Fated By Starlight by Krista Street

Chapter 27

~ AVERY ~

The nearest fae lands’ portal waited at the supernatural marketplace in downtown Boise, so after I left the cake for Bavar in front of his apartment door, the three of us left in my Explorer.

We were all dressed up, but none of us wore heels. The fae lands may be more magical, but they didn’t have the technological advances of earth. In other words, if enchanted carpets or domals—fae animals that were similar to horses but more intelligent—weren’t around to ride, walking was the only option.

“I’m so immensely happy to be sharing tonight with you both,” Eliza said as she skipped along the sidewalk.

I clicked my key fob, making sure my Explorer was locked, before slipping my keys into my purse. “If the comet is as big as you say it is, it should be worth the trip.”

“Oh yes, I hear it’s to be most impressive.” Eliza beamed.

“When was the last time you were in the fae lands?” I asked Charlotte.

She shrugged. “A few months ago? I can’t remember, but it’s been a while.”

We ducked into the alleyway between a mom-and-pop hardware store and a bakery. At the end of the alley, the portal to the supernatural marketplace waited. We would have to hop through it to enter the marketplace, then we could find the fae lands’ portal.

The barrier glowed red, and I sucked in a breath before stepping through it. The sensation of falling, popping, and being pulled apart made me want to squeal, but it was over quickly.

A second later, I stood at the entrance to the marketplace with Eliza and Charlotte at my side.

A buzz of activity filled the air. Vendor stalls lined the cobblestone walkway as peddlers sold their wares. Rich, vibrant carpets hung from one stall. Enchanted clothing, trinkets, and magical bobs filled another. Scents of roasted meats, spicy stews, and fragrant potions filled the air. And a hum of conversation rose around us as supernaturals shopped. I loved the marketplace, but we didn’t have time to wander it tonight.

“This way.” Eliza tugged me.

Farther down the side street near the supernatural marketplace’s entrance lay other portals. Supernaturals popped in and out of them, arriving from different countries from all over the world. There were many supernatural marketplaces around the globe, however, the one here in Boise was the largest and most popular. And since the portals made country hopping easy, it was common to hear a variety of accents.

“Holy shit, there’s a line,” Charlotte exclaimed when we reached the end of the lane.

Two dozen supernaturals waited in front of us, the line moving steadily forward as everyone jumped through the glowing green portal to the fae lands.

Eliza squealed. “It’s gonna be hoppin’ in my realm tonight!”

Charlotte and I laughed.

Our time finally arrived to transfer, and we jumped through the portal together. It spat us out in a field just outside of the fae lands’ capital. The nighttime sky loomed above us. During the day, the sky was pale green with white and pastel-colored clouds, but at night it was a sea of black with luminous stars, three moons, distant planets, and a strip of the cloudy galaxy. It was even more beautiful than earth’s night sky.

Around us, a city of supernaturals had camped out on the field, stretching out on blankets or hovering on enchanted carpets that floated inches from the grassy field, which bloomed with an abundance of foreign, fragrant, and brightly-colored wildflowers. Everyone left a wide berth around the portal, giving those jumping through ample room to maneuver.

“Sounds like the parties are getting started.” Charlotte rubbed her hands as we all stepped away from the portal to prevent being knocked over by more supernaturals jumping through.

Music carried from the capital into the field along with the sound of distant laughter. The capital, which rested on a natural rising mound that rose like a mountain about a quarter mile from the portal, glowed with lit bonfires, fiery torches, and magical lanterns. The stone buildings and thatched-roofed houses were all illuminated.

At the top of the mountain, the castle shone most splendidly of all. Its jutting spires and stone walls soared toward the heavens, each peak alight with crackling sparklers that reminded me of fireworks in the midst of exploding.

“Do you know of any parties we can crash once the comet’s passed?” I asked Eliza.

“My friend informed me about one in the Huntsman Quarter. It’s supposed to have the best music and dancing tonight.” Eliza smoothed her skirt.

“Then that’s where we’ll go after the comet passes.” Charlotte looked around. “Now, where should we sit?”

“It looks pretty crowded around here,” I replied. “Most of the families seem to be sticking close to the capital. Should we leave the open spots for them and walk farther out?”

Eliza nodded. “Yes, we should.”

On the golden walkway that led from the capital’s looming gates, a steady progression of fairies walked with their knapsacks while tugging children in their wakes. Most of them squeezed into open patches in the field, probably wanting to stay close to the capital so their children wouldn’t have to walk too far.

Considering that thousands of supernaturals were already camped out, we would have to travel a fair distance if we wanted to have enough space to stretch our legs.

“Good thing we didn’t wear heels,” Eliza quipped.

“But my boots still look hot.” Charlotte bent her knee, admiring her tan thigh-high boots with platform wedges. The wicked-looking boots were a true statement next to her denim booty shorts and fluffy cashmere sweater. They also showed off how toned she was, and even though they were still kinda heels, Charlotte insisted they were mostly comfortable to walk in.

Eliza and I had opted for more practical clothes, much to Charlotte’s disappointment. I wore flats, black leggings, and a long, trendy V-neck sweater which hung to mid-thigh. It was still cute but warm, while Eliza wore traditional fae attire—an ankle-length fluffy skirt the same color as her hair, and a metallic-silver top with slashes of hot pink.

We hopped onto the walkway and strolled away from the capital. The glowing fires from the parties grew dimmer behind us.

About a quarter mile down the walkway, Charlotte pointed to an open patch of grass. “How about there?”

We’d walked far enough that there were plenty of spots to choose from, but supernaturals still lingered everywhere. A steady hum of conversation and laughter drifted through the air, reminding me of crowded events in big cities back on earth.

My thoughts drifted to Wyatt, to the fact that if he and I had actually started a relationship, I could have attended this with him. Instead, in a few weeks, most likely I would never see him again.

A punch of melancholy, then annoyance, flared through me. It’s in the past and done with, Avery. Time to officially move on.

“Good call on bringing the blanket.” Charlotte nudged Eliza.

“Why thank you.” Eliza spread out the purple and green checkered wool. “Please make yourself comfortable, ladies.”

I firmly shook off thoughts of Wyatt and the inevitable pang of longing and anger all rolled into one messy ball.

We laid down and propped our hands behind our heads. Above, a million stars shone so brightly that I was transfixed.

“This sky is amazing,” I whispered.

“It really puts earth’s to shame, does it not?” Eliza replied.

Charlotte snorted. “I’m more interested in those three over there.” She waved toward three fairies that had grabbed a spot near us. One had a Mohawk and a heavy brow. A strong push of magic pulsed from him, bringing with it a feeling of dread. A tingle of unease slithered down my spine, spiking my internal radar.

“Um, I don’t think they’re fairies, Char,” I whispered.

She propped up on her elbows and cocked an eyebrow at me. “No? What do you mean?”

“I’m pretty sure they’re demons, masking themselves as fairies. They’re probably looking for an easy lay.”

Charlotte’s breath sucked in. “No shit?” She waggled her eyebrows. “Hmm, I wonder what a full-blooded demon’s like in bed.”

I laughed and swatted her arm. “Pretty good from what I hear, but that’s only if you don’t piss them off. Then, the outcome isn’t so pretty.”

Eliza settled more on the blanket. “Stay away from demons and vampires is what my mother always told me.”

Charlotte eyed the trio again. Mohawk demon winked in her direction.

Charlotte grinned wickedly. “Too bad I’ve never been good at following any mother’s advice.”

I opened my mouth to second Eliza’s warning, when a deep voice carried through the wind. I stiffened, all worries about demons evaporating.

“There’s a spot. Does this work?” I heard Wyatt say.

I pressed my lips together, my senses suddenly on high alert, when Wyatt and a group of his friends strolled by on the walkway. But instead of continuing on, they stopped and parked themselves upwind, across the golden walkway from us. They couldn’t be more than thirty feet away.

Seriously? I groaned. The Gods were obviously against me.

Another familiar voice carried from Wyatt’s group. “Looks about perfect.”

I caught the silhouette of Major Bavar Fieldstone before he spread himself out on the grass, the wildflowers crushing beneath him. They hadn’t bothered with a blanket.

Two other large males accompanied Wyatt and Bavar. I could only surmise they were werewolves given their builds and pulsing power. It was times like this that I wished my magical ability was something else. Being surrounded by a field of supernaturals made my internal radar remain constantly on high alert since magical energy came from everywhere.

Unexpectedly, the wind changed direction, and Wyatt stiffened. He turned slowly around, his nostrils flaring and his movements deliberate.

When he spotted the three of us, Charlotte lifted her arm, waving before she said respectfully, “Good evening, commander.”

It never ceased to amaze me that Charlotte could go from being crude and on the hunt for a good lay, to humble and respectful a moment later. But I supposed that was why she’d been chosen for a numbered SF squad. At the end of the day, she knew her boundaries, and stayed within them when protocol called for it.

Wyatt dipped his head, but his jaw tightened. “Privates.” He turned back to his friends. “Maybe we should move—”

“Is that Private Meyers?” Bavar said sitting up. When he spotted me, he grinned. “T’was a lovely cake you left for me. It’s already half gone. I may have to best you again in sparring if this is how I’ll be rewarded.”

A low growl came from Wyatt, but he abruptly swallowed it and plowed a hand through his hair.

My pulse jumped, but I managed to reply, “I’m glad you enjoyed it, sir.”

“You should try her eclairs, sir,” Charlotte called to him. “She made ones with pecans and maple glaze last week. I about died and went to heaven.”

“You don’t say.” Bavar stood, dusting himself off before addressing his group, nodding toward the three of us. “Shall we join them? Might as well. Seems silly to be having a conversation so far away from one another.”

The two other wolves stood, but Wyatt looked at his watch. “It might be best to stay put. It’s almost midnight.”

Bavar cocked his head. “Almost midnight? It’s over an hour away.”

Before Wyatt could reply, Major Fieldstone ambled toward us, then dropped down on the ground to my left and gave me a cheeky grin. “Please tell me I’ll be awarded with more of your sweets this week. I believe I may even be desperate enough to pay for them.”

I snorted, unable to help myself. Even though Major Fieldstone was my superior, he wasn’t my commanding officer, and I was leaving the SF soon. Come that time, he could actually be someone I called a friend, not a superior.

I arched an eyebrow, my expression gravely serious. “How much are you offering, sir?”

Bavar’s eyes widened, then he laughed, his entire chest shaking with mirth. “How much are you requesting?”

Another growl erupted from my commander before he stalked to our side of the walkway, then lay on the grass. A loud huff came from Wyatt when he stretched out and placed his hands behind his head. At least six feet of distance separated us, but I still bristled.

He’d made it abundantly clear that he didn’t want to be anywhere near me, but that didn’t mean he needed to spoil the evening for everyone else.

The two wolves that accompanied them lay in between Bavar and Wyatt but extended their hands toward us, introducing themselves. One was a werewolf from Wyatt’s pack in British Columbia. I vaguely remembered him from high school, since he was someone Wyatt had hung out with a lot. The other was from the Idaho pack, not someone I’d met, and was friends with Wyatt outside of the SF.

Charlotte perked right up at the addition of two new, hot, and single males to our mix. I gave silent thanks. Hopefully that meant she wouldn’t be going home with any demons tonight.

I sneaked a peek at Mohawk dude, but he’d already set his sights on someone else, a drop-dead gorgeous siren from the looks of it.

Poor lady. Hopefully she knew what she was getting into.

As for Eliza, she’d fallen into an awkward, star-struck conversation with Bavar. It was only then I remembered that in the fae lands, Bavar was royalty. That probably explained my friend’s halted sentences and mooning.

But unlike my friends, I couldn’t relax. I told myself I was being ridiculous. I argued internally that it was stupid for my heart to be racing and my pulse to be quickening, because hadn’t I learned, time and time again, that Wyatt Jamison was not the man I’d thought he was, and in a couple of weeks I would never see him again?

Yeah.

If only it were that easy.

∞     ∞     ∞

The hour passed quickly, if somewhat awkwardly. Between Bavar’s sarcastic quips, the two new wolves’ blatant interest in Charlotte, and Wyatt’s stony silence, it made for an interesting if nerve-racking night.

“It’s almost time!” Eliza said when a magical firework exploded from the capital. The number ‘5’ blazed brightly in the sky, erupting in a shower of golden sparks before it dispersed in the atmosphere.

I hadn’t realized the capital would be counting down the minutes, but I had to admit, their intermittent fireworks helped us keep track of when the comet was coming and only heightened the anticipation buzzing through the field.

“It’s strange, though, isn’t it?” I said to Eliza, as we all lay back and waited for the final minutes to pass before the comet arrived. “On earth, comets can be seen for weeks as they travel closer to our planet. Is it always like this in the fae lands? I mean, why can’t we see it now? Surely it’s close enough that we should be able to.”

Eliza shook her head. “Not with this one. The reason this is such a big event is because this comet’s traveling through a portion of our solar system known as the Dark Night. It’s an area in our realm that’s cloaked in magic and makes all light appear dark. You’re right that the comet is already close, but we can’t see it until it passes through the Dark Night.”

I shook my head, trying to process that. It only reminded me that the universe I grew up in and the universe the fae lands resided in were vastly different. Even trying to comprehend how things functioned here would take years of study. Physics on earth was not the same as physics in this universe.

“Two minutes,” Eliza whispered and nudged me when another glowing firework erupted.

Meanwhile, Charlotte was already making out with one of the wolves. He’d moved to lie at the edge of our group, and my roommate had made quick work of securing her stud for the night.

“What do you think it will look like?” Major Fieldstone asked me quietly.

I shrugged. “I don’t know. A big ball of light maybe?”

He settled more on the grass, not seeming to mind the stalks that crunched underneath him. “Legend says that it’s the most dazzling purple color you’ll ever see. That its beauty is enough to blind those who are lucky enough to see it.”

I chuckled. “I’m not sure being blinded is lucky . . . sir.”

He laughed, the sound deep and rich just as a hush fell over the crowd. A golden ‘1’ erupted in the sky.

The countdown had officially begun.

I stared at the stars, wide-eyed, my breath shallow. Magic from Wyatt continued to pulse toward me, but I ignored it. I’d felt power surges from him all evening, but I wasn’t about to let him ruin my fun.

“Less than ten seconds now,” Bavar whispered. “Ten, nine, eight . . .” He continued the countdown.

With each second that brought us closer to the comet’s reveal, my skin tingled. Goosebumps sprouted on my arms as a new sense of magic permeated the air. My breath quickened even more as I gazed above, searching for the phenomenon that nobody had seen in thousands of years.

“Three . . . two . . . one!”

Out of nowhere, an explosion of fiery purple light shot through the sky. Gasps, yelps, and squeals of glee broke out across the field. The comet blazed in a gigantic sphere with a shining tail erupting in a shower of fuchsia and cobalt sparks. It was larger than the fae lands’ moons, the orbiting planets, and the sun.

Applause and cheers burst all around.

The energy in the field grew, the feeling of electricity pulsing along my skin. A deep sense of power vibrated from everywhere, and my internal radar shot through the roof at the feel of the comet’s magic.

My hair stood on end.

My heart thumped erratically.

The rejuvenation was immense.

I clapped in delight, joining everyone in their excitement of the comet’s rebirth.

But then the magic shifted, moving inward.

My clapping slowed. Something swelled and cracked in my soul, pushing and beating inside me.

I gasped, not realizing the comet’s magic affected individuals too.

I didn’t know if I should laugh or smile, but then my lips turned down as what felt like a slumbering beast opened up in my chest.

My breaths came faster as magic rippled along my skin, down my arms, and around my toes. My heart pounded as the power inside me rose. It grew taller and higher, wider and stronger.

“What the hell?” I whispered. The comet continued to zoom across the sky, growing brighter and brighter with every second, until the field looked like twilight.

The cheers and applause continued, but all I could do was gasp shallowly as energy manifested and erupted within me.

“Do you feel that?” I asked Eliza, grabbing her hand and squeezing tightly. “Is it happening to you too?”

She only gave me a brief quizzical look before returning her attention to the sky, her grin never faltering.

Heat began to pound through my limbs.

Blood, filled with crackling energy, rushed through my veins.

Something twisted and squeezed my organs, infusing them with awesome power.

“What’s happening?” I whispered just as the comet reached its peak, blazing bright and centered in the middle of the sky.

And when it reached the apex, the celestial event at its climax, a cataclysmic explosion rocked my core.

I screamed.

Stars.

Light.

Power.

A rush of energy so strong burst through me that I jolted as if electrocuted. It felt as though I was ripped apart and then sewn back together. Died and then reborn.

The comet’s magic raged through my soul, crushing the weak magic in my chest and encapsulating it in a simmering shell.

Then, it exploded.

I screamed when a surge of purple-tinted light shot from my body. Immense magic as bright as glittering orchids bathed the field around me.

Wails from supernaturals followed.

The magic. It was pummeling them.

I tried to stop it. I tried to pull it back in, but my ears rang. My lungs felt about to explode. Blood whooshed through my temples. And I had no control. Everything was out of my control.

No. No. NO. What the hell’s happening?

I gasped, trying to hold onto my centered yet weak magic that had always resided in my core. But the comet’s magic had grasped it, snared it, owned it. Power so strong that it surged through me vibrated amongst my organs, gobbling my cells like Lucifer himself commanded my soul.

I cried out and collapsed back.

I couldn’t breathe.

Couldn’t think.

The power was too great—too tremendous.

And I couldn’t control it.

Everyone around me cowered, running and diving to avoid the cataclysmic reaction that was shattering my soul.

Blood thundered in my ears as my heart beat so hard I thought it would burst. “Help me,” I wailed pitifully.

But nobody could help.

The magic was too great.

Purple glittery waves continued to pour from me, barreling into everyone in their path.

My vision dimmed as the colossal power was more than I could bear.

I rolled on the ground, crying out when the magic shot through my limbs.

Then everything went black.