The Dark King Read online

  “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like this before,” Teddy said, excitedly rushing over to the table.

  It seemed that both Odin and Teddy shared a similar love. Up until today I had thought Odin’s enthusiasm for meals was mind-boggling, but Teddy seemed to equal him in that department. “And save room for dessert because there is a beautiful apple pie with vanilla ice cream and homemade chocolate fudge waiting to be eaten.”

  “You really shouldn’t have gone to all this trouble,” Caroline said, seeming embarrassed by his extravagance. “It’s really too much.”

  “Nonsense. ‘One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.’”

  Caroline smiled at him. “Virginia Woolf.”

  Odin clapped his hands in pleasure. “How I love your intellect, Caroline. The offer still stands, by the way. My library is yours for the taking. Please use it any time you like.”

  Caroline blushed prettily. “Thank you so much.”

  “How has practice been going?” Odin asked as he helped lift the silver covers off the trays of food. I watched him as he began to put some food on one of the dishes and knew he was making a plate for Caroline.

  “It hasn’t been so bad,” Caroline said shyly.

  “Were you expecting a different result?”

  “I think I was. I’m not much of an actress, but Devilyn and Teddy have been very patient with my amateur status.”

  “You’re wonderful,” I told her without a thought.

  She couldn’t hide the surprise on her face.

  “You’ve raised your grandson well. He’s always so nice,” she said, glancing at Odin.

  “I have raised him well,” Odin said with a smirk as he handed Caroline a plate with more than a generous portion. “But I also must say that Devilyn is always honest and would never say something unless it were the truth.”

  Caroline looked over at me and smiled. “Yes, I do know that about him.”

  I found the comments vastly amusing, since the truth had not been on my mind in a long time.

  “This is too much, Mr. Westmoreland. I can’t possibly eat all—”

  “I won’t take any of it back.” Odin waved off her plea. “You can and you will.”

  “I do love Romeo and Juliet.” He continued.

  Here it comes, I thought as I folded my arms and watched him carefully.

  “Do you?” I said to him as I moved forward. “I actually find it to be quite depressing. A tragic tale of how one love can destroy so many innocent lives.”

  Caroline had taken her plate and was sitting on the leather couch watching us both curiously.

  “Love in any form is beautiful, my son,” Odin replied. “Regardless of the consequences.”

  “Is death inconsequential?” I was appalled by his answer.

  “Death is inevitable for all. But a life of love is often only fated for few. Once you taste such a love, the result becomes a sacrifice you are willing to make.”

  “I think I agree with Odin. There’s no better feeling than love.” Caroline spoke up, interrupting the rising tension in the room. I looked over at her and could feel my heartbeat accelerate. We made eye contact as she continued softly, “True love, that is.”

  I closed my eyes, hoping to hide my sadness. “At the cost of someone’s life?”

  “That’s a depressing way to look at it. Who’s to say the worst will happen? Romeo and Juliet made so many careless errors. Love doesn’t have to bring misery or death. It can be beautiful,” she continued.

  “Yes, it truly can,” Odin said quietly.

  “When you are blinded by love, mistakes are inevitable.” I was getting frustrated.

  “Fairy tales were made by people who actually lived them,” Odin replied sternly. “Dear Caroline, don’t let my jaded grandson sway you from believing in true love.”

  Caroline and Odin shared a smile.

  “I won’t let him.”

  “Whoever Caroline falls in love with is going to be a really lucky guy,” Teddy said loyally as he took a plateful of food and made his way over to sit next to Caroline. “And he’ll have to pass the best friend test, of course. And I promise that it won’t be easy.”

  “Of course.” Caroline laughed. “I wouldn’t think of dating anyone you disapprove of.”

  Their laughter drowned out in the background as I lost myself in thought. Whoever Caroline falls in love with … The thought of Caroline loving anyone but—

  “Devilyn?” Odin interrupted my train of thought.

  “Yes?”

  “Lunch,” Odin said, holding out a plate for me. His eyes sparkled with amusement, and I knew it was all at my expense. Without breaking my gaze he said, “Don’t you agree with Teddy?”

  I could barely find my voice.

  “Thank you for lunch.”

  Chapter Six

  “When it is dark enough, you can see the stars.”

  —Ralph Waldo Emerson

  In the Darkness

  Alderon was growing impatient. Though he had only been trapped for a short time in the Sword of Light, it felt as though it had been an eternity. The cruel sentence he faced in the sword had only fed his fury and hatred like nothing he had ever experienced in his long lifetime. The agony he endured had been unbearable. Death would have been a welcome sacrifice. It was as if he had been torn into a thousand pieces, his being left open for the sword to systematically cut apart, his soul being slowly mutilated. And now staring back at him was no longer the striking Fae that he once was, but a deformed monster. To add to the punishment, he was cruelly given a glimpse of what he had once looked like. His face would slowly take shape, but as soon the feeling of hope began to lift his spirits, allowing him to believe that he was about to return to the man he had been, it would suddenly dissolve into what he had become. The highs and lowest lows were on a constant rotation day in and day out; the pain of optimism and the new reality of his existence moved up and down in unison with each swing of the pendulum of a ticking clock.

  For years since the moment he came to be, Alderon was stunning. Breathtaking. A creature above creatures. Even with all his darkness, it was said that had the Great Mother Dana ever chosen to lay eyes on him, his good looks would be enough to seduce even her. To have his beauty taken from him so harshly and without remorse was staggering. This sentence was like nothing he had ever given another Fae. To know that he could never again use his looks to seduce a Fae or mortal with a glimpse of his perfect visage was perhaps something worth dying over.

  Almost.

  As much as Alderon wished death to bring an end to his life as the abomination he had become, he craved revenge more. Those who had brought this upon him would pay dearly. More than they ever imagined. His wrath was like nothing he had ever felt, and now he had the Creature to help him bring about the demise of all those who had plotted and planned against him.

  “My King?”

  Alderon turned to face Puck. He saw the quick flash of horror in Puck’s eyes. No matter how many times Puck had seen him in the past few days, his reaction had been the same. Sheer revulsion. And fear of the possibility that this, too, could be his fate.

  “What is it?”

  “The Creature believes his mate could be near.”

  Alderon nodded and pulled his black hood up and over his face, shielding it from any prying eyes. He could not stand to see the look of disgust and the inevitable pity. No one would ever pity him. Alderon stepped away from the edge of the cliff he had been staring out from. It overlooked a vast, blood-red universe. They were in the belly of the galaxy. The darkest recess, where light could not exist. The land was barren, dead. Every creature that could survive without the elements of light existed here, and all resembled something straight out of a nightmare.

  Alderon watched Wrath as he stood on his massive hind legs and sniffed at the sky. His black eyes were closed in ecstasy. Here was the planet that he had come from. This gloom was all he knew. And the pleasure he felt in retur
ning home was evident for all to see and even feel.

  “Where is she?” Alderon demanded.

  Wrath turned his giant red head, which glowed eerily against the darkness, and opened his eyes. Instead of backing away in fear, Alderon stepped closer to him. It was a sign of his strength and a warning that Alderon was not to be disobeyed.

  Wrath spoke, his voice a great rumble against the night. “She is coming. We must simply wait.”

  Puck came to Alderon’s side.

  “How long, my King?” Puck asked. “Time goes by.”

  “We will wait as long as it takes,” Alderon commanded. He looked down at Puck and his mind began to race. Puck was right. Precious time was passing by. Time where they could be wreaking havoc upon the lives that had brought him to this point of misery.

  “Beware of the plans made by the man who has nothing but time on his hands.”

  C

  I looked at the clock in my room and couldn’t believe how I’d let the morning get away from me. I was going to be late for math. But I couldn’t help it. The feelings I had rushing through me were well worth being tardy.

  The afternoon we spent at Devilyn’s and all the emotions that came along with it replayed in my mind from the moment I got home. Devilyn had truly let his guard down. It was almost like he had enjoyed being with me.

  And I was going to cherish that thought, even if we would ultimately just be friends.

  “Caroline!” My mom’s yelling broke me out of my daydreams. “Come down for breakfast! You’re going to be late for school.”

  I grabbed my backpack and made my way downstairs. Famous was quick on my heels, barking happily at me. It was time for his breakfast, too. I walked into the kitchen and threw my bag on the countertop.

  “Sorry—it was later than I realized,” I said as I walked to the refrigerator to get Famous’s homemade food. I heard a low growl at my feet and smiled down at him as he wagged his tail.

  “It’s coming!” I said to him with a laugh.

  “Did you not sleep well?”

  “No, I was just preoccupied with school. Lost track of time.”

  “Your father and I still can’t believe that we now have to cook for him, by the way.” My mom brushed a strand of blond hair away from her face. She was at the stove making scrambled eggs for me.

  “His tastes changed, what can I say?”

  “But it was so sudden. Up until the end of last year, he was fine with his dry kibble. Now, he demands fresh-cooked meals.”

  I laughed at her scowl.

  “It’s fine. He’s getting older and pickier.” I leaned down and rubbed his head. “Aren’t you?” He licked my hand enthusiastically.

  “That scares me, Caroline.” My mom served up the eggs. “Is he going to demand caviar next year?”

  Famous barked.

  “Okay, okay. We’ll work two or three jobs if you end up craving caviar. I swear he’s laughing at me.” She smiled down at him. I measured out a portion of the cooked chicken, rice, and veggies into Famous’s bowl.

  “He’s probably laughing at us both,” I responded. “I’m cooking for him every three nights, you know.”

  “That’s true.” She laughed. “Now wash your hands and eat your eggs before they get cold.”

  I did as she said and sat down at the kitchen table.

  “Where’s Dad?”

  “The bathroom pipe burst at the diner. He had to go out and meet the plumber.”

  Crap.

  Here was another expense to add to the list that my parents seemed to be endlessly burdened with.

  “I’m sorry, Mom.”

  “It’s not your fault, beautiful.” She smiled at me and tried to act like it wasn’t a big deal. “These are the joys of owning your own business.”

  Or pitfalls, depending on how you looked at it.

  “So how did your drama practice go at Devilyn’s yesterday?” She picked up a piece of wheat toast and began to butter it for me. “I was sorry you were asleep when I got home.”

  I dropped my gaze. Ever since my mom had met Devilyn last year, she was hooked. Not that I blamed her. He was too gorgeous for words. But for some crazy reason, she actually thought that there was a chance that we were going to be a couple. Every time I tried to give her a reality check and tell her he didn’t like me in that way, she would brush it off and tell me I didn’t know what I was talking about.

  “It was actually fun.”

  “Fun?” I knew she was looking for more. She raised a brow. “That’s all I get?”

  “What else do you want me to say?”

  “Details.”

  “You know I’m already late.”

  “What’s another five minutes?” She laughed.

  “You’re not going to leave me alone until I tell you, are you?”

  “Nope.”

  “It was really a nonevent. We were practicing a school assignment. Teddy was there. We all shared a few laughs.”

  “But you said that you were practicing Romeo and Juliet. And you told me that he was playing Romeo, and you, Juliet.” My mom had a dreamy look in her eyes. “I would think you have more details than that.”

  “If you were hoping for some real-life situation, I hate to break it to you again, but he already has a real-life Juliet. And it’s not me.”

  My mom waved my comment off.

  “But you’re so beautiful.”

  Oh. My. God.

  I took another bite of eggs and stood up abruptly. I didn’t think I could endure any more of her probing questions.

  “I am so not having this conversation.”

  She laughed.

  “Oh, honey. Lighten up. Have some fun.” She smiled and handed me the piece of toast. “You’re in high school. You’re supposed to have a crush on the school quarterback. That’s what girls your age do.”

  As if I didn’t know. My mom clearly thought I was a nerd. I could feel my face heating up.

  “Mom, he has a girlfriend.”

  “It’s high school. Things change every day. For all you know, he’ll be single by third period.”

  “Mom!” I practically shouted at her. “He’s not interested in me! Not in the slightest. He won’t ever be! So stop getting your hopes up.”

  Or mine, for that matter.

  “I think we need to do something about this self-esteem issue you seem to be having, Caroline. Be confident, honey! You are beautiful inside and out.”

  “See you when I get home,” I mumbled as I leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. It was apparent I was not going to get through to her this round.

  She stood up and walked over to the counter where she kept a lot of papers.

  “Wait! Before you go,” she said, handing me an envelope. “Here’s your check for the class camping trip. I can’t believe you’re going to be gone for a whole week. Is Teddy going to be able to make it?”

  I had been so obsessed with Devilyn for the past few days that I had completely forgotten about the trip. It was a yearly tradition for the junior class at Manteo High. And it always happened in October, the week before Halloween. I took the envelope from her.

  “I hope so. I’ll die if I have to suffer through it without him. But I don’t know if they can afford it.”

  “Times are tough, honey,” she said with a grimace. “But I’m sure his mom has been saving for this. She knew this trip was coming, and she would never want Teddy to miss out on it.”

  “Fingers crossed.”

  “Drive safely. And good luck in drama!”

  Drama.

  Don’t remind me.

  D

  I decided to eat breakfast outside. The sun was shining; the air was crisp. Such a far cry from the world I had been living in over the past several months. I knew this home and this life wouldn’t be permanent, so I wanted to enjoy the time I had. Odin’s home had such a calming spirit to it.

  Apart from the balcony of my room, one of my favorite spots was a large veranda. It overlooked a lush garden that
had been overcome with moss, wildflowers, and succulents, making up the most beautiful yet chaotic scene.

  I glanced at my watch, noting that I had a few minutes before I had to leave for school. I hadn’t had a moment of peace in so long.

  Unfortunately, it didn’t last.

  “Hello, brother.”

  I couldn’t believe I hadn’t sensed her arrival or even heard her approach. But I would recognize that voice anywhere.

  It was the voice of duplicity.

  The voice of Tatiana, breaking my peace.

  I stared straight ahead, refusing to look at her. The fury I had for her washed over me quickly. I remembered her traitorous act as if it happened yesterday. The pain she caused Caroline by trying to kill Famous, the catalyst for me using my magik to bring him back from death. It was all because of Tatiana.

  “Brother, I wanted to have a word with you. Before you left for the day.”

  I finally turned to face her and immediately noticed how tired and weak she looked, unlike the defiant, wide-eyed girl I had left many months before. Her eyes pleaded with me, desperate for me to return to the loving, loyal brother I had been before.

  She was here again trying to reinstate herself into Caroline’s life, and she came at the exact time our father had escaped his prison. The timing was too coincidental.

  I would know the truth.

  I stood suddenly and turned to face her, hoping Odin would let us have this one moment of privacy. When my gaze settled on hers, I knew she could see my rage.

  “Just what do you think you are doing here?”

  She took a step away from me and cautiously held up her hands.

  “I … I wanted to speak with you. Odin and I thought it might be best if I returned to school. And I wanted to see you before that happened.” Tatiana’s voice trembled.

  But I did not want to believe her. Nothing about her was as it seemed.