The Faerie Slayer

Chapter 36

Abby's Pov

It was night time now. I could not help the rush of thoughts that kept me awake. I wondered over and over again if the queens guards had caught up to Kade yet. I wondered if Elie had done as I instructed her to, and opened a portal for him? I wondered if Kate was dead, or if he was as good as dead, rotting somewhere in the dungeon below the castle.
I heard the sounds of a swooping bird before I seen it. It nestled on the frame of my open window. A small fawn coloured creature and I was brought a wave of comfort at how much this bird resembled the ones on earth.
It didn't seem to mind when I rubbed the feathers on its head back. It even purred at my touched and shut its eyes. At the movement, a small folded leaf fell out from between its beak and I felt my chest drop to my knees.
I practically tore the leaf trying to unfold it.
A letter from Elie.

We are almost half-way there. Everything is alright.
Kade and Elie

I felt relief like a wall of brick smacking me across my face. I didn't realize that I hadn't been breathing properly until the words in the letter finally caved in.
They're alright, I thought, the queen hadn't found them, they are just fine.

I did not let the creeping thoughts in that it was still not too late for them to be captured. I could not afford it. At the risk of having a heart attack, I think I would rather stay naive, as Fay had said.

I quickly grabbed a pen from the night stand and scribbled a reply.

The wedding has been changed to two days from today. You won't make it back in time. Elie, please do what I told you.

A

I placed the content carefully back into the beak of the bird. With one last pet, as if entranced to follow instructions, the bird flew out into the air and disappeared. Perfectly on time, Fay appeared with the usual silence he bore announcing his presence with words.
"That's an adorable bird you've got there."

I leaped around, face already flushed and caught sight of the creature holding a tray of tea and crackers.

"I didn't hear you come in."

"You should be sleeping. Tomorrow is a big day," he set the tray down on the nightstand right of my bed.

"What's tomorrow?" I slowly approached.

"Tomorrow marks one day from your crowning, and wedding. There will be a ball in the hall of courts."

"I'm far too exhausted," I lay on the bed and pulled the covers over my chest. Fay took his place on the side. He stroked my hair and smiled.

"It pains me that you are not so happy for your fate. If only I could paint you a picture of how wonderful your future will be."

"But it's not home," I felt the tears immediately flood my sockets," I miss my family."

"You're false family, they were pretend. They were greedy, kept you all to themselves all those years but it was destiny that you return home."

"They were not pretend to me. I miss my best friend Ben."

"Who's Ben?"

"We've known each other forever. He's the closest person in my life."

Fay seemed lost in thought for a moment," and I suppose you also miss the wolf."

I felt my chest tighten," I've never missed anyone like this. It's like a horrible combination of love, worry and pain. Its like I could never mentally rest if he's not with me. It physically hurts to even think about it."

"Would you rather be hopeless? Fore hope is liking holding on to the pain. You can eliminate it , simply by losing all hope."

"That's called being numb."