Page 98 of Owned By the Fae
After she leaves, I’m usually left to myself for a while. I wash and then read. Jak came this morning for just a few minutes and told me he’s been keeping an eye on Ryon and that he has a place to hide him should the need arise. After he left, I cried in relief.
I glance at the Harbinger’s profile next to me, so similar yet different from my own.
This strange plane and my times with Grey and Kallum are my only respites from the keep, but even those stolen moments have become fewer as Fiana barges in whenever she likes. Spending more than a moment or two with me is too dangerous for them both. That, and they’ve been using much of their unoccupied time trying to plan the best way for us to leave ... as well as finding a viable means of escape, which is proving to be nigh on impossible.
Kallum stole and tested Rikoth’s necklace last night but found it wouldn’t open the Breach inside the fold. It’s only a means of returning. He was angry when it didn’t work and, though he tried to hide it, I know that they don’t have any other ideas yet.
The only way is to get rid of the binding and the Harbinger is still not ready.
‘I don’t know how much longer I can do this,’ I whisper to it, looking at the lake.
The Harbinger winces and embraces me tightly. ‘I’m almost strong enough, but I need to conserve my energy so that I’ll be able to break through when the time is right.’
But when will the time be right?
I sit down on the nearest boulder, wondering if I’ll feel guilty when the Harbinger is finally able to make good on its vow to avenge us. I don't think I will. In fact, I make a promise to myself that I will not feel remorse when those who’ve hurt me get what’s coming to them. Some things can’t be forgiven and some things are deserved.
‘There’s something else,’ it says. ‘I’m not sure if it’s important, but the map that Grey showed you ...’
‘What about it?’
‘I’ve remembered ... I’m sure I’ve been there, but I don’t recall much else.’
‘Keep trying,’ I say, squeezing its hand. ‘I know it’s taking time, but things do seem to be coming back here and there.’
It snorts. ‘It needs to happen faster if we’re to destroy that cunt and escape this fucking place.’
‘Can you feel the Dark Realms? Is it closer to finding the fold?’
‘I don’t know. I can’t sense it now.’ Letting out a small sigh, it looks up at the void of the sky. ‘It could be that I’ll know it’s close only when it’s almost here.’
‘So we might not have much time to get the fae out of the fold before it’s too late.’
‘I’m sorry,’ it says. ‘I’ve been reaching for it, but I think it’s hiding itself from me somehow.’
‘It’s not your fault,’ I sigh, looking out at the Black Lake.
I frown as I notice a flash of color, something that I haven’t seen here before. I thought I’d noticed everything during the countless hours I’ve spent with the Harbinger.
‘What is this?’ I ask, leaning forward to look at it. But I already know from the hue.
My eyes widen. It's a flower growing out of a crevice in the rock beside us. It’s one oftheflowers.
I look at the Harbinger, and it shrugs.
‘Have you ever seen one of these here before?’
It peers down at the yellow flower with me, its face next to mine.
‘In all the years I've been here with you and this place inside your mind has been my home, nothing has ever grown.’
‘It's one of the flowers that Kal brings me. Why would it be here? Is my mind making this happen? Is it because I keep thinking about them?’
The Harbinger stares at the flower. Then, it reaches out and carefully brushes its fingertips against the petal. It shivers.
‘I like it,’ it says quietly. ‘There's something about it.’
I look at it sharply. ‘Yes,’ I say. ‘Something about it is ... important.’
