My Resolution

Chapter 12

“You’ll park your vehicle through here and we will continue on foot,” Aisling instructed, as he held his arm up facing his palm toward the trees, there was a bright green flash of light, and a narrow dirt path appeared, just wide enough to accommodate the Land Rover.  

Donovan nodded and proceeded down the path through the new opening in the trees, not indicating any surprise at what we had just witnessed. 

“What was that?” I asked quietly, “And why are you acting like it was normal?” 

“My best guess is that it was photokinesis. Fae can manipulate light, I don’t know all the details, but they can use light to trick the eyes so they can hide things” he explained, shrugging, “You know fae possess various abilities, honestly, I don’t know why you’re surprised.” 

“Yeah, I guess I was just surprised.” 

“Maybe if you weren’t drooling over our guide, you wouldn’t have been caught off guard,” he chuckled. 

“Hey! I was not drooling!” I scowled. 

“Uh-huh,” he smirked and climbed out of the car. 

I rolled my eyes and met him around the back of the car to help collect our things. The hike wasn’t as bad as I had expected it to be, the fae had a well-hidden, well-beaten path that we were able to follow. I didn’t feel that pull toward Aisling again. I didn’t know what to make of it, how could I have had such an intense response and then nothing. I pondered over this the entire time we were walking, but that didn’t last too long; because it only took us about twenty minutes before we stopped in front of a rocky beach.  

“Where are we?” I asked, gazing out over the water.  

“Uscio di Luciana,” Aisling answered, looking deep into my eyes. Instantaneously, I was getting hot again and breathing heavily. “What the hell is wrong with me?” I thought, getting frustrated with my own body. 

I nodded, wondering what the hell that even meant, but not trusting myself to speak. 

“Do you need us to do anything?” Donovan asked, winking at me. 

“I just need the two of you to stand back,” Aisling answered cautiously as he stepped up to the edge of the water. 

Donovan wrapped his arm around my shoulders, leaned in close to my face, and whispered, “Get ready, Valley Girl.” I looked up at him, starting to speak, but he placed his finger to his lips then pointed toward Aisling. 

He was standing with his arm reached out over the water with his palm out, as if he were trying to grab something that I couldn’t see then he rotated his arm in small circles. At first, it didn’t look like anything was happening, then I noticed a small whirlpool beginning to form a few feet in front of him. I gasped as I saw the whirlpool form and then grow larger and larger until bright white light showed through the opening in the middle. He stopped rotating his arm and motioned us to come to him. 

“We will go through one at a time,” he instructed, focusing on the swirling water before us, “Donovan, you will enter first, then Valerie, I will follow behind you. Just follow the light, and don’t drop anything.” 

I zipped my phone into my bag and pulled the strap over my body. The last thing I needed was to drop something into oblivion. 

I was watching as Aisling directed Donovan into the portal. Once Donovan had disappeared, Aisling motioned me forward. He placed his hand on the middle of my back and said, “On my count. One, two, three.” I felt his hand gently nudge me forward and I stepped into the whirling mass of waves. The sound of the crashing waves roared in my ears as soon as I stepped through the entrance. It had been silent just on the other side. I took a breath and walked toward the light, as I had been instructed. I watched the light, hoping I would see Donovan, or something, indicating that I was getting close, but the light seemed to stretch on forever. Then unexpectedly, the light was gone, and I was walking on a sandy beach. Trees stretch across the horizon in the distance and Donovan was there waiting for me. 

“Oh, Goddess,” I ran to him, “are we here? Is this the fae kingdom?” 

“This is their land. I’ve never entered from that location, but we always arrive here.” Donovan explained. 

Before I could ask another question, Aisling arrived. “Did you both make safe passage? Nothing lost?”  

“No, we’re good,” Donovan answered. 

“Fabulous, then let’s continue. We won’t be long now,” he said and winked at me. Immediately heat spread from my core reaching across my entire body. Damn it, I have to get this s**t under control.  

He led us straight to the edge of the trees. Waiting in the shade was another man, who was identical to Aisling, with four gorgeous black and white Clydesdale horses. One of them was hitched to an uncovered wagon, the other three were saddled. 

“This is my twin brother, Ashling,” he gestured to the other man. 

“I hope everyone knows how to ride,” he commented, looking directly at me. f**k, what the hell is wrong with me. My entire body had started tingling. 

I said nothing but jerkily nodded, trying to find my bearings once more.  

“We ride regularly,” Donovan answered for both of us with the shittiest grin on his face, “as long as they are gentle with riders, we will be fine.” 

We were each assigned a horse, and we were finally on the road again. Donovan pulled up next to me, “you gonna make it, Valley Girl,” he chuckled softly. I glared at him. Nothing about this was funny to me. Honestly, this was starting to piss me off. I never act like this; attractive men don’t phase me. I have spent my entire life around, probably the sexiest man I will ever f*****g know, and I don’t respond like this. This is weird as hell, I’m not amused. 

We rode for another hour when the trees finally started to thin out and before us was a spectacular castle built of massive white stone. Spires stretch it to the sky and a high hill rolled out from under, ending at a river wrapping around it and flowing off into the distance. The landscape was speckled with houses that grew denser the closer we got to the castle gates. We began to see what looked like restaurants, a bakery, an apothecary, and many other businesses along the road we traveled. I don’t know what I had expected, but I found myself surprised at the entire world that was revealing itself to me.  

As we wound up the road leading to the front of the castle, I noticed people lined down the front steps. They all had that same iridescent glow of their skin and delicate facial features. I had been hoping to see the colorful hair that had led me to my theory, but nothing stood out, save a few bright reds sticking out. 

We stopped in front of the group, dismounted, and turned to face them. Donovan took no move to greet anyone there, so I waited next to him, glancing over the crowd. A gorgeous man with long raven hair stepped forward, “Welcome, Donovan Fredrick, future alpha of the Snow Moon pack, to the Faerie Kingdom of the realm of the Americas. We hope to serve you well while we are humbly graced with your presence. Please, accept my invitation to rest peacefully within our kingdom.”  

“I, Donovan Fredrick, future alpha of the Snow Moon pack, humbly and graciously accept the honor of resting peacefully within the Faerie Kingdom of the realm of the Americas. I pray you to welcome my companion traveler, Valerie Warner, sole descendent of Baran Warner, former beta and deceased warrior of the Snow Moon pack.” 

“We welcome Valerie Warner, the beta descendant of the Snow Moon pack,” the other man responded. He raised his arm straight in front of him with his palm facing toward us, “I, Quade Thierry Ó Ceithearnaigh, crown prince of the Faeries of the realm of the Americas, declare protection and safe passage over our visitors.” A soft blue orb of light formed in front of his palm and floated toward us. Donovan raised his arm and hand in the same manner and the orb stopped on his palm. He brought his hand down to me, and whispered, “place your hand on mine.” When I did, the orb flashed brightly, engulfing the two of us in bright blue light, then disappeared entirely. 

The crowd then spoke in unison, “As it is willed, be it so.” 

Everyone began moving at once, several people turned back to go inside while a few others, including the price, rushed toward us. 

“Donovan, it's so good to see you.” 

“It’s been too long.” 

“I was so excited to hear you were coming!” 

They all spoke at once, shaking hands and giving warm hugs. The juxtaposition of the intense formality from moments ago and the relaxed informal conversation now had me speechless. I know I had been present for ceremonies as a child, but I didn’t remember any specifics. 

“It's wonderful to finally meet you, Valerie,” the voice of the prince pulled me from my thoughts. 

“Thank you so much, Prince Quade,” I replied, “I’m excited to be here. Please, call me Val.” 

“Well, I will call you Val, if you call me Theo. My name is strong, but a bit pompous, if you ask me,” he jested. 

“Did Aisling and Ashling take good care of you?” a girl, whose name I did not know asked. 

“Yeah, they took good care of us,” Donovan replied, “In fact, if you all would give us a moment.” He took my hand and led me to the twins unloading our bags. 

“Gentlemen, I would like to personally thank you for ensuring our safe passage to the kingdom.” 

They looked up from their task, “Of course,” Ashling said simply. 

“We were happy to help,” Aisling responded, winking at me. There was nothing, no bated breath, no heat, I was more perplexed than before. Good, my body was behaving, but what the hell was happening before? 

“Thank you both, so much,” I smiled. 

As we walked back to Theo and the others I muttered, “What the hell?”, quietly to Donovan. He only chuckled. 

“Come,” Theo announced, “we’ll get you settled in your rooms, then we can discuss how I can help you guys.” 

Our rooms were next to one another, my room was decorated in creamy white and gold, there was an elevated gold four-poster bed with fluffy white bedding facing an elaborate fireplace and the windows were hung with sheer white curtains. Donovan's room was identical, except in mahogany rather than gold. 

We met Theo in his office, Donovan seemed to know his way around, so I just stuck close by him. I would be sure to get lost in the expansive castle with its twisting stairwells, mystery doors, and seemingly endless hallways. 

We stopped outside a door halfway down one of the halls. This must be Theo’s office, I thought to myself. Donovan knocked and we were greeted by the girl from earlier. 

“Hey,” she greeted us, “come on in. I’m Gwen, by the way,” she directed toward me, “Theo’s younger sister.” 

“It’s good to meet you, Gwen. I’m Val.” 

We took our seats on a large couch near the picture window across the back wall. There was a large mahogany desk, but Theo was seated in a large armchair in the sitting area. 

“So, my understanding is that you all are trying to learn a bit about genealogy?” Theo started. 

“Yep,” Donovan replied, “I knew you all kept long records of familial heritage and supernatural history, so I thought we might be able to do some research.” 

“You’re right about that. Luciana, our goddess and the first fae,” that last bit was directed at me, “was tasked with keeping records of all life to the best of her ability. I’m happy to open our libraries to you. Is there anything specific you’re looking for?” he asked with a lifted eyebrow. 

“No,” Donovan denied, that was strange, I thought. “We’re just doing general research on various backgrounds. We’re working on a research project for school. Neither of us have settled on a particular topic yet.” 

“Oh, sure. I remember researching the blue fae for a school project.” 

My face must have given my confusion away because Theo said, “You may have noticed that my light was blue when I offered you all protection.” 

“I did,” I responded. 

“Well, genetically, the fae are linked by color. Each is very individual, but also indicates our lineage,” he explained. 

“Oh, so it’s inherited like eye color or hair color?” I asked for clarity. 

“Exactly,” he responded matter-of-factly, “for example, as a toddler, my hair was Carolina blue, but my sister's hair was navy, but each was still blue.” 

“So, your parents are both blue?” I questioned. 

“No, my father’s light  is blue and my mother's is white.” 

“Why isn’t your hair blue anymore?” I wondered. 

“Our spirit color manifests within our being as we age. The more powerful a fae, the earlier it is manifested. Being fae royalty, my sister and my hair changed to the color you see now on our second birthdays. But most fae children maintain their colorful hair until well into early childhood, most changing by their eighth birthday.” 

“That’s so cool,” Donovan interjected. I did my best to maintain an interested expression without appearing shocked. If I was right about Emma, she could be fae royalty, but her hair had been purple, well, “indigo” by Mrs. Boone’s description.  

We were finally led to the library and given directions on how to navigate the expansive rooms. If I weren’t here for a particular purpose, I would love to spend the next several years just reading through some of these sections. They had sections on every supernatural creature I could think of and others I had never heard of, along with humans and regular run-of-the-mill animals. We were left to our own devices, so I wandered around for a few minutes before heading directly where I wanted to look first, purple fae royalty. 

I began pouring over various books I had retrieved from the shelves, while Donovan dropped a stack of werewolf genealogy books next to me before having a seat. 

“I noticed you aren’t freaking out every time a fae talks to you anymore,” he smirked while reading through the table of contents of his first book.  

“I was not freaking out,” I defended, “well, not on purpose anyway. I still don’t understand what the hell that was about.” 

He started snickering, I just stared at him. “I don’t know what the joke is, but I don’t get it,” I said flatly. 

This just made him laugh harder. 

“Are you going to tell me what's so damn funny?” I demanded. 

He was still laughing, but managed to say, “Yeah.” 

I stared at him, waiting impatiently for an explanation. 

“Well,” he said through giggles, “fae have an allure that they use to keep themselves safe.” 

“What?” 

He finally seemed to be able to compose himself, save the stupid grin, “anyone not under their protection will find themselves weakened by any fae they come across making them unable to attack.” 

I raised my eyebrows in surprise. “That’s what that was? Some fae trick?” 

“You would have found it difficult, if not impossible to attack any of them, right?” 

“Yeah, I bet they could have gotten me to do just about anything,” I admitted. 

“Exactly,” he smiled, “but it's not a power they were using against you. It's just a part of their essence. It's one of the reasons people think of fae as manipulative tricksters. Most fae don’t use their abilities for personal gain, or trickery, but there are always those few. Plus, think about how mad you kept getting, I bet you would feel manipulated.” 

“Would, nothing, I do feel manipulated, but at least I know they weren’t doing anything on purpose. I still think it's bullshit you all thought it was so f*****g funny though,” I seethed, “you could have warned me.” 

“Yeah, but where’s the fun in that?” he shrugged, “you’re always so cool and together, it was fun to watch you squirm a little bit.” 

“You’re an ass,” I huffed, continuing to search for something that might be helpful. “So, the purple royalty has ruled the realm of Asia for more than nine thousand years, by their Queen Mitsuko. She has five children, a daughter who was killed in an accident as a child, and four sons, all seemingly accounted for. So, none are missing. I don’t know if we are looking for missing people, but that’s what's in my head.” 

“I don’t think we can rule anything out, Valley. I’m looking for any births that account for a fae and werewolf union.” 

I kept notes of anything that might be useful while continuing our search. I kept thinking about what Theo had said about royalty turning at their second birthday. There seemed to be no other explanation, if the blood work came back indicating Emma was fae, then she had to be fae royalty. But if a princess were missing, wouldn’t this have been huge news. Wouldn’t someone be looking for her? 

After hours of going over book after book, both Donovan and I were hungry and in much need of a break.  

“Holy s**t, it's four o’clock. We didn’t even eat lunch,” I exclaimed. 

I followed Donovan to the kitchen where several faes were bustling about preparing food. “Excuse me,” Donovan addressed the closest worker, “would it be possible for us to get a few sandwiches?” 

“Of course, any requests?” 

“Turkey and cheese with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and mayo?” I suggested.  

“Yes, ma’am.” 

“I’ll have the same,” Donovan replied when she looked at him questioningly. 

She took no time to put together two sandwiches, a couple of bags of chips, and some cold drinks. We thanked her and Donovan led me out the kitchen and down a hall that led out to a magnificent garden behind the castle. He led me deeper into the garden to a grassy clearing surrounded by pink and orange lilies, where we sat to enjoy our little picnic. After we ate, he rested his head on my lap. 

“Hey, Valley?” he said softly. 

“Humm?” I responded, staring off into the sky. 

“Are you really going to leave the pack?” 

“Yeah, I’m leaving for college at the end of August,” I offered. 

“Right, but that’s not what I’m talking about.” 

I looked down at his face looking up at me, his eyebrows were drawn together, and he was biting his lip nervously. When I didn’t speak, he said, “You’re not coming back, are you?” 

I scraped my teeth across my upper lip taking in a deep breath, “No, I’m not coming back.” 

“Why?” he asked gently. 

“Donovan,” I looked at him, “you know why.” 

“No pups,” he said simply. 

“No pups,” I said nodding. 

“You know, you could stay and just reject your mate. Then they could get a second chance mate, and you wouldn’t have to worry about it anymore,” he suggested. 

“That's true, and I have considered that,” I agreed, “but who's to say he accepts my rejection? Who's to say he doesn't carry on trying to 'win me' or pining in a way that's neither healthy nor beneficial to either of us? Who's to say I can stay strong enough to overcome the bond to make the right decision for my own convictions? Who’s to say I’m just too weak and I won’t end up with a pup anyway that I can’t protect from the cruelties of this life, or goddess forbid I resent them and my mate? That’s no life for anyone, and I will do everything in my power to prevent it.” 

“There’s no guarantee you won’t meet your mate somewhere else,” he pointed out. 

“True again, but I have to do my best and hope the moon goddess is gracious enough to take care of the rest.” 

“Valley Girl,” he choked, “I don’t want to lose you.” 

“I don’t want to lose you either,” I answered, feeling tears forming in my eyes.  

He wrapped me in a tight hug, kissing my cheek. “After we’re done researching tomorrow, I want to show you my favorite place here.” 

I nodded and smiled, “sounds great.”