Page 6 of Whispers of the Water

Edgar moved to open the door of the limo as Rune’s butler-turned-assistant, Charles, loaded all of our bags into the trunk. Rune stood to the side and held my hand as I got in first. There were three black leather benches—one at the rear of the limo, one facing the rear seat, and a middle connecting piece that ran along the length of the vehicle. I slid across the rows of seating, taking special care to hold my fox tail so as not to crush it, and I finally opted for a window space.

Rune slid into the space next to me. Marlow and Avana took the middle connecting piece, and Bassel and Akira sat across from Rune and me. A small bar with treats and drinks was situated across from Marlow and Avana’s seat with a television mounted where a window would normally be.

With the slam of the door, Edgar and Charles made their way to the front of the limo, and finally, we were off. The passing trees were like an ominous sign. There was no turning back now, no option but to see this through and be the best Fox Fae I could be.

Across from me, Akira and Bassel fought to situate Akira’s large, black wings in the seat. Avana laughed at their struggle, and she too now sported her Chameleon Fae form. Her dark skin had an almost iridescent shimmer to it, and depending on where you looked and for how long, her skin glimmered in different shades of green and blue. She also had a long, curled green tail, which was draped on the seat next to her. Marlow hummed to himself as his gold-and-brown patched hands dug around in a jar of candy from the bar.

It was then, while looking at all of my friends, that I really stopped and wondered. Could I do this? I wasn’t like them. I wasn’t Land Fae or Fox Fae. I wasn’t a part of their world, despite knowing I was Water Fae now. I’d lived as a human, which meant I still had human values and experiences, no matter what coursed through my veins. There was an undeniable gap between us. We would never be the same.

They were of the Land.

I was technically of the Water.

With such vast differences, could I really pull off this charade?

I stared down at the illusion of my clawed fingers with a frown. In a low voice, I asked, “Do you think I can really do this? Do you think they’ll actually believe I’m Fox Fae?”

The cabin fell quiet as they each regarded my question. I knew it was a worry we’d all shared at one point, and maybe some of them still had doubts just like me.

A tap came at my left shoulder. I slowly turned my head to look at Marlow, who had leaned forward with his arm still stretched out toward me. He smiled warmly as his skin shimmered under the layer of moisture gathered there.

He nodded and said, “I believe in you, Bria. You can do anything you put your mind to. You’re strong. Stronger than any of us. You’ve proven that by putting up with everything that’s happened these past few months. You’re incredible and amazing in every way, and I know that you can do this.”

My eyes watered. I had never heard Marlow say so much or something as kind as that. Usually, he mumbled incoherent words that made no sense to anyone except him. When I looked at the faces of everyone else, they mirrored my shock.

A smile slowly lit up my face, and a lone tear trailed down my cheek. With it, my insecurity vanished. “Thank you, Marlow. That means a lot to me.”

He grinned even wider at me before leaning back against his seat. His glassy eyes turned to stare out the window, and he started talking about how he really liked it when it rained. The sun blazed high in the sky with no hint of rain, which meant he was back in his own world again. Seeing him rocking his head side to side as he mumbled to himself calmed me with a sense of fondness. It no longer unnerved me when he got that way. I found comfort in hearing his strange stories and watching his unpredictable personality.

I realized that I had found comfort in each of them and their differences. Despite our short time together, being with them felt like being home. I had a place with this group unlike any other, even my adoptive family. The Ashmoores and I always remained cordial, so much so that it oftentimes felt rehearsed and forced. Being with Rune and the others felt effortless. It was like finally being able to take in a real breath of air after choking for so long.

The people here, surrounding me. They were my family.

And family cared for you despite your sins, your faults, your secrets, right?

I swallowed hard, and I knew I’d have to tell them soon—likely not on this trip given everything that would be happening—but soon. I’d have to find a way to be honest and tell them I was Water Fae. They wouldn’t reject me, at least not forever. At first, it would be hard to grasp, for both them and me. I’d most likely have to earn back their trust, and I’d have to prove that I wasn’t their enemy. We’d have to learn how to navigate our new dynamic, which was bound to be difficult. But I knew it would be okay in the end given all we’d been through. They’d entrusted me with the knowledge of their world, allowed me into their home, faced down numerous people who wanted to do me harm, and created a bond unlike any other I’d ever had. So I knew it would be okay, because my home was here with them. And, no matter what, you could always count on coming home.

Chapter Three

THE LIMO CAREENED down a long, secluded driveway. A forested, private property that practically oozed wealth surrounded us. Glancing out the window, I swallowed hard as my prediction was confirmed. The home was freaking giant.

An expansive white mansion stretched out before us. It appeared to be three stories tall with large windowpanes spanning the front of it. Large stone steps led up to the doors, which were made of a dark, fine wood.

The car pulled around the large, circular drive and stopped in front of the stairs. Edgar opened the limo’s door for us while Charles unloaded our belongings. The sheer magnitude of the estate forced me to take in measured, deep breaths. If the home itself was this intimidating, I wasn’t sure if I was truly ready to meet the woman who commanded it.

Rune slid his hand into mine. I turned to him as he smiled and gave me a reassuring squeeze. “Everything will be fine.”

I wasn’t so sure.

The group filed up the steps, shuffling close together. Despite their stoic expressions, I could practically feel the nerves rolling off of everyone. No one was looking forward to this, which didn’t necessarily help the sinking pit forming in my stomach.

Stopping in front of the massive double doors, I took note of the intricate design decorating them. There were foxes chasing small prey carved into the wood, as well as Fox Fae holding fire in open palms. Land Fae were depicted, slaying what looked like people surrounded by water. Water Fae, no doubt.

I swallowed hard at the reminder of what was at stake once I crossed this threshold. Glancing at Rune, I deadpanned, “Lovely doors.”

He grimaced. “My mother has rather poor taste in design and, well, everything else.”

“No kidding,” Akira mumbled behind me, and I noted the way he glowered at the scene of Land Fae slaughtering Water Fae. His distaste for the war between Land and Water Fae was a sentiment we shared.

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