“No, I have never done that before. That was Mother Althea. If the Mother did not want you to speak our language, she would not have given you our speech. The Goddess also marked you herself. Only those blessed as minor goddesses or priestesses bear the mark of Mother Althea.” Kyla pointed toward Avery’s forehead. Was she referring to the head injury? “This mark also leadsme to believe that you are not a normal human, are you?” Kyla’s eyes squinted at Avery, and a wry smile appeared on her face.
“Um. No. For all my life, I’ve been nothing but a normal human. Always seeking adventures, sure. Irresponsible, probably that too. Too trustworthy? Definitely. We don’t have magic on Earth. Nothing like what you’re saying. We have stories of magic, but it’s not like anyone is casting spells or whatever,” Avery said. In her mind, she thought Kyla’s statement was silly. Something out of a bad sci-fi movie happened to her, but she did not cast some spell to send herself to Aeritis.
“I have heard of humans from long, long ago. They are in our most ancient texts. But very few of them had magic. Those who had the power to wield magic were not blessed with the essence like the fae. Rather, they manipulated it by accessing the magic in Aeritis itself through spells or potions. Although it's said they had a natural tendency to one magic,” Kyla said. She continued to look at Avery, her eyes squinted suspiciously. “There is so much you do not yet know. I do not want to tire you out. This is enough for now. I would like to treat your wounds if you will let me, then I have a sleeping balm that can help you get restorative rest. Tomorrow, you will be feeling better. Perhaps you can meet with my brother, then?”
Avery didn’t press Kyla further. This information overload was too much. “Okay, I am tired. And my head is hurting. As for your brother… I would like to see how I’m feeling before I agree to meet the person who found me,” Avery said. She didn’t need any more surprises. She needed to rest and figure out how she was going to get home.
At that moment, a tall, dark-skinned fae man opened the tent door. His expressive blue eyes locked on hers, and Avery shivered as she faced the man who hadkilled to save her.
“Hello, little flower. I see my gift is awake,” he said in a voice as smooth as silk.
Chapter six
Avery
The large man walked confidently towards the bed. He resembled Kyla, with his dark, coppery complexion and tall, muscular body. His hair was shoulder-length and black with subtle waves. His beard was neatly trimmed, and it accentuated his strong jawline. His eyes were that same dusty blue as his sister’s. It was the eyes that gave him away. There was no denying it. This was the man who saved her.
“Kyla, I told you to let me know when our guest awoke,” the man said, glaring at his sister. “I am Savine Thorne. What is your name?” Savine directed his attention to Avery. He gave her a long gaze that took in her whole body. He looked at her like he wanted to eat her alive, making Avery turn her face down from his piercing stare. A chill went down Avery’s spine.
“Avery. Avery Hollis,” she whispered, trying not to meet his eyes. Something about this tall, brooding man made her uncomfortable.
“You look well. I was not sure if you would make it when I found you on Quartz Mountain,” Savine stated.
Found wasn’t exactly the right word. Saved was more accurate. “Right. The vines and the sword. That was you.”
He seemed unmoved as Avery referenced his brutal killing of two people. This man was dangerous. She’d witnessed it with her own eyes.
“I heard a buzzing sound and saw a bright light up the mountain. Fortunately, I was at the base of Quartz Mountain when the light struck. I was scouting with some of my warriors, and we made it to you at the same time as some of our enemies. Had we been ten minutes later, you would be dead, or at the very least in the hands of the Latian King right now,” Savine said.
“The last thing I remember from Montana was that blinding light. I still can’t believe this is happening. The last memories I have are of my sister and I being attacked by a bear. I don’t even know if she is alive. I don’t understand why you saved me. Why bother?” Avery choked back the tears. She did not want to show her vulnerability in front of this stern-looking man. His face was unreadable. There was no softness or empathy.
“We are ruthless. I am no exception, but I’m not about to kill a stray human marked by the Goddess. Youarea human, right?” Savine asked. His piercing stare focused on her in a way that unnerved Avery. Was he attracted to her, or did he want to hurt her? She really couldn’t tell.
“Yes, of course I’m a human. What’s strange is how I’ve ended up in a world without humans!” Avery sneered back at him. All she wanted was some rest. Why was he questioning her now?
“Only the Goddess knows, Avery Hollis,” Savine said with a shrug. He turned his attention to Kyla. “Do you think she will be ready to travel soon? We’ll need to move to Bayberry before long.”
Before Kyla spoke, Avery jumped up out of bed. “I’m not going anywhere with you. I’ve got to get home. I need to return to Montana,” Avery shouted. Savine and Kyla flinched, screwing their faces in discomfort.
“I’m afraid we’ll need more answers before you return home. These events are highly unusual. There must be some greater plan in place for yourarrival in Aeritis. I will not risk upsetting Mother Althea when she gave me such a gift,” Savine said. A chill crept up Avery’s spine. So she was a captive, after all. Perhaps these fae used their essence to bring her here somehow.
“I’m not your gift,” Avery yelled. Her body tensed, and her head pounded as she realized the trouble she was in. She had to get out of here. Right away. But that man was well over a foot taller than her, and he was also armed. Without hesitating, Avery grabbed her backpack. She reached for the multi-tool on her backpack's hip belt and cut a gaping hole in the canvas tent. Avery flung her body out of the tent, strapping her backpack through her working arm and across her aching shoulder.
She was in some sort of camp, just as she thought. Canvas tents stretched in a circle, but she was outside the center of the circle. Around her was tall prairie grass in brilliant, shimmering stalks of gold. The mountains were behind her. Somehow, she had to get over to the mountains and back to the summit of Quartz Mountain. Maybe if she touched the crystals again, she could get away from this place.
Avery began running on bare feet, skirting the canvas tents from behind. Her heart pounded and her head throbbed, but she picked up her pace. She had to get out of here. These creatures would not help her get home, despite what Kyla promised. She was a fool for believing that woman’s words.
Yells resonated throughout the tent circle. Savine and Kyla didn’t take long to alert the folk to her escape. She rounded the back of another tent when dozens of fae men and women, armed with spears and swords, approached her.
What was this living nightmare she found herself in?
Moments later, Savine rounded the tent in front of her. Kyla was beside him, along with a massive fae male with long, dark red hair anda thick red beard. The man towered over Savine. Were there fucking giants here too?
“That was a mistake. Do not think you can run from us,” Savine snarled. The whorls of his essence swirled in an angry pattern before his voice became chillingly cool. “You won’t make it far. And if you escape, something will be delighted to pluck you apart like petals off a flower.”
Savine’s words gave Avery goosebumps. She looked around her and saw at least fifty fae men and women. Some wore leather armor and had swords, while others were in leather leggings and tunics. Some women were wearing beaded cropped tops and ornately decorated skirts.
All of them were tall, muscular, and intimidating. Kyla was correct when she said each essence looked different. Some had intricate bark designs. Others looked like fur under the surface of their skin. The most jarring were those with scales. All the fae’s patterns were along their arms and shoulders before disappearing into their shirts. The women whose midriffs showed seemed to have their patterns down their bellies.
