Chapter 24: 24: The Fairy Realm

Fiona

The following morning, I found Rowan and Rian going through those damn documents we removed from my father’s house. My brain felt like mush from a form of insane overload, and I vowed to put all my emotions—regarding Rowan—in a box for the moment. Important matters demanded my concentration, such as Kyra’s disappearance. I couldn’t be selfish while my devious father held her somewhere at his mercy. Meanwhile, my awareness of the danger posed by Sexflex was sufficient, although I did not grasp the enormity of its ramifications.

“It would have to be someone powerful to—”

“What are you guys talking about?” Both brothers turned at my voice. I felt foolish barging in and interrupting their conversation, but I couldn’t help myself.

Rowan pointed at a chair. “Have a seat, lass. Rian has done a deep dive on your father’s computer and files.” He cleared his throat as I sat. Both men looked uncomfortable, and I wondered what I’d stumbled upon.

“For over a year, Quinn has done extensive studies of all races except for the fairies.” I squirmed in my chair, waiting for Rian to continue.

“Although, I know he’s experimented on fairies before…” Rian threw me a tight grimace and glanced at Rowan.

“It’s okay, guys. I promise not to go nuts and destroy your living room if you say something I don’t like.” With a shrug, I resumed, “It’s not like I know how to use my newfound powers anyway, but I can control my temper.” I smiled and Rian continued.

“Well, it seems Cormac stopped hunting fairies when he began working on this extensive project, Sexflex.”

“So, what does that mean?” I asked.

“It means whoever is helping with his research on Sexflex is a member of the fairy court.” Rian squinted up at me before glancing back at the paper in his lap. “I mean, it’s the only thing that makes sense, since we know he was doing experimental things with Kat recently.”

“Well, it would have to be someone powerful and significant within the fairy court hierarchy for Cormac, to stop hunting the entire fairy race,” Rowen added. “I’m willing to bet whoever he’s teamed up with made that part of the deal. You know, do what you like, but not with my kind.”

“Do you know any powerful fairies?” I now felt a strong curiosity after realizing I was part fairy and wanted to learn as much as I could.

“Well, there’s a few. Queen Celestria is at the top of my list,” Rowan said, lifting his brows. “We now know she’s Kat’s mother and Queen of the entire Fairy Realm.”

I felt overwhelmed. “Do fairies have monarchies?” Anytime I saw Rowan or heard his voice, my heart seemed lodged in my throat. Stop it, Fiona! You promised not to dwell on him or your relationship until Kyra was safe, at least.

Rowan’s voice forced me from my musings. “Yes, they do. Fairies are also immortal, and their leaders reign for hundreds of years. They are likewise pompous and self-centered creatures with terrible tempers.” Rowan gave me a sideways glance, his mouth turned up in a coy grin, and Rian laughed out loud.

I couldn’t suppress the chuckle trying to escape from my chest or the smile tugging at my lips. “It seems you care little for fairies…” With my head cocked, I glared at them, trying to appear serious.

“They are rather unpleasant creatures.” Rian lifted a shoulder and grinned at me. “Not you, though… you’re pleasant enough. But you’re only half fairy.”

Cheeky man! Rian’s sunny disposition made it challenging to feel angry with him.

I threw him a grin and rolled my eyes while thinking about everything I’d learned from them. “So if fairies are immortal and I’m part fairy…” The idea of living for hundreds of years stunned me—something else to cloud my mind.

“You will live longer than normal humans, but not thousands of years like a pure fairy,” Rian said.

“How long do lycanthropes live?” I glanced between them, raising my brows.

“Around two to three hundred years.” Rowan winked at me.

“Wow.” My mouth dropped in astonishment, and Rian gave me a silly smile.

“Fairies live for ages and hold even longer grudges, especially those snooty creatures in Queen Celestria’s court. They are cocky, haughty, resentful beings who feel superior to everyone else.” Rian grimaced, shaking his head. His disdain for fairies seemed clear.

“If a fairy in Queen Celestria’s court is in cahoots with my father, we must know and find out why they aided him with Sexflex.”

“Yes, we do.” Rian nodded. “But it’s not easy getting in touch with the fairies.”

“Do they live somewhere amongst us?” I rubbed my hands down my legs to keep from shaking. The thought of finding my mother had me feeling so many mixed emotions.

“No.” Rian shook his head. “They live in a dimension split between this plane and another.” His admission shocked me, and I stared at him, confused.

“Lass, fairies are powerful, elemental creatures. You can’t just drive to their house.” Rowan chuckled, and I felt my face blush.

“Yes, I suppose so. I mean, they live on a different plane than us… but it’s hard for me to wrap my head around the idea.”

Rian joined Rowan and laughed at my dismay. “Just think of a dimension like this one where we live. Only theirs is a mirrored element where time differs from ours.”

“I’ve read fairy tales about children roaming the woods for what they assume is a few minutes or hours and come back to find they’ve been missing for years. That’s my only knowledge.” I shrugged.

“Yes, like that!” Rian nodded. “To contact a fairy in the queen’s court, we have to request an audience with a member of her realm.”

“But getting a fairy who will speak with us could be a challenge. We need to find something to tempt the fairy with and it might work. Fairies love gifts or trinkets and shiny things easily distract them, but they are faithful to their queen. And speaking of their queen… if Celestria has anything to do with Sexflex and Cormac, we are signing our death certificate,” Rowan said, frowning.

“Do you know someone in the court who might help us?” I held my breath. Rian and Rowan exchanged glances.

“Perhaps…” Rowen threw me a severe look and wiped a hand over his face. “But only as a last resort.” His tone suggested reluctance as well as his hooded expression.

“Can we contact my mother?” I felt my throat constrict as they glared at me and my hands were sweating. Ever since finding out Amerlina was alive, I had yearned for her and, knowing my mother was a fairy, did nothing to quell that craving. Their silence spoke volumes, but I wasn’t ready to give up. “I’m her daughter… She might help us.” I shrugged, blinking back the tears stinging behind my eyes.

Rowan and Rian remained speechless, staring at each other for a moment. “I don’t know, Fiona…” Rian shook his head, refusing to look at me.

“We have to be very careful, lass. It’s possible Amerlina’s the fairy in cahoots with your father.” Rowan gave me a tight smile as pity filled his eyes.

“I don’t think it’s her…” I shook my head, not wanting to believe my mother could be evil like Cormac. What were the odds of both my parents being monsters? “My father spoke about my mother with such contempt, and I’ve always sensed something dreadful happened between them.”

“She’s right.” Rian glared at his brother. “Cormac held her prisoner for feck’s sake, Rowan. Amerlina could be our way in and God knows we need the upper hand to get Kyra back!”

“Yep, that’s what I think, too. While we don’t know how they ended the relationship, I fear it wasn’t on amicable terms. And if she resents him or holds a deep grievance… You said fairies love holding grudges, then perhaps we can use that to our advantage.” I held my breath, praying they saw the benefit.

“I realize she’s your mother, Fiona, but it may be difficult getting Amerlina to go along with our plan. She would have to find out who in the fairy court teamed up with your father.” Rowan frowned at me, looking somber. “Remember, lass, she’s not just a fairy, but also a complete stranger to you. I don’t want you getting hurt, Fiona.”

I could tell from his voice we hadn’t sold Rowan on the idea. “She’s still my mother.” A note of desperation sounded in my voice and I twisted my hands in my lap. “Do fairies not love their children?” A tear slipped past my eye and down my cheek, falling onto my tank top.

“Yes, lass. Fairies have a deep love for their offspring.” Rowen raked a hand through his hair and groaned before peeking at Rian. It seemed he wanted his brother’s help.

“Fairies are temperamental beings, Fiona. They see children as a part of themselves. But their love can turn to scorn in the blink of an eye, depending on their mood at the moment.” Rian shook his head, giving me a sad smile.

“I see,” I whispered, thinking how awful that seemed and wondering if I could handle my mother’s rejection. What if she’s different and nothing like Cormac? What if she’s longing for me, too? “Regardless, what other choice do we have? I still think we should at least try.”

“I think it’s worth a try, too.” Rian nodded at me. “But we can’t contact a fairy until the next full moon.”

“Why during a full moon?” I asked, shrugging. While I had heard many tales about what happened during a full moon, I disregarded them as folklore.

“Because the pathway between our world and the fairy domain is only open during a full moon. It seals up with the new moon,” Rowen explained, taking over for Rian, who looked like someone had stolen his thunder.

“I think we must try, Rowan. If someone from the fairy realm is conspiring with Cormac, we have to find out. And Fiona’s mother could be our only hope…” Rian glanced at me before turning his gaze to Rowan.

“Fine. We will try,” said Rowen, with an exhausted but thoughtful expression.

I bit back a grin at the thought of meeting my mother, since I couldn’t remember anything about her. All I had were photos to cling on to.

“First, we speak to the council members and tell them everything we have found out. Then we must decide how to alert the leaders of all the other races as well. They have a right to know. Afterward, we can work on opening the portal during the next full moon.”

Rian stood and stretched, running a hand through his tousled hair, and picked up the computer and files. “Are you guys joining me for breakfast?”

“Sure… but give us a moment, bro.” Rowan lifted his chin toward the door.

As Rian left, Rowen jumped up. “We should eat, too, and you look like you need more rest.”

The memory of him holding me and his fingers stroking my hair after my strange experience last night flooded my mind. I rose and approached him, gazing into his eyes. “I’m so sorry about how I reacted last night when you confessed that I’m your destined mate.”

He beamed at me with such a smile that I wanted to kiss him, breaking my promise.

“It’s okay, Fiona…” Rowan glanced around to make sure we were still alone. “It was a lot to take in and you have been through so much in a short time.” He rubbed his thumb along my cheek, and the hairs on my arms stood up. “I just wanted you to know. I thought at one time I could ignore it… send you away and live my life without you.” Rowan let out a sound like a growl, staring at the ceiling before taking my upper arms in his warm hands. “Then I realized… I’m not strong enough to resist you or our bond. I know you’re not a werewolf, Fiona, but you must feel something between us.” Rowan peered deep into my eyes. A look of agony crossed his features, causing him to appear humble and desperate.

I swallowed hard and tried to keep from weeping. “Of course, I do! I’ve felt nothing so intense and compelling… ever. It’s like a magnetic tug pulling me to you, or my heart screaming to my mind, saying you’re the only one for me. But with all your mixed signals…” I stared down at my feet, feeling self-conscious.

“It’s okay, I know…” he said, drawing me into his broad chest and dropping a kiss on my head. “I am so sorry and regret playing with your feelings, but I’ve dreamed for years of finding my mate, Fiona.” Rowan drew back and stared at me. “I just never imagined my luna as anything but a fellow wolf. And I certainly never expected a human or fairy.”

Despite my inner child wanting to take offense—or maybe my fairy genes were stirring—I took Rowan’s words at face value and recognized their innocence. To be honest, I could have said the same to him. I had never, in my craziest dreams, expected to be destined for a werewolf. Luna Fiona O’Connell, I thought, grinning. The name had a delightful sound, and as Rowan kissed me, I sensed it was something I could become accustomed to.