Chapter Seven

 

 

 

 

Gray stone of granite and marble was everywhere. It composed the walls, the ground and the looming roof overhead. Only the caverns that were fed by waterfalls and springs shined in blue and gold light from the faery lamps surrounding the small lakes of water that rippled softly like pools of black ink. These were her favorite spots in the deep underground city of Teleen. The only solace she could find in the vast rocks and boulders.

The cool air that dissipated across the water felt fresher here and less claustrophobic than the windowless chambers of the stone rooms and halls. It was always cold too, much colder than she would’ve ever thought it could be underground. At least it was constant, like the thermostat was stuck on one setting only–ice cold.

Evie had returned here many times with Jack. This last time, she had returned to stay forever. There was nothing left for her back home. Verenis had made sure of that. She wiped away a lone tear that slipped from her eye and pulled her knees closer to her chest. The cool rock beneath infiltrated her warmth like ice, making her concentrate more on radiating her inner fire toward her skin to keep the cold at bay. At least her fire elemental power had come into great use here. The Teleen never were cold. Under the glamour they wore to look more human-like, they were pure blue fire and lighting, never made to feel the cold. Never without light and warmth.

Evie wondered if this was really home now. It didn’t quite have that feel yet. Only being with Jack had made her stay here even one bit comfortable. It was scary and so big, she felt lost in this entombed place. There were more men than women too. Engaged to Jack had kept her from the clutches of being courted endlessly by the single men here. She’d been relieved, but felt the desire in their eyes as she walked past some of the men. Their stares sent ripples of fear through her, but she would walk with confidence to repel any malice they might be thinking. She made sure to perfect her fighting skills whenever she could, just in case she ever would need it. She was near warrior status now, she was that good.

The thought of her sister Jade brought a slight whimper to escape from her lips. Evie couldn’t believe what Verenis had done, though she understood why. Erasing Jade’s memory of anything to do with Faerie included her memory of Evie. She’d discovered this when she’d run into him after he had enchanted Jade. Questioning him of his intentions with Jade, he’d made her understand what he had done and why.

Verenis was a hunted man, and the Unseelie army was coming for him after, hunting his faery family, to bring his kingdom to ruin. Jade had just told him she was pregnant with his child. Even with all the happiness which had surged through him, he had felt the dread creep in. The Unseelie Queen would kill them all without doubt. If she discovered Jade was his wife and carried the heir to the Summer Seelie Court, they were doomed. Verenis was not equipped to defend them against the evil or the power of the Unseelie army. The Queen would crush them all. She’d already taken so much from Verenis as it was. So much.

Knowing there was no other way, he had erased Jade’s memory. The conversation echoed in Evie’s head as she choked her tears back.

 

“What have you done?”

“I made it safe for Jade and our child.”

“Made it safe? What happened?” Evie’s eyes had grown wide with fear as realization filled them. “The Unseelie…they’re coming aren’t they?” The look on Verenis’ face told her everything.

“I have to warn her…” She started for the house, desperate to get to Jade.

“No!” He grabbed her arm and pulled her back. “She won’t remember anything. I erased the memories of Faerie, of our relationship...” He had let his head hang down as his voice cracked. “…and she won’t remember you.”

“What?”

“You’re a faery. I couldn’t weed out the memories selectively, she won’t remember you either. It’ll keep her safe. They’ll find no trace of me or anything of Faerie here.” He let go of her and stepped away. “I’m sorry, Evangeline, I had to. Jade and the child will be safe this way. Please understand.”

 

As he had told this to Evie, she knew he was right. She had let him go, turning to look into the windows of the house that had been her childhood home. She saw Jade washing dishes as her new husband came up behind her, nuzzled her neck and kissed her skin. They looked happy, though it was all a farce.

Verenis had chosen him personally to take his place. A human husband, oblivious that it was all a spell−a trick. He thought he was the father of the child in her womb. He thought Jade was the woman of his dreams. Verenis had made it so and nothing Evie could do would change it.

But, she didn’t want to change it, even though her heart was breaking. To save Jade and because she loved her sister, Evie turned away. She left her to her new happiness without memories of Faerie. Without memories of Evie. Never to return again.

She had slipped away into the dark clutches of the forest, back to the Teleen Caverns, back to her Jack. The only family she had left.