Page 1 of The Dark Rises
CHAPTER ONE
MERI
Betrayal doesn’t hide in the dark like a thief in the night. It hides in plain sight, waiting for the right moment to strike. This time it struck at dawn in the light Fae court. Solandis saved, crown gone, traitors vanquished; I step from the portal into The Abbey with Cormal and Madoc at my side, bitterness and anger warring inside me. Not for the crown I willingly gave up, but for the loss of the queen I could finally see when I looked into the mirror.
Arden, Valerian, and Theron greet us, weapons and magic held at the ready. At the sight of Cormal, they relax, only to tense a second later when they see Madoc. Tall, dark, with a menacing scowl on his face, he doesn’t appear the least bit friendly.
If this morning’s attack was a moment of betrayal, this is a moment of truth. Madoc’s agenda might align with ours, but it doesn’t mean he’s with us. He has gone out of his way to save me… three times. The wendigo, Denir, and Camon. And he evenhelped me defeat Hyne, the kraken. But do I trust him? That’s the important question.
I look up and find his predatory stare locked on the three in front of him. He must sense my gaze because his eyes swing down to mine. Wariness changes to amusement and his eyes lighten as he senses my dilemma, but not one plea passes his full lips.
His warm, scarred fingers loosen their grip on my hand, as if he’s preparing himself for my rejection, but mine automatically tighten. Somewhere along the way, I started to trust him, and I didn’t even realize it. Maybe it’s because he saved me and asked for nothing in return. I’ve always dreamed of a knight in shining armor. In Madoc’s case, tarnished armor might be more accurate, which I oddly find appealing. Regardless, black and white, good and bad aren’t scales I’ve used in my life, and I don’t intend to start now.
Swinging my gaze to Arden, I hold up our linked hands. “Madoc is with us.”
Her green eyes return my stare and narrow for a moment, then the prickle of her magic disappears as she slowly pulls in her power. But Valerian and Theron turn toward Cormal for confirmation.
Cormal snorts at my statement. “With you, maybe. I don’t trust him.”
Madoc, his face stern, nods once. “Good. We share a goal, not a friendship.”
His tone is nonchalant, but his muscles are tense as he waits for Cormal to make up his mind.
With gritted teeth, Cormal turns to Arden and her men. “As much as I want to remove him from this world, and from Meri’s side, Madoc stays. For now. The enemy of our enemy and all that. A shared purpose, but not a friend.”
Theron, violet eyes narrowed, sheaths his swords. Valerian also relaxes, releasing the magic swirling around him until it dissipates.
Arden rolls her eyes at them all.
I glare at Cormal. “I consider him a friend.” Sort of. As much as you can befriend something so wild.
Madoc makes a strangled noise in his throat, and Cormal grunts.
Dismissing them, I reluctantly release both of their hands and walk over to Arden to give her a hug. The familiar smell of strawberries and champagne tickles my nose. “It’s good to see you. Solandis?”
The crushing hug I receive in response is almost terrifying in its strength. “She’s here. Safe. All because of you. We can never repay you for what you’ve done.” Her green eyes are swimming with tears when she releases me.
“She’s family.” They all are to some extent. Arden, Vargas, and Callyx. But Solandis’ unwavering support and love is everything to me. A crown is nothing compared to her. “Where is she?”
Arden’s smile dims. “She’s resting right now. Vargas’ orders. Although, I think she was relieved to relinquish control for a while. This really took a lot out of her, especially with the pregnancy. Vargas will come get us when she’s up for visitors.”
I desperately want to see Solandis but I hold off. Her needs come first. At least she’s safe and unharmed. I doubt this would have fazed her under normal circumstances, but the baby changes everything.
Arden leans in close and whispers, “Callyx returned to The Underworld to report to Lucifer.”
It’s clear she doesn’t want Madoc to hear her. “I understand.”
Arden straightens and waves a hand toward Cormal’s bloody shirt. “Do you need healing?”
To my relief, Cormal rubs his hand across his chest and shakes his head. “Now that we’re out of Fae lands, it’s healing quickly. Thank you.” He tilts his head toward me. “The Underworld is Leandra’s domain and until we can find the bitch, I want to be sure Meri has a safe haven. Is it okay if she stays here?”
Valerian shares a look with Theron, then they both nod.
Theron turns his gaze toward Madoc, cool violet eyes studying him intently. “I assume you’ll be staying too?” When Madoc dips his chin, he warns him. “The Abbey is a sanctuary, and she protects her own.”
With that subtle statement, he motions for us to follow him. “I’ll show you to your rooms. All common areas are open to you, including the library, rooftop, and training rooms.”
As we enter the elevator, Madoc hesitates. “Old magic powers this contraption.”
