The voices pressed in on her. Harsh words of accusation tore at her heart. Amari turned her face into the dust. Hands clasped over her ears, she was a failure. Every negative thought she believed about herself got new life. Crashing over her like heat from a fire catching onto new fuel, she sunk deeper into herself.

  “You can't do this to her. Let her go.” The words muffled by the winds sounded familiar. “She’s the strongest woman I know. Destroy her and we lose the connection.”

  Amari shifted sitting up, knees tucked into her chest. Her eyes searched the winds for weakened spots. Visions of faces twisted in pain and fear filled every direction. Squeezing her eyes, she tried to block them out but it seemed like they came from the depths of her.

  “Do you know what gives her power?” A slick tone sent a shiver through her pooling into cold despair.

  “Perhaps….” The first voice had a strangled edge to it. “Let me take her home, let it all seem like a bad dream.”

  A dark chuckle seemed to surround her. “Remember, I can make anything real.”

  She failed at every turn. Not worthy to be loved or to belong. Her family deserved better. Nova deserved better. With each thought, Amari's nails dug into the soft flesh of her wrists.

  Then the first voice cut through the wind clearly. “I don't know what exactly Ric taught you. But you are strong, hold on.”

  At the mention of Ric's name, her heart jolted. Asseric, Ruac. Pressing her knees and palms into the dirt, Amari poured the remnants of her strength into drawing up memories.

  The wind whipped, something struck her cheek. Amari drew a sharp breath through her clenched teeth, but she held firm. The feeling of peace running through the woods with Ruac. The joy on Asseric's face when she implemented a new skill. The comfort of strong arms wrapping around her, holding her through disappointment.

  Her breath evened. Her heart stilled. Her tears dried. Silence. Soft fur pressed onto her cheek. A small smile crept across her lips. Her eyes opened to bright greens.

  “Welcome back little one.” Ruac's voice warm like honey soothed away the remnants of doubt and fear.

  “I couldn't see you.” Amari lunged forward, arms gripping around his neck desperately. She buried her face into the warm fur. She wished she could remain in this feeling forever. Frustration bubbled up as she knew it would be a while before that wish came true.

  “You only needed a reminder that I was here.” Ruac's chuckle vibrated into her.

  Amari fell back onto her heels. Her heart clenched. “I lost them.”

  “Who is Tanas Iveld?” Ruac leaned down and looked her in the eye.

  “A very powerful trickster fae.” Amari tilted her head. The memory of cool dark, laughing eyes twisted her spirit.

  “More powerful than I?” Ruac spoke simply.

  “Not with our kind.” Amari shook her head. Each fae had power, unique and powerful all their own, but they were limited in many ways. A sigh pulled the rest from her lips. “Experiencing it was different.”

  “He has his ways to trip you up. But you are mine, not his.” Ruac pressed his forehead into hers.

  “Thank you.” Amari sat in the peace and warmth radiating from him. Images of each of her loved ones disappearing at the clutches of monsters losing potency as she rested with him. It seemed so real. The dull ache of their loss drove her resolve. “I need to introduce you to a few people.”

  “I would be delighted to meet the rest of your family.” Ruac’s tail swished along the ground.

  “Where is Asseric? Can he make it to Diana’s or…?” Amari had no idea what came next. Tanas Iveld being involved in this mess complicated matters. People were being turned on purpose and without consent, though for what exactly was still unclear.

  “Speak with your family. Asseric remains in his domain keeping a lid on Tanas and the other Fae. They will listen to you. A battle is coming and you all need to be ready.” Ruac lifted his head, ears pulling back. “Go, you are safe now and you have a lot to talk about with him.”

  “Who?” Amari pulled her head back.

  Ruac smiled over his shoulder. WIth a wink he disappeared into the woods.

  Amari felt the edge of her forest approach. Walking from the trees, Amari took a deep breath. How long had she been lost in her own mind? Slowly inputs from her muscles and joints pressed in on her. Stretching her neck, she opened her eyes.

  Blinking, Amari stared into the darkness trying to make sense of the shades of grey. A slight sway and rumble registered. Hard plastic pressed into her back.

  “I was afraid you were going to remain catatonic.” Benjamin spared a quick glance back from the driver’s seat.

  “Where am I?” Amari struggled to shuffle around to get her feet to the floor. Scootching up, she placed her palms on the shoulders of the seats pulling herself towards the front.

  This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

  “On your way home.” Benjamin spared another glance before the rhythmic click of the blinker brought his focus back to navigating the dark back roads.

  Amari looked at his profile dimly lit by the dashboard. “Did you know?”

  Benjamin paused.

  Amari slid back on the smooth leather. Arms crossed over her chest, she held herself together. He knew who his father worked for, the thought knotted in her gut. “Do you belong to him?”

  “Not directly. But you know, we belong to the Alpha.” Benjamin turned his head away. The words barely audible about the rocks skipping across the undercarriage.

  Amari understood. Harsh punctuated laughs rocked her chest as Amari bowed her head. Her mind reeling with all the information. “But you saved me.”

  “You are different. There is something about you that vexes and entrances me.” Benjamin locked eyes with her in the rearview mirror. His shoulders relax.

  “Do you still believe your father is right?” Amari held his gaze, the moment stretched as if time stopped. Unbidded images stirred in her mind. His back as he walked away, leaving her in the lab, pain blossomed in the back of her throat. She kept her face neutral at the memory of the gangrenous apple blossoms surrounding Mitchell and Tanas being chummy. Her stomach lurched as she felt the phantom touch of his fingers slipping through hers. Her heart thudded in her ears. Not really sure which answer she wanted.

  “Do I believe everyone should have access to this power you seem to have? Yes. But do I agree with my father’s methods? No. Not any more. You made it real.” Shame cracked the last few words.

  Amari’s arms slowly dropped to her sides. Hands pressed slowly inching her forward. Her voice lowered. “What are you going to do about it?”

  “I don’t know.” Benjamin turned his face towards her. His brows lifted above hopeful eyes. “But something. That I promise.”

  “Okay.” Amari started to nod. Swallowing hard, she sniffed. “Change of plans take me to Diana’s.”

  Benjamin’s eyes widened. His hands squeaked against the steering wheel. “Are you sure?”

  “Yes. We all need to get in the same book or things are going to get a lot worse.” Amari clapped him on his shoulder. With some difficulty, she crawled her way through the front seats. Laughing as she fell into the passenger seat cockeyed.

  “You know Orion will kill me, right?” Benjamin whispered, voice full of concern. “I messed up again.”

  “He will forgive you. Like I do.” Amari placed a hand on his arm. The tightness of his jaw and the slight whiteness to his knuckles. “But knowing you, you need to do something in order to forgive yourself.”

  “Huh. You always knew me best.” Benjamin wryly chuckled.

  “I am going to give you that opportunity, just as soon as we get everyone on the same page.” Amari’s stomach grumbled. Her fingers twisted into her shirt a concerning thought filtered into her mind. “What day is it?”

  “Thursday.” Benjamin looked at the clock. “Friday.”

  “Change of plans again. I need food. Any place open this late?” Amari instinctively went for her device but hung her head. “Do you have my phone?”

  “No but I will go back to the house and grab it the next chance I get.” Benjamin tapped a few buttons on the navigation screen. “How’s Leaf it to Me sound?”

  “They are open this late?” Amari turned her head.

  “I’ll text Jonathan. He lives upstairs and owes me a favor.” Benjamin slowed the car and pulled a one eighty.

  “You’re back!” Diana rushed out the front door before Amari left the front seat. Full throttle, she launched herself at Amari.

  Catching her balance, Amari relaxed into the firm hold of her sister.

  “What is he doing here?” Diana’s tone turned to ice.

  “I would like to second that.” Orion’s deeper tone chilled the air further.

  “He rescued me.” Amari looked from Diana to Orion, then to all the others filled in behind him. “I can explain everything but first, where is Nova?”

  “Asleep. Finally. She’s been beating herself up for days.” Rema stood tall next to Orion, her face just as grim. She turned and whispered something into his ear and turned back to the house.

  “Thank you for taking care of her.” Amari squeezed Diana’s hand, looking at her family she smiled. Home. Nothing quite like being back with the people you love. Even with the slight twinges of guilt as she looked at Max and Elias, Amari tugged Diana closer, grateful to be back.

  Diana gripped Amari’s hand dragging her up the stairs. Benjamin followed slowly. A rough thud, Orion as if he teleported had Benjamin on his toes pressed into the wall with his forearm across his throat.

  Amari’s mouth dropped open. Never had such fiery anger twisted the stoic face of her brother. Snapping out of the shock, Amari grasped his other arm. “Orion.”

  “He TOOK you.” Orion didn’t look down. His jaw was set. Every muscle tight and pressing Benjamin into the wall.

  The death in his eyes, Amari tugged a little more desperately on his arm. “Look at me. I am here. I am safe.”

  Benjamin made desperate unintelligible sounds as he gasped for air.

  “Orion. Please. This isn’t you. Remember vengeance is not ours to take.” Amari’s cheek twitched as he finally looked down at her. Nodding gently, she pleaded with her eyes.

  “Fine.” Orion pushed in before he dropped his other arm.

  Benjamin flopped to the ground. “Thanks.”

  “If I find out anything unsavory happened, you will not be so lucky.” Orion pointed a finger down at him. Stepping over his legs, he walked into the house.

  Benjamin blanched at the threat. Rubbing his neck, he swallowed hard. His eyes found Amari’s and the question hung in the air.

  Amari shook her head. Relief collapsed his body, before he accepted her hand up as Elias lifted from the other side.

  “Stay behind her.” Elias whispered before following Max inside.

  Diana chuckled and pulled Amari along. “You must tell us everything.”

  “It is a long story.” Amari walked up the stairs and motioned for everyone to sit down around the living room.

  Max sat near one side of Orion, while Elias sat and leaned against the couch near his legs. Rema perched on the armrest. Diana refused to leave her side, still holding her one hand.

  “Before I explain everything. I need you all to promise to not interrupt. A lot has happened in the last few days and if you interrupt, we will see dawn before I am done.” Amari locked eyes with each of her siblings and Benjamin waiting at the top of the stairs.

  “We promise.” Rema laid her hand on Orion’s shoulder. He grunted.

  “Well, it all started when I was found snooping. Benjamin had taken Nova out and I had this gut feeling something was wrong.” Amari started recounting the events of the last few days.