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It didn’t take a genius to figure out why Reaghan was there. Esther was trying really hard not to get pissed.
“Please don’t take offense. It’s not that I don’t believe you,” Isla said. “Once I explain the story, you might understand.”
Esther gestured for her to continue. “Do tell.”
After a glance at Hayden, Isla began. “When the Druids split into mies and droughs, it didn’t take anyone long to conclude that if left unchecked, the droughs could do untold damage. Yet no one wanted to be the one to stand against them. The few mies who had the ability, wanted to protect their families.”
“Understandable,” Esther said.
Isla raised her brows and gave a brief nod. “It is. Luckily, there was a group of mies who had an affinity for monitoring other Druids. A brother and sister, together, began what no one else would do. They policed the droughs. They were so effective that the Ancients bestowed a great honor upon the Clacher family. Every generation, a brother and sister were born to continue the tradition of containing the droughs.”
Esther heard every word, but as she did, she also saw it in her mind—as if she’d lived it. Which wasn’t possible.
Chills raced along her skin. Esther tried to reach out to hold onto something, and then a strong hand grabbed hers. She didn’t need to look to know it was Nikolai. Isla’s voice grew quiet as if coming from a great distance.
“The brother and sister duo were soon labeled by the Ancients. The female was the TruthSeeker, and the male the JusticeBringer,” Isla continued. “Unfortunately, the Clacher family soon caught the attention of one of the most evil droughs ever to walk this earth—Deirdre. I was her prisoner for years, so I know just how malicious she was. When she learned about the siblings, she wiped the entire family out in one afternoon. None escaped her wrath.”
Esther drew in a shuddering breath at the foggy memory of a blade narrowly missing her throat. The brush of air as the weapon swooped made her jerk back. When she blinked, the images she saw vanished, replaced by the flat and those inside it. She turned her head to the side and looked at Nikolai, who gave her a nod of encouragement.
“They’re all gone then?” Esther said as she returned her attention to Isla.
“Every last one,” Isla replied.
Esther licked her dry lips. “Then I can’t be the TruthSeeker.”
“That isn’t true,” Reaghan said as she leaned forward. “The Ancients and magic work in mysterious ways.”
Nikolai’s hand tightened on hers. Hadn’t they just had this conversation? She looked from Reaghan to Isla. “I don’t have a shred of magic. I’m not a Druid, nor do I claim to be one.”
“We know,” Isla said with a comforting smile. “But if the Ancients did appoint a new TruthSeeker, I’d like to know.”
“Why wouldn’t they use Druids again?” Esther asked.
It was Nikolai who said, “Because there are no’ as many of them as before. Many doona even know they’re Druids, while others refuse to practice.”
“Shall we?” Isla asked.
Esther kept hold of Nikolai as she turned her head to Reaghan. “Yes, let’s. I’d like to get an answer to something tonight.”
She only hoped it was what she wanted to hear. The problem was, she wasn’t sure what she wanted. If she were the TruthSeeker, it put her squarely in the magical world.
That in itself was alarming, but it was also comforting because she had Nikolai.
And if she weren’t the TruthSeeker … she wasn’t sure how she would feel.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
Dark Palace
The time had come. No more planning, no more scheming.
Balladyn strode through the palace. He was focused and single-minded, which is probably why every Fae in his path quickly got out of his way.
As far as he knew, Taraeth hadn’t sent anyone to kill Rhi, but it wouldn’t surprise Balladyn to learn that Taraeth had done it behind his back.
There was no way the king knew of Balladyn’s affair with Rhi, but Taraeth hadn’t remained King of the Dark because of luck. He always thought the worst of everyone and ensured that no one ever double-crossed him.
Balladyn thought of Fintan. The infamous Dark Fae who had been Taraeth’s personal assassin. Fintan had killed more Fae than any other in their history. He’d been completely loyal to the king, and despite all that, he had been betrayed.
The brief conversation Balladyn had had with Fintan was eye opening. Though Fintan didn’t tell him much, the implications were there. Without a doubt, Balladyn knew the white-haired Dark was a Reaper.
And it was no coincidence that Rhi had asked him to do research on the Reapers. She knew about them. Balladyn was certain of that. Did she know them? That was the question.
His talk with Fintan had sent Balladyn back to his extensive library and the books that mentioned Fintan. Many speculated that Fintan had merely gone to another realm, but there was one book that cited a betrayal by Taraeth that put Fintan in the Light Queen’s clutches.
Usaeil.
“Bitch,” Balladyn mumbled.
He wasn’t going to make Fintan’s mistake. No, Balladyn would be the one to take down Taraeth. But first, he had to get the king out of the palace.
Balladyn reached the double doors to the throne room. The guards gave a nod as he approached. The doors opened of their own accord and shut behind him as he entered the throne room.
He spied Taraeth sitting on the throne with an empty glass in hand and his gaze on the floor. After a moment, he looked up and saw Balladyn.
“Just the Fae I wanted to see.”
Balladyn walked to him. “Oh?”
“I know you have a history with Rhi.”
Balladyn clasped his hand around his other wrist behind his back so he didn’t attack the king right then. “I do.”
Taraeth eyed him as he held up his glass. Balladyn ground his teeth together and pivoted to get the decanter of whisky to take to the king. Once Taraeth’s glass was filled, the king took a long drink. Balladyn returned to the sideboard and softly set the crystal decanter down with the others.
Rage boiled within him. It had been simmering and stewing ever since Usaeil’s visit. As difficult as it was, Balladyn had to keep it hidden a while longer. It wasn’t just his plans at stake, but Ulrik’s, as well. And then there was Rhi.
“Your hatred ran deep,” Taraeth said. “However, that was when you thought she’d left you behind on the battlefield.”
Balladyn turned to the king. “That fact hasn’t changed.”
“Usaeil didn’t let Rhi return for you.”
“Are you trying to dim my loathing of Rhi or Usaeil?”
Taraeth chuckled. “I saw your anger at the discovery of how you ended up here.”
“I was loyal to Usaeil, and she betrayed me. Of course, I was furious,” Balladyn stated.
“My thought was to find Rhi and turn her Dark as I did you, but I don’t think Usaeil will settle for that. After you, she’s demanded to be present when we kill Rhi.”
Balladyn smiled, his blood pumping with excitement as everything started to fall into place. “Then it’s fortuitous that I know where Rhi is.”
“And you’re just telling me now?” Taraeth bellowed as he sat up on the throne, the movement causing liquor to splash over the side of his glass.
“I came to do just that.”
“You shouldn’t have let me go on like that. You should’ve stopped me.”
Balladyn bowed his head. “Next time, I will, sire.”
Taraeth leaned his head back and drained the whisky. He tossed Balladyn the glass as he stood. “Where is the Light Fae? I’d like to get this taken care of so I don’t have another visit from Usaeil anytime soon.”
“There’s a small house on the Italian coast that I tracked Rhi to. I gather she spends a lot of time there, so I don’t think she’ll be in a rush to leave.”
“But I’m in a hurry to get to her,” Taraeth said. “Take me to her. Now.”
Balladyn bowed his head and turned on his heel. Taraeth was right behind him as they walked from the throne room to one of the Fae doorways Balladyn had made that would take them to Italy.
As they stepped through, Taraeth looked around the Italian countryside. “Where is she?”
Balladyn walked down the trail to the cottage Rhi had claimed. She’d left it months ago, preferring her island now. Since then, Ulrik had taken the cottage as his. But Ulrik wouldn’t be there this time.
When they reached the cottage, Taraeth used his magic to prevent Rhi from escaping. If Rhi had been inside, Balladyn didn’t think Taraeth’s magic could hold her. That’s how powerful she’d become.
Taraeth pointed to the cottage. “Get inside and bring me the Light.”
“I thought Usaeil needed to be here.”
“I want to see Rhi first for confirmation before I call to the queen.”
Balladyn shrugged and made as if to take a step forward. He called to his sword as he did and pivoted at the last moment, thrusting his blade into Taraeth’s heart.
The king’s eyes widened. Blood dribbled from the corner of his mouth. “No,” he muttered.
Balladyn smiled as he withdrew his sword. “How does it feel to be betrayed?”
Taraeth stumbled backward and swayed before dropping to his knees. He was dead before he hit the ground. Seconds later, he was only ash that floated away on the wind.
Balladyn took a deep breath and smiled. The grin turned into a frown when pain lanced through him. He touched his side, his fingers coming away bloody. It was then that his gaze caught the dagger lying in the grass where Taraeth had fallen.
He’d been so intent on Taraeth’s death that he hadn’t realized the king had a weapon of his own—or that he’d used it to strike a mortal blow. Now that Balladyn knew about the wound, the agony of it consumed him. He pressed his hand against the injury and managed a step and then another.
No! He couldn’t die, not after finally killing Taraeth. The throne was his. It was time for a new ruler. His rule. He had to make sure Rhi was safe from Usaeil. No one else could.
“Rhi,” he said as his legs buckled.
He fell on his side and rolled onto his back, looking at the bright blue sky above him. How many times had he stared at the clouds with Rhi beside him? Before and after he’d turned Dark.
“Balladyn!”
At the sound of her voice, he felt something fall from his eye and roll down his temple into his hair. A tear. Because only Rhi could make him cry.
She fell to her knees beside him, her face a mask of shock and horror. Her gaze ran over him as she held out her hands, unsure what to do.
When her silver eyes met his, tears were streaming down her face. And, somehow, he found the courage to smile. “Taraeth is dead.”
“You’re … hurt,” she said, sniffing.
“I’m dying.”
“No,” she said, shaking her head. “I refuse to let that happen.”
It was out of her control, but he no longer had the strength to tell her that. He felt her hand slip from his, even as he said her name. He wanted her beside him as he breathed his last. Why wasn’t she staying?
He fought to keep his eyes open as he searched for her, but soon, that became too much. His eyes closed while his heart bellowed for the only one he’d ever loved—Rhi.
* * *
Con heard his name being shouted throughout the manor as he entered the conservatory from the mountain. He recognized the voice and rushed toward Rhi. He found her running down the stairs. As she reached the bottom, she spotted him and came to a stop, breathing heavily.
Her hair was in disarray, and tear streaks ran down her face. It was the blood on her hands and shirt that gave him pause, however.
“Are you wounded?” he demanded.
She looked at him as if she didn’t understand his words. Others gathered around them, but she didn’t take her eyes from him.
“Con,” she whispered.
This was Rhi unlike he’d ever seen her before, and frankly, he wasn’t sure what to make of it.
A tear rolled down her face. “I need your help.”
“Are you wounded?” he asked again, his tone deeper as he took a tentative step toward her, ready to heal her if necessary.
“It’s not me.”
At least there was that. Whatever brought her to him, it was important. The past and their animosity had been put on hold, though neither had spoken of it. And now wasn’t the time. With enemies at every turn, Con wasn’t going to push away an ally.
He gave a nod and held out his hand. She didn’t hesitate to take it and teleport them away.
In the next instant, Con found himself on a mountain, looking down at a lake. It took him but a moment to realize he was in Italy. He saw Rhi rush to someone lying on the ground and watched her give the body a shake. Con spotted a dagger and the ash that remained nearby.
By the look of the small section of grass disturbed, there hadn’t been a fight. Whatever happened, it had been quick. He lifted his gaze to the prone form and realized what had happened—Balladyn had killed Taraeth.
And the new King of the Dark now lay at Death’s door.
Con turned toward Rhi as she looked at him over her shoulder.
“Please,” she beseeched him.
He walked to her to see Balladyn clinging to life. The Dark wasn’t a friend of the Dragon Kings, but he meant something to Rhi. There was no way Con could refuse her. Not now, especially not when it was Balladyn.
Rhi cried silent tears as her large silver eyes watched him. Con went down on his haunches and touched Balladyn’s arm. Magic charged through Con and transferred into the Fae, healing the Dark’s wound.
It took longer and more magic than Con had ever used on anyone—except for Rhi.
Con stood when he finished, staring down at Rhi, who clasped Balladyn’s hand with her own. Had he been wrong to think that Rhi’s affair with the Dark was fleeting? Because it was obvious she cared for the new King of the Dark.
It was even possible that she … loved … Balladyn.
Con began to turn away when Rhi was suddenly before him. She threw her arms around his neck and hugged him. He stood there for several seconds before slowly lifting his hands to place them on her back.
“Thank you,” she whispered. She leaned back to look into his face. “I know you didn’t want to do that.”
“We doona always get the things we want most. I could give you this, however.”
Her smile was sad as she teleported him back to his office at Dreagan. And then she was gone.
Con sighed. Then he walked to his desk and sat.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
TruthSeeker. Was it ironic that while she claimed to be something, she was also hunting the truth within herself? Esther was fairly certain the answer was yes.
She looked into Reaghan’s gray eyes and released her hold on Nikolai as the Druid held out both of her hands, palms up. Esther swallowed as she scooted to the edge of the cushion and placed her hands atop the Druid’s.
Reaghan’s lips lifted in a comforting smile. “Long, long ago, my magic was bound in order to keep the location of Deirdre’s sister a secret. You see, she was the only one who could kill Deirdre.”
“The same Deirdre who wiped out the Clacher Druids?” Esther asked.
Reaghan nodded. “The very one. Deirdre was ruthless in taking what she wanted, and there were times I wondered if we’d ever be free of her. Then Galen walked into my life. My magic was returned, and with it, my ability to see if someone is lying.”
“Ask your questions. I would know the truth, as well.”
Reaghan’s gaze never wavered. “What is your name?”
“Esther Marie North.”
“Truth,” Reaghan said. “Do you have a brother?”
“Yes, Henry.”
“Truth.”
Esther didn’t think she’d want to take Reaghan’s place as a human lie detector. Sometimes, it was better not to know if someone were being dishonest.
“Do you have magic?” Reaghan asked.
“No.”
“Truth. Do you want magic?”
“If it would allow me to help fight against the Dark Fae, yes.”
Reaghan grinned. “Truth. Are you the TruthSeeker?”
“Yes.” The answer was past Esther’s lips before she even had time to consider it.
Suddenly, Reaghan released her hands and sat back. The Druid’s brow was furrowed as she stared. Esther rose to her feet, as did Isla.
“Reaghan,” Nikolai said.
She reached out a hand that shook slightly and touched Esther before repeating, “Are you the TruthSeeker?”
“Yes,” Esther replied.
Reaghan’s gaze slid to Isla. “Truth.”
“How?” Galen asked.
Isla shrugged as she looked at Esther. “Perhaps the Ancients will tell us. Maybe Dani will glean some knowledge as our Seer.”
“What does this mean for Esther?” Nikolai asked, concern in his voice.
Reaghan shrugged and dropped her hand. “I wish I had the answer.”
Esther wasn’t going to accept things quite so easily. She turned to Isla. “You said the last TruthSeeker and JusticeBringer were Druids. How can I be a part of that history and not be a Druid?”
“I don’t know,” Isla said with a shake of her head.
“Do you think the Druid put something in my mind to make me believe this? If I believe it, wouldn’t it come out as truth?” she asked and swung her gaze to Reaghan.
Reaghan said, “It doesn’t work that way. Whether you believe something or not, I can detect the lie. It goes beyond your words or your beliefs, to the very core of who you are.”
“Exactly. And if the Druid made me believe, to the very core of my soul, that I’m the TruthSeeker, that could fool even you. Right?”
Reaghan frowned and glanced at Isla. “That’s possible.”
“Then that’s your answer.” Esther was disappointed, but she would keep that to herself until later. “Druids should be the TruthSeeker and JusticeBringer.”
“Then why did Henry have a dream about him being the JusticeBringer?” Nikolai asked.
