Ayan

Realms of Kreandor Book 1:

AYAN By:

Ann Lory

AYAN

Ann Lory

© copyright by Ann Lory, August 2008 Cover Art by Eliza Black, August 2008 ISBN 978-1-60394-220-1 New Concepts Publishing Lake Park, GA 31636 www.newconceptspublishing.

This is a work of fiction. All characters, events, and places are of the author’s imagination and not to be confused with fact. Any resemblance to living persons or events is merely coincidence.

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Thanks to the ladies of JBuL for not letting me give up on this story, especially Jeigh Lynn and Laura Shinn. You ladies are the best.

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Prologue Some legends start from stories told around a warm hearth by the elders of the village to teach the children the straight and narrow and naught be doing things they shouldn't be. Some of these stories are based on true events that have been stretched, or forgotten through time. On such a night centuries past, legends were born of Faeries and Elves. A door opened and they were introduced to the Celts. They mingled with the clans, shielding their true forms from most, revealing themselves to those they chose. Out of some of those relationships some grew into something more, but some things were never meant to be .... **** Colleen O'Farrell peeked over her shoulder as she climbed the hill toward the opening that was the door to her world and Devlyn's. Her stomach churned wondering if he would be happy with her news. He'd been distant of late as if there was something he was keeping from her. She wondered absently if his other Faerie and Elvin friends would join him. She thought sadly of her cousin, Deanne who had been sent away to live with family in Scotland, the Sinclair's, her heart heavy, her body burdened with child. He, Brion had never returned. Devlyn had told her his Elvin friend Brion had found his life mate. It was unfortunate for her cousin and angered Colleen at times to think of it. She now sat under the tree ... a place where only few knew to meet their "friends". She waited, placing a hand over her stomach. Then a shimmering light appeared and Devlyn was there, holding the sword, the key. He grinned at her, holding his hand down to her, but his smile didn't seem to reach his eyes this night. She took his hand, standing before him, stifling a gasp as his wings expanded blocking out the light behind him. He was impressive. "I dinna know if ye'd come, Devlyn. I've news to share with ya.” He pulled her into his arms, not saying anything. He only rested his chin atop her head, his hands sweeping down the back of her hair. "And I've news for you, sweet Colleen.” Colleen looked up into his eyes. "What's yer news?” He stepped away taking both her hands in his. "Sit with me for a moment.” They sat on a fallen log. It took him a moment. She studied him, growing nervous. "Colleen ... I don't know how to tell you this without hurting you. Please know it was never my intention to start anything between us, but you're such the pretty one.” He paused then his emerald gaze caught hers. "I've found my mate. We're to be joined.” Colleen felt her world fall out from beneath her. "What?” She stumbled to her feet, her hand flying over her mouth. Her heart constricted painfully in her chest and at the same time she felt it. The flutter in her stomach announcing the life that was there between them and with the pain came anger. How could he do such a thing to her? She'd given him her innocence and this is how he repaid her.

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She slashed him with a vicious glare, putting every ounce of rage she could into the stare. "How could ye do this to me? How could ye be so cold and heartless? Did ye know about her while we were together?” He stood looking shamed, and well he should. "I had no idea. We only found out a couple weeks ago, tis why I've not come round lately. I've been trying to find the right way to break the news to you.” He caught her shoulders and forced her to look at him. She slapped him, the sound resounding in the night. "Take yer hands from me Devlyn. I carry yer child. Tell me how will I raise a half Faerie in a mortal world?” He reared back, shocked as if she'd slapped him again. "A child?” She fell to her knees and sobbed. "Ye've ruined me. Ruined me forever.” He came to his knees beside her. Silent. Finally he spoke. "Do you want me to take the child?” She shoved at his chest, hitting and clawing. He grabbed her wrists, shaking her to cease her struggles. "Ye will not take me child. It's all I'll have left.” She looked up at him, this time the anger gone, replaced by desperate pleading. Devlyn brought his hand down to her womb, she gasped as heat enveloped her and she felt the power being drawn in till it was barely there, only a winking hint of a memory. He rose, bringing her to her feet with him. "The child will have the power of the Faerie locked within them, but they will only be human, until someone unlocks it. Only then will they be immortal, only then will they have the power to call on nature.” Then Devlyn turned and faced the opening. "I'm sorry, Colleen. I will hurt you no more.” He disappeared, and Colleen O'Farrell fell to her knees in the meadow, crying out for what could never be.

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Chapter One Realm of Kreandor Present Day Ayan pulled at the shackles binding his wrists above his head. The chain links rattled as he struggled, but the metal held firm. Ayan sighed and leaned his head against the stone wall. It was useless. He had been trying for days to break free, the grooves and cuts on his wrists were proof of that. He had been hopeful that Garinick, the one who held him prisoner, would be foolish enough not to put a spell on the shackles, but the sorcerer proved clever after all. Ayan was Faerie, and he could change from his large form into a smaller one in seconds and fly away. The moment Ayan had changed his heart sank as the shackles minimized with him, still holding him tight in bondage. His wings fluttered at his back, and he longed to stretch them, but he was pressed solid against the wall. Unable to find any comfort, Ayan tried to stretch his body and groaned at the searing pain that burned across his flesh at the movement. Wincing, Ayan looked down at his bare torso. There wasn’t a mark on him, but the pain was still there. The feeling of being scorched raged through him. It was the worst kind of torture, never truly being injured, or dying, but feeling all of the agony. At that moment Garinick pushed open the door, sweeping across the room to stand before Ayan. A wicked smile was set upon his smooth face. The tan skin stretched tight over jutting cheekbones. His flowing red robes billowed around him in his haste, falling like a scarlet cloud around his feet. The look in Garinick’s eyes was like a firestorm of hate and loathing. The sorcerer held his hands apart, cupping one over the other and a ball of flame appeared between his palms. “Give me what I wish freely, Ayan.” Garinick spat in anger. Ayan’s emerald eyes flashed in fury, and he stood, in his large form, tall and proud, never flinching under Garinick’s stare. The flames flew from Garinick’s hands to sear against Ayan’s flesh. Ayan clutched the chains and grit his teeth to keep from crying out against the pain. The flaming ball was called back to its master’s hands only to swoop and attack again. Ayan’s body shook with agony and his head fell back as he fought for breath. The flames licked up the right side of his abdomen and chest, and he didn’t know if he could last much longer against the fire. The heat was unbearable. It moved over his chest like blazing fingers, ruthlessly delivering a sorcerer’s torture. “Why do you do this, Ayan? You can end this suffering if you would only give me what I ask,” Garinick said, his voice light, yet full of venom. Garinick called the fire back into his hands and it disappeared, with a sweep of his fingers. Ayan struggled to keep standing. His legs were shaking violently, his knees threatening to buckle under his weight. “Give me the Power of the sword, Ayan. The Llina is of no use to you. You

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waste its power by not using it. I want the sword and you will give it to me.” “Never! You will have to kill me first and still the Llina will be of no use to you,” Ayan cried with conviction. The sorcerer flung his arms wide in anger, clearing a wooden table beside him. Papers, quills, and bowls filled with powders, crashed to the floor in disarray. Seething with rage, he held his upraised hands toward Ayan. “You fool!” But he knew the Prince spoke the truth. He could not kill him and have the power that the sword wielded. There had to be a way to make him give up the Llina. Studying the Prince, he reined in his anger, trying to think. Although Garinick held the sword in his possession the power would always be denied him until Ayan relinquished the sword willingly, releasing all its power to him. Garinick sneered. He could torture Ayan’s people, but he knew the Prince still would not release the sword. Besides, he could not find Ayan’s people. They lived within the trees of the forest of Emerel. Maintaining in their small forms, they remained undetected by anyone who traipsed through. His red eyes glowed bright and his handsome face twisted with fury. He would find a way to make the Prince turn over the sword; he only had to be patient enough to find the Prince’s weakness. His smile was cruel. “Time is all I need Ayan, and you and I have plenty of that. Soon I will find what will make you give me the Llina. Soon I will know your weakness.” With those words he spun away, leaving Ayan alone in the room. Ayan breathed a sigh of relief when the door closed behind Garinick. He lowered his head, letting his body sag for a moment, staring at the cluttered mess left at his feet. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply, trying to push the pain to the back of his mind and concentrate. He could not lose his focus now, or all would be lost. He opened his eyes and stared at the brightly colored powders. He blinked, his mind working rapidly now. Perhaps Garinick was not so clever after all. His anger had made him careless. Smiling, Ayan focused on the powders calling on his strength and power. The colors began to swirl slightly on the floor as if a soft breeze had entered the room. Merging together in a whirlwind of debris, triggering sparks from the combination of powders best left separated. Ayan concentrated, bringing the swirling funnel in an arc from the floor to the metal links that bound him to the wall. He never took his eyes from the spinning whirlpool that grew brighter and brighter, as the power became more intense. It touched against the metal creating a small explosion on contact, releasing his wrist. He swept his hand and the funnel arced to his other bound wrist creating the same effect as it touched the metal, releasing him from his bondage. Racing across the room, he grabbed the sword, the Llina, from where it hovered over the gray stone altar and slipped it into its sheath at his waist. Suddenly, the door burst open and Garinick’s winged demons, Baluels, rushed into the room. The hideous sound of their high-pitched screeches caused coldness to clutch in Ayan’s gut. Without a second thought, Ayan spread his glossy black wings and lifted off the floor, his body twisting toward the window where he flew from Garinick’s chambers. The screech of the demons vibrated through the night, the loud buzzing of their wings filled the air as they hunted him.

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He wove his way though the forest of Emerel, desperately wanting to return to his home, but he could not go to his people and risk leading these demons to them. He had to find another means of escape. A Baluel dropped from the cover of the trees above him. Ayan spun, avoiding the wicked slash of jagged claws. Pulling the sword from his sheath, he brought the blade up, just as the Baluel charged him, screeching its victory until Ayan’s blade sank into its middle. Ayan snarled, pushing the dead creature from his blade and glanced furtively around. They were almost upon him. Their screams echoed inside his head. He needed time to plan how to defeat Garinick. Like a bolt of lightning, he shot towards the tops of the trees, breaking through the thick coverage. He was powerful with the sword, but there were too many of them and he would not be taken back to his prison. Taking the sword from its sheath, he didn’t have time to think about which portal he was opening, just that he needed to get away. Crying the name of another realm, he struck the sword against the night, the blackness ripped open before him, blinding him with flickering brilliance. He couldn’t look directly into the light and there was no time to make a decision, except to escape with the sword, the key, until he had a plan to defeat Garinick. Replacing the sword, he surged forward into the light, his body slamming into the shimmering white wall, and he suddenly felt the sensation of falling. Lights twinkled around him and through him as his body traveled through the vortex. It was beautiful with its purity and wonder. The feeling of peace lasted only seconds, then the lights faded and he was gazing up at a midnight sky filled with thousands of stars in the distance. Ayan’s body twisted in mid air, and he watched as the ground swirled below his hurtling body, rushing up to meet him. His wings expanded, catching the wind beneath them and slowly his feet touched the hard surface. Falling to his knees, waves of dizziness washed over him, he clutched his head in his hands trying to focus so as not to pass out. Taking deep calming breaths he brought his equilibrium under control and rose shakily to his feet. Ayan looked around him. He was in an alley, between two tall buildings. He walked to the entrance and looked around in amazement. These structures were tall, varying in color and made of some type of square glass, metal or stone. Lights shone from inside some of the buildings and every now and then he could see the shadow of a being within the walls. Hearing voices, Ayan quickly hid in the shadows, choosing to watch for a moment the activity of this realm. Several beings walked by and none had wings, horns or pointed ears as did some of the beings of Kreandor. Curious, he thought, that not one being had any of these traits. Though, the color of their skin differed, as some were light while others were dark. These beings wore strange blue leggings, some long, others cut off at the knee. Their tunics were long and baggy. They seemed to be youths. He sat for a while watching the young beings, until finally he decided to go in search of answers. Rising and calling on his powers, Ayan raised his hands above his head then slowly brought them down to touch his ears, so that they did not point at the tips, but rounded to mimic these beings. Then he touched his hands behind him, and felt his

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wings fold gracefully and disappear. Looking down at his body, his olive-colored skin was appropriate, but wearing only a loincloth, he knew he would have to find garments like those he had seen the youths wearing. Those he saw this night did not carry weapons, so he would conceal the sword, to try and draw as little attention to himself as possible. Lastly, his hand closed over the hilt of the sword and it vanished the moment he took his hand away. Now he must face the hard decision of where he should go, the type of currency, lodging and food they had here and the means to obtain it. He knew very little about this world. He recalled his readings on the different realms from his father’s library. The Earth realm would require a job. He rubbed his hand over his forehead trying to figure out what he could possibly do when he knew nothing of their economics. A sound from behind disturbed him. He watched as a woman walked out of a door further back in the alley. She fumbled with some keys in a bag then walked the opposite direction of him, disappearing around a corner. Meaning to turn back to his dilemma at hand, Ayan noticed a few figures separating themselves from the shadows, two followed the woman and one broke away in another direction. Ayan had a bad feeling in his stomach, and he started to move slowly down the alley. The woman screamed, and he took off at a run. He came to a concave in the alley. The woman was shoved against the car. She sprayed something in one of the male’s eyes and he cried out. The other said something, sounding like a curse and struck the woman hard across the face. Ayan saw red. His hand flashed to his side, and he pulled the sword forth. “Fág si bi.” The two men turned and looked at him. “What the hell is this?” Ayan didn’t understand them, but he didn’t lower his sword. The men approached him, holding their hands out, but the smirks on their faces told him they were not surrendering. The woman climbed to her feet, still in the shadows. She pulled an object from her bag. He heard a few beeps and her frantic voice speaking into the object. A roar from behind surprised Ayan, and he whirled around as a pair of lights moved quickly towards him. Ayan tried to move from its path, but it was too late. The beast crashed into him and he rolled up over its top smashing into glass, his breath slammed from him at the impact. When the beast finally stopped he flew forward, the back of his head hitting the hard ground, sending the stars above swirling out of control. He blinked rapidly several times, trying to focus his vision. He needed to get up and defend the female. He heard the running of feet, doors slamming then the beast made an awful squalling sound as it took off and sped past where he laid on the ground. Then she appeared, standing above him. She continued talking into the small object pressed to her ear. She crouched down beside him, touching him gently, her eyes wide and filled with concern. She was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. She had fair skin with smooth cheekbones, and a dainty nose. Her thick flaming red hair spilled over her shoulders, brushing across his bare chest. Her eyes were a rich, dark

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brown and her full pink mouth spoke softly to him. He couldn’t understand her words, but they were comforting to him and somehow he knew his life would never be the same. Blackness began to spiral around him and he couldn’t help thinking, that if she was his reward in the Great Beyond, he would gladly let go. **** Heather leaned over the man, in a panic. Her employees warned her constantly about leaving the shop late, how she wished she’d listened to them. This poor man would suffer for coming to her aid, because she was an idiot. Terrified, she felt around his neck as the emergency dispatch directed her. She checked for broken bones along his shoulders and around to the back of his head, checking for any obvious damage. As she nimbly felt along his skull, she looked into his eyes and was struck at the emerald color shimmering back at her. She had to remember to breathe as he captured her in his pain filled gaze. Shaking her head, she continued her examination. As she did, she spoke calmly and soothingly to him, asking him questions, but he never responded. Still she questioned him, wherever she touched asking if he was hurt or felt anything. Her hands ran down the length of each sinewy arm, and her fingers moved over the long tapered length of his. His chest was bare and smooth, her fingers playing over the ripples and gliding along his collarbone. He had long muscular legs and she knew that had he been standing, he would tower over her. Breathing a sigh of relief that there seemed to be no broken bones, she realized he was beginning to lose consciousness. “No, please stay with me. No, no don’t close your eyes.” But it was too late, his eyes fluttered closed and Heather groaned. “He’s just lost consciousness.” “Is he breathing?” Heather looked at the steady rise and fall of his chest. “Yes.” “Are you safe?” Heather looked around. “I appear to be for now.” “Stay with him. Units are on the way and stay on the line with me until they get there.” As she waited for the ambulance and police to arrive, Heather studied the man. He had long straight, black hair with some of those glossy strands brushing across his chest. His cheekbones were high and smooth and his nose was long and straight, slightly turned up at the tip. He breathed evenly through full sensuously parted lips, but it had been his eyes that had captivated her. Emerald green and almond shaped. He was the most breathtaking man she had ever seen. She couldn’t help but touch his smooth jaw line and wonder where in the world he’d come from. How had he come to be out here in the middle of the night wearing nothing but a loincloth? A gleam of silver caught her eye. She looked across the alley at what appeared to be a sword. Rising, Heather walked over and picked it up. She looked back at the man on the ground and back at the sword, the blade glinted dangerously under the streetlight. Not understanding why, she raced over to her trunk when she heard the sound of the sirens in the distance. Popping the lid with her keys she placed the sword inside and shut it.

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Walking back over to the man she sank down beside him once more, helplessly wondering what in the world she had gotten herself into.

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Chapter Two Ayan came fully awake. He rolled his eyes wildly trying to see through the strange lights that blinded him, and he wondered if he was again a prisoner of Garinick. Commotion was all around him. These beings barked out orders to each other in a language he could not understand, oblivious to his distress. There were males and females, one in particular holding a strange light in his hand, looking into one of his eyes and then the other, speaking to him the whole time. He watched as a needle with fluid was held up for his view then a dark haired female grasped his arm and shoved the metal into his flesh. Wild with rage at his torment, Ayan shot up from the bed to face his attackers. He launched himself at one of the males and others raced forth, grabbing him by the arms and wrestling him back down to the bed. Heather rushed forward but was pushed back from harm’s way when the man became ferocious in his confusion. She watched horrified as it took six doctors to hold him until one of the nurses, Heather’s dearest friend Shannon, could put a needle in his arm again to sedate him. Heather could tell by the look on Shannon’s face that her friend was feeling the man’s distress. Shannon was empathic to people’s emotions and looked seriously pained as if she was suffering exactly with what this man was feeling. It was one of the reasons she was so good at her job. His emotions must have been intense for Heather had never seen her friend have such a noticeable reaction to anyone before. Not thinking of her own safety, Heather rushed forward, bypassing the doctor who was trying to stop her from getting too close to the man. Ayan’s eyes immediately locked with hers. There was confusion and turmoil, but overall fury in those emerald depths. Gently, she touched her fingers along his jaw and he stopped his struggles gazing up at her. “Please calm down, you’ll only hurt yourself more.” She motioned to the doctors and nurses around her. “These people are here to help you … and so am I.” Heather didn’t know where that last comment had come from, but she knew it was true. When he spoke, it felt like liquid heat pooling over her body. His voice was deep and rich holding a magic all its own, compelling her to him. “Ce’ he’ tusa? Cad is me’? Who are you? Where am I?” Everyone in the emergency room looked at each other. “What did he say?” Dr. Griffith asked. “Is that Gaelic?” Another doctor questioned. “I don’t know.” She leaned down before him so all he could see was her face. “What’s your name? Do you speak English?” When he didn’t respond, she touched her fingers to her heart. “Heather. My name is Heather.” She enunciated her name for him, and she could see the realization dawn in his eyes. “Hea-ther.” He spoke her name slowly and the way he caressed each syllable with his tongue sent shivers coursing down her spine.

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Shaking her head as if to clear her thoughts, she touched his chest, her eyes asking for his name. “Ayan.” “What kind of name is that?” Dr. Griffith asked, sarcastically. “Is he going to be able to pay for any of this? I bet he doesn’t even have insurance.” Dr. Blake Griffith had been an annoyance to Heather ever since Shannon had started working at the hospital. He never took no for an answer and assumed she was just playing hard to get. Heather ignored Blake and smiled down at the man. “A-yan.” He nodded in approval. Heather rose smiling at them as if she had accomplished some great feat. When she started to walk away, she was surprised by the strong grasp of Ayan’s hand around hers. The sedation medicine, Midazolam, he had been injected with was starting to take effect and she turned back to him, squeezing his hand. She looked at him as her fingers came up and brushed gently through his long dark hair. “I’m here, I won’t leave you.” When Ayan succumbed to the drug, Heather looked at Blake. “I want all the tests run and I’ll call my insurance. He risked his life to save mine. It’s the very least I could do to help him.” Blake looked bewildered. “What was he doing in the alley, anyway? I think you should have this investigated before you do anything.” “Just do it, Dr. Griffith,” Heather snapped, becoming annoyed with Blake’s attitude toward Ayan. “Fine. We’ll just run a few quick tests, but from the looks of everything, he’s lucky that he didn’t suffer severe damage.” Raising the railings on the side of the bed, Blake ordered x-rays and a CAT scan. “I want to make sure there are no fractures or any kind of head injury that we can’t detect yet.” Shannon nodded as she took the file from the doctor. Both women waited until most of the area had cleared and Blake walked to the other side of the room, picking up a phone. Shannon breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you for calming him for me. He was so overwhelmed and I was overwhelmed with him. I have never been hit that hard with someone else’s feelings before. They were so strong.” Touching her hand, Heather asked. “Are you okay?” Smiling, Shannon pushed the bed toward the emergency room elevator. “I’m fine now, but …,” she gave a teasing wink, “I don’t think you could have chosen a better looking rescuer.” She walked backwards carefully, pulling the gurney into the elevator and gave a little wave to Heather as the doors closed. Heather gave a slight smile, knowing she would have a lot of explaining to do later. “What the hell happened?” Heather whirled around. “I don’t know, Blake.” She shrugged. “I was on my way home from work when these guys came out of nowhere. He was trying to help me and they hit him with their car.” “Did you get a description of the men, the vehicle?” “No, unfortunately they stayed in the shadows and it was too dark to tell what type of vehicle it was.” “I think he’s up to something, lurking around in the alley that late. Maybe he was

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planning on attacking you and they beat him to it.” Blake said suspiciously. “I think you worry too much,” Heather retorted, ignoring him. Blake looked annoyed, then sighed and put his arm around her shoulders. “Come on, I’ll buy you a cup of coffee.” “I don’t want coffee. I think I’m going to run up to x-ray. If everything is okay when the test results come back I’m taking him home with me if he has no place to go.” This did set Blake off. The man looked fit to be tied as he whipped around on her. “You what? You can’t be serious.” “I’m completely serious.” “You know nothing about the guy. He could be some deranged lunatic!” Heather shook her head. “This is my fault. I should have paid better attention to my surroundings and not worked so late again, so I’m going to help him if he needs it.” She shrugged. “Besides, I don’t think he’s deranged or a lunatic – they don’t usually risk their life to help someone.” Blake knew there was no changing her mind. Once she had made the decision to do something, there was no going back. “I hope you know what you’re doing.” Heather let him put his arm around her shoulders again and lead her out of the emergency room. “So do I,” she whispered, too low for Blake to hear. **** Ayan slowly came awake. Looking around, he realized he was in the same room he had been brought to upon his first arrival to this strange place. Slowly, he turned his head to the sound of people mumbling across the room. She stood there with the same male who had looked into his eyes with the odd light. They were looking at a square light on the wall, but there was the shape of a skull on one side and the skeletal shape of an arm on the other. They were taking dark pieces of parchment and the material illuminated another skeletal part of the body. Sensing that he was awake, Heather turned and smiled. Walking over to his side, she leaned forward gently touching his forehead. “How are you feeling?” He could hear the concern in her voice, but wished he could understand her words. “Guess you still don’t speak, do you? Wish I knew Celtic -- or whatever it is you’re speaking -- but I’m sure we’ll manage somehow.” She looked over at the male who was frowning at her. He acted like he wanted to say something, but Heather ignored him. “We’re ready to go. I can take you home now or, if you have no place to go, you can stay with me till you figure out something. Lord knows it’s the least I could do after what you did for me.” Her hand touched his and she gave a gentle tug, motioning for him to sit up. He did, but he didn’t release her hand. She didn’t seem to mind and he noticed her cheeks began to stain red, her gaze lowering to their entwined fingers. The male across the room flipped a switch, which turned off the light that had been illuminating the strange drawings. He walked quickly towards them. Tossing papers on the bed, he started talking quickly to Heather. She held up her hand in protest and he stopped speaking, then spun away and stormed out of the room. Ayan was glad he was gone, but his relief was short lived when a female he

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recognized from the chaos before coming toward them. She carried green leggings and tunic, handed them to Heather. She was very pretty. Smaller than Heather with raven black hair and gray eyes that held the same kindness as Heather’s. “Here, he can wear these since Blake won’t be a gentleman and let him borrow his scrubs,” Shannon said quickly, smiling toward Ayan. “I think he’s jealous.” Heather sighed. “He’s going to have to get over it.” She said, holding the clothes up for inspection. “Thanks for doing this and I’ll get them back to you as soon as I can.” “It’s no rush. I swiped them from another doctor who won’t notice one out of his twenty pair is missing. You just take care.” She kissed Heather on the cheek then hurried out of the room. Heather turned her attention back to Ayan and motioned for him to stand. “Here, you can slip these on and we’ll be on our way.” Slowly, he came off the bed, his bare feet touching the floor. He paused as a sudden wave of dizziness washed over him. Touching his forehead, he squeezed his eyes closed, waiting for the feeling to pass. He felt Heather’s arm slip around his waist, one of her hands gently gliding over his forehead and along his jaw, the gesture comforting, soothing. Opening his eyes, he was caught in the dark pools of her own. Desire surged through him at her touch. Bless the Maker she was beautiful! With hair the color of fire, skin as fair as the purest ivory and eyes that matched the rich soil of Emerel. He brushed the hair back from her face and noticed the bruise high on her cheek bone. Anger surged through him, knowing it was from where she’d been hit earlier in the night. It made him want to hunt the male down and beat him within an inch of his life. Taking a calming breath, Ayan touched her cheek with tender fingers, in hopes of soothing her. Her skin was as smooth as it looked, like rich silk. He wanted to lay her down on a bed of the satiny material and kiss away any pain, caress her flesh, bring her great pleasure. His eyes widened however at the trail of shimmering green that was left in their wake. His passion for her was nearly overwhelming to his senses. But the fact that he could mark her so easily with his desire spoke volumes. This, he did not understand. That she was meant to be his was clear. Only his mate could respond to his touch in this way. The thought stunned him since she was not of his world or his race. It was impossible, but it was happening. How could this be? Her eyes had closed at his touch, tilting her head to the side, moaning softly at his tender caress. The imprint of his touch still glowed on her cheek. It would go away, but both of their passions would have to cool for the marks to fade. She looked at him, surprise evident, and shook her head as if to clear her thoughts. She straightened her shoulders, redness creeping up her neck to her cheeks. “Go ahead and put these on,” she said, her voice husky. She shoved the clothes into his arms and turned quickly away from him. She was getting ready to leave. Hurriedly, he slipped into the leggings and drew the tunic over his head and went after her. He cast furtive glances at her cheek, the shimmering imprint still glowing. When she walked up to the counter, he wondered if the nurse would comment, if such mate markings were common in this realm? Heather looked at him instead. In that instance the mark faded as her reaction to him subsided. Looking back at the nurse, the woman’s brow was furrowed in thought, but shook her

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head and retrieved papers. Heather signed the documents then handed the pen to Ayan, motioning for him to sign his name. He took the writing contraption, it was unlike anything he had seen before, used to only quills and signed his name where Heather had indicated. His signature was elaborate and neither could read the print. “Is that Welsh?” the nurse asked. Heather shrugged. “I have no idea, but it’s his signature.” He followed her outside, seeing for the first time one of the metal beasts, very much like the one that had hit him. It was some type of machine. Taking his hand, she held one of the doors open for him. “Come on.” Cautiously, he climbed inside. The seats were soft gray cloth and there were many gadgets and buttons before him. She circled the machine and got in on the other side, behind a wheel. He watched her slip an odd shaped key into the machine, and all the buttons before him instantly glowed. A roar came from beneath the hood. His fingers dug into the seat, and she smiled reassuringly as she reached across him, pulling a belt across his lap and chest, trapping him to the seat. He watched as she pulled a stick down at the wheel and then the contraption started to move. Everything whizzed by them at a fast pace. He was amazed at the tall buildings reaching toward the sky in the distance, towering over the village like guardians. The sun rose behind them, its rays chasing the shadows away. “I hope you don’t mind, but I need to stop by work. I own my own business so I’ll check in, make sure everything is in order and then take you home so you can get some rest.” Heather yawned. “I guess I need some rest too.” They merged into lanes filled with the same machines that they rode in. There seemed to be no space and he felt apprehension as they sped by each other. Would they collide into the one in front of them, or would someone crash into them? He swallowed past the lump in his throat, relieved for only a moment when they pulled off the chaotic road and came to another section that seemed just as busy. Lights changed from red to green to yellow and back to red. He tried to watch and learn how it all worked, but was overwhelmed at the people streaming by them and the many buildings filled with goods. A short time later they came to a stop in front of a brick building, the same place where he’d been hit. Heather climbed out of the car and ran inside. When she realized her “guest” was not following her, she turned and looked at him. He was staring at the door, his fingers running along the panel as if trying to figure out how to get out. Walking back to her beaten car, she opened the door. He smiled in appreciation. “Come on, I’ll be just a few minutes.” Ayan’s breath was taken away when they stepped into a world of flowers and plants. The room was filled with ivy that traveled up the walls, flowers that bloomed in brilliant color and plants whose leaves fell from pots to touch the floor. It was breathtaking. Energy filled his being as he touched the shining green leaves. The scent of nature filled his senses and he knew he could lie down in the middle of the floor and let the events of the night wash away in this haven. He followed Heather who was walking toward the back of the building, passing large clear boxes with lights inside them and flowers that sat on shelves. Curious, he

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opened one of the doors and was surprised that cold air could be concealed in such a contraption. Heather laughed. “You act as if you’ve never been in a flower shop. This is my business, Eden. I just have to let my employees know what happened and that I’ll be taking a few days off. Come on back and I’ll introduce you.” A female with wild, spiky, short brown hair and glasses sat at a table working on a floral arrangement and beside her sat a sad looking plant that Ayan could feel was near its end. His fingers itched to reach out and touch the drooping leaves, but he quickly clutched his hands behind his back, not wanting to cause a scene, somehow knowing that these beings would not understand. “Good morning, Tammy.” Tammy’s head popped up from her work. “Heather! My God, I think this is the first time you’ve ever been late. Kevin and I were beginning to worry about you.” Heather looked around. “Is Kevin even here?” Tammy smiled. “No, but I called him when I couldn’t get a hold of you. I tried calling your house and cell phone several times, but never got an answer.” Tammy glanced past Heather and smiled at Ayan. “Is everything good?” Tammy asked, and Heather did not miss the teasing innuendo that was there. “I’m fine. And I have no better way to say this than to just come right out and say it.” Heather sighed and rubbed her forehead. “This is Ayan. I left work late again last night and was attacked, but he saved me and they hit him with their car.” “Are you okay?” Tammy interrupted, her voice rising in astonishment. “Yes. That’s why I’m running late and have come by to let you know that I won’t be in for the next couple of days. I have some things to take care of ....” “Is he okay?” Tammy asked, coming to stand by Heather and looking at Ayan. Heather sighed. “Yes, he’s fine, I’m fine. And since he helped me, I’m helping him out.” Tammy started to ask more questions, but Heather cut her off. “I’ll be gone a couple of days. Is there anything you need from me before I head out?” Tammy grinned and Heather knew there was something. “Yes, Mrs. Smith brought this in yesterday after you left,” she said, picking up the pitiful looking plant from the worktable. “She killed it again and was wondering if you could work your magic and bring it back to life.” Heather frowned, taking the small pot from Tammy. She looked at the drooping ivy that was supposed to be impossible to kill. Even for Mrs. Smith. She touched the leaves and her fingertips tingled. Setting her keys down she glanced at Ayan. “Give me just a minute here.” Grabbing some potting soil, some plant food and water, she added the soil, lovingly patting the dirt. She placed a stick of food in the dark soil then added water. She ran her fingertips over the stems and leaves then sighed. “We’ll see how it looks tomorrow,” she said, walking over and placing it in a window at the front of the room. “That’s all we can do.” Tammy giggled. Playfully punching her arm, Heather walked back to where Ayan was standing at the doorway. “Have a good rest of the day, Tammy, and thanks for your help.” She looked up into Ayan’s face. “We can go now.” She took his hand and he followed her out the back room, glancing at the potted

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plant in the window. He sucked in a breath of astonishment as he watched a shimmering haze of green start at the stems base. He blinked as it worked its way up into a leaf then stopped, quivering with new life. It wasn’t possible. He looked at the flaming haired female leading him out the door and wondered again how they could be connected. And how could she have healed that plant and not possess some Faerie magic? **** After leaving the flower shop, they left the busy part of her village and things slowed down as they entered streets filled with homes, children outdoors playing. Ayan finally felt some of the apprehension from being in the fast moving machine slipping away. He looked at Heather as she drove. He was enamored with her brilliant hair and dark eyes that were such a contrast to her fair skin. Her smile was brigh,t and she was simply lovely. He wished he could understand her so that he could find out the answers to the questions flooding his mind since leaving the building full of natural life, but that would come soon enough. They pulled in front of one of the square dwellings. The walls were white with stairs leading up to the main door and flower bushes in front of it. When she released him from the seat and opened the door of the machine, he followed her up the stairs. She used another key to unlock the door and they stepped inside. After Heather removed the covers from the windows, the room was flooded with morning light. The floors were covered by soft fur, the color of sweet melon. The chair and a longer extended chair, such that he had never seen before, was the same color, but was soft and plush. His feet sank down into the carpet as he followed her, amazed when she flipped on a light in a hallway that glowed brighter than fire, but held no real warmth within it. Pretty pictures and candles were on either side of the walls of the hall that lead to a room at the back. Turning on another light, he noticed the bed on one side piled high with pillows. She walked across the room and started to throw the pillows on a wicker chair in the corner. “I’m sorry. I know it looks so girly, but I promise the bed is comfortable.” After putting the pillows aside, she pulled the covers back for him then walked to another door. There was another room and he followed her inside. She pulled out a long fluffy burgundy towel and then walked over to a tub. “I know you’ll want to clean up. If you want to take a bath that’s fine,” she said turning on the water. “Or you can take a shower. Here’s the knob. Just flip it like this .…” Water streamed from the showerhead above, surprising him. “And you can take a shower.” Flipping the water off, she stood and reached under a basin, pulling out a box and bringing from that a fresh bar of soap. She handed him the towel, a smaller cloth and the soap. “You go ahead and bathe and I’ll fix you something to eat.” Ayan watched her leave then with a few attempted efforts he was in the shower with a rush of warm water running over him. It was wonderful. He stayed in the shower for a while, until finally he turned the water off and climbed from the tub. He grabbed

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the towel off the porcelain contraption -- he had no idea what that was--and dried himself off. Wrapping the towel around his waist, he looked at his reflection in the mirror, pleased with himself and that none of his Faerie features had shown. Then remembered the sword! It was gone! His heart slammed in his throat. Not that anyone could weld its power, but still .... Flinging the door open, Ayan rushed from the room seeking his hostess in hopes that she would know what had happened to the sword. If he had to call on his power to find it, he knew she might not understand. Heather blinked several times, rapidly as she stared open-mouthed at Ayan. His straight black hair was slicked back and hanging to touch against the towel wrapped around his waist. His emerald eyes glittered brightly as he stood before her, speaking rapidly. She had no idea what he was saying, but at eye level with his chest, she had to force herself not to stare at the rippling sinewy muscle that covered his body like a work of art. Shaking her head, she looked up at him. “What? Slow down, I don’t understand you.” He took a deep breath as if sensing her confusion. He held out his hand and repeated a word over and over again, slowly. “Llina,” he said. “I don’t know ... I don’t understand.” He sighed deeply and rubbed his hand over his eyes, like trying to think of a way to communicate with her. He brought his hands together as if they were around the hilt of the sword, pretending he was pulling it from a scabbard, then sliced through the air. Heather’s eyes widened as she realized what he was asking. She shook her head and turned away from him. He came up behind her, placing his hands on her shoulders. She trembled at his touch, wondering what he would do if she did not readily give him the sword. He felt her tremor, could sense her apprehension. He was a stranger to her, after all. He would give her some time, but she would have to give him the sword soon. He turned her to face him and she looked up at him with wide drowning eyes. The breath seemed to leave his body at her look of innocence. She gave a slight shrug. “I’m sorry.” He nodded in understanding. With a relived sigh she handed him the plate of food she had prepared. Taking it from her, he inspected the food closely. Lifting some bread like food, dripping with some brown liquid. He sniffed it and it smelled sweet. His fingertip dipped into the liquid and he tasted it, pleased at the flavor. “It’s pancakes. It’s all I could throw together on such short notice.” She motioned toward his mouth, and he followed her lead and cut out a bit with the fork on his plate. His smile of approval brought one to her lips. She handed him a glass of water, her eyes drawn to his lips as he took a hearty gulp. A drop of water spilled from the glass as he drank and made a wet trail down his chin and dripped against his chest. She had the sudden urge to step forward and lick that glistening drop from his chest, to run her

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lips over his exposed flesh. She blushed furiously and forced her mind from such thoughts. “Okay, come on. Let’s watch some TV and relax while you eat.” She took his hand, leading him from the kitchen to the main room. She motioned for him to sit on the extended chair. He looked pleased when he sat down at how soft and comfortable the material was. Heather curled up in the smaller chair, flipping on the TV across the room from them. She noticed by his wide-eyed expression that he was astounded. At Heather’s laugh. “You really are sheltered, aren’t you?” She handed the remote to him. “Here is the remote, this changes the channels,” she said, pressing two buttons with the arrows going up and down. “And this controls the volumes. Knock yourself out.” Heather couldn’t help but smile and wonder where he had come from as he munched on his breakfast, savoring the flavor and staring with wonder at the TV as if he had never seen one before. Not only that, but she admired the way he looked in a towel. She would have to get him back into his scrubs. Yet, he looked so appealing the way he was now, so very, very appealing with that long dark hair and those sparkling emerald eyes. Giving a dreamy sigh, her eyes became heavy. She tried to force herself to stay awake, but she lost and her eyelids fluttered closed with thoughts of Ayan drifting in her dreams.

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Chapter Three Realm of Kreandor Harmony flew toward the top of the trees, her soft pale pink wings fluttering behind her. She felt the faint stirring of energy, coming from the towering trees of Emerel surrounding her. Ayan, her betrothed, had been here. Stretching her arms before her, Harmony traced her fingers to where there had been a rip in their realm to another. Her emerald eyes shimmered and a single teardrop fell as she wondered where he had gone and when he would return. She had waited her whole life to be his and their time of joining was growing near. He had to return before then. Although she knew he did not feel for her the way she felt for him, Harmony was confident that his feelings would grow into the love that she knew could be between them. He had to return, he had to, or she would have to find him. Their rightful mates had never been found, so their fathers had deemed her, his. She looked toward the fading blue sky. No matter what it took, she would have her love. Closing her eyes, she whispered his name into the cooling night wind, letting the word wrap around her tiny body, her wings spreading wide, her body tingling with the thoughts of her betrothed and their joining. “Ayan.” **** Sunlight filtered through the sheer cloth covering the window. Those were curtains, he thought to himself, flipping off the television. It proved to be a wonderful learning tool for this world. He had spent most of the day watching TV, even pulled books from the bookshelf and looked through those trying to take in as much as he could about this world while he was here. He knew he was on the planet called Earth, in the galaxy called the Milky Way. He found that there were no sorcerers, Faerie, trolls or anything from his world, his kind were legends. These human beings appeared unable to wield the power of the mystics and they were mortal. Looking over at Heather, he had to stop and stare. The sunlight glinted over the cascade of her hair, making it glow like living flames. One slender pale leg had slipped from the folds of her robe, exposing smooth alabaster skin. Her lips were slightly parted, her head tilting to the side giving her a peaceful angelic look. Kneeling beside her, he studied her face for a long time, taking in every line and detail. How beautiful she was … it caused an ache deep inside of him. He simply had to touch her. Reaching out with one hand, he gently traced her cheek. Her skin was as soft as the petals of a flower. He breathed deeply taking in her scent; the scent that was Heather’s alone. He felt his body’s immediate reaction and a sliver of shimmering green trailed

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after his finger. She stirred, her eyes fluttering open. She looked at him for a moment, drowning him in those dark eyes of hers. She didn’t pull away from his touch. Her lips whispered his name and flames burned through him at the sound of it on her lips. His hands buried in the wealth of her hair. Lowering his head, he touched his mouth to hers. Fire was the only thing he could use to describe the pure heat raging through his body at her simple touch. His tongue stroked along her lower lip and she sighed, opening to him. He swept into her mouth, devouring her sweet flavor. He wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her soft body flush against his so that she slid from the chair and glided down his hard length, falling to her knees on the floor. He continued to drink from her lips, his hands playing up her back and pushing the thick peach robe from her shoulders. His hands glided over the naked flesh of her upper arms and shoulders, cupping her face tenderly. He could not touch her enough. She was his and the need to claim her caused his whole body to hum with anticipation. His cock was hard, straining. He wanted to throw her on her back and bury himself in her wet heat, but he didn’t want to scare her and wasn’t sure if she’d reciprocate. She may not know of mates, of what she was to him, but if they kept going it wouldn’t matter. What a delicious dream, Heather thought as the robe was pushed from her body. Ayan caressed her flesh with his hands, her body reacting to him like it never had with another. He was beautiful, and she yearned for his touch, wanted him to take her, to put out the flames of passion raging within her. His hands swept over her arms, leaving a tingling sensation wherever he touched. Then he cupped her breasts through the thin material, and she moaned against his lips, her hands moving over the wall of his chest to tangle in the dark mass of his hair. His lips left hers and burned a fiery path down the side of her neck. Pushing away the thin strap of her tank top, he placed sizzling kisses along her shoulder. His hot breath fanned against the hard peak of one breast, fueling the fire in the pit of her stomach. She felt slick between her legs, her pussy throbbing for attention. Looking down at his dark head, she cried out in ecstasy as she felt his mouth close over one hard bud, her arms wrapping around him at the intense sensations erupting through her body. Sensations ... they were so intense ... far too intense for a dream. Dreaming ... one hand clutched at the back of his head as his tongue swirled and pulled at her nipple, making her gasp. Her eyes snapped open, realizing fully she wasn’t dreaming. She looked down at him, then at her arms. Everywhere he had touched her was a soft shimmering green. Even where her arms lay along his back were glowing prettily at her. What was happening? She cried out, pushing away from him. He stared down at her, his eyes glazed with passion, but his lips and chest shimmered with the luminance. Heather looked at her arms, chest, and shoulders. She touched herself frantically, wiping at the glow that covered her flesh. Not understanding what was happening but knowing something was wrong. Very wrong. Ayan’s passions immediately cooled upon witnessing Heather’s distress. He

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reached for her, and she jerked away from his touch. “Don’t touch me!” Her cry ceased his movements, and his hand dropped to his side. Sitting back on his knees he gazed at her, his green eyes still hazy while she stared at him wide eyed. “Heather, I will not hurt you.” She stopped moving, her mouth dropping open. “I thought you didn’t speak English.” He sighed. “I learned today.” “How is that possible?” she asked in disbelief. Pointing in the direction of the TV, he watched her shake her head vigorously, her flaming hair falling in waves around her face. “That’s impossible.” “No, Heather, it is not. I learn quickly ... very quickly,” he added. The glow on her skin had begun to fade then vanished before her eyes. She jumped to her feet. “What are you?” Pained by her words, but understanding her fear, he rose to his full height, towering over her. He had retrieved his loincloth at some point during the day, and it swayed ever so slightly as he stood. “Heather, it was by accident that I came here. I ....” She held up her hand. “No, you tell me what you are.” “The sword, Heather, the Llina. I know it is here in your home, and I want you to bring it to me.” Her eyes widened. “No, Ayan, please what’s going on? I don’t understand what’s happening.” Her quiet plea touched his heart, and he studied her for a long time. She met his gaze without flinching, but he knew if he tried to touch her, she would flee. With a sigh of regret, he slowly raised his hands, watching as her hand flew over her mouth in fascinated horror as the tips of his fingers glowed green. Touching his ears, he felt the long points return. Keeping his eyes upon her face, he dragged his hand over his shoulders while his wings expanded for her view. Her gasp of surprise was strangled by a deep cry of denial. Heather watched in disbelief as his wings unfolded. They were black with hues of deep green gleaming in the light, depending on how the sun’s rays touched them. They were glossy and looked smooth to the touch and were to her dismay, absolutely beautiful. Her eyes met his, and hysteria began to bubble through her. Without a second thought, she raced across the living room to the front door. She screamed when the lock turned to close and the curtains of their own violation swept together. She tried desperately to unlock the door, pulling on the knob, but it would not budge. “Heather.” She spun around, her back pressed against the door. He took a step toward her, and she jumped, crying out, pushing against the door as if she could melt into it. “Open the door,” she demanded. “I can’t do that.” He sounded sincerely sorry. Tears filled her eyes, and she fought against them. “Please,” she whispered.

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His eyes were full of tenderness as he gazed in to her dark ones. “Heather, I mean you no harm. I could never hurt you.” She shook her head at his words and wrenched herself away from the door, rushing through the front room and down the hallway to her bedroom. Slamming the door shut and locking it, she hurried to her closet. Flinging the door open, she reached up to the top shelf, searching blindly for the sword. His soft knock sounded like thunder to her ears with her heart racing, the rhythm pounding in her head so that she could not hear his words. Finally, her hand closed over the hilt of the sword and she pulled the gleaming blade free. Turning to the door, she took a deep breath and walked slowly toward it. She was instantly disturbed when he suddenly stopped talking, as if he could sense what she was doing. She gripped the weapon with both hands, holding it awkwardly. How did one use a sword? She held it to the side, straight before her with the blade out. Shifting nervously, her anxiety building, Heather wondered if she could defend herself. Wiping one sweaty palm and then the other against her pajama pants, Heather stared at the door, fear making her sick to her stomach. The silence was deafening, her breathing was rushed and loud to her own ears and she was certain he could hear it. Licking her suddenly dry lips, she touched the lock on the knob, turning it slowly, but she didn’t open the door. Had he left? Was he still in the house? No, she hadn’t heard him walk away. Or had he flown away? She waited, her eyes never leaving the door, straining to listen for any kind of movement. It was now or never. Saying a silent prayer, Heather clenched the hilt in a death grip, hoping she had the strength and courage to protect herself if she had to. When she closed her eyes and whispered her plea for strength, it was his emerald gaze that burned through her mind. Her heart ached at the thought of hurting him and a tear slipped from her eye. Looking at the closed door once more, she took a deep breath, her hand surrounding the knob, and forced herself to be strong.

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Chapter Four Throwing the door open, Heather charged into the hallway with a vicious yell. She screamed when Ayan's strong arms came around her from behind, pinning her arms to her waist. Wielding the sword, but unable to use it, she twisted and slammed her head backwards into his nose. She was rewarded with his loud curses, or what sounded like curses in his language. He lifted her off the floor and she kicked at his legs, trying to smash his nose with her head again. His arms tightened around her as their bodies crashed into a wall, knocking pictures to the floor. "Heather, cease your struggles." "No! I’ll fight you ... you, whatever you are." He carried her kicking and screaming down the hall then finally released her in the dinning area where she ran to the other side of the table, still holding the sword. He looked at her across the table, placing his hands on the shiny surface he leaned slightly forward, his eyes holding hers. "I am Ayan, from the realm of Kreandor, Prince of the Faerie of Emerel." Heather paused studying him but remained in a fighting stance. "A prince?" "Yes Heather, a prince." She lowered the sword a bit. “A Faerie Prince?” Ayan gave a roguish smile, and Heather’s heart flipped. “Yes.” “H-h-how is that possible?” “There are many different realms, other than your own. That sword you hold in your hand is the key to each realm.” Heather looked down at the sword in disbelief. She screamed when Ayan’s arms came around her waist and his hand caught the sword, jerking it from her grasp. She raised her fists to strike him. Dropping the blade, Ayan caught her wrists. “Let me go!” Heather cried, struggling against him. “I will not harm you, please don’t fight me.” She shook her head, ignoring the plea she heard in his voice and tried to pull away from his grasp. Finally, he swept her feet from beneath her, cradling her in his arms while he brought them both to the floor. His body covered hers, his wings coming down around them. Heather sucked in a breath of fear, her eyes squeezing shut waiting for the final blow, but it did not come. What was he waiting for? Opening her eyes, her gaze met his intense one. His face was mere inches from hers, his lips slightly parted from his heavy breathing. The feel of his body pushing her into the soft carpet made her insides quiver with desire and the aching to begin again low in her belly. He must have felt it too, and then she felt him, every glorious inch of him hard against her. She felt her cheeks burn and then he smiled. It was totally disarming,

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robbing her of breath as his even white teeth flashed at her. “You blush,” he said, humor in his voice. Heather blinked at him, irritated. “Get. Off. Me.” The smile vanished from his face and he was serious once more. “Heather, please believe me when I say I will not hurt you, I could never hurt you.” As his emerald eyes held hers, she knew that he would not harm her. She didn’t know how she knew it, but she did. She could feel his sincerity deep down, deep in her heart. She gave a slight nod and he slowly moved off of her. She hurried away from him, crawling to the nearest corner, pulling her knees to her chin and stared at him. He sat on his knees facing her. They didn’t speak for a long time and she kept looking at his wings until finally he broke the silence. “Ask your questions, Heather. You will be more accepting if you have knowledge.” “Can you fly?” She blurted the question immediately as if she had been holding it inside forever. A smile played over his lips at her curiosity. “Yes, I can fly.” “Can you be tiny?” “Yes.” “Can you be tiny now?” He did laugh at that. “Yes, I can be any size at whim.” Heather frowned. “Why are you here, Ayan?” He took a deep breath and held a hand slightly above the carpet. She gasped as the sword slid across the floor of its own violation and nestled in the palm of his hand. “Because of this.” He held the sword up, the blade glinting in the light over the dinning room table. “How did you do that? How did you make the curtains move, the door lock …?” she looked at the sword and motioned toward it. “And the sword move without touching any of them. Why the sword? What does it mean?” She was breathless by the time she was done. He sat on his bottom, and leaned back against the wall opposite her, his wings folding in slightly. “All of the objects are made from the earth, or ...” he indicated the sword, “... the soil of Kreandor. That is where my power lies. If it is of the earth I can manipulate it to do my bidding. The lock is a metal from the earth, the curtains are from cotton that is grown from the earth, and the sword was made from the soil of Kreandor thousands, upon thousands of years ago. As I told you, the sword is the key to opening doors to other realms. There is a sorcerer, Garinick. He wants the sword for evil. If he were to open other portals he would send his demons into other realms and conquer each one until he ruled over all. He wants all power, but unless I willingly give him the key, it will never be his.” Heather leaned forward slightly, her hands falling to her sides, moving to sit cross-legged, intrigued with his story. “Garinick was holding me prisoner in his castle, but I escaped. At the time I did not care about what portal I was opening, only that I had to escape until I had a plan to defeat Garinick. That is how I came here.” “Do you have a plan, yet?”

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He shook his head, his pitch-black hair falling over his shoulders, his ears standing out from the dark curtain. “No, sadly I do not, but soon I will be able to return to my home and there I will consult with my father and the elders.” “Your father, the King?” Nodding, Ayan looked at her and wanted to hold her in his arms. It amazed him how strong his emotions to protect her were. With these thoughts again brought questions. How could he so easily mark her with his desire? Gazing at her nervously twiddling fingers he suddenly remembered. She had marked him too! How was that possible? She would have to be Faerie herself, but that was impossible .… “What is your father’s name?” “A-Aaryon.” Startled from his thoughts, it took Ayan a few seconds to answer her. “What about your mother?” “Corriyn.” “That is a beautiful name.” She paused then asked. “Ayan,” she enunciated each syllable of his name. “It’s such a unique name. What does it mean where you’re from?” “It means, exalted one.” “That’s pretty impressive,” she said. “Mine means something about a field in Ireland.” Heather smiled at her own musings. Unable to help himself as he stared at her angelic face and was entranced by her smile, Ayan held out his hand slowly to her. She nearly swallowed her tongue at the action it was so sudden and unexpected. “Heather, do you know that I would not hurt you? Can you trust me and keep me until I can return to my home?” Heather stared at his hand, the long tapered fingers were so elegant and graceful as they extended. She felt heat touch the tips of her breasts as she thought of how his hands had caressed them. Her eyes met his and she could not deny him. Every instinct in her screamed to help him, hold him, to keep him safe to her heart. Slowly, she reached her fingers out toward his, her breathing rushed with excitement and trepidation all one emotion bubbling through her. She came to her knees and leaned across the distance that separated them, until her fingers touched his. The glow of their touch caused her eyes to widen in awe at the shimmering green that twinkled at her fingertips. Slowly, his fingers entwined with hers and his grip was strong and warm, causing heat to surge up her arm. Her gaze met his over the glow, his smile was tender and his eyes were full of desire. She knew the look mirrored her own and she swallowed hard as she felt so much a part of this, a part of him. As if he truly was hers and she was his, it was all overwhelming and so new. He squeezed and the glow surrounded their hands completely, in a soothing heat. Unable to stand the intimate contact any longer she pulled her hand from his. A gasp escaped her lips when he rose to his knees, his wings opening wide behind him. It was all too much. She had handled the initial shock, even accepted his story. She was willing to help him however she could. Yet, she was flooded with doubt at what was truly happening. The truth began to sink in that the fairy tales her father had told her, as a child had now become her reality.

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Blackness closed in around her as she looked up toward Ayan. She watched his perfectly sculpted lips as they said her name, but she could not hear him. She saw the concern in his eyes as she felt the sensation of falling forward. His arms came around her and the last thing she remembered was Ayan gently lifting her, his lips kissing her forehead then everything went black.

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Chapter Five She’d fainted! She never fainted. Ever. It still embarrassed her to remember waking in her bed with Ayan sitting at the foot watching her intently. Sighing, Heather pushed the fresh soil down into the ground, patting around the lilac lovingly. She breathed deeply letting the soothing scent cleanse her for a moment. Whenever her life turned upside down she could always find comfort in her garden. It had always proven a safe haven no matter what was happening. The gloves Heather had bought lay beside her, unused. She rarely wore them, content to feel the earth beneath her hands. There seemed to be something alive in the Earth and she yearned for the touch. It made her feel whole to run her hands in the soil, to watch her garden thrive. Out of the corner of her eye she observed as Ayan stepped from the house and onto the back patio. He was watching her and she could see the worry that etched his handsome face. What was she going to do with him? There was no way she could turn him out on his own, especially now that she knew what he was. Plus, she didn't think she could turn him away if the option was given to her. There was something about him, something that drew her to him, though she had no idea what it could be. The fact that he was irresistibly handsome helped, but there was something deep down that he seemed to touch within her as no one had ever done before. She heard the phone ringing inside the house and hurriedly wiped her hands on what she liked to call her "gardening pants.” They were faded blue jeans, worn, and stained, with little tears here and there. Rising, she smiled shyly at Ayan as she passed him. **** Ayan walked around the back yard in appreciative wonder. He had returned to the human form, his ears curving at the tips and his wings gone. He walked lightly, his feet making no sound on the wooden path. Flowers of all colors and variety bloomed in splendor beneath the bright sun of this realm. Red, yellow, purple, orange, the leaves and grass were brilliant and lush. The scents filled his nostrils, pleasant and inviting. He couldn’t resist as he stepped off the path and let the grass touch his bare feet. The power of the earth seeped into him and the feeling was exhilarating. It was a beautiful sanctuary the way she had arranged the garden, it surprised him that one human could do all of this. He continued to walk away from the boarded path, admiring the rocks that were piled high and formed a miniature hill. Water gurgled from beneath one of the stones like a small waterfall to a rock pond below. He sat down beside the pool, marveling at the way she had manipulated water to cycle through the pond and down the waterfall again. He dipped his fingers into the clear coolness. His power slipped from the tips of his fingers sparkling green spread over the surface of the water. The energy blossomed over different sections of the pool, unfolding in radiant array with pink flowers resting atop newly created lily pads.

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He smiled to himself after adding the extra touch to her garden and pulled his fingers from the water. He turned, finding Heather, staring with wonder and some other deep emotion he couldn’t quite read. Was it fear? Heather watched in amazement as the lily pads formed on the surface of the water. She stepped forward, but her mind began to spin out of focus and she fell forward to the ground as a vision flashed in front of her eyes. A bright green stem sprouted from the ground, opening quickly into a brilliant yellow rose. It happened fast -- the flower almost seeming to jump at her, while leaves burst from its stem. Just as quickly the memory left her, feeling as if it had been ripped from her mind. She felt Ayan’s arms surround her shoulders, drawing her into his embrace. She pressed her hand to her forehead, squeezing her eyes shut as she tried to remember, but she couldn’t. “Heather, are you all right,” Ayan asked softly. Nodding, she took a deep breath then gazed up at him. “How did you do that?” Ayan shrugged, his eyes filled with concern, touching her temples, running his hands over her hair as if to prove that she was all right. “It is just something I can do, all Faerie have the power of nature, to grow things and to heal the earth. Are you sure you are all right? You look pained.” Heather nodded, but didn’t say anything as she pondered his reply for a moment, then realizing their intimate embrace, blushed and pushed herself to her feet and out of his arms. She walked to the edge of the pool and sat down. Leaning over, she skimmed her hands over the waters surface, feeling an energy within herself that wanted to create as Ayan had. When nothing happened she gave a wistful sigh, and gingerly flicked the water from her fingertips. “I discovered a long time ago that I have a knack for growing things. I have few memories of my mother and father. The things I do remember both my mother and father could take something that looked dead and make it beautiful again. They had a garden just like this one.” She stared into the clear water of the pool, lost in her thoughts. “My father was the one who showed me my gift for planting and gardening. He taught me so much. I started on this a couple years ago when I bought the house. I love it out here, to be at one with nature.” She said motioning to the yard. Ayan watched as she reminisced, puzzled by this beautiful creature. How she could mark him. How she had the touch to bring forth such exquisite greenery. She was human, and he just couldn’t imagine how she possessed these gifts. “What of your parents?” Sensing her sadness, he sat down beside her, pleased when she gripped her small hand over his. As if he could bring her the comfort and peace she sought. “Both my parents died in a car accident when I was five years old. They treasured me. They showed me each day how much they loved me.” He smiled sadly, his fingers reaching up and gently brushing strands of her fiery red hair from her face. “What were their names?” “My mother's name was Hannah and my father's name was Calyb.” She gazed into the pond her thoughts distant once more, then smiled. “She was so kind. My mother was gentle in every way, so full of life and so beautiful. She had long blond hair that she

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wore pulled back a lot when we would play. People who knew her said I have her eyes.” She dipped her fingers in the water, pushing a lily pad gently and watched it glide across the pool. “My father adored me, but he was watchful. I don’t remember why though. He walked me to school every day when I started kindergarten. I remember when he would toss me high in the air and twirl me till all you could hear were my giggles. I have him to thank for my red hair, but I remember he had amazing eyes, emerald.” She paused looking at Ayan. “Like yours, bright and shimmering.” Ayan tensed. “What’s wrong?” She asked, concern filling her wide brown eyes. Ayan swallowed hard as answers came crashing in his mind. Had he known Calyb? Was he the same Faerie warrior, his father’s most trusted servant? Could it be? Was this Calyb’s daughter? It made sense. It was the only answer to what was happening between them. Ayan clutched her hand tenderly and brought it to his lips, gently placing a kiss, leaving the glowing imprint of his lips on her flesh. Her breathing was rushed and desire surged through her. How she wanted him, needed him with a yearning she didn’t understand or knew that she possessed. Turning her hand in his, she lightly touched her fingers to his lips, pulling back in astonishment when the same shimmering glow trailed after her fingers. She stood abruptly, afraid of what was happening, and wanting to get away from the emotions surging in her. Turning to leave, she whimpered when his arms closed around her waist and he pulled her back against his chest. He held her tight against him, her bottom pushing against his arousal. He pressed his lips against her temple and she groaned leaning into him, her eyes closing in the bliss that filled her at just being in his arms. “Please do not be afraid of what is happening between us.” Her eyes fluttered open slightly as she felt one arm cross between her breasts, his hand resting on her cheek so that she titled her head slightly and his lips licked flames down the side of her neck. Everywhere she touched his flesh would glow beneath her fingers. It was fascinating and erotic that she held the power to touch him the way he did her, but how was it possible? Turning slowly in his arms, she gazed up into his passion-hazed eyes. “What is it, Ayan? What’s happening between us?” His hands cupped either side of her face and he kissed her lips softly, before searching her eyes, “You are mine, and I am yours.” She frowned, stepping slightly away from him, but still within his embrace. “I don’t understand.” “Your father, Heather. Is it possible, he was Faerie? My father’s most trusted servant was Calyb, but he fell in love with a woman of Earth.” “How is that possible?” “Calyb was a great man. He once possessed the sword and he used it to travel to all the different realms, but Earth was where he found his heart, or so he told my father. He left Emerel and made his new home here on Earth. Is that why this is happening between us? Is it possible?”

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Heather was silent trying to absorb what he had just told her. “You mean, you think I’m Faerie?” He nodded, “Search your heart, Heather. It makes sense.” Was he right? Could it be possible? Deep down she knew that he would not lie to her, but it was too much. It was too much to think about. She shook her head and backed away from his touch. “Heather, please don’t run from me. I know it must all be so overwhelming.” “You have no idea what I’m feeling. You’ve come into my life and turned everything upside down and then you tell me how I feel.” Her voice was rising with her anger and her brown eyes had turned to deep ebony with her emotion. “Why is it my touch gives you such pleasure? That you already crave the need to be near me, wish to simply touch me and no one else has ever given this to you?” Ayan asked, his own voice rising with his frustration. “I don’t know, I don’t care. Please just stop!” She yelled, turning her back on him. “Can’t you please just give me time? I’m not saying it’s not true, as anything is possible at this point, but it’s just too much at once.” Her desperate plea tugged at his heart and he moved up behind her wrapping his arms around her once more. “You are right and I am sorry that I expect you to accept it so quickly when this is all new to you.” He turned her to face him, touching the tip of her nose, a slight smile on his face. “Please forgive me, Heather. I never meant to hurt you.” Leaning forward, he tenderly kissed the unshed tears from her eyes, and she let him, needing him to hold her, needing his gentle touches like she needed her next breath. When his lips touched hers she sighed and almost groaned when his hands dropped from her arms and his mouth left hers. Blinking rapidly, Heather stared up at him for a long moment. He was the most handsome man or Faerie she had ever seen, well the only Faerie she had ever seen, unless she counted her dad. “Come on, Ayan. If you are going to be staying here a while, we need to get you some clothes.” He followed her back into the house and she wondered what it would be like to be his, to let him love her. She smiled to herself as she imagined being in his arms once again. It would be heaven. She wondered if she could be brave enough to accept what she was and take a chance on paradise. Ayan took scrubs from her and began slipping them on. His heart was light as he thought of Heather, his mate. His feelings for her were strong already and he knew the feelings were love, but with those thoughts brought worries. He had forgotten during all of this about his betrothed, Harmony. She who thought she loved him. He had been prepared to do his duty at the request of his father and join with Harmony in order to produce an heir, but that was before he had found his mate. When he left Earth, he wanted to take Heather with him, but the time of his joining with Harmony grew nearer, and he would have to go back before then. He had hoped that he would find his mate before the joining and now that it had happened, he wondered how Harmony would take the news. He could never join with her now that he had found his true mate. He then questioned how Heather would take the news. Tying the strings at his waist and pulling the shirt over his head, Ayan looked at

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himself in the mirror. He couldn’t worry about it right now, Heather was his, and that was all that mattered. She would return with him when the time came, to her rightful home and learn who she was, and everything would be fine. He rubbed a hand over his brow, worry now clouding his thoughts. How he hoped they would both understand, but shuddered in spite of himself as he knew there was nothing worse than a woman’s wrath.

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Chapter Six Ayan watched in astonishment at the crowd of people flooding the mall. That was what Heather had called this two story building, with lights, moving stairs and glass windows filled with a variety of goods. It was amazing. Back on Kreandor, they would go to the market and sellers would set up their wares. It was a crude way of buying compared to this. Everything was marked, there was no negotiating and it was all, what had Heather said, electronic. They walked into a clothing store and Heather began pulling clothes off the racks and handing them to him. Leggings, which he now knew, were pants, tunics otherwise known as shirts, and other items. Next she led him to the back of the store and directed him into a small room with a mirror. “Okay, put these pants on and this shirt, these socks and .…” Ayan’s hand closed over her arm. “Heather, you do not have to do all of this for me.” She smiled and his heart lurched. “I don’t mind, now go ahead and when you are done come out so I can see you.” After the door fell closed behind her, he dressed. Remembering the men on TV, Ayan zipped the pants, buttoning the fly then slipped into the shirt. **** Heather watched with great appreciation as Ayan stepped out of the dressing area and stood before her. She had to remind herself to breathe as her eyes took in the dark blue jeans molded to every muscle of his long legs, the black v-neck knit top that stretched across his chest and his bare feet that was somehow very intimate. She felt her cheeks growing hot and looked away from his dazzling smile. He stretched his arms wide. “Is this appropriate?” “Um … yes Ayan, very.” She stammered, feeling her cheeks burn. “Looks like I did a good job guessing your size. Go back in and put the socks on, then those old shoes and we’ll go to a different store and buy you new ones.” She turned away after pulling the price tags from his clothes and walked up to the sales counter grabbing another pair of jeans, a pair of dress pants, shirts, socks and underwear along the way. Upon leaving that store, they entered another filled with a variety of shoes. Sitting down where Heather indicated, a pretty young woman came and knelt at his feet. Putting his foot in an instrument, she measured the size of his foot. “A fifteen! Gees, Ayan.” Heather exclaimed, sitting down beside him. “You know what they say about a man with big feet, don’t you?” The woman laughed behind her hand, and Ayan looked puzzled. “No, what?” “He wears big shoes,” the sales woman chimed in. Both women laughed. Ayan didn’t get what was so funny, but Heather’s laughter made him smile. It didn’t matter that he didn’t understand the comment. He watched as she and the sales woman looked through the shoes, making him try

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them on, walk around in them, away and back, away again, pushing at the tips to see where his toes were. Finally, they decided on a pair of tennis shoes, and a black pair of suede casual dress shoes that he was wearing now. Leaving the shop with bags of purchases in tow, Ayan felt guilty that she had to pay for his things, though she argued that she didn’t mind and was more than glad to do it. They grabbed a bite to eat where Heather introduced him to things called hamburgers, french fries and soda pop. He devoured everything including what she couldn’t finish. After their meal, they walked around the mall and Heather answered all of his endless questions, excited that she was able to share these moments with him. She couldn’t help but notice how women turned to stare as Ayan walked by, and it amazed her how he seemed not to realize the distractions he was causing. Standing inside a bath shop, she popped a cap of scented lotion and held it under Ayan’s nose for his inspection. He gave a pleased grin and lifted a different bottle and sniffed. “Well, well, what have we here?” Ayan and Heather spun around to find Blake standing behind them. Heather smiled. “Hi Blake, what’s going on?” He lifted a bag from one of the men’s department stores. “Just doing a little shopping, but I see you have me beat.” He motioned towards the bags in both of Ayan’s and one of Heather’s hands. “Yes, we have been here most of the evening.” “Did you get everything settled with the police? Have they found the men who attacked you?” His glare directed at Ayan didn’t go unnoticed by Heather. She frowned. “Yes, everything has been taken care of and no, they haven’t found them yet.” “What about your friend?” “What about him?” The way he said it caused her ire to rise. “Who is he and where is he from?” She smiled sweetly at Ayan, watching as his eyes narrowed at Blake. “Ayan is visiting from out of town. He is staying with some neighbors of mine.” Blake stared hard at Ayan. “What was he doing out in the middle of the night in a loin cloth?” “I had been meditating and decided to take a walk.” Blake was stunned to hear those words uttered from Ayan. “You speak English?” “Of course.” Ayan stated, his voice low with his growing anger. “Why didn’t you speak to us last night?” Heather gave and aggravated sigh. “For crying out loud Blake, he was stunned. If you had gotten hit by a car you would be out of it, too.” “That doesn’t explain anything!” he exclaimed, stepping up to Ayan until they were nose to nose, both glaring at each other. “There is something fishy going on here and I am going to find out what it is.” Ayan’s hand flashed to his side, and Heather gasped as his hand closed over the hilt of the sword that seemed to appear from thin air, behind her shopping bag. She placed a staying hand on Ayan’s arm and he paused, never taking his eyes

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from Blake, but released the hilt and the sword vanished, but his hand hovered there. “Blake, back off.” Heather said, thankful he hadn’t seen the sword. Blake’s blue eyes bore into her brown ones. He raked a hand through his wavy blond hair. “Why are you still helping this guy?” “I am not helping him, we are here together on a date. We hit it off so well, we decided that we should spend some time together while he was in town, not that it is any of your business.” Blake looked dumbstruck then angry, very angry. “You’re telling me you like this guy?” Heather looked at Ayan and he gave a slight smile. Her hand reached out, resting over his arm. “Yes Blake, that is exactly what I am saying.” “I have asked you out for months and you wouldn’t give me the time of day.” “That’s not true Blake, I was never interested in you that way and you know it.” “Whatever, Heather.” He turned away from her and walked out of the shop. Heather gripped Ayan’s arm. “I’m sorry, Ayan.” He shook his head, causing his gleaming black hair to fall over his shoulders. “Do not apologize, it is not your fault.” She smiled. “Come on, I want you to try an ice cream cone before we go home.” Heather led him from the bath store, to the nearest ice cream shop and delighted in watching him eat all of the chocolate, chocolate chunk and chocolate chip ice cream he could get his hands on. It surprised her to realize how wonderful she felt just being with him, watching him and of course touching him. He was like a child at this moment tasting ice cream for the first time, and the wonder in his eyes made her heart melt. She lifted her spoon and had him taste her hot fudge sundae and dabbed the remaining whip cream on his nose. She laughed at how silly he looked, handing him a napkin to wipe it away. After they finished, they went back to her house. Ayan grabbed his breechclout off the bed and tied it around his waist. He listened as Heather moved about in her room then called to him to let him know she’d be in the back yard. Leaving his room, he started toward her bedroom door, noting it was open, a soft light flickering inside her room. Walking down the hall he came to stand in front of her open door. A candle burned on a bedside table, illuminating a picture. Ayan walked across the room and picked the photograph up. Heather was a little girl, with a bright red ponytail. Her mother was a lovely woman, hugging her daughter to her, but it was the man who caught his eye. Calyb! It was the Calyb he remembered from Emerel. Ayan sat the picture down and stared out the window at Heather who was walking around the backyard picking up broken branches that had fallen from the trees. Gazing at her took his breath away, and the knowledge that she was his, that there was no doubt, slammed into him. He’d waited all these centuries for a mate, and he’d finally found her. The daughter of Calyb was his mate. Turning he left Heather’s bedroom and went outside. Heather smiled and walked toward him, carrying her little bundle of sticks and tossed them to the side of the porch. Ayan held his arms open and she went into them without question. They both gazed up at the sky. It was a clear night. The moon was shining bright and full, with

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stars dotting the velvet sky. “Do you have many moons, or just one,” Heather asked. “Just one. Our world is much like yours. We have only one sun, one moon and more stars than can be counted.” His arms pulled her tight against him and she sighed, resting her head against his chest. “We have mountains, rolling green meadows. Our lakes are pure and clear and the sky is the prettiest blue. The trees of Emerel tower over your trees though and their width would fill blocks.” Heather’s eyes widened at the thought, her hands clasping Ayan’s arms. “That’s amazing.” “We live in the trees. Ours is a great city where we all live together.” He clasped her hand in his and brought her arm out in front of them and splayed her fingers wide. “There are five trees.” He touched each tip of her finger, coming to rest over her middle. “The center tree is the tallest and oldest in the forest. There is where myself, and family resides.” He laid her hand flat in his palm up. “At the top is the throne room.” He pressed a finger to the middle of her palm as if drawing a map for her. “Here is a library, here is the dinning hall and kitchen and if you walk down this corridor you come to my parent’s chamber, then over here is mine.” He traced his finger around and along her palm. Her breath caught as the now all too familiar glowing trail moved across her palm. “What does this mean,” she asked, her voice a breathy whisper. “I’m marking you …” his voice was warm and husky, a whisper against her flesh, “... and you’re letting me.” He kissed her temple and she trembled as his lips scorched against her skin. “What does it mean for you to “mark” me? What does this do?” “Ah … let’s see. Notice how your palm tingles from the heat the mark generates. It feels good, yes?” Heather nodded, not speaking. Her throat wouldn’t work even if she had wanted to say something. “Only true mates can respond to each other this way. When two come together finally, joined or married, as you would call it, the glow will surround them in a shell, or cocoon. It gives only pleasure, adding stimulation wherever it caresses your body.” “Oh,” was all Heather could manage, especially when she felt his hands dip into her hair. Her eyes closed and she bit her lip to keep from moaning. “Ayan, I don’t know. This is all so-so … fast,” she finally admitted. She heard Ayan’s low chuckle. “It’s never too fast between mates. Heather, I knew your father. I knew Calyb.” Heather gazed up at him. “It’s true,” he whispered against her temple. “Your father was Faerie, Heather. That’s how this is possible. It’s how I mark you with desire. Its why,” he trailed his finger along her jaw and down the slender column of her neck. “… my touch gives you pleasure.” Heather’s head fell back across his arm, and she sighed and felt her whole body going up in flames, as his fingers caressed her throat. She had to think, he was making her lose control. Bringing her hands up between them, she pushed against his chest. He released her, but not completely and only enough to allow her to put some space between them. The lines on her face deepened into a frown as she said in a slightly flustered voice, “Ayan, I don’t know about this, I ....”

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He cut her off. “I have a gift for you.” “For me?” Intrigued, she asked, “What is it?” He released her and brought his hands up, cupping them between them. She watched for a moment as nothing happened, and then she felt the stir of power. Heather didn’t know how she knew what it was, but the sensation was unmistakable to her. She gasped as a stem formed in his hands twisting as a tiny red bud sprouted from its tip. The bud grew and blossomed before her eyes into a deep red rose, then stem wound into a band, solidifying, and the rose shrank, hardening until it glittered up at her. Heather was awestruck at what was once a rose was now a ring in the palm of his hand. He took the ring in his fingers and held it up for her. “For you,” he said softly, taking her hand and placing it on her finger. She gazed down at the twinkling rose, thinking it the most beautiful and perfect ring she had ever imagined. “It’s absolutely breathtaking, Ayan.” “A ruby and a rose, red for the way my heart beats for you.” He took her hand then and placed it over his beating heart. It pounded against her palm, strong and fast, beating for her. Her brown eyes sought his and she was lost in the wonder of his emerald gaze. Pulling her into his arms he kissed her tenderly and she melted into his embrace, returning his kiss with a matching burning passion, then gave a surprised yelp as she realized her feet were no longer touching the ground. Her arms wound round his neck, holding on for dear life, the sound of his low chuckle filled her ears as he swept her up into his arms. The water from her little pond twinkled up at her under the full moonlight. She could see several of her neighbor’s houses, followed by another and another as they went higher into the sky. She looked at Ayan with wonder and there was a pleased smile on his face as he gazed down at her. His glossy black wings expanded then brushed down as he moved against the night. She felt the cool breeze from them, the feeling sending shivers up her spine. Laughing in delight, she touched one pointed ear that stood out from beneath the dark cover of his hair. “Do you like my ears?” “I love them.” She chuckled, then gazed down at the world rushing past them. She felt like a certain princess from a cartoon, with the theme song playing through her mind as she and her love took a magic carpet ride. Except this was no ordinary carpet ride. He was doing all the flying on this trip. The wind felt cool and refreshing on her face. The sensation of flying was an exhilarating experience, one she knew she would never forget and would treasure the memory always. When finally they touched the ground, Heather gazed up at Ayan adoringly. “Thank you, that was wonderful.” His smile was breathtaking. “You are most welcome, Heather.” She went to pull away from him, but he grabbed her and pulled her flush against him. His hand cupped the side of her face. “Of everything you know now, is it so hard to believe that you are mine?” His lips caressed hers, making her melt inside. Making her heart flip at his words and heat to rush through her veins. The feel of his arms was pure splendor, and she

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wanted to be his. To be held like this forever. She wanted him to make love to her, wanted him to take her here and now. The feeling rushed over her, almost overwhelming her senses. Quickly, before she tossed herself into his arms, she gave him a hurried heartfelt kiss then rushed from his sight into the house. **** Blake stared open-mouthed from his hiding place at the side of Heather’s house. He watched in amazement as Ayan, a winged … whatever touched his feet to the ground and Heather looked completely content cuddled in his arms. Rage filled him as Heather kissed Ayan tenderly. The fact that she would kiss that thing made him see red. Just as quickly as that thought crossed his mind, another one entered. Instead of seeing red, he was seeing green. Lots and lots of green. He could be rich. He knew no one had seen anything like it, and he had discovered it here, tonight. Blake’s eyes widened as he witnessed Ayan touch his wings and they vanished. His fingertips grazed over the long points at his ears and they curved before his eyes, making Ayan look human. Blake didn’t move until Ayan followed Heather into the house, then he made his way to his car. His grin was wicked as he conjured up a plan to get Ayan right where he wanted him. He would have the money and he would have the girl. Life just got a little bit sweeter.

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Chapter Seven Heather smiled from ear to ear as she handed the now thriving ivy over to an enthusiastic Mrs. Smith. The green leaves were vibrant, the soil rich and healthy. “I don’t know how you do it, Heather, but you do every time. The ivy is gorgeous and you know how much I love my ivies. Thank you so much dear.” The elderly woman patted Heather’s hand then turned and left the shop. Walking to the back room, Heather pushed through the swinging doors. “Hey Tammy, do you mind keeping an eye up front for me? I feel like getting my hands dirty.” Tammy picked the towel up beside her and wiped her hands. “No problem at all.” Untying her apron she handed it to Heather and left the room. Her fingers literally tingled and she grabbed a dozen yellow roses, vase and extra greenery to make a new creation. She hummed as she worked thinking of Ayan. She wondered what he was doing. Was he watching TV, or walking in her garden? The thought brought a serene smile to her lips and a dreamy gaze as her hands worked over each rose bud. “Hi there, stranger,” Shannon said, leaning against the doorframe. “I thought I would come by and see how you and your new house guest have been getting along?” Heather didn’t miss the twinkle of mirth in Shannon’s eyes. “Behave!” she scolded, but the laughter made the comment ineffectual. “There is nothing happening, I am only helping him out while he is here. Now, get over here and sit down.” “And how long will he be here,” Shannon asked, walking to the table, picking up one of the roses and smelling the rich fragrance. Heather shook her head, smiling widely, feeling her cheeks turning ten different shades of red. “I don’t know.” Shannon pulled out one of the stools at the worktable and sat down. “I haven’t been able to really talk to you about everything that has happened in the last week. Blake has kept us so busy at work in his tirade over what happened between you and this Ayan guy.” Shannon paused and studied Heather. “I found out about the mall. He was really upset, but I don’t blame you. There is something about Blake I don’t trust either.” Heather listened thoughtfully, her fingertips grazing a closed bud when it suddenly exploded open under her palm, blooming to life before her eyes. She cried out in surprise then sucked in a gasp of breath as the same image of a stem sprouting from the ground, a yellow rose bloom and leaves unfolding around the flower. This time she saw little hands bringing the creation to life. Again the memory was ripped from her, and she fell against the table, tears burning beneath her eyelids. She breathed deeply trying to remember. Trying to understand what it was that was there, and more importantly how she had made a rose bloom just then. Shannon’s words died in her throat, as she witnessed the rose bloom beneath her friend’s touch, then her crumbled composure as she almost collapsed against the table. Her arms immediately went around Heather’s waist as she guided her onto a chair.

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“Heather, what’s wrong? You look like you are going to pass out.” Wasting no time Shannon rushed to a nearby sink ever watchful of Heather, wet a washcloth and held it at the back of Heather’s neck. “What happened,” she asked softly, brushing Heather’s hair from her face. “I’m fine. I’m fine.” Heather waved her hand, but Shannon refused to be swayed. “Don’t tell me that. How did you do that? How did you make that flower bloom? Y-you did it then suddenly you were overwhelmed. Confused. Sad. I felt your every emotion.” Heather sighed heavily and drew the rag from the back of her neck. “Oh Shannon, there is so much more than that, and I’ve been dying to tell you for days now.” Shannon was quiet, waiting for her to continue. “I don’t know how to tell you this,” Heather said, finally looking at Shannon. “You have special abilities that only I know about. I know it makes you uncomfortable and you worry that people may find out and look at you differently .…” her voice trailed off and she gazed back at a wilting leaf on the table. Shannon touched her arm. “What is it, Heather? You know you can tell me anything.” Heather’s fingers played over the leaf, Shannon’s gaze moving to her nervous fumbling, after a few moments the leaf started to unfold slowly, the green pushing past the dull color it once was. Shannon gasped, her fingers touching the leaf. “Oh my Heather. What is happening? How are you doing this?” Shannon asked, taking the now vibrant leaf from her hand. “It all started when Ayan came into my life.” Shannon’s eyes widened, but she leaned forward intrigued. Heather continued her story. “He is not from this world, Shannon. That’s why he couldn’t speak to us the night he saved me. He couldn’t understand our words. His language is similar to an old Gaelic language.” Heather took a deep breath watching Shannon’s facial expressions. Shannon was frowning. “He hasn’t done anything to you has he? He hasn’t hurt you in some way?” Heather smiled, shaking her head. “No, he would never hurt me. I knew this the first moment I saw him. I felt a connection to him. I couldn’t explain it then, and I really can’t explain it now, but he is my mate.” Shannon reared back confused. “Your mate? I don’t understand.” “Neither did I, but I am his and he is mine.” Heather said, her voice confident with the knowledge as if she were finally accepting the truth for the first time. “It was predestined, we belong only to each other.” Heather gave a short laugh at Shannon’s bewildered expression. “I know it sounds crazy, but my father is from his world. Kreandor is what it’s called and he is from the Forest of Emerel. He was a Faerie and so is Ayan, which means I’m part Faerie.” Shannon sat quietly. Her expression blank as she took in everything Heather had just told her, but her eyes were full of questions. Heather leaned forward and cupped her hand around Shannon’s fist that was crushing the leaf. Shannon looked down and gave a small gasp, opening her hand. The leaf was crumpled and torn. She sighed, “I’m sorry, Heather. I didn’t mean to do that.” “I know,” she said, touching the leaf. She concentrated and saw what she hadn’t before. A faint shimmer of green flowed from her fingertip enveloping the leaf till it

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unfolded, healthy again. “How is it you can do this now, but not before,” Shannon asked, picking up the leaf and inspecting it. Heather shrugged. “I don’t know. I have always had the best flowers and plants. They have always grown faster and fuller than anyone else’s. I thought I was just that good, but now ....“ “You are that good,” Shannon said, interrupting her. “Thank you, but since Ayan has come into my life it’s as if some power has been opened, or at least is there. I can feel it, but it’s buried deep inside me, and I can’t free it completely.” “But how did Ayan get here?” Heather frowned before explaining. “There is this key, but the key is a sword. Ayan calls it the Llina. He used it to open a door to our world. He was trying to escape from some sorcerer.” Shannon’s eyes were huge. “Did you say a sorcerer?” Heather put her hands up, waving them slightly in frustration. “I know, I know, it sounds crazy, but he had to escape into our world. This sorcerer wants the key. If he gets it then he can go into different worlds and conquer them and Ayan is fighting against that happening.” Heather sighed and leaned back in the chair. “I know it sounds crazy. All of it, but do you believe me?” Shannon’s hand covered Heather’s. “Of course I believe you. I believe every word of it.” Holding up the leaf and motioning to the rose, her gaze found Heather’s. “How could I not?” Heather smiled and hugged her friend. The two women held onto each other for a while, before Shannon pulled away, her face serious. “Will you go back with him to his world?” Sadness filled Heather’s eyes, her emotion brushing Shannon’s heart. “I don’t know. I honestly don’t know what I’m going to do. He’s been teaching me his language. Telling me about his world .…” her voice trailed away. Shannon smiled, trying to lighten the mood. “Well, I know what you can do. Invite me to dinner tonight. I want to meet this man who has stolen my best friend’s heart.” **** Ayan cleared his throat and looked at Shannon. She was staring again. Realizing this she blushed and lowered her gaze back to her food. Ayan took a bite of the scalloped potatoes Heather had fixed along with roasted beef and green beans. Heather had asked his permission to invite Shannon to meet him, the real him. If Heather trusted her then he knew he could. He had shown her slowly, first revealing the long length of his ears then his wings as he had for Heather, except this time there had been no hysterics. Shannon sat amazed at what he was doing. She had been prepared. Heather had prepared her. Shannon’s gaze moved back to his wings. They moved slightly and she winced. Heather sat her fork down. “Shannon, is there anything you wanted to ask Ayan?” Taking a drink of her ice tea, Shannon’s expression was thoughtful. “I want to

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ask you about Heather. How do you feel about her?” Heather seemed surprised by her question, but Ayan understood what she meant. He had been shielding his emotions from her. She could sense any kind of overpowering feeling, being an empath. Heather had told him of Shannon’s ability and the night he’d been brought to the emergency room, his emotions had besieged her. Slowly, he lowered his guard and Shannon sucked in a breath of surprise. Tears filled her eyes and she covered her heart. He was glad he had chosen to do this. His love for Heather was so strong and his powers so much more than humans, he didn’t know if it would overwhelm Shannon or not, and it had. Tamping down his emotions he waited till Shannon caught her breath. Heather was beside her, her hands on Shannon’s shoulders. “Are you okay? What just happened?” Shannon shook her head smiling. She patted Heather’s hand. “Oh Heather, you lucky lady. He is terribly in love with you and I know now that you are indeed safe with him.” Heather frowned, then glanced at a confident Ayan, who inclined his head toward her. His eyes were full of fire, a fire that burned for her and she swallowed hard and squeezed Shannon’s shoulders. “All right, I’ll go get dessert then.” With that she almost ran from the dinning room to the kitchen. **** Heather watched amused, as Shannon asked to touch Ayan’s wings. He nodded his consent, smiling at her as she hesitantly reached her fingers out then slowly brought them down over the glossy black folds. Her eyes widened in amazement then she laughed. They both visited. Shannon’s confession at dinner had Heather’s heart pounding. For someone to love her so much … her eyes moved over Ayan in appreciation of his wide shoulders, tapering to a narrow waist and hard lean stomach. His legs and arms were all long and sinewy and when her gaze finally met his, heat flooded her cheeks at the desire that was staring back at her. Shannon cleared her throat. “Well, I’ll be leaving.” She turned and faced Ayan, reaching her hand out to shake his. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Ayan.” He stood. “The pleasure was all mine, Shannon. Thank you.” Shannon hugged Heather and kissed her cheek. “Thanks for dinner. I’ll give you a call in a few.” Heather walked her to the door and when she turned around it was to find Ayan standing in front of her. His arms came up, blocking her escape. She gasped as his lips claimed hers, sending a raging fire, scorching through her veins. She groaned, her arms coming up and wrapping around his neck. His arms came around her, lifting her, his body pushing her into the hard wood of the door, while her legs circled his waist. He took complete possession of her and though there was a small whisper in the back of her mind to stop him, all thoughts of protest fluttered away as his hand sought her breast. He gazed at her, his mouth shimmering green from where he had kissed her. His gaze was honest, sincere. “I do love you, Heather. As Shannon told you and you are always safe with me. My heart belongs to you always.” His lips captured hers once more, and she felt the heat of it to the tips of her toes.

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She groaned and ground her body into his, feeling the hardness of his cock pushing against her pussy. Something in him called out to her and she couldn’t deny it, or him. His mouth left her, burning a trail down the side of her neck, while his fingers caressed and teased her nipple into a taunt peak. He pulled her away from the door and carried her down the hall, his mouth ravishing hers as he walked them back to her bedroom. Ayan lowered her on to the bed and as he did so, his hands went to the buttons on her blouse, slipping the pearl buttons through the holes and pushing the material over her shoulders. She cried out as his hand gave way to the warmth of his mouth. He suckled and pulled slightly on the nipple with his teeth through the lace of her bra. She held his head to her, her hands clenching in his long dark hair as he pushed her back on the bed. She sighed as she watched him. Everywhere he touched her left a glowing mark. The tingling grew warmer, the sensations intensifying as the patches began to cover their bodies. He raised his head and looked at her. She smiled, running her fingers over the glowing green imprint that covered his lips. He sucked a finger into his mouth then moved lower, her finger popping free as he pulled her jeans down her hips and legs to pool on the floor. She was exposed to the onslaught of his gaze, his devouring eyes. Her eyes widened as he lowered his head, his stare still holding hers and his lips touched one inner thigh then the other. Heather took deep gulping breaths as she let her legs fall open. She felt wanton, he made her feel like an erotic flame. Finally, his lips touched her juncture. He nuzzled her, his tongue licking lace till he grabbed the material, pulled it from her hips then feasted on her flesh. Heather cried out as his tongue slashed her pussy. Her fingers dug into his hair as her world began to shatter in a riot of color around her. She jerked, almost bolting off the bed, but he caught her and held her tight as his mouth and tongue worked a magic all his own. “Oh Ayan, please .…,” she cried out as her back arched as his tongue delved deep. He gripped her hips. “I want you Heather, I want to taste you.” She lifted her hips, needing him to give her the pleasure she was about to go out of her mind for. She almost screamed, clutching the sheets, twisting them in her hands as another an orgasm created by his wonderful tongue ripped through her. **** She was sweeter than anything he’d ever tasted. He eagerly lapped up her juices, her orgasm coating his tongue. He slowly inserted a finger then two as he continued to lick her, finding her clit and torturing her in the most pleasurable way imaginable. Her cries and mewling had his cock straining against his pants, so eager for release. He wanted to bury himself to the hilt inside her, to lose himself in the feminine walls of her pussy. When he felt her climaxing a second time, her cream melting in his mouth he rose above her, pulling at his pants. She was panting and clawing at him, so eager to have him, and this was how it would be. Their need for each other would always be great, would always be intense. He grabbed her wrists, holding her gaze one more time as she lifted her hips for him. He held her immobile taking her glowing body in, the cocoon that had now

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surrounded them. This was their time. Their moment. **** He rose up over her body, his hands holding her wrist, dominating her, possessing her. He lowered himself between her legs. His wings spread wide behind him and she stared wide-eyed at how magnificent he looked. Like a dark angel possessing her very soul. She stared down at his fully erect penis and swallowed. “It is true what they say about a man with big feet,” she said softly. Ayan stared at her for a moment, not understanding, and she shook her head. “Never mind,” she breathed and licked her suddenly dry lips as he prepared to enter her. He guided himself to her entrance, listening as she whimpered his name over and over. He groaned as he pushed further into her hot passage. She engulfed him like slick velvet. He’d never experienced anything like it and would only have this with her. **** He surged into her, filling her to the base. “Ayan!” She cried out, writhing beneath him, trying to pull away from him, but he grabbed her and held her tight against him. He gazed into her wide dark eyes. “You are untouched?” She nodded. “I’ve never wanted to do this before, until you.” Her words struck and wrapped themselves around his heart. “My beautiful, Heather.” He started to move within her, holding himself in check as the heat of her completely enveloped him, her slick folds holding him tight. And as he moved within her they were completely surrounded in a cocoon of green. The warmth and sensations that covered their flesh heightened the pleasure, so that they both moaned, needing to touch each other. Her hands moved over his chest, over his neck and tugged lightly on his long hair that fell over his shoulders. He reached up, and pulled the straps of her bra down so that her breasts were bared for his view. They were high and firm, flawlessly rounded and looked like they would meld perfectly into the palms of his hands. With one hand he caressed each rosy tip, watching in fascination as his hair fell over her shoulders, to brush over each breast. He covered her body completely as he needed to taste each rosy bud. He felt her tighten around him, heard her cry out as his tongue swirled and caressed each nipple, jutting out in hard peaks for his pleasure. He pulled away rising above her once more, the feel of her overwhelming him to where he needed to find release. He began to rock back and forth, claiming her as his for all time as he thrust in and out of her. Riding her, loving her. Her hair fanned out around her, her eyes wide and bright as she stared up at him. When she came once more, it was like a great fist milking him. He tried to hold back, but her hot cream and suction took him over the edge. **** Heather clutched his arms, as he pounded into her, his hips pumping harder and harder, until finally she seemed to explode. She didn’t recognize the cry that came from her throat as her own as she writhed beneath him. He continued to make her climax again and again until finally he gave one final thrust, his body shuddering as he too found his release.

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Every part of her body was touched by sensation. She tingled from the top of her head to the tips of her toes as his mark heated her skin, feeling like a thousand fingers caressed her flesh to aid her in perfect release. His wings shuddered, and then finally he looked down at her, his hand coming up and brushing her damp bangs from her forehead. He kissed her lips, licking lightly. She smiled and brushed her fingers over one dark nipple. The cocoon of light remained around them, fanning her skin with hot titillation. There was no way her desire for him would cool anytime soon. She couldn’t help but move her hips under his at how exquisite she felt. When she moved she felt him harden again, and she gawked at him. “Are you serious?” “Very,” he breathed and ravished her mouth with his while he began to move inside her once more.

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Chapter Eight Heather washed the last dish from the night before and placed it on the dish drainer. Pulling the plug from the bottom of the sink, she then dried her hands on a towel. Her gaze once again returned to the window above the sink. She watched Ayan walk around her back yard. His feet were bare and it seemed as if he was drawing energy from the earth. His expression, focused as if meditating, his steps deliberate, his toes curling slightly. Walking from the kitchen, Heather went to the sliding glass door that led to the back yard. Leaning against the doorframe, she crossed her arms. As she watched him walk, she knew that she could stand there and watch him forever. Thoughts of last night came to mind and she felt her whole body blush and her heart race. She licked her lips as she watched him, drinking him in as if she might die from thirst. His long black hair seemed to gleam under the sunlight, his body was sensuously sculpted, every muscle in his long sinewy arms and legs exposed for her view. And those eyes, that shimmered like emeralds. If a man could be beautiful, she knew Ayan would be crowned Mr. Universe. That thought brought a smile to her lips and she wondered if all Faerie were that good looking. Her father had been a handsome man, from what she remembered. She had few pictures of her father and mother. Staring at Ayan, her heart felt heavy with the thought of her parents and she found she wanted to share that part of her life with him. She was a part of his world, as outrageous as it sounded. If she could share with him more about her life and her parents, then maybe she could learn something more about where she came from, where her father came from. How he met her mother and how it was possible that his mate was here on Earth and yet not of his species. Heather found she had many questions. Was she ready for more truths though? With knowledge came more responsibility, more acceptance of what she really was. Heather rubbed her hand across her brow. Was it possible to feel excited and apprehensive at the same time? Worried, yet, ready to jump at the chance of being with him? She returned her gaze to Ayan and knew in her heart that she was ready to take that extra step in his direction. “Ayan.” She called his name softly and he turned to look at her. “I want to show you something. Will you come with me?” He didn’t hesitate. He stopped whatever it was he had been so focused on and walked toward her. His movements were fluid grace, the muscles rippling beneath his skin. **** Taking the hand she offered, he let her lead the way down the hall to her bedroom. His eyes immediately went to the bed and desire pooled like liquid heat through him as the image of Heather’s ivory body tangled in the sheets, fluttered through

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his mind. Her flaming hair wild around her face, lips sweetly swollen from his kisses in the aftermath of their lovemaking. The thought made his whole body go hard. He flinched when she touched him. “Ayan, are you okay?” When he looked at her she sucked in a breath at the desire that was there in his eyes, his look so intense and filled with passion. Her heart raced, pounding against her chest. She could feel the blood rushing hot through her veins. Her breasts started to ache and feel heavy, needing his touch. She purposely pulled away from him to keep from throwing herself into his arms. Opening the door to her closet, she kneeled and pulled a box from the floor. “Come here, I want to show you something.” Ayan sat down on the floor beside her. Heather pulled out a photo album that had dried flowers pasted to the cover. Smiling like a little girl, she opened the cover and handed the album to him. “These are photographs of me when I was a child, my mother and father.” Ayan smiled as he looked at the first picture of Heather as a baby. He lifted the picture for Heather. “Why are your eyes not brown in this picture?” Heather looked at the photo and smiled at his question. “When an Earth child is born, their eyes are always this color for a month or so and then they will change to what their natural eye color will be.” Glancing at him, her hands on her knees, she asked, “It’s not this way for Faerie babies?” Ayan shook his head. “No, we are born with our green eyes. Every one of my people has green eyes.” “You mean, no other color? No, brown, blue, or gray?” “No, we all have green eyes.” Heather was stunned at this new piece of information. Not bothered by it, but amazed. “So do all Faerie have black hair?” “No, there are those with blond, red, brown hair. Only our eyes are the same color. There are those whose wings are blue, pink, green, a mixture of colors.” “Incredible. What else can you tell me?” Flipping a page, Ayan looked down at a picture of Heather with her mother and father. Heather was the image of her mother in every way except her mother had blond hair. Then, he noticed Calyb. Ayan tapped his finger on her father’s image. “I can tell you about your father.” Heather leaned forward, her heart lurching, anxious to hear what he had to say. “Yes, please. Anything and everything you can tell me.” Ayan delved into his story of Calyb. His father’s trusted servant and friend. “Calyb, as I told you before, traveled to different realms, keeping a log of every world visited. My father thought it would be helpful to the Faerie if we had information on other worlds in case we ever had to leave Kreandor. This way we would know which realms would be safe for us.” “Your father described each world in vivid detail. The beings that inhabited it, their languages, foods, climate, everything he deemed important. He was highly skilled at research and documentation.” Heather smiled, pleased at how essential her father had been to helping his people. “Then, one day Calyb left for a realm called Earth. He was gone for several

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months. I was sitting with my father at court the day he returned. Ayan paused, looking thoughtful as he remembered that day. “The look on his face caused the entire room to fall silent. Calyb walked toward my father and knelt before him, holding up the sword. He freely relinquished the key to my father. “My father touched his shoulder and Calyb, still on his knees, told my father that though he loved his people, he wished to be released from his service and to remain in the Earth realm.” Ayan gave a soft laugh at the way Heather had leaned forward waiting to hear what would happen next. “He announced he had fallen in love with an Earth woman and he was choosing to give up his immortality to remain there with her.” Heather gasped. She rocked back on her knees and stared wide-eyed at Ayan. “He gave up his immortality?” She asked, her voice a soft whisper filled with surprise. Ayan nodded. “Yes, he gave it up for the woman he loved.” Heather pondered this newfound information and wondered just how old Ayan really was. Immortal? It was impossible, but everything that had happened to her proved it was not. “How old are you, Ayan?” He smiled, obviously humored by her question. “How old do you think I am?” Heather shrugged. “I don’t know. A little older than me, twenty-five, twentysix.” Ayan did laugh at that and Heather frowned. “What? How old are you?” He looked serious and took her hand in his. “Heather, I am almost five hundred years old.” Heather jerked her hand from his and shot to her feet. “No, that’s impossible.” Ayan rose up gracefully to his feet, grabbing her upper arms and forcing her to look at him. “Most beings on my planet are immortal, Heather. The only way we can die is to be slain, or to give up our immortality.” Heather shook her head, trying to make sense of what he had shared with her. “So, my father was hundreds of years old, but he gave it all up for my mother?” Ayan touched her chin, forcing her to look at him. “Yes, Heather. Because he loved her, because somehow she was his mate.” Heather was in awe that someone could love another that much. “I can’t believe he did that.” “Why is it so hard to believe?” Ayan asked, his hands cupping her face. “Do you not know that I would do this for you? I would give you my immortality if it were the only way for us to be together.” Heather started at his words, staring up at him wide-eyed. “What?” Her eyes misted with tears and her voice was choked with emotion. “You would do that for me?” She whispered, her voice soft with disbelief. His smile was tender as he gazed at her. “I love you, Heather. I would give you anything you ask of me.” Leaning forward his lips tenderly caressed her cheek, kissing the glittering tears that had fallen at his words. As his mouth touched each tear, he spoke softly to her. “You are perfection, Heather. Your hair is like a bright flame, your eyes remind me of the rich soil of home and your skin is like the purest ivory.” Heather melted against him at his words. His arms wrapped around her waist,

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pulling her close. She reveled in the feel of his hard length against her body. No one had ever spoken to her like that and with such feeling. She felt cherished, adored as she stood there in his arms and she knew he was the only one who had ever made her feel that way or ever would. **** “Ayan.” She tried to speak, but her senses were overwhelmed by the sensations thrumming through her. “Yes, Heather.” She felt his fingers weave into her hair, working their magic as they trailed fire down along the nape of her neck, then traced slow circles around to her collarbone. He still held her firmly against him, giving her no place to go, no way of escaping the feelings pouring from her, flooding her with pleasure. Heather jerked away from him suddenly, so that she could look into his eyes. She loved this man. Loved him more than words could ever express. She fell in love with him the moment she saw him, when he touched her for the first time with his gaze alone she had become his. “I love you, Ayan. It has all happened so fast, but I know in my heart and with every fiber of my being that you’re mine. I probably shouldn’t love you or want you as I do, but I can’t help myself, nor do I want to.” Her words whispered in his heart, settling there, burning there for him to carry with him for all time. “My heart, my soul, my Heather.” Heather sighed at his endearments then his lips slanted across hers in a searing kiss she felt to the tips of her toes. Her arms wrapped around his neck, her fingers twisting in the dark locks of his hair. When he pulled away she was breathless and had to lean into him for support, as she knew her knees would not hold her. “My heart sings.” His breathy whisper, brushed against her cheek as his lips touched her temple. Heather placed her hands over Ayan’s heart, smiling at the green glow that spread beneath her palm and over his chest. Ayan pulled her against him once more, resting his head atop hers, his arms tight around her waist. “Heather, I am yours as you are mine. It was meant to be even before we were born, we have been destined for each other.” Heather returned his hug, pressing her lips against his chest in an intimate caress. At his sudden intake of breath, Heather smiled, but her smile faded at the serious expression on Ayan’s face. “What is it?” He gently rubbed her arms, trying to find the best way to say his next words. “I want you to come back to Kreandor with me when I am ready to return.” This took Heather by surprise. She stepped back from his touch walking away from him. Coming to stand by her dresser she turned and faced him once more. Her mind was reeling from the thought of leaving Earth, leaving everything she knew and loved, and going some place she had never been before. She knew nothing about Kreandor except for Ayan. Was that enough? Could she go with him to another

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world trusting everything would work out on love alone? She thought about him leaving and having to tell him good-bye. Could she do that? The thought twisted painfully in her heart and her vision blurred as she stared at him. Ayan walked to her. Reaching his hands forward he touched her fingertips, twining his fingers with hers then brought their clasped hands up between them. “You are Faerie, Heather.” As Ayan said those words, his hands started to glow around hers and power suddenly poured into her. Heather gasped at the rush of warmth, her mouth opening in awe as the tingling sensations flowed through her body. She felt her body absorbing the energy, accepting it as a natural thing, though it had never happened to her before, and she had no idea how she was doing it. Her eyes were wide as saucers as she looked into Ayan’s. His gaze held hers, intense with his turbulent emotions. “Do you trust me, Heather?” Fear clutched at her heart and she thought to pull away, but didn’t. “Why?” “Do you trust me?” His lips were pressed in a firm line of determination and she knew she had to make a decision. Nodding, she forced the words from her suddenly dry mouth. “I trust you.” Then his hands squeezed hers almost painfully and power rocked through her, she cried out at the force, throwing her head back. Only Ayan kept her from slamming back into the wall as it surged through her, burning her with its intensity. Her insides seemed to flair with heat. Her head rolled to the side, and she glanced at herself in the mirror. The two of them stood together, her whole body seemed to glow. It was as if it was burning from the inside out, bleeding through her pores, but what made her heart lurch was the long pointed ears that peeked out from the folds of her hair. As well as the soft green wings that fluttered from the energy at her back. She involuntarily caused them to move. Fear emanated through her and she screamed, jerking her hands from Ayan’s. The power stopped so suddenly she fell forward into his arms, her fists beating against his chest, sobs wracking her body as her world spun wildly out of control. She looked toward the mirror once more and saw herself as Ayan held her around the waist to keep her from falling to the floor, her body sagging into his. His hold was tender even as she fought against him in her weak state. She looked up at him, clawing against his chest as she tried to stand on her own, but could not get her legs to support her. Blinking several times, Heather tried to focus on Ayan’s face. She tried to speak, but her voice would not work. Finally, she gave up, going limp in his arms, letting the world continue to spin around her. For the second time in her life, Heather fainted. **** Blake snapped pictures as fast as the camera would take them as the scene in Heather’s bedroom unfolded. His eyes were wide with amazement as Heather now stood with wings. What on Earth was happening to her? He contemplated for a moment rushing into the house and helping her, but these

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pictures were priceless. Blake watched as Heather fainted and Ayan lifted her into his arms, carrying her over to the bed. Ducking from the window, Blake grinned down at his camera. Everything was falling into place. He would develop these, hire some men to bring Ayan and Heather to him and then he would start making his money. It was perfect.

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Chapter Nine Realm of Kreandor Kaian, Prince of the Elfin of Sherel and Ayan’s most trusted friend, swiped goodnaturedly at the little Faerie buzzing around his head. "Harmony! For the love of the Father, would you quit buzzing in my ear?” Kaian exclaimed, with a shake of his head. "Where do you think he has gone? Why would he leave without telling me?” Harmony asked, flying around to the other side of his head and smacking Kaian's fingers. Kaian sighed. "For the last time Harmony, I do not know. I did not know Ayan was in trouble." Harmony flew to his shoulder and sat down, resting for a moment. "I am just beside myself with worry and our time of joining draws near and still nothing." Kaian turned his head away to keep her from seeing the rolling of his eyes at her dramatics. "Harmony, I am on my way to see King Daylan now, maybe if we put our heads together we can come up with something." Harmony took flight again, flying ahead of him. Kaian shook his head. He did not envy Ayan being tied to her for eternity, in fact he felt very sorry for his friend. **** Heather moaned, rolling over on the bed. She felt as if her whole body was humming. Lying on her stomach, she stretched her arms, pushing beneath her pillows against the headboard. Her wings fluttered, the soft flapping sound brushing against her ears. Her eyes snapped open and she shot to her knees on the bed. Looking behind her, she cried out in dismay at the wings that opened and closed on her back. Feeling the bed dip, Heather spun around facing Ayan. “What have you done to me?” She yelled, pushing herself over the foot of the bed and standing away from him. “Heather, I have simply shown you what you are.” He stood cautiously, as if by making a sudden movement she might flee. The thought crossed her mind that she might do just that, but where would she go? She couldn’t go anywhere looking like this! She cried softly, trying to turn and look at her wings feeling like a dog chasing its tail. Facing her reflection in the mirror, Heather stood at her dresser and stared. She opened her wings behind her to their full expanse, not knowing how she was doing it. The light gleamed off the glossy deep forest green wings. She touched them and they were smooth and cool as her fingers glided over the surface. Leaning forward, Heather pulled her hair back, inspecting the long points of her ears. She touched their tips and brought her fingers down to the points of the lobes. Everything about her seemed brighter somehow. Her hair seemed to be an even more vibrant red, gleaming in the light. Her dark eyes seemed to hold the same shimmer now

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that Ayan’s did. She looked at him in the mirror, finding him watching her closely. “I didn’t ask you to do this.” “You acknowledged that you trusted me.” Heather slammed her fist down on the dresser, whirling around toward him, her eyes flashing with anger. “But I did not ask you to do this.” “I know,” he said softly. His eyes never left her face, but there was regret there. She pointed at him, her eyes full of accusation. “You should have told me what was going to happen, but no, you forced it on me.” Ayan stepped forward, grabbing her arms, but she pushed hard against his chest, shoving him away from her. “Don’t touch me! Don’t look at me! And don’t talk to me!” She turned away from him. “Just leave me alone.” Ayan did not go after her. He watched her leave the room. Her arms crossed over her stomach, her wings lowered hugging against her back, that action alone spoke volumes of how sad she truly was. They spent the rest of that day in silence. Anytime Ayan would walk into the same room as Heather, she would leave, until finally she locked herself in her bedroom. Ayan stood by her door that night hating what he had done, but he thought at the time that he was right in showing her what she was. He lowered his head, listening with an aching heart as she cried out her hurt, the hurt he had caused. **** Blake sat at the back of a dimly lit bar. Cigarette smoke hung in the air. Florescent lights lit some of the darkened windows advertising different brands of alcohol. There was a low murmuring from the other people in the bar, the distinct sound of pool balls breaking in another room and a woman’s loud laughter. The four men that sat in the curved booth with him came at a very high price. They looked mean and tough. That was exactly what Blake needed. No games in this situation, money was at stake. One of the men had small beady eyes that were not friendly as he glared across the table at Blake. Another man had a tattoo of a black widow on his right forearm, as he reached to the middle of the table to put out his cigarette. The third was bald and had a scar that ran from his left earlobe to the corner of his lip. Who ever had cut him, cut him good, as the scar was deep. The leader had long straggly gray hair, pulled back into a ponytail. He was lean and looked fit for his age. It was his eyes that gave him away. They were cold and calculated as if he had been in this business for a long time. “I don’t want them hurt, I want them captured and brought here.” He handed the leader of the group an address. The man looked at it, then back at him. “So half now, half after the job.” Blake slid a bulging envelope across the table. “Here is the first payment.” The leader looked inside the envelope and gave a slight nod to Blake. “All right then, Boss. We’ll see you tonight with the package.” **** Heather stood on the deck in her back yard, looking up at the midnight sky. She blew out a sad sigh then looked down at her toes. She crossed her arms over her stomach and involuntarily, for the hundredth time that day, moved her wings.

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Looking at the glossy green wings, Heather touched them lightly with one hand. A small smile flittered across her face as she began to flap them slowly, then with more speed. She yelped in surprise as she rose from the ground, her feet dangling freely beneath her. Heather laughed and stretched her arms wide as she flew up higher and higher still until she was overlooking the roof tops of her neighbors homes. Her wings created a soft breeze causing her hair to billow and fall softly around her shoulders. She looked down toward the ground, fear jabbing sharply at her stomach when she realized how high she really was. Then a terrible thought occurred to her; she didn’t know how to get down. Looking around her, Heather slowed her wings, but she began to drop too fast. Flapping the green extensions frantically, she didn’t want to do it, but she had no choice. “Ayan!” She yelled his name, waiting with anticipation for him to appear from the house. When he did, he looked up at her, stunned. She shrugged slightly. “I need help.” He laughed the sound deep and rich, carrying on the breeze to her ears. “How did you get up there?” He was taunting her and she glared at him. “How do you think?” Expanding his dark wings, he flew up next to Heather, smiling broadly at her. Reaching out he took her hands in his. “Slow your wings, but arch them slightly as you come toward the ground. Like so.” He slowed his wings and she watched. They did seem to arch a bit, catching the breeze beneath him. She mocked his movements and they soared to the ground together, their feet touching lightly on the grass. Heather was grinning from ear to ear. Her hands still clutching Ayan’s as she looked up at the sky. It had been an exhilarating feeling, one she wanted to experience again and again. “It is incredible, is it not?” Her dark gaze met his and she nodded. “Yes, it was an amazing thing. I can’t believe I did it.” He moved closer to her, placing her hands against his chest. “You’ve only begun to imagine the things you can do, Heather. You have so much inside you. So much power! I would love to show you the wonders of your ....” Ayan stopped talking, looking at her with a confused expression. His eyes narrowed as if he were trying to focus on her. “Ayan, are you okay?” Heather asked quietly, touching his shoulder. He wobbled on his feet, the palm of his hand pressing against his forehead then he stumbled into her. Heather caught him as he began to fall forward. “Ayan? Ayan!” She called his name, her small frame trying to hold up his larger one. Then she saw it, the small tranquilizer dart that protruded from the back of his shoulder. She jerked the dart from his skin and tossed it aside. Fear gripped her and she wondered who had shot him. Her eyes searched the bushes and trees. She spoke softly to him, trying to support his weight and get him to move. “Ayan? Ayan, we have to

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move into the house, quickly.” His head fell forward, and she grabbed his chin, her shoulder pushing into him, holding him up. She lifted his face to hers. “You can’t go to sleep, Ayan, please. I can’t do this by myself.” He tried to speak to her, to focus on her, blinking several times. Then, his eyes fluttered closed and his body fell forward, pinning her beneath him. Heather shoved against his chest, trying to push him from her body. “Ayan, no. Don’t go to sleep, please no.” Suddenly there was a sharp pain in her shoulder then her vision went blurry and her whole body suddenly felt heavy. Her arms fell like dead weights to her sides and from a distance she heard voices. Shadows stood over her, their murmuring buzzing in her head. She couldn’t focus on what they were saying and fear settled like a sharp rock in the pit of her stomach as she wondered for a moment what was happening to them. Then everything went black. **** Shannon gasped as fear ripped through her. She stumbled against a cart of surgical instruments, sending a tray clattering to the floor with a loud crash. She stood there for a moment gripping the cart working her emotions back under control. She knew it was Heather’s fear raging at her. How was she feeling it so strongly? It was the same overwhelming emotions she felt when Ayan didn’t keep his reined in. How was this possible…? Walking to one of the nurses’ stations, she dialed Heather’s home number. When no one answered she tried her cell, and got no answer there either. Something was terribly wrong. Shannon rushed to the elevator pushing the button several times for the first floor. When the doors slid open she ran from the elevator down the hall toward the emergency room and Blake’s office to see if he’d heard anything from Heather. Standing in front of his door, Shannon could hear the muffled sound of his voice. She placed her hand lightly on the doorknob, slowly turning it. Cautiously, she cracked the door open enough so that she could hear Blake’s conversation. “You got them both?” He paused listening to whoever was on the other line. “Excellent. It is amazing isn’t it … Yes, real Faeries. Who’d have thought Heather was one too.” Shannon covered the surprised gasp with the back of her hand upon hearing her friend’s name and the fact that Blake knew about Ayan. But he had said Faeries, Shannon thought to herself. As if there was more than one. She leaned forward listening intently to the rest of the conversation. “I am going to be rich, and, for your help, I will make you a very wealthy man as well … keep them both in my basement and strapped to the tables and keep Ayan drugged, I don’t want to take any chances until I know more of what he is capable of.” Blake hung up the phone and Shannon quietly closed the door. She stood there for a moment stunned at what she had just heard. Then, the sound of Blake’s footsteps spurred her into action. Racing across the hall, she pushed open the doors leading into another room. Hiding behind a curtain, she peered back around it, watching as Blake left his office, walking toward the exit. Her brows drew together in concentration and Shannon made

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her way to Blake’s office. Once inside she found books scattered all over his desk, but they were not medical books. Picking up one, Shannon thumbed through the pages with her eyes widening at what was there. There were pictures of Fairy’s, Elves, Trolls and other mythical creatures. Looking back at the desk, Shannon noticed telephone numbers scribbled on pieces of paper. Putting the book down Shannon began to feel a knot of fear forming in the pit of her stomach. This explained why he had been acting strange all evening. Shannon left the office. She stood there for a moment contemplating what she should do. Follow him. Find out what he was going to do. Whatever it was it didn’t sound good. She hurried to the staff lounge where her locker was and grabbed her keys and purse. She found a fellow nurse as she was running out the door. “I have to go. I can’t explain.” In the parking garage she looked for Blake’s car, he had parked another two levels up from her. She hoped she hadn’t missed him. Unlocking the car door she slipped in and scooted down in the seat so as not to be seen. Her eyes watched in the rearview mirror as Blake’s car went by. Starting her own car she pulled out of the parking space and followed him.

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Chapter Ten Heather’s eyes were wide with fear as she looked around her. She was in a basement or what looked to be a basement with its cold stonewalls and cool-damp air. Turning her head to the side she watched as a man with long gray hair pulled a needle from Ayan’s arm, keeping him incoherent to what was happening. The man noticed she was awake and flashed a cruel smile. She shivered, but refused to look away. “Well, hello there.” He dropped the needle into a metal pan. It was loud when it hit, clanging through the room. The man walked over to stand beside her table. He touched her wings and she sucked in a breath and tried to push away, though she was strapped to the table. He laughed and continued to stroke her wings. It was as if his hands were on her very flesh and she felt like a trail of slime was left after every touch. She cringed and whimpered. “Why are you doing this?” Her voice quivered and the fear was evident. He looked surprised at her. “You’re a gold mine, my dear. A living breathing, gold mine.” Turning away from her he walked up the stairs, the door closing loudly. She turned and looked at Ayan again. He was mumbling incoherently on the table. She could not hear everything he was saying, but she recognized it as his native language. “Ayan?” He didn’t respond, only continued to mumble, his head nodding from side to side. Tears burned her eyes, slipping and falling to hit the cold metal table. “Ayan, I’m so afraid.” She whispered softly. Heather went to wipe the tears away, but leather straps at her wrists were a cruel reminder that she could not. She went still when she heard the door open again and the distinct sound of Blake’s voice. When he appeared at the bottom stair, Heather blew out a hiss of breath. “Hello Heather.” He sauntered up to the table as if everything was normal. “You? You did this to us?” His grin was triumphant. “I knew you were a gem Heather, but had no idea the treasure you really were.” His hands brushed down her wings and Heather glared at him. “Don’t touch me!” He leaned over her, his arms spreading wide as he gripped the edges of the table, his face close to hers. “I don’t think you are in any position to be making demands.” Blake stared at her for a long time, his eyes cold as they bore into hers, but she refused to look away. He stood abruptly, making her jump in surprise, then he walked over to Ayan, all the while talking with excitement of his find. “I will have to keep him constantly sedated. I don’t know all of his powers yet and I don’t want to take any chances.” Holding up another vial of solution, he inserted a needle in the top, filling the syringe, and then injected more into Ayan.

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Heather cringed as she watched, her heart twisting in her chest as Ayan became more and more unaware of his surroundings and what was happening to them. Blake pulled out a notebook and started taking notes. He pulled Ayan’s wings to their full expanse and measured them, jotting the numbers down then measured his ears. He looked in them, behind them, measured the texture of Ayan’s ears with his thumb and forefinger. Then he approached her. Heather tried to push herself away from his prying hands as he expanded one of her wings, running the tape measure down the length of it and then he examined her ears. “How did this happen, Heather?” His voice was filled with such wonder and amazement she wished it could make her forget for a moment what was happening to them. She shook her head, tears filling her eyes. “I don’t know,” she whispered in despair. Blake propped his hands on the table beside her and looked down at her with a crooked smile. He seemed to be trying to cheer her up with that look as if saying everything would be okay and she was silly for being in distress. “I will take good care of you Heather. Good care of you both.” One hand ran down her bare arm, and she shuddered at the contact, hating his touch and the cold feelings that coursed up her spine. Walking away from her he approached the table on the opposite side of Ayan that held all of his supplies he would need to start his work with them. He picked up Ayan’s sword and held it up so that the light gleamed off the silver blade and golden hilt. He studied the sword for a long time, turning it over and over again in his hands until finally he looked at her. “What is this?” “It’s a sword,” Heather retorted. Blake lowered the blade, his expression annoyed, but quickly turning to angered impatience. “I know it is a sword, but what is its power?” Heather blinked at his question, wondering how he could possibly know it had power. “I don’t know. It’s just a sword.” Blake scowled at her. “Don’t play stupid, Heather. I know that it is special or he would not have tried to keep it in his possession when he started to come out of his sadation enroute here. He was worried about keeping it and of course …” his smile was sardonic and she wanted to slap it from his face. “... Keeping you safe.” He lowered the blade so that the tip touched Ayan’s chest. “Tell me what I want to know, or I will hurt him.” Heather knew that Ayan would not feel anything Blake did to him right now, but the thought of him doing anything that would hurt him was more than she could bear. She watched in horror as Blake drew the blade slowly across Ayan’s chest and the ribbon of bright red blood that welled beneath the silver. She cried out, fighting against the leather straps that bound her to the table. “No, stop it.” “I’ll stop when you talk. I can cut him up and see how nicely he heals, or you can simply save him from more pain than he has to endure.” Swallowing past the lump in her throat, Heather glared at Blake with all the hate

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she could muster. “It is a key to different realms.” He looked intrigued. “How does it work?” Heather shook her head. “I don’t know.” Holding the sword over Ayan’s chest once more he eyed her. “I don’t know!” She raged at him. “I’ve never seen him use it so I can’t tell you.” Blake studied her and he knew she was telling the truth. He could see it in her eyes and knew that she would spare Ayan any kind of pain if she could. Pulling the blade back, Blake laid the sword on a table and wrapped it with a soft blue cloth. He walked over to her table and brushed his fingers through her hair. Leaning over, Blake went to kiss her forehead, but she jerked her face away from his. His smile was cruel as he grabbed a handful of her hair. “Be nice Heather, and I’ll be nice to you.” With that he turned and walked up the stairs to the main floor. “Goodnight.” He called behind him then shut the door. She could hear the lock turning from the other side. Heather’s heart sank. How were they going to get out of there? She pulled on her restraints, twisting and turning, but nothing happened. She only managed to hurt her wrists, the skin rubbing raw from the leather straps. She lay there for a moment pondering what Ayan would do. Looking at Ayan, her heart went out to him. He was mumbling again incoherently. His body was shaking and she wondered if he was cold, or if he was having a bad reaction to the medicine? She hoped not. She couldn’t bear it if anything happened to him. She closed her eyes and thought of a plan. How to get them out of there? What would Ayan do? What were his powers? Were they hers too? She felt so naïve. She had so much to learn, if only she could be a little Faerie, then she could slip right out of the restraints. Her heart nearly stopped in her chest. A little Faerie, that was it! Her eyes snapped open and she looked at Ayan. He had never shown her how to be small, but she knew he could do it. Could she? Gazing up at the ceiling, Heather took a deep breath then commanded her body. Be small! She waited, and nothing. Taking another breath, she did it again, but changed her words. Be little! Again nothing. She was becoming desperate. She was their only way out. It was up to her. Clenching her hands into tiny fists, she took slow deep breaths. Closing her eyes, she imagined herself tiny, a little Faerie bounding from flower to flower. It was a silly picture she painted, but she felt warmth flow through her, a tingling sensation of power, and when next she opened her eyes she was in the middle of the table only a few inches tall. She wanted to do a happy dance in the center of the table, but instead she fluttered her wings, flying from the table until her feet touched the floor then thought of her self as tall. Again, the warmth surrounded her and she was her regular height once more. Leaning over Ayan, Heather touched his brow soothingly. She kissed his lips then went about pulling the leather straps free from his wrists and ankles. She leaned over him again, touching his face. “Ayan. Ayan, can you hear me?” He looked at her, but there was no recognition. She bit her lip to keep from crying. She wasn’t strong enough to carry him out of here. “Ayan. Ayan, can you be small? Can you change shape?”

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Sighing when he didn’t respond, she leaned back on her heels looking around for anything she could use as a weapon. Her gaze settled on the cloth wrapped sword. Rushing over to the table, she pulled the blade from the material and held it up. It was better than nothing, though she did not know how she would defend herself with it and get Ayan’s bulk out of the house. A light tapping on the basement window drew her attention. She looked at the small covered window and walked cautiously over, slowly pulling the dark curtain back. Shannon’s face peered through the glass at her. Heather immediately began fumbling with the latch to get the window open. It popped free, and Shannon pulled it up. “Heather. Thank goodness. Are you okay?” Heather nodded. “Yes, we are fine. Blake has Ayan drugged, and I can’t get him to come around.” Shannon studied the window. “Do you think he will fit through this?” Heather shook her head. “I think I could, but Ayan may be too broad through the shoulders and I don’t think I could lift him.” Heather reached through the window and clutched Shannon’s hand. “I need to tell you something.” Shannon’s eyes widened. “What is it?” Sighing, Heather squeezed her hand. “I am Faerie now.” Heather turned and let Shannon see her wings for the first time. At Shannon’s gasp, Heather whirled around and clutched her hand again. “Breathe, you have to breathe. I can’t lose you right now too, I just can’t!” The desperation in Heather’s voice brought Shannon back to her. “I know you said your father and .…” her mind reeled with what had been revealed and how unbelievable it was, but if she could believe about Ayan why not her dearest friend. It was because Shannon knew in her heart that Heather would be leaving. The thought caused a twist of pain to catch her heart and tears burned at the back of her eyes. Shannon nodded. “I’m fine. I’m alright, we’ll get you both out of there.” Heather heard Ayan mumble her name and she raced over to him. He was coming around which meant Blake would be coming back down soon, or someone else would be to inject him again. “Ayan, can you hear me?” He licked his lips, blinking his eyes rapidly as if trying to bring her into focus. “Heather?” He whispered, hoarsely. She smiled. “Yes, it’s me. Ayan, you have to listen. Can you change shape? Can you be small?” He only looked at her and she shook his shoulders. “Ayan, we are in trouble. Please you have to change shape or I can’t get you out of here.” She ran her hands through his hair, tears falling from her eyes to touch his chest. “I love you Ayan, and I can’t bare to think of what they will do to you if we do not escape.” She didn’t know what it was. The fear in her voice, the desperation, the danger or the love, but he finally responded. “The sword?” He asked. Heather held it up for him to see. “Right here.” He nodded. “I freely give the Llina into your care, to use as you deem it.” Heather felt power surge up her arm. It was cool, whisking over her skin from the golden hilt. It glowed for a moment and a rush air blew from the blade making her hair billow around her face and then just as abruptly it stopped. What ever he had done was

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finished and the sword was now hers. She watched as a green glow surrounded Ayan, it shone bright, blinding her so that she had to look away, and when she looked next he lay in the center of the table. Shannon watched it all from the window. It was amazing and she had to remember to breathe as her lungs started to burn in her chest. The sword held power and Ayan possessed power. He was elegant and beautiful, his wings a glossy black with shimmers of green. Now he was only a few inches tall and she would have never believed he could change size like that unless she had seen it with her own eyes. Heather scooped Ayan into her hands, walking over to the open window. She handed him over to Shannon, who cupped her hands, holding him protectively. Then Heather shrunk in size, blinding Shannon then she stood at the windowsill, stepping out onto the lawn. Changing back into her original height she held her hands out for Ayan. Shannon handed him over then motioned for Heather to follow. Jumping the back fence, both women ran through different backyards until finally coming to her car on the opposite side of the block. Climbing in the car they raced down the street. Heather placed Ayan in the backseat and he changed back to his large form. He was leaning, trying to sit up. “We have to get away from here.” Shannon put the car in gear and tore up the road, but their escape was proving short lived when they heard tires squalling in the distance. Heather glanced at Shannon. “There’s a park up the street here. Drop us off there. I don’t want them to know you helped us.” Shannon shook her head. “I won’t leave you.” “You must Shannon, for your safety, you have to. I will get Ayan back to Kreandor and ....” She paused, watching Shannon closely. “I am returning with him.” She watched the tears fill her friend’s eyes and her teeth worry her lower lip. “I love him and my place is with him.” Wiping a tear from her eye, Shannon reached across the seat and clutched Heather’s hands. “I will miss you when you go.” Heather gave a sad smile as they whipped around the corner to the park. They heard the squeal of tires again, they sounded closer this time. She reached across the seat and hugged Shannon. “I love you.” She kissed her cheek and Shannon squeezed her tight. “I love you too,” she whispered. Hopping from the car, Heather jerked open the back door and Ayan came tumbling out. Pulling his legs out of the way she slammed the door shut then yelled at Shannon. “Go, go leave now!” “I’ll watch from a safe point to make sure you make it okay, if not I’m calling the cops.” Shannon gave her one last determined look. ”You’ll always be in my heart.” Then she sped away, rounding the corner of the next block and out of sight. Heather gripped Ayan under the arms trying to pull his weight up. “Ayan! You have to get up! I need you to stand up!” She was screaming at him in hopes of something registering. His hands caught hers, and he pulled himself to his feet, swaying dangerously. Blake’s car peeled around the corner, fishtailing. Heather cried out, her arm

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going around Ayan’s waist. “We have to get out of here! Now!” She tried to hurry the rest of the way across the street into the park, forcing him to walk. Ayan’s weight was pushing her down, her legs shaking with the effort to hold him up. Her bare feet touched the grass and she was surprised when she felt a tingling sensation in her feet as if she were absorbing power from the very Earth. Her breathing was rushed and she jumped when she heard car doors slamming and then the unmistakable sound of feet hurrying towards them. Blake called out for her to stop, yelling at one of his men not to shoot. The acrid taste of fear bubbled into her mouth at the thought of a bullet slamming into her back and she stopped, turning to Ayan. “How do I make the sword work?” He shook his head as if he didn’t understand, his eyes going heavy. She nudged him hard in the ribs, jarring him. “How do I make the sword work, Ayan? Please!” She was frantic, her hand gripping the sword, her eyes darting behind her as the men were closing in on them. Ayan was breathing heavily, trying to speak. “S-strike it against the air a-and ….” Heather jostled him when he trailed off. “And what?” “Say Kreandor and the door will open.” He whispered. Clutching the sword, Heather wasn’t sure if she was doing it right, but she brought the blade down, crying the name of his realm and gasped when a shimmering white wall opened. Spinning in toward Ayan’s chest she wasted no time. Her arms went around his waist, her hands gripping the sword at his back and fell backwards into the white wall. She heard Blake shout her name before the door closed to him and they were falling into warm brilliant light. It felt as if heat were going around and through her until finally she slammed into hard ground, Ayan’s weight pushing the air from her body. With great effort she heaved his large frame off of hers, taking big gulps of breath. Trying to stand, Heather had to find her balance, as everything seemed to spin around her. Had they made it? She had to make sure they were safe before she passed out. That seemed to be becoming a habit of late. When she looked up, trees towered over them and the sky was black velvet with stars twinkling in the distance. They weren’t in the park anymore, she breathed a sigh of relief at the realization and that the world had finally stopped spinning, but now she had no idea where they were. She hoped Ayan’s home, but he couldn’t tell her until he woke up. The sounds of the night filtered through the trees. There were noises she wasn’t used to and she did not know if they were friend or foe. Were the animals here large and predatory or were they small and harmless. Suddenly the relief she had been feeling dissipated, leaving her with a fear of the unknown. She crawled back by Ayan’s side and laid down beside him, her arms curling around his neck, fingers twisting into his hair. Tears burned her eyes as she laid her cheek against his chest. Softly her lips touched his ear and she whispered. “Wake up soon Ayan, I’m so scared.”

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Chapter Eleven She could hear birds singing in trees and the faint breeze that rustled the leaves, but over it all were voices murmuring softly around her. She gazed beneath her lashes at Faeries standing around Ayan and her. Their wings were many different colors and they were all different sizes. Some were tall and lean while others were short and plump. A man with thick black hair, bright green eyes and solid black wings stepped forward. He was tall and impressive, his features strikingly similar to Ayan’s. He was followed by two women, both with expressions of concern showing on their faces. One was small and petite with long black hair, again with green eyes and jade green wings. The other woman was tall and slender with golden blond hair and pale pink wings. She was beautiful and for some reason Heather could not explain she felt a twinge in her heart. The man knelt down beside them, motioning to someone in the crowd. Another man stepped forward. Heather studied him through her lowered lashes. He was tall, with small points at the tips and lobes of his ears. His blond hair fell to the middle of his back, with a single braid hanging along the side of his face, blue beads decorating the braid. His cheekbones were high and smooth while his eyes were a deep blue and he had a full pink mouth. He was a very handsome man, but he lacked wings and Heather wondered who and what he was. He wasn’t Faerie, that she did know. The man touched Ayan’s chest. When he did, a brilliant white glow shined from beneath his palms. When he pulled his hands away, the cut that had been there before was gone. Ayan stirred then, his arm tightening around her. His eyes fluttered open and the dark haired woman fell to her knees beside him. “My son,” she cried, her arms going over Heather’s, giving him a fierce hug. His arm went around the woman and Heather heard his soft reply. “Mother.” Heather’s eyes snapped open. How could this woman be his mother? She looked the same age as Ayan. The woman seemed to sense Heather watching her and she rose, looking at her. Heather swallowed hard, not knowing what was going to happen to her now. “Who is this, Ayan?” Ayan allowed his mother to pull away and he rose to his feet, his father pulled him into a hug before he could introduce her. “We were frightened that something had happened to you. My heart is glad to see you safe.” Ayan pulled away from his father, looking into his eyes. “I will explain when we return home, about everything that has happened and where I have been.” Daylan nodded then looked toward the woman with flaming red hair. She was beautiful and he could not shake the feeling that there was something familiar about her, though he had never seen her before. Ayan glanced at Harmony uncomfortably, shocked when she stepped forward, wrapping her arms around his waist and kissing him soundly on the mouth. She then laid

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her cheek against his chest in contentment. “I am so glad you are safe. I knew you would return to me before the time of our joining. I have missed you so and now, we can be together.” Looking at Heather, Ayan could have died at the hurt look on her face. It was the last thing he had wanted was to cause her any kind of pain. Their gazes locked, and the hurt quickly changed to anger. He watched as her hand tightened around the sword and he didn’t know how he knew, but she was going to try to leave him and if she took the key he could never get her back. With pain and anger in her eyes she lifted the blade and brought it down, opening the door. Shoving Harmony away, he launched himself across the small space between them, his arms wrapping around Heather’s waist, pulling her with him to the ground and preventing her from entering the door. Everyone around them gasped. Not because the door had been opened, but because another they did not know possessed the sword and the fact that Ayan had relinquished it to her spoke volumes of her importance. Ayan’s body covered hers, his hands pinning her wrists to the ground. Tears trailed from her eyes and his heart twisted at the sight. She strained against him, her sobs growing louder until finally she stopped her struggles and laid beneath him in defeat. His hand gently touched her cheek and she flinched, closing her eyes. “Heather, look at me.” She shook her head, hating the fact that they had an audience and that she felt so weak. His lips touched against hers ever so slightly, causing warmth to stir within her. Her eyelids fluttered open and he gazed down at her with those intense emerald eyes. “Before I met you I had lost all hope of finding my mate. I had been betrothed to Harmony, but then I found you. You are my soul. Now that I have you and I know that you exist, I can do no other than be with you. I had to travel to another world to find you. I would travel through every realm to claim you, for how can I live without the beat of my own heart.” Heather touched his cheek, his words melting over her. “I love you,” she whispered. His eyes shimmered and she physically felt his love pouring into her. It took her breath away for a moment. Standing, he reached down and helped Heather to her feet. He held her hand firmly in his and led her over to his parents. “Mother. Father. I wish to present to you my rightful mate, Heather, daughter of Calyb.” As he said the words, he brought their joined hands up, squeezing hers slightly and they created the soft warm glow around their joined hands. Everyone murmured in surprise and approval that Ayan had finally found his mate. It was evident as only two that were mated could create an aura. Harmony stepped forward, her blond head shaking vigorously. “No. No, this isn’t possible!” The group turned and looked at her. She clutched Ayan’s other hand, squeezing, but nothing happened. Not a spark. Tears welled in her eyes and Heather felt sorry for her. Ayan was a wonderful man, he was beautiful to gaze upon and he had won her heart with his wit, his charm, his intelligence, his touch, and the way he looked at her. She loved everything about him.

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How could anyone not? “You are promised to me.” Harmony exclaimed, her eyes shooting green ice at Heather. Ayan stepped between them to speak with Harmony, but Daylan’s voice interrupted. “I understand you have been promised to my son, but due to new circumstances everything will be put on hold until I come to a decision on how to handle the situation.” All three heads whipped to look at him. All three hearts pounding in trepidation of what his decision would be. Ayan stepped toward his father, still holding Heather’s hand. “What is there to decide, father? It is obvious Heather is my mate. There should be nothing to think about.” Daylan’s gaze narrowed on his son and Ayan stepped back bowing deeply. “I meant no offense.” Daylan sighed, clasping Ayan’s shoulder. “I know this. Come let us return. You and Heather are tired and later we can discuss these matters.” The group started back, Harmony in a rage whirled into her small form and fluttered away. Ayan looked at Heather before following. “We will be together. I promise this.” Heather gazed into his eyes. “I know,” she whispered, a soft smile lighting her face, relieved that the other woman had left. “Welcome home, brother.” Ayan turned with a smile, to the owner of that voice. “Kaian!” He gave the man a hug, laughing heartily. Heather recognized him immediately as the one who had healed Ayan’s wound. A sword was at his waist and a bow and arrows at his back. Heather supposed, in this world, it must be common to carry such weapons. Ayan pulled away, touching Heather’s elbow lightly as he brought her to face his friend. “Kaian, my mate Heather, daughter of Calyb.” Ayan introduced her with such pride and endearment that it brought a blush to her cheeks. Kaian took her hand in his. “A pleasure to meet you, Heather.” “Heather, this is Kaian, Prince of the Elfin of Sherel, son of King Merick.” Heather gave a curtsy, not knowing what else to do, which seemed to please Ayan. “It is an honor to meet you, Kaian.” He winked at her and she gave him a bright smile, liking him immediately. It almost made her laugh that he was an Elf. She had always thought Elves were little people, but she could not have been more wrong as he stood well over six feet tall. Taking her hand again, Ayan lead her through the forest, all the while speaking to Kaian. She looked around not noticing anything really different about it, except the fact that the trees were as tall as skyscrapers and their bases were as big as a football field. It was as if giants towered over them. It was a neat feeling, but eerie too. If the wind blew too hard, she imagined a tree crashing down on them and they wouldn’t have time to escape. Heather gave a pleased sigh when she saw a deer. It looked normal. It’s coat tan with a white tail. It’s legs slender as it walked gracefully through the forest. Ayan looked at her. “What is it,” he asked, smiling at the intrigued look on her face.

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She pointed to a deer grazing up the path from them. “It looks like our deer back home.” “Much of our animals are the same, but there are still differences. I will teach you these things and hopefully you will come to love my world as much as I do, as much as you loved yours.” Heather laid her head on his shoulder. “Well, you’re here so I don’t think I’ll mind it so much.” He gave a soft laugh, his lips brushing against her temple. They stopped in front of the base of a tree. It stood between four other trees and somehow they all seemed connected. Half way up she could see where hollow branches reached from one tree to the other, weaving to different sections of each tree. It looked like another part of Mother Nature, but there was something that struck her about it. Ayan pointed to the hollow branches. “I see you noticed the way we travel from one tree to another.” She gave him a quizzical look and he only grinned. “Change into your small form Heather and let me take you home.” Closing her eyes Heather imagined herself small and she was. She watched as Ayan placed his hand on Kaian’s shoulder and both men shrunk together. Frowning, her hands went to her hips. “You mean I could have done that to you the whole time and you didn’t tell me?” Ayan stroked her cheek. “Yes, but you are not strong enough in your powers. It would have left you weak. As many times as you changed shape while saving us, I think only your will kept you from exhausting.” Heather’s lips formed the word “O”. The thought had never occurred to her that she could tire herself. “Speaking of powers.” She held up the sword. “I freely give the sword to you, to use as you deem it.” She felt the power of the sword leave her and watched as Ayan’s hair billowed around him for a moment, the blade shining then abruptly stop. He kissed her quickly, whispering against her lips. “Thank you.” Clasping her hand, Ayan lead her up the base of the tree with Kaian following. His hand touched a knot on the tree and to Heather’s surprise it was a knob. Turning it, a door opened allowing them entrance into the tree. Heather gasped in awe as they entered the lower level of what was an active city of Faeries. The floor on which she stood was smooth wood, while the rings of the tree started at the center of the floor, and she knew it was very old by the large number that swirled out from the center. The level they stood on was a market. Faeries set up their merchandise overflowing from their carts. There were food carts, carts that held multi colors of fabrics, plates and eating ware, jewelry. Her gaze followed to the next level where it looked like little apartments. Doors were open to each home, with a few windows that allowed you to see out onto the market or anywhere to the interior of the tree. Faeries flew from each level, greeting one another in harmony as they flew or walked across one of the many “skywalks” zigzagging through the interior to the opposite side of the tree. She could see where there were large openings that circled toward the top of the tree that allowed the sun’s rays to filter down into the interior,

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illuminating the area with natural light. “What do you think,” Ayan whispered against her ear. Not taking her gaze from the activity around her Heather answered. “It’s the most amazing thing I have ever seen.” Squeezing her hand, he spanned his wings. “Come, I’ll take you to our floor.” Releasing her hand, he placed his arms under Kaian’s and lifted the man up, flying away. Heather had no choice, but to follow. Many people stopped to greet Ayan, waving and calling his name, each one grateful for his return. They looked at her with open curiosity, but no one was hostile. She was greeted with friendliness and sincerity. One woman with royal blue wings and bright blond hair touched Heather’s arm, welcoming her to their home. They flew to the top of the tree, where it looked to be a ceiling, but Ayan pointed to a small staircase that led to a door on the sidewall. Touching her feet to the stairs, Kaian motioned for her to follow Ayan. He opened the door, with carvings of long stemmed flowers on it and she knew she was entering the royal chambers. Everything was immaculate. The main room was furnished with two thrones. The chairs carved from the tree itself. Designs of Faerie wings made the backs of the chairs with red velvet cushions on the seats. The wood floor was polished to shine, reflecting the array of wreaths that lined the walls. It was like standing on a marble floor, it gleamed so. There were separate chambers leading from the main room. Ayan led her into one following a spacious hall that led to other rooms. She saw at a glance a sitting room and a library that she would make sure to see. He led her up another set of steps and came to a bedchamber. The bed was like the chairs, carved out of the tree. Its legs rooted to the floor. Four tall posts towered at the corners, swirling like veins, as if trying to touch the ceiling with leaves sprouting in lush green from the wood. The bed itself held a thick mattress, covered by deep blue blankets and pillows. She walked over to the window, standing in a ray of sunshine that filtered through it. There was some sort of covering over the window though it did not interfere with the sunlight. The shutters were open from the inside and she turned and looked at Ayan in puzzlement. He stepped forward. “Nature of course is a natural part of any Faeries power. The windows are covered by a thin layer of bark invisible to the eye of anyone who might pass by. In this way they see the tree, but not the windows, and sunlight is able to easily pass through them.” “What about the shutters,” Heather questioned. “If the weather turns bad we shut the shudders from the inside closing out the winds and rain.” Heather nodded in understanding. She turned in his arms and he smiled down at her. “What do you think of your new home?” Looking over at the bed she gave a mischievous smile. “Everything is perfect, I was a little worried though.” At his confused look she continued. “I was afraid I might be sleeping in a flower or something. I am relieved to see a bed.” Ayan laughed, hugging her to him. Even Kaian shared a chuckle. Leaning over

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Heather shivered as Ayan whispered against her ear, his warm breath fanning her cheek. “But know that I will have you on a bed of flowers, Heather. That I promise.” She glanced up at him, her heart racing and couldn’t wait for him to make true on his word.

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Chapter Twelve Heather sighed blissfully running a brush through her hair. She gazed through the light screen covering the window at the dark sky above. The moon looked bigger here. It filled a large expanse of the sky. It was full and bright white and she felt the pull of it. She leaned against the wall content for a moment. Looking down at the sheer white gown she wore. It was elegant, the silk soft against her skin. It was obviously made for royalty and to make whoever wore it feel very sensual. Walking across her chambers, the gown flowed around her and she gazed at her reflection in the mirror, laying the brush aside. She would have to wear this on her wedding night as the gown left nothing to the imagination. The curve of each breast, their pink tips could easily be seen. Her gaze wandered to her hips, thighs. She wondered if Ayan would approve. The thought of her wedding night brought a forbidden fear all its own. What if Daylan decided to keep the arrangement of Ayan’s betrothal to Harmony? The thought caused a twisting pain to stab at her heart. She couldn’t live in the same world knowing that he belonged to another. No, if that happened she would ask to be sent back to Earth and to her human form again. The decision would be made the next day. She didn’t know if she could wait that long, but Daylan demanded that they rest. She wondered what Ayan would do if his father denied him. Ayan had promised that they would be together. Would he be able to keep that promise? Would he disobey his father? She couldn’t let him do that. Heather crossed her arms over her chest, warding off a chill that had nothing to do with being cold. She closed her eyes against her rushing thoughts and wished for Ayan, wished for the feel of his arms around her and his words of reassurance. As if just thinking of him, Ayan’s voice and soft knock sounded from the other side of the door. Not thinking to grab her robe, but only of being in his arms, Heather rushed across the room and flung the door open. Ayan felt a physical blow that took his breath away as Heather’s glorious body was revealed to him through the sheer material of her gown. The pink tips hardened under his intense gaze and his mouth went dry with the urge to take each bud into his mouth and taste her sweet flesh. His eyes roamed lower to her flat belly and to the red triangle where he wished to bury himself. He felt his body harden all over and knew it had been a mistake to seek her out. He stepped into the room, closing the door softly behind him. His voice was husky and strained when he spoke, his hands coming up to cup her face. “Heather, you take my breath away.” Her cheeks burned bright red and she ducked her head so he wouldn’t see, but his finger caught beneath her chin. “Never shy away from me, Heather.” He brushed his lips across hers and slowly started walking backwards with her, toward the bed. “Are you comfortable in your room? Is there anything I can do for you to make you feel at home, in your new home?” His invitation was purely sensual and she felt a

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shiver of desire flood her body. Heather smiled and gazed up at him. “I am perfectly content, but . . . ,” her words trailed off and she frowned, her knees hitting the back of the bed. She sighed and pressed her cheek to his chest. “What? What is it Heather?” he asked softly, kissing the top of her head. “What if your father say’s you’re to join with Harmony?” Ayan sighed heavily. “If such a thing were to happen I will think of something. I promise you.” “If your father does decide though and you join with her Ayan, I will leave and return to Earth. I couldn’t stay and watch you and Harmony togeth--“ Ayan brought her to arms length staring down at her with determination, his eyes glittering with possession. “I will never allow that to happen. I did not find you only to lose you. You are my rightful mate. I have looked for you for so long and had given up hope of ever finding you. I will not let you go.” Heather stared in amazement at him. “When do Faeries usually find their mates? How long have you been waiting for me, Ayan?” she asked softly, running her fingertips down the line of his jaw, smiling with pleasure at the shimmering green trail left in her wake. “A Faerie finds his mate usually within the first hundred years. I have been waiting for you for five life times. I didn’t think I had been blessed, but now I know that I have, I won’t give you up.” He cupped her chin in the palms of his hands, looking intently into her eyes. “Have faith in me Heather.” With a slight nod, Heather sighed. “Always,” she breathed, her heart racing as Ayan’s lips claimed hers. Slowly, she turned him so that he fell back on the bed, bringing her with him. She sighed, and crooned loudly as his hands snaked up and cupped her breasts in his palms. His thumbs rubbed over her nipples as she straddled his waist. She leaned over and kissed him thoroughly, loving the way his lips felt against hers, the way his body hardened beneath her soft one. “I love you, Ayan,” she whispered against his lips. She pulled his pants down around his knees, his legs hanging over the side of the bed. She kissed a shimmering trail down from his mouth, down his chin, over his chest and belly. Grasping him in her hand, she felt him tense and delighted in the hiss of breath that escaped from his lips and the sound of his moan as she took his length into her mouth. She played havoc over his cock, her tongue caressing the tip then sucking his erection into the heat of her mouth, laving him with sensual kisses. He cried out and she could feel him swelling further as her lips moved over him. Finally, she rose above him. Grasping the end of her gown, she brought the material up over her thighs to that she could straddle his hips once more and took him inside her. She cried out as he filled her. She moved above him, watching once again as they were cocooned in sensation. He caused fire to roar through her veins as he cupped her breasts as she rode him, caressing her, loving her until she shattered around him. Ayan thought he might go mad as she gripped him in the throes of her release, milking him, clenching tightly around him. Her heat seared him, the slick folds of her

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femininity gliding over him like velvet. He rolled her beneath him, needing to possess her. He watched as her hair fell like a flaming wave across the ivory sheets, her body arching to receive his every thrust, her breasts jutting out for his caresses. She was glorious to behold, and she would be his. And with that thought he thrust into her one final time, spilling his seed inside of her, her name a cry on his lips. **** Ayan, Kaian and Daylan sat at the head of the table in Daylan’s deliberation chambers. Ayan spent the next hour explaining what had happened in Garinick’s castle, how he came to be in the realm of Earth and lastly, how he had found his mate. “It is amazing that you found her. I think fate took you there, but the problem at hand now is Garinick. He will know you have returned. He will feel it, that the power he wishes to possess is back.” “I know this, Father. Garinick will stop at nothing to have the Llina. He will send his guards into the forest to search for me, for any signs of our people. We must use extra caution.” Daylan nodded thoughtfully, his face grim. “I will make an announcement, but Garinick may have to be destroyed Ayan. He will not stop until he has the Llina and we have to protect it. In doing so we protect all realms.” “Know that you have the help of the Elves of Sherel,” Kaian said. “I know this, buiochas, thank you,” Ayan said softly then turned, his gaze settling on his father. “What is your decision to be of Heather and Harmony?” He asked cautiously. Daylan stood. “Harmony’s father and Corriyn wait in the hall for us. I will make my decision now.” He walked to the door and opened it, allowing his wife and Morgyn to enter. Morgyn bowed deeply before his King then went to stand at the opposite side of the table from Ayan and Kaian. Shutting the door Daylan returned to his position at the head of the table. “I will allow both Ayan and Morgyn to make his plea, then I will state what I have decided is my final decision. Morgyn you may speak first.” Morgyn stepped forward. “Thank you, King Daylan. I come to plead for my daughter. Her mate has not been found, as was the case with Ayan. He was promised to her and bound by your word. If I cannot trust the word of my King, then I think all hope for any of us is lost. We know nothing of this woman Heather that was brought to us. Can we trust her? Should we really allow her into our homes so freely?” Ayan’s fists clenched at his sides, as he glared at Morgyn for speaking ill of his mate. It was low and petty, but he remained silent and let the man finish. “I ask that you keep your word and that Ayan be joined with my daughter. It has always been her wish.” Morgyn bowed deeply then stepped back. Ayan stepped forward. “For a long time I searched for my rightful mate, my other half. From a bad situation came a most joyful occasion. I have found the other half of my heart. There are those among us still, though few that have not found their mates. I know Kaian,” Ayan motioned to the Elf who stood off to his side. “He has not found his mate and he is the same age as I. Where are they? Why is it that this woman from the realm of Earth is my mate? How is it her father found his mate in a mortal woman? I think there are others at this Earth realm who are our bothers and sisters and to those of

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us, our other halves.” Morgyn stepped forward. “But how is that possible? How did they get there?” Daylan stood. “Morgyn you speak out of bounds. You are not to interrupt, as you were given that privilege.” Morgyn bowed once more. “I beg your forgiveness, King Daylan, it was not my intention to insult you or Ayan, only to find answers to questions I am sure we are all wondering.” Daylan nodded. “I do wonder and I have only one explanation. At one time the door to Earth and Kreandor was left open. Some of the Faeries and Elves found companionship with humans. Stories were told of us, about the Fey who live over the rise, or the Elves that will carry you away in the night. Rubbish, all of it, but the humans were a suspicious lot. They’d leave their sick children on the hills for us. Thinking something was wrong with the child, fools that they were. ‘Tis why there are humans in Kreandor now. We couldn’t leave them to the elements of their world and so they were brought here and raised. There used to never be humans in Kreandor. I can only assume that from some of those companionships children were conceived and offspring from that time to this has created mates. The power of the Faerie and Elves will always prevail over their human side, no matter how small.” Daylan paused. “It is the only thing I can think of.” “Why did I not know of this,” Ayan asked. Daylan shrugged, “It happened a long, long time ago, and it wasn’t of importance until now.” Ayan shook his head. “It doesn’t matter at this moment. I had to travel to another world to find my mate. It is destiny that we belong together and I ask that I be released of my betrothal to Harmony so that I can join with Heather who was meant to be mine.” Ayan bowed then stepped back. The room was silent, but humming with tension. Daylan sat quietly for a moment studying each man then began to speak. “Please know that I have given this a long thought already. I was up most of the night pondering the fate of Harmony and the fates of Heather and Ayan. Our race, along with others has been blessed with mates, predestined to make our lives whole, one for the other. When I found Corriyn,” he looked thoughtfully toward his wife, “I was filled with such overwhelming emotion and to this day the feelings are still there when I look at her.” He returned his gaze back to the two men waiting his decision. “I cannot force my son to marry someone who is not his rightful mate. To do so would be cruel when he has already experienced the love that can only be between them.” At Morgyn’s cry of denial, Daylan held his hand up silencing the man. “But, I will let my son decide. You will take the woman’s hand to whom you wish to join for all eternity. In this way Ayan has made the decision for his path in life.” Ayan inclined his head to his father, trying with difficulty to suppress the smile hovering over his lips. **** Heather was too excited to nap. Leaving the bedchamber Ayan had designated for her, smiling as she traipsed down the hall toward the main throne room, remembering the kisses and caresses they had shared. She stumbled upon entering the room, when she saw Harmony standing there. Harmony glared at her. “So, you are the daughter of our long gone warrior.”

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Refusing to back down, Heather held her head high, meeting the other woman’s gaze. “It would seem so.” Harmony gave a cruel smile, circling Heather, taking her inventory. “What is wrong with your eyes?” Heather touched underneath one eye. “What do you mean? Nothing is wrong with my eyes.” “I mean they are not the beautiful green of our people. You are an outsider and do not belong here. You know nothing of us, of what it means to be a mate to Ayan.” Her words cut deep for it was true, Heather did not know about these people or everything that it meant to be a mate. The other woman hurried on and the more she talked the more Heather’s heart began to ache. “He loved me before he left. We shared many magical moments together, found wonder in each others arms ....” Her words trailed away at the pained look Heather was trying so hard to hide. The lies rolled off her tongue easily. Harmony wanted nothing more than to hurt this woman for interfering on what she had been anticipating her whole life. Voices alerted the two women that Daylan, Ayan, Kaian and Harmony’s father, Morgyn were approaching. They spilled into the chamber with Corriyn following close behind. Morgyn looked upset, and Heather was hoping that meant good news for her. He came to stand by Harmony, and Ayan came to stand before his father and mother who were seating themselves at their thrones. He bowed deeply. Morgyn whispered something to Harmony and she stepped forward, behind Ayan. Heather didn’t know what was happening until Kaian came up behind her and whispered low in her ear. “Step up behind Ayan and stand beside Harmony.” Heather looked at Kaian, confused. He smiled reassuringly at her and squeezed her shoulder. “Go ahead. Everything will be as it should be.” Heather swallowed hard trying to follow Daylan’s words as he spoke rapidly to them. She stepped forward beside Harmony, straining to understand. She knew some words, but was still learning. She clenched her fists together and tried to keep herself from screaming against the fear and tension rising in her body. “This is a happy, but disappointing occasion. My son has found his mate, but he is promised to another. I know that Harmony has been most anxious for the day when she and Ayan would be joined, but I cannot allow it if his mate has finally been found.” Harmony yelled in rage, rushing forth to the steps of the throne. “You would break your promise? If he were not your son, you would not allow it!” She accused, her finger pointing in accusation from Ayan to Daylan. Daylan rose to his feet, anger flashing in his emerald eyes. “You forget in which to whom you speak, girl!” His voice was low, and seething with barely suppressed fury. Morgyn stepped forward, his arms going around his daughter’s shoulders, pulling her away from the stairs. “We both humbly apologize, King Daylan.” Daylan nodded, sitting back in his chair, but his posture was stiffer displaying his anger. “As I was saying, because of this I have no choice, but to break the betrothal. I would do this for any of my people in this situation. It is not right to keep one away from his or her rightful mate. So saying, Ayan, the choice is now yours. Take the hand of the

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woman you wish to join with and the preparations will begin and you will be joined at once.” Ayan turned to Heather, his smile was ready and exuberant as he held his hand toward her, palm up. Her heart pounding with excitement that she would indeed be his. She placed her hand in his, delighting at the feel of his warm fingers closing around hers. Harmony’s cry of denial and sobs filled the room. Her father held her close, whispering softly to her. Her head shook back and forth. She spun out of her father’s arms and hurried from the room. Morgyn looked toward his King and Queen, gave a solemn bow then turned and followed after his daughter. Corriyn rose from her chair, her smile brilliant. Walking down the steps, her pink gown flowing around her, she brought her hands up, and Ayan proudly placed Heather’s in them. “Welcome child. I have often thought of a daughter and now I will have one.” She embraced Heather. Tears filled her eyes at the hug. It was like her mother’s and she clutched onto the woman for a long moment, reveling in the feel. Daylan came up behind his wife. Corriyn pulled away and handed her then to her future father-in-law. “Welcome Heather.” He embraced her and she thought her heart might explode at the happiness she was feeling. Not only had she been given a wonderful man to love, but she would have a family as well.

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Chapter Thirteen Everyone was a buzz with excitement. Preparations were being made for the joining of their Prince to their future Princess. Corriyn took charge of all the arrangements. Heather watched as the woman instructed those around her. She was graceful, elegant and very beautiful. Her gaze swung back to Heather when they were alone once more with the seamstress. Heather stood on a stool in the middle of her bedchambers as the woman took her measurements, humming happily all the while. Flipping a basket open that she had brought with her she began pulling forth strips of fabric. “What color would you have for your “joining” gown?” Corriyn asked, coming to stand beside her and touching the vast arrays of material. Without hesitation Heather announced, “White.” Corriyn gazed at her in surprise. “White? Why white?” She picked up different colors of material. “Look at the greens and blues, they are so vibrant.” Heather touched a long strip of shimmering white cloth. “Well, where I come from when a woman gets married it is tradition to wear white or ivory. I have always dreamed of wearing a beautiful gown of white when I married.” Heather looked away, suddenly embarrassed at her rambling. “I’m sorry, if that is not appropriate another color will do.” Corriyn held up her hand. “Nonsense. If you want a beautiful white gown then that is what you will have.” Heather was warmed at the words and the affection she saw in the other woman’s eyes. “Thank you, Corriyn.” The woman gave a pleased smile. “Mother, call me mother.” Heather blinked at the tears brimming in her eyes, causing them to spill over her cheeks. “I would like that very much.” Both women stood for a moment staring at each other with tears until finally Corriyn laughed. “Oh look at us getting sentimental. Come, after we finish fitting you for your joining gown, we need to get you ready for the ball tonight. You will be presented to everyone this evening.” She walked over to the bed and picked up a deep green gown and held it up for her view. “What do you think? Ayan picked it out and asked if you would wear it tonight.” Heather lifted her skirts and stepped off the stool. “Oh, Cory ....” Heather blushed. “I mean mother, it’s beautiful. I would love to wear this.” She took the dress from Corriyn’s hands and brought it before her. It touched her ankles and was soft against her bare arms. “I must admit I am nervous. What if they don’t like me?” Corriyn’s hands snapped to her hips. “Not like you? I do not think that is possible. Everyone is anxious to meet Calyb’s daughter. He was a very respected Faerie amongst us.” Corriyn dismissed the seamstress. “Thank you, Lanya. That will be all for

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today.” Lanya bowed then left the room. “Tell me dear, what was your mother like? It is still a mystery to us that your father found his mate when she was not Faerie.” Heather sat on the bed. “My parents died when I was five years old. My memories of them are few, but I do know that he loved her. I have heard people say I am the very image of her, except for my red hair. They both loved me very much, and they loved each other the same.” Corriyn nodded coming to stand beside her. “That makes sense. When you find your mate it is overwhelming at first, but you feel with your whole heart. Our emotions seem stronger than those of a mortal being. It is because of the power within us.” Heather’s eyes widened. “I wonder if that’s why Shannon was so bothered by Ayan’s emotions and mine after I became Faerie.” “Who is this Shannon?” Corriyn asked with great interest. Heather smiled. “She is my dearest friend. She and I grew up together in the same foster home. Her parents died when she was young too. She is empathetic to people’s emotions. She can sense someone’s distress.” She paused while thinking about her first confrontation with Ayan. “When Ayan was hit by a car, and he was in the emergency room,” She looked at Corriyn, explaining. “That is a hospital where people go when they are sick and injured to get help.” When Corriyn nodded in understanding, Heather continued. “She was besieged with Ayan’s emotions. At the time I didn’t think anything of it, just that he was very upset.” “Your friend sounds like an amazing woman,” Corriyn said, hugging her. Heather smiled sadly. “She is.” Ayan burst through the door at that moment bringing with him lighthearted happiness that chased away sad thoughts of Shannon. “I have come to steal my future bride away.” Corriyn smiled brightly at her son who bowed deeply before her. “Mother.” She rose and kissed the top of his head. He smiled, then took his betroth's hand and headed for the door, Heather running to keep up with him. “I have so many things I wish to show you.” He took flight as soon as they left the royal chambers and still holding her hand flew with her to the base of the tree. Heather watched in delight at all of the other Faerie flying around, many stopping when they crossed their path to bow their heads. Heather smiled at them as they hurried passed until they finally touched the lower level. He took her to visit each cart, pulling forth money from a pouch tied at his waist. Pulling out a small blue coin he paid the beaming man, with dark brown hair and brilliant red wings. “Thank you, Prince Ayan.” Ayan shook his hand. “You know you have the best fruits, Medryon.” Ayan then turned his attention to Heather and placed what appeared to be a normal looking red apple in her palm. “A little something to give you extra energy as we tour the city today.” Nodding and saying a quiet, “Thank you,” Ayan proceeded. “This is where everyone comes to collect their wares.” They walked among the variety of different carts. Some were filled with fruits and vegetables, while others sold meats and wines. Heather sighed as she spotted a cart with brightly colored dresses, veils and beside it was

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another merchant with jewelry. Heather picked up a soft dress that was a deep blue and held it against herself. There was a shimmer that crossed over the dress when the light fell on it just right. She smiled in appreciation then folded it and placed it back on the shelf. Ayan immediately picked it up and handed it to the woman, with long black hair and royal blue wings. “Oh Ayan, you don’t have to do that.” Heather said, placing a staying hand on his arm. He only smiled and purchased the item, which the woman wrapped in a large leaf, pinning the folds together and handing the package to Ayan. “It pleases me to do this for you, Heather. Not only because you are my mate, but because you were generous when I came to your world.” He kissed her forehead and they moved on. Heather was introduced to many of Ayan’s people. They were all curious about her and anxious to greet her. Her mind was whirling at how she would remember all those faces and names, but Ayan told her not to try. No one would be offended and that in time she would come to know them all. They flew to another tree that was just as busy with everyone flying around doing their different errands for the day. The tree was set up the same with the apartments along the walls, the crisscrossing skywalks, or she assumed they would be “tree” walks. He led her to one of the apartments that was at the base, but was rather large. When she entered she gave a surprised gasp as small Faerie children all stopped their studies and turned to stare at her. “Hello children,” Ayan’s voice boomed with enthusiasm. The children all squealed with delight and rushed from their tree made desks to clobber him with hugs. There were an array of all ages, some looked as young as three and others looked to be in their teens. Ayan laughed as he swung two little ones up into his arms and bobbed them around for a moment, their shrieks filling the already loud air. “Everyone,” the children immediately quieted. “I want you to meet my future bride and your future princess, Heather, daughter of Calyb.” Fifty pairs of eyes swung on her then, and Heather blushed brightly. A little girl with dark brown hair and turquoise wings, stepped tentatively to Heather. Her eyes were round, the familiar green twinkling as she smiled. Her hand touched Heather’s and Heather knelt down eye level with the little girl. “Welcome, I am Shanya.” She said, cheerfully. Heather smiled. “Thank you, Shanya it is an honor to meet you.” Then she looked up at the others. “To meet all of you.” The little ones giggled and clapped their hands excitedly and the older ones bowed with pleasant smiles on their faces. The teacher approached them and asked Heather if she wanted to sit with them for a bit to see what the children were studying. As it happened the older ones were studying history of Kreandor and the younger ones went with another teacher to learn about their powers and how to control them. Heather’s mind was whirling by the time she left the school. Ayan seemed more than pleased with the children’s reactions to her. “What did you think?” he asked, eyeing her inquisitively. “I thought all of it was wonderful, especially the history part. I had no idea of all the different beings that were here and the war between the Elves and the Beithioch.”

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Ayan nodded thoughtfully. “Yes, the Beithiochs have been the enemy of the Elves for thousands of years. Still there is a strong hatred between them, especially for the Beithiochs. When they lost the war they were forced into the barren lands, where they still live to this day.” “What are these barren lands,” Heather asked, her brow furrowed in concentration. “They are to the south. The land is black and hot, where lava runs beneath the surface. Food is hard to find there, but if the Beithioch lived in a plentiful area they would destroy everything. They are like your locusts on earth, but worse. They are violent, vengeful people and the Elves keep a constant vigilant on them.” Heather thought about Ayan’s comments. “Is Kaian involved in that?” “He is. It is his duty along with every other Elf to protect his home. We stand beside them. Always the Faeries and the Elves have aided the other.” Ayan said, taking her hand and squeezing it. They walked outside or what appeared to be outside, though tall bark from the tree surrounded the huge garden they had just entered. The sun was starting to set in the distance and Heather was surprised at how long it had taken to tour, the day had gone so fast. “These are one of our family fields. Come, you must be famished.” So saying, he swept her into his arms and flew with her to the top of a tree and sat her on a branch that had grown so that she could lay back and recline in a soft groove. “I will go and pick you some food and then we will watch the moon greet the night.” Sighing, Heather leaned back and stared up at the gradually coming nightfall and the full moon that was starting to show itself in the distance. Ayan appeared moments later with bright red strawberries as big as her palm, some type of red melon she had never seen before and a pouch of water. She took some of the fruit from his arms and placed them in her lap. “These look absolutely scrumptious.” Heather commented, picking up a huge berry and taking a bite. Ayan smiled at her and gently wiped away the berry juice that had dripped onto her chin with his thumb. “Trust me they are.” He hit the red melon on the tree branch and it cracked open, showing a pudding like substance inside. “This is called a Milis.” He dipped his finger inside and held it to her lips. Heather smiled and happily licked the reddish substance from his fingertips, pleased that it tasted like watermelon. Ayan groaned. “I am thinking I probably should not have done that,” he said, looking suddenly pained. Heather was feeling bold, and very seductive. She lifted the berry she had bitten and held it to his lips. His gaze was intense on hers. “If this starts Heather, I do not know that it will stop.” He laughed wickedly and leaned closer to her. “Someone might see us.” “That’s okay.” Her voice was low and husky as she came toward him on all fours the berry still held at his lips. He bit into the ripe fruit exactly where her mouth had been and she moved forward, her eyes closing in pleasure as she licked the juices from his chin. Then her searching lips found his and her tongue swept over his mouth. Ayan groaned and pulled her onto his lap, his mouth opening, sharing with her the

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fruit he had been given. She sighed, pulling away and running her hands over his shoulders. He lifted the pudding to her lips and she eagerly licked the sticky sweetness from his fingers. She dipped her own fingers into the pudding and tenderly rubbed it over Ayan’s mouth then touched her own to his and relished as the gooey substance ran down her throat along with the taste of him. Ayan fisted her skirts, hiking them up so that she straddled his hips. Heather moaned, but he swallowed the sound devouring her mouth. “You taste delicious,” he rasped, breathing heavily. She wrapped her arms around his neck, burning up inside at the feel of his hardness pressed directly against her feminine core. She ground her hips into his, rewarded with his intake of breath and the way he crushed her to him, his lips running down her neck, bending her back so that he could continue to worship further down to the valley of her breasts. His fingers worked eagerly into the ties at the bodice, pulling them impatiently until finally the folds fell away and her breasts were revealed for his view. He groaned as he cupped one in the palm of his hand. “Perfect,” he whispered in awe. Heather sighed as she felt him apply the pudding around her nipple then and she almost melted. A guttural cry escaped her lips as he replaced his caressing hand with his hot, moist mouth. The green glow was beginning to cover most of their bodies and everywhere her body was tingling, adding to the pleasurable sensations scorching through her veins to the point of her womanhood. She sobbed loudly, cupping the back of his head. “I can’t stand it,” she moaned, trying desperately to speak when his tongue was working its magic over each breast. “I need … I need .…” He lifted his now, shimmering green lips from her breasts and gazed into her eyes, pushing himself against her so that she cried out again. “What do you need, my love. Tell me. Anything. I will give you anything.” His hands moved under her skirts and gripped her bottom, pressing her against him once more. “I need … oh, Ayan, I need you. Only you can satisfy what I need.” She gave a strangled sigh as he kissed her lips once more, a hand moving between them to cup her gently, his fingers tenderly probing for entrance. She moved to allow him inside her and she thought she might die when his fingers slipped between her feminine folds and began to work an enchantment all their own. His mouth continued to devour hers and she instinctively rocked against him, breathing heavily, clutching onto him as a shower of rippling pleasure overcame her. She bit into his shoulder to keep from screaming then groaned as she felt his length slide into her. She was a wanton. She couldn’t seem to get enough of him as she rode him. It was quick, vigorous, both needing each other as they needed their next breath. She gave a smothered cry as she came, her juices covering his shaft, making her slick as satin as he continued to move within her, and shortly finding his own release. They sagged against each other for a moment when Ayan finally pulled away from her and stared into her eyes, a smile touching his lips. “Did you enjoy?” he asked, catching her bottom lip between his teeth. She kissed him and pulled away. “Very much .…,” she said on a sigh, feeling his

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hands as they tugged her dress down around her legs and pulled the material back over her breasts. She covered her hands over his, knowing he held such strength yet could be so tender and so passionate. She gazed into his emerald eyes, kissing the tops of each of his hands. “Thank you, Ayan.” He kissed her lips, a brief yet tender touch of his mouth on hers. “I love you,” he whispered. “I love you too,” Heather said, hugging him once more. Her gaze moved over the trees silhouetted in the night. She thought she saw a pink wing move behind one of those trees’ leaves, but just as quickly as it had been there, it was gone. She shook her head slightly passing it off as her imagination and grinned down at Ayan for there was only time for him, a whole eternity of this beautiful man. How lucky could one girl be?

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Chapter Fourteen Heather spent most of the next day in the library near her room. Shelves of books filled the large room that was built tall so that books, filed up to the ceiling, were in every part of the circle room. Picking several books, Heather walked over to a cushioned chair and sat down. She started thumbing through the pages, admiring the drawings of each picture and slowly reading over the new language. The book she held in her hands spoke of the Faeriein the northern lands where winter was constant. These Faerie were fair of skin, all had white blond hair and metallic blue eyes. Where Ayan’s people controlled things that could be grown, these Faerie controlled the weather. They could wipe away the sunshine and create a blizzard within a matter of moments, freezing the land in the blink of an eye. She looked at a colored picture of King Wynter. He was handsome, his wings matching the color of his metallic blue eyes. Heather jumped when she felt Ayan’s hands close over her shoulders. He smiled and leaned over kissing her cheek. “I see you have met my cousin. He is as bitter as his picture. He lives in the northern lands of Sneachta.” Heather gazed at the drawing of his long face, high lean cheekbones, lean nose and thin lips. “Is he always in such a sour mood,” Heather asked tracing the man’s stern face with her finger. Ayan walked over to a shelf of books across the room. “He has been the last hundred years or so, I think he is becoming increasingly frustrated that he has not found his mate.” It sounded strange. Frustrated for a hundred years and he still looked like a young man. She watched as Ayan pulled a thick tall book off the shelf and walked back toward her. “Ayan,” she said softly, staring at her hands now. He came and sat down in a chair beside her. “Yes.” “What about me? Will I live forever now?” Ayan’s fingers touched beneath her chin and she lifted her gaze to meet his. “Yes, you will. The power inside you has been released. You are now everything I am.” It seemed unreal, but to be able to share thousands of years with Ayan it still didn’t seem like enough time. She blushed when he kissed her, her thoughts immediately straying to the night before. Glorious nights were in store for them and she found she could hardly wait until their time of joining. She was startled from her thoughts when Ayan placed the book he had retrieved in her hands. “I thought you would want to see this. It is not the original copy though that will be given to you since it is rightfully yours, but this was your father’s documentations on other worlds.” Heather’s eyes widened and her heart seemed to jump in her chest. She looked down at the leather bound book then with rushed fingers opened it.

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The neatly written words etched forever in the parchment seemed to melt over her. “Is this my father’s handwriting?” Ayan nodded. “It is. He always copied his work for this library in case something happened to him and he didn’t return from another realm.” Heather touched the words, feeling closer to her father, holding something that he had put such hard work and devotion to. “I am still learning so you might have to help me with some of the translations.” “I would be honored to help you, Heather.” He said, lifting her hand, brushing his lips across her palm. She smiled and rested her hand against his chest, her fingers brushing along the smooth silk of his tunic. “Well then we best get started.” They read for several hours, her eyes pouring over every detail her father had written. Ayan helped her with pronunciation of the different realms, learning those that were peaceful and those that were treacherous. “Ecsenar,” she repeated, reading aloud. “This place is dreadful. There are creatures here I can’t begin to explain. They are like sixty-foot snakes, spitting venom and roaming the land killing each other in their struggle for survival. Their skin is hard shelled, with horns above their eyebrows making them almost impossible to kill. I will not stay here much longer. I may not make it back to Emerel if I do. There is no other life here. It is barren. I will return home now.” Heather’s mouth was open in awe as she looked up at Ayan who was smiling at her wonder. “That is amazing. I never imagined such a place existed.” She lowered her head and began to read aloud again. “Aleolos. This place is pleasant. The people here are kind, their skin multi colored. They are hard working and honest to one another. They are mortal beings with life spans of two hundred years. Their land is abundant with food and game. They praise many gods. The god Aleolos, that is their realm and all things good that grow from its soil. The god Mendenis, controls the weathers. The god Tupulus, controls all life.” Heather set the book aside after reading about a few more realms, rubbing her eyes then folded her hands on her lap. Ayan slipped his fingers through hers. “What did you think?” She smiled. “I found it fascinating. My father did such wonderful work. There is so much information and I can’t begin to imagine how he did it all.” Ayan tugged gently on her arm and she leaned over, resting against him, his arm slipping around her shoulders. “As I said, your father was a brilliant man. He did so much for the Faerie and is held with high esteem amongst us all.” Heather frowned. “There is nothing in here about Earth, though.” “There wouldn’t be. Your father returned only briefly to say good-bye when he found your mother, his mate.” Heather sat forward in her chair and stared at him, her frown deepening. He traced the furrows in her brow. “What are you thinking,” he asked. “I’m thinking, how? How is it possible that my mother was his mate? How did she end up on Earth? It doesn’t make sense. She had parents and they had parents. From what you tell me another Faerie did not leave to go to Earth so how was it that she was his mate?” She was breathless by the time she was finished, but still gazing at him confused. “All very good questions,” he said, solemnly. “I do know at one point in our history the door to Earth and Kreandor was left open. I only found this out recently from

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my father. It is thought that your mother is some how a descendant of a Faerie and a human who conceived a child and that the Faerie blood has been passed on through generations, until your father finally found your mother and here we are.” Heather looked at him intrigued. “That’s amazing. I wonder if that’s where all the stories come from of Faeries and Elves and dragons and sorcerers.” She glanced at Ayan. “Ireland and Scotland, is where a lot of those stories come from.” Ayan kissed her forehead. “Tonight everyone will know their future princess whom I had to find in another realm and bring her with me to stand at my side.” Princess! The thought seemed unreal, but she would be an actual princess. How many times as a little girl had she and Shannon played dress up and placed necklaces around their heads to make a crown, pretending they were princesses waiting for their princes to rescue them. Her fairy tale had come true and her prince had been more than she had ever dreamed.

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Chapter Fifteen The throng of people milled around the throne room dancing and laughing. Heather breathed deeply, trying to calm her nerves. She worried her lower lip as she watched the women in their lavish dresses being whirled around the room by their escorts, who were dressed in impeccable leggings and tunics. She smiled thinking she had fallen into a medieval film, except for the wings and the fact that she was standing in a tree of all things. Looking down at her dress, she gave a nervous once over at the deep green material and the ivy leaves that wound up her arms, around her waist to curve neatly around the skirt. Corriyn had added that touch of nature and she was very appreciative. She jumped, then gave a pleased smile as she felt Ayan’s arm come around her waist. “Do not be nervous. They will love you.” He said softly, pressing a kiss against her temple. Heather leaned into him. “I hope so.” Daylan and Corriyn walked into the room. Everyone fell silent as they walked to their chairs. Once they faced the crowd the entire room swept into a deep bow, honoring their King and Queen. “Thank you for coming this night. My son, Prince Ayan of the Faerie of Emerel has finally found his mate. The two shall join in two nights’ time, and it is our honor to present her to you as your future Princess, Heather, daughter of Calyb.” Cheers filled the room. Ayan gave her a quick kiss on the cheek then with pride he took her hand and led her into the throne room, where everyone continued to applaud them. Heather smiled shyly, nodding to people as she passed in greeting. They came to stand on the steps below Daylan and Corriyn, turning Ayan presented her once more. When the applause died the people once again bowed deeply, except for one. Harmony stood in the center of the room, her beautiful face twisted in jealous rage. “Nay,” she yelled, startling everyone in the room. Slowly, everyone began to rise and Harmony rushed forward. “Nay! Ayan was promised to me. You are not worthy to be his mate, or future Princess of the Faerie of Emerel.” Ayan’s face filled with fury and he stepped forward. “You are out of bounds, Harmony.” Harmony glared up at him. “I challenge you, Heather. I challenge you to a dual and the one left standing joins with Ayan.” The entire room seemed to gasp at once. “It will not happen, Harmony! I will not allow it!” Ayan bellowed, his body blocking Heather’s. “You cannot stop it from happening. The challenge has been issued. She has to accept.” She yelled back, her smile vicious. Ayan whirled around to face his father. “This cannot happen. Heather is not

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trained and knows nothing of battle.” Daylan stepped forward. “Harmony, you have crossed the line.” He raged, furious. Harmony walked up the steps. “No, you broke your word to my father and in doing so you have left me open to challenge your claim.” She turned to face Heather. “So do you accept my challenge here and now?” Ayan stepped up, seizing Harmony’s arm. “It cannot happen now.” “It can and it will.” She almost screeched, twisting her arm from his cruel grip. Heather looked around her. Everyone in the room had fallen silent except for Ayan and Harmony. Her world seemed to turn upside down and she knew there was no getting out of this by the fear she could see in Ayan’s, Daylan’s, and Corriyn’s eyes. Something had happened when the betrothal had been broken. She was afraid. Not knowing what to do, but she knew she would have to accept the challenge or she would lose the respect of the people and somehow she may not be able to join with Ayan. “I’ll do it,” she said. Ayan faltered and Harmony’s grin was triumphant. “No Heather.” He pulled her away from Harmony. “You could be hurt and very possibly killed.” He said in a low rush, his hands clasping her upper arms, giving her a little shake. “She will try to kill you and I cannot interfere.” Heather gave a slow nod. “I figured, but I can’t let her keep us apart.” “We’ll find another way.” He said adamantly. “Come Heather, meet your destiny.” Harmony taunted, pulling her blade from its sheath. “She has already accepted. Let her go, Ayan.” Ayan spun around. “No! She is not ready. She has never had to defend herself in combat like this. It is murder to send her in when she has had no training.” He turned to his father. “If this is to happen I ask that you give me time to train her properly.” Harmony shook her head. “No! She fights now.” “What you ask is not honorable. You ....” “Enough,” Daylan’s voice boomed over the crowd. “Heather and Harmony, step forward.” Harmony rushed to the top steps facing her King. Heather glanced and Ayan. He nodded taking her hand and helped her to climb the stairs, her legs shaking violently. “You step back Ayan.” Ayan made to argue, but thinking better of it released her hand and allowed her to take the last step alone. “A challenge has been issued and accepted. Ayan speaks the truth that to fight now would be murder. Heather will be given time to train. In one week to this time the challenge will be met.” Ayan rushed forth. “One week is not enough time,” he stated angrily. “One week is all I can give,” Daylan bellowed. Silence filled the room, but tension still hummed there. Ayan clenched his fists, fighting against everything in his being to challenge his father’s authority. He bowed stiffly. “One week.” He turned and faced Harmony. “If she dies I will not join with you, but know that my blade will find your heart and though it would mean my death in return, it is a price I am willing to pay.” Harmony smiled smugly. “At least she will not have you.” Ayan straightened to his full height, glaring down at her with loathing. Grabbing Heather’s hand, he hurried with her from the room. Her training would begin now.

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Chapter Sixteen “Come in, blade up and block. Good, again,” Ayan said, taking his position. Heather sighed. She was sweating, her body ached and she had had very little sleep. Kaian watched intently, his eyes full of concern. “Ayan, She is tired. Why not take a break and let her rest?” Ayan shook his head. “No, she has to get this. Her life depends on it.” “Look at her, Ayan. You will push her to the point of exhaustion and she will not be able to defend herself then either. Your fear is clouding your judgment.” Kaian said, coming to stand beside Heather, who leaned against him, breathing heavily. Ayan stopped and stared at her. Kaian’s arm slipped around her waist and he led her to a bench and gave her a cup of water. His heart constricted in his chest. He wanted to keep working, but knew she needed time to rest. But of course, there was that fear nagging at the back of his mind, what if he forgot to teach her something vital? What if she didn’t get that one move that could prevent her from being killed? He couldn’t bear the thought of watching her die before his eyes. “Heather come,” he said, motioning for her to come stand before him. Kaian stood. “No Ayan, she is done for the day.” Ayan rushed toward him. “You do not understand. You do not have a mate.” “No, I do not and it does sadden me that after all these years I cannot find her, but Ayan you cannot change what is. She will face Harmony and she will be ready. You have to have faith in her and place your fears aside long enough to think clearly.” Kaian said, his voice softening as he gripped Ayan’s shoulder. Ayan stared at him wide-eyed taking in everything Kaian had said. He was right of course, but it didn’t stop the fear and he needed to stop it before it blinded him completely and he did make a mistake and cause Heather harm. “Would you two please quit talking about me as if I’m not here?” Heather asked, taking another long swallow of water. Ayan stared down at her as if seeing her for the first time. He blinked then turned and walked away, calling over his shoulder. “Rest. I will return later.” Heather and Kaian watched him go. Heather sighed and made as if to stand up. “I should go after him.” Kaian put a staying hand on her shoulder. “No, he needs a moment to himself. He will come around.” “You’re right. I just hate to see him battling himself like this, though I’m grateful for all of his efforts.” Heather said, staring into the empty distance where Ayan had disappeared. “Come, I will walk you back to your chambers and you can clean up.” He took her hand and helped her to stand. She stopped and gazed up at him. “Thank you, Kaian, for all of your help. You’re a good friend to Ayan. If something does happen to me you will have to help him.” Heather stated, though her eyes were asking.

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Kaian covered his other hand over hers. “You will not fail, Heather. I have faith in you.” Heather arched a brow and smiled for the first time in the last few days. “You do?” “I do,” Kaian said nodding. “And so does, Ayan. He just has to see it to remember.” “I like you, Kaian. If we were on Earth, I would introduce you to Shannon Sinclair, and we’d all double.” Kaian smiled. “And who is Shannon Sinclair? And what is a double?” “A friend of mine and that means we would all have to go out to dinner, or to a movie, or play miniature golf together.” Heather laughed at his quizzical expression. “Come on.” They left one of the many gardens and made their way into the main tree. Everybody was bustling with activity. Faeries were purchasing a variety of different kinds of fruits and vegetables at one of the carts in the market. Kaian picked up a shiny red apple and paid the seller. “Here you go. Eat something and you will start to gain some strength back.” Heather nodded, grateful. “Thank you. I’m starving.” They started up the winding walkway toward the top of the tree, where the royal chambers were. “Why don’t you fly up?” Heather shook her head, a big bite of apple in her mouth. She swallowed, “Can’t. I mean I can fly, but I am still very unsure of myself.” “But why?” Kaian asked. “Why what?” “Why do you doubt yourself? You are strong, Heather, like your father before you.” He clasped his hands behind his back as they continued the gradual climb. Staring at her with questions in his eyes. “This is all so new to me. Where I am from there aren’t people with wings, or pointy ears,” she teased touching his ears. “There isn’t magic like there is here. It is all so new and I have so much to learn. Things my father never taught me. Did you know my father?” “I did,” Kaian said, with a nod. “I respected him and his wisdom very much.” As they visited, a young woman Heather did not know approached them. Her wings were a deep blue. She was very pretty with rich brown hair and wide emerald eyes. She bowed deeply before Heather and Heather blushed still not used to being royalty. “I am Cryana. It was requested by Queen Corriyn that your father’s things be put in your chamber, since they are now rightfully yours.” Bowing again, Cryana flew away. Heather’s mouth fell open and she stood for a moment in stunned silence. Her heart was pounding. Her father’s things were hers now, a link to her past. She grabbed Kaian’s hand. “Oh, we have to hurry.” She started to fly, weaving her way around other’s in her haste, tugging a running Kaian along behind her. Once they reached the main throne room, she made her way to her chamber. In her room was a rather large pile of chests, set against one wall. Hurrying over to one she pulled it down with a hard thud and opened it. She buried her hands in the material of his clothes, pulling them out one at a time,

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touching them, smelling them as if maybe his scent would have lingered after all these years. Tears began to burn the back of her eyes. She felt Ayan’s presence in the room, but both he and Kaian stood back allowing her to try and remember. She shoved her arms into the sleeves of one of the tunics and pulled the shirt on suddenly in a rush, her movements jerky. “When I close my eyes I have a hard time picturing them in my mind. Their exact likeness, the way they smelled. I don’t even have my pictures of them anymore.” She said on a sob. She pulled another chest forward and flipped it open. She pulled out a sheathed knife and immediately tucked it into the belt at her waist. She didn’t really know what she was doing, but was suddenly going through the motions. Tears burned hot trails down her cheeks and her choked sobs were filling the room. Next she pulled out books, where he had documented his research. She rummaged through them, running her fingers over the elaborately written words. Flipping one of the pages, she gasped at a yellow rose flattened between the pages. The scent of the flower touched her nose and memories came flooding back on a tidal wave. She cried out falling backwards, but Ayan caught her to him, holding her in his arms. “Heather? Heather, what is it?” Heather gazed up at him, thought a haze of memories, reliving the moment her life changed .… Placing her hands over the brilliant green grass, Heather concentrated on the stem sprouting from the ground. She halted the stem with a thought and a flick of her finger, then cupped both of her hands around the tip. Wiggling her little fingers, Heather smiled in triumph as a yellow rose blossomed under her palms. Drawing her index finger along the stem, she gave a pleased sigh as tiny leaves burst to life. Clapping her hands at her newest creation, Heather jumped to her feet. “Mommy! Daddy! Come look what I did!” She ran toward them as fast as her little legs would carry her. Calyb and Lana put the sandwiches down they had been eating. Calyb caught his daughter, as she flung herself toward him, her arms circling his neck. “Come look. I made another pretty flower.” Calyb smiled indulgently down at Heather, but there was worry in his emerald eyes. “Did anyone see you?” he asked? Heather shook her head, her eyes wide and innocent. “No, I was behind a bush so no one could see me.” They all stood and walked over to where she had created a pretty yellow rose. Calyb ruffled her hair then both her parents knelt down in front of her. “Heather, we are excited every time you make a new flower or plant come to life, but you have to be careful out here in the open where others can see you. People would not understand and we do not want anything to happen to you, or …” Lana’s words trailed away and she tucked her hand in Calyb’s. “... Or your father.” At Heather’s forlorn look, she hurried on. “We are only trying to protect you, honey, because we love you so much.” Heather nodded. “I’m sorry. I’ll be good, I promise.” Calyb kissed her cheek then picked her up and walked back to the picnic table. “Let’s get everything back in the cooler and get to Colorado Springs so mommy and

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daddy can show you the mountains.” Heather helped her mother put the potato salad, bread and lunchmeat away, then they all piled in the car. Lana started the vehicle and they made their way out onto the busy interstate. As they began their game of I Spy, Heather was giggling at a description her father gave when suddenly her mother cried out. A car slammed on their brakes beside them, but it was too late. Their car careened into another vehicle, flipping into the air. Lana tried to slow the car in time, but she swerved and other car landed on top of theirs. Calyb pushed Heather down in time to avoid being crushed. The sound of glass shattering and the terrible crunching of metal filled Heather’s ears and she screamed as her fathers fingers twisted in her hair to hold her on the floor board. The car seemed to slide along the road, until finally it came to a jarring stop. Heather laid on the floorboard motionless trying to get her bearings. She sniffled and looked up. All she could see was her mother’s back, the rest of her body bent awkwardly forward under the crush of metal. She heard her father choke and she turned quickly to him. His seat was pushed back, his lower body buried. Blood seeped from the corner of his mouth. Heather moved awkwardly in the small space of the floorboard, careful of the jutting metal protruding just above her head. “Daddy?” She said on a choked sob. Her fingers brushed his bright red hair. Calyb groped for her hand, his breathing labored. “Heather?” She placed her tiny hand in his. “Daddy? Are you okay?” She asked with the innocence of a child. He smiled, but it was sad. “Heather honey, I want you to know you and your mother are the best thing that ever happened to me and I know this will break your heart, but I have to protect you.” Heather was confused at first then she felt it. Power surged up her arm, the warm tingling sensation prickled under her skin, rushing toward the center of her being. She felt it dwindle till it almost seemed to disappear. “Your power must remain dormant, for I could not bear it in the afterlife to know something happened to you because of your gift.” Tears trailed down Heather’s cheeks and she hiccupped loudly. “Daddy, I don’t understand.” Calyb’s eyes filled with tears now, too. “I know honey, but one day you will.” He coughed, his limbs growing cold and he knew it was time. He gazed into his daughter’s dark eyes, and touched her face lovingly. “Know that mommy and I love you and we will always be with you, Heather. Just close your eyes and know that I will be there.” His words faded away on a whisper like the sound of his breath until there was a terrible silence that Heather couldn’t begin to fathom. She shook her father’s shoulder. “Daddy? Daddy? Open your eyes. No Daddy, please don’t go!” Her voice rose, until she was screeching at her father. Finally she threw her tiny body across the top of his, her arms winding around his neck and sobbed. “Daddy, please don’t leave me.” **** Ayan hovered over Heather. She lay in his arms, breathing heavily. Her eyes were squeezed shut, as she clutched a hand over her heart. Opening her eyes, she swallowed hard, looking at him wild-eyed.

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“Heather? Are you all right? What happened,” he asked softly, brushing strands of her flaming red hair from her face. She shook her head, choking on a sob then quickly pushed herself to her feet and rushed from the room. Ayan followed after her and Kaian stayed behind. She was flying extremely fast, which caused him to worry since she was not yet used to her new ability. She flew outside where there was an open space of grass and dropped to her knees. Her hands immediately cupped against the earth. He stood back and watched her, watched as a yellow rose began to bloom beneath her palms. She laughed on a sob then hurriedly made another rose and another. Her hands and fingers weaved and prodded, creating a variety of different blooms. She trailed her fingers along the ground, vines with magnificent leaves bursting to life. She ran all over her garden, creating her own world. He watched as tears fell from her eyes, her sobs ringing loudly. Sweat dotting her forehead at her exertions, but he did not interfere until finally she fell to the ground in a heap. Ayan was at her side in an instant, pulling her into his arms, kissing the top of her head. Heather’s fingers twisted the ends of his hair. He looked down at her, but her head was still bent, her breath fanning across his chest. “Heather,” he said her name softly. She didn’t speak right away and he waited through the silence, squeezing her tight for reassurance. “I remember everything,” she said on a whisper. Ayan ran his hands up and down her back. “Do you want to tell me about it? It might help to speak it out loud.” Heather took a deep breath, pushing herself up then delved into her story. “I knew what my father was. I used to be able to grow flowers and plants when I was a child, but both my parents were killed in a car accident. I knew they were and I was told I had been with them, but I didn’t remember the accident. I didn’t remember what happened, but now I know.” A tear slipped down her cheek and Ayan wiped it away with the pad of his thumb. Heather shook her head, staring down at her hands. “Before he died he hid my power within me, afraid at my young age that I wouldn’t stop using my powers and harm would come to me.” Her tear-filled gaze met his, and Ayan’s heart lurched at the pain there. “In doing that I forgot everything. Every aspect of my life before my power was hidden.” She fell forward into his arms again and cried against his chest. Ayan said nothing, only held her tight in his embrace. He held her until she finally drifted off to sleep, then gently lifted her into his arms and carried her back to her chambers. He laid her upon her bed then climbed in beside her, pleased when her body turned in toward his, anxious for his embrace. He wrapped his arms around her and thought about everything she had been through in the last days. His heart went out to her. She had to come to terms with so much at once. How brave she was. How strong. Now he had to get her to see it, to realize the truth within herself. The next couple days he would have to push her, so that he wouldn’t lose her. That thought was like a cold fist clenching around his heart and he shuddered, holding her tight against him.

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Chapter Seventeen Heather slipped the tunic over her head, her hands shaking slightly. She forced herself to take a big breath and try to calm down. In just a few short moments she would face Harmony. Her heart beat rapidly and she took another deep breath. Lifting her belt she tied it around her waist then slipped her father’s knife into its sheath. She looked at herself in the mirror. She could see the fear in her own eyes, and knew that Harmony and everyone else would see it too. Both Ayan and Kaian had worked hard with her. Both had been patient in training her and they gave her confidence, but it was Ayan’s words she thought about now. “Your father will be with you, search inside to find his strength in you. To find your strength that I know is there.” He hadn’t left her these last two nights. He had stayed with her, holding her, rubbing her back, running his fingers through her hair. He never went further, and it was as if they both understood the quiet contentment was what they both needed. A knock on the door sounded and Heather turned toward it. Ayan stood in the doorway. “It is time, Heather.” He walked into the room and came to stand before her. He clutched her hands, and she could feel them shaking and knew he was just as terrified as she was. “Be quicker, be stronger, but most of all think faster than Harmony. Call on the spirit of your father, Heather, he won’t let you down …” his words trailed away and he gazed into her eyes, leaning forward he kissed her lips tenderly. “... And neither will I.” Heather squeezed his hands in return, feeling tears burn at the back of her eyes. “I know.” He led her out of her chambers to the throne room. There was a small crowd of witnesses and Heather’s gaze immediately found Harmony, who stood beside her father, her eyes gleaming for battle. Heather swallowed hard, feeling her heart lurch into her throat, comforted slightly by the pressure of Ayan’s hand around hers. Ayan came to stand with her on the opposite side of the room from Harmony. Kaian stood at the foot of the steps beside Daylan and Corriyn. Daylan spoke, “There will only be this small gathering of witnesses. Because Heather is not familiar with our ways she will not be subjected to the large audience that usually witnesses an event such as this.” Daylan turned his emerald gaze on both women. “You will both fight ‘til one dies or one surrenders. This fight will be fair, which is why I have asked two of my royal guards to witness.” Two men stepped forth. Both had long blond hair, one with mauve wings and the other with silver. Their hands, both rested on swords at their waists as if to say they would not hesitate to use them. Heather didn’t know how she had heard anything Daylan had said, with the roaring that was ringing through her ears. Her heart seemed to be hammering out of control and she was finding it difficult to breath. She watched as Daylan moved up the

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steps with Corriyn then Ayan grabbed her abruptly and turned her to face him. She let out a yelp startled and terrified. She took in his beautiful face lest it be her last. His emerald eyes probed into hers. “Remember what you have learned and all I have told you.” He placed his hand over her heart and she burned where he touched her. “You have the strength and power in here.” He gripped her shoulders tightly and she knew there would be bruises there, but she didn’t care. “I love you, Heather, my mate, my love. Be strong, reach for the power within.” She could tell he didn’t want to let her go, especially when Harmony’s voice cut through Ayan’s words of comfort like a knife. “Let her go, Ayan. Let her come to me.” Ayan didn’t let her go and Heather knew the moment had finally come. “I love you too, Ayan. No matter what happens.” She smiled sadly then tapped his hands with her own, and he, with what looked to be great effort, released her. Shaking, Heather turned to face Harmony. The woman was seething with rage across the room from her, knife in hand, murder in her eyes. Heather pulled her own blade and Harmony didn’t wait, she gave a high-pitched cry and raced at Heather. Heather’s eyes widened and she screamed as she jumped back in time, narrowly missing the slice of the blade. Harmony took to the air, her wings expanding and fluttering wildly as she came at Heather’s face. The blade found its mark slicing up her cheek and nicking the corner of her eye. Harmony laughed out loud and Heather gasped as her face began to burn and the feel of blood as it ran in dripping ribbons down her cheek. “It doesn’t look good for you, Heather. You might have to surrender so at least you can leave with your life.” The woman was gloating and that was careless. Heather lashed out with a feral cry, slicing across Harmony’s shoulder. Harmony screeched rearing back then flew at Heather, swinging her blade again. Heather stumbled back falling, and hit her head on the hard wood floor. Everything began to spin. She could hear Harmony fluttering and laughing somewhere from above. She needed help. She closed her eyes for a brief moment. Daddy, please help me, the plea whispered from her heart and filled her with warmth. Calyb was with her. Always he and her mother were with her. She felt his spirit fill her. He was standing there before her eyes, light shinning around him, his deep green wings expanded. He kissed her forehead and then took her hand in his. “I love you, Heather, I’ll never leave you.” With those words he fell into her. She felt power surge through her, seeming to start at the center of her heart and pour out through her fingers and toes. She heard Harmony’s cry of victory and Heather’s eyes snapped open. With a quick reflex, Heather’s hand shot up grabbing the dagger flying down at her heart. She twisted Harmony’s wrist causing her to yelp, dropping the knife, then Heather back-handed her, sending her flying to land disoriented on her back. Heather came to her feet and walked over to Harmony, she leaned over the woman and placed the blade at her throat. “You have lost.” Harmony glared up at her. “I only lose when you kill me.” She hissed. Heather moved quickly and then Morgyn gasped, Harmony’s eyes widening in fear for the final blow, but it didn’t come. Heather looked her in the eye, the point digging into Harmony’s neck. “You’re dead.” With that she rose and walked away from

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Harmony and slowly the small gathering began to applaud. Ayan rushed up to her and finally Heather allowed herself to spill over into the fear that had been within her. Her legs gave out from beneath her and Ayan quickly swept her up into his arms and left the throne room, Kaian hot on his heels. The door to her chambers burst open and Kaian motioned for Ayan to lay her on the bed. He did and Kaian came down beside her. Heather stared up at him wide-eyed. “Ayan get me a cloth and water to wash away the blood.” Kaian said, taking Heather’s hand. Ayan did so quickly and in his absence he spoke softly to Heather. “I am going to heal your cheek, Heather.” At her look of fear he hurried on. “It will not hurt, I promise. It will not scar and there will be no trace that you had been cut.” Heather gave a little nod, watching wide-eyed as Kaian brought a hand up and cupped her cheek. She could see a faint glow of white that got brighter forcing her to close her eyes against the brilliance. Warmth touched her cheek, she felt the cut being pulled and mended together until finally he brought his hand away. Taking a wet cloth from Ayan, Kaian wiped the blood from her cheek and smiled. “’Tis gone, Princess Heather,” he kissed her hand then rose from the bed and placed it in Ayan’s who came down on the bed beside her, his hands running over her face, through her hair, over her arms. “I can’t believe you did that, my brave warrior, with the heart of her father.” His words were filled with wonder. “You showed great bravery tonight and to let Harmony live spoke volumes of your mercy and honor. They all loved you.” He pulled her into his arms, resting her cheek against his chest. She could feel the beat of his heart and she sighed against the rhythm, wrapping her arms tight around him. “I was so afraid,” she whispered. Ayan gave a slight chuckle. “So was I, but now nothing will stand in our way. We will join and share eternity together.”

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Chapter Eighteen Harmony flew blindly through the night. Tears fell from her emerald eyes and she wiped roughly at them with the back of her hand. She wove through trees and vines not really thinking about where she was going, but feeling only the pain of her loss and betrayal. She pushed passed leaves from a bush when suddenly a small cage closed around her. She gripped the bars and looked up into the black eyes of a Baluel. A scream erupted from her throat, and her heart pounded with fear as Garinick’s creature flew away with her. She watched as the silhouette of Garinick’s castle came into view. Her heart was pounding and her throat went dry at what the sorcerer could possibly want. All too quickly they entered through the black gates and through the darkened halls till they finally came into a lavish bedroom. The Baluel released her from her cage and quickly left the room. Harmony fluttered about, but there was no way to escape. The windows were boarded shut, the door was bolted and the walls were thick rock. All she could do was wait. She settled down on the large canopy bed, dipping into the satin pillow as she faced the door, refusing to change into her large form until she knew what was going to happen to her. She didn’t have long to wait before she heard footsteps coming down the corridor toward her room. She flew into the air as the door opened, her hands flying upward and glowing pale pink. “Why have you brought me here,” she demanded. Garinick’s smile was indulgent, one that you would bestow on a small child. “Welcome Harmony. Is your room not to your liking? If not, I can have another prepared for you immediately.” She eyed him warily. “What are you doing? What do you want with me?” “I can answer those simply. I want something and I believe you can help me get it.” Harmony’s eyes widened and her heart constricted in her chest. “The Llina. You want the key.” “Very good,” he said inclining his head toward her. He clasped his hands behind his back and stepped further into the room, his scarlet red robes billowing around him slightly. “I have wanted the sword for a very long time now, and something tells me that you can help me to achieve it.” Harmony shook her head. “I don’t know how.” His grin was wicked. His eyes alight with malice. “But you do. I have heard the buzz from the forest that Ayan has finally found … his mate.” His brows lifted in inquiry, letting the last words out slowly so that they lingered in the air. At the pained look on Harmony’s face, Garinick hurried on wanting her to become angry and in doing so become his accomplice. “He promised himself to you, and then broke his word. This woman shows up out of thin air and ruined everything you

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have worked all your years to attain. She humiliated you. He humiliated you and now, here you are. Alone. Feeling in exile with your own people. She did this.” He watched the play of emotions play over her face. Surprise, sadness then what he had been hoping for, anger. Her hands lowered slowly and she lifted her emerald gaze to his red glowing one. “What will happen if I help you,” she asked in a low voice. “What do you want, Harmony my dear? You tell me and if it is possible it will be yours.” He crossed his arms and waited. “Ayan. I want Ayan.” Garinick nodded as if contemplating. “That can be arranged and the woman?” Murder entered her eyes, glittering with malice. “Dead.” The word hung suspended in the air between them, her lips curled into a snarl. “As you wish. I will need her alive at first though and unharmed, but when the sword has been given to me willingly, then you can do what you like with her, but nothing before.” “Fine, but she will feel my blade in her belly for doing this to me. She should have stayed in her Earth realm and never interfered here,” Harmony said, drawing her knife from her belt. Garinick held his hands open in invitation. “Come, join me for dinner as we discuss our future endeavors.” Harmony swirled into her large form and taking Garinick’s arm allowed him to lead her from her room, her heart rejoicing that she hadn’t lost her chance. Ayan would be hers in the end. She could almost taste victory along with the food as they discussed what she would do to lure Heather from the safety of Emerel and into Garinick’s clutches. It all seemed too perfect. She smiled evilly as she picked up a large ripe berry and bit into the piece of fruit, allowing the juices to slide down her throat. It was all too sweet indeed.

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Chapter Nineteen Corriyn, the seamstress, Lanya, and Heather had worked hard to finish Heather’s wedding dress and now she stood in front of a mirror, the gown of white satin billowing around her. Corriyn arranged flowers in her hair, placing her fingers here and there, white roses blooming under her touch. When she stepped back, Heather gave a pleased sigh. “The flowers are beautiful.” Turning to the seamstress she took her hand. “And so is the dress, thank you.” Lanya bowed deeply. “It was an honor, Princess Heather.” Heather blinked, surprised and Corriyn laughed. “You will be a Princess shortly, daughter.” Stepping down from the stool, Heather looked at her future mother-in-law. “I suppose you are right, though it is odd to hear it.” She said. Music filtered into the room and Corriyn took her hand. “The time is here. You are ready to join with Ayan.” Lanya fluttered out of the room and Corriyn helped Heather to follow, carrying her train. It did not seem a task for a Queen, but she seemed proud to do it. Walking out of the throne room, Heather gasped at the four men holding a chair for her. Four long rods extended out of the seat of the chair, and they stood ready for her. Four more stood with another chair, waiting. “Get on, daughter. They will take us to the ceremony where everyone is awaiting our arrival.” They came to their knees as they approached, only one remained standing, but bowed as he took her hand and seated her. Once settled, they flapped their wings and flew up and out of the tree. They soared into the night. The sky was black velvet with stars twinkling and the moon full and bright. The breeze brushed her face and ruffled her hair. Looking down she noticed a long, wide platform that covered the tops of the trees of Ayan’s kingdom. People filled the platform already seated and awaiting her arrival. The men carrying her swooped dowFaeries of Emerel all rose to their feet. Corriyn took her hand and helped her. Before they walked down the aisle, Corriyn stopped her and placing her hands above Heather’s arms, Heather gasped as they filled with an abundance of white roses and swirling leaves. Corriyn smiled and placed an arm at Heather’s back and her free hand at Heather’s elbow and began leading her down the aisle. An ivy arch canopied over the crowd, with white roses blooming out of the green ceiling. Winding torches that reached from the floor softly glowed, leading her path to Ayan. He was waiting for her by a small man, with a round belly and red-brown wings. Ayan’s eyes filled with pride as he stared at her then desire flared there and began to burn bright. He looked handsome in his dark leggings and jeweled tunic. His hair fell straight and smooth over his shoulders, his long ears protruding from the dark mass. He was the

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most handsome man there and her heart fluttered that soon they would be together as man and wife. When they finally stood before Ayan, Corriyn placed Heather’s hands in his, and then she walked away to join her husband. The man who would join them began to speak, but all was lost as Heather fell into the emerald gaze of Ayan. She was filled with warmth at the love she saw there, the hunger that was all consuming. Ayan smiled, it was purely masculine and her heart fluttered. The holy man brought his hands over theirs, bringing their clasped hands up between them, where they glowed a brilliant green. The holy man spoke slowly, sprinkling water over their heads for purity of heart, leaves from ivy so that they may be fruitful and then the petals of a red rose so that only their hearts beat for the other. He spoke firm in the end that they were joined now in mind, body, heart and soul. Ayan made to turn toward the crowd to present his Princess when she suddenly threw her arms around him and kissed him to everyone’s astonishment and delight. The crowd cheered while Ayan swept her into his embrace and kissed her with passion for all to witness. When he let her go she was breathless. She was blushing from the roots of her hair to the tips of her toes as she witnessed Ayan’s glowing lips. “Something tells me we weren’t supposed to kiss in the end like in a regular marriage ceremony,” she whispered in embarrassment. Ayan touched her nose and leaned down to kiss her temple while the crowd applauded. “The kiss was perfect. You are perfect, and it’s our night.” She grinned as he led her back down the aisle toward a night of feasting, dancing and the promise of splendor. **** Heather lifted her glass as King Daylan toasted to his son and new daughter. Everyone applauded as Daylan finished his speech. Ayan held up a piece of roasted meat to her lips. She smiled, accepting the bite, her tongue licking over his fingers. He groaned and pulled her against him, kissing her till she was breathless. Everyone laughed and cheered them on, enjoying the merriment. The dancing began and Heather was unsure of her steps, but found herself falling into the simple rhythm as Ayan and she shared their first dance as a joined couple. Others followed suit and he spun her around the floor, making her laugh and dizzy with his attention. Finally when she was able to retire to the table a man approached them. He had long white hair, and metallic blue wings and eyes. Heather recognized him immediately from his picture. Ayan rose and greeted him with a bow and a slap on the back. “Wynter, allow me to present my mate, my wife in her terms,” Ayan said smiling at Heather. “Heather, Princess of Emerel, daughter of Calyb.” Heather curtseyed. Wynter bowed deeply taking her hand in his and kissing it’s back. “A pleasure Princess Heather. Welcome to the family.” He said all of this, but Heather felt none of the pleasure. His demeanor was cold and aloof. “We’re honored you could make it for the joining. Eat and drink, Wynter,” Ayan said. Wynter only lifted a brow, bored. “I will retire to my room and journey back to Sneachta in the morning.”

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Ayan stepped forward, serious. He lowered his voice. “The Earth realm is where I found my mate. Perhaps yours is waiting there for you to claim her.” Wynter smirked. “Ice surrounds my heart, Ayan. I don’t think there is one who could melt it. Peace to you, cousin.” Wynter walked away, leaving a cold chill behind him. Ayan shook his head and then turned back to his bride. She stood there staring at him, looking radiant. He went to her and took her in his arms. “I need you, Heather. I need you like Kreandor needs the sun to light her way.” Heather sighed as he lifted her in his arms. The room went into a raucous laughter and cheers as he carried her away. Heather smiled in sweet anticipation. **** Heather snuggled deeper into Ayan’s arms as they flew above the tops of the trees. His embrace was warm, his lips playing along the nape of her neck. Finally they descended into the trees, landing on a large branch. Ayan lifted her into his arms and flew to a hollowed opening, where there was a carved door. Pushing it open Heather sighed at the small room. It was a bedchamber only. Three wood steps led to the floor of the chamber where there was a large bed in the center. White rose petals adorned the deep green covers, tiny fireflies danced around the room like sparkling twilight. A small fire burned in the wall of the great tree, its flames white and blue. Heather looked at Ayan in wonder. “It’s beautiful,” she whispered. He carried her down to the bed. “Beauty should be yours and I hope to always be the one to give it to you.” She sighed as his lips captured hers in a soul-searing kiss that sent a tidal wave of yearning rushing within her. He lowered her to the bed and as he did, Ayan slowly pushed the gown from her shoulders, careful of her wings as they slipped through the slits. His hands caressed her creamy flesh, leaving trails of shimmering desire wherever he touched her. The gown pooled around her knees on the bed and he lifted her from the garment tossing the material aside. When he laid her on the bed, his breath was stolen at her naked glory. She was pure ivory and fire. His body tightened in raging passion and his hands gently worshiped her. The sounds of her moans were music to his ears as he brought his lips to one breast then the other, feasting on her feminine delights. Her hands twisted in his hair, urging him on as he continued to torment her with his tongue and lips. Placing gentle kisses along each nipple then sucking the bud into the heat of his mouth. Finally when he pulled away, she rose to her knees before him and pushed the tunic from his body. The glorious expanse of his chest was revealed and her fingers ran over every ripple and toned pectorals. His stomach was flat and rigid. She brought her own lips to his chest, trailing fire everywhere she touched him. Her tongue flicked, her mouth suckled. She pushed at his leggings as she trailed up his neck, finding his lips again. When his leggings came free, she moaned at the feel of his hard length pushing against the juncture of her legs. Her hands grasped him, cupped, stroked. When he groaned she smiled devilishly then gave a surprised gasp as he picked her up and placed her on her back, parting her legs. “I can wait no longer,” he whispered

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hoarsely against her ear. “I am ready to claim you as my mate.” She gazed up at him and the glittering paths of desire glowing on his skin where her fingers and lips had caressed. She nodded, her hands grasping his shoulders as he pushed himself against her. He entered slowly then he began to move within her. Soon their whole bodies were surrounded by shimmering green, cocooning them in a shell of warmth and sensation. Everywhere he touched her the wall of desire sent waves of ecstasy through her. His head lowered, his mouth caressing her neck, the lobes of her ears, and then again her lips. “Ayan, oh, what you do to me,” she sighed as he glided in and out of her. He was torturing her with his slow, long strokes. It was the sweetest agony she’d ever experienced and she came hard, crying out his name, needing him, wanting him to join her. She clung to him, his final thrusts sending her over the edge of oblivion. She called to him, rocking her body against his, taking all of him inside her as ripples of pleasure danced along every nerve, the feeling of his heat as it spilled into her womb, until finally she lay still beneath him. The sounds of their heavy breathing filled the room, Ayan came down beside her. Pulling her into his embrace, he held her until the beats of their hearts returned to normal and even then he held her. Finally she sighed, rolling over in his embrace so that she faced him. “That was wonderful,” she said joy shining from her eyes. “It will always be so between us.” He kissed her forehead. “I know. I will never doubt that.” She said, cuddling closer and as she did her hands moved over his chest, touching, caressing and she rose up on her elbow smiling down at him. “But I hope you don’t mind if I test that theory a little more.” He laughed. “I do not mind at all. In fact,” he said, as he felt himself growing hard inside her once more. “I encourage it.”

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Chapter Twenty Heather sighed in pleasure. Ayan smiled bringing his fingers to her lips once again, watching as she licked the honey from each tip. He groaned as she brought one finger into her mouth and sucked, looking at him with wide innocent brown eyes. Slowly he pulled his finger from the warmth of her lips, only to cover them with his own. His tongue tasted the sticky sweetness of her mouth. Groaning, Heather wrapped her arms around his neck, deepening the kiss. His lips left hers to trail fire down her throat, kissing each breast, his tongue sweeping down to her navel then lower. She gasped and cried out as he touched her feminine core. Her back arched and she gripped the sheets as he tortured her with the wonders of his tongue and mouth. Her hands found their way to his hair, twisting into the dark locks as she urged him on. His tongue flicked along her femininity. Her head shook back and forth, a guttural scream torn from her throat as he rocked her to one climax after another, bursting liquid heat through her body. She clutched onto him until he finally lifted himself above her, smiling. She lay on the bed, her body warm and lethargic. She returned his smile. “Now that I’ve had my honey,” he said softly, then entered her swiftly. She gasped as he filled her, his hips pumping against hers. She matched his rhythm, meeting him every stroke, deriving exquisite pleasure as he glided along every part of her. He brought her again to the point of pure ecstasy and she buried her face against his chest, her cry smothered into his skin as he made his final thrust, his fingers twisting in her hair, pulling her head back so that he could see the pleasure on her face. “You are so beautiful,” Ayan said with a shaky breath. Heather moaned, a satisfied smile playing over her lips. “Hmm … you’re not so bad yourself.” Ayan laughed. “Why, thank you.” Rising, he left the warmth of her body and put on a loincloth. He reached down and took her hand. “Come, dress and we will go to the lake and bathe.” Heather rose from the bed and slipped into her skirt and top. She chuckled at his words. “That last time we bathed, we got side tracked.” “I promise this time, it will happen.” There was a devilish glint in his eye and she shivered at the promise. Hand in hand they both left the cove of the tree and made their way the short distance to a lake. The blue green water’s surface shimmered like diamonds as the sun danced off it’s surface. They flew down skimming over the water. They splashed and kicked at the water’s top. Ayan mastered a triple axle before diving into the sparkling depths. Heather cheered giving him a score of ten then followed after him, rewarded by his applause. They played in the water for a while then they bathed. His hands washed every inch of her flesh and she returned the favor with great enthusiasm. The bath took longer and was more pleasurable than it was supposed to be, but Heather didn’t mind.

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Flushed and clean they flew back toward their “honeymoon tree” as Heather liked to call it ... when they heard it, a loud buzzing, like a mass of angry bees. It was louder, deeper, but that’s what it sounded like. Ayan tensed and pushed her into the cove of the tree, his hand immediately reaching for the sword. He walked cautiously to the entrance, careful to be concealed and watched. Heather came up behind him and he motioned for her to be silent, with a finger pressed to his lips. She nodded and peaked over his shoulder. They looked like gargoyles. There were maybe twenty of them and the sound was their wings flapping. Their skin was gray, with overly long thin noses, thin lips that revealed jagged teeth, their ears were perked like that of a bat and their deep gray eyes moved over every part of the forest. They started to split up, sections of them flying suddenly in different directions, their tails whipping in their wake. When the buzzing died away, Ayan breathed a sigh of relief then turned to face Heather. Her eyes were wide with fear, and she looked up at him with obvious questions in her eyes. Slowly he lifted the sword. “This is what they are after. They are Garinick’s creatures, Baluels.” He looked sad. “I am sorry, but I believe we will have to cut our honeymoon short. Garinick knows the sword is back and he will not stop ‘til he has it. I cannot risk your safety.” He said, lifting his hands so that his fingers grazed along her cheek. Heather nodded. “I understand. When do you wish to return?” He kissed her lips, then leaned his forehead to hers, a wicked smile touching his lips. “Before the sun sets which gives us plenty of time for …” His hand cupped one breast and she sighed, “... this .…” **** Heather’s gaze darted nervously around. They stayed close to the canopy of the trees, hidden between leaves. They had almost reached Ayan’s home, her new home when they heard the buzzing again. Ayan’s arm flashed around her waist, pulling her behind a large leaf. The Baluel was right below them on the ground. Heather peered down at the ugly creature, when his hideous glowing black eyes seemed to look right at her. She went to jerk back, but Ayan’s hand was at the back of her neck, imprisoning her in her position. She couldn’t move, didn’t blink. Didn’t breathe. Finally, after what seemed an eternity the Baluel flew away. She could hear Ayan’s sigh of relief and felt his whole body go slack as he hugged her fiercely. Heather tried to control the tremors racing through her body, her arms winding around Ayan’s neck, her face buried in the wealth of his hair. A sob tore at her throat; the feeling of overwhelming fear that she had suppressed while staring into those terrible eyes overcame her. Ayan crooned softly in her ear, his fingers brushing through her hair and over her back in an attempt to calm her. She pulled away, hiccupping ungracefully. “Why did you make me stay like that, to face him?” Ayan sighed. “I am sorry I had to do that to you, but the slightest movement would call his attention and I cannot risk you.” He wiped the tears from her cheeks. “If you had moved back he would have called the others and they would have trapped us in a

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matter of moments. They do not travel far from each other and they are wickedly fast.” Heather nodded. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. Ayan kissed her forehead. “You didn’t know. There is so much for you to learn, so much I am anxious to teach you.” He took her hand. “Come, we are almost home.” Heather took his hand, and they flew the short distance to the five trees. They entered through the opening at the base of the tree to a flurry of activity. Men were armed with swords and shields, some had arrows strapped to their backs and Daylan was at the head of it all barking out orders. Once his emerald gaze settled on them, he stopped yelling and flew quickly toward them. “Thank the Spirit. I was getting ready to search for you. I didn’t know if you had been captured, or even knew of the danger to you.” “We saw the Baluels.” Ayan said, wrapping his arm protectively around Heather when he felt her shudder. “They are scouring Emerel as we speak.” Kaian stepped forward, his sword strapped at his waist. “Garinick knows the Llina has returned.” “What does that mean?” Heather asked, feeling a knot of fear constrict in the pit of her stomach. Ayan gazed at her, his fingers coming up to brush gently along her cheek. “It means he will have to be dealt with, or he will never stop pursuing me and that will put you in danger and I can not have that.” He looked at his father. “I will take men and lead them against Garinick.” “Both you and Kaian meet me in my counseling chambers and we will go over everything.” Ayan bowed toward his father and then led Heather up to the royal level at the top of the tree. “What is going to happen,” Heather asked, unable to hide the tremor of fear in her voice. “We will meet, make strategic battle plans, then face Garinick and hope it is won without the loss of many lives.” Heather shuddered, her gaze meeting Ayan’s as they walked into the bedchambers prepared especially for them. “Ayan, I fear for you. We have just married and now you are going off into battle.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “What if something happens to you? I couldn’t bare it!” Ayan pulled her into his arms and kissed her forehead. “I cannot run from my responsibility. Would you ask that of me,” he whispered softly into her hair. Tears filled her eyes and she slowly shook her head. “No, I could never do that. I can’t help the fear that is in my heart now. I have just found you and now there is a chance .…” Her words trailed away on a shuddered sigh. Ayan grasped her upper arms and pulled her away so that he could gaze into her eyes. “Have faith in me, Heather. Have faith in us.” The look in his eyes was full of promise, his lips curling slightly into a hopeful smile. She returned the small smile, wiping the tears that had fallen. “You’re right. I’ll remember to have faith and know that all will work out somehow.” He kissed her tenderly then let her go, stealing her breath as he quickly turned and left the room.

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Chapter Twenty One The next few days passed in a blur. Men were sent out to watch the process of the Baluels. The winged creatures were unable to locate their hidden city, but their constant presence was a danger to Emerel. Heather waited for Ayan to return from his watch, worried every time he left the city. He was going to be facing Garinick soon. There would be a battle between his army and theirs. She shuddered to think about it. Walking out into the garden she looked up at the shading that covered the now peaceful garden. It was for protection, again she was reminded of the danger they all faced. Heather plucked a yellow rose from one of the many bushes she had created. She held it beneath her nose and breathed deeply, sitting on one of the wooden benches. She screamed when a hand fell on her shoulder, jumping and turning to face Harmony, her heart pumping. "What are you doing here," she exclaimed, wary and cautious now. "Ayan has been captured by one of Garinick's Baluels. You must come with me if you wish to save him." Heather eyed her with disbelief, but at the same time her heart lurched at the thought of Ayan in the hands of the enemy. "How do you know this?" Harmony glared at her. “It has just been announced to all. Men are gathering to rescue him, but I saw where they were taking him, and we can save him. You and I." Heather eyed her with suspicion. "Why are you coming to me? Why do you care?" Anger flared in the other woman's eyes and she stepped forward, she stood nose to nose with Heather. "You are not the only one who loves him. I lost him, yes, but I still care what happens to him and do not wish to see him dead at the hands of our enemies.” Harmony was breathing heavily after her confession, staring into Heather's eyes, awaiting her answer. Heather didn't know what to do. She felt as if she were being pulled in twenty different directions. Did she dare to trust Harmony? Her fear for Ayan’s safety overrode any doubt and she followed Harmony out of the garden and into the night, weaving from behind one tree to another, her heart pounding. They finally stopped in a clearing, and Heather stared at Harmony. “What? Where is he,” Heather asked, looking frantically around. Harmony crossed her arms, her grin malicious and Heather knew that she had been betrayed. She turned to flee, but the cage that came around her slammed shut. “No,” Heather cried, grasping the bars and shaking them. The black-eyed Baluel grinned, his fangs bared for her view. Heather screamed and shoved herself back against the bars away from him. She heard Harmony laugh as she scuttled around in her cage. She tried to grow large hoping that as she grew the cage would burst, but she couldn’t. No matter how

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hard she tried, her shape wouldn’t change and Heather didn’t understand. Harmony took the cage from the Baluel, grinning viciously. “It’s no use Heather. The cage is enchanted and you cannot change your shape while within its bars. You’re trapped.” Heather stood, grasping the metal bars, glaring with fury at Harmony. “You! You betrayed us!” “Of course I did,” Harmony said, looking very pleased with herself as she flipped a golden lock of hair off her shoulder, pushing her chest out proudly. “Did you think I would give Ayan up that easy?” “But he is not your mate,” Heather cried in disbelief, tears burning at the back of her eye. “He doesn’t love you. Why would you want someone who doesn’t love you, Harmony? The woman’s eyes narrowed and she tossed the cage back to the Baluel. Heather screamed, her head striking a bar. “He does care, but he just has to lose you in order to see it.” Harmony placed her hands on her hips and with a quick jerk of her head gave the Baluel a command. “Take her to Garinick.” The Baluel spun away and fled with Heather into the night. Heather yelled back at Harmony, knowing it was useless, but needing to just the same. “You can’t do this, Harmony! You’ll never get away with it! Ayan will come for me!” Her voice was swallowed by the night and when she knew Harmony could no longer hear her, Heather turned and watched as they made their way through Emerel. Tears streamed down her face and she wondered what horrors awaited her once they reached Garinick’s castle. She wiped the tears from her cheeks and said a silent prayer that Ayan would find her before it was too late. **** Ayan looked at the map unrolled on the table. “What if we bring the troop here,” he said motioning to the east side of the castle. “My men can fly over the gates and the east side is not as protected as the west that faces the forest. If he suspects, he will put most of the Baluels here.” He pointed to the western section of the castle. Kaian rubbed his chin, nodding in agreement. “How many Baluels are there?” “I don’t think as many as he would like us to believe. Three hundred at the most,” Ayan answered. “The attack should be at night, just before the dawn. That way they will be at their weakest. Most will be in deep slumber at that time,” Kaian said, picking up his dagger and placing it in its sheath. “Good. Tomorrow we will prepare, go over the strategies with the men and then the next night we attack.” Ayan took the map and rolled it up, glancing at his father. “What say you father?” Daylan stood and touched his son’s shoulder. “The Father bless our people as we go to end Garinick’s corruption over Emerel and in doing so save others from his ruthless hands.” Both Ayan and Kaian bowed their heads for a moment of silence before breaking from the meeting, each heading to their chambers for a night’s rest. Ayan was anxious for the feel of Heather’s arms, for her to wrap herself around him and hold him close. He ran the last part of the distance to their chamber and opened the door.

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The room was empty. A fire did not burn in the hearth and, no candles were lit. The bed was not turned down. It seemed cold and lonely somehow. Ayan frowned, shutting the door and went in search of his bride. He went to the gardens, to the now closed market. He went to the tree branch where they would sometimes sit and talk and share intimate caresses. She was nowhere. He asked those passing by if they had seen her, but no one had. Each minute that passed, fear tugged at his heart, rapidly filling the pit of his stomach so that he could taste it on the back of his tongue. Where was she? He went in search of Kaian. Knocking on his chamber door, Kaian answered. “What is it? What’s wrong?” “I can’t find Heather anywhere,” Ayan said, his voice rising with his fear. Kaian tugged his vest back on. “I’ll help you search for her. Where did you last see her?” “In our chambers, I don’t know where she could be. If we don’t find her soon I want to gather a search party.” He looked at the opening at the base of the tree, which lead to the gardens, where he had already searched. “Surely she would not have ventured outside with the warning in effect.” Kaian placed a hand on his shoulder and squeezed. “We’ll find her.” They searched, informing others as they went until finally in hopeless despair Ayan called a meeting for men to begin searching the forest. His heart was in his throat as he gave the orders. Fear such as he had never known was a breathing thriving beast, the venom pumping through his veins so that he had to fight for the next breath, fight to think coherently. Why? Why would she risk leaving the protection of the city? What could have made her go out into the forest? He swirled into his large form, taking his hand from Kaian’s shoulder as the other man returned to his true height, and they began their frantic search. There were no broken leaves, no snapped twigs, nothing to indicate she had been there. An hour passed then another, followed by another when finally Kaian knelt in a clearing and called for Ayan to join him. Ayan squatted by his friend and looked at the ground. The footprints were that of a Baluel. The wide toes were imprinted in the soil, tiny holes from their claws puncturing the earth. “The Baluels fly constantly, rarely do they touch ground unless it is to sleep, or something forces them to the earth,” Ayan said, swallowing past the lump in his throat. Kaian nodded, tracing a footprint with his finger. “He jumped a few times then took flight again.” He ran his fingers through the grass, looking for any clue. He crawled toward a bush. “Look at this, Ayan.” His voice was urgent. Ayan looked down at the footprints. Small, feminine, whose? Ayan visibly paled and Kaian clasped his shoulder. “You don’t know that it’s hers Ayan.” Ayan shoved his hand away, anger and rage rapidly feeding the fear now. “Whose else can it be, Kaian? I’ll kill Garinick if he harms her. I will run the thing he desires most through his heart.” “You are thinking with your emotions and not seeing clearly,” Kaian said, trying to get Ayan to focus.

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Ayan spun around, his eyes glittering. “You have no mate so you have no idea how I am feeling.” The words cut and Kaian’s midnight gaze turned to ice. He bowed stiffly. “You are right, I don’t know. I was wrong to speak thus.” Ayan sighed, and placed his forehead in his hand. “I’m sorry, brother. I should not have turned on you.” Kaian clasped his shoulder once more. “If she were my mate I would react with my heart too.” They both stood and Ayan looked in the direction of Garinick’s castle. “If he has her … if he.” He breathed deeply. “I’ll kill him with my bare hands.” He turned away from Kaian, studying the ground again. “Why would she leave the city? What would draw her out here?” Thoughts raced around in his mind and he spoke out loud. “Nothing could have gotten within out city without knowledge. Was she lured out? By who?” He stopped and looked at Kaian. “Who could hate her, or me enough to do something like this?” “Harmony,” Kaian said, guessing. Ayan felt his heart catch. It made sense. Perfect sense. He could feel the rage of betrayal rushing to the surface. “She will pay with her life if she has committed treason and joined Garinick.” Ayan began walking quickly back toward the city. “Come, we have much to do.”

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Chapter Twenty Two Heather’s whole body shook with fear. Her hands were shackled above her head, her feet barely touching the floor. The room she was in seemed cold. The stone gray walls were barren as was the room. There was no furniture, no windows, nothing that gave the inclination of a possible escape. The sound of a door opening caught her attention. Her head jerked to the side and she watched as a man with glowing red eyes stepped into the room. The gray silk robe he wore billowed around him like a cloud of smoke. He smiled, but it was cruel. His eyes were terrifying. Heather couldn’t suppress the shudder of fear. She swallowed with great difficulty, but faced the man before her. “Welcome, Princess Heather. I am Garinick.” Her gasp could not be disguised and Garinick’s smile seemed to twist even more. “So you have heard of me. Good then, I will not need to explain in great detail why you have been brought here.” He touched his fingertips together in front of him, feigning casual indifference. “I assume you know what it is I want?” Heather didn’t move or saying anything. She only stared at him. Garinick sighed, then his hands spread and a ball of fire was nestled between his palms. The flames swooped and slammed with breath-taking force against her side. Heather couldn’t breath at first, couldn’t register until the feel of scorched flesh assaulted her. She tried to twist away from the pain, but the flames licked across her belly. She screamed, tears flooding from her eyes as the agony of being burned alive became unbearable. The sorcerer called the flame back. “I asked a simple question. You should really not wait to answer on the more difficult ones to save yourself some of the torture. It will only get worse from here I promise you.” Heather sagged against the wall, taking in deep breaths. She sobbed loudly, trying to get her bearings. She was going to be sick. She could feel the bile rising in her throat and she forced it down. She had to be strong. She yelped when Garinick clutched her chin in a firm grip. “Shall we try this again? Do you know what it is I want?” “Yes,” Heather whispered. “Good. Now, we can ....” His words were cut off as the door burst open, the wood crashing off the wall. Heather tried to turn to see who had entered the room, but Garinick held her immobile. “What are you doing in here,” Garinick demanded. “I wanted to see her.” Icy cold fear froze in Heather’s veins. Harmony! “I told you she can not be harmed or all will be lost,” Garinick said, releasing Heather. Harmony rushed toward Heather, her blade drawn. Heather inched against the wall, as the feel of the cool steel was laid at her throat.

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“Harmony,” Garinick warned. Harmony’s smile was vicious. “I will kill you, Heather. Know that.” Heather glared at the woman. She was evil. She was cruel. By God, she wouldn’t back down. “Even if you do kill me, Ayan would never have you.” Harmony bellowed in rage and brought the blade up to slash down at Heather. Heather screamed, waiting for the feel of the knife to stab into her flesh, but it never came. Garinick had Harmony by the wrist and pulled her away from Heather. “Foolish woman,” he spat. He slapped Harmony, sending her reeling across the room, where she slammed against the stone floor, whimpering in pain. Garinick tossed fireball, after fireball onto Harmony, cursing her name. Her shrieks of agony filled the air and Heather watched in horror as the flames devoured her whole. Then there was silence. The spot where Harmony had been was only ash. Garinick brushed his hands together as if to clean them of his dirty work. He turned to look at Heather. Her eyes widened, her breath hitched. “She should have listened better.” He nodded in Harmony’s direction and then, in a swirling blue haze, left the room. Heather crumbled against the wall and cried.

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Chapter Twenty Three Ayan crouched low and peered from behind an enormous tree. His eyes narrowed as he took in the lines of Garinick’s castle. He saw the two Baluels standing guard on the northern corner. He turned to Kaian who fell back behind the tree. Ayan held up two fingers, Kaian nodded and held up three for the three Baluels he saw on the west wall. Ayan stood and talked low to one of his men. “Wait for my signal, just before the sun rises we attack.” The man nodded then flew silently out into the forest to join others. Ayan crouched down and waited. The others behind him stayed silent and still, so as not to alert the Baluels to their presence. Time ticked slowly away, when finally Ayan clasped Kaian’s shoulder and rose to his feet. He came from behind the tree and stretched out his arms. His fingers glowed for a moment and all watched as thick vines emerged from the ground then with a vengeance lurched forward, winding and twisting its ways to Garinick’s gates. The vines formed into hands, mimicking Ayan’s every move, coming to push against the huge doors. The sound of the metal and wood groaning under the thick foliage could be heard throughout the forest. One of the Baluels in the north tower anxiously pointed over the wall. The doors groaned loudly now, as the vines, pushed until the doors finally exploded. It was what they were all waiting for. Ayan lowered his hands and grabbing his blade, let out a yell for all to hear. He charged forward, listening to the fluttering of the wings of his men as they followed suit. Others took Ayan’s place surrounding the castle and unleashed a torrent of vines that wound their way up the sides of the castle, tearing at the stonewalls. The mass swarmed in around the castle, the sounds of the Baluels screeching filled the air as they made ready for battle. Ayan swooped up, flying toward the top of the castle, a small group of men following him while the rest followed Kaian’s lead in through the castle gates. Ayan’s sword came down, crashing loudly against a Baluel’s blade. He whipped the sword around, blocking a fatal blow, before swinging his weapon up and driving the blade in the Baluel’s stomach then spinning and leaving the beast for dead. He dodged a wicked slice, one of his men coming up behind him and dealing a deadly slash to the Baluel who fell. The sounds of swords and screams of death filled the night, but Ayan’s only thought was to get to Heather. He knew where Garinick would keep her. He raced down a long corridor, his blade slashing and falling a Baluel that jumped from the shadows. He charged through the door that had been his prison not so long ago, and stood at the entrance, his heart pounding as Garinick stood with a blade at Heather’s throat. “Aaah, the young prince returns.” Garinick smiled, but it was cruel, confident that he had the upper hand.

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Ayan watched Heather’s eyes as they swiveled toward him, her body visibly quaking. “Ayan,” she whispered. He stepped forward, but Garinick’s applied pressure and Heather’s squeal of alarm stopped him. “Let’s not make any sudden movements that might make me harm your bride.” Ayan held his hands wide, letting the sword fall to the floor beside him. Garinick laughed. “The sword does me no good unless you willingly give it to me, Ayan. Your open act of surrender is not what I want and you know it. Give me the sword!” The last words were bellowed and Ayan dodged as a flaming ball was hurtled toward him. He could hear Heather’s scream as he twisted, missing the blast. He spun and faced Garinick. “I grow weary of your games, Ayan. Give me the sword or I will send the very thing you love most into a burning inferno and make no mistakes when I do it, it will not be sorcerer’s torture. It will be the real thing. She will perish!” Ayan moved forward. “Look at you, coward that you are hiding behind those who cannot defend themselves. Let her go. Face me!” “You call me out, Ayan? Not wise.” Garinick taunted. His grip on Heather loosened as he considered. “Very well, if you must play the heroic, let it begin.” Without warning, he shoved Heather away from him, her body slamming into the stone wall. Ayan watched as Heather slid to the floor, but he could not go to her. Instead he cried out and launched himself at Garinick. The sorcerer flung his arm wide and the force of the blow knocked Ayan back several feet to the hard floor. Ayan rolled, missing the burn of a fireball launched in his direction. Ayan called to the earth and was rewarded as the ground shook, causing Garinick to fall. Ayan’s smile was malicious as he sped to the sorcerer, hovering over him. Vines broke through the walls, the room beginning to crumble around them. Flowers blossomed at the tips and Garinick screamed in furious rage as the darts, spat from the open blooms, puncturing his skin. The sorcerer went to rise, but Ayan connected with a blow to the jaw that sent Garinick reeling. Not to be out done, Garinick rolled grabbing a semi-conscious Heather to him, his hands poised to break her neck, just as Ayan lifted the blade above his head to run Garinick through. Garinick laughed when Ayan’s blade halted in air. “Herein lies the weakness of your kind. You can end this now and save other worlds from me.” Slowly, Garinick rose, Heather’s eyes widening as she became aware she was once again the pawn for this evil man. Ayan still held the blade up, ready to drive the sword home. “Yet you pause at the last possible moment because of love. You are pathetic. Drive the blade through her so that it will come through to me and you will kill me. Kill us both and save all.” Ayan blinked. Heather stared at him wide-eyed. He could no sooner take her life than pluck the sun from the sky. With a grieved sigh, Ayan lowered the blade, defeated. Garinick’s grin was triumphant. “Relinquish it, or I snap her neck.” Ayan looked pained. Heather’s heart went out to him and she shook her head. “Don’t do it, Ayan. If I die, it is but a small price.” Ayan shook his head. “I can’t sacrifice you, Heather.”

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Tears filled her eyes once more, knowing what he was giving up. Garinick laughed and it was full of venom, stinging their ears. “Kneel! Kneel before me and give me the sword.” Wearily, Ayan knelt before them. Heather sobbed. He was a prince. He was her proud, strong mate. Her life. To see him kneeling caused pain to twist in her heart, he should never be made to kneel. Ayan lifted the sword and a charged energy began to fill the air. Garinick licked his lips, almost rubbed his hands together in anticipation, but kept a watchful guard on Heather. His eyes were filled with a malicious glee and Heather thought she might be sick at what was about to happen and all because of her. “I freely give the Llina into your care, to use as you deem it ... Heather.” Ayan’s voice rang through what was left of the room. Garinick in his confidence laughed out loud, went to take the sword, but halted as the sword glowed in Ayan’s hands. Heather’s hair billowed around her face and then just as abruptly it stopped. Garinick released her, stumbling back. “No,” he whispered, staring in shocked disbelief. Ayan nodded at Heather. Wasting no time she grabbed the blade from his hands and slashed down, her voice ringing through the air, “Ecsenar!” The door ripped open. Ayan charged Garinick, pushing him through the opening. Garinick cried out falling backwards. He fell, but his hands caught Heather. She screamed as he pulled her with him. Ayan’s arms caught her around the waist. Garinick laughed, the sound hideous and mad. He pulled, trying to drag her through the door. Heather screamed trying to jerk her arm from his grasp. Ayan reached forward, his hold strong and sure and pried Garinick’s fingers from her wrist. The door began to close, finally Ayan pushed the last finger from Heather’s wrist and Garinick fell the rest of the way through the door, his screams dying when the portal closed, leaving Heather and Ayan in silence. **** Ayan stood back and watched Heather as she walked through the garden she had created. Roses bloomed in all colors, the scent filling the air. She picked a yellow rose and held it to her nose, sitting on a bench and staring up at the sky. He had quickly brought her home after their confrontation with Garinick. He wished for the thousandth time that he could kill the sorcerer again, after he’d inflicted such pain on Heather. Watching her now made his heart swell with pride. She was so strong, had shown great strength and courage in the face of such an evil being. Her long red hair framed her face, the green gown, hugged her curves, and billowed slightly in the breeze. He grew hard just staring at her, imagining the things he would do to her to show her how much he loved and adored her. A clearing of the throat had him turning in surprise. Kaian grinned. “I’m leaving for Sherel.” He glanced out at Heather. “I wanted to say good-bye to both you and Heather before leaving.” Ayan nodded and walked him out into the garden. Heather rose upon seeing them, smiling widely. “Kaian, I hate to see you go.” He took her hand in his and kissed its back. She laughed. “Come here,” and hugged him.

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Kaian hugged her tight then stepped away. “I must get home. My people have need of me. The Beithioch are acting up and we must contain them to the barren lands.” Heather nodded and he kissed the tips of her fingers and she touched his cheek. “Thank you for everything, Kaian.” “It was an honor.” He stepped away and grasped Ayan’s hand, Ayan pulling him into a hug. “Safe journey my friend,” Ayan said and then wrapping his arms around Heather’s waist they watched as Kaian walked away from them, disappearing into the forest. Ayan kissed her temple. “How are you doing?” he asked, turning her to face him, so that he could gaze upon her face. She smiled and reached up, running her fingers through his hair. "I knew you’d rescue me. My prince.” He grinned. “Confident, were you?” He lowered her to the ground and she sighed as a bed of red rose petals burst from the ground. Heather nodded, laughing. “I was. I’m a sucker for happy endings.” Ayan arched a brow. “Is that what this is then? A happy ending?” Heather pulled him to her. “Oh no, it is most definitely a happy beginning.” And with that he kissed her, as vines rose around them, canopying over their bodies to block out any prying eyes. Pulling away, Ayan gazed down at her, smiling. “I told you I’d have you on a bed of flowers.” Heather laughed, hitting his arm playfully. “Oh, I do love you.” “And I love you,” he said then she pulled his lips back to hers, determined to show him just how much for the rest of eternity.

The End