The Shifting Shadows We Leave

"You know what you did" he whispered, causing her whole being to shiver. His coal black eyes bore into her red irises. "One day you will learn the consequences of your actions young one…" She gulped, biting her lip. "But for now… run, run far away. Pray I never find you again…"

So she did, the child ran. She ran straight to her mother and father; hugging her father's waist tightly as her sister stood close to their mother. A look passed between the adults as their daughter recounted her tale.

The two sisters snuck out of their beds that night and sat by their parent's door, listening to the discussion beyond the wood. "Valon, how dare he!" Their mother hissed.

"Ezra my love…" The father soothed, "Suppose he was just jesting with her."

"You don't know Valon! He has never been known to joke with a threat!" Ezra's voice shook with anger, "He threatened our child Adrian! Your darling Zaria!"

Adrian's voice was soft, "As a member of the Dark Court… shouldn't I be the angry one?"

A silence followed for a moment, then female laughter filled the air, "you're right" Their mother spoke between laughs.

The next time Zaria met with Valon, she did not remember the previous meeting. This was well after the loss of her parents and her joining of the Dark Court (while her twin joined the High Court). She admired him for being Solitary and would often question him about his life.

Valon's responses were usually vague and mysterious, which only pulled the Death Bringer in more. They grew to be friends… Secretly of course, if Irial knew, she'd be banished without a second thought. Even if she was his bed mate and right hand.

There came a day when Valon disappeared, Zaria never found him again and months after his absence dead fey littered the meadow around the Dark Court. They never found who caused the deaths, or why someone would kill those faeries. Too soon after the Dark Court grew weak, unable to feed properly. Zaria hid herself away, locking away her broken self, and forcing back unwanted memories.

Ariya paced the throne room, wondering angrily why her mother had asked Gabriel to drag her back to the palace. Sage's golden gaze followed her pacing, back and forth, back and forth. "I'm sure the Queen had a good reason to interrupt our date, Ari"

The princess sighed and stopped pacing, "I'm sure you're right, but I can't help being upset." He smiled warmly at her, walking over to wrap his arms around her waist tightly.

The two started kissing, tongues fighting each other for dominance, hands roaming. They both froze when someone cleared their throat and a male voice spoke. "Well…"

Sage broke away from Ariya slowly, "King Niall, I…"

Niall smiled, shaking his head, "not to worry Hound, Ariya makes her own choices"

"Damn right I do!" Ariya shouted, "why did you and mother interrupt our date!"

"We feared for your safety, but everything is under control, if you wish to leave and continue your evening, then go. Be careful though" The Dark King spoke.

Ariya's red eyes searched the room, "wait… where is mom?"

Her father frowned, "resting… She isn't feeling well and she doesn't wish to be disturbed."

Dark Princess Ariya narrowed her eyes, "alright father… Sage, do you wish to go out and finish our date?"

The golden eyed Hound smiled, "of course Ari" Her fingers laced with his and the young fey walked out in to the night to complete their date.

Niall entered his' and Zaria's chamber, quickly finding her standing by the window. "They went out again"

She nodded, "he won't harm her…"

"You say it as if you're trying to convince yourself" He cupped her cheek and turned her face to look at him. He red eyes gazed back into his dark ones. A small smile reached her lips, she reached her hand up and trailed his scar from temple to chin.

"I don't trust him" Zaria whispered, biting her bottom lip, and looking down. The shadow guardians circled the monarchs; an attempt to soothe their queen.

The king agreed with a nod, brushing his thumb over her lip, and pulling it from between her teeth gently. "Stop thinking about him my queen." His breath skimmed her cheek, causing her red orbs to refocus.

Zaria leaned closer, letting their lips touch softly. The kiss turned from gentle and tender to passionate and fierce in seconds. The king's arms were wrapped around Zaria's waist while her hands were tangled in his dark locks, gripping fistfuls. Slowly they pulled apart for air, both panting through their smiles.

Sage held on to the princess' hand tightly, every once in a while they'd catch each other's eye and smile. Neither wore glamour keeping themselves hidden to human eyes. Though, as if the humans could sense the predator aura the hound threw off they stayed away from where ever the young couple were. At the moment they sat at the park outside the Dark Court palace. The mess having been quickly cleaned up.

Ariya's head rested against Sage's shoulder, their fingers twisted together. The Hound's golden eyes, watched her face, "Ariya…" he spoke softly.

The Dark Princess could hear his heart quicken suddenly, she sat up and looked into his glowing eyes. "yes?"

He nervously swallowed then took a deep breath, "I love you"

She gasped, "Sage…" Ariya brought her hand up to caress his cheek. "I don't know what to say…"

The Hound smiled softly, "you don't have to say anything until you're ready" He gently brushed her dark locks away from her face. "Lets get you inside, it's getting late." The Princess nodded and followed him back into the palace.

Not very long awaited

but there you go

Haha :D

Please keep in mind I have yet to read Darkest Mercy

Due to lack of funds... sad I know

Anyway, R&R :]

- Memories Forever