Elementum

Elementum

by

Toni L. Meilleur

The scanning, uploading and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal, and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author's rights is appreciated. This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Elementum ISBN: 1-55410-994-9 Copyright © 2007 Toni L. Meilleur Coverart by Angela Waters All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher. Published by eXtasy Books Look for us online at: www.eXtasybooks.com

My two phoenix birds, you are the epitome of what is right with the world…

Chapter one

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ou’re stupid.” Silver heard Jacy hiss for the third time as she zipped her attaché case closed. “Did you hear me Silver? You still have time to—” Jacy’s words were cut off by Silver’s infamous gray stare. It cut as sharp as any blade. Jacy let out an exasperated breath and followed her friend out of the door. Silver could feel the blood draining out of her knuckles; her grip was so tight on the handles of her case. She tried to concentrate on the click clack sound of Jacy’s heels as they made their way down the corridor. Her own silent booted tread made her feel less conspicuous. Gave her a measure of security—no attention meant the likelihood of getting caught was lower. As they made their way to the exit, Silver thought about the ramifications of her actions, and still somehow it seemed worth the risk. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Jacy’s heels clacked faster as her shorter legs tried to keep up with Silver’s long strides. Silver slowed down; it wouldn’t do to 1

Toni L. Meilleur cause unnecessary attention. In seconds, their strides were synchronized. “Good night, Professor Ainsley,” a red haired girl chirped as she breezed past. “Enjoy your weekend!” “You too, Melissa,” Silver threw over her shoulder, without slowing down. Her heartbeat raced into overdrive. “We’re almost to the doors, if you’re going to change your—” Jacy tried again. “I’m years past changing my mind,” Silver retorted, before Jacy could finish. “Pipe down, you look guilty.” “By association,” Jacy mumbled. Professor Silver Ainsley chose to ignore her best friend’s last comment. Instead she concentrated on her exit. For the first time, Silver did not admire the marble and granite that seemed to entrance her no matter the number of times she’d been inside the Beinecke Library Building. The glass doors were but a few feet away and then she was home free. “Professor Ainsley, if I could have a word?” A male voice stopped her in her tracks. “Wait for me outside,” she whispered to Jacy, gesturing to her friend that she should continue her exit. “I could take the case if you like,” Jacy offered, her brown eyes flared in fright. 2

Elementum “No, this is mine,” Silver said with a smile. “It’s my responsibility, but thank you.” She nodded her head towards the door. Jacy seemed uncertain but then slowly made her way to the doors, with one look back. Silver waited until Jacy was on the other side of the glass doors before she turned to face Montgomery Havens. “Professor Havens, what can I do for you?” Silver put on her plastic smile as she turned to face the handsome if hugely overbearing arrogant, bore. He sauntered towards her, in a way most women would just drool over. Not Silver, he missed that one thing that she valued in a man—a personality. “You’re looking beautiful as always, Silver.” He threw her a dentist-enhanced smile as he stopped in front of her. She tried to ignore his liberal use of her first name. They did after all have that one and only date between them. “I was wondering if you had plans for the weekend. I’ve opened my cabin for the spring. It’s been cleaned, fully stocked and all it requires is the presence of a certain lady.” He smiled again, tempting Silver to belt out a jingle from a toothpaste ad. “Thanks, Montgomery, but Jacy and I have plans. I appreciate you thinking of me, however.” Silver gave him what she was hoping was a sincere smile. “I have to go, she’s waiting for me.” She waved as she turned, not giving him a chance 3

Toni L. Meilleur to insist. She curbed the urge to roll her eyes, lest someone see her. Montgomery was very influential as a board member at Yale. It was proving to be quite a task keeping him at arm’s length. She knew he watched her as she walked. But Silver had other things on her mind. Her fingers squeezed the handles a fraction more as if she expected the case to be ripped from her fingers at any moment. Her heart hammered as she pushed the revolving glass doors that led to her freedom. The scent of a rain shower that had passed greeted her, seeming to calm her in an instant. As Silver stepped out into the coming night, she caught Jacy’s car idling on High street. Her feet hit the pavement and her pace increased; she wanted to break out into a full out run. A wind kicked up out of nowhere and seemed to swirl around her. Though the rainstorm had passed, thunder rolled and a huge bolt of lighting cracked so close, Silver jerked around, thinking that maybe the Library had been hit. Her ears began to ring from the assault on her ears. It felt as if a giant invisible wave crashed over her, and she swayed from the impact. She caught her balance on instinct. Silver gasped for air as the wind continued to swirl. She threw her arm across her eyes to protect 4

Elementum it from flying debris. But just as quickly as the wind had kicked up, it died. Silver’s straight black hair was thrown haphazardly about her shoulders in a tangled mess. Some of the passerbys were looking up to the sky in curiosity. Jacy beeped her horn. Silver felt it was a good time to run; no one was paying attention to her. **** “I can’t believe you did that.” Jacy looked at Silver with a smirk as she removed her heels and threw them carelessly into a corner of her living room. “I do hope you have a plan for returning that.” Jacy looked at the documents Silver retrieved from her case with extreme care. “I always have a plan,” Silver said with confidence, as she laid the documents on the table. “I just need this weekend. I can do this, Jay, I know it.” She began to arrange the documents on the table with a grin. “You’re going to do in a weekend what no one has been able to do in over five hundred years.” Jacy shook her head as she chuckled. “You’ve got balls, I’ll give you that.” Jacy took the bun out of her hair, letting her curly hair fall about her shoulders. “Someone has to do it and someone is going to do it. That someone is me,” Silver said, with the 5

Toni L. Meilleur cockiness of a well-educated linguist. How many years had she heard of this mysterious manuscript? Every linguist major dreamed of solving the riddle of the Voynich Manuscript. She wasn’t a dreamer, Silver Ainsley was a doer. With a B.A in Linguistics she wanted to add the coveted title of ‘Translator of the Voynich Manuscript’ to her list of accomplishments. Not to mention when she first laid eyes on just an electronic copy of it, she was drawn to it She no longer had long days of classes and studying to keep her from this endeavor. “Why can’t you do things the normal way? You still should be celebrating your new job as a professor. Not to mention you could have easily studied that at the library, instead of risking your job and reputation on stealing that.” “With Montgomery hanging around? You’ve got to be kidding. He’d somehow try to use this as leverage to sleep with him by keeping me from it. Besides, I need you, Jay. Look at these pictures.” Silver pointed to several of the documents. Silver watched as Jacy sighed while viewing the strange pictures. “See what I mean? There’s something about this manuscript that’s, I don’t know.” Silver squinted. “If you could figure out these plants, it might be able to provide a key for me to unlock its language.” Silver glanced at Jacy, who was now enthralled with the pictures, her brown eyes 6

Elementum darting from one page to the next. “That’s why I brought it home. We can study it uninterrupted. I have a gut feeling about this, Jay. I just know I’m going to find the meaning of this.” Silver ran her fingers lightly across one of the pages. It seemed warm under her touch. “Okay, I’ll check the thermostat one more to time make sure the room is the right temperature, I don’t want to ruin these papers. Lower the lights,” Silver instructed. “You just better have this thing back first thing Monday morning,” Jacy joked, dimming the lights. “I’ll get us some sandwiches. What do you want to drink?” Silver grabbed a black hair band off one of the shelves she passed as she checked the thermostat and tied her hair back. “Something red,” Silver replied, her eyes glued to the table as she began pulling pads of paper and pencils from her briefcase. She sat the items on the table with the manuscript and began to pull the sofa closer to the coffee table. They might as well be comfortable; they were going to be sitting for hours. Jacy came back carrying a tray with sandwiches and one glass of white wine, one red. She sat it on the floor, indicating Silver should join her. “We don’t want anything spilling,” she warned her friend. Silver sat across from her. “Thanks, Jay. For everything.” Silver bit into 7

Toni L. Meilleur the tuna sandwich. “No problem, it’s not like being a botanist is a demanding job. I don’t mind really.” Jacy smirked. “All the same. This could be big for you too,” Silver managed, around a mouthful of the sandwich. “You have ambition, Silver. But that’s you. I like where I am in life. I have a great research job and I’m happy.” Silver took a sip of her wine. “It’s not that I’m unhappy, Jay,” she defended. “It’s just that I get the feeling that thing over there,” her eyes cut to the coffee table, “is going to change my life. Our lives.” She grinned at her best friend, hoping to infect her with her optimism. “Well, in that case, let’s hope it’s a change for the better,” Jacy replied, biting into her sandwich. “Stay positive, Jay.” Silver’s eyes twinkled “It’s not like anyone is going to be looking for it anytime soon. Hurry up we have a lot of work to do.” In record time, both women scarfed down the sandwiches and wine and dove into their task. **** Three hours later, Silver was rubbing her tired eyes. She was working in dim light and it was taking its toll. She cast a glance at Jacy, who was pacing while looking through a thick book of rare 8

Elementum plants. “Anything?” Silver leaned back on the sofa and closed her eyes. “I just started,” she reminded Silver. “So sorry I haven’t recognized one thing.” Jacy sounded annoyed at the interruption. “Don’t you think there’s a really good reason why some of the world’s brightest minds couldn’t figure this out? This might as well have come from a different planet.” Jacy shook her head without taking her eyes from the book. “You can’t expect dramatic results after a few hours” “I guess not,” Silver lamented. She looked at her notes. “We can do this, Jay. We just have to think outside the box.” Silver looked up at the ceiling in thought. “Maybe this is some sort of satanic manuscript.” “You wish.” Jacy laughed. “Is that all that fertile mind of yours can come up with?” “I was hoping for more inspiration. Hoping to see the one thing that others couldn’t,” Silver said, frustrated. “It’s just that, this manuscript seems to keep calling to me, for lack of a better phrase and I thought…” “You thought you’d arrogantly solve in a few hours what other scientific minds in history never solved in their lifetimes?” Jacy looked up from her book, her reading glasses perched on her nose. Even with glasses she looked beautiful. “No, not solve,” Silver refuted. 9

Toni L. Meilleur “Then what?” Jacy persisted, snapping the book closed. Silver thought about it for a moment. “I thought that I would at least have a small clue as to what it really is and what it says. I guess I was kind of hoping something would break for me, I wanted to be the first, you know.” Before Jacy could reply, her front door crashed in under what could only be tremendous pressure. Silver found herself going for the precious papers as they threatened to scatter about. Splinters from the front door moved through the air like missiles. Where Silver had once leaned back onto the sofa, wooden pieces were embedded. Jacy had dropped to the floor, hugging her knees, hunched over, trying to make herself as small as possible. The house was unusually quiet. Silver looked up, her eyes searching frantically for Jacy. “Jay, are you all right?” Slowly Jacy stood, nodding in affirmation. Both women swallowed hard as they looked at the remnants of Jacy’s front door. A rather tall figure stood cloaked and hooded as if he were straight out of a Renaissance Festival. “This is freaky,” Jacy whispered, though her voice shook from fear. “What do you think caused this? What is going on?” Silver stood, she knew what exactly or rather who caused this. Deathly afraid but pissed, she confronted the figure anyway. “Who the hell are 10

Elementum you?” “That is none of your concern.” The deep male voice dripped with arrogance. “You have something that belongs to me. I am here to retrieve it.” Silver looked around for a possible weapon. Surely neighbors heard the commotion and called the police? “I have nothing here with your name on it,” she said, with more bravado than she felt. “Just leave before the police get here.” “You have something that belongs to me,” he repeated again. This time he entered the house. Though Silver couldn’t see his eyes, she knew he was looking down at the table with her precious life changing manuscript. Jacy began to look at her like she lost her mind. “You can’t have it,” she blurted out, gathering the manuscript in a hurry. She had no idea how he knew she had it. If the University found out she had stolen it from the Library they would have sent police. He definitely wasn’t law enforcement. “I will take what is mine.” He was closer now, and to Silver’s shock she could see under his hood. His eyes began to glow a sky blue as he approached her. Her throat went dry as he stood on the other side of the coffee table. The dim light made it difficult to see anything else but those eyes. She blinked, trying to convince herself she was seeing things. “You are running out of time.” 11

Toni L. Meilleur His voice held a warning note. “I will not give you this,” Silver refused him. Contact lenses? Maybe a glare from somewhere? Her mind tried to find a reason for the abnormal but beautiful eyes. “Are you crazy? Did something hit you on the head? Come on let’s get some help,” Jacy said in a very quiet voice. “No.” Silver would not yield. “Get out of here, Jacy.” “I will not leave you. Look, just tell me what to do to help,” Jacy demanded. “If he wants them—” Silver gave him a cutting look, ignoring the eyes. She had already decided he was some sort of whacked out Goth with special lenses. “He’ll have to pry them from my hands, and I have one hell of a grip.” She snatched up more papers and crushed them to her chest, praying she wasn’t doing them irreparable damage. When he made no move to stop her, she picked up the rest. “Silver!” Jacy said, in shock and reprimand. “Those papers are not more important than your well being. We have to call the police, find out what’s happened. Please, leave them and let’s go—now!” The man stiffened his eyes dimmed a bit. “You’ve made your decision then, human.” Silver watched, unable to move as the man reached for 12

Elementum her. Her surroundings swayed and Silver was gulped in darkness.

13

Toni L. Meilleur

Chapter two

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hank the goddess Dana he had found the Lateo ere Elementum. He turned again to the sleeping human in his bed. She added to his task. He had not counted on running into her kind. Quaede took off his cloak and hung it from a peg on the wall. Dressed only in close fitting breeches with a thick engraved belt around his narrow waist and no shirt the cool air wrapped around his body. He looked at the hearth and as if on command a fire breathed into existence. Pry it from her hands indeed! Even under the confines of the sleep state she clutched the papers fiercely. He feared they would rip as he tried to free them. He went to his knees and with great care spread the papers one by one until he could see every one of them. He had little time with which to work. Even now his enemies knew the Elementum was in his possession. He could thank the Slaugh hound for that. He looked up at his bed as the human stirred. As if he didn’t have the 14

Elementum arduous task of his mission, he now had the spitfire to deal with as well. He had spent years looking for the manuscript. Every country and every city within its borders he had searched. Just when he had decided to start all over again, the Elementum had revealed itself. His gaze went to the human; she had to have removed it from the place in which it was protected. She seemed ignorant of who he was, which probably meant she was not aware of what she had possessed. He rose on a thought. The humans of today were not like the humans of long ago. They had no knowledge of what really went on in their world. They had become a race of non-believers. Quaede went to the fire and reached his hands forward, enjoying the warmth from the flames. He had to act quickly, so many were dependent upon him. “Where am I?” Her husky voice wrapped around him and he turned to face her. Those wonderful eyes looked like the color of a blade. He suspected they could cut just as deep. “Did you kidnap me?” she queried, as she looked about her sitting up. “I did not kidnap you,” Quaede answered, walking towards the bed. “I certainly don’t remember driving or even walking here for that matter.” She swung her long legs over the side of the bed and looked at him in 15

Toni L. Meilleur accusation. “I took what is mine; you refused to let it go. In essence, you decided to come with me.” “That’s the most retarded logic I have ever heard.” Her mouth twisted in disapproval. He found himself fascinated by her plump lips. Her face was a work of art, sculpted high cheekbones with deep dimples. The goddess Dana herself must have fashioned her. “I thought the same thing, when you refused to give me my property.” “You keep saying that it is yours and yet I distinctly remember stea —uh, borrowing it, from a very renowned establishment.” “What is it?” He challenged her, tilting his head to the side. Was it too much to hope that she had some inclination as to the state of things and was trying to help? “What is what?” she floundered. He knew whatever she was going to answer would be a lie and yet he couldn’t help but ask again. “The property you are claiming, what is it exactly?” Her pale face became flushed. “I don’t have to answer that,” she said at last. “Look, am I being held hostage or what?” “That remains to be seen.” He crossed his arms and leaned against a nearby wall never taking his eyes off of her. She had no idea of the state of 16

Elementum events. “On what grounds do I gain my freedom?” She slid off the bed but kept her distance. “Behaving.” The flush of color in her face deepened. Her silver eyes flashed at him. If he had to guess, he would guess she was raving mad. “I am not a child.” She stomped her foot to prove her point. “Very well then. What is your name?” She clamped her lips while she stared at him. “You tell me your name first, Conan.” “My name is Quaede not Conan.” She smirked at his words. “I am Silver.” She held up one hand. “Don’t ask, my parents were retro hippies. They named me after the color of my eyes, good thing they weren’t brown,” she muttered. Quaede had no idea what she was talking about. He thought Silver to be a fitting name; it was, after all, prized by his people. “Why did you borrow the Elementum?” “What? No, it’s the Voynich manuscript. And I just wanted to decipher it. Jacy and I—Wait, is Jacy here? Did you do something to Jacy?” Her voice rose as panic set in. Her eyes searched the one room dwelling in one sweep. “I left her where I found you, she was screaming like a banshee.” “You tore her front door open and kidnapped me. I would say she had good reason.” 17

Toni L. Meilleur “I caused her no harm,” Quaede paused as a thought occurred. “Did she touch any pages of the Elementum?” Silver shrugged her shoulders. “Yes, she did. What does this have to do with anything? I want to go, Quaede. Please just give me my manuscript and let me go,” Silver pleaded, already inching towards the door, her eyes glued to the pages spread out on the floor. “There are those who search for the Elementum as well. Anyone who touches the Elementum can be traced.” Quaede knelt and began to pile the papers together. “If you want to live, you must stay with me. It is the only way I can protect you.” Silver knelt beside him and grabbed his hands to stop him from gathering the papers. A jolt went through him at her touch. For a moment they looked at each other in surprise. It was obvious she felt it too. When he had touched her the first time and brought her here, he had assumed it was the heat of the moment, that he had imagined it. Clearly he had not. “You have people after you?” “No, they are after the Elementum. I am trying to stop them.” “They will go to Jacy’s house looking for you.” Her voice held a trace of anger. “No, they will go in search of the Elementum. Once a human has touched the sacred pages, a 18

Elementum trace of its essence remains. That’s how they will find her.” He gathered the last of the pages and stood. “They have probably found her by now.” “Will they harm her? I have to go to her.” Silver walked to the door and pulled, it wouldn’t budge. “It will only open under my will. This dwelling serves only one master,” he informed her, putting the papers in a beautifully etched black satchel that he slung across his chest. “Give me the codes,” Silver demanded. “There are no codes. You are not in your world, human, you are in mine.” He looked at her lips that trembled slightly and knew she was afraid. Not for herself, but for the one she called Jacy. “I don’t care what kind of crazy you are right now. I’m begging you, please let me go so I can help my friend.” Tears pooled in her silver eyes, Quaede found his resolve slipping. “I must warn you, they do not leave survivors.” “Just take me back,” she demanded, more gently this time. Quaede retrieved his cloak from the hook and donned it. He strapped his sword on his back over the cape. Her eyes never left him. He put a hand on her shoulders and ignored the excitement that coursed through him. A few simple words and they were outside the house of the one she called Jacy. **** 19

Toni L. Meilleur “How?” she began in wonderment, as Quaede materialized them in front of the house. The sound of growls and screams rent the air. “Jacy!” Silver yelled, running to the house. Quaede cursed under his breath as she disappeared in the doorless house. “Something’s here, Silver! I can’t see—” Cried out the other female, then her words were cut off abruptly. Quaede drew his sword as he ran. The Red Blade was the only thing he trusted in battle. The handle fit to his hand perfectly. Years of battle had turned it into a glove of sorts. The stench of his enemies lay heavy in the night air. He came in to find Silver brandishing a candlestick at one of the hounds. She swung as it tried to lunge for her. Quaede slashed the creature in half. Another hound was dragging the body of the other woman across the living room floor. Blood poured from her neck; two gaping puncture wounds were to blame. The hound dropped the leg of the woman and turned to face Quaede. Rows of deadly bloody teeth were bared at him. Pieces of its flesh were worn away to reveal the muscle underneath. Small creatures wiggled just under the patches of skin. One eye was dangerously loose in its head. The hound lunged for him. Quaede was careful not to let the creature touch him. Those parasites 20

Elementum under its skin would infect him, burrow into his brain and consume it. He slashed the air quickly in the form of an ‘X’. The hound fell to the floor in four pieces. He looked at Silver and saw horror in her eyes. He had no time to comfort her, for the sound of clicking caught his attention. His bloody sword was poised and ready as he waited. The nails of the hound clicked on the wood floors as it exited the kitchen. This one had two heads and Quaede grimaced in dismay. One head was for attacking; the other was a link to its master. Quaede stood rock still and ordered Silver not to move as well. The creature swung one of its heads towards Silver, the other one stay trained on Quaede. He reached down slowly trying to retrieve the knife strapped in his boot. The hound growled. Quaede stopped; he couldn’t risk it attacking Silver. Seconds passed, the air wavered and the hound was gone, called back by its master. Quaede pulled himself up to his full height. He went to the window and cleaned his sword on the material hanging there before he sheathed it. “Get a cloth,” he ordered. He knelt beside the dying human. She had but a flicker of life left and she was infected with the parasites. Silver knelt beside him sniffling, a sheet clutched in her hand. “We have to wrap this around her, don’t touch 21

Toni L. Meilleur her skin.” “What were they?” Silver choked, as they wrapped the body. “Slaugh Hounds,” he answered, wrapping it tight for easier transporting. “They are the scouts of the Slaugh. We have to move quickly, that last one has a link to its master, he’ll be here in moments with the Horde.” Quaede was grateful she didn’t slow them down asking more questions. He knew they would come later. She worked methodically, in silence, until they finished. “Stand by me,” he said to her calmly. She came to him without hesitation. Quaede took her hand and laid his other on the body. “There might be a way to save her.”

22

Elementum

Chapter three

T

he shock of seeing Jacy lying on the floor in her own blood chilled every part of her body. Her fingers felt stiff and almost useless as she helped Quaede wrap Jacy in the sheet. “Stand by me.” His words were calm, but they managed to get her moving. He clasped his strong fingers around hers, and then laid his other hand upon Jacy. “There might be a way to save her.” Just as hope sprung at his words, her surroundings melted away. Every part of her body felt heavy and light at the same time. Vertigo swamped every sense and she closed her eyes to head off the nausea. When she opened them again, she was no longer in Jacy’s living room. The impossibility of that struck her hard, and yet her eyes did not deceive her. She was now in the middle of what appeared to be one of the most beautiful groves she’d ever seen. The rising sun cast a stunning picture. Every color seemed 23

Toni L. Meilleur unusually rich. Some trees displayed bright yellow blossoms; others had leaves that appeared to be as big as she. All of this was impossible. “Where are we, h-how did we get here?” Her words faltered as layers of shock settled in. She looked to Quaede, who had released her hand and began removing the sword strapped to his back. “What are you doing?” “Quickly, you must turn your clothing inside out. Take your shoes and switch them on your feet.” As he talked he followed his own orders. Silver tried not to stare at the wonderful male body that was being bared before her eyes. She caught sight of a tattoo on his right arm, but couldn’t make it out from where she stood. His body was thick with muscle and sinew. What caught her attention was the whiteness of his skin. It wasn’t pale, but luminescent, like it glowed, even in the splendid dawn. “You’re not making sense.” Even as she said the words she began unbuttoning her blouse with trembling fingers. “What has this got to do with saving Jacy?” “You must trust me in this, Silver.” He was already strapping the sword back on. He turned his back to her as she undressed. “You have to hurry, he knows we are here and he will arrive any moment now. I feel him.” It took a moment to get the snug fitting jeans off 24

Elementum and back on again but she managed. Just as she was putting the last boot on the wrong foot a gentle breeze blew. It carried the scent of a freshly mowed lawn. Feeling silly with her clothes turned inside out she turned to tell Quaede she was done, but found she and Quaede were no longer alone. A man now stood in front of Quaede. Quaede himself was very tall; at the very least he was six foot two. This man towered over Quaede. His hair was a deep chocolate brown, flowing past his shoulders, but it was the eyes Silver couldn’t stop staring at. Every shade of green swirled continuously in his eyes. Silver would have pronounced him stark naked if it were not for the simple cloth tied about his hips, barely concealing the impressive package beneath it. He was strange looking but beautiful. “Greetings.” Quaede bowed before the man. Silver immediately followed suit. “We humbly ask for your assistance.” The man grumbled but said nothing. His eyes looked down at the body of Jacy. Silver’s heart sped in her chest when his eyes finally settled on her without blinking. “What is it you ask of me?” His voice boomed out, causing Silver to jump just a little. Though he looked at Silver he addressed the question to Quaede. “She was bitten by a Slaugh hound. She has 25

Toni L. Meilleur very little life left in her. I ask that you spare this mortal’s life. When my journey is at an end, I will gladly pay whatever boon necessary.” The tall man went to his knees, passing his hands over the body of Jacy. Silver wanted to scream and cry and demand to be told everything. But more than that she wanted Jacy to live, so she bit her lip instead. “She is almost dead and infected by the parasites. It may take some time to try to heal her, I cannot guarantee her life. I know you, warrior, and you are on a mission most noble. It is an honor to help you.” He rose and closed his eyes. The ground began to swallow Jacy’s bundled body. “What is he doing?” Silver let the panic flow, as it appeared Jacy was being buried right before her eyes. “Make him stop, she’s not dead yet!” Silver screamed, running to pull Jacy back from the grave. A hand wrapped about her arm. She looked into the eyes of Quaede. “He is trying to save her, Silver, let him do his job. The earth here is rich, and healing.” Quaede pulled her next to him. “Please forgive her, ally of the Seelie Court. She does not know of the old ways.” A bitter taste lodged itself in her throat. She was helpless to do anything but put Jacy’s fate in the hands of –what? They certainly weren’t human. The tall man looked to her. “Her attachment is to 26

Elementum you. It is you who will pay me the boon.” Too numb to do anything else, Silver swallowed, then nodded in agreement. He looked to Quaede and they both grabbed the forearm of the other. “I wish you well, warrior of the Seelie.” Then he began to walk away. When Silver blinked he was just—gone. “We have to go, Silver, we cannot stay here.” Quaede began to tug her as he walked, but it was difficult walking in boots that were on the wrong foot. “I can’t walk with my boots like this, I’m switching them back.” Silver snatched her hand out of Quaede’s and sat on the ground tugging at the boot. “If you do that you will never find our way out of this forest,” Quaede warned her, pulling her up hard. “Why is that? This makes no sense.” She gestured at their clothing. Silver was irritated, confused and emotionally drained. She knew she was picking a fight. “We are in the territory of a Leshii. Does that not mean anything to you?” His voice reeked of annoyance. “The who?” Something in Silver’s brain clicked. “Wait a minute, I remember this from a Celtic book of fairy tales I translated. Leshii.” She tapped her forefinger against her cheek. 27

Toni L. Meilleur “They are the people of the forest. If you stumble onto their home grounds you are doomed to—” “Be lost forever,” Silver chimed in as it came back to her. “You have to turn your garments inside out to ward off the trick magic.” “Correct.” Quaede’s irritation began to subside and he began pulling her behind him as he started walking away. “Wait a minute.” Silver stopped again, breaking their locked hands. Quaede let out a breath he’d apparently been holding. “He called you Seelie. Are you a Seelie Warrior?” Her mouth said the words; her brain was still trying to process them. Fey people were just tales. They weren’t real. “What do you believe, Silver?” he asked her, turning to face her, his arms outstretched. “If I told you I am a Sidhe Warrior would you truly believe me? You saw the Slaugh hounds and yet I can see you doubt your eyes. Humans don’t believe in the old ways anymore. As you have said, my world has been reduced to tales. But I assure you it is very real.” “This is a lot to take in, Quaede.” Silver felt tears began to form. All she’d wanted to do was spend a weekend with her best friend, unraveling one of the world’s greatest mysteries. Instead she’d been kidnapped, her best friend nearly dead. And she was supposed to instantly believe that 28

Elementum Fairies, Leshii and Slaugh hounds were perfectly normal. “I know, but I cannot spare the time to comfort you. I apologize. I have a mission I must accomplish. We have to leave these lands. It will draw the Slaugh here and I do not wish to bring that upon the Leshii.” “Why can’t we go the way we came?” Silver mumbled, trying to deal with things as best as she could. Now was not the time to break down. Besides, all her concentration was going to walking in boots that no longer fit just right. “Leshii lands are spelled so that you can never exit the way you entered. They do not want to encourage company. They guard their privacy very jealously.” He motioned for her to pick up the pace. “If we can find a body of water, I can get us out of here.” “You have a boat?” “Water is a conduit, ever flowing; it will provide neutral ground so that I may gain an exit from this place.” “Where are we anyway?” “It is a place not accessible to humans.” “Oh great, more supernatural crap!” Silver screeched. “Oh, forget it.” Silver threw up her hands, resigning herself to the situation. “Where are we going? Better yet, we can part ways here.” Silver looked around her. “I wonder which way 29

Toni L. Meilleur the highway would be.” Quaede turned around and stomped back towards her, all patience had left the building. “Listen to me. We do not part ways. I—for want of a better word—am stuck with you. If I leave you alone, the Slaugh and goddess knows what else will find you and kill you. Besides, how do you propose to retrieve your friend and pay the Leshii, if you can’t get back to his lands?” His blonde eyebrow quirked up, and for the first time Silver began to absorb the fact that this guy, though angry, was to-die-for handsome. His pale blue eyes centered on her as if she were some naughty child. Silver found herself wondering what his platinum waist length braided hair would look like loose and hanging down around her like a curtain. Caressing her body with its silky strands. Would it tickle her skin or cause it to go up in flames? She shook her head to clear the rogue thoughts. “Right, that whole thing about me touching the manuscript. What am I supposed to do, just follow you around like an obedient puppy?” “If only I were so lucky.” “I heard that.” “You hear, but you do not listen.” He charged as he advanced upon her. Silver’s heart flipped when he stopped inches in front of her. The air around crackled with energy. His eyes stared into 30

Elementum hers in challenge. “I don’t take kindly to being told what to do,” Silver shot back, using the argument as an outlet for her frustration. He was too near, too male. Her world was skewered with things that shouldn’t exist. There were no Cliff’s Notes to get her through this. “It is no concern of mine what you take kindly to or not. But as long as you are in my charge you will do what I tell you to do if you want to stay alive.” Silver noticed a tick in his jaw and smiled. Good, she wasn’t the only one frustrated. “I will follow you because I want my friend back. If that means following you around, Tinkerbell, then so be it.” Silver put her hands on her hips, and watched his eyes blaze in anger. “What is a Tinkerbell?” he demanded. “Don’t know much about our ways, do you?” she chided him. Silver knew she should stop. Instead of arguing with him she should have been thanking him for saving her life. For saving Jacy’s. Too much too soon had been piled on her and she needed to vent. “You will explain to me what you mean,” he threatened, his hands gripped her shoulders firmly, not enough to hurt, but enough to let her know she wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon. “Or what?” Silver heard herself ask. He paused, and before Silver could say ‘up the 31

Toni L. Meilleur creek without a paddle’ he kissed her hard. His lips took charge of hers and demanded her response. Quaede pulled her closer until he was pressing her body flush to his. Her hands were trapped in between their bodies, but she reveled in the feel of his warm firm flesh under her hands. Her fingers kneaded the muscles in his chest and her tongue explored his mouth. He tasted like nothing she could ever compare. He was like some exotic cocktail that came without a warning label. She could feel his male arousal pulsing between their bodies and her skin grew hot. His kiss became the very air she breathed. And he broke the kiss without warning. “Or I will not be responsible for what happens next,” he rasped unevenly. Silver felt her whole world swaying. Her lips cried out in protest at the loss of his pressed against them. Though he broke the kiss he didn’t move, Silver found her fingernails still lightly pressing into his chest. “I’m sorry.” Somehow that kiss drained her of the very energy she needed to expend. “I should be thanking you.” His chest rumbled as he spoke. “I require no thanks. I understand this must be hard for you.” Silver let her head fall to his chest and she took a deep breath trying to center herself. Trying desperately to hold onto her sanity. “This area is becoming familiar to me; I can get us out of here. 32

Elementum Take this time to adjust your clothing and shoes; we might not get a chance later.” Quaede began to work at his boots and clothing quickly, and Silver followed suit. “What did you mean by goddess knows what else will find me and kill me?” “The satchel I carry the Elementum in dims the magic signal it exerts. You, however, are a beacon. Many creatures of the Unseelie Court beside the Slaugh hunt for the Elementum; you draw them like fire in the night.” “There are creatures worse than the Slaugh hounds? What could possibly be worse?” The moment Silver uttered those words out loud she groaned in regret. The earth beneath their feet began to shake and buck. “What’s happening?” Silver looked down to see the earth splitting in two. “We have to run.” Quaede looked worried. “Run, Silver, do not look back!” He grabbed her hand and pulled. His long legs ate up the ground in great strides. Silver couldn’t keep up. He stopped and scooped her into his arms. Quaede ran so fast, Silver couldn’t get a good look at her surroundings. It was almost as if they were flying. She nestled her head against his neck, but the sound of something large and heavy behind them made chills go down her spine. “Don’t look, Silver,” he pleaded as he ran. His voice was even, 33

Toni L. Meilleur like he wasn’t burdened with her weight in the slightest. The sound grew louder and Silver found herself peeking over Quaede’s shoulder. She wished she hadn’t. The creature was but a few yards behind them. Shorter in height than Quaede, it was monstrous for what it was. It looked like an overgrown silverfish. Its long antennae whipped ahead of it, Silver thought for a brief moment it would touch her, but Quaede ran faster. The creature opened its gaping mouth, whipping its antennae in a frenzy. It had dozens and dozens of canine teeth. The thing ran on at least ten legs, a testament to how fast Quaede was running. A second head came out of the mouth of the first and snapped its jaws. In stunned terror Silver couldn’t tear her eyes away from the nightmarish monstrosity bearing down on them. It was gaining on them and all she could do was stare open-mouthed at what shouldn’t have existed. The monster screamed in anger. “I smell water,” Quaede panted, now beginning to show the strain of running with his burden. Silver wanted to reply, but the creature whipped its antennae at them, and finally it hit pay dirt. The antennae snapped across Silver’s upper arm that was wrapped about Quaede’s neck, slicing the skin open. An intense burning sensation seemed to roller coaster from the point 34

Elementum of impact to her fingertips. She felt the cool air breathing into her open wound; it only magnified the burning. In between the waves of pain, Silver gulped down enough air to let loose an earsplitting scream of pain.

35

Toni L. Meilleur

Chapter four

H

e had never asked of his body what he asked of it now. Quaede knew the odds of outrunning a Soul Eater were almost nonexistent. Silver would not be able to outrun it as he could. He was Sidhe and could run three times as fast as any human. But a Soul Eater was built for speed. But with Silver as an added burden he was but a fly trying to out-distance a raptor. He knew the moment Silver had been hit. He felt the impact of the lash vibrate through his body. Nostrils flared, he pumped his legs faster; he had caught the scent of water. If they could make it into the water he could get them out of this forest. Water was a conduit; water was safety—at least right now. With his keen vision he could now see the small lake. He ran faster, as hope pumped adrenaline through his tired legs. Running in an interrupted pattern bought them time as the creature slid 36

Elementum behind them at the sudden change of direction. He blocked out Silver’s screams. If he heeded them, he would falter and doom them both. Quaede dodged fallen logs and low branches; the creature bellowed again in anger. A thin sheen of sweat began to trickle down his back. He pushed on, only slowing when his footfalls landed in the shallow depths of the lake, but he didn’t stop. He was deep enough in the water to allow the water to help buoy Silver. It was only when he knew they were a safe distance did he turn to look ashore. The Soul Eater growled its disapproval. Silver had stopped screaming. He carefully released her arm from around his neck and turned her so she faced him. Her eyes were glassy and unfocused. Her eyelids began to droop as consciousness began to slip. He knew human bodies were frail and trauma could send them into a condition called shock. “You cannot sleep, Silver, before I tend to your wound,” he whispered into her ear as he pulled her close. With a thought he brought her to his one room dwelling. **** Quaede didn’t even pause to remove his wet clothes or even his sword. He sat her in the only chair in the room and retrieved the necessary 37

Toni L. Meilleur herbs. With his mortar and pestle he ground the ingredients into a fine powder, talking to her the whole time. He needed her to stay awake. The antennae of the Soul Eater carried venom that activated when the host was unconscious. It would poison her system causing paralysis before eating away at her insides. “This is going to hurt,” he warned her, adding a few drops of healing oil to the mixture until it became a paste. “It will kill the venom and close the wound.” Silver didn’t seem to digest his words. He knelt before her and dipped two of his fingers in the bowl. With the greatest of care he lifted her left arm across her chest and stomach, exposing the wound fully to his view. It was a nasty gash that was already cauterized from the heat of the Soul Eaters’ antennae. He put the paste directly into the ravine of the wound. Silver’s mouth opened but nothing came out. Her body jerked wildly and Quaede had to pin her arm to the opposite hip and lean his body against her knees to keep her from sliding out of the chair. At last her scream was released with a fresh intake of breath. Quaede closed his eyes in sympathy. There was nothing he could do to ease her pain. When her body stopped jerking he released his stationary hold on her looking into her beautiful eyes. Her eyes leaked tears of pain. “I 38

Elementum am sorry, Silver, the worst is over.” Something tumbled out of her mouth that he couldn’t understand. “What is it that you ask?” “What was that thing?” Her voice was thick with tears. “It is a Soul Eater, another creature from the Unseelie court. One part devours your body; the other uses your soul to sustain its immortality.” “Why would a creature like that seek this— Elementum? What exactly is the Elementum?” Her eyes beseeched his for answers. Quaede stood with the bowl and set it on a small table. “The creature itself is just an animal; it cares nothing of the Elementum. It was more than likely sent by the Slaugh King.” Quaede wrestled with how much to tell the human of his world. It stood to reason this would not be the last time they would be attacked. She might have innocently obtained the Elementum, but unfortunately the Unseelie did not have a care for innocence. “The Elementum was made by the goddess Dana. She is the maker of my race, the Tuatha dé Danaan.” “The to—what?” “The Sidhe.” “You’re a she? As in a woman?” Quaede gave her a dark look. “I suppose you are more familiar with the word fairy or Fey.” A knowing look came over her face. “The 39

Toni L. Meilleur Elementum chronicles our making.” “It is like a bible?” Silver tested her arm movement, then winced in pain. “That will be sore for a little while. Give it time.” Quaede walked to the fire still burning and sat cross-legged at an angle so that he could see the fire and Silver as well. “No, it is not a bible. There is no religion involved. It tells of the process the goddess enlisted to make the Fey and the world we abide in.” Silver stood and walked over to Quaede and settled across from him. She was pale and wet and he resisted the urge take his fingers and trace the contours of her beautiful face. In the firelight, her eyes took on a mischievous sparkle. Her shirt was plastered to her chest, giving him a fine impression of her breasts. He tore his eyes away from the sight. “So why is everyone after the Elementum?” Quaede continued to stare into the fire; he didn’t trust himself to look at her just yet. Quaede stood abruptly and began to take his wet clothing off. “We are at war, the Seelie and Unseelie court. Whoever gets the Elementum gains much power.” “You are Seelie, the court of light. You’re a good guy.” “If you say so.” He hung his cape on the hook and began to remove his boots then his belt and 40

Elementum pants. “You’re shivering; remove your clothes, I will provide something warm and dry.” “You know, if any other guy used that line on me, I would think they’re full of it.” Quaede looked up to see Silver smiling at him; her eyes swept his naked body, and he forgot to breathe for a second. “But you’re not the type of man women worry about.” She pulled off her boots while Quaede stood there in stony silence. She must have felt his stare because as she was trying to unbutton pants that were inside out she paused and looked at him. “What?” “What type of man?” Quaede demanded. “You know what I mean,” Silver commented, finally getting the button loose, then wincing when she tried to use both hands to pull the wet jeans down over her hips. “You do not think I am man enough to bed you?” Quaede walked slowly towards her, so comfortable in his nakedness that he hadn’t given it a second thought. He watched a bright red flush cover Silver’s cheeks. “I did not realize my competence as a man was in question.” His tone was promising, sexual. “Allow me to dispel whatever nonsense you harbor about me as a man.” Quaede was teetering on dangerous ground but he felt reckless in her presence. Silver let out a gasp as he first made her pants 41

Toni L. Meilleur disappear then her shirt. Quaede smirked as she stood half naked in front of him at a total loss for words. Her mouth opened then closed, much like a fish. “What did you do?” she said weakly, though she made no effort to cover herself. “Start,” Quaede answered her. He stood in front of her, one finger already hooked under a bra strap on her shoulder. He pulled it down slow; watching her eyes, follow the red strap until it hung about her elbow. He gave the other strap the same personal attention. His warm fingers brushed against her firm flesh as he began to unclasp the hook nestled between her breasts. “A respectable Sidhe uses his or her abilities with care and responsibility. However, when it comes to pleasure—” Quaede paused as he let her bra flutter to the floor. He gripped the band of her panties and went to his knees and began to pull the flimsy wet garment over her hips. Silver stood there before him, unmoving. Her eyes were following every move he made; he could smell the womanly scent of her arousal. When the lacy underwear uncovered her soft, well-manicured patch of hair his progress halted as he stared in admiration. “Anything and everything is allowed.” He blew upon the wet curls and watched as Silver’s eyes closed from the sensation. He should stop and he knew it. Unless a 42

Elementum Sidhe was willing to mate with a human for life, it was not wise. Humans became addicted to sex with a Sidhe. When the Sidhe ended the affair, it was the humans who suffered from the madness of never being satisfied again and craving the sexual magic of the Fey. Even as he had these thoughts he gave in to his desire to taste her. His fingers stilled their progress of removing her underwear as his tongue delved with skill into her soft folds. Silver moaned and stroked the soft silken strands on top of his head. Her touch spurned him deeper into desire; her taste drove him to the already fragile limits of his control. But he still drank from her, making her eyes roll by intensifying her sensitivity to his touch. Her hips thrust forward on their own accord, allowing his tongue to shallowly penetrate her. His skin began to glow like moonlight from the reaction of his aroused state. Her breathing became loud and shallow as his tongue mimicked the actions his cock wanted so badly to perform. He gripped her hips in a fierce clutch, careful of his strength. He retracted his tongue and sucked on her swollen nub. Her legs began to shake as he assaulted the slick pearl. Quaede was trying in desperation to pull back the sexual magic that went along with making love. It was Sidhe instinct to enhance the pleasure 43

Toni L. Meilleur threefold. But she was human, and it was this practice that was addictive. “My god, you’re glowing, so beautiful,” she managed breathlessly. Her pleasure broke in waves and she doubled over, grabbing his shoulders for stability. Without thought to his actions, he sent the sensations of his arousal to her through the skin-to-skin contact. She screamed as the orgasm magnified instead of waning. He removed his mouth from her in time to catch her as she passed out from the overwhelming force of her peak.

44

Elementum

Chapter five

S

ilver felt as if she were floating. Thousands of lips kissed her everywhere and her skin was crawling with pleasure. Her core was hot and wet and seemed to contract from an everlasting orgasm. She rode the waves until they eventually subsided. When her heart returned to a normal pattern she opened her eyes “I was beginning to worry.” Quaede sat next to her on the bed, fully clothed. He had a steaming cup of something in his hand. “You’ve been asleep for at least an hour.” Silver sat up, alarmed. That wasn’t possible. Quaede took her hand and wrapped it around the cup. “Drink this; it will help with the residual pain in your arm.” She downed the contents of the cup and handed it to him. It didn’t taste half bad for tea that tasted like sweat socks He got up and set the cup on a table. He strapped the satchel across his chest, then the cape followed by the sword. “I 45

Toni L. Meilleur will return soon.” “Where are you going?” The Soul Eater flashed in her mind; she didn’t want to be left alone just yet. “You are safe here for now. You need sustenance. I have nothing here for a human.” “You’re going alone? What if something happens?” “I have traveled alone for hundreds of years and many things have happened. Since you are conversing with me now, it stands to reason that I can take care of myself.” He gave her the first real grin she’d seen on his face. Silver liked it very much. She couldn’t help but return the smile. “You don’t trust me with the Elementum, do you? Afraid I’ll run off while you’re gone?” “First off, I am sworn to keep it with me at all times once I obtain it. Second, I do not fear you running off anywhere. You are at least a mile underground.” Then he was just gone. Silver would never get used to that. She blinked but yeah, he was gone. A mile underground, that piece of information two days ago would have seemed impossible and silly to her. She was getting a crash course that the unreal was very real. Silver felt her heart break as she thought of Jacy. Normally Jacy would have been the first person she would have told of these bizarre events. 46

Elementum She let her eyes roam the one room dwelling. Quaede lived as simple as any being could live. Besides the maps on the walls it lacked any real personal touches. A bed, a few small tables, one chair and a large standing mirror with the reflective side facing the wall was about as decorative as it got. Her eyes fell to the shelves, which held various jars of stuff she didn’t want to look too closely at. For the first time in her life, her ambition and curiosity made her life spiral out of control. Truth be told that wouldn’t have been so bad, it was dragging Jacy into it that caused the regret. She hoped the Leshii could save her. She didn’t care what the boon was, she owed Jacy—big. There seemed to be a slight displacement of air then Quaede was there, carrying a white bag that looked suspiciously like a McDonald’s bag. “I have seen this eating place at every country I’ve been to. I thought it a safe bet.” He handed her the bag. “Are you telling me you just walked into McDonald’s, sword and all, and ordered a value meal and no one called the police?” Silver accepted the bag, her stomach growled at the smell of the meal. She wasted no time removing the food from the bag. “The Sidhe walk amongst the humans all the time. We are the ‘something’ you thought you 47

Toni L. Meilleur saw. We are the reason you find yourself in a room and can’t remember what it was you wanted.” “You do some kind of mind thing on us for the hell of it?” “Only if we are seen unexpectedly and cannot risk a witness to it. Believe me, no one saw me.” “They have cameras.” Silver bit into the sandwich. “They will find a—what do they call it? A ‘glitch’. Eat quickly, we have to leave soon.” Silver groaned. That didn’t sound good. It didn’t sound good at all. “What now?” she asked, around a mouthful of cheeseburger. “We have to gather four items for the Elementum,” he replied, turning the mirror to face the room. “I have to inform my queen of the latest. Please do not speak.” Silver was offended. “Why can’t I speak?” “She is the queen of the Seelie; if you anger her, she could kill you, even across a great distance.” He looked at her in total seriousness. “What makes you think I would anger her?” Silver was getting madder. “You do not know our ways. It would be easy for you to offend.” “I have read a lot about the ways of the Fey.” “Really?” Quaede sounded surprised. “Well, it was mostly fairy tales, bu—” 48

Elementum “My people are not fairy tales,” Quaede snapped. “I didn’t mean it that way,” Silver mumbled. Why was it that she could address a room full of snotty know-it-all kids and reduce them to puddles of self doubt with a few well placed words and a sharp look, but when it came to this one Sidhe Warrior he made her feel incompetent? He came over to her and perched on the edge of the bed. “And I did not mean to sound harsh. Politically everyone is tense because of the war. The smallest of offenses could be blown out of proportion. The humans do not want to be dragged any further into this.” “Any further? Are the humans at war with the Fey?” Silver set the cheeseburger on the bag. “Tell me, Quaede, what is this war about?” Quaede looked at Silver for so long without speaking that she wondered if he was going to simply ignore her. “The Unseelie court is trying to increase its numbers. The Elementum would give them the means of doing that.” “You’re being vague, Quaede. Things I haven’t even seen in my worst nightmares are hunting me. My best friend is dying. At least tell me why?” Quaede shook his head. “You have to give me answers. What were you doing with the Elementum and how did you remove it from its protected state?” 49

Toni L. Meilleur Silver knew eventually she would have to come clean about her actions. In lieu of recent events her reasons for wanting the manuscript just seemed stupid right now. “I wanted to be the first to decipher it. No one could figure it out and I thought that maybe I could.” Quaede said nothing. He crossed his arms in front of his hard chest, waiting for her to continue. “It was wrapped in parchment. I thought it was just a cover provided by the University to keep the papers together.” She left out the part about how the damn manuscript seemed to call to her. Demanded even, to be read by her. “The parchment was more than likely from the Sidhe. It probably had symbols of protection that could not be seen with human eyes. Long ago my people and the humans exchanged precious artifacts to be protected by the other. It was a treaty or pact of sorts. Only the knowledge of this arrangement became lost over time. We became figments of the human’s imagination. My people did not care, as long as the Lateo ere Elementum was hidden and safe. Your ignorance was a double-edged sword. It helped me find the Elementum but on the same stroke, it alerted the Unseelie as well.” “Hmm,” Silver mumbled around a bite before she swallowed and continued. “There were funny symbols on it, come to think of it.” Quade gave 50

Elementum her a funny look but Silver ignored it. “So there were hidden ones as well? Why are they trying to increase their numbers?” “Eat.” Quaede pointed to the forgotten sandwich and waited until she took a bite before he answered. “The goddess Dana was the goddess of our creation. In her wisdom she knew that nature had to be balanced. If there is good, there has to be evil and so on. When she made her twin daughters she made them in balance. Ainè became queen of the Seelie, the court of Light. Aeval, the Unseelie queen, she was the darkness to Queen Aine’s light. The Tuatha dé Danaan was divided equally, until Queen Aeval decided she wanted more. Since she cannot convert the Seelie to Unseelie, she had to look for another source to increase her numbers and with it, her power.” Silver felt the cheeseburger lodge in her throat. She swallowed painfully. Reaching into the bag she retrieved the bottle of water and drank half of it before she felt the lump of meat had cleared. “Humans? She’s going to use the Elementum to change humans to Unseelie creatures?” Quaede nodded yes slowly. Silver felt like she was going to be sick. At first she thought her ambition had just ruined her and Jacy’s life. Now she realized the humongous folly of actions. If Quaede had not found her first, she could have doomed the whole 51

Toni L. Meilleur human race to become nothing short of hideous monsters, doing the bidding of an insanely dark queen. “So we just need to take the Elementum to Queen Aine and this will all be over, right?” Quaede shook his head no; it was not the answer she was going for. “We have to duplicate the conditions in which the Sidhe were created, with one variation. I have to perform the same ritual to prevent the human race from being converted.” “You mean lock in our human DNA so that it can’t be manipulated like the Seelie?” “What is DNA?” “It is all the necessary ingredients that makes us human.” “Then yes.” “Oh, then—” “Enough for now, Silver, I must converse with my queen. You will abide by our agreement?” “Yes.” Silver rolled her eyes and stuffed the last of the burger in her mouth. “There are warm clean clothes for you on the chair.” Then he walked to the mirror. Silver couldn’t help but admire the way he carried himself. He was proud and self-assured, with a healthy dose of male arrogance. She kept a sneaky eye on him as she got up and went to the chair to retrieve the clothing. She found a simple pair of black pants and a top with a pair of black 52

Elementum boots that looked soft as butter. It was kind of nice having a magical creature around to conjure things up. As she dressed she watched Quaede wave the sword across the mirror. She couldn’t quite catch the words he was chanting. A fog began to swirl inside the mirror and Silver watched in fascination as the fog began to clear. Ribbons began to swirl then attached themselves to the sides of the mirror like dust being pushed to the side. Quaede sheathed the sword and went down on one knee, his head bowed low in respect. Silver stood with the shirt on and one leg in the pants; she was transfixed and completely forgot about what she was supposed to be doing. A beautiful woman appeared in the mirror. Instantly it was clear she was not human. She was much too beautiful to ever be human. Her eyes were a deep shade of purple and her hair matched her eyes perfectly. Her cheekbones were angled and sharp, her lips full and blood red. This was the Seelie queen? The Queen of Light? Silver expected some ethereal looking creature, maybe with wings. This queen was sultry and sexy and had a natural ‘do me’ look. “Queen Aine, you are ravishing as always. I humbly ask forgiveness for not reporting sooner,” Quaede addressed the woman. Silver felt her first stab of jealousy at the warm 53

Toni L. Meilleur tone of affection he used. It was unfounded she was sure. He was merely addressing his queen humbly, as any subject would do. He was right to make her promise not to speak; she wanted to tell the woman to go away. Silver was shocked at her reaction. Quaede was not hers to become jealous over. She had just met the man, or Sidhe. Yes, he saved her life twice, and her best friend. He sheltered her, fed her and tended to her wounds. Not to mention the orgasm that made her pass out. But that certainly wasn’t reason enough to get jealous of the first queen he addressed with a compliment. “Rise, Quaede, you know I do not stand on ceremony when it comes to you.” Quaede rose and Silver just knew though his was back was to her, he was smiling at the queen. Silver was getting more and more jealous with each word the queen uttered. She had to bite her tongue to keep from saying something stupid. “Ainè, I have news. I have the Elementum in my possession,” Quaede told her. “This is not news, I sent you, Quaede, because I knew, above all others you would be successful.” “Your faith in me is an honor.” “It is not faith, Quaede, it is an earned reputation.” “I will now venture on the next step.” “Be careful, Quaede, my sister will stop at 54

Elementum nothing to prevent your success,” Queen Ainè warned. Just then the queen looked directly at her. “Who is this, Quaede? Why have you a human in your midst?” The queen’s tone was sharp with a hint of disapproval. “By the Mother Goddess Dana, is that a—” “Queen Ainé,” Quaede interrupted. Silver didn’t miss how he switched back to her formal title once she was acknowledged. “This is Silver; she was instrumental in helping me find the Elementum. The Slaugh are after her. She is in my charge,” Quaede replied in a hasty update. Silver felt ridiculous standing there with her pants halfway on. The Queen did not try to hide her smirk. She looked at Silver like one would an amusing poodle. “You are indeed noble, Quaede. You observe the old ways, even when they do not. Do not let your noble actions towards this human hinder your success in any way. Hurry and put an end to this mission. You know your queen does not like to sleep alone.” Then Queen Ainè faded out of the mirror with a promising smile. Silver waited until he turned to face her, before she spoke. “So the queen is your lover?”

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Chapter six could not mistake the jealous tone Quaede stamped into Silver’s voice. She stood with one leg in the pants and one leg out and, totally focused on his answer. Quaede began to remove the sword and then the cape. He could feel her rage from across the room and he felt—flattered. “It is the right of Queen Ainè to take any lover she wishes.” He crossed his arms in front of his chest and planted his legs apart. Silver clumsily yanked the trousers on while she continued her interrogation. “I don’t suppose you were opposed to the idea of bedding a queen?” “Queen Ainè is a beautiful woman. I am Sidhe, but I am a man first.” “Don’t remind me,” Silver retorted, while tugging on her boots. “It’s no business of mine.” “But you act as if I have done something 56

Elementum wrong. Have you not had lovers in your life, Silver?” Even as he asked the question Quaede felt a twinge of jealousy slide down his spine. It had not occurred to him until that very moment that another man had touched her. “We are not discussing me, Quaede. I asked an innocent question.” Silver tilted her head to the side as if she were listening to something inside of her head. “Are you in love with her?” The question caught Quaede off guard. It was rare for the Sidhe to truly fall in love with another. Physical pleasure was rampant and part of the Sidhe way of life. The Fey were a promiscuous people, it was rare indeed for a couple to be exclusive. “I love my queen, she is an excellent leader,” he answered at last. “The queen has a right to any lover she chooses.” “You know, I read once that the Fey twist words. They refuse to lie outright but they will mislead you in a New York minute.” Silver walked up to him and poked him in the chest. “I asked were you in love, not whether you loved her.” Her eyes narrowed. “Better yet, I’ll be willing to bet though she had her choice of lovers, you were probably the only one she bedded regularly, isn’t that right?” Quaede looked into her eyes that reflected the fire and refused to answer. Truth be told, he was 57

Toni L. Meilleur the only lover his queen had ever taken to his knowledge. Unusual but not unheard of. Instinct told him not to reveal that to Silver. “This conversation has nothing to do with the matter at hand.” Quaede brushed past her, ignoring the sharp sparks that ricocheted through his body when his skin touched hers. “I have to prepare.” He went to his shelves and retrieved the ash. Meticulously he began to draw the protective wards on his skin that would enable him to walk through an unstable portal without being sucked into the void in between by predators. Certain creatures lurked in the void, feeding off the magic of others. These creatures posed no dangers to humans without abilities. “What are you doing?” Silver walked over, placed a hand on her hip and peered into the jar. “The next step of the journey is to retrieve the necessary components. Not all of them are found in this realm. Once we retrieve everything we need, I will perform the ceremony that will prevent humans from being converted. Then you can return to your life and I to mine.” “Don’t you mean, return to your queen?” Quaede could hear the pricks of jealousy lying beneath the falsely sweet words. Quaede couldn’t recall when the last time he had behaved so recklessly. He abruptly abandoned his task and surprised her by 58

Elementum sweeping her roughly into his arms. With longs strides he took her to the bed and dropped her. She bounced twice and swiped at the unruly hair that had fallen into her eyes. “What the hell are you doing?” she growled, as she tried to get up. With one hand Quaede terminated her efforts pushing her back down on the bed, and straddled her across the hips. He planted a hand on either side of her head. “Let us end this, shall we?” he said between gritted teeth. “Yes, Ainè and I have been lovers. No, I am not in love with her. Now that I have answered your questions you answer mine. Why do you want to know? Do you plan on telling me of all your past lovers?” “What? I—” “There is no room for anything but focus. I was wrong for doing what I did to you, Silver, but that cannot be changed. Trust me, human, you don’t want a Sidhe for a lover, it will ruin you for all other lovers and drive you mad, when you can longer have the object of your desire.” “My, aren’t we full of ourself?” Silver pouted, tempting him with her soft lips. “If you think that was the limit of my ability to pleasure you, you are sadly mistaken. I hadn’t even begun.” “Fey or not, you are just another man singing the praises of his cock. It has been my experience 59

Toni L. Meilleur that the actual act is not nearly as mind blowing as—” Quaede kissed her. His tongue invaded her mouth as if he had a right. She fought him but he persisted. He repositioned his body so that it covered hers completely, trapping her and leaving her helpless to his onslaught of kisses. A strangled moan came from her throat and shyly her tongue slid against his. Quaede rejoiced at the feel of her hands at his back, pulling him down closer. One of her hands tangled in his loosely braided hair. She wrapped the long braid about her knuckles and pulled forcing his mouth tighter against hers. Her bold move enticed him and again he found himself drawing back the magic that came so naturally to the Fey while engaged in sexual play. He pulled back, placing kisses along her smooth slender neck. Nipping at the pulse that beat wildly under his lips. She smelled of his scent, and he became even more aroused, grinding his cock in the juncture of her thighs. “You’re glowing again,” she said on a deep sigh, as she brought her hips to his, cradling the cock between them. “It cannot be helped.” Quaede expertly switched their positions so that she now lay on top. “Stop tempting me, woman. This will not end well for either one of us.” 60

Elementum “You are the one holding me,” Silver informed him, before she took charge of the kiss. Her tongue explored him greedily; hands groped the firm globes of her ass, grinding her core into him. Quaede lost control of his power and let it flow through her. She bucked on top of him as the raw energy slammed into her. Quaede’s body hummed with the pleasure of her touch. She kissed her way down his bare chest, her tongue licking, her teeth nipping. The fine line between pleasure and pain overlapped as her nails dug deep into his sides causing small furrows. Quaede knew she was lost to the power, as was he. Her trails of hot kisses went lower until she was tugging at his breeches. Eventually she worked them just past his hips, freeing his cock. It was between her lips before he could stop her, his back bowed at the fiery heat. He looked down at the sight of him inside of her mouth. It was an arousing sight. Her cheeks caved, as her suction grew stronger. The power rode them hard as it buzzed around them, through them, blinding them. Her mouth freed him long enough to say, “Let me taste you, Quaede.” Before he could respond, his member was sliding between her plump lips again. He wasn’t sure if he could have really said anything. Quaede sent the sensation of a thousand 61

Toni L. Meilleur mouths kissing her skin. She pulled her mouth from him and gasped; he forced her up his body then turned her so that her core now hovered over him. With little more than a thought, her clothes and his were dismissed. Her chasm leaked for him and he brought it down to his lips, already addicted to the taste of her. He nipped her as she swallowed him back in her mouth. They suckled one another with vigor, Quaede pumped up into her mouth, she ground against his. The buzzing grew louder, the sound building with their impending climax. Phantom kisses and wet tongues caressed their bodies. The power manifested deeply making the slightest touch, sensitive by tenfold. The buzz reached a deafening roar and they climaxed into one another’s mouth. He lapped at her hot cream; she swallowed the ribbons of seed that erupted in her mouth. They kept that position for a moment as reality skated in. The silence was louder than the buzz of energy that rode them. Silver crawled off of Quaede and searched for her clothes. Tension was sewn like a fine thread in the atmosphere. “We have to leave,” Quaede said at last, rising. Silver, having found her clothes dressed in silence, leaving Quaede to ponder at his tumultuous emotions. What they had shared was beyond any sexual experience that he’d ever had before. It had been raw and 62

Elementum impulsive and left a wake of confusion. Quaede slid off the bed and began to redraw fresh wards on his skin. Silver sat in silence until he finished. When he beckoned her over she was fully dressed again, but a definite blush stained her cheeks. A thick fur poncho-like garment appeared in his hands out of thin air. Symbols were embroidered on the inside of the garment. If for some reason they were separated, it would allow him to find her but she didn’t need to know that. Traveling between realms was risky when alone, even for the most experienced Walker. A companion made it even more dangerous. “It will be cold where we are going.” Quaede didn’t know what else to say to her. She made him lose control and he was angry for that and fascinated at the same time. He had to make sure nothing else between them happened. He needed to stay focused. Her very presence made that exceedingly hard. The queen’s warning flashed through his mind. Do not let your noble actions towards this human hinder your success in any way. After making sure he had everything he needed as well, Quaede held out his hand to her, she took it with hesitation. Quaede couldn’t help but wonder how two beings could come together one minute in total connection, and then be worlds apart the next. “Close your eyes, traveling 63

Toni L. Meilleur between realms can be disorienting, even for me.” He smiled at her and she returned it. Quaede closed his eyes and said the words softly that would take him to where he needed to be. Reality shifted and he felt the icy blast of the wind on his face. When he opened his eyes he found that Silver had already opened hers. A blood-curdling roar echoed off the surrounding mountainous white region. Snow crunched under their feet as Quaede tried to locate the beast. He pulled the Red Blade from his sheath. “What was that?” Silver’s voice shook slightly. Quaede engaged his Sidhe senses and tried to locate the beast before it sprang on them. It could do that, blend in totally with its surroundings striking when it was too late to retaliate. Quaede kept his voice low. “An Ice Dragon.” Before he could utter another word the white dragon tackled him to the ground in a flying sweep, knocking the wind out of him as he landed on his back, the Red Blade flew out of his grasp. Quaede flipped onto his stomach and watched as the ice demon bore down at him full speed.

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Chapter seven

I

t was the most beautiful form of death she had ever seen. The dragon was blindingly white, with pale blue eyes, almost the same shade as Quaede’s. It blindsided Quaede and knocked him flat on his backside. Quaede fell back, an audible ‘oomph’ echoed off the ice walls around them. His blade, which shone like fresh blood in the snow, had been knocked from his grip. Silver felt fear grab her about the neck and choke her. But Quaede moved with such rapid grace, she could hardly follow his movements as he flipped over onto his stomach, then rolled to the side as the dragon made another sweep. Her fingers were gripped in a tight fist as she watched the battle between the beast and the warrior. He wasted no time, regaining his footing and retrieving the Red Blade from the snow. “Stay back and low to the ground!” he called to her, his eyes trained on the dragon circling them. Silver 65

Toni L. Meilleur stared in fascination as the dragon’s wings glittered like crystals in the sunlight. The dragon glided and dropped lower and lower, descending upon Quaede. A movement caught her eye. Silver turned her head slightly, trying to catch sight of the wisp of bright color that seemed to dart behind mounds of snow. It flashed again, and Silver realized that whatever it was, there was more than one. The dragon roared again, with talons outstretched it reached for Quaede. He swung his blade with tremendous force; it only served to nick the fast moving creature on its soft underbelly. When Quaede turned to track the creature, she saw Quaede’s eyes were blazing like the first time she’d seen him. His lips moved slowly as he watched the dragon, his sword steadily braced for action. The dart of color moved again and this time Silver saw it a little more clearly. It was furry and striped with colors Silver had no names for. She didn’t even know such colors existed. Whatever it was ran on two legs and was not very good at it. For it stumbled more than it ran. “Catch it!” Quaede ordered her. “But stay low to the ground.” He never took his eyes off the dragon; how he could possibly know what she was looking at was beyond her. Another one of those small creatures darted out and like its companion fell in the snow. The dragon was 66

Elementum passing overhead at this time, and threw its head back. Silver knew what was coming next; a stream of fire. But Silver was wrong. It looked as if nothing had come out of the dragon’s mouth. No fire, no sparks. When Silver looked at the creature she thought had escaped death, she was wrong. It stood frozen to the spot, captured in the pose of pulling itself up from the snow. Then pieces of the creature began to fall off in chunks. Silver stuck her fist in her mouth to prevent the scream. “By the grace of Dana, woman, catch the other one!” Quaede yelled at her. Silver saw the other creature pause and began to run in the direction of Quaede in the open field. It would be an easy enough target. Silver ran after the small creature that was no more than three feet high. The shadow of the dragon passed over her and her heart stuttered in terror as she anticipated being frozen to death instantly. The Ice dragon let out a wail, and it sounded nothing like the angry roar from before. But Silver kept her eyes glued to the small creature. It was a good thing it was clumsy because Silver wasn’t sure she could have caught it otherwise. She gathered the creature in a huge bear hug, and her mind instantly associated the smell of the creature with that of a newborn infant. It was soft and squirmed in her grasp. She had to close her 67

Toni L. Meilleur eyes to keep from becoming hypnotized by the blazing colors of its fur that seemed to move like shadows across it. Silver stood with her quarry and turned in time to see the Ice dragon crash to the ground in a thunderous impact. Quaede’s eyes dimmed, then he looked at her with a huge grin. She grinned back, having no idea what she caught, but glad she pleased him and he was unhurt by the dragon. **** Whatever it was, was clearly frightened, or angry—or both. It was hard to tell. The incessant clicks, whistles and hisses made for hard deciphering. Quaede’s sword dripped with blood and Silver tried not to notice the way he cleaned it in the snow, unflinching, then returned it to the sheath. She wondered just how many things Quaede had killed in his lifetime. “The goddess has smiled on us.” It was the first sign of cheer she’d seen from the hulking warrior. “Why is that?” Silver asked, shoving the squirming creature in his outstretched arms; immediately the thing stilled. “The Ponas are hard to find.” He held up the creature as one would a small child and looked at it almost in affection. “It was our lucky day the Ice dragon hunts this day.” 68

Elementum “Lucky for who?” Silver asked. She was quite sure the Ponas did not think itself lucky to be hunted. The creature began to transform right before her eyes. One moment it was a furry multicolored woodland animal, the next it appeared to be a small child wrapped in fur. “What is that?” Silver took a step closer. “Why isn’t it afraid of you?” “The Ponas is a shape shifter. It does not control what it shifts into until adulthood. The shape depends upon the desire of others.” He set it on its feet, and it clung to one of Quaede’s legs. “So you wanted it to be a child?” Silver stooped low, studying the Ponas with amazement. “Not just any child. A Sidhe child.” “I don’t understand.” Silver now noticed the unusually white skin. It was a beautiful child, she just wasn’t sure of its sex. “A child of the Sidhe is cunning enough to survive on its own. This Ponas is young and it is not capable of assuming large shapes. I did this little fellow a favor. No other creature can change the shape of this Ponas, no matter how much they wish it, for this is the strongest shape it can be in to survive until adulthood. It is not afraid of me, because it recognizes a child of Dana, for Dana has made this creature as well. Before the Sidhe, in fact.” “Why was it that furry thing before? Seems like 69

Toni L. Meilleur it was just asking to be eaten. Oh.” Silver realized the hungry dragon had a lot to do with that. “Okay, so what now? What is here that we need?” “The Ponas.” Quaede smiled broadly again. “I told you it was our lucky day.” He began to speak softly to the child. Silver realized Quaede spoke in his native language. Immediately her brain went to work. Trying to remember the words she heard and looking for that one thing her brain needed to understand. It had always been that way. Languages came to her like dancing came to others. It was natural. His tongue made lilting sounds and Silver couldn’t help but admire the beauty in the language. It took her a second to realize that Quaede had finished speaking and the child was handing Quaede the fur it had been wrapped in. It now stood with a simple cloth about its hips. “You’re not taking that, are you? It will freeze to death,” Silver protested. “Ponas adapt to their environment. And yes, I am taking it,” Quaede said a few more words and the child scampered off. “We came here for this. The child gave it to us in thanks for saving its life.” “A fur? We came here for fur?” “Humans are a tad bit dramatic,” Quaede commented, as he stuffed the fur in the satchel he was carrying. “Your kind does not yet realize that it is the small things that are most important. It is 70

Elementum how you make the larger things.” “Just how many small things are we collecting?” Silver fell in step with him. She turned once in the direction the Sidhe child had run then decided if Quaede said it would be fine then it would be. “Three more.” “Here?” “No.” “Then why not just zap us out of here and where we need to be?” “Because the next place we need to go requires a portal. I sense there is one not too far from here.” “Great.” They walked in silence for a while. Nothing but the crunching of snow broke the monotonous journey. Finally Silver decided to say what she had been meaning to say. “Quaede, I never thanked you for—” “I require no thanks.” “Well, then let me do it for my piece of mind. You keep telling me about the ways of the Sidhe. Let me tell you something about being human. A human that has been decently raised thanks a person that has cared for them. You have cared for me and –Thank You.” Quaede stopped and looked at her. “You are most welcome.” They stood like that for several seconds and Silver wondered if he would kiss her. 71

Toni L. Meilleur He even took a step forward then stopped and shook his head, like one who’s had a bucket of ice water thrown in their face. “The portal is near. If you are tired I can carry you.” Silver was tired of being seen as the helpless female who needed to be saved all the time. “I am not tired.” She stomped ahead of him in determination. “I have offended you. How?” He caught up to her with ease. “I am not helpless. I know you’ve had to save me, but to be fair it’s not everyday that I come up against Slaugh hounds, Soul Eaters and Ice dragons. I’ve been taking care of myself for a long time. Really, put me in other life or death situations that don’t involve supernatural creatures and I guarantee you I can kick some ass.” “I do not doubt that, Silver.” His words sounded sincere. She slowed her steps a bit. “You’re just saying that.” “No, I am not. You stood up to me when you didn’t even know who or what I was. I can only imagine what it must be like to find things you were taught were not real, to be very real—and deadly.” “If I would have known what that manuscript was I would have never taken it, okay, I probably still would have. But I certainly wouldn’t have 72

Elementum involved Jacy. It’s my fault she’s…” “Getting the best care. You agreed to the boon of the Leshii without hesitation.” Quaede reached out and stopped her progress. He turned her to face him directly. Silver shivered at his touch. Why did it seem like each time he touched her, it was for the first time and yet so very familiar? “You did not cause harm to Jacy. The Slaugh hounds did; it is their actions that wounded her.” Silver could say nothing. She was lost to his touch, lost to the deep lilt of his voice. This time is was Silver who initiated the kiss. No sooner had her lips touched his than he pushed her away. She looked at him, hurt and shocked. “We cannot. The more I touch you as a lover, Silver, the more your body will crave mine. I was not lying when I said humans will crave the touch of a Sidhe.” “What is so bad about that?” It was painful to speak around the lump of humiliation in her throat. “Nothing, if the Fey lover plans to mate with the human for life.” Silver let his words sink in. He was telling her he had no plans to remain with her after this was over. That was if they survived. “Very well.” Silver couldn’t even begin to fathom why her eyes swam with tears, and why she felt so betrayed. She just did. But Silver did not achieve anything in 73

Toni L. Meilleur life by crumbling when things got hard or didn’t go her way. She blast past them, and looked on to better things. “I apologize for my forward behavior. It won’t happen again.” She began walking again, hoping she was going in the right direction. When she heard Quaede’s boots crunch in the snow behind her, she straightened her back. It would be a piece of cake to ignore the gorgeous warrior behind her. Piece of cake…

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Chapter eight was hundreds of years old, and in that Quaede entire span of his life he had never done anything to regret. Until now. As he watched the stiff gait of Silver he couldn’t help but feel a heavy dose of regret. By the goddess, more than anything he had wanted to kiss her. He wanted to know what it felt like to be inside her luscious body. He wanted to hear her pants of uncontrolled lust and her scream of release. He had killed any chance of ever bedding her in that manner. He scanned the area with a wisp of magic and knew the portal lay near. He was allowing himself to be distracted. His whole adult life he had been Gladius Reginæ, the Queen’s Sword. His life had been dedicated to his people and the service of his queen. Not once had Quaede ever acquired anything for personal reasons. His focus had been pure, now it was as scattered as the stars. As the feel of the portal became stronger Quaede slowed 75

Toni L. Meilleur his pace, trying to determine what indiscriminate object was acting as the portal. Silver tossed her long black locks back and spared him a backward glance. When she saw that he had slowed she did too and looked everywhere but him. “I have to pee.” She marched right over to a tree that was in the throes of dying. “I would appreciate it, if you wouldn’t look.” Quaede winced at her crisp tone. This was going to be a long and uncomfortable journey. “I only ask that you keep talking so that I may know you are not in danger.” Quaede looked at every object and knew the portal was near. It wouldn’t do to stumble into it. Portals worked by telepathy; think of a place and it’s where one would end up. If thoughts were not centered there is no telling where an individual would end up. “Fine, I’m not talking to you but I’ll sing to myself,” she responded. Quaede smirked and began to look for the portal. His smirk quickly turned to a scowl of indignation when he began to pay close attention to her lyrics. “One of these days these boots are gonna walk all over you…” Quaede effectively began to tune her out. She had a right to her pain, and she was just expressing it. Quaede began to walk in the direction that the feel of power from the portal was strongest. In took only a moment to realize that he was going in the direction of Silver and 76

Elementum knew she’d think he was trying to provoke her. “Silver, are you done?” Quaede asked, when he realized she must have hit the end of her song. He was met with complete silence. “Silver, answer me,” he demanded, in his most authoritative voice. When she refused to reply Quaede decided she deserved her privacy invaded if she were going to be childish. Quaede turned and found the tree she had walked to was empty of her presence. His keen eyes scanned and he didn’t see her anywhere on the icy lands. Something in his gut wrenched and a crude realization set in. He ran to the tree; it was pulsing with power. Quaede cursed under his breath, he should have checked before he let her go off. Silver had tumbled into the portal. She could be anywhere. The portal was temperamental and could have sent her to any of the thousands and thousands of realms. She could be in danger, fighting for her life, while he stood here trying to figure out what to do next. Quaede focused his magic on the symbols of the fur he had given her. He connected; it was weak but it was something. Quaede touched the tree and was thrown into the mouth of the portal. When he emerged on the other side, he realized it was worse than he thought. This was the last place he wanted to be. This was the stuff of nightmares. It was what every Sidhe male warrior 77

Toni L. Meilleur had been warned against. They were never under any circumstances to come to this place. He was completely surrounded by hostile enemies. Very hostile. At the center of the throng was a very familiar fur and long black hair. Her silver eyes sparkled with curiosity and mischief. One of the larger of his enemies stepped forward with a large weapon. He could fight his way out, but in the end they would overtake him and try to enslave him; they felt it was their goddess-given right. They were the Hecatian Warriors, a realm of women warriors, which only saw men as a necessity for breeding. Of course the portal would take her here. Silver was in the prime of hating him. The portal, it seemed, had a wicked sense of humor. He had to extricate Silver from these hostile and nightmarish women before things got out of hand. “Silver, we must go,” he said, above the murmurings of his arrival. A shocked gasp went through the females. “He dares to order her about?” One female voice cried out. “Kill him for his insubordination,” yelled another. Quaede pulled his blade from his boot. He didn’t want to hurt anyone, but he was not going to lie down and let them kill him. It was hard to kill a Sidhe warrior—but a lot easier to kill a Hecatian one. “Wait!” Silver called out, alarm in 78

Elementum her voice. “Please wait, do not hurt him.” More murmurs went through the crowd. Silver stepped forward until she was directly in front of him. “I don’t want any bloodshed.” “He orders you about as if you were a—a male, and he the female.” One of the warriors pleaded, gripping her knife with much affection as she pointed it him, “Let me cut his hearts out.” “Hearts?” Silver stumbled over the word. “You have more than one?” “Truly, Silver, I do not think this is the time to discuss my anatomy.” The female warriors grumbled louder this time. He could only guess because he had spoken— again. It occurred to Quaede at that moment that Silver was speaking their language rather smoothly. “You know this language?” he asked, very impressed. “I am a linguist.” Silver answered him in her native English. “I can decipher many languages, theirs is very basic. Aside from a few pronunciation differences, the dialect is very much like Portuguese.” “Yes, well, will you tell your new friends that you must be leaving? I am quite uncomfortable here and do not forget, we have tasks of great importance to conclude.” The native women stared at the two visitors with acute interest. Silver looked as if she were up 79

Toni L. Meilleur to something. Quaede was in a female dominated society and Silver was angry with him; that did not bode well for his well-being. “I can’t do that, it would be rude. They found me sprawled and dazed and offered me a place to eat and rest. I have already accepted. Now if you want to be the one to tell them I can’t stay…” Quaede bit the inside of his jaw in frustration. The Hecatian women looked as if they wanted to gut him and string him up by his manly parts. “Very well, but you don’t know what you’re getting into, Silver.” “Oh but I do. I’ve seen enough to know that this female run society doesn’t think too highly of your sex and right now, neither do I. Besides, I am hungry that cheeseburger wore off. High metabolism, you know.” She turned her back on him and addressed the women, informing them they would be staying for a bit. Quaede’s skin began to glow in anger, a by-product of strong emotions. Of course it only alarmed the women and one even poked him with the sharp end of her knife in warning. He reined his temper in as he walked surrounded by the women, to their colony. **** It was a good thing he didn’t require much sustenance because as they fed Silver no one 80

Elementum offered him as much as a sliver of meat. He was given a cup of water that had strange bits floating in it. He set it to the side and ignored it. Meanwhile Silver feasted on succulent meat. She had a healthy share of wine and laughed all the while, throwing him the occasional side-glance that promised if she could, she’d make him pay for hurting her. Night had fallen quickly in the realm and some of the women dispersed only to come back carrying musical instruments. Apparently they wanted to honor one of their visitors. Quaede was pretty sure it wasn’t him. The music started strong but low and Quaede found it strangely erotic. The large abode was generously warm but he kept his cloak about him. With a promise that he wouldn’t hurt anyone, Silver had insisted that he be able to keep his sword. Not that he would have parted with it, but it was considerate of the human. She had removed the fur he had given her and changed into the traditional clothing of the Hecatian women. It was all he could do to keep his arousal hidden; he didn’t want to incite a burning for his impudence. A scrap of material covered her breasts, and he could clearly see the large nipples. The skirt was tied at the hips, with layers of bells that tinkled every time she moved. Though the material flowed to her ankle it had dozens of slits that 81

Toni L. Meilleur made her longs legs peek through. She’d insisted on keeping her boots on and Quaede didn’t know how long he could keep his tenuous control . Right now he wanted nothing more than to rip the enticing material away and bury himself in her— deep. A few of the women pulled Silver to her feet and began to coax her into dancing with the music. Shyly Silver refused at first, but Quaede suspected the wine began to course through her veins and she began to move to the slow sensual beat. Goddess help him, but she looked like a temptress. Her beautiful eyes captured his as her hips swayed. The bells on her garment tinkled in time to her movements and Quaede found himself captivated. Two beautiful Hecatian women danced with her. One at the front, one at the back. They mimicked her moves with expertise, as if they’d performed for years. The woman at the front gently pushed Silver onto the solid toned body of the one behind her. Silver still swayed her hips, the woman behind her pressed against her backside, swaying in time with her. Silver’s head lay on the shoulder of the woman. The Hecatian caressed her hips in small circular patterns as she danced behind Silver Quaede saw what was happening. They were seducing Silver and she wasn’t aware of it. 82

Elementum Quaede determined there was nothing he could do but watch—intently. The Hecatian at the front closed the small gap and her hands went to Silver’s throat, running lightly up and down the pale slender column until they captured Silver’s face between them. She leaned in and kissed Silver. Quaede licked his lips as the women began to fondle Silver. He contemplated breaking up the erotic scene; perhaps Silver was too inebriated to be aware of what was going on. He would not let these women take advantage of her. As his hand wrapped around the blade in his boot, he was frozen in place as Silver broke the kiss and turned her head slightly to look at him. She gave him a sexy smile, and moaned as the Hecatian at the front began to place kisses along her neck. Silver was perfectly aware of her situation and she was enjoying it. Quaede was no fool; he knew that Silver was teasing him, knowing there was nothing he could do. But aware of exactly what he wanted to do, she was punishing him. The witch! Quaede shifted as his erection became painful. It would have made sense to stop watching. How does a man stop watching three beautiful women pleasure one another? It was impossible. Silver herself used one hand to pull the Hecatian at the front closer, and the other hand she reached 83

Toni L. Meilleur in back and pulled that woman closer as well. As the women danced to the music they openly kissed one another. Quaede knew his skin was shining brighter than the earth’s moon. The music faded and the women stopped with much reluctance on their faces. Silver looked at him and smiled, then she turned to the woman behind her and kissed her on the mouth. It was a deep kiss and to his surprise, though the scene was definitely arousing, he felt a twinge of jealousy that these women were touching Silver— and he could not. With one last kiss the women separated and Quaede breathed a sigh of relief. He could not take much more of that. Silver came over and sat next to him to the dismay of her Hecatian friends. “If you want to leave, we can leave now.” She looked at him; a small frown marred her features. “What is it, Silver?” Quaede asked softly. “I think I understand what you mean about the craving for—” she stopped, took a deep breath and started again. “I’ve had women lovers before, Quaede. But when those women touched me, those beautiful women, all I could think of was you.” She shook her head. “I haven’t even had actual intercourse with you and I can’t stop wanting you to touch me. I want that feeling…” “It is the energy we release; it intensifies touch, smell, anything that arouses. I am sorry, Silver. I 84

Elementum did not mean to make you suffer. If it pleases you, I suffer for your touch as well.” Quaede captured her gaze. “With time the yearning will stop,” he assured her. “For you or for me?” she asked with a laugh. “Let’s go, slave.” She and Quaede rose together. They found themselves surrounded by the Hecatian warriors. A few of them brandished weapons. “What’s wrong?” Silver asked in alarm. Quaede’s gut began to burn as he realized what was about to happen. “Our queen wishes you to stay.” The woman who had been dancing behind Silver stepped forth. “If you can beat her in battle you may leave, if you cannot you must stay.” “I am no warrior,” Silver declared. “I only accepted the hospitality given me. This is not honorable.” “It is my right to change my mind.” The queen stepped forth— the woman who had danced in front. “I want you to stay. If you do not fight, then you automatically forfeit and are bound here.” Quaede stepped forward. “I know your ways, Hecatian Queen. She can have someone fight in her stead. I will fight for her.”

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Chapter nine

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o!” Silver yelled, placing a halting hand over Quaede’s chest. She turned to the hulking would-be hero. “I told you before, I can take care of myself. I got myself into this, I can get myself out of it.” “You propose to fight me?” The Hecatian Queen looked at Silver as if she had handed herself over on a silver platter. “Yes.” Silver sniffed haughtily. “Silver.” Quaede’s deep voice only spoke that one word, but it sent warning chills down her spine. “Just give me a moment to speak to –my slave and then we’ll—uh, battle.” Silver beckoned Quaede to an area extinct of Hecatian citizens. “What?” “You need to understand, you are dealing with Hecatians.” He sounded as if he had said enough. Silver begged to differ. 86

Elementum “What do I need to know?” Silver tossed a look behind her. The Hecatian queen was removing all of her garments. “Oh wait a minute.” Silver’s eyes bugged. “Am I required to…?” “The Hecatians solve personal disputes by hand to hand combat. All clothing and weapons are removed so that fair play is never in question.” “What ever happened to the honor system?” Silver swallowed, doing a mental check of her naked physique. She hit the gym at least twice a week but like most women in the world, there was always doubt when it came to how good one looked naked. Quaede ignored her comment. “You also might want to consider requesting the Hecatian Nellum.” Silver knew it was not her imagination when she saw a fleeting amused smile cross his features. “What is the Hecatian Nellum exactly?” “It’s a clause for anyone who is not Hecatian. In short it states that they must adjust their strength to match their opponents. It also protects you from being bitten by your challenger. Their bite causes temporary hallucinogenic affect.” “What?!” Silver’s heart was now pounding out of her chest. What had she just gotten herself into? “Anything else?” she was starting to wish that she’d just like Quaede fight for her honor. “No.” Quaede walked back amongst the women with a slight spring to his step. 87

Toni L. Meilleur “Of course, what man wouldn’t want to see two naked women dueling ?” Silver muttered to herself as she fell in step behind him.Quaede spoke low to the queen and she looked at him derisively but acknowledged what he said”I told her that you bid me to request the Hecatian Nellum. She agrees.” Quaede paused as if he were going to say something, then bowed and took a place among the throng. Silver took her time removing the barely there scraps of material. A circle, three rows deep surrounded the opponents. Silver closed her eyes trying to focus on the matter at hand. For some reason her mind kept straying to the fact that Quaede was now looking at her completely naked. It didn’t matter that they’d had some intimate relations; the knowledge that he was looking at her was terrifying and at the same time quite a big turn on. The Hecatian queen nodded to her and Silver returned the slow nod. With one thump of the drum, the queen crouched in an attack position. Silver took a deep breath and tried to remember every move and sequence she had learned in kickboxing class. Her opponent was faster than she had anticipated. The first blow the queen threw glanced off her cheek and stung quite a bit. Silver shook her head and adjusted her footing and 88

Elementum hopefully her response time. When the queen spun low and kicked her legs out from under her, Silver’s temper grew in proportion to her frustration. She got up and narrowed her eyes. This wasn’t exactly how it went in kickboxing class— the bags didn’t hit back. Silver jabbed and was surprised it landed, but apparently not as surprised as her opponent. A hard glitter slid into the Hecatian’s eyes at the blow. The fight continued with each fighter landing and blocking. Silver wasn’t keeping track but she was sure her face had absorbed at least three very powerful punches. The other woman showed no outward signs of trauma. She did favor one side greatly where Silver had landed a solid side-kick. Silver had no idea how long they’d been fighting. Silver ignored the swelling of her eye, she didn’t exactly know what would determine the winner but she knew she had to do something quick. Every move she executed the woman countered it. She was a quick study and damn good at it. Silver realized there was only one combination she hadn’t done yet and decided this had to be a do or die. Silver circled the woman, waiting for the right moment to strike. The queen struck quick, kicking towards Silver’s face, when she brought her hands up to block her face she nearly doubled over at the 89

Toni L. Meilleur force of the punch to her abdomen. She’d forgotten how quickly the Hecatians move. As she gasped for breath, the queen came behind her; a slim arm of steel grabbed her about the neck, cutting off Silver’s air. Silver struggled trying to pry the arm from around her neck, but it wouldn’t budge. Red spots began to pop in and out of her vision and her breathing became labored. Do or die. Do or die. The phrase blinked in and out of her mind. Silver stomped as hard as she could on the arch of the women’s foot, quickly followed by butting the back of her head against the woman’s face. Without missing a beat, Silver rammed her elbow in the side the queen had been favoring. To the relief of Silver, the woman relinquished her hold on Silver, crying out in pain and surprise. Silver turned seeing the woman gasping as she clutched at her side. Knowing she could recover at any moment, Silver put the last of her strength in the upper cut she administered to the queen, and then followed up with a roundhouse kick. Silver fell to the ground in a heap as she lost her balance after the kick. She gulped for air. She was expecting a blow at any moment. Instead there was complete silence. Large hands grabbed her gently about the shoulders and Silver, on reflex, batted it away. Not that it did any good. “It’s just me, Silver, rise.” Quaede’s voice sounded far 90

Elementum away, but she felt herself being forced to her feet. She rose but not of her own accord. The world spun and Silver felt a bout of nausea settle in. She tried to will it away, but everything kept spinning. She was tired and Silver suspected she took more blows than she counted. There were whispers; at least she thought they were whispers, her ears were buzzing. The hands began to support her as Silver felt her legs buckle. She opened her mouth to beg for a minute to collect herself but never finished the thought. **** Silver opened her eyes; at least she thought she did. For some reason she was only seeing out of one. She put her hand to her eye and felt something large soft and lumpy. “Oh great,” Silver moaned, feeling her swollen eye. “You are lucky that is the worst of your injuries.” Quaede’s voice floated to her, and then his handsome face appeared above hers. “You have some bruised ribs a swollen lip and you spit out a tooth before you collapsed from fatigue.” Silver’s hand went to her front teeth in alarm. “I checked, I think it’s safe to say the tooth came from the back.” Silver breathed a sigh of relief. “I have a message from the Hecatian queen,” Quaede informed her as he wiped her eye with a 91

Toni L. Meilleur soft wet cloth. “What? Oh my god, did I lose? Of course I lost.” Silver closed her eyes. She was going to be a prisoner on a lesbian planet for the rest of her life. “She told me to tell you anytime you wish you are more than welcome on Hecatia. “I don’t understand.” Silver’s eyes flew open and she tried to sit up. Pain spun through her body. Quaede pushed her down with firm but gentle hands. “You must rest. As I have stated your ribs are bruised. I am applying a salve that will aid in the healing but rest is required for it to be potent,” Quaede admonished. “You fainted before you could hear the verdict. The queen declared you the winner.” “I beat her?” Silver smiled, then stopped. Apparently she had swollen lips as well. “Not exactly. She gave you the win on merit alone. She liked your fighting spirit. And I do believe you managed to fracture her nose. It’s hard to fracture anything on a Hecatian. They are quite sturdy, you know.” “Well I can thank my heavy seven pound human head,” Silver quipped, looking up at dark blue sky, with the kidney shaped yellow and orange moon. “Quaede?” “Yes.” “Where are we?” 92

Elementum “The Narian Realm,” he answered as he checked her ribs with warm fingers. “How?” “I carried you through the portal. I could not risk the queen changing her mind. She appeared to have liked you very much.” His warm hands ceased their examination. “You’ve been sleeping for quite some time.” Silver began the arduous task of trying to rise. When Quaede tried to push her back down she smacked at his hands. “Help me up,” she demanded. He paused, before he helped her into as-comfortable-as-can-be sitting position. She welcomed the warmth from the crackling fire. She was relieved to see that she was wearing her own clothing. “Did you dress me too?” “Yes.” “Thank you,” Silver said shortly. She tried not to think too much about the fact that she had been unconscious while he undressed her. She hated his effect on her. He made her self-conscious. Made her feel unsure in areas she used to have the ultimate confidence. “Why are we here?” “Another item from the Elementum can be found here.” “You said before we needed four items. Well then that means we have to find only two more after this.” Silver was anticipating the end, she was worried about Jacy. 93

Toni L. Meilleur “One.” He corrected her. “No, two. The one we got from the Ponas and whatever we get here. That leaves just two more.” Quaede’s blue eyes shone with some emotion before he erased it. “No, one after this. The Hecatian queen bestowed a gift before we left.” He unhooked a small pouch that was attached to his belt. “These are seeds from the Hecatian garden.” Silver held out her hand to examine it. She opened the small pouch and a rather pungent scent rose. Silver’s eyes watered it was so strong. “You’re going to have to make me understand what’s so special about these seeds.” Silver coughed as she handed the pouch back, trying to get the vapors from the seeds out of her throat. “Not now, perhaps later. Suffice it to say it had not occurred to me to seek what I needed on the Hecatian world. This was a pleasant occurrence. Here, eat.” Quaede shoved a warm bowl in her hand that had rested by the fire. “Don’t you sleep and eat at all?” Silver asked, as she tasted the contents in the bowl with caution. It tasted like oatmeal, but it sure didn’t look like it. Silver decided not to ask what it was. “The Sidhe can go quite awhile without sleep or nourishment. Besides, I ate while you were sleeping.” He grinned sheepishly at her as he attached the pouch back to his belt. Silver smiled 94

Elementum back not caring about the pain. “Quaede if the Hecatian queen would have—” “I would not have left you,” he interjected smoothly. Silver couldn’t help but smile. “Silver?” His voice was low, as if he were unsure of what he was about to say. “Yes,” Silver answered, around a mouthful of the oatmeal-like substance. “You did well. You are a fine warrior.” Then Quaede got up and walked away. Silver watched him walk the perimeter of the small campsite. His long braid swaying, and cape softly fluttering behind him made an impressive sight. Silver then realized she had been careless. Not only had she allowed her body to begin an addiction with this man, she let her heart jump into the fray, and the outcome didn’t look that great.

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Chapter ten

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o tell me about the Narian Realm.” Silver’s soft voice cut into his thoughts. Quaede paused in applying the ointment to her swollen eye. She had taken quite a beating; still she looked beautiful to him. He had not lied to Silver. If the Hecatian queen had insisted on keeping Silver he would have had to do something very dishonorable. He would have taken her anyway. Quaede convinced himself it was because of Fey law; once you save a mortal, their life is your burden to carry. He refused to look any deeper than that. “It is a planet that sustains very little life. The weather conditions are unstable, making it almost impossible to have a flourishing life. Very few have the cunning to survive the unstable conditions.” “Then why are we here? What’s here that could possibly help us?” Quaede watched as Silver self96

Elementum consciously touched her eye then her lip. He wanted so badly to tell her that her beauty was still unmarred. “I’ve told you before, there is something here that we need for the Elementum.” Quaede ignored the sparks of interest as his fingers examined her ribs again. The salve was working with admirable results; she hardly winced in reaction to his probing. They should be able to be mobile shortly. “You know, you’re really secretive about what we need and what we’re collecting. I would think that since I am the sidekick here you could let me in on a little bit more.” Her tone was surly. Quaede knew she was tired, and scared. It was a lot to pile on a mortal in such a short time span, so he chose to ignore her bad mood. “I will tell you what you need to know, when you need to know it.” “You sure you don’t work for the FBI?” Silver grumbled. “Who?” Quaede looked at the Silver with a bit of puzzlement. Some things he understood. Then there were others that completely baffled him. “Forget it. I feel better, can we go now?” “You seem to be in quite a rush for someone who does not know what the future holds.” Quaede focused on her lips that were healing fast as well. “I want to see Jacy,” she stated, her eyes turned 97

Toni L. Meilleur away from him. “Ah, I see.” Quaede put his fingers under her chin and turned her face towards him. “I believe she will be fine. If the Leshii didn’t think he could help he wouldn’t have taken her.” “Really?” Silver’s eyes began to water. Quaede had seen this phenomenon in humans. He had never cared for anything so much to cause such emotion. He loved his queen, as least he believed he did. The Sidhe really didn’t know much about love. Life was spent satisfying physical pleasures and political gains. “Really,” he assured her. “As for your injuries, they are healing quite nicely. Do you think you will be able to walk in an hour’s time?” “I can walk now,” Silver insisted, as she tried to get up to prove it. Her face paled slightly but she stood. “I won’t break, Quaede.” Quaede looked into her silver eyes with admiration. She was strong indeed. “We will wait an hour to be sure.” “Fine.” Silver sat back down. “Where are we going anyway?” “To see an old friend.” Quaede turned toward the fire, finding it much easier to look into the beauty of the fire instead of the beauty beside him. “You have friends?” Her tone sounded so incredulous Quaede was almost insulted. “Not all find me bad company, Silver.” 98

Elementum “I find that hard to believe.” Quaede risked a look at her and realized she was teasing him. No one teased the Queen’s Sword. Her beguiling nature was seductive in and of itself. “We trained together.” Quaede offered by way of explanation. “Why is he here? And you’re, well, you know, wherever you are on earth.” “He chose a different path.” “What path was that?” Her voice dropped as if she could sense the turmoil inside of him. Despite him being an extremely private person Quaede found himself answering her question. “Enlightenment. He would not fight for our queen, though he knew the impending danger. Instead he chose to lay down his arms, and seek fulfillment through knowledge of self awareness.” “That is a different path, I grant you that. But why does it sound like you disapproved?” Quaede looked at her and the answer bubbled in his throat. “It doesn’t matter now,” he said at last. “We leave in an hour’s time.” Then he got up. “It will snow soon; you will find your fur more suitable.” **** The walk to the mounds was a quiet one. Silver’s 99

Toni L. Meilleur progress was slow but she grew stronger with each step. Quaede had to fight his impulse to aid her when she stumbled. The first time he did it, she gave him a stare that would have made a seasoned warrior pause. Quaede instead clenched his fists at his sides and tried to block out her heavy breathing. The snow made the trek difficult. If he knew exactly where the mounds were he could have taken them there by quicker means. But his old friend routinely moved his location for safety reasons. Though Quaede had a good idea where they would be, he couldn’t be absolutely sure so popping in was out of the question—and too dangerous. “I thought I’d never say this because it has got to be one of the most annoying questions ever asked but—are we there yet?” Silver grimaced. Quaede saw the mounds up ahead and he breathed a sigh of relief. He did not miss the nearly inaudible sound of pain she had made. He really wanted her to stop and rest. “Your ribs will take a little longer to heal.” Silver shook her head slightly in aknowledgement. “It is there.” Quaede pointed to the large grassy mounds where the snow did not accumulate. As they came closer it was clear that one was larger than the rest. “Those really big grass covered termite mounds?” Silver sounded skeptical. 100

Elementum “Think of them as—elevators.” Quaede turned to look at her. “Fine, where do we get in?” Silver looked the mounds over carefully. “I believe the smaller one.” “But wouldn’t it stand to reason that the bigger one would be the one?” “Exactly, which is why it is the other one.” “That makes no sense.” “The point is for you to use logic to figure it out. It would be too easy to pick the larger one.” “Okay, but what if that’s the reasoning, and you’re expected to pick the smaller one but it’s actually the bigger one because one would think it’s too easy?” Quaede gave her an irritated look. Silver threw up her hands in a sign of surrender, though her expression clearly said she believed him to be wrong. Now Quaede begin to doubt his reasoning and wondered if she were right. “Or…” Silver began again. “Do not tell me you have another theory.” Quaede let a hint or sarcasm lace his words. Silver ignored him and prattled on. “Maybe it’s not either one, and the elevator, so to speak, is in the middle.” She looked triumphant at her theory. “The last time I was here, it was a mound,” Quaede insisted. “Okay, then you used the smaller one?” 101

Toni L. Meilleur “No, it was the bigger one.” Silver put her hand to her head as if she were in pain. “Just tell me what it is we’re trying to figure out and why?” “He moves his lair routinely for security reasons. Last time I visited here it was the bigger mound.” Quaede smiled with pride at the memory of choosing correctly. “He constantly changes the entryway for amusement, as well as security. If we choose wrong we are automatically taken to the dungeons. His guards check for occupants once a month. There is no way out of them because they are spelled. So you see, it is imperative that we choose the entryway correctly.” Silver tapped her finger against her chin in thought. “If the bigger mound was the answer the last time, it stands to reason that at some point it was the smaller mound. I stand by what I said earlier, I think the entryway would be in the middle.” Quaede smirked. “Are you prepared to wager your freedom on it for a month? These jails hold creatures that are not human. Most can live without food and water for a month, you cannot.” “True, but I have a Sidhe warrior by my side, and I am quite sure he won’t let me starve to death or die of thirst. He is much too noble and cunning so yes, I am willing to stake my freedom on it.” 102

Elementum Her silver eyes glittered as she looked at him, full of confidence in herself and him. Quaede ignored the curious feeling of joy it gave him. “You will make us both regret this,” he answered, taking her by the elbow and leading her to the spot between the mounds. “Fine, we will use your human logic and see where it gets us.” **** “Wow!” Silver exclaimed as they materialized in a luxurious room. He watched the wonder and excitement play across her features as she spied the small tables that held various displays of odd objects and beautifully colored bottles. Orbs of light floated near the ceiling lighting the room. Her eyes widened in surprise at the huge soft pillows of every color that were strewn about the room. On top of the pillows, lay beautiful Sidhe women, flocked around one male. “Wow indeed,” the male agreed, as he began to disentangle himself from the long slender legs. “I have not seen you in ages, Quaede, and you come bearing a gift most beautiful and rare.” Quaede clenched his jaw as Parees approached them. A quick glance at Silver’s reaction to him sent another jolt of jealousy through him. She was staring at him with unblinking interest. “She is not for you.” Quaede kept his voice 103

Toni L. Meilleur light. “That remains to be seen,” Parees responded.

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Chapter eleven

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ilver did not think it possible that there could be another man as beautiful as Quaede. But as the naked Sidhe approached them she felt her mouth go instantly dry. His long jet-black hair practically dragged the floor as he walked. Eyes that looked to be gold and blue trained on her with unwavering interest. Silver would swear in any court that on their own accord, her eyes riveted to his groin. A very impressive groin, that was growing right before her eyes, as his look scaled her from head to foot. His perfect physique bragged about the fact it had not one ounce of fat; he was pure sinew and muscle and Silver hoped she didn’t have drool literally coming out of her mouth. Quaede was yummy on the eyes, but this fellow exuded raw sexuality as if it were the very air he breathed. Silver’s stomach flipped at he walked 105

Toni L. Meilleur around her taking in every aspect of her appearance. Suddenly Silver was self-conscious of her injuries. She lifted her hand to her eye as if to shield it from his view. Quaede stopped her hand before it reached its destination. Disapproval was stamped continuously throughout his face. “There is no reason for shame,” Quaede remarked. His voice sounded hard, as if he were angry with her. It was her face that was bruised not his. He had no right to get mad at her because she felt a little self-conscious. “I agree.” The dangerously gorgeous male responded as he stopped in front of her. It appears to be injuries from a battle. Something that you walked away from intact. “Am I correct in assuming you defeated your opponent?” “Not exa—” “Yes,” Quaede interjected. “She battled the Hecatian queen and lived to tell about it.” Now his voice was full of pride. Quaede needed to decide on an emotion and stick with it Silver decided. He was making her head spin trying to figure him out. “Ah,” the male said with a smile. Showing brilliantly white and perfectly even teeth. His pale skin seemed to take on a glow. “Then the Hecatian queen was charmed by you and wished to keep you. I cannot blame her. Even as I stand here the 106

Elementum exact same thought is going through my mind.” He smiled at her again. Silver didn’t really care at the moment that he wanted to keep her like a possession. His voice was so hypnotic she could listen to it sing the telephone book. “I am here for a favor.” Quaede’s voice broke the trance she seemed to have slipped in. “Parees, this is Silver, she is human.” He emphasized the word human. “I know a human when I smell one.” Parees looked at his friend for the first time. “I know the laws. Though I don’t live in the Sidhe world there are some laws that I agree with and follow.” “Very well, we need to talk.” “She looks tired, Quaede, give her a chance to relax. You yourself look like you could use a bath.” Parees snapped his fingers and three Sidhe females ran to his side. “Give my old friend a bath and anything else he wants.” He looked at Quaede and winked. “If these do not grab your interest there are more to choose from.” An ugly seed that tasted like bile began to grow from the pit of Silver’s stomach. She watched as the beautiful women grabbed a muscular arm and began to lead Quaede away. Her tongue itched to burst out of her mouth and demand that they take their unnaturally beautiful hands off of him. He went without resistance. Hell, he didn’t even look back once at her. 107

Toni L. Meilleur “You should be careful about those emotions.” Parees’ deep voice interrupted her private tirade. “What?” “The two of you are playing a game with one another. Anyone with eyes can see that,” Parees remarked, as he took her by the hand and led her in the opposite direction. Now that she was alone with him she felt her first stab of fear. Fear of what she might do with this virile male. She knew the Sidhe were addictive, she was already fighting one addiction she definitely didn’t need another one. “You’re seeing things,” Silver murmured as she followed him like a sheep. “Precisely,” he answered, with a gorgeous smile. Silver let the comment pass as she began to take stock of her situation. If Quaede was going off to take a bath and god knows do what else, then where exactly was Parees taking her? “Uh, where are we going?” Silver squeaked out. The pull of this Sidhe was getting stronger. He was like an extra heavy dose of a sex hormone. Parees turned slightly as he stopped in front of a closed door. “You have the most intoxicating scent for a human,” he murmured as he opened the door. Then he turned completely giving Silver a heavy lidded stare. “And you’re not even fully aroused yet,” he noted, brushing his knuckles across her cheek. A small fire seemed to burn 108

Elementum where he touched her. Silver yanked her hand from his and wiped them on her hips, trying to wipe his very addictive touch from her pores. “You’re very forward.” Silver managed to sound acceptably in control. “I’m very aroused.” His lips barely moved as his exotic eyes appraised her, bruises and all. His eyes purposefully dipped to his erection. Silver gasped, as the size of it seemed to have doubled. There was no way she could take all that! No wonder he had three women. Wait a minute why was she even considering sex with him? “But don’t worry.” He seemed to snap out of it. “Your honor is safe with me…for now.” He reached down and took her hand. Silver watched wideeyed at his old world seduction as he lifted her hand until her wrist was level with his mouth. Parees placed his soft firm lips against the crazy pulse in her wrist. His tongue licked her skin before he drew away. Silver felt a definite zing course though her veins. He gently pushed her into the room. “I will send someone for you,” he informed her, as he closed the door behind her. As the door closed quietly Silver took the time to get her composure back. That rule thing about fraternizing with humans was a good one, these Fey males could sex a woman to death and it wouldn’t be enough. Her eyes took in her surroundings and a smile 109

Toni L. Meilleur burst forth. A huge gold tub with steaming water sat in the middle of the room As Silver got closer she could see the feet of the tub were actually male fairies seeming to carry the legs on their backs. It was beautiful. Petals of every color floated on the surface of the blue water. She wondered what kind of flower these petals came from and instantly Jacy came to mind. As Silver stripped and settled into the warm water a tear slipped from her eye. Jacy was so far away and there was no way for her to know if Jacy survived. She didn’t care about the boon the Leshii requested, she wanted Jacy to be okay . It was so hard to believe that all the things that happened to her were because of one manuscript. A manuscript that she had stolen, stupidly thinking if no one knew it wouldn’t hurt anyone. Silver knew as long as she lived she would never think that again. The water was so warm and comforting she could feel the tired just seeping out of her bones. Her eyes grew heavy and for a moment she decided it would be okay to close them. In seconds she was asleep. **** She woke to the feel of lips on each of her breasts, suckling gently. She sighed in pleasure and cradled the heads closer to her breasts. Soft silky 110

Elementum strands teased the palms of her hands and gently she stroked the strange hair. It was so nice waking up this way. That was, until reality set in. Silver sat up in the tub, startling the two Sidhe women. Their swollen lips were frozen in a gasp of surprise, but quickly they recovered. Silver recognized the two females from earlier. She didn’t want to ask where the third one was. “I—what are you doing?” Silver finally managed. Her nipples were hard and begging for their mouths again. Apparently the pull of sexual energy wasn’t allotted to just the males. “Parees sent us,” they said in unison, bobbing their heads; one head of raven black, the other of spun gold. “Did he tell you to—well—do what you were doing?” “He told us to make sure you had everything you needed.” Again in unison, Silver suspected they shared one voice box. “How did you come to the conclusion that— uh— that well…?” Silver fumbled for an answer that didn’t sound embarrassing. Not that she didn’t like women, but it was a little much waking up to being molested— and liking it. “You were talking in your sleep—” “While bathing,” the other finished with the black hair. “You were aroused—” 111

Toni L. Meilleur “And touching yourself,” the raven-haired one completed. “We thought you craved some satisfaction.” They finished in unison. They would make excellent guests on Ripley’s Believe It or Not Silver decided. It was then her mind began to recall the dream she had been having. Quaede had been doing wicked things to her and Parees had joined in on the festivities. These women were right; she most definitely had been aroused. “Thank you, but usually I like to decide if I want to have relations,” Silver said with a small smile, hoping not to offend the voicebox twins. “And do you?” they echoed, eyes bright with hope. “Isn’t there the business with the whole addiction thing and humans you two are forgetting?” Silver reminded them, was that regret in her voice? “Same sex intercourse is safe between Sidhe and human.” The black haired woman smiled. “The magical energy only lasts for the duration of the sex, it doesn’t linger like the energy from a male,” Blondie chimed in. Silver looked at the two women. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to get rid of some of the pent up energy she had. Quaede and Parees were driving her crazy. If she could take the edge off a bit maybe 112

Elementum their effect on her would diminish. Silver stood in the tub, letting the water sluice from her body. “Well, in that case, I would like to have relations,” she announced, stepping out of the tub into the waiting arms of the women. Silver allowed herself to be helped out of the large tub. The women led her further back into the room. A huge bed adorned in nothing but red, simply hovered perfectly still in the middle of the room. Black sheer material cascaded down from the ceiling. As the women approached the bed invisible hands divided the curtains. It was then that Silver saw the black shiny box in the middle of the bed. It was so shiny it seemed to wink at her, the closer she got to it. Soft hands pushed her onto the bed, and Silver was amazed to find that she was completely dry the moment she came in contact with the plush coverings. The voice box twins settled onto the bed until they were all surrounding the box. “We wish you to have the honor first this evening,” they said in unison. Silver looked at the box with a bit of hesitation. She was dealing with a race she thought was nothing but myth, that box could contain anything. “The honor of what?” Silver gave them a smile that she hoped hid her slight distrust. The women smiled at each other warmly and Silver instantly knew that whatever was in the box 113

Toni L. Meilleur had given these women great joy. The gold haired one opened the box and retrieved a small package wrapped in material as black as the box, she handed it to the raven haired Sidhe. In turn the woman laid the bundle on the bed and pushed it gently toward Silver. The most it could be was some type of vibrator given the shape of the bundle Silver rationalized. She gave the women another small smile and began to unwrap it. Her fingers grazed the object before she could pull back the last bit of material. It wasn’t cold metal, or even a cool rubber device; her fingers brushed against what felt suspiciously like warm firm flesh. It, however, was a cock; well, it was a good replica of one. A translucent flaccid cock with a base that looked almost like an oval suction cup. Silver frowned; this wasn’t what she expected. How was she or even these women for that matter, supposed to get off on a flaccid cock? “I see,” she croaked out. The women giggled. The gold haired one urged her onto her back while the other woman picked up the toy. “You do not see, not yet anyway,” the gold haired one said, as she stroked Silver’s hair away from her face. Silver felt her legs being parted. “Relax for us. There is nothing but pleasure here.” The dark haired woman moved in between her legs with one hand firmly around the base of the 114

Elementum cock. She used the other hand to part the folds of Silvers’ sex and placed the small oval cup directly over her clitoris. Immediately the cock suctioned itself tightly to her clit. Silver moaned as her clit puffed up under the device. In utter fascination she watched as the translucent cock began to match her skin coloring, not only that it began to get hard. In other words it began to look as if Silver actually had a cock, with a hard-on. “The more aroused you become, the harder it gets, just as if you were a male. Very soon the device will acclimate itself to your nerve response,” they said in unison. Silver was getting used to the unison talking. “I don’t think I’m quite clear on that.” Silver panted slightly, watching the cock get bigger and bigger. The women smiled and one cupped the balls of the penis while the other one put her mouth around the blossoming mushroom head. Silver’s back came right up off the bed in a deep arch. It was as if the woman had latched directly onto her clit. “You understand now?” they stopped their ministrations long enough to ask. Silver shook her head. “Do that again,” she instructed, settling back onto the bed. Without a reply the gold haired Sidhe leaned 115

Toni L. Meilleur over and began sucking the head of the toy again, making Silver’s eyes roll to the back of her head. Never in her life did she think she’d ever get a blowjob. No wonder men did stupid things to get women to blow them, it felt fucking wonderful. The other woman licking and sucking her balls wasn’t slacking either. Silver thrashed on the bed at the feel of the warm mouth sliding up and down on the penis. It felt like it was hers. She felt the heat of the woman’s mouth, the taut lips that kept its grip around the girth of the cock. “Harder,” Silver ordered the woman. She began sucking her even harder and Silver felt an orgasm raging through her loins. Two mouths working her at the same time, adding the very new experience of this wonderful toy, made it difficult for Silver to stave off the orgasm. Her back bowed again as sparks shot off behind her eyelids. The pressure in her borrowed cock eased as she felt her release. Silver realized she had just literally orgasmed in the woman’s mouth— sort of. “Oh, that was certainly different,” Silver panted between breaths. The woman released the cock with a pop, her lips glistening. “It is our newest toy. The toy is designed so that you might have almost the exact same experience as a man,” she answered, licking her lips. “You 116

Elementum did very good.” She glanced down at Silver. When Silver looked down at the toy it was already hard again. “Wow, this thing is very sensitive,” Silver remarked. “It was a gift to us from Parees. He said knowing what another feels gives us a knowledge and understanding that can’t be gotten from words,” the black haired one said, scooting from between Silver’s legs and lying next to Silver on her side. “Since I did not have the honor of pleasing you orally first, will you fuck me first?” she asked boldly. Silver sat up and looked down at the beautiful Sidhe. “You want me to fuck you with this?” The cock twitched; clearly Silver was not opposed to the idea. “That is what it is for, no?” She lay on her back and spread her legs. “You will see I am already so very wet for you, human,” she said in a husky voice. Silver licked her lips as she looked at the inviting woman. She could feel the Sidhe energy coming off both women in waves and it was fueling her already rising desire. The energy wrapped around her, ensnaring her brain and seducing it. Her skin suddenly was hot and feverish. She could clearly see the glistening folds waiting for her. Silver looked down at her hard on and decided to lose herself in the moment. 117

Toni L. Meilleur She parted the woman’s legs further and climbed in between like she had seen men do to her. The woman looked at her with the same desire she was sure had been on her face when she had been in the position. The gold haired woman worked her way to the side of her friend and began to knead and suckle her breast. She encircled one firm breast in her hand and looked at Silver. “Go on, taste her as you fuck her.” Silver looked at the pebbled nipple and any resistance she had left crumbled. She grabbed the base of her cock in her hand as she leaned over to draw the nipple into her mouth. The feel of her hands on the cock was quite a sensation. It was like her clitoris had been elongated and over-sensitized. As she drew the nipple into her mouth, she found the hot wet opening and almost forgot to breathe. The feel of the cream bathing the head of the cock was painfully delicious. Slowly she entered the woman’s tight opening and had to let go of the nipple, too many sensations at once. As she slid into the woman she groaned. God help her, she could die right now inside this woman! The slick walls sucked her in and squeezed her. She planted a hand on either side of the woman’s shoulder and used her hips and butt to plant herself to the hilt inside the heated cunt. Silver threw back her head and began to pump her hips 118

Elementum slowly. Every push, every pull was more tantalizing than the first. The woman locked her long firm legs around Silver’s slender hips bringing their bodies even closer. Silver began to lose control as the sensations overrode her control. She began slamming into the woman—hard. The woman mewled and screamed and begged Silver for more. Sweat trickled down between her breasts and back as she fucked the Sidhe. The energy built and built and Silver could barely see through her passion. Everything was foggy and she didn’t care. The gold haired woman had somehow managed to work her head in between Silver and the woman underneath her so that she sucked on Silver’s hardened nipples. It was too much and Silver began fucking the woman even harder. She completely lost control as the energy rolled their senses into frenzy. The channel became hotter, wetter and tighter. Silver went deeper and deeper; the woman under her began to whip her head from side to side in passion. She felt her impending orgasm again and knew she was about to explode. Hot waves of pleasure bombarded her as the pleasure grabbed her. Silver jerked wildly as she came. She slumped suddenly as the Sidhe power had taken every ounce of energy she had. The gold haired woman rolled Silver off the 119

Toni L. Meilleur woman underneath her. Silver was vaguely aware of the device being gently unhooked from her. She then brushed away the hair sticking to Silver’s sweaty forehead. “You did well, let me have a go now.” Silver watched through hazy vision as the woman attached the toy to her own cunt. In seconds, the golden haired Sidhe was riding the other woman hard. The sounds of sex and moans began to work Silver into another orgasm. She watched intently as the women engaged in their own sexual pleasures. Silver’s hand found its way to her clit that was still quite puffy and began to rub it frantically. All three women reached orgasm with a scream simultaneously as the energy enveloped them.

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hat’s taking her so long?” Quaede asked Parees for the third time. He idly watched the beautiful Sidhe woman fill his goblet with a beverage Parees assured him would help his sour mood. Quaede didn’t know why he was in such a mood. The woman serving him had attended his cock well with her plump lips. During the whole time, even when he spilled himself into the Sidhe’s mouth, his mind kept drifting to Silver. Parees sat across from him drinking the gray liquid with an appreciative expression. “Relax, Quaede. She is bathing—and having a little relaxation of her own.” Parees sported the smile that Quaede knew was barely hiding the fact that he was up to something. “What does that mean?” Quaede demanded. The thought of Silver with another male was pissing him off. 121

Toni L. Meilleur “She is human as you pointed out.” Parees began to fiddle with a cloth on the table, as the woman put down the pitcher of liquid and began to braid his hair. “You’ve touched her.” His tone wasn’t accusing it was stating the truth. “We’ve not had actual intercourse,” Quaede grumbled. “No, but she is especially sensitive to the Sidhe energy. Does she know that Sidhe energy affects her differently than other humans? My guess is you became noble after you touched her, leaving her in something of constant agitated state—” “It was for the best,” Quaede interjected. “For you maybe.” Parees pinned him with a blue and gold stare. “Coupled with the energy I give off naturally as a sex deity, the girl was miserable. I sent two very talented females to help her burn some of the pent up energy.” Quaede’s shoulders slumped in relief. The women he could handle. Well, at least it was easier to deal with the thought of her with women than with a man. Quaede had to get control of himself. Why he was letting this human get to him he didn’t know. He couldn’t let her interfere with his duty. The queen had warned him thusly. “You have given her too much of yourself already,” Parees said quietly. “Stop it.” “I don’t have to read your mind to know what 122

Elementum you are thinking,” Parees reminded him. “I know you well. When?” “When what?” Quaede asked, confused. “When do you live your life for you, Quaede? When will you take what your immortal life has to offer? You above all others deserve to take something from life and make it yours selfishly. You have earned it.” “I am not you, Parees, I cannot just walk away from our Queen, my duty,” Quaede bit out, slamming his hand on the table. “Is that how you have seen it all these years, Quaede? You believe I walked out on my duty?” Parees asked softly. “No, I wanted something else out of life and I deserved to explore that. I did not want to spend my life taking orders and fighting wars that will never end.” “The war will end. It is then that I will—” Parees burst out laughing. “You can’t believe that shit Queen Ainè is telling you? As long as there is good, there will be evil. If it ends, the world ends. Life is about balance and you have none. The Queen just wants to keep you in her bed. She could have released you long ago. For Dana’s sake; you have saved her life enough and she knows this. Do this last thing and take your life, Quaede,” Parees urged. “No! I swore an oath and until she releases me I will not desert her,” Quaede insisted. 123

Toni L. Meilleur “Perhaps you believed that once when you didn’t have anything to tempt you away from the queen.” Parees gave him a cunning smile. “Don’t speak in riddles to me, Parees.” “You want the human. You are becoming as addicted to her as she is to you.” “It is just the Sidhe energy; you know how powerful it can be.” “You stay away from her because you might care for her.” Parees lifted an eyebrow. “The Fey can not have feelings of love,” Quaede reminded him. “Not when they are drowned in the politics of the Fey court. Living amongst so many selfish creatures can stunt your emotions. But you have been away from them and I believe this human has touched you.” “I have simply vowed to not touch her. I don’t want her insanity, possibly her death on my hands. She means nothing to me,” Quaede insisted. Even as he said the words they tasted like a lie. The Sidhe didn’t lie, at least not consciously. “Then fuck her,” Parees said simply, spreading his hands as if he just came up with an infallible solution. “You know the laws. I have no intention of staying with her for life, it would be cruel.” “Are you saying the only thing stopping you from fucking her is the addiction and nothing 124

Elementum else?” Quaede smelled a trap. Parees was looking at him rather oddly and Quaede knew that look. Quaede looked at the question from every angle and couldn’t see whatever it was Parees was trying to snare him with. “Yes,” Quaede said, at last seeing no harm in his answer. As soon as he said the words, Parees’ eyes glittered. “I will keep that in mind.” “Keep what in mind?” Silver asked, walking into the room wearing a gauzy almost see-through green dress that flowed to her feet. Quaede looked at her with interest. Her cheeks were flushed and she was completely healed of all her injuries. She seemed relaxed—satisfied if he were accurate. Two women trailed her into the room and they bore the same expression. Something in his gut wrenched. “Nothing important, please have a seat.” Parees indicated the seat next to him. Quaede found himself growling as if he were in an animal form. Parees ignored him. Silver looked taken aback. “Now, why don’t the two of you tell me why you have come to visit me?” “We need the book,” Quaede said in a clipped tone. Parees looked at him for a long moment. “And you expect me to just hand over my life’s work?” Parees asked, looking Quaede in the eye. “The Unseelie have plans to—” 125

Toni L. Meilleur “I know of their plans. Remember, I chose an enlightened path.” Parees waved his hand in dismissal. “As you have pointed out earlier, I walked away from the court, so why should this concern me?” “I am sure eventually, if their numbers increase, they will spill over into your realm.” “There are many things that can invade my realm, Quaede. The Unseelie are not the worst of the lot as you well know.” Quaede let out a frustrated breath. This should have been the easiest item to get. Parees was going to make him bleed for the book. “What kind of book is it?” Silver asked, as her head darted back and forth looking at the two men. “A very valuable one.” Parees answered, without taking his eyes off Quaede. “You know I am due a boon.” “I was hoping you would not ask one of a lifelong friend.” Quaede gave Parees a pathetic attempt of a smile. “I am Sidhe still, whether I am in the courts or not,” Parees reminded Quaede.”Some things friendship cannot transcend.” “What is your price?” Quaede haggled, knowing full well Parees would never give up the book easily. However, Parees did appear to be 126

Elementum giving him a harder time than usual. Parees looked as if he were contemplating an answer. Quaede knew him well enough to know that he knew what he was going to ask of Quaede for some time now. “Well you are asking me to give up something I have worked on my whole life, I require the same of you in exchange.” “Huh?” Silver grunted out. “I do not think I understand.” Quaede was getting a cold chill down his spine. “You hold something very dear to you. I want you to give it up.” Parees said good-naturedly. “What would that be?” But Quaede already knew. He wanted him to give up his vows of never touching Silver. “No offense to you, Beautiful One.” Parees looked at Silver now. “But if you would allow me to aid you.” “Aid me?” Silver looked confused. Quaede knew finally what Parees was asking. He wanted Quaede to give up his noble intention of never touching Silver. He wanted Quaede to explore his attachment to the human. But Parees forgot one small thing. “You forget, Parees, the addiction. Even you will not break that law.” Quaede grinned. “True.” Parees now turned his attention on Quaede. “I have just finished one of my greatest accomplishments. It is what I was celebrating 127

Toni L. Meilleur when you two dropped in. I have devised a room that allows Fey and human to mate without repercussions.” Quaede’s mouth went dry. He knew Parees was capable of many things. Parees spent his life studying everything from Fey magic to magic from many races. “How is this,” was all Quaede could answer. “Runes, spells, that sort of thing. It took a long time to find the right formula but I believe I have accomplished my goal.” “How do you know it works?” Silver asked quietly. “This one here,” Parees referred to the Fey braiding his long hair. “Was not born Fey, she is of the same,” Parees paused dramatically, searching for an appropriate word, “breed as Silver. She agreed to the test if I made her quasi- Fey afterwards.” She smiled and blushed as all eyes turned to her. “We had sex many times in that room and she never acquired an energy addiction.” “She is not Fey?” Silver looked at the woman with a much more discerning eye. “No. When a human’s life is bound to that of a Fey, they tend to take on some of the characteristics, like our pale glowing skin. But technically she is still human, with a much longer life span,” Parees responded. 128

Elementum Quaede was dumbfounded. Parees had bound a human to his life force to make her Fey. Not unheard off but very rare. “And you want me and Silver to further test the room?” “I believe it to be safe, but one can never be too sure,” Parees answered. Quaede knew full well that Parees would never force anyone in an experiment. He knew its full capabilities. “I give up something, you give up something. Remember, no energy addiction.” Quaede knew he referred to his comment earlier and felt the trap slide into place. Parees was trying to prove something to him. But Parees was wrong. He wasn’t addicted to Silver and he certainly wasn’t in love with her. “I think I have a say in this,” Silver said, her tone getting angry. “You two are sitting here discussing this as if I’m some sort of piece of meat.” “I do apologize, love,” Parees said, with a charming smile. “But you need this book as well it is your people after all that are being turned; your family, your friends. Are you really going to refuse to do this on principal?” Silver immediately became contrite and if Quaede had to guess, she was thinking of her friend Jacy. Silver stood up quickly and eyed the men. “Fine, where’s the damn room?” “I think she’s made the decision for you, old friend.” Parees laughed. Quaede looked at Silver 129

Toni L. Meilleur and his cock twitched at the thought of having her. She was angry but so was he for being forced. At least that was what he was telling himself. There are always choices in life, Quaede knew that, but right now he wanted to pretend he didn’t have any. Quaede stood up as well. “Yes, Parees, where’s this damn room!” he chimed in.

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he room was deathly quiet. The lover braiding Parees’ hair paused in her task. Parees looked at the angry couple and let the smirk spread across his lips. “I would suggest we nourish ourselves first.” He waited until they seated themselves again. “Do you plan to join us?” Silver asked in surprise. Parees chose not to answer as he could feel the possessive waves flow off Quaede. Parees decided to let him suffer a little. “As I have stated before, the room is perfectly safe. It has been prepared for your use.” Parees took a sip from his ornately carved goblet. “What is it to you?” Silver asked in pure curiosity. “Why do you care if Quaede and I—uh, mate?” “In case my friend here did not tell you, I am a sex deity. Sex concerns me, especially when it’s not being had.” He looked at the human with 131

Toni L. Meilleur interest. It was indeed too bad his friend cared for this one. She would have done his bed justice. “No, I was not aware of that.” She cleared her throat and reached for the glass in front of her. Without pause she drank its contents until it was depleted. “I’m not sure if that was such a wise move.” Parees laughed as she coughed violently after the last swallow. “That particular vintage is quite potent.” “Yes, well, I could use something stiff,” Silver retorted, before she realized the unintentional double entendre. “Drink,” she hurriedly amended. “A stiff drink.” “Well, I am sure whatever you need ‘stiff’ can be provided here.” Parees watched the color sweep her cheeks in an alluring fashion. This human was odd. He knew by instinct alone the depth of her sexuality and yet she seemed to embarrass rather easily. “When will the meal be served?” Quaede’s irritated voice cut in on the sexual banter. Parees snapped his fingers; in moments the Sidhe women came in carrying platters of food. **** Silver couldn’t remember when she ate a dinner in such pregnant silence before. Her eyes kept 132

Elementum flicking from Quaede to Parees between bites of food she couldn’t taste. The thought of having the two men did appeal to her. But ultimately she just wanted Quaede. Parees wasn’t lacking sexual appeal in any manner, but she knew his attraction came from a pure animalistic lust. Quaede stirred something so much deeper inside of her. Occasionally she would catch Quaede looking at Parees in an almost hostile manner. The look would be so fleeting Silver was beginning to believe she was imagining the flashes. Quaede stabbed at his food angrily, but as of yet he had not taken one mouthful. Parees, on the other hand, was working on his second helping of food and grinning at his friend in a mocking manner. Silver could not figure out the relationship between the two. On one hand they seemed to be good friends, but on the same coin they seemed to be enemies. The liquid she’d drunk was swirling in her head like a whirlpool. It seemed she was aware of everything. She could smell the very male scents of the two men in the room and moisture gathered between her legs. Her flesh tingled and her mouth watered as their scents became stronger. Holy hell, what was happening to her? She knew she was about to do a full out pant. “Are you well?” Quaede’s deep voice wrapped itself around her clitoris and she shivered. 133

Toni L. Meilleur “I’m fine,” she lied, stabbing at the strange meat. “Your skin is flushed,” Quaede said again. Silver rolled her eyes, wishing he’d just shut up and stop stimulating her. “Are you sure you are well?” “I’m fine, I said,” Silver snapped, as a trickle of sweat began to bead its way between her breasts. When did his voice become such a lustful weapon? “I believe she drank of her wine too deeply and too soon.” Parees offered, his voice was hot honey pouring all over her body. And they said women talked too much. “It was meant to drink over a period of time so the affects could be lasting. I do not think, from the looks of her, that she will finish her meal.” Silver snuck a look at Parees and he was looking at her intently. “It’s been a long couple of days,” Silver offered by way of explanation as the lips of her sex swelled dramatically. “Is that so?” Parees’ voice took on an impish tone. He began to hum, deep in his throat. The vibrations went straight to her nether regions. He hummed rhythmically. And Silver dropped the utensil she’d been failing to eat with. “Stop it,” Silver ordered hoarsely as she began to squirm in her seat. “I have to insist.” Quaede stood slowly, his blue 134

Elementum eyes began to illuminate. “You have the honor of actually fucking her, you can give me this.” Parees’ stopped long enough to glance at his friend. “This was not in our agreement.” “Nor was her overdosing on an aphrodisiac,” Parees shot back. “You know in this state she could become quite –overzealous. Unless you want her trying to screw herself into an early grave let me relieve some of the pressure so to speak.” Silver could barely register the meaning of their words. The sounds of their voices, the elevated hormone levels were whipping her senses like a dog. She fell slave to them and needed relief. “Fine, sex deity, take the edge off,” Quaede bit off, his eyes never leaving Parees’ face. “You two stop—” Silver began. Before she realized it she began to ride a wave that teased her close to an orgasm. “No, don’t stop!” She gasped, her hands slammed against the table and she threw her head back. Parees began humming again and Silver couldn’t seem to get her thighs to rub together close enough as she squirmed. She would have just used her hand to find relief but the power from Parees’ humming was so strong she was trying to grab hold of the table to keep anchored. Another voice chimed in and Silver realized it was 135

Toni L. Meilleur Quaede’s deep voice harmonizing with Parees’. Silver could hear the almost primal groans coming from deep in her chest. Her skin felt deliciously on fire. Even in the throes of her ecstasy she was isolating Quaede’s voice, focusing on it and being driven into a sexual delirium. The waves crashed over her sudden and strong. She climaxed hard, her hands pushed against the table, sending her toppling backwards. Silver didn’t care as her body twitched in wild orgasm. She waited for the feel of hard floor to crash against her scalp, but it never happened. When the orgasm began to subside, she found herself cradled in Quaede’s arms. His blue eyes were glowing and she could smell his arousal. “Where is this room, Parees?” He growled as he picked her up. **** Quaede cuddled her close to his chest. The scent of her orgasm was torture. It wafted around him and led him around like a pet. Her fingers played in his hair, stroking his hair. Her other hands was roaming over his chest, he groaned. “Why did you serve her that, Parees?” he asked his friend, who was leading them rather quickly. “She was nervous; I only intended to relax her.” He threw a look over his shoulder. “Now I believe 136

Elementum that is your job.” Quaede didn’t answer him as they stopped in front of a door that seemed to breathe. The door itself was mimicking breathing movements. “What is this?” Quaede demanded, looking at the strange door. Silver moaned and began to lick his ear. “The chamber, of course. The energy has to go somewhere, old friend. I’ve found a way to merge an incubus into the door of the chamber.” “Clever,” Quaede managed to get out. “This way they’re not siphoning energy off unsuspecting victims.” “Exactly, you should have seen the number of volunteers.” Parees chuckled to himself as he opened the door. “Enjoy, my friend.” Quaede paused before he entered the room. “I will keep up my end of the bargain if you keep up yours.” “And where will you be?” Quaede asked, remembering Silver’s question to him earlier and his avoidance at answering it. “Waiting.” Parees smiled then brushed past Quaede. Quaede knew as he closed the door behind him his hesitation wasn’t from fear of Parees betraying him. It was his own betrayal of his vows. Every since he laid eyes on the silver eyed human he knew she would be trouble. Said human was now sensually licking his chest. He almost dropped her 137

Toni L. Meilleur on the layers of pillows, as his knees grew weak. “Touch me, Quaede,” she whispered in his ear. Quaede laid her out on the silk pillows and looked down at her. The goddess spared no expense on this human. She was breathtaking in every aspect. From her fiery determination to her siren-like sexuality. She was innocently destructive. She destroyed his desire to serve his queen, keep his vows. Any defense he’d developed in his long life she decimated it with one look, one soft touch. “There is nothing that will stop me from doing so,” he replied as he knelt low and kissed her. He wanted the kiss to be soft, so he could savor her taste. But her arms snaked around his neck pulling him close. Her mouth ravaged his insistently. Quaede immediately gave up the ghost of his control. He laid his body completely over hers, feeling the fever from her body seep into his. He ground his cock against the valley between her thighs. Silver’s hips pushed against his, her nails scored his back. It was as if she tried to melt her body into his. That was fine by Quaede; he too couldn’t get close enough. The room began to breathe. It was as if it took a deep breath, inhaling the energy rolling off Quaede. Sounds of gauzy material being ripped to shreds echoed in the room. 138

Elementum Quaede tore himself from her arms long enough to remove his boots and pants. The moment his naked skin touched hers he sighed out loud in pleasure. Quaede parted her legs and settled his hips in between hers. His cock throbbed in anticipation. Silver widened her legs and crooked them up letting her knees fall to either side. Before Quaede could take another breath she had grabbed his cock and used one hand to push him deep inside her. Quaede was instantly lost in the hot wet velvet around him. “Deeper,” she ordered him, already swirling her hips. It was like his cock was bathing in slippery hot honey. Her nails dug into his firm backside urging him to penetrate to the fullest capacity. Mindless now that control seemed to be a myth lately, Quaede planted a hand firmly on each side of her head. Her long legs were pushed into her chest, her calves resting on his strong shoulders as he pounded into her. His hips began to move in a circular motion hitting every erogenous zone her channel held. His heavy sacs brushed against her ass he was so deep inside of her. Silver began to scream and thrash her head as she urged him to fuck her harder. Quaede pulled back, grabbing her about her slim ankles and spreading her legs wider apart as he continued to piston his granite cock into her. 139

Toni L. Meilleur She whimpered, but he wanted to make her scream. Releasing her ankles he grabbed a cheek of her buttock in each of his large hands, pushing into her as he brought her cunt flush to his cock. With a firm grip he could penetrate her as deeply as he liked. “Scream for me!” he grunted as he pounded her relentlessly. **** Her head thrashed as he filled her, thick and pulsing. She could feel every vein in that steel trunk that fucked her. He had her about her hips now, keeping her at exactly the right angle and height. Silver felt on fire, and she pinched her nipples. She wanted to keep baiting him so he would never stop pushing into her, but the scream wouldn’t be held in any longer. It seemed to come from her diaphragm as it erupted out of her raw throat. She couldn’t stop screaming as he hammered into her through her orgasm. Her fingers clawed at the pillows as the harder he entered her they began to move slowly across the floor. He didn’t seem to notice, he merely adjusted and kept going. Then he pulled completely out of her and dragged her up to her feet. Dizzy and weak, she couldn’t have protested if she wanted to. 140

Elementum Silver found her hands grasping fur covered steel rings embedded against cloth-covered walls. She held onto the rings for dear life as Quaede spread her legs then slid into her, his fingers biting into her hips as he took her from behind. Her hormone-soaked brain rattled in her skull as he rode her. Without shame she mewled and gasped in response to his rough lovemaking. His strokes became slower and longer and Silver realized he was about to climax. She clenched her walls tight; he gasped and pushed one last time into her. Silver felt the hot rush of liquid as it began to seep out of her and down her inner thighs. She released the rings as he pulled her against his chest and nuzzled her neck. In seconds another wave of desire flooded her as if she’d never had an orgasm in her life. “What?” she said in confusion as energy flooded her. “It’s the wine,” he murmured, licking her behind her ear. “We’ve only just begun to work it out of your system.’ She could feel him smiling against her neck as he switched sides. “Good to know,” she murmured, turning in his arms, then dropped to her knees.

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he sight of her on her knees before him caused his breath to hitch almost painfully in his chest. Her tousled long black hair, framed a face flushed with an odd mixture of arousal and satisfaction. The moment she took him into her mouth, he stopped breathing altogether. She could very well be death by pleasure, for an immortal being. Quaede’s fingers found their way into her soft hair, encouraging her to take him deeper. She acquiesced without hesitation, drawing on him so strongly he had to lean over her to steady himself against the wall. The room itself seemed to breathe deeper, sucking his Sidhe energy from him as much as Silver was sucking all reason and understanding from his mind. Her nimble fingers caressed the heavy sac under his cock, her other hand fondled the muscular mounds in his backside. It was at this 142

Elementum moment he was never more thankful to be Sidhe than now. The ability to become fully aroused in seconds after release was part of the reason human women, who were familiar with the supernatural world, sought out Sidhe lovers. As Silver pleasured him, Quaede’s mind began to torment him. Warning him how hard it would be to part from the mortal when their quest ended. The voice in his head told him what Parees did; his refusal to make love to Silver had nothing to do with the addiction. At least not hers. It would be his addiction. She was his temptation; from the moment he had set eyes on her defiant form, he’d been drawn to her. Could there be truth to Parees’ enlightened words? Did the Sidhe have the ability to love, in the right environment? Before his mind entertained further musings he felt his body releasing into Silver’s mouth. All further contemplation catapulted from his mind as he yelled out in pleasure. Now was not the time to think of such things. As he pulled his lover to her feet and dragged her to the pillows, he had but one question on his mind. How many times could he make his silver-eyed lover come for him? **** “How dare you?” Queen Ainè spat, as she exited 143

Toni L. Meilleur the large mirror portal. Her long purple hair swayed gently like lilac in a gentle breeze. She pointed an accusing finger, with nails colored like charcoal, at the offender. Her dramatic purple eyes flashed in a mixture of moods. “It’s time.” Parees smiled as he sauntered over to the queen he had summoned. He gently sucked her finger into his hot mouth. “You’ve used his honor and sense of duty as a leash for much too long,” he murmured, releasing the finger. The queen’s eyes glazed over a bit. “He’s mine. I need him. This mortal will cause nothing but problems.” She tossed her diadem carelessly across the room. “This mortal is different, is that what bothers you?” Parees countered, pulling Ainè on top of him as they descended to the bed. “You indulge in your desires quite frequently.” Parees gave her a meaningful look. “He, above all others deserves this chance at happiness and dare I say—love?” The queen moaned as she ground herself against the sex deity, her slightly rough tongue trailed a path up and down his neck; she bit lightly and smiled as he groaned. He’d always affected her so strongly. She almost forgot why she was here. “Love, is a weakness.” She moaned. “Quaede is the only one I trust, he’s an excellent lover and above reproach. I need him.” Her tongue circled the enticing flat nipple on the 144

Elementum muscular chest. “We’ve been at odds before, Ainè,” Parees reminded her, as his mind willed the queen’s clothing away. “I will not give on this. He will finish this last quest for you then you will release him.” “I will do no such thing, not even for you. You, my love, refused my bed as a concubine. Therefore, you refused my favor,” the queen countered, as she sat up and straddled Parees. Parees thrust his cock into the wet folds of the hovering queen. “I am a deity, Ainè, I will not be reduced to your servant of the flesh. If I cannot be your king then we will continue as we are. As for Quaede’s freedom, I will fight you every step of the way.” “I do not share power. But we will see who will be the victor,” she murmured, as she began to ride him. “Indeed.” Parees grabbed her about the hips and thrust faster and deeper. “But until then, we have little time before you are missed.” “Then shut up and fuck me,” the queen said on a hiss. **** Quaede felt every muscle in his body. He’d lost count of the times he’d taken Silver, and the times 145

Toni L. Meilleur she’d taken him as well. Time became a ball of confusion long tossed away as they worked the aphrodisiac out of Silver’s system. Now they lay in a puddle of tired hot wet flesh, and Quaede had never felt such contentment. “Does the room bathe and massage too?” came Silver’s hopeful voice. “No, I do not think that’s the type of room Parees had in mind.” Quaede chuckled. “Go figure, you guys have all this power and it never occurred to you to make a room that does that.” Silver tsked. “I believe I am capable of performing those tasks.” Quaede leered at her as he rolled over to look down at her. “Oh no!” Silver tried to roll away but Quaede caught her before she could even get a full roll completed. “You can’t touch me with those…hands,” she faltered, as her eyes locked with his. “When you touch me I can’t think, I just want to touch back,” she whispered, as if it were some terrible secret. “What do you think your touch does to me?” Quaede stroked a finger under her chin. Silver didn’t answer and Quaede just watched her. Emotions he couldn’t understand flickered across her face then disappeared. “What happens now, Quaede? You won’t tell me anything. What we’re collecting, and why.” 146

Elementum Quaede looked at her a moment before pulling away to lie on his back. This was what he had dreaded. The real world was coming back. He was now being forced to think outside of these walls and he didn’t like it. “Parees will give us the book that we need. Then we will need to gather one more item.” “Why won’t you tell me how the items are going to be used?” Silver sat up and ran her fingers distractedly through her tangled hair. “I’ve told you before, I will tell you what you need to know when it is time. We have to go.” Quaede stood, biting his lip. “I have no idea what the Slaugh have been up to since we left earth’s realm.” Silver remained quiet. “I am sorry, Silver, but the parameters of the ritual include keeping certain aspects in secret until the time is right.” Again he found himself apologizing to the human. Human men must do this an awful lot to get along with the fairer sex of their species; it had to drive them insane. “I understand.” Silver looked at the ripped garment she had been wearing and gave a weary sigh. “I take it I do get my clothes back?” “We won’t get anything done if you do not,” Quaede answered with a smile, as he stared at her body. She actually blushed to Quaede’s surprise. Quaede took note; pay the mortal compliments and she’s much more agreeable. “I will see about 147

Toni L. Meilleur us getting a bath some nourishment and the book.” Quaede dressed with a thought and was gone before he found himself exploring between Silver’s legs again. **** “Finished so soon?” Parees’ sarcastic remark slid off of Quaede like warm rain. It didn’t bother him in the least. “I would have thought you would be unreachable for at least a few more days.” Parees propped his long muscular legs on the table and bit into the strange purple fruit. Quaede felt the hair on his nape rise at the latter comment. “A few more days?” He stepped in front of the long table, spreading his fingers as he bent slightly to gain better access at eye-to-eye contact. “I failed to mention that little side effect?” Parees shrugged his shoulders in a way that would have been feminine on any other man—but not him. “It takes a lot of energy and drawing of power to not only retain the succubus but to prevent any excess power from spilling out. Unfortunately time is sacrificed to achieve this.” He bit into the fruit again. “You let me waste days…?” “Would you truly call that time spent a waste, old friend?” Parees centered his gaze on Quaede, instantly making him recall almost every second 148

Elementum he had spent making love to Silver. “No,” Quaede acknowledged on a sigh. “Though it would have been nice to know. The damage the Slaugh and the Unseelie Court could have wrought is probably immeasurable.” Quaede propped a hip on the table, as he reached for one of the fruit. “We have to go, Parees, I kept up my end of the bargain.” He gave Parees a meaningful look as he bit into the fruit. “Yes, of course of you did,” Parees mumbled, as if thinking to himself. “The book will be in your possession once you clear the mounds.” “And that is all?” Quaede said, around a chew. “That is all.” Parees gave him a small smile. “You still don’t trust me, Quaede.” “On some matters with my life, on this, not for a second.” “You always were a sharp one. But in this I have only your best interests at heart. Think about what I have said, Quaede. The Queen can be very selfish, take my word on this. Do this last thing and take some happiness for yourself.” “I will not discuss this anymore.” Quaede rose. “See to it that Silver’s clothes are returned to her or at the very least some new ones brought to her. We have to go.” Quaede didn’t wait for a reply. ****

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Toni L. Meilleur As Quaede and Silver cleared the mounds he couldn’t help but notice the long uncomfortable silence. His mind heavy with thought in the heat, trying to figure out a puzzle that was clearly missing a great deal of pieces. Pieces like, coming to terms with his true feelings for the woman. What happens after this predicament is over? The silence was total as it consumed him. Crunching away at the brief relaxation and respite that he was sure they both had gotten in each other’s arms. The silence was deafening and loud. “Do you hear that?” Quaede asked, putting out a hand to stop their progress. “I haven’t heard anything since we left he mounds. It’s hot as hell and I just want to get this over with.” She switched the fur she had long discarded to her other shoulder to carry. While it had been fine on the way because it was so cold, now it was useless and torturous. “That’s the point.” Quaede bent low to the ground. “That is unusual, even in the Narian realm. When it is hot, creatures abound.” He took a few steps forward and bent low, putting his hand to the ground he closed his eyes. The Sidhe Warrior felt the stillness in the air. The rebellion of nature against something— unnatural. The earth itself murmured with unease. He recognized the pattern of magic too late. 150

Elementum “Run!” he yelled, his eyes glowing blue. He reached back to grab Silver’s hand. But he was a fraction too late. Her small hand slipped through his grip as the earth sucked her quickly under, her scream abruptly closed off. The Unseelie had captured their prey.

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ooo!” he yelled in frustration as he reached into the earth, trying to find anything of her he could pull back to him. But the earth had closed; it left nothing but the fur she had carried. Anger arrested his veins, running through it at a frightening speed. Anger at himself. Anger at the Unseelie Horde. Anger at Parees for making him realize how much he loved the human. The thought froze him momentarily. He couldn’t love the human. Yet, as he studied the pattern on the earth looking for answers he faced it for the stark truth that it was. If the Queen had lied about a Sidhe’s ability to love, what else had she kept from him? There would be time later for that. Quaede studied the patterns of the earth. Magic was used to pull Silver from him; magic always left a telltale trace for those who could find it. He had been rash earlier when he had immediately gone in after her. 152

Elementum He had destroyed some of the pattern, but there was enough for him to come to a strong conclusion. **** She was suffocating. The dirt burned into her nose, blocking her air passages. She tried breathing through her mouth but quickly realized she would choke to death from the dirt. Her ankles burned. It felt as if teeth of acid had clamped around them and pulled her deeper underground. Embedded rocks cut at her and she was dragged deeper and deeper underground. Quaede would be worried. That small thought crept into her mind. She shouldn’t be worried about Quaede; she should be worried about herself, because right now she was on her own. Silver was in a world she knew next to nothing about, and it was trying its best to kill her. Right now, things favored the other side. Without warning she crashed on a hard floor, a six-foot landing if she guessed correctly. Her head cracked as it hit the floor, elbows followed suit. The wind was knocked out of her. What little wind she had. It took a moment for her to realize that now she could breathe once she blew the dirt out of her nose. It wasn’t ladylike but a girl had to breathe. Silver sputtered and coughed as she took 153

Toni L. Meilleur in the foul air. It was better than nothing. “I am sorry for our rather abrupt tactics, but time is of the utmost importance.” A voice echoed off the walls. Immediately Silver’s head snapped in the direction of the voice. It wasn’t entirely unpleasant. It reminded her of pond she’d once seen as a child. The surface of the pond was like any other pond full of lily pads and leaves. But when she’d stuck a stick into it and disturbed the water, she remembered seeing all kinds of rather unpleasant larvae at the bottom. It gave her the creeps to know she had considered going into the pond, which she realized was polluted. That was what his voice sounded like. Instinct told her while it was normal enough, that something wasn’t quite right when she began to look under the surface. He even looked normal. Handsome if she were being honest. He was dressed in black slacks and cream colored silk shirt, his feet were bare and he looked down at her from the throne he was sitting on. His dark eyes, looked coal black and partially hidden under chestnut hair. Hair that looked dipped in blood at the tips,. They studied her with the attention of a boy who’d just found a rather unusual insect. Silver coughed, dislodging the last of the dirt from her throat. She hated to do it, but she took her finger and cleared the remaining dirt from her 154

Elementum nose. Yeah, she was fully aware of what it looked like. “Where am I and who are you?” Silver tried to keep her voice neutral. She was in over her head and considering how she got to this place, whoever he was, he certainly wasn’t human. “You are in the Unseelie Court and I am Uulrik, king of the Slaugh Horde.” His eyes flared with pride and just a little bit of crazy. This was the man or thing, which had sent those half-dead dogs after Jacy. He was responsible for every abominable creature sent her way. He was death sitting on a rather impressive throne. “My turn, where is the Elementum?” The word seemed to echo off walls that crawled with living dead vine. Yes, living, dead looking vines. It seemed to breathe even as it died. It was if this stasis was the parameters of its life. Silver took her eyes off the vine-covered walls and looked around. Bigger mistake. Half-dead dogs lazed about as if it were a sunny day in Georgia. They seemed to ignore her, but she knew with a command from the Slaugh leader or a sudden move on her part she was dead. Dead. The word reverberated in her head. Telling this thing that looked like a man that her guess was that Quaede still had it in that satchel was signing her death warrant, she needed to buy time. “I don’t know what—” 155

Toni L. Meilleur A power seemed to pulse in the entire room. Silver’s words were cut off as waves of power washed over her, deafening her. Her ears popped. She tried covering her ears to stave off the attack. It took but a moment to recognize the warm wet feeling under her hands. Her heart danced to an urban beat as she slowly took her hands from her ears. Blood. “You look amazed, human,” came the somewhat muffled words from the Slaugh King. A buzzing sound began to grow in her ears. “I assure you, there is a lot more where that came from.” His dark chuckle bounced around the room. The hounds bayed in response. Each terrifying hound bayed at its master as if asking for permission to draw more blood. “You can pretend nobility and try to protect the Elementum, if you like. But I will get it and you, my pretty human, will be my greatest creation when I am done.” “I won’t help you.” Silver wiped her blood on the floor and stood. She could only die once, and she would be damned if she wasn’t going to do it with dignity—probably accompanied by a lot a pain, but the dignity would be there as well. Uulrik responded with a hearty dark laugh that made him appear human for a just a second. His handsome visage only barely covered the warped immortal underneath. “My dear, stupid, stupid 156

Elementum human,” he got out between chuckles. “You have already helped me.” Silver cocked her head to the side as she looked at the crazed Slaugh King. Apparently insanity was a prerequisite to being an archenemy. “You looked puzzled. Let me explain, I do believe I am being rude.” He stood then, making Silver realize just how tall this creature was. As he slowly made his way towards her she heard the same distinct click clack sound of nails on a hard floor, much like a dog. To her horror as he drew closer, she could make out the Slaugh King a lot better, and he wasn’t nearly as handsome as she first thought. Those dark eyes turned out to be small pits of mud; deep, dark and with the capability of sucking a creature in whole if they stared long enough. A thin sprinkling of fur graced his face as well. Even through the clothing she could see the outline of finely chiseled muscles. Uulrik’s lips seemed to be in a perpetual snarl, which allowed his rather long incisors to peek through. Her eyes, on their own accord, stared at his feet. She gasped as his feet looked completely canine. She now realized what was happening. It wasn’t that she hadn’t seen him clearly before. She had seen him clearly. Even now he was dropping the façade of appearing human. The now gray skin turned almost reptilian underneath that light fur. It was an odd and horrifying mixture. It 157

Toni L. Meilleur looked as if their precious goddess Dana took all her leftover parts and made—this. “I thought that perhaps appearing more human would invite you to trust me. However, I did not count on the stench of that henchmen being all over you. You’ve mated with him and therefore, it stands to reason your loyalties lie with the Seelie. But let’s not pay any more attention to my little setback.” He waved his claw-like hand in the air as if that cleared up the matter because he said so. Far be it for Silver to try and argue with the King of Abominations. “You said I helped you,” Silver prodded him on, while her mind raced with the possibility of escape. “Yes, well I had planned on trying to seduce you as a human.” He paused as Silver made a face of disgust, until she realized it wasn’t a face she was making in her mind. His teeth were bared for a second before he went on. “But seeing as how you’re now enslaved to that bastard, it still works in my favor. You see, he will come after you. I have it on good authority that the Queen’s Cock is infatuated with you. Most interesting to say the least.” “Infatuated is a little strong. We just had sex, I understand sex is a pretty common occurrence among the Sidhe.” Even as her eyes darted around there wasn’t a damn door anywhere. Hell, she 158

Elementum doubted she could outrun the dogs from hell even if there was one. “My source is most reliable,” the king insisted. “I am sure he is on his way as we speak.” “This plan makes no sense.” Silver’s arms crossed her chest. “Why not just suck him into the ground, since clearly he is the one that you want?” The Slaugh King circled her slowly and Silver could detect the slight smell of decay emanating off of him. This time she was careful to hide her disgust. “My magic doesn’t work on one as powerful as he. He is warded against my magic as I am warded against his. But you…” He paused as he leaned in and sniffed her, then let out a bark of disapproval. “You are at my mercy; therefore he is at my mercy as well. He will give me what I want if he wants to ever see his precious mortal again.” Silver let out a breath she didn’t know she’d been holding. He meant to trade her. Thank goodness! For a second she thought he would be the death of her. “Well, so we just wait then?” Uulrik slowly shook his head; his hair now in its natural form of really icky dread-locks swayed with the ominous gesture. “No, I have a little fun. Oh yes, I intend to give you back to him. I said nothing about the condition in which you would be returned.” Silver felt herself being propelled backwards at 159

Toni L. Meilleur an alarming rate. Her booted heels scratched the floor. When she suddenly stopped and lost her balance she landed on something squishy and yet at the same time hard. It growled at her. She was flung on her side as the beast of a dog rose. His teeth glistened yellow as it snarled at her. It was the two-headed dog she’d seen at the house. The other dogs soon joined him as they too clicked over and surrounded her. Parasites slid easily under their skin, she could catch only a shadow of the organism. Quaede said they went right to the brain. The dogs crowded in on her blocking out what little light there was. **** During his life duty in serving the queen he had never once hesitated when it came to doing what needed to be done. Until now. Every gut instinct that served the queen told him to continue his journey, and locate the last item. But this new side of him that belonged to him, no—belonged to Silver, demanded he go after her. He knew enough of the magic pattern to know that Uulrik had personally captured Silver. It bothered him to some end that the Slaugh King would go after the mortal in this way. A direct attack on him would have been the norm; the Slaugh King at this point had to know that the 160

Elementum Elementum was in his possession. So why go after Silver? Somehow he knew that Silver meant something to him. How could he come by such information? Of course he and Silver had been holed up for days in Parees’ special room. That was a lot of time to gather information. Right now what mattered was what he did now. The Slaugh King was now counting on his newfound emotions. It would be suicide to walk into the stronghold of the Unseelie Courts with the Elementum and yet, he could not stash it anywhere, it would be found before he could return to it. While it was true the Elementum’s magic could be traced, his protective magic made it difficult. And it was certainly out of the question to leave Silver in his clutches. He knew even now Uulrik was probably torturing her. Goddess help him, but for the first time he was glad that Uulrik was sadistic, it would keep him from killing Silver outright. Uulrik liked pain to last. It was the best he could hope for in keeping her alive. The Queen would be furious if he went looking for the mortal woman. She would go mad with rage, when she found out he broke a sworn oath. She would wonder if her personal bodyguard and Leader of the Seelie Guards no longer had the heart and talent for his position. Queen Ainè could and would kill him for this offense. As Quaede 161

Toni L. Meilleur stepped into the fresh rain puddle and unsheathed his Red Blade he didn’t think twice as he chanted the words that would take him to the Unseelie Court.

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very last drop of blood had drained from her arms, rendering them numb. Silver was grateful for that as she hung by her wrists. Her arms were tied to the ceiling at a forty-five degree angle on each side; her hands were gray from loss of blood. With a bitter thought she thought how funny that thought was. Her blood wasn’t lost, in fact, it was pooling under her suspended bare feet. The Slaugh hounds were lapping it up. She wished her blood was wiper fluid and she could poison every one of the revolting beasts. The Slaugh King licked at one of the many precise cuts he laid open on her belly. Uulrik had gleefully told her he was carving his name into her belly. Apparently it was written in Sidhe because looking down at her shredded torso she couldn’t recognize one letter. The sadistic king paused mid-lick and took on a very canine characteristic—he cocked his head to 163

Toni L. Meilleur the side sharply and a sick smile contoured his lips. “He’s here a lot sooner. He must really care for you, mortal.” His hot breath scorched her belly as he whispered almost lovingly against it. With a final lick he tore himself away from her blood and bent to pat one of the hounds. “I still have time for one more thing.” He cooed as he rubbed the hound. A chunk of its already loose flesh plopped to the ground. The dog didn’t notice as he whimpered in appreciation. It would have been a hallmark moment if the man and dog wasn’t so mutated, and oh yeah, they weren’t torturing her and licking her blood. Could the moment get any more perverse? The Slaugh King rose with something in his fist. “I have a gift for you. You could say it will be the last gift you will ever receive.” As he said the words, Silver’s eyes focused on the fist and a knowing feeling unfurled in her bloodletting gut. Uulrik brought his fist to her stomach and quickly slapped it flat against her belly. The scream wouldn’t detach from her throat. The pain was nothing she could have ever imagined. Silver could hear nothing but the hideous laughter of the Slaugh King as he took in every nuance of her pain. The dog barked happily at his master’s feet and Silver could see nothing but a blinding white light as the shards of pain branched out into every part of her body—even 164

Elementum her numb arms. As Silver watched Uulrik strut away, laughing to himself, she did the one thing she shouldn’t have done. She looked down at her belly to see the parasite slithering just below the surface of her skin. It was then the scream found its freedom. Uulrik glanced back at her and blew her a kiss as he opened the large doors. **** Quaede waited until the creature stuck its last head further out before he sliced it clean off. Sometimes Hydras were just too easy to kill. He tried to keep his mind free of thoughts of Silver. It was the only way to ensure he got to her in one piece. He rubbed the blood of the Hydra into his skin, being careful to keep an eye out for a wandering Unseelie. Hopefully the blood would mask his scent long enough for him to find Silver. He could feel her here. He would follow that feeling blindly until he reached her. Quaede wanted to come in with his Red Blade, slicing anything that resembled Unseelie. But stealth and near invisibility was the only way to bring them both out alive. He knew that Uulrik knew he was here. The Slaugh King could sense him when he was close enough, like he could sense the Horde King. The opposite sides of the same coin, as were their queens. 165

Toni L. Meilleur He held the Red Blade tightly; here he had little magic, he had to win this battle on sheer skill and wits alone. Uulrik held power, the Unseelie magic ruled. The Slaugh King was clever in luring him here with Silver as bait. There was no way Quaede would come here clearly the underdog. As Quaede carefully made his way through the maze of decayed corridors he kept his senses tuned on Silver but would not let his mind wander further. He couldn’t let himself think about what Uulrik was doing to her. He had to stay focused on the hope that she was alive and that whatever she endured he could heal. As the two-headed hound rounded the corner and growled, Quaede let his frustration seep through and with two swift strokes laid waste to the dog. It was a foolish move he knew, because Uulrik would know at that very moment where he was. The dog was an extension of the King’s sight. But Quaede didn’t care, he knew Uulrik favored this hound, considered it one of his best soldiers. In Quaede’s opinion this was just the beginning, he had a large score to settle with the king and he was just starting things. He expected more opposition. But as he made his way to Silver he knew the moment he came after her that he had been led into a trap. There was really no need to waste soldiers. He rounded another corner when Silver’s shrill scream pierced 166

Elementum his ears. Immediately his blood boiled and the pretense of keeping Silver at the back of his mind was all but forgotten. For Uulrik was now before him, stepping between some rather large doors and blew a kiss to the occupant in the room. Quaede did a very human thing; he rushed the king drenched in anger. **** The only thing that tore her mind away from the parasite slithering around in her belly was Uulrik flying backwards into the room. He landed rather ungainly on his ass. But in a millisecond he was up and brushing himself off as if it had been a mild inconvenience. Then Quaede stepped into the room. His wicked Red Blade was poised before him. His beautiful long braid cascaded down one shoulder. His cape though clasped around his neck hung just behind each powerful shoulder. He looked like some sort of superhero come to life. Of course that would make her the damsel in distress. Though Silver never thought of herself as the damsel in the distress, she couldn’t’ deny the fact that she was happy to see him. “Truly, Quaede, I thought we had outgrown such childish moves.” Uulrik pretended to pick lint off of his clothing soiled with her blood. “Now if you would like to discuss this in a civilized 167

Toni L. Meilleur manner I would be more than happy to.” Uulrik crossed his hands as if he were about to bow his head in prayer. “No, thank you, Uulrik. I’d just like to take what is mine and leave,” Quaede answered, never letting up his fighting stance. “I agree, leave the Elementum and take the mortal. I’m done playing with her. She’s not the screamer I thought she’d be. Tell me, Quaede, have you gotten her to scream for you?” Silver saw her Sidhe warrior stiffen even more if that were possible. “Ah, just as I suspected.” Uulrik shook his head in mock sadness. “Quaede, after all these years of trying to kill you, I would have never thought it would be a mortal woman who beat me to the punch.” “In case your perverted eyes deceive you, Uulrik, I still live and breathe and so shall this woman,” Quaede responded. “Quaede,” the king began, now extending one hand and his Red Blade appeared. “You know the rules here. A cut from either one of our blades can cause severe damage to the other. What are the odds that once my blade bites into your precious Seelie skin you will have the strength to save yourself, let alone the mortal?” “Well, if the bite of your blade is anything like a bite from your dull and rotting teeth then I have nothing to fear, do I?” Quaede scoffed, as he 168

Elementum entered the room further so his back would not be to the open door. Uulrik chose to ignore the barb. “Why do you want her still when she is clearly mine? Look at her, Quaede; my name is engraved onto her belly. When this is over between us, my seed shall grow in that belly as well.” The Slaugh King laughed with dark glee as Quaede allowed his eyes to take in every detail of Silver’s pale and limp appearance. Her gaze was full of terror and pain. His eyes trailed to the dogs, lapping at the last of her blood that had pooled on the floor. Quaede called upon all the training and tactical experience he had ever received in his long life. “Does this mean that when I carve my name into your chest your life becomes mine? Because if it does, then I have been premature in trying to kill you. I think I would rather own you, Slaugh King. Of course, you will no longer be king of this circus of misfits, but you would be in charge of keeping my boots clean.” Quaede circled the king, slowly keeping a wary eye on the dogs. He was well aware that Uulrik could order them to kill Silver on a command. Thankfully the king had more pride than sense when his leadership came into question, for the king now focused all his energy on killing Quaede. For the moment Silver was not a thought, and the hounds would not attack without a direct 169

Toni L. Meilleur command. Quaede sent a prayer to the goddess Dana as he prepared to defend himself against a very worthy opponent. **** Silver shook her head to stay focused. The blood loss was threatening to take her consciousness. She ignored the muscled canine bodies at her dangling feet and focused on the fight before her. Quaede was fighting for her. He came for her. He risked everything to save her. He risked the survival of the human world. The least she could do was stay conscious and watch him fight for her. The Slaugh King was a graceful, skillful fighter. Quaede was his equal. In truth it would be hard to say who the better fighter was, Silver prayed it was Quaede. Silver’s tongue stuck in her mouth as she watched creatures from every nightmare she’d ever had slowly pour into the open door. They were going to surround Quaede and massacre him. She tried to call out to him but she was fading fast. The room swam but she shook her head doggedly determined to stay conscious. Uulrik’s blade missed Quaede’s neck by centimeters as Quaede parried the blow. She saw Quaede cast a quick look to the door and a worried expression marred his handsome features. Silver prayed to whatever god was on call to help 170

Elementum Quaede. There he stood with enemies at his back and his front. Quaede flipped through the air, over Uulrik’s head, surprising even the Slaugh King. Quaede’s Red Blade slit the throat of the two dogs at her feet and they slid to the floor with a thump. His blade made quick word of the ropes tied around her wrists and Silver could do nothing but drop like a sack of flour into his arms. “Hold on, we’re going to get out of here.” Quaede smiled at her and pulled a powder from the small bag at his waist. “Nooo!” the Slaugh King bellowed, as he rushed Quaede and Silver. With deft fingers Quaede sprinkled the powder over Silver and himself and pulled her tight. It was liquid powder. Silver would never get used to Sidhe magic. “This is going to be rough travel,” he warned her. Then Silver saw him stiffen and pain registered on his face. She saw Uulrik behind him, extracting the Red Blade from Quaede’s back. With another mighty slice from Uulrik’s steel, the satchel that was ever presently strapped to Quaede’s back dropped to the floor. Quaede grimaced and whispered roughly then the world went blurry.

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h, please wake up,” Silver begged. Quaede was deathly still. She banished the thought quickly that he might already be dead. She had no idea where they were; she was glad they were no longer in the Unseelie Court. Wherever they were, it was in some sort of cave. Crystal blanketed the ceiling, walls and floor. It seemed to be lit naturally, because Silver couldn’t find any sort of light source. It reminded her very much of the ice fortress from Superman, only it wasn’t cold. Blood stained the crystal where Quaede lay. He hadn’t moved or said a word since he transported them here. His pale skin seemed to be turning yellow. Silver was no expert but she knew that wasn’t good. Her eyes stung with frustration and the will not to weep. It was up to her to save them. He had done the hard part. She would have to venture out alone and get help. At the very least she had to find something to stop the bleeding. 172

Elementum Her hands and arms were all but useless. Her belly spasmed in pain as the parasite moved further up her torso. It was slowly making its way to her brain she suspected. Right now Quaede was in more danger of dying. He had risked a lot to save her. Something in her gut twisted and stung at the thought of Quaede dying. To Silver’s surprise a tear slid from the corner of her eye, if she would have been able to should would have swiped it away. She refused to love him. And yet she knew it for the futile argument that it was. Silver kissed his cool forehead and rose, she had to get help. Feeling was slowing coming back into her arms, but not fast enough. Silver looked around trying to ignore the pinpricks of circulation that was returning, she needed to find a way out of the cave. It was confusing. It was like a hall of mirrors. She would have to choose a path, every path if she had to in order to help Quaede. In bare feet and with rubber arms, Silver chose a path and prayed for the best. As her feet made silent progress on the slick crystal the hair rose up on the back of her neck. She had the feeling she was being watched; yet as she looked around the crystal cave she saw only distorted reflections of herself and the cave. As she took a cautious step toward her chosen path, a loud scratching sound echoed in the cave. She 173

Toni L. Meilleur looked up at the source of the sound and found a large flat sheet of crystal descending quickly, cutting off her path. Silver barely jumped back before the crystal sheet slammed shut to the ground. The impact was so sudden and strong, small shards of crystals flew out, one was rather large and seemed about to embed itself in her thigh, Silver closed her eyes in reaction and prepared for the pain. It never occurred. “My intention was not to hurt you.” A soft feminine voice seemed to carry from everywhere. Silver opened her eyes and looked around and still she saw no one. The crystal that had almost made it to her thigh, had stopped mid air, then dropped to the floor, only to be absorbed into it. Silver was dumbfounded. “You, however, were not invited and yet you dare venture into my home?” The tone took on a note of irritation. “Hello?” Silver swallowed. “I, uh, I am sorry but I don’t know where I am. I was only looking for help. My friend is hurt and I can’t help him.” Momentary silence met her words. “Please, if you can help him, I beg you.” Silver crossed her fingers. She turned to look at Quaede when she saw a white figure hunched over him. Immediately Silver became protective. Of course there was nothing she could probably do even if her arms almost had feeling in them. But she wouldn’t just stand there and let him be killed. 174

Elementum As Silver rushed forward the figure didn’t seem to be the least bit alarmed at her harried approach. That didn’t bode well. It just meant the person or whatever it was didn’t see her as a threat. As Silver got closer she could see it was a woman. The woman turned slightly; her profile was breathtaking. Lovely porcelain skin with ruby red lips seemed to be smiling rather sadly. Long eyelashes batted down slightly as the woman took in all of Quaede’s appearance. Her body, though bent over Quaede, was long and slender; she looked like a ballerina. Her white clothes draped seductively and seemed to be about to fall off at the slightest wind. “He is gravely wounded.” The woman’s voice seemed to come everywhere but from her lips. “I did not think I would ever see the day this fine warrior would sustain an injury such as this.” “You know Quaede?” Silver said, coming to the woman’s side. She knelt down beside the woman. Then she turned fully and Silver gasped. The other side of the woman’s face was hideous. Her skin was wrinkled and gray. Silver could now see the woman’s clothing on the other side of her body. It was dirty and wrinkled. The only thing that remained consistent on both sides of the woman were the pale green eyes that stared at Silver without blinking. “I know him.” The woman offered nothing 175

Toni L. Meilleur more. It was horrific to see the woman’s face. So ugly and so beautiful at the same time. Silver then understood something else; the woman wasn’t using her mouth to speak. The woman was speaking directly into her head. “Who are you? What are you?” Silver knew it was a rude question but not entirely without merit. Since she entered into this paranormal world, nothing was as it seemed. Creatures existed that Silver thought was mere legend and flights of fancy. Perhaps at another time Silver would have been content to question the creature all day, but she had other more important concerns. “Can you help him?” “I am Atara,” the woman replied, turning away from Silver’s stare. Silver watched as Quaede’s body lifted off the crystal floor and turned over. The woman stood so that Quaede’s back was level with her slender hips. “I am Keeper of the In Between.” “In Between? In between what?” “Everything.” The woman placed her hands over Quaede’s wound. “He has lost much blood. But I can help him.” “Please whatever it takes, whatever boon, I will pay it.” Silver rushed, hope finally emerging like a spring day. “You cannot pay me, child. You have not the resources or know how.” Atara unexpectedly 176

Elementum snorted in arrogance. “This boon has been owed for quite some time.” “He owes you?” “No, mortal, I owe him.” Atara spared her a quick glance that Silver quickly translated into calling her a retard. “I need to concentrate.” Silver snapped her lips shut as she was about to ask another question. A hot and cold wind swept through the cave and seemed to circulate around Atara and Quaede. Silver blinked, swearing she could see the air. Not fog or cold vapors but the actual wind. It seemed to fade in and out. Billions and billions of tiny dots swirled so fast Silver had to blink fast, she was getting vertigo just watching. The blood on the cave floor disappeared and then the wind died down and swept past Silver, making her hot and cold at the same time. Quaede’s suspended body had been rotated so his handsome face now shone up and his long braid hung almost to the cave floor. Slowly his body was lowered. Silver watched as the cave floor, sunk in and molded until it formed a perfect mold for Quaede’s body. She breathed a sigh of relief when he was nestled peacefully in the floor. “He’s going to be fine, right?” Silver looked down at Quaede, who appeared to just be sleeping “He will rest, but yes, he is fine.” Silver huffed out a breath of relief, until Atara kept speaking. “You are the cause of his injury. 177

Toni L. Meilleur And you carry the parasite of the Unseelie inside you. For these two offenses alone I should put you to death.” Silver felt goose bumps march up and down her spine. On a very technical scale she was right. But Silver had to explain to Atara that she was not to blame—all right, not entirely. If Atara knew all the fine details she could make her see things clearly. “Please let me explain what—” “You are the one who released the Elementum from its protective state. You are the one who refused to give up claim to what was not yours to claim. You, Silver, are the one who has gratified yourself with his body and you are the one he came to save from the Slaugh King. That was a very foolish move on his part but it was because of you that he did this. Tell what thoughts does he hide even as he sleeps?” Okay, so she did seem privy to all the fine details, and still she blamed her. Silver didn’t have a plan B. “In my defense I’m human,” Silver snapped, with a toss of her head. Hell, everyone else kept saying it like it was a disability, she might as well give it a try. “And I have no idea what you are talking about. Quaede is secretive about everything.” “Being human is a pity, but not an excuse.” Atara turned fully. Silver moaned inside, if Atara could just stand the one way that would be great. 178

Elementum “Your actions, however, have allowed me to repay a debt I have owed for quite some time.” She indicated that Silver should follow her. Silver first looked to Quaede, reluctant to leave him. Finally she followed the hag/beauty to the other side of the cave. Two crystal chairs came up from the cave floor. The two women sat across from one another. Silver grunted at the pain in her belly, the parasite moved further up. She looked down to see grooves in her belly above the cutting where the parasite had traveled. “I see the Slaugh King has not changed his methods of torture,” Atara observed. “You know that thing will kill you once it reaches your brain,” Atara stated matter of factly as if she had just said; You know it’s going to rain tomorrow. “Yes, Quaede told me.” Silver swallowed and tried not to think about her situation. “You said you are the Keeper of the In Between, what does that mean exactly?” Atara paused before she answered. “It is truly astonishing at what humans do not know. I am that action in between life and death. Darkness and Light. In and out. Before one can transition into another there is something in between that most creatures take for granted. I am the Keeper of the In Between. I can choose whether something is allowed to happen or not.” “Like if I struck a match and it never lit? Or 179

Toni L. Meilleur perhaps that action between a knife made of crystal stabbing me or not?” “Then I have chosen for that action that happens in between not to happen,” Atara smiled her approval at Silver’s quick study. “How can you monitor so much ‘in-between’?” “I am not the only one, I am one of thousands.” “That makes sense. Because then you would have stopped Quaede from getting stabbed if you had bee monitoring him, right?” Silver couldn’t help the accusatory tone that crept into her voice. “We are bound by rules, Silver. We cannot stop everything. Fate and Freewill sometimes bind our powers.” A hard note crept into Atara’s tone. “Besides, he was not putting himself in danger saving me.” Her beautiful cruel lips curled slightly, reminding Silver the woman was talking in her head. “Why do you talk to me this way?” Silver tapped her right temple. “My voice is not meant for human ears. The sound could drive you mad.” “Then let me thank you for that courtesy.” Silver bowed her head as humor began to surface. Atara smiled as well. It creeped Silver out. “How long will it be before he is well enough to travel?” “Not long, any moment now he shall awaken.” “Is it too personal to ask why you owe him?” “Yes.” 180

Elementum “Can you do anything about this?” Silver pointed to the parasite that was making its way over the top of her rib cage. “It’s going to kill me.” When Silver said the words they stuck in her head. This was the way she was going to die? “I do not know why that was allowed to happen.” Atara pointed to the wriggling parasite. “But I cannot undo that. Quaede is different; I owe him this so it cancels the rules this once.” Silver nodded her head, too choked up to speak. A slow death was hard to take. Atara’s voice interrupted her morbid thoughts. “Quaede could help you I am sure. There is a very specific way to remove the parasite from a human but it is time consuming. You and Quaede are on a mission and your time is limited. Aeval has the Elementum.” The enormity of her words was not lost on Silver. They rang true, however, the Leshii had said it would take time to heal Jacy of the parasites. Silver would not be so blessed. “We can still save my people?” Silver said at last. “Yes, Aeval may have the Elementum but you and Quaede have something she does not. A head start.” “She does not have the Elementum,” Quaede’s deep voice boomed from across the cave. “No, Quaede, I saw Uulrik slice the satchel from your back. It had everything in it. Everything 181

Toni L. Meilleur we collected, including the Elementum,” Silver reminded him. She cringed as the memory of seeing Quaede get run through played in her mind. “Hey, you can hear her in my head?” Quaede stood slowly, testing his balance. He stretched then looked at Atara. “Thank you, sister.” He smiled. Silver’s mouth fell open. Sister? No doubt they shared some bond that allowed him to hear her. “I do not mean to leave so quickly but—” “You do not have to explain to me, Quaede. Silver has need of your services.” Atara looked at Silver, waiting for her to speak. “No, I am fine. We have to hurry.” Silver jumped down out of the chair. “I saw the cuts on you, Silver. Let me heal them.” Quaede crossed the cave in long strides. Silver pulled her shredded top closed so that Quaede could not see her stomach. “Look, it stopped bleeding, it hurts but I will live. I told you about treating me like I can’t take care of myself.” Silver gave him her infamous gray stare. He continued looking at her in suspicion before he nodded his agreement. “Queen Aeval doesn’t have the actual Elementum, she has nothing but leaves inside the satchel. Since the Elementum leaves traces of its essence the satchel will give off readings of the Elementum being inside of it. Uulrik is not 182

Elementum allowed to handle the Elementum, the wards on it forbids him or any of the Unseelie from opening it. By the time he gets it to the Queen and she opens it, hopefully we will have recovered the real Elementum and the articles we collected.” “You are clever, brother.” Atara tilted her head in respect. “I suspected even as you lay unconscious you hid something from me.” Her eyes flicked to Silver with an expression Silver couldn’t figure out. “You broke an oath to save her.” “It is done and cannot be changed.” His words held a warning for his sister. “If things did not go as planned, I could not risk that information in the wrong hands. The Elementum is, however, on Unseelie land.” “You put it right under their noses.” Silver smiled broadly at the warrior. “Yes, they wouldn’t detect it. I am sure they believe the essence was coming from the satchel.” Quaede smiled back. Then his smile faltered. “Are you sure you are well, Silver?” “Let’s go, Quaede.” Silver looked at him in irritation. He looked at her a moment longer before he turned to Atara. “Thank you, sister. Your debt has been repaid. Perhaps I can return here to visit under better circumstances at another time?” “You are always most welcome, brother.” Atara 183

Toni L. Meilleur bowed her head, and then turned to Silver. “That was a very noble deed, human.” A black cloak appeared draped over one arm and this she offered to Silver. “Even without the knowledge as to your nature, your instincts are bred well within you.” Silver took it and put in on, when she looked up Atara was gone. “What did she say to you?” Quaede asked, frowning. “She would not allow me to hear. What went on between the two of you?’ “If Atara did not want you to hear then far be it from me to tell you. I don’t think I fully understood everything she said anyway.” Silver pulled the cloak tightly around her. The parasite took that moment to push itself up another inch until it rested just under one of the mounds of her breast. She was running out of time. She wanted to see Quaede succeed before she died. She wanted to see Jacy. “After this is over, can you take me to Jacy? I believe I have a boon to pay for her life.” Quaede turned to her a soft look of understanding on his face. “Of course,” he replied, striding over to pick up his sword. He sheathed it and came back to Silver. “Back to the Unseelie Lands then.”

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he pain was becoming hard to hide. When Quaede shifted them back onto Unseelie Land, the parasite squirmed as if it knew it was home. She was grateful for the cloak Atara had given her. Quaede kept looking at her; he would open his mouth to speak then seemed to be at a loss for words. He knew something with her was not right. Silver avoided those sky blue eyes. They looked too deep inside her, asked her too many questions without words. Quaede made sure no one was around when he begin unearthing the Elementum. Every article they gathered was nestled safely in a crudely wrapped package of large leaves and vine. “We have to move quickly, I feel the Slaugh King’s anger. They have returned.” The parasite seemed to wriggle closer to her heart and for a blinding pain-filled moment Silver’s heart stopped beating as the thing seemed 185

Toni L. Meilleur to wriggle through the chambers. Silver dry heaved as she felt the parasite slither quickly through her heart. Sweat broke out and Silver dropped to the ground on her hands and knees. “Silver!” Quaede shouted in alarm. He dropped the package and kneeled beside her. “For Dana’s sake, what is it?” he barked at her. He seemed angry with her. His voice began to fade. “I’m okay, just give me a minute.” Silver felt her tongue loll out of her mouth. It was too heavy and thick. She couldn’t afford to pass out now. She had to convince Quaede to finish this. She had to pay the boon for Jacy. Her death, if heaven was listening, could wait a little longer. “I think I’m just dehydrated,” she managed at last, as stubborn adrenaline began to pump into her. “Silver.” The tone was a warning. He was getting angry with her, and hopefully Silver could use that to distract him. “Don’t use that tone with me, you’re not my father!” Silver snapped at him, trying to rise. When Quaede tried to assist her she slapped his hand away. She felt unclean. Not good enough to touch. She was infected with something foul; therefore she was foul as well. Quaede mimicked her movements until they stood staring at one another, Silver cut her eyes away first. “Look, we have to hurry. We have one more thing to collect, right?” Silver stared at her 186

Elementum feet. She could hear Quaede let out a breath of total annoyance before he retrieved the package from the ground. “I don’t know if we have time.” “What?” Silver chanced a look at him through the form of a very heated glare. “We’ve lost many days in Parees’ mound. That gave Queen Aeval plenty of time to concoct some scheme. I can feel something is about to happen, Silver, and it does not bode well.” Quaede looked around him; if Silver were to guess, she would say he was quite literally sniffing the air. “What are you saying? That all we have done was in vain?” “No, Queen Ainè thought retrieving the Elementum was the only sure way to stop Queen Aeval. There are other ways to turn humans. Not en masse, but with time it could be accomplished.” “Why are you telling me this now? What other way could this Queen Aeval turn humans into Unseelie?” Quaede looked at her and Silver knew whatever he was about to say wasn’t good. “She’d start with the humans they tried to turn when she decided to expand her empire.” “She’s already started?” Silver’s throat went dry. Atara was right; it was astonishing what humans didn’t know. “Most of them are the ones your people call 187

Toni L. Meilleur insane. They said they’ve seen monsters, or demons. It was the Unseelie that revealed themselves. These people are special because they were born with the ability to see things supernatural. Long ago, these humans helped police their society from beings trying to infiltrate and cause harm to the rest of humanity. They helped control the fate of the human world; always watching always fighting. They are the Kyn-Ra Sentinels. Unfortunately over time, human politics and religion phased out the old beliefs. These humans have no idea what they are or what their purpose is. When these humans found supernatural diseases or curses infecting their societies they found a cure, and would pass it on indiscriminatingly.” Something began to tap Silver on the shoulder. It was begging her to see what it was that was right in front of her that she couldn’t see. “Pass it on how?” “Ever wonder why there is no cure for the common cold among humans? These are very old cures, constantly being circulated from generation to generation. A bit nasty, yes, but nothing close to the disease and curses that were trying to be inflicted.” “What does this has—” The reality of what he was saying finally connected. “Queen Aeval is 188

Elementum going to use these people to infect humans with something that will turn them into raging mutants?” Quaede smirked. “No, they can’t be genetically turned right away, just heavily influenced through diseases that cause mutation. After a few decades of breeding with the disease, the human race will no longer be pure. Then breeding with the Unseelie would be possible on a global scale.” “We can’t possibly round up all the insane people.” Silver closed her eyes, trying desperately not to feel desperate. “Queen Ainè was right, this was the best way.” “Not all of them are insane. Some just take for granted that what they see others can see as well, but I agree it would be difficult trying to locate them. There is still a chance, Silver. We have most of what we need. Perhaps the goddess Dana will show us favor and what we have will be enough.” Quaede put his arms around Silver. Her first reaction was to pull away, but his embrace felt so good she allowed herself the one last luxury. He felt good against her. He smelled good, natural and wild. She would give just about anything to just be with him. She didn’t care about the energy addiction. Even now she could feel it wrap around her and go through her. Her senses sang a happy song. She pulled away. No sense fooling herself. She couldn’t have Quaede. He 189

Toni L. Meilleur didn’t want to be kept. “What do we do now?” Silver asked, ignoring what looked to be a hurt look. But the Sidhe can’t feel emotion, right? “My guess would be to try and survive the next few seconds.” The voice of Uulrik shredded the moment in miniscule parts. Silver looked around to see that she and Quaede were surrounded by the most horrible circus on earth. Grotesque creatures of every size shape and smell seemed to have materialized out of nowhere. Quaede stiffened next to her; his arm snaked around her waist. Millions of tiny dark insects came at them quickly. Silver was familiar enough with shifting from realm to realm to know the feeling of travel. But there was something else. The feeling of pain so intense no scream could be had, and for a moment, no feeling either. The shift ended in a large empty field. It looked as if they were definitely back in the earth realm, as she knew it. The field looked freshly cleared as if a farmer at any moment would be coming by seeding the freshly turned soil. The sun was making its way to bed. She heard a grunt from Quaede, ignoring her own pain for the moment, she looked at him in surprise. His normally pale skin was red. No, that was wrong, she was seeing under his skin. Large 190

Elementum patches of skin were missing from his arms, his torso, his legs, even from his inhumanely beautiful face. The wind blew and the cloak flew open. Then she looked at herself. Her arms, her legs—her mangled stomach. She too suffered the same affliction. Large portions of her skin looked to be ripped from her as well. Pain. And lots of it, swirled and churned and finally was released in a long high-pitched scream. But as she looked at Quaede, fresh skin began to cover the surface of his skin. He barely winced in pain, his eyes captured hers. Even in his pain, he wanted to comfort her. “Unseelie flying leeches.” His eyes became confused as he looked at her, expecting what, Silver didn’t know. All she knew was that the pain was magnifying. “You should be healing,” he said softly. Silver had no idea what he was saying, but they had to finish this and quickly. “Quaede, will he follow?” was all Silver could muster. She doubled over as the wind picked up, aggravating the rawness of what used to be her skin. “They follow.” He came to her. “You’re infected. That is why you’re not healing.” Silver pushed him away. “No, Quaede, not now. I can’t have you touch me like this. They are coming. This isn’t about me, do what you can,” 191

Toni L. Meilleur she growled at him. The parasite was now making its way to the center of her chest. She might not make it to Jacy in time, but she prayed fervently that a least Quaede could save the human race. Quaede looked at her and something soft came into his eyes. He opened his mouth to speak but then his face hardened and he strode away from her, ripping the vine from the package and letting it flutter away in the wind. Silver found herself on her knees again, fighting the pain inside and out. With great effort she removed the cloak. Her body was burning with fever at the invasion of the parasite, her loss of skin definitely was a negative as well. How could a thing so small cause so much pain and death? But she watched Quaede, determined that the last thing she see would be someone she loved. And she did love him. She didn’t know why or when exactly but she did. And she wanted him to succeed so he wouldn’t be punished for trying to save her. She couldn’t be saved. Her pain eased at the sound of Quaede’s beautiful baritone voice. **** “Goddess Dana I implore you, grant us your favor. I call upon the elements to aid me in my quest.” He pulled the fur from the Ponas and laid it on the ground. “This I offer as water— for water 192

Elementum is adaptable, as is the fur of the Ponas.” Quaede then pulled out the pouch of seeds from the Hecatian Warriors. “This I offer as earth, for earth is fertile, and nothing is as fertile as the Seeds from the Hecatian Realm.” He then laid the pouch across from the fur and held up the book from Parees. “This I offer as the sky, for knowledge is as endless as is the sky.” Then he pulled his blade from its sheathe. “I offer my Red Blade as fire— for fire is pure and the blood spilled upon it was done in my unfaltering loyalty to Queen Ainè.” All the elements were placed across from one another until it formed a diamond. Silver crawled closer, ignoring the pain from the parasite as it made its way up, into the column of her neck. She clawed at it, it moved faster. Then she could feel it no more. In the pit of her stomach came the knowledge that the parasite was now within moments of reaching her brain and sucking it dry. **** Quaede pulled the Elementum from the leaf package last and begin to recite the ancient words written upon it. His voice was beautiful and it carried to Silver as if it were a song of praise. One by one, beings with skin as pale as Quaede began to appear, circling around the objects. In seconds 193

Toni L. Meilleur there were rows and rows of Sidhe around the objects. She could no longer see through the throng of beautiful bodies. Now it made sense to Silver. The drawings in the manuscript were a prophecy. These Sidhe people were fulfilling the prophecy. They chanted low and the wind kicked up further. A boom sounded disturbing the dirt at the back of the throng. Silver covered her eyes as the soil sprayed everywhere. When she looked again the rows had parted and there stood Queen Ainè, looking down at her with a look of utter distaste.

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Chapter nineteen knew the moment Queen Ainè Quaede appeared. The Sidhe people parted and the Queen stood at the end of the parted rows of bodies, staring down at Silver. Rage like he had never experienced coursed through him. Quaede, using his supernatural speed, was in a blink at Silver’s side. She was sick. Her skin was sickly and moistened with sweat. This mortal had endured a lot. It had sliced through him to turn his back and perform the ceremony. She needed him and he wanted to take the time to cure her. But there were too many lives at stake. He was a Sidhe Warrior, Leader of the Sidhe army; it was his duty to protect his people, as well as the humans. He had made his decision the moment he realized she was infected. There was a way to sustain her life until he could cure her of the parasite. He would tie her life to his. 195

Toni L. Meilleur “Queen Ainè,” he began, resisting the urge to look down at Silver. The Queen would see just how much she affected him. Her anger could result in her killing Silver instantly. Quaede wasn’t sure if there was a force that could stop him from killing his Queen if that were to happen. He would without second thought. Run her through with the Red Blade. The Red Blade was a powerful enemy of the immortal. Given as the leveler of justice, killer of the immortal, the powerful. Powerful enough to kill the twin queens. Both Queens had given their blades to their most prized warriors to fight their enemy, lest they give into their desire to kill the other. Their Goddess mother, Dana, forbade the queens to ever directly fight one another. They would be stripped of their powers in the blink of an eye. “You have arrived in time to bless the ceremony. Uulrik will be here soon, I am sure, Queen Aeval will not be far behind. You are vulnerable here. Let us make haste and get this done.” Quaede reached out a hand to the Queen. Her eyes flashed at Silver before she took his hand. “Why is she here, Quaede?” the Queen asked through stiff painted blood red lips. “I have saved her life, she is my responsibility until this is over and she is no longer in danger of 196

Elementum being hunted by the Unseelie Court.” “She is already dying.” Quaede didn’t miss the joy in her voice as they made their way to the four representations of the elements. “She has made your journey longer and dangerous. I know you parted with the Elementum, Quaede. I know you went to the lair of the Slaugh King to save her.” Her joy quickly turned to reprimand. Quaede knew the Queen meant to punish him, if not kill him when the ceremony was over. “I did what I thought was best, Ainè,” Quaede saw no reason to stand on ceremony any longer. Her anger did not stem from his breaking the oaths. It came from the fact that his queen knew Silver meant more to him than she did. The queen did not share well. “You will do what you will, when and if, we can save humanity and therefore, ourselves. I have asked nothing of you the entire time I dedicated my service to you. I ask now.” Quaede stopped the queen at the rim of the area where the ceremony was taking place. “You wish me to spare her life,” the queen spat at him, quiet enough for his ears only. The Sidhe around them had taken up the ceremonial chant, which Quaede had started earlier. “You have taken her as your lover. Do you think you are in my graces now Quaede? You went from bedding a queen to fucking a—” “Do not forget, Queen Ainè, these mortals can 197

Toni L. Meilleur become your undoing.” Quaede let his anger surface. For what was there to lose now. “As far as your good graces go, I wasn’t aware you had any. I have sacrificed much to keep you protected. Yet you would slay me in a mortal heartbeat if I displeased you. I now understand what Parees has tried to make me understand. You, Queen Ainè, are a wonderful and wise queen; the Seelie Court could not possibly do better. But as a person you are selfish and cruel. You only take, you never give. Have you ever given of yourself freely? Perhaps this inability to love traces back to you? For how can you love anyone other than yourself?” Queen Ainès eyes bled into a deep purple, until they appeared black. Her anger manifested itself into the wind. The wind blew heavy and angry all around them but Quaede ignored her. He continued the ceremony chanting with the others and ignoring the raging queen. Finally he turned to her. “Daughter of Dana, will you bless this ceremony?” His words said one thing, his eyes challenged her to refuse. Quaede watched, as she stood rooted to the spot, torn between her rage and sense of duty. “Queen, even now as we speak, your sister makes her way here.” With her anger barely concealed the Queen floated into the middle of the diamond of the four elements. She hovered over it, her beauty 198

Elementum breathtaking as she closed her eyes and let her magic flow from her, over the elements and her people. “It is done,” she declared a little breathlessly. Everyone waited and nothing happened. No telltale sign that a spell had worked; just the shimmering of the air and the appearance of the Slaugh King with Queen Aeval. **** Silver watched the appearance of the Slaugh King as they shimmered into the clearing three feet in front of her. Their hideous laughter filled the space of quiet astonishment. “Queen Aeval, it looks as if the Queen’s Sword has finally failed her, and at the most inopportune of times.” Uulrik’s voice rang over the crowd. Silver noticed Unseelie creatures slowly popping in, surrounding the Seelie people. Their hideous cackles and hisses would have unnerved her had she not been preoccupied with two things; one, the dizziness that slowly enveloped her. And two, the appearance of the Unseelie Queen. The Fey were nothing else if not unpredictable. Queen Aeval stood as tall as her sister, the exact replica in features, but total opposite in style. Where the Queen of the Court of light was dark and Goth looking, this Queen was the poster child 199

Toni L. Meilleur for blonde America. Her long Blonde hair flowed past her hips in luxurious thick waves. Her eyes were tawny like a lion. Her beautiful flawless face was free of any enhancements. She was dressed in black. Black so deep that it looked to be almost liquid. Her inky dress clung to her shapely figure and her gaze encompassed everything. When she looked at Silver her eyes opened wide in surprise. “A Kyn-Ra Sentinel?” Her voice was light. Not at all what Silver expected. She sounded like a bubbly teenager. “What?” Silver’s eyebrows drew together as the Queen’s words made no sense. Queen Aeval laughed in delight. Her laughter revealed her true nature as the sound was wicked and seemed to echo over the entire field. “How precious, here I thought they were extinct, buried in non-belief.” She turned to the Slaugh King. “You did not tell me the mortal was a Sentinel.” “I thought it to be a nice surprise for you, your Highness.” The Slaugh King bowed slightly. “All the more sweeter, my lady, for she does not even know what she is.” Uulrik grinned at Silver and stuck his tongue out in a licking motion. Reminding her of his fondness for the taste of her blood. “She is most sweet.” “I hate to break up the family reunion,” Quaede’s voice cut through the chatter. He approached the Slaugh King and the Unseelie 200

Elementum Queen with his blade drawn. “But you were not invited.” “Ah, I see you are better.” Uulrik frowned slightly at him. Uulrik’s weapon appeared in his hand as well. “Careful this time, Quaede, I might decide to have my blade take a look at your insides again.” His grin reached his malicious eyes. **** Silver watched as the two warriors circled one another. The sisters eyed each other warily but stayed a healthy distance back. Other Seelie Sidhe warriors faced off with Unseelie beasts. Silver fought to stay conscious. “You can end this,” said a voice close to her ear. Silver turned her head to see the thinnest apparition of Parees beside her. “You have the power to enact the ritual, but you have to be willing to make a great sacrifice.” Silver reached a hand towards the apparition and it went through. “You’re a ghost,” she said in surprise. Parees shook his head.”It is quite amazing what you humans do not know. I am not dead, I am merely projecting, do you think I would chance being in such a bloody environment?” Parees looked around and sighed. “I am not a warrior. 201

Toni L. Meilleur But you are, Silver. Make it to the circle, everything else will come naturally.” “I-I can save …” The dizziness warned her that it would win. Even now the ground swayed as she kneeled upon it. “Yes, you can save all of us.” “I can do this,” Silver said to herself. She crawled towards the diamond in determination. Blood spattered on her. Warriors almost landed on her as they fell. “One more thing,” Parees said, now standing in her path. He bent down and waited until he had eye contact with her. “When you make it to the diamond and you will, child, perform your duty in the name of Queen Ainè.” He seemed to smile at something that only he was aware of. Then he was gone. I can do this, Silver chanted to herself as she crawled. Her knees were sore and her head ached terribly. She could barely see where she was going, her vision was so compromised. But she felt she had nothing to lose and everything to gain. Maybe she couldn’t save Jacy by paying the boon, but at least she could save others. She blocked out all sounds. She blocked out all thoughts even those of Quaede, as she was prone to worry. All that she could do now was try and make it to the diamond. Time seemed to slow down, or maybe it was her slow crawl. But 202

Elementum eventually she made it. She waited for the instinct that Parees spoke of to kick in. She stared at the items and thought to herself. Each item was got at great sacrifice. Each item was supernatural in its own way. Then she discovered the problem. For even though Quaede now had the sword that was once in the diamond it wasn’t gotten at great sacrifice. It was given to him by a selfish Queen, therefore it lacked purity. But she now knew what needed to be done. Fire needed to be represented. As Quaede said, fire was pure. There was no greater purity than love. Love was the greatest magic of them all. She loved Quaede. She loved Jacy. She wanted to save them and the rest of the world. She was willing to make the great sacrifice Parees predicted. She dragged herself to the spot the sword had been in and let the dizziness bloom into unconsciousness. But before it grabbed her in its parasite driven claws, Silver whispered Queen Ainè’s name. **** All fighting ceased as the sound of thunder cracked in the cloudless sky. The wind died and not a sound was to be heard. Quaede backed up a few feet from Uulrik. His nicks and cuts forgotten as he saw the body of Silver go up in a white light. 203

Toni L. Meilleur Every object in the diamond lit up and fused into one light. The ritual had been activated. The white light began to coalesce into one large sphere and spin. It spun faster and faster. “No!” came the shout from Queen Aeval, as she watched the sphere explode and the waves of magic pulsed into what would soon be every corner of the world. “No,” she said again. She turned her tawny gaze to her sister. “Well done, sister. But you know me, this is but a setback.” Then she disappeared. The Slaugh King growled at Quaede. “Well, the Queen’s Bitch and his whore might have saved the humans, all but one that is,” he chided, he looked past Quaede to Queen Ainè. “You promised me the Sentinel was mine to do with what I wanted. I would collect her now.” Quaede turned to the Queen, who struck at the Slaugh King by slashing her hand through the air. Four long furrows appeared on Uulrik’s face. He laughed as he wiped his blood then licked his fingers. “Of course.” He took a deep breath. “And yet it is the Unseelie Court that is infamous for its betrayals.” Then he was gone. “You.” Quaede raised the Red Blade, his eyes a bright shining sky blue as his power and anger surfaced together. “You are the one who told Uulrik to take Silver? Why would you do this?” Quaede began to come closer, menace and the 204

Elementum intent to do harm in every step. “You dare threaten your Queen!” she shot back, eyeing the only weapon that could kill her. “I could kill you where you stand.” “Then do it, Ainè,” he dared her. “Do it, I have no desire to remain in your service. I have no desire to live without the warmth and light the Sentinel brought into my life.” “You don’t mean that?” The queen looked horrified. “Quaede, this is why she needed to be out of your life. She weakens you. She takes you away from my bed.” “And I take you away from his.” Parees appeared in the middle of them, this time in his true form. “Tell him, Ainè, tell him how you’ve been in my bed all these centuries, and your promise to me to free him if I stayed in your bed. A promise I realize now that you never intended to keep.” Quaede looked at Parees and understanding dawned. “That’s why you left, isn’t it? You’re in love with her.” “Yes. We began our affair as soon as you and I became her personal guard. Only our queen is selfish and refused to make me her equal, her King. Even after my magic surfaced, she would not let me stand by her side.” “You’ve no right, Parees. No right to interfere with Royal Matters!” The queen focused black 205

Toni L. Meilleur eyes to Parees. “But don’t I, pumpkin?” Parees said, swaggering towards her. “I am, after all, a deity. No one but a goddess rules over me. Not even you, Queen. Besides, I do believe it is against the pact between human and Fey to try and kill one of its Kyn-Ra Sentinels.” Queen Ainè’s eyes began to swirl. Their almost black purple depths would have given pause to any other being, but not Parees. He smiled at the queen and began to rock back and forth on his heels. “You let me serve this witch all this time on the battlefield and in bed, when it was you she wanted all along?” “Make no mistake, Quaede, she wanted you as well; she needed to be able to own something, since she couldn’t own me. I tried to warn you, friend. How many times in the past have I told you to seek a life of your own? I kept my promise to keep silent, believing at first she would set you free. Her word as queen is gold. Her word as a lover leaves a lot to be desired. I hoped you would see her for what she really was. Knowledge gained through experience cannot be matched.” “I don’t care for your riddles, Old Friend.” Quaede slammed the sword to the ground. He went to Silver’s still form, afraid to touch her, yet wanting to pull her into his arms. “What has she 206

Elementum done?” Quaede’s voice broke as he lifted her head to his lap and stroked her soft black hair. He was supposed to keep her safe. He had meant to return her to her world, to lead a normal human life. But she lay here, unmoving. In order to tie their lives together she needed to be more— alive. Her soul could drag his to the netherworld. But he would risk it. He would risk everything for her. “Let me remove the parasite first,” Parees said gently. Quaede looked at his friend and something warm slid down his face. Quaede touched his face to find it wet. It was not raining, where had the moisture come from? “Yes, friend, even the Sidhe are capable of the phenomena of weeping. Trust me, I know, for loving a creature such as Ainè has brought me to the brink many a times.” Parees grinned as he looked as his flawed lover. “I am weeping?” Quaede asked, staring at his fingers then at Silver. “Well, not like a woman, but it is sign of deep emotion,” Parees joked lightly. His hands hovered over Silver and heat surrounded her body. Quaede watched as the air wavered from the heat. Something slithered out of Silver’s right ear. It was the burned and half dead parasite, fighting to live. Parees smashed it with his fist. “I know what you intend to do, Quaede, you could die if her soul is freed from her body before 207

Toni L. Meilleur you are finished binding your life force.” “I cannot let her die,” Quaede stated. “You do not have to. The Queen owes you a favor. You have served her and now you must request that she release you from your oath.” “I will stay in her service and use my favor to save Silver.” Quaede looked up at the Queen, who now stood with them. She looked pleased with his offer. “It would be a waste.” Parees stood and looked at the Queen. “I believe Silver made her sacrifice in your name, my Queen. Therefore you owe the Sentinel a boon. And let us not forget you broke pact law, you owe her two in actuality.” “Quaede broke an oath twice. He is lucky I have not struck him down.” The Queen sniffed haughtily. “Was his oath anything like yours and the ones you broke, my Queen?” Parees began to walk slowly around the Queen. “I do believe since boons are being paid you owe me for lying and breaking oaths as well. But since I am a man who likes negotiation.” He stopped then and openly fondled the ass of the Queen. “I am going to assume you will let his indiscretions pass? Now we were discussing the Sentinel, yes?” “You speak too much, Parees,” she said between stiff lips. “Does he speak the truth? Do you owe Silver?” 208

Elementum Quaede implored her. When the Queen shook her head Quaede felt nothing but distaste for the Queen. Even now she sought her own selfish end. “Restore her life, and free me from my oath.” “Fine, you are free.” She threw daggers at Parees with her deep purple gaze. “I cannot restore her human life, she is too far gone,” the queen hedged. “Then do what you must,” Quaede ordered.

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Chapter twenty

T

he first and most startling thing that Silver noticed when she woke up was the fact that she woke up. Perhaps she’d made it to heaven, she surmised. As she looked around the familiar home of Quaede, she couldn’t help but wonder at the notion that heaven was different for everyone. Was Quaede her idea of heaven? Silver sat up—without pain. This alone was an anomaly. A fire, hearty and warm blazed, and silhouetted the perfect form of Quaede. He turned to her; his pale skin seemed to glow in the firelight. He was dressed in nothing but dark loose pants. His long hair neatly braided flowed down his back. “You were beginning to make me wonder if the Queen had perhaps found a loophole in our agreement, and she found a way to continue to make us suffer.” His deep voice caressed her. Wrapped around her, his footfalls, silent as he walked towards her with a steaming mug in his hands. 210

Elementum “What happened, Quaede? The last thing I remembered was passing out, while trying to activate the ritual. Did it work?” Silver watched as Quaede sat down on the bed next to her and handed her the mug. He said nothing, just indicated that she should drink. She looked into his eyes and saw something she’d never seen before. Yes, he still appeared guarded but there was definitely something else. A peacefulness. Maybe they both had died. The liquid was sweet and warm and it was one of the most delicious beverages she had ever drunk. “What is this?” she asked on a burp. Quaede smiled and took the mug from her fingers. His long lean fingers brushed hers, instantly igniting a fire in her, that she knew she could never put out, yet never indulge in. “Talk to me, Quaede.” “How are you feeling?” His pale eyes centered on her. Waiting to detect any lie that slipped from her lips. “Fine. As a matter of fact, I feel wonderful. How long have I been sleeping. Am I dead?” Silver rushed out. “Oh god, am I dead? Not that I don’t mind being here, but what about Jacy? What about—” “ First of all, the drink was to nourish you, you have been sleeping for quite a while. The Leshii is waiting to speak to you. And no, you are not dead. 211

Toni L. Meilleur However …” He let the words trail. No one let that word trail unless something heavy was following it. If she wasn’t dead, then what could be so bad? Silver wiggled her toes and fingers; well she definitely had all body movement and wasn’t missing any limbs or digits. “What is it, Quaede, tell me. I don’t like this suspense.” “Look at your body Silver.” Silver looked at him sideways before she scooted down and out of the bed. Someone had dressed her in a simple gown that buttoned all the way down to her ankles. Silver walked to the huge mirror and looked at her reflection. Her skin was as pale as Quaede’s. Slowly she unbuttoned the gown down to her navel and parted it. Smooth pale skin glistened in the firelight. Not a trace of Uulrik’s name. As memories flooded her she pulled the sleeves of the gown back, her skin was perfect and smooth. The last time she’d seen her arms, patches of skin were missing. Silver stepped closer to the mirror, now examining herself more carefully. Her black hair was shinier, softer. Her eyes looked like liquid silver. She was herself, only—upgraded. “What has happened to me?” she whispered, lightly touching her face, and the finely chiseled cheekbones. Never one to be vain, Silver couldn’t help but notice just how inhumanely beautiful she 212

Elementum was. There it was. Inhumanely beautiful. Like Quaede. Like Parees. Like the twin Queens. “I’m Fey,” she whispered in astonishment. She twirled around to see Quaede standing behind her. “I’m Fey,” she repeated again, squinting in wonderment. “I don’t understand. I thought humans couldn’t be converted to Sidhe.” Quaede took a deep breath and approached her. His warm hands rested on either one of her shoulders and traveled down to her hands. He clasped them together but didn’t look in her eyes as he pulled her flush against him. “Humans in general can’t be converted. The special humans, who can see the supernatural and help protect against them, they can be converted because they already have a supernatural element to them.” “You mean the insane people that don’t even know what they are?” “I told you all of them aren’t insane, some simply don’t know. They take for granted that what they see everyone else can see.” Quaede looked at her now. His eyes were pleading with her to understand. “What does that have to do with me, Quaede?” “Think about it, Silver. You saw the symbols on the parchment the Elementum was protected in. 213

Toni L. Meilleur No normal human could have seen that.” He paused, trying to gauge her reaction; her eyes flashed and Quaede could only guess, that she was still in denial.. “What did Queen Aeval call you?” “I don’t remember, things are foggy…” Silver protested, pulling her hands away from his burning touch. “You’re lying, Silver. Stop avoiding the truth.” “Lying, what have I got to lie about?” “All of this I know is sudden and scary. I know events have happened so fast that you probably haven’t had a chance to really digest them. It’s time, Silver. It’s time you knew.” Silver sniffed as she fought the knowledge trying to break through. She was lying; she remembered exactly what Queen Aeval had called her. She couldn’t face what Quaede was asking her to. She needed to go back to her studious life. She needed to get away from Quaede, a man who would never stay with her. A man she loved more than anything. She just wanted to be able to pretend someday that these things never happened, and then she could start mending her steadily breaking heart. “You activated the ritual. You sacrificed yourself for your people. Your act was instinctual, selfless and pure. You obviously come from a fine line of Kyn-Ra Sentinels.” Quaede spoke the words 214

Elementum softly, but the power behind them was unmistakable. Silver froze. “What? I am no Sentinel. I am a linguist.” “Why did you take the Elementum when you were not aware of what it was?” he challenged her. Silver clamped her mouth shut. It called to her. The damn thing drew her like a moth. But she would not tell Quaede that to feed his silly notion. “What about at your friend’s house, Silver? Think about it. Remember that day. Let me help you.” Quaede waved his hand in a grand sweeping motion in the space between them. It was like watching a movie. It was the day Quaede first came to retrieve the Elementum. “I didn’t know you could do that.” “I can only do events that have passed. Watch.” Quaede silenced her. She watched the exchange between herself and Quaede. Jacy had not said one word to Quaede. She never even looked his way, as if he wasn’t there. Jacy did not even appear to understand the situation. Are you crazy? Did something hit you on the head? No. Get out of here, Jacy.” I will not leave you. Look, just tell me what to do to help you.

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Toni L. Meilleur Then Quaede fast-forwarded to the attack of the Slaugh Hounds. Something’s here, Silver! I can’t see— As the scene played realization sucker punched her. She shook her head in denial. Quaede jumped to the scene when Queen Ainè had first set eyes on Silver. By the goddess Dana is that a— Quaede had expertly cut the queen off. Silver swallowed. Quaede wasn’t finished; he flashed another scene before her eyes. It was from the mounds, Parees was talking. This one here was not born Fey, she is of the same breed as Silver. Silver was shaking her head. Every scene seemed stamped in her brain. They began to snap into place like a puzzle. She was getting the picture and it was a horror movie. “Jacy,” Silver started and took a deep breath. “She was looking at me like I was crazy. She, she couldn’t see you.” Silver said, at last her body shaking. “She didn’t see the Hounds, either. She must have felt their presence, but she couldn’t see 216

Elementum them.” Quaede dispersed the images until nothing was left; he came to her then and hugged her tight. “She didn’t see anything. How could I not know that?” Silver’s voice broke as reality took a stronghold in her mind. “I told you before, the Sentinels of your world don’t know what they are, they take for granted things they can see because they’ve always been able to see them. You could only travel with me and see the beings you’ve seen because you are Kyn-Ra.” Quaede kissed the top of head gently. “I am a Kyn-Ra Sentinel,” Silver said, her words muffled against Quaede’s powerful chest. She inhaled the scent of him for comfort. “I don’t even know what that means.” Quaede chuckled. “Kyn-Ra is the name the Sidhe people gave to your world a long time ago. It means ‘to shine without light’.” Silver pulled back and looked into his handsome concerned face. “That’s beautiful.” She gave him a small smile. “Yes, well humans have an aura about them from the inside.” “Yeah, we’re just stupid.” Silver laughed, it felt good to ease some of the tension. “Well, I can say it was not wise to forget the things your people have. But with you, they have a chance.” 217

Toni L. Meilleur “So why am I Sidhe now? I died, didn’t I?” “Anyone ever tell you, you have a fascination with dying?” Quaede led her to the fire and sat down. He pulled her down to sit on his lap; his strong arms encircled her. His warmth was hotter than a fire and Silver snuggled into it. “Only since I met you and things started trying to kill me.” “Fair enough. I care not to go into things right now about Queen Ainè. Let us just say for now she saved your life because she owed you. It was the only way to save you. I couldn’t risk losing you.” He said the last part so quiet Silver wasn’t sure if she even heard him. But she didn’t ask for a repeat. That was enough for now. He had gone from refusing to be with her to at least admitting that she meant something to him. All this from a creature who did not think himself capable of caring. He’d definitely come a long way. “Thank you.” Silver ran her nails softly up and down his arm. “When do you go back to the Seelie Court?” It was a question that needed to be asked. He had sworn an oath of duty to the queen. If she were queen she would never let Quaede go either. “I don’t,” came his reply. That one small phrase held so much power. So small and yet she doubted she heard it. “Excuse me?” Silver said, wanting to make sure she heard 218

Elementum him right. “Like I said, I have a long tale to tell about my Queen. But I will tell you this. I have paid my debt to her and then some.” “Can you at least tell me why you swore such an oath? Have you never wanted a life for yourself?” “When I was younger I dreamed of all the things I would do with my immortal life.” Quaede sighed deeply. “What happened?” Silver held her breath. She wasn’t sure if Quaede would tell her. He kept many things to himself. “I am a rare breed even among the Sidhe. I was born with the natural ability to walk through realms. Every Sidhe can shimmer place-to-place but not realm-to-realm. “Atara, when she was very young and foolish and a glutton for attention decided she too must have been born with this gift. Realm travel is dangerous; there are things that lurk in between realms looking for ones foolish enough to try to shimmer into another realm without the knowledge or gift. They feed on you. Sucking the energy from you until you are nothing but a husk. “Atara attempted such foolery. She became stuck between realms with no idea or magic to bring her out. By the time I found her, she was as you saw her. She was devastated and could not 219

Toni L. Meilleur face the Seelie Court, looking as if she belonged with the Unseelie. I begged the queen to help her, in return I pledged my service to her.” “That was very generous of you,” Silver replied. “If you did not like the queen’s service why were you upset with Parees for leaving?” “He made it bearable. I know he had a right to leave. But now I know why. He was suffering as much as I was.” “How?” Silver half-turned to look at his face. He had a smirk on his face. “The Sidhe don’t get to choose who we love, no more than humans and that is all I will say for the moment.” “Fair enough.” Silver couldn’t help it; she ran her fingers down the ridges of muscle in his chest. “I know I shouldn’t touch you, but I can’t help it.” “I don’t want you to. You are Fey now; there is nothing but the sharing of energy. There is no danger of addiction.” Silver wasn’t sure she agreed with him. She was already addicted to him, from the first touch. “Then make love to me, Quaede,” she whispered. Quaede cupped her face in his large hands and leaned forward. “I would like nothing better.”

220

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Chapter twenty-one

A

t Quaede’s words, Silver shuddered with anticipation. She was quite sure whether there was danger of addiction or not she still would have insisted on making love with this magnificent man. Silver had decided that a life of misery was definitely worth another one or two of those orgasms she experienced with him at the mounds. “There is nothing between us now, Silver,” he said gruffly, ripping the thin gown from her body as he shifted their positions until he laid her out before the fire like a delicate sacrifice. He straddled her thighs. His pants was there one minute, and just gone the next. “There is no law, no aphrodisiac, no apocalyptic deadline. There is just you and I and the desire I have been holding back for far too long.” “B-but at the mounds, you didn’t seem to be holding back.” Silver’s pulsed raced as she looked at the blue eyes, that now seemed to shine and his 221

Toni L. Meilleur skin began to pulse with light. Her eyes dipped to his large erection that couldn’t be missed, even by a blind woman. He shook his head slowly from side to side with a sexy smile on his face. “You truly know nothing about the Sidhe, do you? If the energy was being absorbed, then it stands to reason it was being pulled from me. There would be none of that now, for you are Sidhe as well and your ardor should match my own.” Quaede leaned in then and placed a warm wet kiss at the base of her throat. “Glow for me,” he whispered, as he placed kisses alongside her neck, sending a zinging pulse of energy coursing through her with every oral caress. Quaede had barely begun and she felt hot and cold chills running a marathon up and down her spine. Silver snaked her arms around his neck and the sight of her skin glowing made her gasp. “Ah, your first glow. You should see how beautiful you are,” Quaede whispered, and Silver heard soft clicking sounds all around her. “Look around you, Silver,” he said softly, as he licked at the delicate whirl of her ear. Silver tore her eyes away from her sexy beast and saw a million images of herself. Mirrors hovered around them from every angle; even over them. She saw a soft glow to her skin as if she were a fifteen-watt bulb. Her eyes looked like 222

Elementum glowing wet silver, her hair glimmered like black oil, shiny and thick. It finally hit home; she was no longer human. For the creature that stared back at her in such surprise looked like something a very creative artist might have rendered. She didn’t look real; breathtakingly beautiful—but definitely not human. “The mirrors will follow our every movement, every thrust.” Quaede’s words interrupted her thoughts, his teeth nipping into her shoulder did not interrupt her libido one iota, it sent it skyrocketing. His words brought her eyes back to him. She pulled his head down to her, and without the least bit of hesitation she explored his mouth. Demanding his response, which was quick in coming. Quaede hovered over her one arm planted on the floor; the other began to fondle her eager breasts. His strong muscular thighs on either side of her hips were too much of an invitation. One of her hands traveled to one, feeling the sinew and muscle, her nails lightly scored his skin. When he breathed heavily she did it again. She had little time to savor her dominance for his fingers were warm on her nipple. The pad of his thumb teased the very tip and lightly circled it, then without so much as a brace yourself, Quaede sent pulsing heat through the very tip of the nipple. Not one spurt but in delicious hot firings 223

Toni L. Meilleur one after another. Silver’s back arched off the floor, and when she thought she could take no more, an ice cold sensation covered the tips. The quick changes in temperature caused her toes to curl and she screamed her enjoyment into his mouth. Before she could regain a suitable working stasis for her brain the other breast began to get assaulted in the same manner. Silver broke the kiss; she was overloading on sensation and feeling as if she were floating. But the sensation of being kissed by the world’s—er—Realms’ greatest lover was only replaced with the stimulation of sight. Quaede’s body entwined with hers was the most erotic thing she’d ever seen. The mirrors were at the precise angles so that she could see everything. She looked up to see his firm ass as he took one leg to part her thighs. The movement caused his long braid to flop to one side. “Take down your hair for me, Quaede,” she ordered. Quaede paused in his winning battle against her breast. He pulled up and braced himself on his knees, without taking his eyes off of her began to unravel his braid. “A Sidhe warrior never unbraids his hair when bedding a female. His hair could become a liability.” His face turned serious as he was almost at the base of the braid. “However, when he is with the one that he trusts above all others, the warrior will do it without hesitation.” Then his 224

Elementum glorious hair fell in waves down his back slightly past his waist. He looked like a god with his glowing skin and pale blue shining eyes. His hair caught reflections from the fire. Quaede was the most beautiful man she had ever seen. And she loved him. She found herself asking the one question that immediately bubbled up. “Did Queen Ainè ever ask you to let down your hair?” She stopped breathing as she stared into Quaede’s face looking for the slightest sign of a lie. “She asked many times,” he replied, leaning over her so that now his curtain of hair, teased her shoulders, and some of it brushed against her breast. His hair was the kind of texture she wanted to roll her naked body in. Silver swallowed, trying in vain to get her panicked heart to slow down. She feared his answer, but knew if she never asked, it would gnaw at her. “And did you?” He leaned in closer. Silver never took her eyes from his. His eyes stared into hers unblinking in honesty as his lips came so very near hers. He spoke one word against her lips. “Never.” Silver’s heart soared at his confession. He had done for her, what he had not done for his queen. It was a small act yet, but the implication was monumental. Silver felt tears of pure joy swim in her eyes, as 225

Toni L. Meilleur Quaede moved quickly in such a blur it took a second for Silver to realize she was now on top and straddling him. The view was very nice. With every sharp breath he took, the definition in his abs became more pronounced. Every muscle seemed to be tense and ready for action. His hair lay under him like a soft blanket; Silver reached down and stroked the strands. “Then, I am honored,” Silver said, meeting his eyes. “I know of a way you could honor me.” Quaede’s eyes flashed with innuendo as he somehow managed to get his large cock to bob right in front of her small nest of nether curls. With a sly grin, Silver took the large organ in her hand and gently stroked it up and down. Quaede closed his eyes in pleasure. “I like being honored quite a bit.” Silver laughed as she scooted down his legs and bent over taking the head into her mouth. His cock was so engorged she could feel every vein pulsing as she suckled it. He was the sweetest most masculine thing she had ever tasted. His groans of pleasure only spurned her on to bring him even more pleasure. With one hand holding the rock solid tool, the other caressed the large firm sacs underneath it. His hips jerked as she squeezed one of the sacs. “Mmm.” The sound rumbled out of his chest as she worked them both into a fever. This time his 226

Elementum energy soared through her, invading every part, every cell that made up her body. She could feel her own energy releasing and entwining. It was the equivalent a mixing two very flammable elements, then letting them spiral out of control— and she, Silver, loved it! She felt a firm hand stroking her scalp. She looked up from her task to see Quaede; heavy lidded and deeply aroused staring down at her. “My turn to honor you.” His voice held promise and threat; a threat of unrelenting pleasure. Silver gave one last suckle before she released his erection with a pop. Quaede got up and pulled her with him. He led her to wall where the fireplace blazed. Silver noticed the fire was not giving off nearly as much heat as Quaede. “One of the many things that separate Sidhe from human, is our strength.” He dropped the phrase as if he had been in the middle of giving her a tutorial on being newly Fey. Puzzled Silver allowed herself to be pushed gently against the wall. Quaede put his large hands on either side of her waist and lifted her until her hips were well above his head. Silver almost choked, she was so startled. She plastered her arms and hands against the wall. “Rest your legs on my shoulders,” he ordered. With a little maneuvering she managed to get one leg on each of Quaede’s shoulders while he used 227

Toni L. Meilleur both hands to cup her bottom. As she leaned against the wall, she looked down at Quaede, who had lowered her to the level he desired and was looking directly into the junction of her spread thighs. It was then that Silver realized what Quaede meant about strength. He held her effortlessly as he leaned in to her, his tongue taking one slow long lick from one end of her folds to the other. Silver looked into one of the floating mirrors and felt her liquid desire flow for Quaede. His long hair draped low, covering most of his muscular back. His tattoos looked wet against his skin in the firelight. As he stood holding her, tasting licking and biting, Silver realized her own strength, as her thighs tight with passion and power kept her in the spot Quaede needed her in, wanted her in. She felt like she could hold this position forever. She was certainly willing to give it a try. His long lean fingers managed to travel to her puckered hole and he used her own lubrication to slide one finger in the tight space. This time Silver moaned out loud. His tongue and finger picked up a rhythm and Silver began pushing her hips at him. Quaede widened his stance for balance as her passion began to envelope them both. His tongue worked inside of her, sweeping everything it could with its rough texture. In seconds Silver 228

Elementum came. As she shuddered in ecstasy her desire only rose as Quaede’s aura twined and braided with her own. She no longer could feel only her skin and zones of pleasure; she could feel Quaede’s as well. She knew what he wanted, how he wanted it and his strong appetite for her astonished her. She’d never felt so wanted by a man in her life. She unhooked her legs from his shoulders, and winced from the sensitivity of contact of skin to skin as he slid her down the length of his body. Her nerve endings felt raw; Quaede was her balm. This time she walked away from him, he followed her like a trained puppy, her newfound sensuality making her drunk with coy playfulness. She peeked over her shoulder; he was directly behind the mirrors following like magnets. Before she made it to the bed he had grabbed her by her hips and pulled her roughly to him, her back to his front. She felt the unyielding iron cock in the seam of her bottom. “I think the Queen turned you into a witch, instead of Fey,” he grunted into her ear. Silver laughed as she broke away from him and climbed onto the bed. In the mirrors she looked wanton, wild and sure of herself. Inside she was afraid of the feelings that Quaede stirred in her, but not afraid to explore them. Quaede climbed on the bed after her as she scooted back. His muscles played like a large tiger 229

Toni L. Meilleur as he stalked her on the bed on his hands and knees. His hair fell around his face, fierce and handsome. It dragged on the bed. No, no one would ever be foolish enough to mistake this man as human. Silver lay back on the bed with her legs spread, offering freely to the one she loved. He kept crawling until he was between her thighs his hair, dragged on her legs, caressing it. The silk fell all around her in deep waves. He paused for only a second, before his cock on its own accord found her wetness and dove in, in one swoop. The feeling was both familiar and new. As a Fey now, she felt things deeper, senses much more sensitive. As a former human, she remembered the feeling of him sliding home. He went slowly; she began to close her eyes to enjoy the sensation. “No.” Quaede’s baritone voice stopped her. “You will look at me and never look away. I want to see your eyes when you come for me.” Silver felt her love for him go deeper. She nodded, her silver eyes trained on his blue ones. Their skin glowed, casting shadows on the walls the light from the fire could not reach. The mirrors reflecting them brightened the room even more. “Queen Ainè has lengthened your life by making you Fey,” he said slowly, in between thrusts. “Silver, I would ask you to bind your life with mine.” 230

Elementum Quaede stilled above her as Silver lay there in shock. She thought about it before she answered him. “Why, Quaede?” “You can feel what I feel, you know why.” Silver shook her head. She couldn’t make it easy for him. If he was making her face things she had been in denial, then he needed to face things as well. “No, Quaede, that’s not enough. I need to hear your words.” “Why must you hear these words? You know the reason why.” Irritation began to string his words together. “Call it the last thing human left in me, call it what you will. But I need to hear it Quaede at least once. You ask me to connect my life with yours and yet you can’t do this for me?” Silver caressed the side of his face. “What is my big strong warrior afraid of? I am not your Queen, I don’t want to use you or own you. I want to be with you, but I need to hear that we are on the same level here.” Quaede bowed his head and took a deep breath. Everything in the room seemed to stop functioning as Quaede lost himself in his head. Time seemed to drag and Silver wondered if this would be the end of them. Could simple words tear apart something so strong? It was on this thought that Quaede lifted his head and looked at her. 231

Toni L. Meilleur “I know you are not Ainè, there is no comparison. If words are what you need to hear…Bind your life-force with mine, Silver, because I believe I love you. I have never experienced this before, so you tell me. Does love mean, not bearing the thought of being without the other? Does it mean you are constantly in my thoughts, and I would put your needs and desires before mine? Does love mean I would give my life for you not because of an oath but because I want you to be in this world living and happy at all cost? Does it mean wanting no other woman but you?” For the first time Silver felt like the teacher. Tears coursed from her eyes as she looked at the very insecure face of her lover. This time she used both of her hands to frame his face in a caress. “That is exactly what it means.” Silver smiled through her tears. “I love you, Quaede of the Seelie Court, and I will bind my life force with yours because I want to be connected to you in every way possible.” Quaede smiled then, all trace of insecurity washed from his face. “Put your hand on my heart.” “Wait, don’t you have more than one? Do I have more than one?” Quaede laughed. “Yes, we have more than one heart. Though only one beats, while the other rests. When we have an injury to the heart the 232

Elementum smaller heart keeps us alive until the main one recovers.” He pulled her hand to his chest. “The smaller one is located right behind the other so you cannot go wrong.” “That is so cool.” Silver felt the steady strong beat of his heart while he placed his hand over hers, though Silver suspected he was groping her breast unnecessarily while doing so. Balancing himself on one arm he began moving inside of her again. Without being told Silver kept eye contact with him. “When we reach climax together keep your hand over my heart, our energy while entwined will bind our forces together.” “Is this the only way to bind a life force?” Silver wondered out loud. What if a Sidhe male was trying to save the life of a human male sentinel? “No, but it is the easiest and most pleasurable way.” Quaede laughed. “Pay attention.” Then he stroked inside of her hard in mock punishment. Silver only begged him to do it again. Quaede and Silver connected their passion in a more serious tone as Quaede began to pump into her. It was a very intense way to make love, with constant eye contact. More than your body was naked in this manner. Every emotion, every reaction could be noted by the lover. As their passion grew and began to spiral up, both lovers lost all rational thought. Only the base commands 233

Toni L. Meilleur function. Eye contact; hand over heart, intense pleasure. Sweat began to bead on Quaede and Silver felt as if she couldn’t open wide enough for her lover. She felt his passion, the way she felt gripping his tumid cock, the way he loved the wetness in her channel. She felt him getting ready to reach his orgasm. Silver clenched her walls gripping him tighter. Keeping one hand over his heart, she used the other to push his hips so that if possible he could penetrate her even further. She felt her own orgasm building. Before she could tell him she was coming, the feeling swept them both up like a tornado. Their bodies actually lifted off the bed. Silver could see them out of the corner of her eye in the mirrors writhing and bucking in midair. Their bodies glowed together creating an almost blinding light. Silver could feel energy leave her body and at the same time, she felt as if she were being filled with a alien but familiar energy. It swirled in her causing her a slight wave of dizziness that she knew didn’t come from the orgasm. Then abruptly she and Quaede dropped to the bed, still connected by the more sensual parts. The mirrors vanished and slowly the glow began to fade from their skin. Quaede was breathing as heavy as Silver. Silver, on her side, stroked his back as he lay on his side as well. “We are 234

Elementum connected now,” came his slightly sleepy statement. “Whoa there, you sound sleepy, I thought a Sidhe warrior could go all night long?” Silver teased. “We can, you insolent woman. However, in case you were not aware, I just exchanged life forces with you, which is very tiring, even for a Sidhe.” Silver snorted, though she was just as fatigued as Quaede, but he didn’t need to know that. “Excuses, excuses.” She put her arms around him and closed her eyes. “You can prove to me later, this awesome prowess the male Sidhe is supposed to have. She yawned giving away her own tired state. “Tell me, Silver, does being in love mean not telling your lover when you know they’re clearly trying to deceive you?” “Go to sleep.” Silver smiled. “I have so much to teach you and so little time.” Quaede began stroking her hair and massaging her scalp, making her eyes even heavier. “That’s where you’re wrong, love, we have forever.” “One more thing. Your people gave us the Elementum to keep, what did the humans give the Fey?” Silver finally asked the question that had been batting about in her head. “Mmm,” Quaede’s deep voice rumbled as he 235

Toni L. Meilleur snuggled closer to her. “It was a goblet of sorts. I believe it was called a Grail.” Silver smiled to herself, then they both fell into a deep satisfied sleep.

236

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Chapter Twenty-two

öI

’m nervous.” Silver wiped her hands on pants Quaede had made for her by some creature that owed him a favor. It came complete with a matching tight fitting belly top. Her black boots were smaller and mirrored his own. Apparently sweaty hands were a trait she was not getting rid of no matter what species. “The Leshii assured me she was—better.” Quaede said again, as he led her by the hand through the forest. He never changed his words and quite frankly Silver believed he was purposely misleading her without actually lying; a very infamous trait among the Sidhe. “Shouldn’t we be, switching our shoes or something?” Silver asked feeling her jitters intensify as she sensed she was getting closer to the Leshii dwelling. “No, he seemed very serious. The Leshii can be very tricky but in this instance he assured me 237

Toni L. Meilleur there would be no trickery on his part.” “Are we almost there yet?” Silver asked again, shaking her free hand, trying to get rid of her nerves. She had no idea the state Jacy would be in. Quaede was not very forthcoming. Apparently while she had been sleeping after her conversion, Quaede had made the trip to check on Jacy, very nice of him indeed. She could kill him however for not being more informative now. Was Jacy in a coma? Was she awake and had been told what happened to her? Did Jacy blame her for what happened to her, because after all it was Silver’s fault. She had taken the Voynich Manuscript or rather the Elementum and brought the Slaugh down on them. “Stop it,” Quaede said, using his Red Blade to part the huge foliage in their path. “Stop what?” Silver said innocently. Where did this Leshii live, in a tree? “While I can’t read your thoughts I can feel them. You are worried. It does not take much of a guess to know that you blame yourself for what has happened to your friend. Tell me, Silver, are you the one that bit and infected her?” “Of course not!” “There you are. The thing that attacked her is at fault here, not you. To be more precise, Uulrik and his hounds. You are giving me a headache, and I can tell you it is becoming most unpleasant.” 238

Elementum Silver grumbled but did not comment. She ignored Quaede, the emotions were a problem for him because he wasn’t used to so many. It didn’t help he was getting hers too. Quaede stopped in front of a large tree, and Silver had to remind herself not to be so sarcastic in the future. He turned to her. “Remember, the Queen owes you one more favor.” Before Silver could ask him what he meant the huge tree trunk split open and the Leshii stood there. Silver finally guessed him to be at least seven feet tall. He was like the friggin’ Jolly Green Giant. Except the Jolly Green Giant wasn’t sporting a fierce loincloth that barely concealed the package underneath. Silver succinctly recalled that fact about him. His deep brown hair was tied back in a neat ponytail. He looked less menacing. “Hello, Warrior.” He clasped forearms with Quaede then turned to her and bowed deeply. Silver was flattered. “ Hello, friend of Jacy, the Sidhe look becomes you.” Okay now the guy was just charming Silver, he was much more— approachable it seemed, than last time. Silver began to smell a rat. “Hello—oh I am sorry, I don’t know your name.” “I’ve never bothered with one, my people do not need names. I understand from Jacy that humans need to name things, she has chosen to 239

Toni L. Meilleur call me Rowan.” Silver smirked to herself. Jacy, ever the botanist, Rowan was one of the main ingredients Jacy used in her homemade potpourri. She said it was for protection and healing. “Hello, Rowan.” Silver smiled at him. So Jacy was up and talking that was good. “May I see her now?” Rowan hesitated and looked at Quaede. “I told her that Jacy was better, that is all.” Quaede answered some unspoken question between them “What’s going on?” Silver demanded. Quaede turned her around to face him. “I wanted to wait to tell you so you wouldn’t worry.” Silver pinned him with a too-late stare. “Just as you were too near death to save as human, so was Jacy.” Quaede waited for his words to unravel for her. “So she is Sidhe too?” Silver did note how odd that question sounded, literally. “No,” Quaede paused “maybe you should see her now.” He looked to Rowan. Rowan nodded and the tree trunk behind him closed, it opened seconds later with Jacy inside. At least not the Jacy Silver remembered. Her curly hair had vines running through them, they curled too, as if they were highlights. This Jacy had a green tinge to her light brown skin with vines underneath it. Blossoms seemed to be just under the now opaque skin. She looked like a 240

Elementum living flower vase, a beautiful creature that Silver had no name for. Even Jacy’s lips always plump were now tinged with red as if she put on a light coating of lipstick. She too wore a loincloth with an equally scrappy top. Silver was speechless. This Jacy was no more human than she. “Hello, Silver,” Jacy said. Her voice sounded like leaves softly rustling in a breeze, it was husky and sexy. Jacy came to Silver then and embraced her. Silver practically cried, she was so grateful that Jacy greeted her with so much warmth. Now that she knew Jacy was indeed alive, Silver let go of the frustration and worry she had been holding and began to cry. “I’m so sorry, Jacy.” She sniffled in between sobs. “I’m sorry I ruined your life and got you involved in all this.” Jacy hugged her a moment longer before she gently pushed Silver away so that she could look at her. “Don’t be sorry,” Jacy said smiling, wiping away Silver’s tears. “Rowan explained a lot to me, this wasn’t your fault. Besides, you didn’t ruin my life, Silver, you helped make it something wonderful.” Silver sniffled as she looked at her beautiful but strange looking friend. “You’re not mad at me?” “Of course not.” “But, look you’re not even human anymore.” 241

Toni L. Meilleur Silver gestured at the intense makeover Jacy had undergone. “Look who’s talking.” Jacy grinned. Silver smiled on a blush. “You’re happy the way you are? I mean, I think you’re beautiful, but are you okay with things? I don’t know how you’re going to fit in with the rest of the population.” Jacy turned to look at Rowan, who Silver just noticed was looking at Jacy like a lovesick teenager. That explained the neater appearance and more charming manner. Jacy was working her magic on the brute. “Hopefully I won’t have to fit in.” Silver looked from Rowan to Jacy then finally to Quaede. “What is she talking about? As usual I am missing something. What is it?” Quaede cleared his throat. “You owe Rowan a boon. Perhaps you should hear what he wants then we can figure things out from there.” Silver turned to the large guy who was staring at her with a hopeful look. “In the beginning I asked for a boon because it is required when a Leshii does a favor. But the boon I ask for now is because I need it. I would like Jacy to stay with me.” “Oh, is that it?” She looked at Jacy, “Do you want to stay?” Jacy took a deep breath. “Yes, I want to stay but 242

Elementum it’s not that simple. Leshii lands are sacred. One can only stay in one of three ways; if that person did something to save the land in some way. If they are given special permission from an elite entity or three— a life for a life is exchanged.” Silver began to go over the choices. “The life for a life, does that mean, one person has to be sacrificed on Leshii land for another to stay?” “Yes, because death nourishes other life, it would be an equal exchange. But, Silver, you are Sidhe now.” “Not to mention, Silver, our life forces are connected now,” Quaede reminded Silver. “If I die you die, and vice versa.” “I cherish Jacy,” Rowan interjected. “I could never ask for two lives to end.” “What happens if none of those things happen?” Silver asked. “I will be forced by the other Leshii off the lands. The lands will no longer nourish me to keep me alive. I will no longer be part of the forest, I will die as intended,” Jacy answered. “I will not let her go alone,” Rowan said protectively, putting an arm about her. I will cause great chaos and damage in our wake,” he vowed. “Silver, there is the other way,” Quaede prodded her. “I cannot tell you what to do you must make this decision on your own, but think about what I said earlier.” 243

Toni L. Meilleur Silver sat down and thought until a thought hit her, rather late. She looked up to see the three of them looking expectantly at her. “I’m an idiot.” Silver laughed as she stood. “Rowan, is it allowed to pay a boon with a boon?” Rowan’s face split into a huge grin. “It is my choice how a boon is paid, so the answer is yes.” “How do I get the Queen here to pay me my favor?” Silver asked Quaede. Quaede nodded to Rowan, and a small puddle appeared at his feet. Quaede took his Red Blade and made precise movements in the air. In seconds the Queen rose out of the puddle, with a sheet barely covering her naked flushed body. “Quaede, this had better be of the utmost importance!” she ranted, adjusting the sheet. She looked around her then squinted in barely concealed distaste at Silver. “I see you want your favor, well, spit it out.” The mussed queen tapped her bare feet on the ground in impatience. “I would like for you to grant my friend Jacy here permission to stay on Leshii lands.” Silver saw no reason to pussyfoot around. She wanted the queen gone as much as the queen wanted to leave. The queen rolled her beautiful purple eyes. “Fine, done.” She looked at Silver. “I don’t want to see you again too soon.” She then looked to Quaede her expression softened. “And you, 244

Elementum Quaede, my Gladius Reginae, I have wronged and I am most—regretful— of my actions.” It was Silver’s turn to roll her eyes. The damn queen couldn’t even say she was sorry in a normal manner. Quaede bowed to the queen. “If you would tell Parees, that I am grateful for his friendship, we would then be on a new slate.” The queen smiled at Quaede and nodded, then she was gone. She was about to congratulate Jacy and Rowan but apparently they had already immersed themselves in a heavy kiss. Silently Silver took Quaede’s outstretched hand. The couple never even missed their company as they shimmered out, and back into Quaede’s home. “We can come back later and they can thank you,” Quaede said, removing Silver’s clothes. “But I do believe I have something to prove to you about Sidhe stamina. But before I began this task, answer me this, Silver, do you regret what has happened?” Silver paused in the untying of his pants and looked into his eyes. “Never,” she said. “I love you. “Good,” Quaede replied, sighing. “I love you as well, now about that task you set before me…”

The End 245

About the Author Toni L Meilleur is a native of Chicago that has resided in Michigan for 15 years. Toni makes her living as a Personal Trainer, which she doesn't consider work because she loves it so much. Her two children get the chunk of her spare time, but Toni also does live theatre work where she has performed as a Vixen in Dracula, to a Merry Murderess in Chicago. Writing is another one of her loves that doesn't feel like work at all.