Page 1 of Curse of Thorns
Caelynn
Isit in the darkness, rough bark under my thigh scratching uncomfortably as I peer through the second-floor window into the dorm. Soft yellow light glows within, while inky shadows swallow me outside. Alone.
Always alone.
Magic rushes through my lungs as I breathe. I grip the branch beneath me harder and watch a lovely human girl with raven black hair laughing with her new roommate. She pauses inside the room, her expression falling as her eyes settle on an envelope sitting on her desk.
A gust of wind tosses my hair wildly. It twists around me, caressing my neck. Part of me longs to be inside with her, laughing and dreaming and just being. But if there is one thing I’ve learned in the last few weeks it’s that I don’t belong here.
Ever since the trials, I haven’t been able to subdue the power roaring through my veins like I could before. Now that I’ve felt it, embraced it, the magic won’t let go of its hold on me. Before the trials I had spent so much time fighting against the darkness inside; the pain made that easy. I’d forgotten who I was. What I am.
Now, it’s in everything. Every move I make, everything I see.
This power is taking a life of its own, and the more attention I bring to myself, the more dangerous it is for her.
During Raven’s orientation, I’d accidentally glamoured one of the senior boys who made an off-handed comment to her. He spent the rest of the day following us around like a puppy, carrying her books, and opening doors. It was rather annoying—though, Raven loved it. I’d also accidentally wrapped shadows around me and “disappeared” mid-conversation with a girl who asked probing questions about mine and Raven’s relationship.
I can’t even explain our relationship to her, let alone strangers.
I love her. In so many ways, not just friendship. But also not as a lover. Maybe it’s because she’s so young, so mortal. Maybe it’s because my life is so complicated.
Maybe it’s Rev.
I don’t know. But regardless of our feelings, there is one thing I know for sure that makes this as simple as breathing. The longer I stay near Raven, the more likely it is she’ll get hurt—and I don’t mean emotionally.
Rev won’t be around to heal her this time.
Tears well in Raven’s eyes as she reads my farewell letter. She had to know it was coming, right? I’d stayed with her for the last two months, making sure she’s set up and safe. She’s been accepted into a great private school on full scholarship—that may have been thanks to a not-so-accidental glamouring—so her last year in the system will be foster-home free. I did not apply to the same school.
We’d talked about me going back to the fae realm soon since my banishment is still temporarily suspended. Maybe she just thought I’d leave and be back periodically. I know she’s willing to take the risk in order to see me, but it’s easier to risk yourself than to risk someone you love.
Raven is in danger with me around, and I’m not willing to put her at risk. Case and point—the stupid fae-spy that’s lurked around campus the last week. Even right now, he’s squatting behind a bush by the front door of the dorm rooms. His shaved head practically sparkles in the darkness.
I shake my head, watching him. Luminescent Court fae will never be as good at sleuthing as those from the Shadow Court. I’ve been watching him, waiting to see if I need to intervene.
Let him try to touch Raven and things will escalate very quickly. As it is, he doesn’t even know I’ve noticed him. So, I’ll wait. I’ve played my part, made it clear I’m leaving. So, when I disappear, will he as well? That’s going to mean a few lonely days in the shadows, just watching.
If he leaves, so will I.
If he acts, I will act too.
I lean my head against the base of the tree and close my eyes. He doesn’t move for nearly an hour—long enough for Raven to cry herself to sleep. Long enough for me to question every life choice.
When I open my eyes, the spy and his shiny head are gone.
Dammit.
My magic stretches out, feeling for any disturbance. Just around the corner, there’s a flicker of magic. He didn’t get far, then.
I slip into my own shadows, following their pull, slinking through silently, entirely invisible to all but the rare fae trained to see through the magic.
Around the corner, there is still no sign of the spy, no trail at all. Getting a little more resourceful, are we? So if he hasn’t moved farther around the building...
My heart pounds harder.
He hasn’t ever gone inside the building, he’s only lurked. So, if he has now... that would change the game.
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