Try to remember its pointless to run from yourself. She paused as the lightening above struck again. Taking a last look at my face, she shook her head. Be safe, she called and made her way into the gloom of the trees.

I barely heard or acknowledged her. The clouds darkened and the air hummed with electricity. The panicky, manic urge to run made my breath come in shallow pants. I loved storms; already I could feel my skin prickling.

Conalls face was turned to the sky. Rae, said and he looked at me. His eyes sparkled and cheeks glowed with two spots of colour. I still have much to show and tell you, but now is not the time. I will see you soon and well frolic. Enjoy the storm.

He winked at me then the pale soles of his boots flashed through the trees, ponytail streaming until he was lost to sight. Man, he was fast.

It was hard to concentrate with the ruckus overhead. My palms began to sweat. My wings twitched madly, and my tail thrashed so quickly it almost vibrated. I concentrated hard on a single action before turning to face Breandan. I brought my fist hurtling forward and encountered air. His face creased with amusement as he moved with the fluidity of water. My punch missed him by a mile and in a move to fast for me to defend against Breandan spun to my front, grabbed my leg and opposite arm to hold me taut above his head. I wriggled and writhed unable to break his hold. The first fat drops of rain landed on my cheeks and neck.

You have not been taught to fight well, he said calmly despite my tail thumping his face.

I cannot believe you didnt tell me you arrogant, stupid sonofa-

Oh, youre mad, he said and dropped me.

I landed lightly on my feet, wings jack-knifing out to beat hard beside me. Straightening in a flash I got in his face. Stop throwing me about.

You are not a weakling. To treat you as such would be an insult.

As if channeling my anger lightening flashed. Thunder crashed behind it and the rain started to fall harder. The trees began to sway in the wind, boughs bowed steeply.

You moron, I said and seethed with anger.

His face flickered with hurt before falling blank. What exactly are you upset about?

I looked like a fool. I didnt even know there were rebels or amulets that could sway the balance of power into the hands of evil, I sucked in a breath. You told me nothing. Nothing. Regulating my voice to conversation level, I thrust my hands into my pockets and pulled my wings back, embarrassed. The fire to fight left me and I felt an urge for the comfort of four walls. Rain plastered my hair to my head, dripped from my nose and fingertips. I closed my eyes and breathed in the scent of the wet soil beneath me. Im the guardian of one third of the key, arent I? Thats what this thing is hanging around my neck. But why didnt Ana know and why do you, Conall and Devlin know? My voice was barely a whisper. I feel lost.

Breandan drew me into him and his chest heaved with a sigh. His hand met the skin at my shoulder blades, between my pinions, and he started there. He stroked my wings in long, sweeping movement. I relaxed and let his touch soothe my body and mind. I was too stressed to deny myself this pain relief. No matter how twisted a message it gave.

We should be enjoying the storm, he said gently.

I looked into his face and unsuccessfully tried to hide my shock. We like storms?

He shook his head; a rash excitement lit his eyes. We love storms. Our nature sings to its tune. You should see us during heat waves.

I blushed deeply. All this time I thought it was strange. The urges I got to run and dance. I could never figure it out.

Do you want to talk about what youve learnt?

And just like that I was stiff. You mean how youre running around leading a rebel demon force until your brother gets his deserting ass back here? My voice shook again.

Ana was wrong to scare you like that, he said.

I composed myself. It would be silly for me not to ask him anything. Wait. I pressed my hands into his chest. Rapt, I watched my fingertips sink into the firm, smooth skin. I have a question about the Tribes last Priestess, the one who shifted the balance. To make myself feel better I slid my fingers down his hard abs, developing a whole new appreciation for touching him.

Breandan looked perplexed. I thought you didnt want to talk about this.

I want to know more about fairies. I want to know more about you. Avoid the bits about me, okay?

He stroked my hair and tilted my head so he could hold my eyes. Ask.

You lead the rebels now? Until your brother gets back, I mean.

Yes. The majority are sensible allowing me freedom to pursue other interests. Few break the rules. When they do they are found by the warriors, and brought to me for judgment. Were a solitary people. We dont need a ruler to dictate everyday life.

I chewed my lip, slotting the information in with what I already knew. The Tribe is lead by the High Lord, right?

His hand went still on my back and after half a breath resumed its gentle rub.

Yes. The fairy High Lord has held the Tribe for centuries and lived more years than I, but less than Lochlann. Those under his charge are still alive and only the last fifty years has he allowed himself to be overcome by his baser nature.

How many centuries has he held the Tribe?

Seven, he answered.

I blinked at his words. Seriously? He stayed quiet and I drummed up courage.

How long have you been alive?

His lips twitched. Twenty years. Im little more than a child in the eyes of some.

My fingers scrunched together on his chest, left shallow slashes that healed the instant I made them.

I knew you were older, but I never figured the gap was that small. I laughed in relief. Im eighteen.

Youre not eighteen.

I frowned. Uh, yes I am.

Breandan slid one of his hands to entwine his fingers with mine. His other tilted my head up and held my chin. Rae, you were born two hundred years ago.

The warmth of his touch helped smother the rumbling of hysteria into a tremble. I dont understand.

Youre birth would have superseded mine, but something happened. The little Ive found out suggests your birth mother laid a spell on you to-

Stop. I tried to pull my head away, wiggle my hand free.

Breandan held firm. Be calm.

I told you I dont want to talk about me.

You told me you wish to know of the Priestess.

Yeah, I said wary. I do. Who was she?

I knew who she was. Of course I knew, but I needed to hear him say it.

The last pure fairy and tribal Priestess was your birth mother. He paused letting me take this in. She gave you that amulet and hid you among the humans.

What- I swallowed hard. What did she do to tip the balance? Her bad decision what was it?

She chose to break her vow to her husband and lie with a human male.

The human male was my father?

Breandan shook his head. No. You are pure-blooded fairy. As is- Cutting off his jaw clenched, and for once, he avoided my gaze.

Whatever it is youre keeping from me I will find out. You need to start being honest with me. The hypocrisy of my words had me cringing inside.

Some secrets are not mine to tell.

I rubbed at my face and nodded. Considering the secrets I held, I was not going to push him. Okay. So she broke her vow to my dad, got in trouble. How does that break the balance?

Your father killed the human and your mother. She didnthandle it well.

She got mad and did it on purpose, you mean.

Her heart was broken and she could no longer see the reason for her being. She abandoned her purpose and split the amulet in three. She gave two of the pieces to those who were closest to her heart. The amulets of protection and, he touched my chest where my pendant lay, wisdom.

I stifled a laugh. This thing was supposed to inspire me with wisdom? Yeah right, like anything I had done in the last day had been wise.

And the other?

He shrugged. We are not sure. He stroked a finger down the bridge of my nose. Do you feel better informed now?

At least I understand some of why this is happening to me. Why youre so eager to be with me.

No matter how you try to reason it, you belong to me and I to you. No matter what has happened in the past, or future forces that will try to keep us apart. Lochlann will return and take his rightful place. Then I can focus on helping you become who you are destined to be.

Who was I destined to be? I didnt feel ready to hear what I knew was coming, and I threw a question at him before he could continue.

We are immortal?

We live for millennia, but are relatively easy to kill if damaged quickly enough so we cannot heal. Contempt entered his tone. Vampires are immortal.

Uh oh. No. I did not want to talk about vampires.

Its too heavy, lets change topic, I said hastily. Tell me why you left the Tribe, I want to understand what Im facing. Were you just following Lochlann?

The decision was mine, and I made it. The Tribe is made up of simple fairies trying to live their lives. There are a core few devoted to Devlin and his way of life. These influence and control the rest. It is because of them demonkind is experiencing the darker side of the fairy race. He face was sad. Its their nature which leads them to dominate. To twist things for their own gains.

Theyre evil, I said.

Yes, he replied bluntly. I will not pretend that my brother is a saint, but he wants peace. Lochlann wishes to bring back the old ways.

I pressed my fingertips to his face; let them trail along his scar to his jaw, careful this time for my talons not to scratch him.

And you think that will be a good thing?

He shrugged. It cannot be worse than how we are now.

Lochlann is losing. He was hoping to have two amulets, but now he has none and the Tribe has one. Breandan stiffened and his jaw cracked beneath my hand. Apart from you, the rebels have no clue where any of the amulets are, but Devlin knows I have a piece. At the surprise and hesitation I caught passing his face, something clicked for me. Lochlann knows, I said. He thinks he knows where one is. Thats why he left so suddenly, isnt it?

I had my own suspicions as to where an amulet piece was, but if Lochlann had left his entire rebel force to go find it, surely I was wrong.

Breandan shrugged, not bothering to deny it. He would not leave us for such a long time if it wasnt important.

You should have told me all this. My hand dropped as my face became as mad as my voice. Ive been fumbling around in the dark. I pressed a hand to the space beneath my collarbones where the amulet piece lay. Ive been a target this whole time and you didnt warn me.

Im protecting you. We didnt want you worrying about your birthright. Concentrate on getting used to your true form.

Gods, Breandan, enough already. Be plain, what is my birthright?

If I knew you would not overreact I would. As it stands, you had better ask Conall the next time you see him.

Resting my forehead on his chest, I smelt the woods he liked to run in. Head butting it hard, I placed my hands on his sides.

You cant protect me from everything. I need to know these things sooner rather than later. You put me in more danger by keeping me in the dark.

Yes I can, he said matter of fact. I may have failed my brother and my sister, but I will not fail you.

At the mention of Maeve, I froze. My heart sunk to somewhere below the soles of my feet.

Why do you think you have failed your sister?

Maeve has not returned. When one of us goes missing for so long- He sighed. No. It does me no good to think such thoughts.

Leaning away I saw the pain in his eyes. Clasping my hands around him I pressed my eyes closed, and listened to the truth I desperately wanted to say crawling around my head. He needed to know what had happened to her, but he was already so upset about losing the amulet piece entrusted to him, which in a way was my fault too. If he hadnt been so distracted by me crashing around in the woods, lost, he would have been more on guard to defend against the thief.

Im trouble, I said. One day you will hate me for it.

Breandan pulled me away to kiss my eyelids, forehead and cheeks. Youre mine, he said. The one thing I want for myself, and I could never hate you. A gush of warm air down my throat made me smile. He stroked the bridge of my nose and followed his finger with kisses. There is danger for you everywhere. Devlin is convinced you are key to the future. And you are right. He knows you have an amulet, but he cannot just take it. It must be given freely. The Tribe will try to take you from me, but together we are safe.

His words made me feel ill. I was lying to him, and all he wanted was for me to feel safe. I didnt deserve his trust. After all, I hadnt given him all of mine. Before he could kiss my lips, I darted away.

Soon, I heard the tinkling of water, and came to a small stream. It was lovely, the craggy rocks and clear, crisp water. I drank until I was satisfied, and wiped my mouth on the back of my hand.

Something bright and golden caught my gaze in the glassy waters reflection.

My skin glowed. Ear tips slender, and elongated to points peeked through my wild halo of hair. I took out the twig holding it up, and it cascaded down, the inky tips resting slickly across my back. My tail snaked through the air over my shoulder, and my wings rustled. They were gold. Not a light brown or pretty hazel but dark, powerful gold that matched my eyes and wrapped around my shapely body. My mouth opened to gasp and I saw the brilliance of my teeth, sharp and fang like. The small whimper of sound that escaped sounded like chinking crystal. My eyes, sparkling pools of light, widened. I hesitantly ran a finger over my shapely jaw, and tilted my head slightly to the side. My profile was sleeker, yet softer and more regal. I looked beautiful and I took my own breath away. I was scary, a demon.

Rae. Breandans voice was smooth and warm. He waited for me a few paces away.

It was this moment I realized how much I needed him safe. He was in danger, because Devlin wanted him dead. There had to be something, some way to keep him safe. The thought sent an icy chill down my spine. It was the first time in my life I had ever thought of someone elses wellbeing before my own, and how was I supposed to protect him from forces I barely understood?

He jumped over the pool and landed on the other side, dislodging a few pebbles that rolled down and plopped into the water. The ripples that fanned out distorted my reflection.

Breandans face was lit up, glowing with excitement. Enough doom, follow me, he said.

I lost myself. We raced the thunder to where the lightening had struck. It was Breandans favorite game. We pushed each other about playfully, and played a demented game of hide and seek. Demented, because we could sense each other. There was nowhere to hide. I came to a stop, my chest heaving and breath coming hard. I pressed my front against a tree and waited. Strong arms enveloped me from behind, and I forgot I was in the embrace of a powerful demon as the storm raged around us. I pushed Breandan away and twirled. Hands spread, head flung back, I giggled as I tripped over my own foot. He caught me before I fell, and chuckled, cradling me in his arms.

Was being a demon meant to be fun? I still felt like me, like the Rae I always had been, just with a few extras.

Thank you for explaining, I said, genuinely grateful. I gripped his shoulder to beam into his luminous face. For the first time that day, everything didnt look so dark.

I know you wish to be normal, human, but soon you will see there is nothing better than what you are. He set me on my feet and scrubbed a hand over his head. When Lochlann returns we will be able to spend more time together, having fun. His eyebrows pulled together and his face became thoughtful. I worry Im not doing this thing properly. Ive never been bound to another before.

Biting back a smile, on an impulse I pressed my fingers to his face. He lifted my other hand to press it to his heart.

Its not bad, I admitted. I thought it would be, but the more I think about it, the less scary being tied to you seems.

The, thing between us was complicated and tricky. I still hadnt told him about Maeve or the vampire-boy in my wardrobe. The thought distracted me, and tugged me from the dreamlike state I was in. I needed to get back to Temple. Tomas was probably beyond pissed off right now and pacing my room like a caged predator.

Breandan smiled wickedly, clearly delighted. He stole a kiss and jogged backward. His face filled with mischief.

A race, he suggested and crooked his finger at me playfully.

I grinned; skipped to join him then ran, hearing his laughter behind me. I noticed my sense of direction since I had become a demon was stellar. My centre of gravity was rooted to everything around me. I moved and it shifted in relation to the direction of north. I knew how far I was from water, a deep cave or from a high place.

I got back first and wondered if he had let me win. Stomping my boots, mirroring the pound of my heartbeat, I did more happy spins, waiting to get dizzy and for Breandan to come catch me. Round and round I spun.

A figure, darker than the coming night stepped from the gloom and motioned to me.

I stopped dead.

Head spinning, a cry of panic was already bubbling in my throat. I drew in a deep breath, and reached to the Source. Not the best of ideas since I was hardly proficient, having only used it a few times before, but I was facing evil and it was no time to be scared of what I was, or what I could do.

A warm hand closed around my waist and pulled me back, shielded me.

My lungs collapsed, and a squawk of alarm was replaced with knee watering relief. I released my hold on the energy Id gathered, felt it flow in a warm stream of power from my fingertips.

Breandan, eyes flashing blue fire stepped forward.

Devlins laughter made my skin scrawl. Breandan, you always were overprotective of your toys. He eased into a comfortable stance. He moved closer then I could see his face better. The sparkle in his eye seemed devilish now and the curve of his lips sinister.

It is not overprotective to defend what is yours, Breandan replied and glanced over his shoulder.

I tried to do him proud and look less terrified. Yeah right. I was shaking like a leaf. Devlin had worked magic on me a few hours ago, and it had worked. I remembered the mumbling, quivering mess I had been and felt sick. If Breandan and Conall hadnt come along, I would have probably given him my amulet and agreed to go wherever it was he was trying to lure me to.

Losing his patience, Breandan shifted, easing his feet apart and asked, What do you want?

Devlin pointed to me. She has spoken to the most powerful Seer of our time, the white witch. She is a fairy born of this region and by rights part of my Tribe unless she swears fealty to a usurper. I have a right to know what her future holds.

Touch her and I kill you.

By doing this, denying me the right to see her, you are naming her a prisoner or of your faction. If she swears fealty to Lochlann she will be named a rebel. She already has had a hard life at the hands of her mother. Will you truly subject her to a lifetime of being shunned by the majority of her true kind too?

Breandans face was ashen. He swallowed hard and looked at me over his shoulder, expression torn. I understood what Devlin was saying. Because I hadnt chosen a side I was automatically a Tribal fairy, but since Breandan had claimed me as his own hed sentenced me to a life filled with death and destruction. I would have to always be cautious, always have to hide the amulet and myself. I was beginning to think even if I lost my piece I would still be tied to it. It would explain why Devlin did not grab the thing a month ago and take off.

Like Breandan said, there were rules to this thing. I just had to learn them.

In that moment I also realized it didnt matter what Breandan wanted or what Devlin wanted, but what I wanted. My moral compass was crooked at best, but I would never choose to be evil. But nor was I so saint like, that I wanted to be part of a fairy revolution. I cared deeply for Breandan, maybe it was impossible for me not too, and so I stepped closer to him. If he let his nature rule him, Devlin could over power him easily. He needed to keep a level head, for what I had planned. I placed a hand on his shoulder and looked up into his face, my eyes pleading for him to calm down.

Know you have forced my hand, cousin. Devlins voice twanged with power and I turned in time to see his glamour drop.

His hair ignited, blazing with white light. His ears were elongated and had the point of fairy I found fascinating, but his face was so sharp, pristine in its formation my eyes found it hard to settle on one feature. His eyes were aflame, cold green flames. His hands and feet were clawed, wickedly spiky. I saw clearly now the difference between him and Breandan in their true forms. Devlin was a leader, powerful in his righteous hate for the rebels who threatened his authority. Breandan had his own power, but it was not born of dominance.

I caught the glint at Devlins chest as he shifted to set his feet apart, and my suspicion was confirmed. The colour and shape of it was too distinctive to be anything else other than an amulet piece.

Blinded by the urge to take it from him, I lurched forward. Breandan, confused by my behavior, pulled me back and tucked me under his arm.

Emerging from the shadows behind Devlin, fairies unsheathed their weapons. His eyes narrowed and skipped around the trees.

Tron and Loki are dead, said the willowy male to his immediate left. Lanky, his grey hair flowed on and on until it hit his knees. With pinched eyes and scraggly grey beard, his wrinkled face reminded me of the crushed velvet I had once seen decorating a Temple Priests robes. Clutched in his hand was a halberd. He jabbed it toward Breandan. He caught their scent.

That explained why Breandan had been delayed in racing me. I felt a surge of pride.

No matter, Devlin grated, a trace of irritation flickering across his expression. Lochlann was always the better fighter. Four against two is more than enough. Wasp, my love?

The wraithlike fairy-girls face blazed adoration and lunacy as she turned to him. Her long hair was a tangle of claret dreadlocks that seemed alive, like snakes writhing around her face. Wide eyes glassy, her pouty green lips parted, waiting.

Would you do the honor of taking Rae? Be careful not to break her, she can be quite temperamental.

Mouth curling sadistically, she licked the edge of her blade. A flash of memory showed Ana pulling up her top to expose the scars carved into her flesh by this very demon. My stomach heaved and my lungs sucked air in heaving gulps.

Another male fairy slid closer, eager. An acre of green chest bared his copper Mohawk stood high from his head in stiff spikes. His almond eyes focused on Breandan, and his pierced tongue flicked out in anticipation.