“I do not take you for fools, no. I take you for reasonable, rational beings who can see the real threat when it is in front of them. Your enemy is neither the Dark Fae elemental who stands before you now nor any of his brethren. Your enemy has come in the form of orcs. It has come in the form of a demon who brutally murdered Jayne’s mother and tried to take Jayne from you. Your enemies reside in the Underworld today ... but they are coming to the Here and Now soon, make no mistake about it.”
The words spoken to me by the demon standing in my mother’s living room came flooding back. I don’t know why I hadn’t been worried about them over the past few hours – maybe I’d blocked them out so I could move through the day without a feeling of imminent doom hanging over my head. But now the truth of what Chase was saying suddenly hit me like a ton of bricks. I could hardly breathe for a second. My hand went to my chest and I struggled to get my lungs to work properly. In, out .... in, out. You can do this.
I saw Red, who was still standing, look down at me, confusion marring his usually cranky features. I held up my hand to let him know I wasn’t going to die just yet. I just needed to get myself back to normal. I brought some of The Green up into my body, just enough to take the edge of terror off. Immediately my cloak took on an even greater shine, almost glowing now with the connection firmly in place, the energy flowing around me and cooling me off, calming me down.
“Uh-oh,” said Tim. “Someone’s going into a commaaaa ... ”
“Shut up,” I whispered, sending The Green back into the earth beneath the compound. “I just needed a little boost.”
I looked up and realized the place had gone silent, everyone watching me talk to Tim – which I’m sure just looked like me talking to myself. There were probably more than a few fae questioning the wisdom of council members who put a lunatic at the head table. I sighed. There was just no getting away from this constant self-doubt for me. I wondered if I was ever going to feel comfortable in this role.
“I think it’s best if you heard this part of the story from Jayne. She was present when the demon told her his plan.”
I started shaking my head. No fucking way was I going to confess to the entire fae nation that a nasty ass demon wanted to do the dirty deed with me and have me give birth to his terrifying spawn. The disturbing vision of demon wieners started dancing in my brain again. I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to block the images that taunted me.
Céline stood up, casually resting her hand on my shoulder, immediately bringing me a small measure of peace. “I don’t think that will be necessary, as I was also there. Jayne suffered an extreme trauma that day with her mother’s death. I’m certain she doesn’t remember all of the details; I, however, do. Therefore, please allow me to explain.”
I loved her in that moment. She was my personal superhero. Céline – slayer of personal dragons.
She went on to relate the devious plans of the demon and I pretended not to care or be humiliated by all of it. Some of the fae snuck glances at me, but for the most part those glances held pity and sadness – nothing that made me feel bad about myself. I was grateful for that.
I could tell she was finishing up when she said, “And so you see, there is something happening here. What it is, we are not sure exactly. But we felt it important enough that we agreed to allow Chase to re-enter the compound so he could share the information he has with all of us.”
The murmurs in the crowd began as soon as Céline took her seat.
Dardennes allowed it to go on for a while until he saw a lot of faces starting to look our way. Then he said, “We ask you now to submit your comments or questions.”
They didn’t waste any time. A witch stood and said, “You speak as if you aren’t Light Fae and you aren’t yet Dark either. What are you then, if you claim allegiance to no one?”
Chase stood up taller and said firmly. “I claim allegiance to one fae and one fae only. Jayne. Your Mother.”
My heart felt like it was going to explode. My face started burning along with my ears. I knew I was red to the roots of my hair. He didn’t turn to look at me, thank goodness, because I probably would have fainted if I had seen his face right then. Not only was he practically declaring himself to me, he was also calling me that ridiculous name again. And he knew how much it bothered me. I was definitely going to have to smack him when I got close enough.
“That doesn’t answer my question.”
“It’s as much of an answer as you’re going to get,” he said. I noticed that he seemed more like the real Chase than he had in a long time – no more giggling, no more smiling. He was all business. Somehow it made him more attractive and more intimidating, all at the same time.
“He should have to answer our questions; if he’s here to submit himself to us, how are we supposed to trust what he says if he won’t tell us who he really is?”
Finn stood up. “He’s just a confused changeling, is all. Ya’ll just need to give ‘im a break.”
Red, who had sat down, listening to Chase with growing indignation, piped up again. “He’s no simple changeling.”
I could see the suspicion blooming across his face. Of course I knew Chase was no simple changeling either – as did Becky ... and Céline and Dardennes, because I had told them. But I wasn’t going to be the one to blow his cover. I figured the more fae who knew, the less chance I had that he’d be sticking around. And I didn’t want him to leave. I needed him here with me. I wasn’t up on the protocol of Overworld creatures mingling with us in the Here and Now, and I still wasn’t exactly sure what I believed about Chase and all that stuff, but it seemed implausible that an angel or a demon could just hang out with us in our realm forever. Seemed like it would throw the balance off or something. The more I thought about it, the more depressed I became.
“You have heard what I came to say. I would like to get the Light Fae council and the Dark Fae council together to discuss this matter. On neutral territory.”
The fae started grumbling amongst themselves again. Dardennes walked over behind our seats, ignoring the crowd, so we all stood to join him in a circle. He spoke in low tones so that only we could hear him.
“What do you think, council members? He is suggesting something that has not occurred in eons.”
“You guys meeting with their council? You guys never do that?” It seemed kind of silly to me. I mean, even my human country’s leaders got together with their enemies from time to time, to try and work things out. Sometimes it even worked.
“No. It isn’t done,” said Red.
“I don’t like it,” said Niles from a couple feet down. He was one suspicious looking dwarf.
“I think it’s necessary,” interjected Céline. “You didn’t see that demon. If more of his kind come here – I’m afraid to think of what that could mean, not only for us, but for the humans as well. And where would we be without them?”
All of the council members began looking at one another. I decided to give it a shot. “Listen, what’s the harm in talking? We can use our witches to make sure they don’t try anything funny. I saw that demon too. Céline covered for my ass a minute ago saying I didn’t remember, which I appreciate, but the truth is, I remember everything. They have some big, disgusting plans. And if you guys don’t mind, I’d rather not be a demon mommy anytime soon. So can we please just agree to meet with them once? To talk? I promise I’ll behave.”
Dardennes smiled. “We are not concerned about your behavior.”
“Speak for yourself,” grumbled Red.
Dardennes frowned at him and Red had the good sense to look slightly chagrined.
“All in favor of a single meeting with the Dark Fae council, to be held on common ground and presided over by Chase, say aye.”
Everyone but Red and Niles answered in the affirmative.
“The ayes have it. I will push to have this meeting tomorrow.”
We broke apart and went back to our seats. I looked at Chase and winked. He nodded ever so slightly at me a
nd then turned his eyes towards Dardennes, who began speaking as soon as he reached his chair.
“The council has voted in favor of a meeting with the Dark Fae council, to be held tomorrow and presided over by Chase. This meeting will be closed to other fae, including those who may think they wish to listen in.” He gave a pointed look towards the witches in the back of the room who looked at each other with what appeared to be guilty looks on their faces.
“We will ask that witches particularly adept in providing protection spells and charms come see us after this assembly so we can discuss our safety at the meeting. We also ask the leader of the ogres to please be prepared to provide us with ten of your group for additional personal security.”
I was happy to hear we were going to have muscle there, just in case the witchy stuff didn’t work out. In my experience, it tended to backfire as often as it worked. Maybe that’s because I’d been on the receiving end of Samantha’s talents too many times.
“We will hold another assembly tomorrow evening to conclude this business with all of you and to let you know the outcome of our meeting with the Dark Fae. Please report back here at six in the evening tomorrow for the update, unless you hear otherwise.”
Being on the council gave me the right to leave before everyone else, but I wanted to talk to Chase and Becky, so I left my seat and went down to the stage in front of the head table.
Becky came running over to me and grabbed me in a fierce hug, while Tim buzzed around our heads.
Tim started talking a mile a minute, “Tell her I’m happy to see her. Tell her she looks good. Tell her I don’t hold it against her that she mingled with the bad fae. Ask her if she saw Abby. No, wait, don’t ask her that.”
“Tim’s glad to see you back. So am I.”
She pulled away. “I’m glad to see you guys too. You have no idea how happy I am to be here. I just wanted to give you a quick hug – I have to go talk to Naida.” She cast her eyes around the room, trying to find her.
“She’s at the door. Why don’t you just teleport over there?”
Becky frowned slightly. “I’m not allowed to yet. Not until I pass their loyalty test.”
“Oh. Bummer.” I meant it too. I’d hate to have my talents grounded like that. I remembered what it had been like in the Dark Fae dungeon when I was blocked from connecting with The Green – it was a horrible feeling. I patted her on the back. “Don’t worry. I’m sure you’ll be fine. Hopefully it won’t hurt.”
Her eyes got huge and her smile disappeared. “Oh my gosh. Do you think ... ? I didn’t expect ... ”
I smiled. “I’m just kidding. I’m sure they aren’t going to hurt you.”
Ben and Chase walked up as I finished calming her down. I looked at Ben as I said the last part.
“We’re not Dark Fae. We don’t torture our own kind.”
Ben’s eyes narrowed, but he said nothing.
Chase’s face was completely expressionless.
Becky looked nervously between Ben and me. “Okay, well, I’ll see you guys later, hopefully. Nice cloak, by the way. It looks great on you.” She gave me another quick hug and then ran off.
I yelled, “Thanks!” after her, but I doubt she heard. She was too anxious to go find her siren mentor.
I walked up to Chase, hoping when I got there that he’d give me a hug – I wasn’t so sure what his deal was right now. He seemed much more serious than the last few times I’d seen him. Except for the fact that he’d said a lot of stuff today, he was pretty much back to normal. When I got close enough, so that I was standing in front of him, Chase looked down at me. “Hi,” I said, nervously. “What’s up?”
He grabbed me and crushed me to him for two seconds, before taking me by the shoulders and pushing me back away. “Good. Missed you.”
I smiled. “Me too.” I put my hands up on his arms that formed a bridge between the two of us. “A lot.”
Ben cleared his throat.
Chase dropped his arms, forcing my hands to drop to my sides.
I shot Ben a cold look. “So you finally made it into the inner sanctum. Happy? Get what you wanted?”
Ben smiled at me. “Yeah. So far. Now I just have to work on the rest.”
I refused to be baited, instead turning back to Chase. “So, what’s this meeting going to be about?”
“Getting the fae to unite.”
“Oh,” I said, laughing, “is that all? Piece of cake. No problem.”
“Maybe I should dust him again,” said Tim in my ear.
I turned my head to the side so Chase and Ben wouldn’t hear me. “Don’t even think about it, Farticus.”
“I’m just sayin’ ... ”
I cleared my throat and looked back at Chase, ignoring Ben.
“Can you stay to eat with us? We’ve got your favorite wiggly meats.” I smiled, using my most tempting tone to try and convince him.
He shook his head. “No. Have to get back. Ben and I have to try and persuade the Dark Fae to have this meeting with the Light Fae council. Tell Dardennes I’ll send a message about the time and place.”
“How are you going to do that?” I asked, already feeling a little upset about him leaving, wondering when he was ever going to come and stay for good.
“Gus the wrathe will go into the Gray looking for Tony. Tell Tony to go into the Gray and meet him near the Infinity Meadow around ten tonight.”
“There’s an Infinity Meadow in the Gray?” I asked, not sure if I understood.
Chase cocked his head to the side. “Of course. You and Tony haven’t discussed the Gray?”
I shrugged, kind of embarrassed that I knew so little about what Tony did with his talents. “No, not really.”
“He’ll know,” was Chase’s mysterious and unsatisfying answer.
I looked at Ben and he was smirking.
“What?!” I demanded, testily.
“Oh, nothing. I just wondered why Tony’s hiding things from you, that’s all.”
I was instantly pissed off, which I’m sure was the whole point. “He’s not hiding anything from me, waste of space, so back the hell off,” I growled. “You’re in my house right now, you know.”
“Tell him, Jayne!” said Tim excitedly. If I didn’t know better, I’d think my pixie friend wanted to see some sparks fly – or some elements fly – whatever. But I wasn’t going to cause a scene here on my first day as a council member.
“I may be in your house, but I’m not alone. So I’d think twice about starting something you can’t possibly finish.”
I narrowed my eyes at him. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
He shrugged at me. “Whatever you think it means.”
“Well, you’d better not be suggesting you have spies in here, because if I find out you do, I’m going to feed them to Gorm.” It suddenly crossed my mind that I hadn’t seen him since I’d been back. I had put him in the hands of Scrum before I’d left, and Scrum was here but he wasn’t escorting that buggane.
“That would be difficult since Gorm is now with us.” Ben spared a glance at Chase.
I laughed. “Well then, the joke’s on you, because first of all, Gorm’s disgusting and is hopefully going to eat a few of you and, second, because unless you have a little short-term memory problem, Chase isn’t exactly with you.” I smiled as meanly as I was capable of.
Ben looked at Chase again, looking a little miffed, but then he looked back at me, returning my wicked look. “Well, I guess that makes two of us, doesn’t it?”
I felt my face getting red and the link with The Green went on autopilot. My cloak started to shimmer and come alive, causing the few fae left in the room to gasp in shock.
“Jayne, power down,” said Chase. “This is not the time.”
I dropped my connection instantly, the hurt blossoming across my chest. “You heard what he said, Chase. It’s not true. You’re with me, right?” I hated how pitifully needy I sounded, but I couldn’t help it. It was how I felt.
Chase star
ed at me for a second and then said, “I’m with you, Jayne. You and only you.”
I nodded my head in relief. That was good enough for me, even though I’m not sure that I totally got what he was saying. I decided that going all girly on him and demanding some sort of explanation or commitment was the last thing that needed to happen right now, even though a small part of my heart kept urging me to do it. Damn my inner weakling!
Ben was clearly disgusted with the way this conversation was going. “Whatever. Let’s go. We have some campaigning to do.” He turned to leave and six ogres converged in on him. He held his hands up in surrender and backed up towards Chase.
I smiled and caught his eye when he looked back at us nervously. It felt so good to have the upper hand with him for once.
He scowled at me but said nothing. For a second I was reminded how good-looking he was ... if you went for that exotic, possibly-dangerous powerful-guy type. Not me though. I was more the all-American guy type. And that was Chase.
He leaned in quickly and gave me a kiss on the cheek, his mouth gone before I could even turn my head and try to make more of it than he intended. Damn. Foiled again. I wondered if I was ever going to see what it felt like to kiss Chase. A real kiss.
I watched as he and Ben were led away between armed guards. A witch followed behind when they reached the door, casting a spell of some sort on her way.
“What’s that witch doing?” I asked Tim.
“Putting a blinding spell on them. They won’t remember anything they see outside this room.”
“Couldn’t someone undo the spell and bring the memories back?”
“Only the original spell caster or someone in her line.”
“I hope she’s not one of those fae that has a sister or a spouse over there.” That was definitely a big, fat hint to Tim, who had yet to come clean entirely about his own wife being in the Dark Fae compound. And we still hadn’t talked about his son either. I vowed to myself that we’d talk about it tonight. After that day-long nap, I was going to have a hard time getting to sleep anyway.