Chapter 25: 25: Celestria Damaris, Queen of the Fae

Rowan

The past few days passed in a blur, while the media and news reported on all the bizarre incidents caused by Sexflex. The drug was becoming more potent and treacherous every day. Many experts cautioned about the danger of prolonged use, while journalists reported on its nationwide spread.

“Sexflex has reached across Europe and into North America,” Rian announced with his eyes glued to the television screen.

Kat sat beside him, dismayed, and shook her head before jumping up and switching off the TV. “Enough of that! You are becoming obsessed.” She stood, hands on hips, as if challenging him. Things had been tumultuous in our house, since I made a deal with Rian’s favorite witch, Viona, enraging him.

He loathed witches—far more than fairies—but he held a special hostility for Viona. It felt safe to say Viona had lost no sleep over it. She seemed to hold Rian in the same regard. I wasn’t fond, per se, of witches, but they came in useful from time to time—keep your friends close and your enemies closer, if you may. And if you needed a witch in your corner, Viona was hard to beat. Yes, she was rough around the edges and had a nasty case of potty mouth—Viona cursed like a sailor—but her witchcraft was unparalleled. She also gave a new meaning to the term bewitching. Viola was a stunning beauty and drew men like moths to the light. Then afterward, she squashed them beneath the heel of her stiletto. The little spitfire was tiny but mighty.

It was no simple task to persuade Viona to lend us a hand, particularly given her aversion to Cormac Quinn. Despite her power, Viona was afraid of the psychotic scientist—with good reason. After two days of negotiating and a hefty sum of money, I tucked Viona away in our best guest suite and saw to her every need. The grand treatment I gave her had Rian livid with rage. I saw it as insurance and planned to keep her happy as the full moon inched closer.

As werewolves, besides shifting into raging beasts, we had no mythical powers and Fiona and Kat were of little help. Neither understood their magical gifts yet, and I didn’t want to wait for the next full moon to attempt contacting the Fae Realm. I needed someone who could guide us to the portal. Time was not on our side, as Sexflex swept the nation and my innocent sister was behind enemy lines. Still, Rian continued to grumble over Viona’s presence under his roof.

If the situation wasn’t dire, I’d find the entire ordeal hilarious. There was nothing better than teasing your younger sibling and watching Rian squirm should have been fun. However, I felt like a dark cloud hovered above me.

“Morning,” Fiona said, smiling as she entered the living room. She looked lovely in an old sweatshirt and leggings and her jet-black hair pulled into a high ponytail with rebellious strands escaping at her temples. I smelled her before she arrived. The odor of sweet sweat, a winter storm, and patchouli wafted in the air. Fiona’s cheeks were flushed from being outside, and I noticed a faraway look in her eyes.

“Morning,” Rian answered. “I was trying to watch the news, but somebody…” He coughed. “Somebody turned off my TV set.”

“Well, we are sick of the gloom and doom, dammit!” Kat crossed her arms, glaring at Rian.

“All right…” Fiona glanced at me, her brows raised. “Kitty Kat, let’s cook up a big breakfast and leave the guys to the gloom and doom for a bit.”

“Fine.” Kat scowled at Rian before storming from the room.

I looked at Fiona. “Do you mind making enough for our guest, Viona? I’m sure she is hungry by now and—”

“This isn’t a bed-and-breakfast,” Rian spat, jumping up to grab the TV remote. “I swear, Rowan, you act like Queen Elizabeth is staying here.” He shook his head, jutting out his chin in anger.

“Guys, don’t start rowing again!” Fiona let out a frustrated-sounding growl. “Rowan, of course, I’ll make enough for Queen Viona. And Rian, stop bickering!” She shook her head and retreated from the room.

“She’s right, bro. You need to calm down. We need Viona, and you know it.” I narrowed my eyes at him, waiting for him to implode.

Rian raked a hand through his hair and sighed. “I know we need her.” He flicked on the television. “But that doesn’t mean I have to like it.”

Soon after, Fiona called us to breakfast, and I prayed that Rian’s mood remained civil. As I entered the room, seeing Viona seated at the table dashed my hopes. Oh, boy, I thought to myself.

“I have everything ready for the summoning,” Viona said around bites of eggs. “We shouldn’t have any problems contacting someone from the fairy court.”

Fiona choked on her coffee and wiped her mouth. She stared at Viona with eyes as big as saucers. “When are we doing it?”

“How’s after breakfast?” Viona shrugged.

“But it’s not dark… I thought it had to be a full moon,” Fiona replied with a frown.

“The moon is full. Just because it hasn’t risen here yet means nothing.” Viona winked, and I heard Rian’s low growl. As I stared at the tiny witch and my bulky brother, I couldn’t help but feel there was something between them. Something scary but magical. I could almost smell it.

Fiona stood up, leaving her breakfast on the table untouched. “All right, let’s do it.”

Kat threw a dirty look and scoffed. “Can’t we finish our food first?”

“About that…” Viona said, grimacing. “You need to stay inside. As a pure fairy, I don’t think it would be smart to have you with us. It could fuck up everything, Kat.”

Kat’s brows raised. “Well, if you say so… I’ve screwed up enough as it is, and I’m hungry.” She returned to her food.

“Mess it up how?” Fiona asked, appearing upset. “I wanted Kat with me.” She grabbed her napkin, wringing it in her hands.

“You’re gonna have to just fuckin’ trust me on this.” Viona gave Fiona a tight smile. “I know you are new to all this, but I’m not. The fae are precarious beings and offended by the smallest of matters. They are often jealous creatures as well. And with one look, they will know another fae.”

“You will be fine, Fiona. I’ll be there with you in spirit.” Kat smiled at her, standing up and embracing Fiona.

“Let’s get this over with. I have things to do in my own life.” Viona marched from the kitchen, leaving us to follow her lead.

As we trekked through the snow in the yard, I noticed how Fiona and Viola conversed. It seemed Viona had grown fond of Fiona, which was rare. Viona didn’t like many people.

“How much further?” Rian asked as we drew deeper into the frigid forest. Viona threw him an icy glare over her shoulder.

“I’ll let you know when we are close,” she snapped.

After walking another hundred feet, Viona stopped. “Shovel, Rian.” She held out her hand, and he thrust it at her. “Don’t be such a dick.” Viona yanked the tool from him and drew a large circle in the snow.

“What are you doing?” Fiona asked, her brow furrowed.

“It’s part of the ritual,” Viona explained, her voice sounding kind, which was infrequent. “Remember, the fae are elemental beings, so to contact them, I’m using a place among the elements. A snowy forest under this magical thousand-year-old tree should do the trick.” She threw Fiona a wink and stared at the massive tree before whispering a chanted spell.

Fiona’s eyes met mine before returning her gaze to Viona, concentrating on what the witch was doing. Minutes later, Rian deposits a pile of stuff on the snowy ground. Viona prepared everything, arranging it in proper order.

“To gain the fae’s attention, we must offer our gifts.” Viona’s explanation was for Fiona’s benefit.

She placed saucers on the floor with trinkets inside. Spicy scented incense, a bowl of golden water, dried flowers, and a small beaker of fizzing steam. Fiona studied everything, appearing in awe.

“Fairies like things like this as gifts?” Fiona looked perplexed.

“They like what everyone likes,” I told her. Viona placed herself in the center of the circle with a golden dish containing several precious stones, gold, white gold, and platinum rings.

Fiona watched with astonishment and took one of the gems. “Are these all real?”

“Yes, even the diamonds.” Rian frowned. “I hope it works because this could become an expensive sacrament to perform.”

“Yes, I can see that,” Fiona whispered, fingering the sparkling jewels in her palm before handing them back to the witch.

“Listen, Fiona, these fairies are dangerous. I know I’ve already harped about it, but you must be careful and remain calm.” I approached her, a serious frown tugging at my lips.

Fiona folded her arms and nodded. “Fairies are dangerous. I get it.”

I shook my head. “But this time it’s different and you might find yourself alone with one.”

“Perhaps it will be with my mother. I refuse to be afraid of her.”

“I’m not sure who you will contact,” Viona said. “And if it is your mother, remember, you do not know her. And even if she’s kind, fairies have strict rules. Rules that you have to follow to the letter if you don’t want to offend them.” Viona took Fiona’s hands, holding them tight.

“Tell me the rules, and I promise to follow them.” Fiona glanced down into Viona’s eyes.

“Never make eye contact or even peek into their eyes. It is defiant behavior to them.”

“Okay, I won’t.” Fiona nodded.

“Don’t speak loud, but just above a whisper,” Viona continued, still holding Fiona’s hands. “And whatever you do… do not make any abrupt movements.”

“And regardless of what happens or what they say to you, try to remain serene and control your emotions,” Rian added.

“Am I going into a lion’s den?” Fiona’s voice sounded sarcastic, but I heard the nervousness behind her bravado.

“Yes, you are,” I told her. “Fairies are the most dangerous creatures you will ever meet and easily become outraged. It’s almost impossible to gain their forgiveness, while it’s easy to earn their contempt.”

“Once I trigger the circle, you are on your own, kid.” I watched Viona kiss Fiona’s cheek. “When you enter, state your name, and the name of the fairy you wish to contact. Try your mother, but I can’t promise anything.”

“All right.” Fiona gave a curt nod, and I felt my heart beating like kettle drums in my ears.

“It could take hours for them to arrive, assuming everything goes smoothly. Fairies aren’t keen to acknowledge mortal requests. They might make you wait,” I said.

Viona shot me a look, reminding me she was the expert. “State your purpose three times, then leave the circle and wait for their response.”

“How will I know if they deny me?” asked Fiona.

“Our gifts will disappear, and the lighted circle will break.” Viona shrugged.

“You mean they will still take the gold and diamonds even if they deny our request?” Fiona asked, mouth hanging open.

“That’s how they are,” Rian said with contempt. “It goes to show the arrogant creatures you’re dealing with.”

Viona and Rian tiptoed out of the circle, and I approached Fiona. “One more thing…” I stared at Fiona, losing myself in the beauty of her eyes. The temporary intimacy between us aroused my wolf, causing a palpable anxiety to pulse through me.

“Hurry, I’m off to defend myself against these devious fairies?” She winked at me, giving me a watery smile.

“There is another sacrifice you can present to help bribe them.” Fiona gaped down at the blade in my hand, and I placed it in her palm. “Cut yourself and allow the blood to sprinkle the offerings. So for three calls, that’s three cuts.”

Her mouth drew into a tight, straight line. “That’s perverse.”

“Hey, you are part fairy…” I gave her a coy grin.

“Very helpful, Alpha O’Connell.” She raised one dark brow, giving me a saucy look.

“Please be careful,” I said and backed away, stepping out of the circle.

She nodded, took a deep breath, and turned her back to us.

After a moment, I saw her take the blade and watched the blood drip from her palm onto the precious gems. “I, Fiona Quinn, call upon Amerlina of the fairy court. I, Fiona Quinn, call upon Amerlina…” Fiona repeated.

After chanting it three times, a bright light rose from the ground, shooting above our heads, and disappearing into the treetops.

Fiona’s voice and the tangy smell of blood evaporated, leaving the blinding light in the middle of the forest. Apprehension crept through my body as the vortex swallowed her up.

Then, after what felt like an eternity, Fiona stepped out of the circle of light. I watched as she stumbled before righting herself. Viona rushed to her side, taking a cloth to clean off the blood.

“So, now we wait…” whispered Fiona.

“Your wait is over,” a strange voice called out as the halo of light faded. A tall, gorgeous woman with alabaster skin, ice-blue eyes, and pale-colored locks almost touching the ground settled before us. She was bedecked in jewels and baubles, while a crown resembling the sun sat on her head. A golden paint that seemed to glow decorated her body.

And what had been a frozen snowy forest was now a spring day with vivid green grass and an assortment of flowers. The figure stood out as she lifted a regal head, draped in a blinding white gown.

“Who are—” Fiona uttered, but I cut her off.

“No!” I rushed forward, and Rian grabbed Fiona, shoving her behind him.

The woman grinned, a cavalier expression on her flawless face. “Shall I explain?” She looked down her nose, a pompous reminder she regarded us as nothing more than peasants.

I felt my blood boil in my veins, knowing who she was and the evil her presence posed.

“Fiona…” I said over my shoulder. “Let me introduce you to Celestria Damaris, Queen of the Fae.”