Heir of Broken Fate: Chapter 11

The next morning I’m sitting beside Hazel in the grass, helping her harvest food in the garden. Rows upon rows of wooden crates full of soil, seeds, and food bursting with life line her backyard. The sunshine warms our backs as it rises for a new day.

I awoke this morning feeling groggy from crying most of the night. Hazel took one look at my red-rimmed, puffy eyes and decided to drag me outside, making me work with my hands. Making me physically exhausted to the point my mind can’t drag me into the darkness.

We’re both pulling the root of a particularly large carrot when we freeze.

Hazel begins to tremble as a large boom echoes through the air. Life seems to stop around us. Animals pause their scattering, water stops flowing, even the wind pauses, making the trees and grass fall deadly silent. I’m about to ask what’s happening when Hazels slaps her hand over my mouth, her eyes wide with terror as she shakes her head, blue eyes pleading with me to be silent. Using her free hand, Hazel takes mine in a death grip, her knuckles turning white as the boom repeats again, louder, closer.

It’s a synchronous boom.

Wings.

My heart lodges in my throat, my pulse beating erratically as trees down the river to my left part with the force of the wind from the wings. Hazel’s entire body is shaking. If she’s this terrified by the creature that’s attached to those wings, I hope I never meet it. Hazel’s fear makes me wish I could disappear as the booming looms closer with each passing second. My thoughts spiral as my anxiety sinks its claws into my chest.

Take me away, take me away, take me away.

Hazel’s eyes widen as my body tingles, a current of energy zipping up and down my arms and legs. As a dark cloud descends around us an ungodly smell, putrid enough to make me gag, follows right after a slithering energy. The very feel of it has my body screaming for me to run. Then a deafening boom hits my ears. The grass flattens around us, our hair blowing in all directions as the force knocks us to the ground. I squeeze my eyes shut as that horrendous energy becomes stronger, thicker, as if its very essence can sink its claws into my soul.

I refuse to look at whatever creature is large enough to topple two grown women over from the sheer force of wind from its wings.

Faster than it appeared, the shadow is gone, sunshine streaming across my face once more. The booming sound grows quieter as it leaves, life resuming around us a moment later.

Hazel yanking me to a standing position has my eyes flying open. I’m stunned speechless as she manages to drag me inside the cabin. She’s incredibly strong for someone so little.

Hazel begins to pace, her palm lying on her chest, her voice trembling as she speaks. “They never come to this area of the woods.”

“What was that thing?” I rasp.

Hazel’s head snaps up. “You’ve never seen the beasts before?”

Beast? If a Fae calls a creature a beast, I’ll take their word for it.

I change the topic. “How did it not see us?”

“You cloaked us.” Hazels brow’s furrow. “Did you not know you could do that?”

“No,” I squeak.

“It was probably your fear. Emotions can drive magic more than power itself,” she mutters more to herself. “Why are they here?” Hazel’s breathing becomes erratic, her chest falling and rising in short bursts. “They don’t come here.”

I take a tentative step forward. “Hazel, it’s gone now,” I assure her to no avail. Her breathing becomes faster. I take her shaking hand, bringing her to sit on the couch, rubbing her back in slow circles. “You’re safe now. Take a deep breath.”

Hazel’s breath stutters as she tries to inhale air, her eyes darting in all directions around the room. I repeat the mantra over and over, rubbing her back until her breathing returns to normal and her hands no longer shake.

She covers her face in her hands. “That’s embarrassing. I’m so sorry.”

I move her hands off her face, gently squeezing them. “Anxiety is not embarrassing.”

I understand the fear that paralyzes your body, making you feel as if you are slowly dying. It’s suffocating.

“They never come here, that’s why I moved. I’ve never seen them in this part of the woods before,” Hazel explains.

“There’s more than one?” I ask.

Hazel’s gulp is audible. “They’re everywhere,” she breathes.

“What can we do to take your mind off it?” I ask gently.

Hazel lowers her eyes, chewing her lip. “Cooking relaxes me.”

I stand, taking her with me as I walk to the kitchen. “Then that’s what we’ll do.”

I’m placing tomatoes in a straw woven basket after offering to collect the rest of the vegetables for Hazel, giving her more time to settle down before coming back outside, when I spot small waves rippling in the water. The river is usually calm and silent, yet there’s a fading circle, with small bubbles rising to the surface. Nothing else moves as I walk to the river’s edge. I’m about to make my way back to the garden when an iridescent white tail arches out of the water before submerging again.

I’ve seen drawings of tails like that in the Fae books.

Mermaid.

In awe, I race over to the bridge. I look in the direction it disappeared, seeing the stunning fluorescent white tail arch again for a moment before descending. A foggy memory surfaces, pulling me back to the night I left.

I awake to lying on my side, the splinters from the rowboat poking and prodding into my arm. I turn onto my back, the movement making my head pound, ribs burning with each movement as I lift my head.

My vision swims, and as the black stars begin to fade, I slowly piece together where I am.

Water surrounds me, a vast deep river with flourishing forests adjacent both sides. Trees fly past me in a blur.

I furrow my brows. The boat is moving incredibly fast, faster than a normal current.

Groaning, I pull myself into a seated position only to see a long shimmering green tail arch above the water. As the tail descends another one closer to me rises, this one a deep cherry red.

Mermaids.

I collapse onto the floor of the boat, sobbing with relief that I made it.

The Fae lands.

Mermaids helped me that night. I must have forgotten because of the concussion. Why did they help me? How did they know I was coming?

An endless stream of questions float through my mind, each going unanswered.

I need to do more research. The books at the palace barely covered the Fae lands and the creatures that reside here. I need to know what I’m getting myself into and why they helped me at all that night.

Once Hazel has gone to bed, I waste no time in lighting a candle and rummaging through the bookcase in her living room. I know it’s a long shot that a small book collection could answer my questions, but I need somewhere to start.

I scan the titles to find her collection holds mostly books on earth-based spells, herbs, plants, and animals. Placing the candle on the ground, I select one of the animal books and begin flicking through it. Multiple sections cover passages on mammals, insects, birds, reptiles, and fish. I’m flipping through the pages to the fish section, praying the mermaids would be categorized as a fish when another light joins me, making me jump. Turning, Hazel’s bewildered face meets me in the middle of the room.

“Are you on the run?” she blurts out. Without waiting for an answer, Hazel rushes to my bags, hastily picking up every single one and the strewn contents of clothes on the cot. “I want no trouble. I follow the laws of the queen and live a simple life. I swear to Faes that I bring no trouble.” She finishes off the sentence by dumping the bags at my feet.

“On the run?” Wringing my hands, I shake my head profusely. “I’m not, I swear to you.”

“You don’t know where you live, you come out of nowhere beaten to a bloody pulp, and you’re rummaging through my things in the middle of the night.” She throws her hands in the air. “Forgive me if I don’t believe you!” she yells, hurt flashing in her striking blue eyes.

I open my mouth to speak when an ethereal voice whispers in my ear, “Tell her.”

I snap my head to the side. Only, there’s no one standing beside me or behind me.

What the hell was that…?

Have I finally gone mad?

“Open your heart and tell her,” it whispers again.

Tiny gentle hands begin to push me toward Hazel as the feeling of warmth flows over me, surrounding me, filling me, comforting me, urging me to speak.

“Do you hear that?” I whisper, my gaze roaming the living room for any other signs of life.

Hazel throws her arms up in exasperation. “Hear what? You not explaining why you’re spying on me?”

“Open your heart Delilah,” the ethereal voice says again.

The voice fills my ears, chanting repeatedly, until it’s the only thing I can hear, making my anxiety overtake my body. Panic slithers its way up my throat.

It won’t stop. The voice won’t stop.

Hazel’s mouth moves rapidly yet the only sound to fill my ears is the incessant buzzing of the chanting voice.

“I’m not Fae!” I blurt out.

The second the words leave my mouth; the ethereal voice disappears entirely. I snap my head to Hazel in time to see her roll her eyes as she moves to shove me out her door.

I don’t blame her; I feel as if I’m going insane. What was that?

“I swear I’m not on the run, Hazel. Please just give me a moment to explain,” I rush out, unable to hold back the tears that flow down my cheeks.

I have nowhere to go and no one to turn to.

I have no one.

Hazel pauses in front of the door, assessing. “You have five minutes.” she concedes.

Walking further into the room only makes Hazel retreat a step away from me. The movement and distrust make my throat tighten to the point I can’t swallow.

“I’m not Fae, or at least, I wasn’t before I came here.” I say, my voice wobbly as I speak.

“You’re not helping your case,” she snaps.

“I came from the human lands,” I whisper.

Hazel’s eyes widen, her mouth popping open to form an O shape.

I think she’s stopped breathing entirely. “Hazel?”

“That’s impossible,” she breathes.

I pull out the crystal pendant from beneath my white linen shirt. “My mother gave me this, blabbering on about truth and veils. I thought it was nonsense until I saw for myself what it can do.”

Looking into Hazel’s eyes, that warmth washes over me again, and the pull in my gut urges me to continue, to trust Hazel. Sighing, I explain everything that happened, leaving no detail out. Everything pours out of me, like a dam was broken inside me, allowing the floodgates to open. I can’t help the sobs that escape me as I recall the horrid details of what happened to Easton and what he meant to me, how much I loved him.

Hazel tears up as I explain what my father did.

“I remembered earlier when I saw the mermaid—”

Hazel takes a step forward, her voice rising to a high-pitched squeak. “You saw a mermaid?”

“Yes, why? Are they nearly extinct?” I ask.

“No, they stick to their own territory. They rarely leave it these days.”

I look at her incredulously. “There was one in your river.”

“What?!” she yelps, running over to her window to peer at the river.

I’d laugh at her outburst if she didn’t seem genuinely shocked.

“I saw the white tail and when I went to get a closer look, a memory surfaced from the night I left…they helped me. More than helped, they were the ones who brought me here,” I explain.

Hazel’s brows rise to her hairline as she shakes her head. “This is astounding.”

“Why?” I ask.

Hazel scoffs. “It’s absolutely unheard of that they help people. They’re very selfish and territorial creatures.”

“Why would they help me then?”

Hazel’s head snaps up. “They’re psychic.”

“Like a tarot reader?” I ask.

“No, they’re psychic. They’re given messages about the future. What if they were told to help you that night?” she mutters, speaking more to herself. “Why would they bring you to me though?”

I shrug. “Maybe you were the easiest avenue.”

“No, there’s multiple streams they could have taken from the border. They brought you here purposefully…They don’t do anything without reason.” Sighing, Hazel flops onto the couch. “My head feels like it’s going to explode with all this information.”

Chuckling, I take a seat beside her. “How do you think mine felt when I awoke with Fae ears and magic?”

“I wouldn’t want to be in your mind, that’s for sure.”

I throw my head back on a laugh, the first real laugh I’ve had since Easton.

Hazel’s cheeks flush pink on a wince. “Sorry, that was insensitive.”

“I take no offense.”

“I’m sorry I snapped at you,” she says softly.

“I would too if I was in your position.” I turn my body to face Hazel’s, tucking my feet underneath me. “What happened here? Why did you all disappear? And why are there Fae trapped in the human lands?”

Hazel sits up. “Disappear? We didn’t disappear; we were trapped.” Hazel leans forward. “What do the humans think happened to us?”

My voice lowers to a whisper. “That you’re all extinct, magic included.”

“That’s—I don’t know how to feel about that,” she stutters. Hazel jerks back. “Wait, did you say there’s Fae trapped in the human lands?”

I dip my head. “That’s why I decided to come looking, to see if any other Fae were alive.”

Hazel shakes her head. “I have no idea why Fae are trapped in your lands…I can’t believe the humans think we’re extinct.”

“What happened then?” I ask.

A faraway look enters Hazel’s eyes as they glaze over. “All faeries and beings in the Fae lands are required to attend the Eclipse Ball, to honor our queens and kings. It was a masquerade ball like all others, absolutely fabulous. Nothing seemed amiss…until the next day. Everybody woke up trying to go about their duties to find that we couldn’t cross into the human lands or anything beyond the two islands in our marked territory. You can’t see anything but physically it feels as if you’re hitting a brick wall, like someone placed a dome over our lands. You can’t even escape by sea.” A tear falls down her cheek before she wipes it away with the sleeve of her shirt. “That very afternoon, beasts were unleashed upon the lands and attacked the cities,” she says, her voice cracking at the end.

My heart breaks for Hazel, for everyone in this land. They’ve been silently trapped in a prison for nearly one hundred and fifty years.

“No one knows how it happened?”

Hazel’s lips flatten. “No one knows how or why. The queen has had her personal army and spies investigating since the moment it happened. We’re no closer to knowing who did this than we were when it happened all those years ago.”

“That’s horrible,” I whisper.

We both sit silently, retreating into our own minds as Hazel’s words linger in the room. Why would somebody do such a thing? I lower my eyes as I realize our call for aid is worthless, not when they need aid as much as us. “Maybe we can help each other,” I mutter, breaking the silence.

Hazel snorts. “I don’t know how much help I could be and no offense, but I don’t see how a used-to-be human could save us. The older generation Faes don’t even know how to help. No one has seen anything like this.”

I wave my hand, dismissing her worries. “But you can help me. I know barely anything about your lands. I need someone to teach me everything.” My brows furrow. “You’re right, I don’t have much to offer. Perhaps friendship?” I try to sell it with a smile. Before Hazel can get a word out, I’m gasping, jumping off the couch as I spin to face her. “I can teach you how to fight!” Perhaps it will lessen Hazel’s anxiety around the beasts.

Hazel narrows her eyes. “You know how to fight?”

“I’ve trained all my life,” I state proudly.

“You curled yourself into a ball when the beast came.”

Rolling my eyes, I plop back down onto the couch. “I was unprepared.”

Hazel bursts into a fit of laughter.

“I’m serious! If you teach me about the Fae lands and magic, I can be more prepared when gigantic wings fly over my head,” I say, flailing my hand around said head.

Hazel’s face is dubious before smiling. “Fine, we have a deal.”

“Don’t sound too excited,” I tease.

A playful smirk dances on Hazel’s lips. “Things have been boring around here anyways. I suppose a princess training me to fight will suffice.”

Hazel explains the Fae courts to me the next afternoon over pumpkin soup. “The Fae lands consist of five elemental courts, each court housing a major city. Earth Court has Eden; Fire, Ornx; Water, Cardania; Air, Entrile; and lastly, Azalea in Essence.”

“Essence Fae aren’t limited to one elemental power?” I ask.

Hazel nods. “Essence Fae are those that wield more than one elemental power.” Hazel taps her mouth with a piece of cloth. “Every Fae has the power to manipulate the element in which their power comes from. Earth controls Mother Nature and animals, air controls electricity, light, and air. Then of course the water benders and fire breathers.” Hazel points her spoon at me. “They don’t physically breathe fire; it’s the nickname they couldn’t shake because their tempers are insurmountable.”

I wink. “Don’t piss off the fire Fae. Noted.”

“Elemental control is the basic form of magic every Fae possesses, yet the majority also wield multiple different gifts. Powerful air Fae can read minds, fire breeds the most powerful warriors, water can change their bodily anatomy, making themselves invisible. They also have the most highly sought-after spell cleavers. Earth Fae”—she gestures to herself—“can wield the power to heal and speak to animals. Although every Fae has the healing power, earth Fae have a deeper well, being able to see things and heal the body in ways others can’t.” She shrugs. “They’re the powers I got. I know other Fae can shapeshift into animal forms.”

The clank of my spoon hitting the bowl brings Hazel’s eyes up to mine. “You’re telling me that I could be walking in the woods with not only animals but Fae lurking in the skin of animals?”

I truly need to pay closer attention to my surroundings when I’m outside.

Hazel chuckles. “Yes, although as you can tell by now”—she waves her hand around the room—“not many Fae come here.”

I did notice that. I also noticed how lonely one must get being out in the middle of nowhere. Nobody isolates themselves to this extent without a story behind it.

Changing the subject, I ask, “What are the cities like?”

Hazel’s shoulders tense as her cheeks flush pink. “I honestly don’t know.” She clears her throat. “I haven’t been into town in a long time.”

My heart tugs at the thought of Hazel, this kind and caring person, hurting so much.

“That’s okay,” I say. “Why don’t you tell me what it was like when you used to go?”

Hazel remains quiet for a moment, yet as she starts to speak, her eyes fill with joy. “The cities were beautiful and full of life. The richest smells and sights you could ever experience. Spice vendors, restaurants, anywhere you went the food was amazing.” Hazel pauses. “Well, except for the slums, but nobody goes there unless you want to hire an escort or get so drunk you don’t remember your own name.” She giggles. “The rest of the city is amazing. Shops with handmade clothing, bookstores, art, and theaters line the streets. Then there’s buskers on the street who should be in the theaters.”

“That sounds beautiful,” I say in awe.

Hazel’s lips tug into a grin. “It truly was, and each city is designed after their element.” Hazel’s eyes lower, voice quieting. “The Fae lands used to be a beautiful place to call home.”

Hazel’s admission reminds me of how I feel the opposite about my own home, making guilt burn my throat. I left my people with a monster for a king. I have to remind myself that, yes, I left, but I did not abandon them. I’m working toward getting help. Perhaps what I find will save both the human and Fae lands. I must cling to that small slice of hope in my heart, hope that one day the world will be a better place. Otherwise, life begins to feel meaningless.

“What are the kings and queens of the courts like?” I ask nervously.

Hazel’s eyes slowly lift to mine, her face contorting as she grimaces. “They were all murdered the night the entrapment spell was cast.”

I choke on the soup, coughing and sputtering for air before I finally get oxygen in my lungs. “All of them?” I exclaim.

“All of them except for the Queen of Air and the heirs.” Her voice lowers to a whisper. “The Queen of Air arrived home later that evening from the Eclipse Ball to find her husband murdered.” She shakes her head in disgust. “The children were the ones to find their parents butchered. A mass execution of all the court’s ruling kings and queens.”

I sit back in my chair, a shiver going down my spine. “That’s… I don’t know what to say.”

Hazel lowers her spoon. “Not only was the queen mourning the loss of her husband and friends, she also had an entire kingdom that was grieving the loss of their freedom, her people feeling shackled to the lands. She decided to rule over all the courts until the princes and princesses were of age and no longer grieving their own loss.” Hazels voice wavers, full of grief. “The world turned to hell one hundred and forty-eight years ago.”

As I tuck myself into bed later that evening, I can’t turn my mind off. The conversation earlier dragged up all the horrible things that my people have had to deal with in recent years. The fear, starvation, homelessness, loss of freedom, and the innocent lives taken too soon. What was once a joyous country full of love, warmth, and peace is now a prison. The king has taken every bit of happiness and free will from his supposed people and crushed it with their very souls. The only ones that benefit from how the country is ruled today is the king, the rich, and his cronies.

Determination for change fills my heart as I drift to sleep. Memories of Easton float through my mind, his beautiful face and forest green eyes telling me to fight.

I will fight to save my people, even if it’s the last thing I do.