I own none of the original.
Kierran's POV
I knew something was wrong when Father stiffened. My connection with glamour allowed me to sense others when they used their own. Never had I sensed such glamour before. I knew there was only one source.
Harmony.
Another thought came to mind – She needs me.
What's worse: I always followed my instincts. I had no clue how a murderess would need help, but I weaved through the crowd nonetheless. Everything was in chaos; I was somewhat oblivious. Harmony had lost Puck and my father. Soon the Royal Table would have to get involved with a "prank gone awry." This was no prank. I had to find her first.
"Kierran?"
Blinking the veil of power from my eyes, I grabbed her wrist and led her toward the border and the wyldwood. "We need to get you out of here," I observed.
Surprisingly, she made no resistance and easily kept pace with me. We came to a halt when faced with a line of goblins. She looked at me sharply. "Cover me."
My mind barely registered her sudden change in clothing as well as her drawing a symbol. I met the goblins with a magic-covered silver/steel blade. They screeched as my sword touched them. No violence, I reminded myself at a pang of guilt. This is for self-defense. Before I could dwell on the feeling, I was pulled backward.
"Lockdown!" exclaimed Harmony, retracing the pattern. Her dark eyes blazed. "No one gets in or out without my consent."
"Of where?" I wondered aloud.
Harmony blinked, suddenly appearing weak. "My home," she answered quietly. A breeze wafted around us.
Grief overshadowed that fearless anger. I nearly forgot that she could kill without much thought and had to fight the urge to touch her again. The only reason I was so drawn to her was because her glamour powerfully rivaled my own – even though I could control mine better. Harmony stared at nothing. I had no words of comfort.
"Did Ash ever tell you about mortals?"
The silence broken, I fell into step beside Harmony as she turned away. We headed in the direction of what I assumed to be her house. "I have heard of them," I replied cautiously.
She sneered, her gaze clouded and distant. "We can hide among them. I have a quest to finish as well." She shook her head, refocusing on her realm and, slowly, me.
"Quest?"
"A little intrigued, are we?" she commented. "Have you ever been away from the Iron Court?"
Uncomfortable, I shifted on my feet. "Other than Elysium," I muttered.
Triumph briefly flickered on her face. It was gone almost immediately. "Lucky for you, then, that we need a human's assistance. I have worked with her now and then – she can see our kind when others can't. She's kind of a prophetess."
"You mean Celeste?" I blurted.
Harmony blinked. She nodded tersely and motioned to one of the humans living here. I followed miserably, passing several rooms. She was in solitude again, and it was because of me. I had no clue why I cared so much, but I still did. She needed me; I wanted to help. But she wouldn't let me.
"Alert Celeste that we will arrive shortly. I must test my new guard first." Power seemed to radiate from Harmony when she picked up a human-made sword. I sized her up; she was about as skilled as I, from what I had seen. "Scared yet?"
"Never."
Our practice bout became a deadly dance, one where there was no victor. Harmony tossed her sword, and another dazed human caught it with its sheath. I returned mine to my belt, worried about Harmony's steely exterior. She had so many humans and faeries that wanted to take care of her… It was obvious. Yet she never seemed to want to let anyone in. When she used glamour, she truly became a living weapon, but my own cried out to join. I knew nothing of love, nor did I want to. She had me a prisoner in her realm, the necessary backup.
Abruptly, she doubled over with pain. "Puck!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide. "He's trying to get in!"
"Then we won't let him." I could tell she was drained and completely exhausted. Flooding my power into hers, I strengthened the protective spell. Harmony gasped when our combined use of glamour brushed her skin, visibly rejuvenating her. I let it wash over me, pure and whole. One and the same.
"You don't have to stay with me, you know," she rasped. "You can let them find me if you want."
With her so weak, the desire to protect her grew stronger. I shook my head. "You said you have a quest to finish. I will help you with it."
"Why?" She sounded stunned, as if she wanted to get rid of me but couldn't.
Magic danced around us, making my mouth twitch. I gave a small smile. "Can't you feel it?" Harmony closed her eyes; I sensed her draw in more strength. She reopened them, her gaze brighter. "We should be stronger together. Therefore…" I hesitated, wondering if what I was about to do was right. "I promise not to leave your side in the mortal world unless you wish it." Like that, I was bound to her.
Harmony's eyes widened. They flashed with anger. "Ash is going to kill me," she growled. I glared at her; why would she think I would allow anyone, let alone my father, harm her? She sighed, leaning heavily against the wall. I waited for her to continue. "Okay, Kierran. Let me get some sleep and we can leave. Do you think you can handle lockdown on your own?" she checked wearily.
"I pulled you out of Elysium," I reminded her gently. "I don't think anyone could get passed me now."
Please, I thought as she headed for her room. Don't let me ruin this for Harmony… or for myself.