Eclipsed Fates of Ever After

CH 6: The Call

~Beth~

I’m disturbed after hanging up with Mr. King. Do I just sit on this, or do I tell the police? No, I’m sure people are going to ask why there’s a strange man visiting with me. They’re all overprotective of me.

“I’ll tell Ms. Lisa.”

“Tell me what?” I jump and squeak before blowing out a breath.

“There’s a Mr. Val King coming to see me tomorrow. He’s bringing people to help with cleanup, too.”

“Oh, and why would he be coming to see you?” She’s suspicious. For good reason.

“You should sit down.”

“Okay?” She sits across from me.

“I got a message in a bottle. Well, a string of messages in bottles, all tied together. I called the phone number. It was Mr. King’s… from his abducted sister-in-law.” The shock on her face mirrors mine from earlier.

“Holy shịt.” Her eyes dart back and forth. “How long? How long has she been missing?”

“Seven or eight years. I’ll find out tomorrow. I was too shocked to ask. They didn’t know she was pregnant. She has a son now. Cute little guy.” I show her the portraits.

“Do they know who took her?”

“I didn’t think to ask.”

“Okay. Well, I want to be there. If you forget or get confused, I’ll help. Okay?”

“Okay.” I nod. She comes around the desk and hugs me. I melt. She has such great Mom hugs.

“I’m worried, Ms. Lisa. When I mentioned the blood, he got scared and whispered her name. What, what if it’s her blood? What if, over the years, she drained and stored bits of her blood, then mixed it with something. What if that was her way of calling out for help?”

“Why would you think that?” I show her the picture. She looks thin and frail. There’s bruises. Why would the artist include bruising?

“It’s what I would do.”

“That would be gallons. It would be…”

“About twenty gallons. That’s why she mixed it with something. Maybe she put it in jugs or something, so it would survive the hurricane?”

“That’s dedication. She definitely wants to be saved.” I nod. “We need to tell that officer.” I look at her hesitantly. “I know, but the officer gave us the reports and pictures. She also filed a report against the tech. I think she should know.”

“Fine.” I reluctantly agree. “Mr. King will be here tomorrow. He can deal with her.”

“Sounds good. So, do you need any help today?”

“No, I’m good. The team is mostly back. They came running when they heard Doug was hurt, and I was here with my hands full.”

“Thank God. You’re doing an amazing job. Don’t get me wrong. But I don’t want you burnt out when all systems are back online. I want you to focus on you. I know that might not be a reality, though. You seem invested in this mystery.” She grins knowingly.

“I am. I want Ella and Dash to be safe. Mr. King seems to adore her. Her husband sounds like a jerk, though.” She laughs.

“He looks like one, too. The pretty boys normally are.”

“Ain’t it the truth.” We laugh together. “Alright, back to work. I want to get as much done as possible today.”

“Me too. I’ve got to know. I hate knowing it’s happening, but it’s a real-life mystery on our doorstep. I’ll pray for them.”

“I appreciate it.” Everyone worked hard. When they heard about the kidnapping and blood mystery possibly being tied together, they worked harder. Almost everyone has become invested.

~Valor~

The call came as a shock. I even dropped my phone and ice cream. We have to find her! I started yelling for my guards, council, and Mother. Father passed away in an attack last year.

My lax brother’s dalliance with a dark witch caused it all. True, she had been slipping him spells and potions for years, but nothing that would control him. It mostly increased his libido. All the aṣshole acts were him. He chose.

He chose to cheat on Ella. He chose to ignore her. He chose to bed that creature on his wedding night as Ella slept, drugged by his own hand. He chose to keep the witch, knowing her darkness. He chose to take, yet another, and spurn the witch.

I chose to throw him in the cells. He will stay there for the foreseeable future. Our sweet sister has taken over. Yōsei isn’t even 18 yet. When other kids are going to parties and worrying about colleges, grades, fashion, and dating, she is leading the fae realm AND the fae villages of Europe and Asia.

Mother and Father planned on eight children. One for each continent and one for the fae realm and Father’s homeland. Now, there’s only the east and west. We were going to rule the fae realm together, but it has disappeared into shadow. Most of our people escaped, but Chann is still in the prison. The witch made sure access was cut off. Only Chann’s blood can undo the curse.

Huh, I wonder… no. Perhaps not. My mind turns back to our family. I wonder what Dash looks like? I hope he took after Ella. She is part of many elf races and animal witch. Animals adore her, and she, them. She is a tiny thing at only 5’1”. Her true hair color is a silvery-white. Her eyes are like crystal seas. Both change without casting a glamor.

Mother is a sylvan. Father was a Kitsune. Chann and I look like normal sylvan. Yōsei Hime is a perfect cross with ears and three tails now. She gained another when she took over for our idịot brother. Could Dash have inherited any Kitsune traits?

“Your highness.” Guard Ellis bows to me. “Pardon the intrusion. Her Majesty would like to know what you are hiding. I told her I know not what she speaks of.”

“I appreciate your discretion. I do not wish to raise her hopes or sew seeds of fear and doubt.” He bows his head gently.

“Your Majesty, the girl.” He hesitates.

“There is something strange about her. You know my gifts. I only see our people, rarely mundanes.” He’s puzzled.

“And you see her?” I quirk an eyebrow.

“Indeed. She has suffered greatly recently. People want to help her. They are drawn to her. But just as a humming bird is drawn to a fragrant flower, so too are bees.”

“Are you saying she is at risk for being stung?” Ellis nods soberly.

“She may have already been.” I rub the bridge of my nose in frustration. The girl is the only lead to Ella we have had in years. She has kept information safe for us. Most others may have turned it over to the police, given all the blood. She held onto it and called me first.

Heavens, Ella, what have you endured? She can regenerate blood quickly and can bleed a pint a day. That’s two cups. She wouldn’t have bled while pregnant. He must be six by now. We’ve had two leap years. 274 gallons!

“Oh Ella, you deserve better.” I rub the bridge of my nose.

“Your Majesty, the girl?” I look up at Ellis.

“We should protect her where and how we can. We will learn more in person.”

“Understood. There are reports coming in of blood all over the coast. We may need to intercede.”

“After we speak with Ms. Miller. I will speak with authorities after dealing with family matters.”

“Understood. May…” He hesitates and shuffles his feet a bit. Strange. He is always composed.

“Please, speak your mind.”

“May I prepare the rooms in your suite for her Majesty and the little prince?” He actually blushes. “After being rescued, I’m sure they won’t want to be alone.” I smile warmly.

“Wonderful idea. Please do. Your mate is too far along to travel, is she not?”

“She is.”

“Than you may tell her tonight and allow her to be in charge of the task. Unfortunately, you will have to come along.” He looks sad. I didn't want to take him away at such a delicate time, but his talents are needed. “I promise, I will give you three extra months off to be with your family after the birth of your child. Paid, of course.” He brightens. Six moths maternity leave is a boon to any family.

“I will tell her right away and finish preparations…”

“No, you will do as I have ordered all others. Go home. Spend time with your family. Mother and I will check everything. We will meet again in eight hours. Apologize for me and take these for me, if you would.” I hand him Claire’s favorite chocolates. He grins and bows.

“Right away.” He is a ball of energy as he leaves the office.

“My son.” Mother enters. She is a flawless beauty with soft brown skin, like tender saplings. Her hair is soft green, like spring grass, and her eyes are like golden suns. Her nose is thin and a little long. Her cat-like eyes are slightly tilted upwards on the outer corners. High, well-defined cheekbones and full heart-shaped lips seem to attract many men. She just isn’t interested.

“Mother.” I smile and embrace her.

“What is this sudden trip? Must we leave? We are safe here. Your brother’s mistakes can’t touch us.”

“We must leave. I have the chance to fix one of our entire family’s mistakes. You were one of the worst offenders. Do you not wish to right your wrongs and prove you have changed?” She looks at me like I have slapped her.

“I… I, yes. Of course. But I’m afraid.”

“Mother,” I cup her cheek gently, “I swear to you, you will be safe. We must do this. You will be meeting a young lady…”

“A new mate?” She asks excitedly.

“No, Mother. Don’t mention that again. Please.” She nods apologetically. “This girl is special, though. She may need our assistance, and I have faith that she will be a great blessing unto us.”

“I trust you and will pray on it while I pack. Can I sleep or do I have to drive?”

“You may rest.” I laugh. “Gather a bag. We leave in eight hours. I must do the same.”

“Yes my darling.” She kisses my cheek before running off. I only hope tomorrow goes well.