Page 124 of Kiss the Fae

What if Cerulean’s right? What if our story incites a shift, however slow? Was it worth it? Was this worth that change?

“No doubt about it in my mind,” I say while threaded around him.

“I echo that sentiment,” he replies, the feathered tip of his blue hair resting on my shoulder.

“But what about reviving the fallen animals?” I ask. “What about the mountain? Any chance for peace is moot, otherwise.”

Cerulean hedges, glances briefly at Tímien, and translates something in the owl’s manner. “The fauna will confer with us, not merely with themselves. Until now, failing in this task hadn’t become a feasible possibility. Fear will amplify my kin’s motivation, not reduce it. Survival is the chief priority.” He consults the horizon, then turns back to me. “Yet after everything you’ve exhibited to them, and the inquiries you’ve raised, they might be pacified. What came out today might forestall them long enough to hatch a resolution. I’ll be there to advocate for it. As a Solitary commoner, I have the time.”

Cerulean hadn’t included me as part of the forthcoming negotiation. I know why, and it’s got zilch to do with a lack of debate skills. He wants me to be there, but he’s not expecting it, because he knows what my choice will be.

As much as I hate it, I agree with him. Though I’m not ready to acknowledge it aloud.

We compare theories about how to breach the divide and align our worlds. It’s not limited to The Solitary Mountain. There’s a forest and river to consider.

But Cerulean rebuffs my argument that his brothers are no longer rulers, either. Thing is, the fauna cultures of the Solitary wild are distinct. Although united, the sacred relationships between Faeries, animals, and their landscapes vary.

Ultimately, one of the few parallels includes how to shore up the environments. That means Puck and Elixir are still in charge.

As for my sisters? Cerulean’s not of the forest or river, so he’s powerless within those boundaries. Whatever sacrifices occur there, whatever games they involve, and whatever rules they include are under his brothers’ command. The only similarity is either both of my sisters win—or neither of them wins.

Plus, those games have already begun. Juniper and Cove are in the thick of it. I might be exempt because I’m mated with Cerulean, but my sisters don’t have that advantage. Not that they’d want to be linked to two those pieces of shit.

A defiant thought kindles in the pit of my stomach. What if I—

“Lark,” Cerulean warns.

“What?” I snap. “I wasn’t—”

“I have every confidence in your prowess. However, traipsing into either territory will intensify the Fae’s contempt and compromise your sisters’ ability to win, because they’ll be too busy striving to protect you. Putting it mildly, the entire scenario will infuriate Puck and Elixir to the point where Juniper and Cove will be at eminent risk, more than they already are. That means if they lose, they’ll die quicker and more painfully. Do not underestimate my brothers.”

“Don’t underestimate my sisters.”

“Did you hear what you just said?”

I pause, grinding my molars. “I…fuck this! You helped me, and I made it through! Why can’t I help them? I won’t let them go, and if you cared for me one iota, you wouldn’t let anything happen to them, either.”

Cerulean’s eyes flash a vibrant, violent blue. “Don’t you dare question my feelings for you. Don’t you dare question what I’d do to defend you or your own. My brothers and I are matched in strength and cunning. There’s no guarantee I’d win a battle, but Iwillengage by your side if you wish me to.

“That said, we knew the rules on this mountain. I knew what loopholes to breach, but I do recall pointing out that you made the final move. You cannot predict that banding with your family will inadvertently prevent them from doing the same.”

“Fine, we can’t break the rules without knowing them first. But you weren’t able to guarantee I’d win on my own if you helped, yet that didn’t stop you.”

“False. I knew you’d succeed on your own because I knowyou.”

“And I know my sisters.”

“But you’re not privy to the conditions of the woodland or river, nor do I have that luxury. Trust this: My brothers won’t divulge their secrets to me after hearing about your victory, particularly the part where I sided with you, and most especially not after learning we’re mates. When I tried to let you go, my plan had been to coerce or barter with them for your sisters. Careful plotting aside, it might have been achievable.

“Unfortunately, I was so frantic to safe you I grew careless, forgetting all three of you were expected to win. I overlooked the very ethereal, very brutal, very nature of Faerie—that what’s dealt is dealt. Our rules may have twists, but they must be followed through. Even if we could persuade Puck and Elixir, nature does not negotiate.”

By the land or my hand.

Cerulean had said that in the beginning. If the lands’ rulers don’t vanquish the players, the land itself might. That’s an unpredictable force beyond any of us, at once benevolent and ruthless. If Cerulean and I flout the rules and blast into those realms, nature could retaliate by throttling my sisters before we’d reach them.

A whip and javelin can best their enemies. But they can’t fight nature.

I hem and haw, my protests rising by a dozen octaves, but none of my ideas hold ground. My knuckles curl. I’ve never felt this helpless, not least while tumbling from a fucking bridge.

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