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“That’s because I haven’t had the time,” I informed her. “I’m being pulled in too many different directions.”
She nodded. “I understand.” Her eyes twinkled mischievously. “You two have been hot and heavy for a while now. Do you think there could be a future?”
My stomach fluttered with nerves. I still didn’t know if I was ready to take that step. You’d think after thirty years, I’d know what I wanted. I had to choose someone who’d be perfect for the Frost Court but also someone who could light the fire within me. Mine and Iston’s relationship was more of a physical bond, uncomplicated regarding emotions. That was what made it simple and enjoyable. We could go two weeks without seeing each other and then have the best sex imaginable to make up for the time lost.
Do I love him enough to be bound to him for the rest of my life?Now that was something I had to figure out. I loved being with him, but I didn’t know if I was ready to give him, or anyone for that matter, my heart.
My mother lifted her brows, waiting on my answer.
With a heavy sigh, I finished off my wine. “I don’t know yet,” I answered truthfully. “I’m sure we’ll talk about it at some point.” Much later down the road, I hoped.
She smirked. “I understand. But just to give you a heads up, I think Iston’s way past ready to have you for himself. He visited last week and asked for your father’s blessing.”
Groaning, I leaned my head against the cool leather seat. That was not what I wanted to hear. “Great,” I grumbled. “There’s nothing better than pressure.”
“Iston loves you, Ella. We all can see it. But if you aren’tinlove with him, don’t go through with it. Everyone will understand.”
Will they? Maybe it was stupid to let my desires cloud my judgment, but Iston and I had agreed to keep things uncomplicated. That was what made our time together exciting.
Closing my eyes, I envisioned Iston in my mind and how his sea-green eyes would heat up when he looked at me. I cared for him and longed for his touch, but something was missing. I just wish I knew what it was.
Chapter4
Ella
When I got home and lay in bed, I closed my eyes for only a split second when I felt the pull to the mortal realm. There was a fae who was about to cross over. Over 90 percent of the people I had to help were all from there. Most of us in the Land of the Fae lived to be several centuries old, unless there was a war. Sadly, many had lost their lives during the battles with the dark sorcerer.
Sliding out of bed, I hurried into my closet and picked out the first thing I could find. It was a light blue dress that flowed down to the floor in a sea of silk. The pull grew stronger, like a chord was wrapped around my waist, tugging me.
Quickly, I slipped on the dress and hooked my black leather belt around my waist so I could carry my dagger; I always kept it close. As soon as I was ready, I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, summoning my magic to open a portal. Almost instantly, I could feel the wall between the Land of the Fae and the mortal realm grow thinner.
Under normal circumstances, if I wanted to go anywhere in the mortal realm, I had to picture it in my head, and then I could step through to that exact spot. However, in this case, I had to open a portal to the dying fae. The tugging on my soul was my guide.
The second I latched onto that feeling, I stepped through the portal and into a small cabin. The only light in the room was from the two candles perched on the fireplace mantle. I looked around and saw her lying on the bed with her chocolate-colored hair fanned across the pillow; she was a Winter fae.
A breeze blew in through the open window in the living room, bringing in the fresh scent of pine and earth. There were no sounds other than the rustling of leaves outside and the woman’s struggle to take a deep breath. I hurried over to her and knelt by her side. She opened her hazel eyes, and they widened when she saw me.
“You’re here,” she whispered.
I took her hand and smiled. “I am.”
Her skin was colder than ice. “Are you a Keeper?”
“Yes,” I answered. “I’m here to take you to the Hereafter.” Her lungs sounded even more constricted when she tried to breathe; it wouldn’t be long now. “What’s your name?” I asked.
She coughed. “Linette. I’m from the Winter Court.”
“Yes, I see that. So am I. What happened?”
Her hazel eyes homed in on mine and she smiled weakly. The fae can live for several centuries in our realm, but there were too many toxins in the mortal world. Iron is the main one. As a result, life expectancy was only marginally longer than humans.
Linette let out a shallow breath. “I fell in love with a mortal. I didn’t want to leave him, so I stayed.” Tears fell down her cheeks. “He died two months ago. My heart has never been the same.”
I’d seen it more times than I could count. So many of us died of a broken heart. Our people were known to love fiercely. However, in Linette’s case, it was a mixture of that and iron poisoning from everyday life in the mortal world. I could sense it in her body, eating away at her. Staying was a death sentence, but she chose love. I’d never been in love with someone to choose between life and death – not even with Iston.
“I’m sorry, Linette,” I murmured.
Another breeze rushed through the cabin, and I felt another presence. It washim, the Shadow fae from my visions. I knew the time was coming, but I didn’t expect it to be now.
