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“Almost,” I replied, “have you never seen it?”
A sad sigh escaped his lips. “No. I’m not a full-blood. My father was a Summer fae and fell in love with my mother during his visits to the mortal world. She was half Summer. After being with her, he didn’t want to go back home. He knew she couldn’t follow him; it wasn’t allowed.”
It hurt my heart to know that some would rather suffer the pains of the mortal world for love. They should’ve been allowed to return to the Land of the Fae and be happy. A person shouldn’t be punished for falling in love.
“Where are your parents now?” I asked.
Darin held out his arms. “Somewhere here. I’m hoping to find them.”
I squeezed his hands. “It turns out I can help you with that. All you have to do is close your eyes and think of them. You’ll be transported to where they are.”
A wide smile transformed his face. “That’s it?”
I laughed. “That’s it. Give it a try.”
When he closed his eyes, it only took a second for him to disappear. At least now, he could be reunited with them. I peered out at the lake and was about to return to mine and Kai’s secret cabin in the mortal world when Linette’s face popped into my mind. She had beautiful hazel eyes, and her chocolate-colored hair was just like Kai’s. He even got his Winter skin from her.
Shutting my eyes, I concentrated on her and felt the magic of the Hereafter whisk me away. I was curious to see where I’d be taken, and of course, I was delighted when I opened my eyes to a winter wonderland.
Linette was up ahead, walking through a path of trees in a long silky blue gown. But then she turned around quickly, her face full of surprise when she noticed I was there. She looked younger now, full of life and free of all the sadness that plagued her in the mortal world.
“Princess? Is that you?”
It was surreal to think she was Kai’s mother and I was here with her. There were so many questions I wanted to ask.
“Yes, it’s me,” I called out, closing the distance.
She bowed her head. “I’m delighted you’re here. Is there something I can do for you?”
“Actually, there is.”
My stomach jumbled with nerves. I was never nervous about anything, but I was terrified to hear what she would say about Kai.
Linette clasped her hands in front of her, waiting with a smile. “I’m all ears.”
I stared right into her hazel eyes. “What can you tell me about your son?”
Her face fell and she stiffened. “Kai?”
I nodded. “Yes.”
“What did he do?”
It was a motherly type of response, and it made me smile. “What didn’t he do is the question.”
A look of confusion settled on her face. “I don’t understand.”
Holding up a hand, I stepped closer to her. “I just want to know things about him. For example, what was he like as a kid? He told me he can’t remember what his life was like then.”
Her eyes widened. “You’ve spoken to him?”
“We have a complicated relationship,” I said, grinning. But then my smile faded. “He was there the night you died, hidden in the shadows. I know he misses you.” Linette hung her head, and she covered her face with her hands. I walked over and wrapped my arms around her. “I don’t want to upset you.”
“No,” she whispered. “I’m not upset. I’m happy.” She hugged me back and let me go, tears streaming down her cheeks. “I wish you knew how long I’ve waited to hear something like that.” Her lips trembled. “I love my son, always have. But I knew once his father got his hooks into him, I’d lose him.”
“What happened between you and Alasdair? Did you know he was procreating to form his Shadow fae army?”
She shook her head. “No. That wasn’t revealed until after Kai was born. I tried to run away, but Alasdair always found us. His magic was evil.”
