Grief consumes me. This ache in my chest, one that I've never felt before, is the only thing I can think about. The only thing I can feel. The loss of my father was completely unexpected. We're strong, we're durable. Our lifespans are extremely long. There was no reason he should have died. And I never got to say goodbye.
My arms instinctively wrap around myself. I was always cold now, even in the Dallas heat. I haven't spoken to anyone in days. I find myself staring at walls, trying to block out the grief that seems to have taken refuge inside of me. Honestly, I was disgusted with myself. This wasn't the daughter my father raised.
Lost in my own thoughts, I didn't notice when someone else's thoughts collided with my own. They were screaming at me at this point. No, not verbally. Mentally. That's right, I can hear thoughts. I look up from the sidewalk, my steps coming to a halt. My eyes locked on those of a woman's. Her face was familiar even though I hadn't seen her in over a decade. Instantly, I get down on one knee, my eyes on the ground.
"My Queen," I manage to choke out. I didn't even recognize my own voice.
"Stand, child." She sounded cold, just like she did years ago.
Automatically I stand, still not making eye contact with her. It was considered rude to do so. She was our Queen. We were her dogs. I could feel her eyes on me and I hold my breath as I wait for her to say something. Finally, she does. "You are coming back to Faerie: Immediately." She reaches forward and grabs my arm, sending the magic through both of us. In seconds, the world that I have called home is gone, and I am catapulted back to a place that my parents feared enough to flee.