A Court of Fear and Ice

by jhilluminations

On the night of the blood lunar eclipse, a young woman discovers a mysterious light in her garden which turns out to be a portal to a different world. To a world of magic. To the world of Prythian. The night of the eclipse is just the beginning for her. (You can also find the story on Archive of Our Own (AO3).)

37. Chapter 37

Previously on "A Court of Fear and Ice"

After having some minor problems with the bargain, Rian finally breaches the barrier and takes care of the giant. Meanwhile, Lexi is approached by a ghost who introduces herself as Halimede and shows her lots of bones behind the rocks. There, she tells her why the wood-meadow was built and how they both can get out of the 'prison'.

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Chapter 37

When Halimede didn't come back after several seconds, I realised that this time she was gone for good. I didn't know what happened to her – or whom she really was, in addition to being a ghost – but the answer she gave me about breaking the spell was vague, to say the least.

"By killing him," I repeated quietly. "What him?" I raised my voice, glancing around.

But the only answer I got was silence.

"Should we kill the creature? Someone else?" I kept asking, hoping Halimede would somehow reply to my questions. "Whom? Don't tell me that Rian, because this will never happen, surely not on my watch."

Still no answer.

I sighed.

By killing him… Break the spell… It would have been so much easier, I thought, if we knew exactly whom we were supposed to kill and how to break the freaking spell.

But she was nowhere to be found and so were the answers.

Having decided to return to the place where I met her, I started wondering about the ghost.

First of all, Halimede had to live a long time ago, since she said she had been waiting centuries and witnessed thousands of unnecessary deaths. After all, the way she was dressed seemed different than the clothes worn by the Summer fairies, and besides, reminded me a bit of ancient Greek outfits.

Secondly, she had to know the creature. She kept calling it 'him' and said that she had been waiting for someone able to destroy his prison. Apparently, the invisible barrier around the wood-meadow was the wall and the wood-meadow – the prison. That had to be the reason I couldn't get out.

There was also a third thing that drew my attention. According to Halimede, she was the first kill and thus saw thousands of innocent mortals that stepped through the gates and were later killed. Why only mortals? I thought of two explanations. One: she was the very first person to die and became the reason for creating the barrier against mortals. And two: because she was mortal herself and didn't see the damn barrier before she entered the wood-meadow, just like me. Which explanation was true? I had no idea, but one way or another, she made it clear that all of the victims were human.

Just like me, I thought, feeling sudden goosebumps. Hoping it was a sign from Halimede, I glanced around, but I didn't see her or any other ghosts.

When I emerged from behind the rocks, I immediately saw Rian and the giant who were still fighting. I noticed that Rian was now using two swords, so apparently something happened to his shield and the curved blade.

Feeling worried, I hoped he was fine though.

You can break the spell with the help of your Night prince.

But how were we supposed to do that?

By killing him.

I fixed my eyes on the creature.

Too many had died because of him. I have been waiting centuries for someone who would finally be able to destroy his prison and put him out of his misery. It has been too long.

Was the creature the one that Rian was supposed to kill in order to destroy the barrier and get us out of the wood-meadow? Or was there someone else we were about to meet? I didn't know and it worried me a lot.

"Lexi!" someone shouted. "Lexi! Where are you?"

It sounded like Zareen.

"Lexi!" another person called my name.

"Zareen?" I asked, turning around. "Conri?"

The two fairies were standing on the other end of the wood-meadow.

I started walking towards them, since Rian told me that his cousins would come any minute. And besides, it was safer by the barrier. The further from the fight, the better.

"Yes! I'm so sorry for the delay," Zareen added, giving Conri a look. "We… had to do something."

Conri crossed his arms. He was evidently angry with her.

"Rian said he was going to take care of the creature and we should have our eyes on you," he said when I joined them. "And here we are."

"Thanks. Is the barrier still visible?" I asked, coming to a stop.

Zareen extended her hand and touched the invisible wall. "Yes, it is."

Sighing, I turned away from them and fixed my eyes on Rian.

"So the blood bargain really worked, eh?" Conri asked and I just nodded. "We're happy that you're fine, Lexi."

There was silence, interrupted only by the clatter of Rian's weapons and the roars of the giant.

You have to kill him. Too many had died because of him.

"Does the name Halimede mean something to you?" I asked suddenly, looking at the fairies.

Zareen frowned. "No. Why?"

"Because I believe that I've met a ghost named Halimede," I said.

Conri raised his eyebrows. "You've met a what?"

"A ghost," I repeated. "You know, a spirit of a dead person that is partially visible and can occasionally haunt people."

The Illyrian crossed his arms again and frowned. "Thank you for your explanation, but I do know what a ghost is."

"Sorry," I said. "Halimede told me that she was the first person to be killed in the wood-meadow. According to her, Rian and I can break the spell by killing him. I assume she meant the creature."

Furrowing her eyebrows, Zareen asked, "You assume that?"

I sighed. "Yeah."

Before I was able to say more, dark shadows started forming near us, and seconds later I saw Rhysand, Cerys, Ciaran and a dark-skinned man with black hair, all standing by the barrier.

Handsome and as tall as Rhysand, the man had a shining crown of golden spikes and was dressed in a white and gold tunic. There were also two golden armbands on his toned arms and a few rings on his fingers. Glancing at his gold gladiator sandals, I realised that it had to be the High Lord of the Day Court, Helion.

"Where is Rian?" Cerys demanded, putting hands on her hips.

"With me, in the wood-meadow," I replied. "Fighting the creature."

Her eyes went wide. "The blood bargain worked?"

I shrugged.

"Unbelievable," Cerys whispered.

Ciaran crossed his arms and added, "And to think you were against it, sister."

Cerys gave him a look of disapproval.

"Did he really breach the barrier?" Rhysand asked, drawing close and putting a hand on the wall. "It does seem old and powerful. Well, it's at least as old as the Prison."

"Rian said the same thing when he touched the barrier for the first time," I broke in.

Rhysand looked up. "I'm glad we're agreeing on that one." Then, he set his eyes upon me and gave me a smile.

The dark-skinned man approached the barrier as well and said, "You must be Lexi. The twins told me about the girl beyond the stars that came from a land without magic and is now trapped in the Summer Court."

"And you must be Helion. Nice to meet you, even given the circumstances." I flashed him a small smile.

He nodded. "Indeed I am. The pleasure's all mine."

"Can you destroy it?" Rhysand asked, taking a step back and glancing at him. "Or at least get rid of that annoying glamour veil, so we can see the wood-meadow."

I frowned. So we can see the wood-meadow?

"Let me try, Rhys," Helion said and placed both hands on the barrier. He closed his eyes and everyone got quiet, anxiously staring at him. "The spell around the wood-meadow is very powerful and ancient. I don't think I've ever come across such a magical wall…" He opened his eyes and looked up. "Destroying it would take me hours, but we don't have that much time, judging by the noises coming from the inside."

I glanced over my shoulder at Rian and the giant.

"Lexi said that she met a ghost there," Zareen cut in and the fairies looked at me.

"A ghost?" Rhysand asked.

"You know, uncle," Conri replied and put his hands on his hips, "a spirit of a dead person that is partially visible and can occasionally haunt people."

Rhysand stared at him blankly.

"Never mind," Conri whispered and scratched his head.

"Tell me more about the ghost," Helion said, cocking his head. I noticed that he didn't take his hand off the barrier. "Did she speak to you?"

"Well, yes. She introduced herself as Halimede and told me that Rian and I had to kill the creature in order to destroy the spell around its prison," I explained. "She used the word 'him' and I assumed that she meant the creature."

"Halimede," Helion repeated. "No, I've never heard such a name."

"Neither have I." Rhysand put his hand on the barrier once more. "Cerys told me that you woke up the creature. How exactly did you do it?"

"I started banging on the invisible wall and seconds later a scruffy-looking giant emerged out of nowhere," I replied.

"And you can really see us, can't you?" he asked, taking his hand off. Then he waved to me.

I frowned.

"Of course, I can," I said, feeling like one of the people appearing on 'Candid Camera' show. "From the moment I decided to sat on that damn rock. Why are you asking?"

"Because we can't see anything."

My eyes went wide. "You're joking."

He shook his head.

"Wait a minute–" I started and looked between the four fairies in front of me and Rian who was standing next to the creature and talking to it. From what I could see, it was injured as there was something reddish on its arms and back.

I glanced back at the fairies.

"Do you want to tell me that you don't see a thing?" I asked, making a step back. "That you were pretending the whole time and made me believe there was nothing wrong with the barrier? You knew…" I gasped. "Rian even asked me to walk with him and look for bones."

"We neither confirmed nor denied anything," Cerys replied. "I told you that the barrier was sparkling a lot. I just didn't share the information that it was impossible for us to see through it."

"Besides, Rian didn't want to frighten you," Zareen added.

"So it was all his idea?" I asked.

Ciaran nodded. "He wanted to tell you later, so you wouldn't panic."

I opened my mouth to answer him, but the High Lord of the Day Court was faster.

"Since you've already settled who said what about the barrier and who withheld some information concerning its appearance," he cut in, touching the invisible wall with both his hands, "I can now show you the wood-meadow as I have finally removed that annoying glamour veil." Taking his hands off the barrier, Helion stepped back. "You're welcome."

"Uncle, you're incredible." Zareen flashed him a smile.

"I know, my little pumpkin," he replied.

For me, nothing happened, because everything looked just the same, but most of the fairies frowned and fixed their eyes first on the wood-meadow behind me, and then on me.

"You look horrible," Cerys said, moving her eyes up and down my body. "Why didn't he heal you?"

I shrugged. "Apparently, magic doesn't work here."

"Did the ghost say anything else about the prison?" Rhysand asked. "Or the creature?"

I thought his question over and then replied, "Halimede said that she saw thousands of mortals that entered the wood-meadow and couldn't get out, so they died here. And… that the spell around us was weakened by Rian's blood and the bargain we made."

"Did you make the blood bargain before or after he breached the wall?"

"Before," I said.

"I see."

"Before she disappeared, Halimede told me that I can break the spell with Rian's help," I added and glanced at him over my shoulder. "And that we should put him out of his misery. I believe that she meant the giant again."

Rhysand put his hands into his pockets and looked up.

"I sensed there was something wrong with the wood-meadow," Ciaran broke in and his father set his eyes upon him, "so I started looking for clues on the ground. I told Lexi to stay away, but before I was able to stop her, she was already inside, surrounded by the sparkling wall."

"Because I didn't see anything," I said and put my hand against the barrier. "After talking to Halimede, I have two theories about the prison and her. One, that she was the first person to be killed here and the reason for the creation of the barrier, and two, that she was mortal herself and simply didn't see it when she got here all those years ago."

"Mortal," Helion repeated quietly. Deep in thought, he frowned, but then fixed his brownish eyes on me and added louder, "That's it."

A bit perplexed, I took my hand off the barrier.

"Lexi, listen to me carefully," the High Lord said. "You were the one who entered the prison, because you're a mortal and obviously couldn't see the wall. Thus, I believe that only you can destroy the prison by killing its prisoner. You, not Rian. You have to do it yourself."

"Me?" I asked with surprise. "I'm not a fighter. Look at me."

"That's why the ghost said about Rian's help," Helion added. "He should help you tire that creature out, but it has to be you who delivers the last blow. You," he repeated. "Or you and Rian might stay here forever."

My eyes went wide.

"You." The High Lord pointed his finger at me. Then, he looked at Rian behind my back and his handsome face grew serious. "If he kills it all by himself, then there will be nothing I could do to help you."

I turned around.

"I'm going to stop him," Rhysand said.

Seconds later, he was standing on the other side of the wood-meadow, trying to catch Rian's attention. But his son was so engaged in the fight that he didn't respond at first.

Before I knew, I began walking towards the two Night Court fairies and the creature. I noticed that it was lying on the ground, barely moving. Even though my legs hurt like hell, I picked up the pace.

When Rian finally realised that someone was talking to him, he froze. I could have sworn there was a terrified look on his face as he let Rhysand's words sink in, but it was gone by the time he looked directly at me. Seconds later, he fixed his eyes on the giant and dropped the sword he was holding in his right hand.

I came to a stop, having realised what that meant.

"No," I whispered.

It has to be you who delivers the last blow. You.

Rian took a step towards me.

"I didn't know," he said loudly. There was sadness and guilt in his voice. "I'm sorry, Lexi. I had no idea that it had to be you."

Tears started falling down my cheeks.

He took another step. "I'm sorry–"

Though lying on the ground, the creature moved its hand quickly and grabbed Rian's ankle. Unarmed and caught off his guard, he fell on the dry grass, but immediately tried to set his leg free by kicking it with his second one. Yet, the giant wouldn't let go. It even started pulling him towards itself.

Without thinking, I launched into a run.

After reaching Rian, I put both my hands under his armpits and began pulling him in the opposite direction. Belatedly, I came to realise that Rian was quite heavy, but it didn't stop me from trying to help him.

"Lexi, go away!" Rian barked, turning his head slightly in my direction. He kept kicking the giant's hand, but to no avail. "I can handle this."

"No," I wheezed, still pulling him away from it. "You've come to help me, I've come to help you, too."

Suddenly, Rian stopped moving and I fell backwards, hitting my arse on the ground. In one swift movement, he reached into his dark leather boot, drew a dagger and sank it in the creature's huge hand. Then, in a snap, he picked himself up and dragged me away from the roaring giant as far as the barrier would allow us.

Sitting me on the ground, Rian knelt on one knee in front of me and said, "Stay here."

"But I have to kill the giant," I protested.

He nodded. "I know. I will help you do it."

I realised that his breathing was uneven.

"Rian, are you hurt?" Rhysand asked, squatting on the other side of the wall. "Should I–"

"No!" Rian broke in. Then, he closed his eyes for a moment and said, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have, Father. I'm just sick and tired of this fucker." He glanced over his shoulder.

As if in response, the creature roared loudly.

When I looked at it, I realised that there was blood everywhere, not only on its hands, but also on the ground around it.

"Try to distract it for a while and then strike fast," Rhysand said, observing the giant. "Remember to leave the last blow for Lexi or you two are going to spend the rest of your days in this place." He looked at Rian.

He nodded. "I know."

They kept staring at each other for several seconds.

"I believe in you, son," the High Lord added and stood up. "You can do it."

Taking a few steps back, Rhysand put his hands into his pockets and motioned to the creature.

Unexpectedly, Rian cupped my cheek and made me look at him. Again, I felt that my face started turning red and warm, but I couldn't help it.

"Promise me something, Lexi," he said softly. "Promise that you will do absolutely everything I will ask you to do. Everything. Even hide somewhere."

I nodded. "I promise."

"And don't try to help me, honey." Rian smiled slightly. "I want you to be safe. You know that if we're going to get out and destroy the barrier once and for all, we need to do it together."

"I know. Halimede told me."

Rian frowned and let go off me. "Who?"

"You didn't see her?" I asked, suddenly feeling cold without his hand on my cheek. "I was talking with her about the wood-meadow and the wall."

"I didn't see anyone."

"She was standing right next to me and even pulled my hand," I added, raising my hand slightly. The shell bracelet moved a bit. "She was a ghost of a beautiful woman."

Rian's frown deepened as he repeated, "A ghost."

I sighed. "Why do all men here seem to have a problem with their ears when it comes to the word 'ghost'? Go see a doctor."

He opened his mouth to answer me, but Rhysand grunted unexpectedly.

Having glanced at his father, Rian stood up and extended his hand towards me, so I grabbed it and he picked me up.

"You can tell me about the ghost later," he said and then turned around, "since we have work to do, my lovely Alexandra."

I followed his gaze.

Bloodied and visibly worn out, the creature was slowly standing up. It had got rid of Rian's dagger, but its hand was still bleeding, as was the cut on its forehead. Emitting a low growl, it straightened up and suddenly set its only eye on us. It sniffed for a couple of times and I realised that the growl got louder.

"Back," Rian whispered, looking at the giant and slowly nudging me towards the middle of the wood-meadow. "I'm unarmed, so I have to get my blade back."

I glanced at the sword which was lying quite near to the creature.

"Lexi, I want you to run towards the rocks and drag it away," he added quietly. "When you distract it, I can grab my blade and we will end it once and for all."

Feeling worried about him, I placed my hand on his shoulder and said, "Be careful, Rian."

He nodded.

Without further ado, I turned away and launched into a run.

I didn't have to look over my shoulder to know that the giant chased after me. Its loud footsteps were enough for me to realise that it took the bait. Now, it was time to distract it.

When I reached the middle of the wood-meadow, I turned around and shouted at the top of my lungs, "Halimede!"

Immediately, the creature stopped.

Honestly, I had to admit that I wasn't entirely sure if it would work, but I was glad as hell that it didn't chase me anymore. Otherwise, I would have been so screwed.

"Halimede," I repeated loudly, putting my hand in the leather bag and squeezing it slightly around the biggest piece of glass. I felt more secure knowing that there was a makeshift weapon within my reach, in case something went wrong of course.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw that Rian approached his sword as quietly as he could and grabbed it. Then, he looked at me and moved his hand a couple of times, showing me to keep talking.

"That's right. Halimede," I added, taking a step back and observing the giant. It stood still and listened to my every word. "Do you remember Halimede? She told me to help you. To get you out of your prison. Halimede knew that you've been here for a very long time."

Rian started circling around the creature, the blade in his hand.

"Halimede believed we can free you," I said, moving back once again. "It must have been so lonely for you in this prison. So lonely with those tree trunks, rocks and yellow grass. So lonely without her. Without Halimede."

Unexpectedly, the giant let out a low growl and took a step forward.

Startled, I had to force myself not to jump and run away.

You can do this, I reminded myself, squeezing the piece of glass. You can do this.

Having taken a deep breath, I went on, "Halimede said that there was a way to destroy the prison and the wall around it. And then you can be finally free. After so many years."

The creature let out another low growl and got closer.

"Wouldn't it be nice to get out of here and see the world?" I asked, though I knew I would get no answer. "To hear the sound of birdsong? To feel the sun? The wind? To finally go back home? Wouldn't it?"

I got so carried away by my own speech that I shifted my hand in the leather bag and accidently cut my fingers with the broken glass. Quickly, I took my hand off and lifted it to my eyes, trying to inspect the cut.

All of the sudden, the giant sniffed.

Then, it launched into a run, directly towards me.

"Lexi, go!" Rian shouted, taking off running.

It was all the encouragement I needed before I leapt forward and started running towards the rocks. But I didn't get far.

Banged up and pretty tired, I stumbled after a few steps and fell to the ground. I tried to get up, but the creature was faster. It grabbed my right leg, just like it had done with Rian, and squeezed so tightly I could feel the bones crack.

Immediately, pain shot through my body and I let out a cry of dismay.

I closed my eyes, unable to focus.

Suddenly, something wet and warm splashed into my face, and then someone put their hands under my armpits and dragged me away.

Moaning in pain, I opened my eyes for a moment and saw a huge severed arm that was lying next to me.

The arm was covered in something red.

Blood.

I blinked as I couldn't focus on anything.

My leg was on fire.

My face was covered in blood.

I closed my eyes again, whining.

"Rian!" someone shouted. "She's passing out!"

Someone approached me quickly and cupped my face with both hands. "Lexi, stay with me," they said.

It was Rian's voice.

I opened my eyes.

"Lexi, stay with me," he repeated, getting closer to my face and patting my cheek. "Please. You have to kill that motherfucker. Stay with me. Lexi, please. Open your eyes."

I blinked.

"Lexi, please!" Rian shouted. "Open your eyes."

I tried to fix my eyes on him, but I couldn't.

"My leg," I sobbed.

Rian patted my cheek again and said, "I know, honey. I know. Please, you have to kill it."

I moaned.

My whole body was on fire.

"Rian," I wailed.

"It's all right, honey. I'll help you," he added and picked me up.

I let out a cry of pain and immediately buried my face in his neck.

"My leg."

"I'm sorry," he whispered. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to."

Carrying me, he started going somewhere.

"It's all right, Lexi. It's all right," he kept saying quietly.

Squeezing my eyes shut, I realised that I was now lying on the ground and Rian was kneeling next to me.

"My leg," I whined.

He cupped my cheek and said, "Cerys will take care of your leg, I promise. But first, we have to eliminate this motherfucker for good."

I blinked several times, trying to focus.

Another wave of pain shot through my body when I shifted on the ground.

I cried.

"It will be soon over, I promise. Lexi, stay with me, please."

I felt something cold in my right hand.

"Close your hand around this dagger." Rian touched my hand. "That's right."

I moaned, fixing my eyes on him.

"And now I'm sorry, honey. I'm so sorry," Rian said and embraced me, drawing me closer.

Immediately, I was hit by a wave of pain. Screaming, I let him extend my hand and sink the dagger in something wet and warm.

I heard a loud roar.

Someone patted my cheek. "Lexi? Do you hear me? Lexi?"

I moaned.

"Lexi!"

There were other voices around me, but I was so tired that I closed my eyes and buried my face in Rian's neck.

His warm neck was the last thing I remembered before everything went black.