“Maybe he’s in a barrier or something?” Jin was trying to stay optimistic.
“The connection is gone. It’s been severed.” Chasen growled and shook his head angrily. “What the hell happened?!” Chasen stood up. “I’m sending mom a message.” He stomped down the stairs, slamming the door behind him.
Hunter slowly rose to his feet, his stormy eyes staring blankly at the door. “I’m going to him.” He took a few steps, then said quietly, “Please … you two stay here.”
Freja nodded and walked over to Jin. Their mates were hurting, and there was nothing they could do to help. It was obvious at this moment the two of them just needed some time to process what had happened.
Hunter found Chasen sitting off at the edge of the woods by an open field, the same field where their mother had discovered she was a fairy princess.
He walked up and sat beside him but didn’t say a word. He didn’t need to. They both were feeling this great loss.
“Gosh, what about Reiya?” Chasen said, shaking his head. “Did she see it happen? Is she in danger now? If something was strong enough to … to …” Chasen couldn’t say the next word. Instead, a few liquid crystals dripped down his face.
Hunter balled his fists as he stared out toward the field. The tall, golden weeds danced in the wind as the morning sun shone upon them. The birds were singing, joyfully unaware that anything bad had happened. “This is why they should’ve been here. We’re safer together. It’s the whole point of having a pack.Safety in numbers. I should have brought them back.” He shook his head, blaming himself.
The wind carried a new sound with it, the sound of tranquil voices singing softly. All fairies could recognize fairy royalty and guardians. The death of a guardian was something felt by all the fairies. They were all connected.
Hunter watched as creatures began to gather as close as Chasen’s presence would allow them. Little sprites and brownies softly hummed their sad song of condolence. Soon, several different types of nymphs had gathered as well. There were dryads, skints, epimelides, hamadryas, naiads, a sylph, and an oread, as well as a couple of hobgoblins. They were all showing their respect to Hunter and Chasen, offering condolences for their loss.
A few footsteps approached from behind, then stopped, keeping a respectful distance. Hunter didn’t turn around. He already knew who it was. Sam, Susan, Rosa, Merida, Renee, and Caspian knelt behind them. They all had fairy blood and had felt the rift in the energy.
Chasen began to growl lowly as he stared at the ground. He didn’t want their condolences. He wanted to be left the hell alone.
Even after a couple of hours, the fairies never left their positions, just maintained a respectful distance. Soon, the rhythmic sound of hooves colliding with the ground drew near. A large black kelpie rode up to Hunter and Chasen and quickly transformed, bowing his head.
“Your mother sent me,” Rowan said solemnly. Rowan was Chelsie’s father and longtime friend of the family. “Your brother and sister fought against a group of demons. More specifically, the half-demon Abaas. Abaas is dead.” He cleared his throat and looked down at the ground. “Reiya was severely wounded. She was still unconscious when I left but is well protected. However… Brody was injured by a hellhound while trying to protect my Chelsie. He was then taken into the water by a creature of the deep. We’re still searching for his body, but it has yet to be found. I’m terribly sorry.” He squeezed his hands together. “He saved Chelsie’s life,” he choked out as his eyes teared up. “He didn’t have to, but he did. I …” He shook his head, unable to form any words. To lose a guardian was a devastating hit for the fairies. But this wasn’t just a guardian. He was a brother and a son. He was their family.
“Is there any … chance …” Hunter croaked out.
“He was in bad shape. I don’t know. Your mother has taken this time to meditate along with your father. It seems she hasn’t quite given up yet. She wanted me to let you know that you won’t be able to reach them for a while. They’re locking themselves in the center of the palace, where they can have absolute silence.” Rowan glanced over at Chasen, who was still staring at his hands.
Hunter nodded thoughtfully at this. His mother was always optimistic, which was why she wouldn’t believe it when they told her that Asher was dead. She didn’t feel the connection break. But he did feel it break with Brody. It was completely severed, non-existent.
“Thank you, Rowan. You may go.” Hunter watched as he bowed his head. He transformed back into his horse and then rode away. At least they had answers. Reiya was safe. Abaas was dead. And so was Brody.
Rowan rode away from the fairy prince and his guardian. He hated having to give them that news. He wished he could have offered more hope, but he couldn’t stay long. He’d left his daughter and wanted to go back to check on her. From the looks of the fairy princess, they wouldn’t be leaving that spot any time soon. His daughter was injured as well, and was also mourning Brody. Chelsie had her mother with her, and he would be theresoon. Today, they would stay with her. She was welcome to come back home with them, but he knew she wouldn’t leave Reiya. Especially now. He felt so powerless, but there was nothing he could do. Having finally reached a pool of water, he dove in. There was only one thing he could do, and that was just be by his daughter’s side.
Hunter looked over at Chasen, who still looked numb.Sam, you and the others go back. Look after the girls for us. We need some more time. He listened as he heard the group behind him rise to their feet and quietly leave the area.
“It’s you and me, Chasen. No matter what.” Hunter had never seen his brother look so defeated before. Losing Brody was a blow to all of them. But Chasen was connected to him as a twin. They had always shared their light.
Chasen sighed and looked at Hunter. “I always thought we were going to see each other again. I should have hugged him more. I told him to take care of himself the last time I saw him, but I can’t remember if I told him I loved him. I think I did. But I can’t remember.”
“Chase, he knows. He knows how much you love him.”
“Knew,” Chasen corrected bitterly.
Hunter winced and shook his head. “It doesn’t feel real.”
“How could we lose Brody? I can’t take this. I can’t stand the idea of seeing the next guardian,” Chasen choked out between sobs.
“Next guardian? What do you mean?”
“The fairy princess has to have a guardian. She will be assigned a new guardian. Someone to take Brody’s place.”
He glanced over at Chasen and closed his eyes. What he was about to say made his chest hurt. But the fairy princess was the one who should have the guardian, not him.
“Chasen … you can go to Reiya. You can be her guardian in Brody’s stead.” He took in a deep breath and opened his eyes to look at Chasen, whose eyes were lit up with laughter.
