The Stolen: An American Faerie Tale (32 page)

Time seemed to slow, and Caitlin saw all the oíche's eyes go wide and their mouths turn up into grins. Fergus tried to catch the crystal, but he missed and it struck the tiles, causing a piece to break off.

“No!” Fergus roared. “You insufferable, mortal
striapach
!” He backhanded Caitlin, then picked up the crystal and broken shard.

Caitlin landed on the hard stone a step away from Brendan. The silver cords holding him seemed to be fading in and out. Caitlin looked from the bindings to the crystal with satisfaction.

Fergus turned murderous eyes to Caitlin, but he almost looked tired. “I'll show you pain and torment you never dreamed were possible.”

“No,” Caitlin said, wiping blood from her lip. “You made a promise. You swore to me. Don't you remember?”

Fergus narrowed his brow. “I made no promise.”

Caitlin blinked her wet eyes, and the last of her tears escaped. “You promised me and you promised her. I need you to keep it, now.”

Fergus's eyes went wide in realization, and he turned to Brendan.

“Brendan,” Caitlin said through a sob. “You promised to save my little girl!”

Brendan's eyes blazed with the all the fires of all the hells. He threw back his head and let out a roar that shook the standing stones surrounding the courtyard.

Even Fergus took a step back.

There was a loud crack as the silver cords snapped and vanished.

“
Tar amach, a Bháis
!” The whites of Brendan's eyes vanished, filling with a bright blue that flared with unbridled rage as his muscles swelled and claws emerged from his hands.

For a moment, time froze, and the whole court stared in wide-­eyed disbelief.

“
Fág an bealach
!” Brendan screamed, and in that split second of confusion, he drew his knives and hurled them. They streaked through the air, little more than a blur, and hit two oíche so hard they were lifted clear off the ground. Clouds of darkness and sparks trailed them as they flew back behind the throne and vanished.

Caitlin rolled to her feet, grabbed her knife, and sprinted past the stunned Fergus toward Fiona. Fergus reached out for her, but Brendan sprang on him and knocked him to the ground.

Caitlin ran faster.

“
Díoltas
!” Brendan yelled, and his knives leapt into the air, streaking past Caitlin.

She didn't turn; she just ran faster.

As she reached for Fiona, a hand grabbed at her shoulder. She whirled on her attacker, slashing out with her knife and burying it deep into his shoulder.

Fergus screamed, and she felt his grip on her slip away.

Leaving the blade, Caitlin grabbed Fiona, pushed the bear into her little hands, and turned. Fergus reached for her, but again Brendan seized him, claws sinking into flesh, and hurled the Dark King across the courtyard and into the frantic mob.

Brendan's burning blue eyes turned on Caitlin and Fiona.

Caitlin's heart stuttered as Brendan took a step toward them, murder in his eyes. She turned her body, shielding Fiona. “Brendan, remember!”

Her eyes met Brendan's and held them. She didn't move.

Brendan began to shake, and his eyes changed for just an instant.

“Please, remember,” she said again.

Brendan clenched his fists and looked from Caitlin to Fiona. “GO!” he screamed, though his voice was barely recognizable. Then he leapt into the whirling cloud of darkness and twinkling lights.

Caitlin pulled the seeking stone from under her shirt and gripped it in her hand. She gasped as she saw a clawed hand lift out of the darkness, then come down in a strike. It was huge, covered in dark red fur and dripping with black gore.

Then the world spun, and she and Fiona were gone.

 

CHAPTER THIRTY-­SEVEN

W
hen the world stopped spinning, Caitlin found herself on a grassy hill. The sun hung high in the sky, and below her was the faerie market. The seeking stone crumbled to dust in her hand, and she looked down at Fiona in her arms.

The little girl blinked up at her as she gripped Paddy Bear. Tears were welling in her eyes, and her lower lip stuck out. “Mommy, I wanna go home.”

“Me, too, baby. Let's go right now.” Caitlin ignored her own tears and ran as fast as she could for the sidhe mound.

Faces stared at her as she ran through the market. As she sped past the stalls, it dawned on her what she'd forgotten when she and Brendan came through the first time. She looked at Fiona but pushed the panic aside and charged on, not daring to look behind her.

Adrenaline pumped through Caitlin, and the burning in her legs and lungs didn't matter. Fiona's weight didn't matter. The terrain didn't matter. Only reaching the mound mattered. So she ran as fast as she could through the market and up the hill on the far side.

The trail and scenery blurred by until at last she could see the mound in the distance and finally had to slow. When she risked a look back, she saw something in the distance approaching at a superhuman speed, and she knew it was Fergus. She didn't know how he'd caught up to her so fast, but he had.

Cold panic surged through her, and she turned to flee.

In her path now stood the most strikingly beautiful woman she'd ever seen. Her hair was the brown of chestnuts and her eyes the color of a summer sky. She smiled, and the sun would've been envious of her light and warmth.

“Peace, child,” the woman said in a soft voice that sounded more like song than spoken words. She looked behind Caitlin.

Caitlin stared, her mouth going slack, then she turned around to see Fergus charging forward with hate and fury burning in his eyes. She went for her knife, but it was still buried in his shoulder. Her jaw tightened, and she drew Fiona closer to her.

The woman stepped forward, putting herself between them and Fergus.

Fergus stopped a few paces away, and his eyes moved from Caitlin to the woman and back again several times. “Wife,” he finally said in a tone saturated in contempt.

“Husband,” Teagan replied. She smiled again, but this time it was tinged with delight. She looked at the knife protruding from Fergus's shoulder and raised an eyebrow.

Fergus tore the knife from his shoulder, threw it aside, and wiped his hand over the wound. The wafting darkness and blue lights ceased as the wound closed.

“Step aside, Teagan. This is no concern of yours.” He pointed at Fiona. “That child is mine.”

“Dear husband,” Teagan said in a reproachful tone. “The mother, and hence the child, are mine.”

Caitlin blinked. “What?”

Fergus's eyes went wide. “No, you can't—­”

“My court was the first to her family line,” Teagan said. “I have claim on her and all who follow.” She smiled at Fiona. “And that you would presume to use this little one to usurp and replace me—­” She looked at Fergus and shook her head. “—­well, that most certainly is my concern.”

Fergus's jaw tightened.

Teagan laughed. “My dear husband, I simply refuse to be replaced.”

“The child is bound to me,” Fergus said. “She partook of my food and drink.” There was only smug satisfaction behind his smile.

“I see,” Teagan said. “Well, that is a problem, isn't it?” She pursed her lips and turned to Caitlin. “I'm afraid the laws are clear.”

Shaking her head, Caitlin pulled Fiona even tighter against her and took a step back. “No, I'll never allow—­”

“We must resolve this matter.” Teagan lightly dragged her finger over Fiona's forehead and left behind a soft golden glow, which faded a second later.

Fiona giggled. “That tickled.”

Teagan looked at Fergus, and a wry smile emerged. “There, she is bound no more. The matter is resolved.”

Caitlin could almost hear Fergus's teeth grind as he fumed.

“No!” Fergus said.

“Fear not, child,” Teagan said to Caitlin, ignoring Fergus. “These are the lands I gave to the noon fae. Even were my husband's power not weakened by his own mischief,” she said and glanced sidelong at the crystal still in Fergus's hand, “I still hold dominion here. You are of my blood, and as such, you have my protection while here.”

Caitlin let out a deep sigh.

Teagan's face turned sad. “Your father was—­” She smiled, but it was tinged with regret. “Well, he was very dear to me. Until he met your mother, that is.”

Caitlin stared. “So you called him because—­”

“I did.” Teagan's eyes were soft. “I'm truly sorry. I never imagined how deeply he loved your mother. My vision beyond these lands is limited.”

“Teagan, I will not be den—­”

“Let me give this child a gift as recompense,” Teagan said. Once more, she touched Fiona's forehead. This time the light trail was soft green. “Hidden will she remain, from all not of my court or blood, until such time as she has decided for herself how she will live.”

Caitlin dared to feel elation. “Hidden?”

“You needn't worry this will happen again.” Teagan put a hand on Caitlin's shoulder. “This child is very special. Both courts in her and mortal blood as well. That is truly rare.”

“She's special for more than that,” Caitlin said, looking at Fiona, who smiled back.

“Even so.” Teagan looked at the little girl and sighed. “She has your father's smile. Did you know that?”

Caitlin shook her head, but now it was obvious to her.

“Go now.” Teagan ran a hand down Caitlin's face. “Your role in this dispute is over.” She cast a quick glance at Fergus and again to the crystal. “My husband and I have private matters to discuss.” Teagan waved her hand and a swirling pool of light appeared. “This will return you to the sidhe mound you used to cross. I wish you both long life and joy.”

Caitlin looked at Teagan. “What about Brendan?”

Teagan shook her head. “I cannot speak for him or his fate. What happens in my husband's lands is unknown to me and beyond my influence. But the Fian are a noble clan; you should honor him and his choice. Take your child home.”

A cruel smile played across Fergus's lips, and it sent a shiver through Caitlin.

“Mommy,” Fiona said, yawning. “Me and Paddy Bear are tired and hungry. Can we go home now?”

Caitlin nodded. “Yes, honey. We're going.” She walked to the portal, holding Fiona tight in her arms. When she reached it, she looked back one last time, but Brendan was nowhere to be seen.

Caitlin wanted to believe he could've made it out, but even if he had . . .

She closed her eyes, losing a few tears, and fought back a sob. Teagan was right. Brendan had made his choice, even after knowing what lay ahead and what it might cost him. Of course, Caitlin had made a decision too, and the weight of it was already settling on her shoulders.

Thank you, she thought
.
I'll tell her about you, about the brave and good man who saved her. She'll know what you did for her, what you sacrificed for her and for me. I swear it.

Blinking away the tears, Caitlin stepped through the portal.

 

CHAPTER THIRTY-­EIGHT

C
aitlin emerged at the foot of the mound and fell to her knees as the portal vanished behind her. Holding Fiona close to her, she began to sob.

“Caitlin?” Edward shouted. “Fiona?”

“Eddy!” Fiona shouted.

Caitlin's heart skipped a beat as she saw him, battered but alive, rushing to them. He was limping, his right arm was in a sling, and the left side of his face was covered by a bandage. Dante and two other elves followed him.

Caitlin let Fiona loose, and the little girl ran to Edward.

Amidst the maelstrom of emotions that raged in Caitlin, relief and joy surged to the surface as Fiona reached Edward and clung to his leg. He smiled and plodded on until he reached Caitlin. There, he pulled the little girl loose, knelt down, and wrapped his good arm around them both.

“Thank God you're okay,” he said and squeezed them.

Caitlin kissed his cheek and buried her head in his neck as tears, now of joy, flowed down her face. Her hand went up, into his hair, and she ran her fingers through it, just wanting to be sure he was really there.

“You're squishing me!” Fiona said.

Edward and Caitlin pulled back, and they just looked at each other, smiling.

Caitlin's smile faded as she reached out and put a hand on his bandaged face. “What happened to you?”

“It doesn't matter.” He put his hand over hers and pulled it away from his face. “You're back, both of you. That's what matters.”

“But Fergus said the oíche had—­” She swallowed. “That you were—­”

“I nearly was.”

“He stopped a ceremony that would've freed the oíche,” Dante said. “Once that was done, we sent them packing. They've since rejoined the Dusk Court.”

“He also rescued the other wizard from the demon controlling him,” Faolan said.

Caitlin looked at him with tear-­filled eyes. “A demon?”

Edward smiled his dimpled smile. “Piece of cake.”

She ran her hand over his face and frowned, tears still running from her eyes. Then she leaned forward and kissed him. His lips were soft, and it felt like coming home.

When she pulled back, she looked at him. “You're sure you're okay?”

“I've never been better.” He smiled, but he saw something in her eyes. He looked around, and his face went pale. “Where's Brendan?”

Caitlin bit her lip. The mention of his name did it for her. Sobs began to escape so hard that her body shook.

“I had to leave him.” She sucked in a shuddering breath. “I had to, Eddy. I didn't want to, but it was the only way—­”

Edward pulled her close, and she melted into him.

“It's how a Fian would want to go,” Faolan said.

The finality of those words struck Caitlin hard.

“It's what he wanted,” Dante said. “He wasn't just a Fian. He was the best of them.” He wiped away a stray tear before looking across the field. “He was stubborn, and infuriating, and he was my best friend.”

“He was also a man of his word,” Caitlin whispered and wiped her own tears away.

“Come on,” Edward said. “Let's get you two home.”

Once Caitlin and Edward got to their feet, they looked at each other. She finally saw him now. She caressed his cheek and leaned in close, kissing his face.

“I love you,” she whispered. “I always have.”

He smiled. “And I've always known.”

“Mommy?” Fiona said.

“Come along, little one,” Dante said, offering Fiona his hand.

“No, Mommy says I can't go with strangers,” Fiona said.

Caitlin couldn't help but laugh.

Fiona smiled, then said, “My name's Fiona Brady. What's yours?”

“Well, I'm Dante.” He did a little bow. “It's very nice to finally meet you.”

“Now we're not strangers.” Fiona offered Dante her hand.

Dante accepted it, chuckled, and smiled at Caitlin. “Arlen will take you home.” He sucked in a breath. “Faolan and I will see to Brendan's truck.”

“He's a hero, you know,” Caitlin said as they walked to the waiting SUV.

“Oh, I know that. I just wish he would've known it,” Dante said. “Perhaps now he'll finally find some peace.”

Caitlin stopped at the SUV's back door. “Not exactly happily ever after, is it?”

“Caitlin,” Dante said, opening the door for her, “this is just the beginning of your tale.” He lifted Fiona into the backseat, then helped Caitlin in as Edward climbed in the other side. Dante closed Caitlin's door, and she leaned against Edward.

“Mommy,” Fiona said. “You're squishing me again!”

“Sorry, munchkin.” Caitlin kissed Fiona's head and stroked her hair. “I just missed you so much.”

“We'll be around if you need anything,” Dante said through the open window. “Or not, if that's what you choose.”

“Absolutely not.” Caitlin reached out and squeezed his hand. “You're family now.”

Dante smiled and stepped back.

There was a shared glimpse between her and Dante then. It lasted only an instant, but it was obvious in his eyes. He knew more about Brendan, and what he was, than even Brendan himself did.

Caitlin didn't know what to feel as they pulled away and bounced down the trail, headed for the main road. So much lost and so much gained. She just held Fiona, leaned into Edward, and promised Brendan that she and Fiona would live good lives.

So help me, you'll never be forgotten in this family. Not ever.