Ember (Faylinn Series) Read online

  Table of Contents

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Ember

  A Faylinn Novel

  Mindy Hayes

  All rights reserved

  No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage retrieval system, without prior written permission of the author except where permitted by law.

  The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

  Published by Mindy Hayes

  Cover image by Abbey Lane Photography

  Cover design by Sarah Hansen of Okay Creations

  To my mom, who used to draw me pictures and tell me stories of the woodland creatures in Finland. This book is for you.

  Prologue

  Winter was upon us, and as the sun had just set, a bitter cold spread throughout the forest. I ran my hands up and down my arms to warm them against the brisk wind lashing my skin. He appeared from behind a tree, the moonlight shone on his face like a waterfall of gleaming mist. Startled, I lost my footing and fell to my knees.

  He let out an irritated sigh and helped me to my feet. “Humans are so ungraceful. You should really attempt to work on that. After all this time one would think you would be an expert.”

  I glared at him, but kept my mouth shut. I knew better than to talk back. Although, it wasn’t my fault that I couldn’t control this body like I wanted to. It might have been a few years, but my body still hadn’t completely adjusted. I knew it never would.

  “What do you have for me?” he asked curtly.

  “Calliope decided to go back to Faylinn despite the fact that Favner is dead. They left a few hours ago.”

  He scowled. “Well that happened sooner than I anticipated. Why didn’t you prevent this?”

  “There was no way for me to stop her,” I tried to explain. “With Kai and Declan watching her as closely as they do, there was no way I could have prevented it without being obvious. You told me to do whatever I could inconspicuously, but if there was any chance that I would be revealed that I should step back. I did all you asked. At least she survived.”

  “Yes. That is what’s most important.” He brushed his long fingers along his chin, contemplating my answer. “We can still work with the timing.”

  “What about me?” I’d been his puppet long enough. My job was finally done.

  “Now, now. Let’s not be hasty. If my instincts are correct, there will be no way she will go long without going home. I need you to remain in place until that happens.”

  “But we had a deal.”

  Leveling his stare, he said, “And that deal is still in place until I get what I want. She will not last long without the guidance of her father. When she goes to him then you will have your reward.”

  “That could be months. You expect me to wait longer?”

  “You’ve waited for this for several years, a few more months won’t kill you.”

  Chapter One

  “Declan, we have to be close, right? I feel like we should have been there already.”

  It seemed like we had been leaping through the trees and over ravines for hours. It wasn’t that I was tired. Surprisingly, my stamina was still going strong, but the anticipation of seeing Faylinn for the first time was agonizing.

  Declan chuckled. “Your senses are spot on.” He then shot down, out of sight. I stopped, nearly slamming into a trunk, then dropped to the forest floor after him.

  He stood, grinning at me with his hands on his hips.

  “A little warning would have been nice,” I said dryly. “That tree nearly took me out.”

  “But it didn’t. You catch on quickly. Challenge is good every once in a while. You need to be aware of your body so you have an advantage if you need to make a quick getaway and lose someone hot on your wings.”

  “Hot on my wings? As in, hot on my tail?” I raised an eyebrow.

  His brow scrunched together. “Sure.” He offered another smile and nodded his head to the side. “C’mon. We’re here.”

  I remained in place. “All I see are endless trees and valleys.”

  “Of course that’s all you’d see. We have to go through the Hedge first.” Declan took another step and then was out of sight.

  “Declan!” Where the crap did he go? I took a step forward, but nothing happened.

  Then I saw Declan’s head bobbing in the air a couple feet ahead, looking at me expectantly. “You coming?” His arm outstretched toward me, floating above the ground.

  “You look unnatural, just a floating head. I think I’m going to be sick.”

  “Sorry.” He stepped all the way back out through the invisible barrier. “Sometimes I forget you aren’t used to all of this yet. Take my hand. I’ll guide you through.”

  “That’s it?” My brow furrowed.

  “That’s it.”

  I extended my hand and he pulled me through what felt like water, but when we emerged on the other side I remained dry.

  Whoa. “And no one can get through that unless they are fae?”

  He let go of my hand. “That’s right.”

  We walked a few more feet and the tree density lessened. The sun sunk just beyond the horizon. Faylinn came more clearly into view, dusted with a blue haze.

  My body froze.

  The kingdom rolled in the hills of the valley for miles. They hadn’t disturbed the woodlands; they merely built around it, letting the nature be a part of their homes. Rich vines and moss crawled up the cottages, cloaking them in green, camouflaging them from the world. Perched in the limbs of the trees and scattered on the rolling grass, the chalets appeared to belong precisely where they were. It was beautiful, unlike anything I could have imagined.

  “Welcome to Faylinn,” Declan said kindly.

  Before I could respond, men dressed similarly to Declan and Kai, in natural-colored cut-offs and tunics or bare-chests, began dropping from limbs and emerging from behind trunks. Vines wound up their left arms. Every one of them was equipped with a bow and arrows as well as a sheath at their waist for their daggers.

  Keepers.

  One stepped forward and knelt one knee to the ground. “Calliope, this is Dugal,” Declan introduced. “He’s head of the watch for this shift.”

  “Your Highness.” Dugal bowed his head in respect.

  “Nice to meet you.” I tried to smile to hide my embarrassment. When he didn’t get up and every Keeper began to drop to one knee, I couldn’t hold back the quiet chuckle forming in my throat.

  “Declan, make them get up,” I whispered urgently.

  He ducked his head near my ear. “Just say, ‘Thank you. You may all st
and.’”

  I repeated his words, and every Keeper stood tall once more, my eyes taking in the sea of colorful eyes staring back at me.

  “It’s been a long journey,” Declan began. “I’m going to lead the Queen to her castle.”

  “Yes, of course.” Dugal stepped out of the way, sweeping his arm to the side to let us pass.

  As we walked by them, one by one they regarded me with a gentle nod. I mimicked the gesture, not knowing what else to do. Waving my hand to acknowledge them didn’t seem right. I am so out of my league here.

  When we were far enough away I hissed, “Oh my gosh, Declan. I realize I’m the Queen, but couldn’t you have simply referred to me as Calliope?”

  “If you want me to call you that, I can do that. But when conversing with the rest of the fae, I suggest that you keep up with formalities so they know who is in charge.”

  “But it makes me uncomfortable.”

  “Well, that’s simply something you will have to get used to,” he stated without a hint of sympathy.

  Okay, Kai. I sighed heavily in defeat and followed his lead as we walked down the hillside into the valley. Balls of light sprinkled the trees and dotted the ground, like the lights on the floor of a dark movie theater, forming illuminated pathways.

  “What’s creating the light?” I wondered aloud.

  He tilted his head toward me and smiled. “Fireflies, of course.”

  I chuckled. Of course.

  As we made our way through the land, one by one, vibrantly multicolored eyes found me. It wasn’t instant recognition, but when I was recognized, mouths hung open and eyes gaped. Some bowed, some nodded courteously, but everyone watched. As the word spread while we walked deeper into the heart of Faylinn, faeries came out of their homes just to see me walk by.

  I wanted to ask what they were staring at. My heart sped and my stomach knotted over the realization that I wouldn’t leave until I became used to this. But the question was never asked because I knew. They all wanted to have a look at their new rightful heir to the throne. Apparently curiosity was a common trait in all living creatures.

  Declan strode beside me with pride. I felt it in the way he walked and held his head high. He stood as a true protector. “It’s okay to acknowledge them, you know,” he murmured down to me.

  “Yeah, I realize that,” I whispered back. “Right now I’m trying to find the will in me not to fall or faint.”

  He chortled. “I understand. Just lift your hand in a small wave. You don’t even have to look at them.”

  “As if that’s not completely rude.”

  He gave me his arm. “I won’t let you fall.” I took it gratefully and did my best to nod at those we passed by.

  A pair of indigo eyes met mine from a doorway in a giant hollowed out trunk, giving my heart a jolt. But when I looked into the face of the faery, they didn’t belong to the face I expected to see. It was a woman in his place. There was a twinkle in her eyes when she smiled and bowed. I offered my best smile, hoping it didn’t look like a grimace.

  “I live up there.” Declan’s voice pulled me from her face as he pointed into the trees next to her house. High above the rest was a small hut perched in between a y-shaped trunk, cloaked in branches thick with leaves.

  “You’ll have to give me a tour tomorrow.”

  He chuckled. “I highly doubt there will be any time for that.”

  “What? Why?”

  “Calliope, you have a lot going on tomorrow. The first day of your reign is going to be a big celebration. You’ll be given the crown, and everyone is going to want the chance to meet you. Tomorrow will be reserved for the Dawning and a celebration. No one will work. The whole day will be dedicated to you.”

  “Please tell me that’s a joke.” His facial expression didn’t change. “And what if I don’t want to? What if I don’t want a full day dedicated to me? Can’t they just put the crown on me and call it good?”

  “It would be a tad disrespectful to tradition.”

  I huffed a sigh.

  We walked deeper into the heart of Faylinn and reached a grassy meadow. In the center of the pasture was the castle. Was it too much of an oxymoron to call it a quaint castle? The stone structure rose, captivating, above the village, but didn’t tower like a monstrosity. It was created to set itself apart from the other charming cottages, but not to diminish the beauty of the rest of the village.

  Ivy crept up the six staggering towers—three on either side—and sprouted along the arched entrance. Little square windows circled the top of the hourglass-like towers, perfect for watching over Faylinn. Nature encompassed every crevasse and corner of the castle as though the structure was built around the trees.

  “Welcome home.” Declan swept his hand in front of us, leading me toward the entry.

  A tall man dressed in a khaki tunic and black britches stood to one side. “My Queen.” He deeply bowed.

  “Hi,” I replied lamely.

  “Let me introduce you to Evan,” Declan said. “He will be your personal advisor. Any guidance you need, he will be at your disposal.”

  “It’s wonderful to finally meet the daughter of Finnian.” His tangerine eyes sparkled under the moonlight.

  “Evan’s been serving by your family’s side for generations.”

  “Oh.”

  Evan’s radiant eyes softened. He didn’t look his age. His face wasn’t young, but he didn’t look hundreds of years old either. Though I could see the years he’d lived in his eyes, so wise and experienced, he didn’t seem more than fifty years old. “You come from a very influential family, my dear. It’s good to see the line did not end with your uncle.”

  I gave him an appreciative smile. “Thank you, sir.”

  “Oh, no need for those types of formalities with me, Your Majesty. Please call me Evan.”

  I nodded. “Okay. Thank you, Evan.”

  “Evan,” Declan interjected. “I think our Queen would like to be shown to her room.”

  “Of course.” Evan stepped aside, dropping his head as we passed. “Have a good evening, Your Highness. I look forward to serving you and seeing you crowned tomorrow.”

  I waved meekly. “It was nice to meet you, Evan.”

  “Likewise.”

  I trailed behind Declan as he guided me through the halls. Strands of greenery snuck up the inside of the stone and tree trunk structured walls. Lantern lights flickered. I paused, watching the fireflies flit about inside the glass.

  “Calliope,” Declan prompted. “It’s really not customary for me to be leading the way here.”

  “It’s not like I know where I’m going,” I retorted.

  “True.” He chuckled. “But, I would feel better if you would at least walk by my side.”

  As we walked, his arm brushed mine. I was grateful for his comforting company in this foreign place. He was the one thing that made me feel like I could eventually call this home.

  The halls were dim, only illuminated by the moonlight that shone through the windows and firefly lanterns. Once we reached a wooden spiral staircase, he took my hand. “Your room is this way.” He led me up behind him, keeping my fingers secure between his.

  We passed a couple doors before Declan stopped in front of one and opened it, letting me pass before him. Light from the night sky cascaded into the room from the windows on the far wall. A queen-sized four-poster bed was nestled in the right corner. Vines dotted in pearly blue flowers curtained around the white bark bedposts.

  Declan squeezed my hand before letting it go and set my bag down inside the door.

  “This will be your bedroom. The washroom is through that arch,” he said, pointing to a vined archway on the left side of the room.

  “It’s beautiful.”

  “I’m glad you like it.” I felt his eyes on me as I surveyed the room. “I think I’ll let you sleep. You have a long day ahead of you; dawn will be here before you know it.”

  I turned to him. “You’ll come get me in the morning, right
?”

  A subtle smile grew on his face and his aqua eyes lit up warmly. “If that’s what you would like.”

  “Please.”

  He nodded and bowed out of the room. “Goodnight, My Queen.”

  I made a face, but didn’t correct him. “Night, Declan.”

  The door closed and silence blanketed the room. It suddenly dawned on me that I was truly all by myself in this unfamiliar nature-filled room. I’d never really been alone before. I wouldn’t be saying goodnight to my parents. And though I’d seen them a few hours ago, I had never felt more alone in my life.

  There was a nightgown lying across the foot of the bed. It looked a lot more comfortable than the tank top and flannel pajama bottoms I brought, but I needed the comfort of something that belonged to me—something that tied me to home. After I put my familiar pajamas on, I crawled under the cream blanket below the branches and flowers. I already knew it was going to be a long night trying to fall asleep in a new place. I heard nothing but the sound of crickets and rustling leaves outside my window. I waited several hours for sleep to take me as the same thoughts circulated through my mind.

  Faylinn is my home now.

  This is my kingdom.

  Chapter Two

  I groggily woke up the next morning to shuffling feet. My body shifted between soft sheets and billowy pillows, nestling deeper into the softness. I did not want to wake up. I was much too comfortable and warm to get out of bed. Was it really time to get up? It couldn’t be time for school yet. I nearly felt sick to my stomach from my lack of sleep.

  A subtle feeling crept over my body like I was being watched. When I pried my eyes open, I jolted and pulled my covers up tightly. Hovering over me were two sets of eyes, one vividly emerald and the other bright fuchsia. Both sets were accompanied by large grins. The smiles were meant to be friendly, but after only maybe three hours of sleep, they did not come across that way.

  “Oh, Your Majesty,” the one with emerald eyes said. “I’m so glad you’re finally awake. It’s time to get you ready!”