The Marauder Faeries-Dark Fay Chronicles Book 1

CHAPTER 9- A Lost Soul

Melody Landers

The vampire guards surrounded us, Marauders. I was afraid…Should I fight or watch the death of Penelope in front of my eyes? Queen Bree Guinevere is such an evil vampire. I never wanted to be in this situation. The Marauders are starting to have a mission but inevitably failed. I was constantly reminded by my conscience since it was all my fault. I failed to become the leader of my group.

Now I and my fellow Marauders are tied up. Benji was tied up with Wren while I was tied up separately. They poured hot water on our wings which made us unable to fly right now. It somehow damages our wings when it gets wet, especially with hot water. I then looked at my friends. I felt bad for all of us. It was a nightmare while I was awake. We stayed at the back of the stage, other vampires can’t see us, unless they have x-ray vision.

Minutes later Xander has flown above us while bringing out Penelope. Penelope looked sick; she was weaker than her spiritual self. Her troubled face made me feel bad for her. The kind of mercy that I would save her if only I could. Benji was angry with me and told me that I was acting like a fool to not do the Queen’s deal. While Wren stayed silent with glancing glares that made me feel awful.

I didn’t know what to do, at first, I thought to use my magic. But then again, we will still be surrounded by the swarm of angry vampires. The weapons are useless to us. If we kill anyone, Penelope is good as dead. If we use any magic, we become slaves and we won’t be granted any pardon if we go to prison.

I then thought of a plan, something that might change the situation. If only Benji and Wren could help me. “Benji and Wren, I’m so sorry,” I told them in my sincere voice. Wren’s glare faded, Benji looked at me like I wasn’t sincere enough for him. “Benji, I can save Penelope. Both of you got to help me.” Benji at first was considering helping.

Maybe it was because he might quit our group and our friendship would be over. As soon as he nodded, I felt relieved. “If you do this right Melody, I would consider staying as your Marauder,” Benji says, he winked at me. Wren looked at me, I felt this awkward feeling that had always haunted me. “Mel, same as Ben-Ben. I would do the same. Please don’t fail us and the witches."

I explained my plan in detail. I used my small pouch to call the Amethyst and the warlock guy... The vampires wouldn’t notice that the witches will arrive. Penelope was sitting on her chair. I don’t know how this execution would work. Bree meant immediate death would be given to her. This made me panic about when the Amethyst would arrive.

I noticed a woman in her black coat arrived; It was Amethyst. Thankfully she’s finally here! I then used the pouch to alert myself that I am here. She noticed the signal and went to the back of the stage. “Amethyst!” I whispered a bit too loud. Benji and Wren tried to silence me. Good thing that the vampires didn’t notice me.

“Shh… sweetie, I’m here to help. Dusk and I knew that you might fail to save this mission.” She then untied me by snapping her fingers. All the ropes and a few chains are cut loose. “I think my sister can’t be saved. I accept the fact that I’ll only see her spirit.” Amethyst told me; it hurts to see her so heartbroken.

“It’s not true. We can save her, Benji, Wren, and me. We can do some distraction and you can free her yourself.” I told her then hugged Amethyst as tightly as I can. I let go, my hands are shaking. My purple eyes felt like they changed into blue. My hair started floating in the air. “Oh no, Melody! The powers I gave you, it's fading!” Amethyst whispered trying not to get the Vampire’s attention.

“Benji… Try using your shadow powers. Wren, do what you can to help her calm down.” Amethyst said. All of their voices are fading, it was muffled and choppy. Then I entered some sort of vision came into my mind. My eyes are open but not open to the real world. It was like I was alone, somewhere in between reality and imagination.

“Melody…” A voice said I wasn’t sure to identify it as him or her. It sounded like it wasn’t from this world. “Where am I?” I asked the voice. I did whatever I could to concentrate so I can get out of this state of mind. “You are in the Inner World. Somewhere underneath but distant. This is where I live. I need to speak of you. If ever you fail, Amethyst’s soul and her sisters would be lost in Oblivion. I want you to save them.”

“What if I can’t?” I asked the voice. I was feeling unworthy to save them even though I promised Amethyst to save her sister. “Then she can’t help you, you’ll fail and the Marauder won’t save your fellow faeries from slavery.” The voice slowly faded, and I heard it say: ‘Be strong, you choose what is right for all.’ Then it disappeared. I woke up in Benji’s arms.

Benji looked worried. I don’t know how to react. They both are concerned. The vampires didn’t care about checking backstage. They only focused on their Queen’s very long speech I can hear from here. Benji cupped my face. He then went near me… Slowly coming closer to my face. His breath made me feel its warmth. He made me smile.

He then inched closer, until he kissed me. I was a bit shocked since it wasn’t on my cheek. He pressed his lips against mine. “Stop it, Benji.” Wren angrily said in a low tone, clenching his fists. He interrupted me and Benji since he seems to be interested in me. “What you're jealous of?” Benji said as he moved his back and stopped kissing me.

            “You know what? You better of finish this stupid mission without me.” Wren then left us; the vampires allowed him to leave. Which meant me and Benji must do this together. Benji used his shadow powers to distract the Queen. Amethyst started to untie Penelope. I then appeared when I finished dressing up with magic, wearing my ball gown and mask.

            We saved Penelope, brought her away from the vampire’s territory. We arrived near a willow tree; it was where the witches lived underground. We went down and saw that the witches have fireflies as their light to guide the way, along with glowing spiders. Some spiders can encode messages on their bodies. I and Benji looked unhappy that Wren left us.

            “It was my plan to kiss you. I was making sure you are awake and yourself.” Benji explained, if only I could say that he was taking advantage of me I would have. “I also have another reason Melody.” He then placed his hand on my cheek. I was sure that he liked me, but I don’t know when that feeling of his start.

            “You should put aside your feelings. I don’t know how should I be ready for this kind of relationship Benji.” He then looked at me, earlier he was a bit mad, but now he acts okay with a so-called romantic gesture I didn’t like. “If you got a problem say it to my face, Melody.” He then passed by me as if I wasn’t there anymore.

            I lost my balance and fell on the floor for no reason. Amethyst helped me up and smiled at me assuring me that it was okay. “Melody, you must rest. The side effect for the powers is troubling you.” Amethyst led me to the Bathing room. Here she placed a few petals on green glowing water. “You must bathe in this water; it will help you heal your powers. I noticed it got burnt out.” I undressed and only wore my underwear as I relaxed in the water. She then let me rest, I fell asleep.