Creatures of The Dark

Chapter IX

"How do you know this is the right ravine?"

"Don't trust me, light bringer?" I didn't respond and she rolled her eyes, "Just close your eyes, Lucius." I did no such thing; instead, I peered over the edge of the dark abyss. I couldn't even make out the water that was supposedly below, it was endless. Alexandra had told me that it was an illusion, a trick of the light, but it all seemed so ...real.

The trip had taken us eight days, our progress hastened by the looming threat of the dark fae. I had taken over Tannon's horse as he healed, the steed was brazen but I had managed. Saron strolled forward, a smile plastered on his face.

"I'm going first this time," the fae shot a glance at Sirus, who nodded reluctantly. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I saw the male grin at his brother and turn towards the darkness. Saron hitched the reins on his horse and galloped towards the edge with a laugh at his throat. The horse jumped in the air as if he could possibly reach the other side and then they were falling. I swallowed my scream as I watched as Saron tumbled from his steed and freefall into nothingness.

I shifted nervously in my seat, none of the other fae seemed at all shocked. Sirus galloped forward, Tannon seated in front of him, and they too fell. I looked to Alexandra, who was just watching as the fae descended into the ravine. One after the other, the fae led their horses into the chasm.

"An illusion, remember," she smirked at my nervousness. She edged towards the ravine, gazing back to make sure I followed. Mareén trotted forward, uncaring of the darkness in front of her. Alexandra stretched her hand behind her, hope glimmered in her eyes as I took it. Her smile broadened and it seemed to light up the impending gloom. "Neulight awaits," she turned forward once more and together, we stepped into the ravine.

I didn't feel like I was falling, but a weightless sensation rippled through me as we stepped through the barrier. Warmth like I'd never felt filled me. The sun seemed to shine brighter on the other side, so much so that I wondered if the world we had left behind was truly the illusion. The group of light fae were waiting for us on the other side, smiling in relief as they realized they were safe. They were home. Neulight was far away from the threat of the Dark Kingdom and its ruler.

We stood in a field of wildflowers at the base of a hill. In the distance small cottages could be seen and at the top sat what could only be considered a castle. It wasn't as large as the Dark Palace nor the Dark Kingdom itself but it was twice as beautiful. Winding streams flowed through Neulight and the sound of children's laughter seemed to echo from wherever we stood.

Sirus led us out of the field and into the village. Every door opened and fae came out to greet us, smiling and waving. Children ran out to greet us, chasing each other as they sprinted towards the horses. Some carried flowers and begged to put them in the horses' hair. Sirus chuckled at their requests, saying that they were in a rush to get to the castle. Noro and Saron only rolled their eyes and lifted several kids onto their steeds. The brothers shushed the children and they only giggled louder. They only relinquished the children when their mothers began to call them back.

The ride to the palace was longer than I had imagined. It was nearing nightfall before it's magnitude was truly realized. The castle was large and well armed. Dozens of light fae strolled the perimeter and the walls of the castle. They smiled when they saw Sirus and waved us through the gates.

Nerves had started to rack my body. Alexandra had reached out her hand again but I couldn't bear to take it again. Anger found its way to me too. I looked upon this castle of gilded gold and found hate for this male who had abandoned his kingdom, abandoned the light fae. He had made himself a martyr: while he lived in treasures, his people in filth. Slaves to his enemy.