Chapter 7

I stand at the top of a massive staircase, taking in the hidden and thriving city below.

An expansive weeping willow stands tall in the middle of the village, as high as a skyscraper. The walls that surrounds the Thallo are made up of thick tree trucks that reach for the heavens. Above is a canopy of shimmering emerald leaves, encasing the enchanted village like a globe. Golden buttery light filters through the gaps of the leaves, lighting up the entire space.

A massive river encircles what looks to be the town square, the weeping willow thrives in its center. Multiple bridges connect the towns center to the rest of the village. I can make out the figures of people, hundreds of them.

I hear conversations, laughter, music.

I feel as if I am underwater. The air that surrounds me is thick, unyielding. My mind tells me that what I'm seeing is not real, that it cannot possibly exist. Yet I am seeing it with my own eyes…my mind could never have imagined a place like this.

I see something in the distance. A luminousness ball of light is flying towards me, aiming directly towards my face. Before I have the chance to dodge the lavender ball of light, I hear a familiar voice yelling my name.

"Katherine!" Aria cries before colliding with my face.

Aria's small body slides down the side of my cheek and onto my shoulder. She wraps her tiny arms around my neck, clinging to me as tightly as she can. She sobs, her tears warming my neck.

"Aria." My own voice feels foreign as I say her name.

"I thought…I thought the portal would take you to the Thallo." She sobs. "It was supposed to take you to the safest place. Where did you go Katherine?"

"I…I was in a forest. There was a man there, he attacked me but then-"

I had killed that monster, demon. Alasdair had told me to run, forced me to run. Some part of my mind told me to keep this information to myself, at least for now.

"A human man?" Aria had released me from her death grip and was now hovering directly in front of my face, furious.

"I don't know, he looked…" Magnificent, powerful, deadly. "No, he was not human. There were two of them, they looked human at first but their faces…they looked like monsters." I would tell her about Alasdair later.

"Demons." The shimmering violet light that surrounds her fades into a dull pink.

I had been right. Those horrible creatures were demons. I had the sense that my world and this one had a different meaning of the word demon, yet both were evil.

"What is a demo-"

"Aria, you've found her."

I turn towards the voice. I am caught off guard by the pair of sapphire eyes staring into mine.

"Hello." He bows deeply as I turn my body towards him. His golden-brown hair is thick and neatly trimmed. He towers over me, his muscles show through his beige tunic. The only way to describe the mans face is devastatingly beautiful. "My name is Tomas."

"I'm…my name is Katherine." I reach my hand out instinctively, offering it to him.

For just a moment his thick eyebrows knit together in confusion as he stares at my hand, and then slowly he reaches for it, grasping it softly. I notice a soft green light illuminating from his palm.

"Katherine Baird." His blue eyes are smothering, captivating.

"Yes."

"How do we know she speaks the truth?" Says a thickly muscled man from behind Tomas, his dark eagle eyes assessing me. His thick hair flows in braids against his skull, his brown skin smooth and glistening.

Beside him stands another man, his shoulder length burgundy hair stands out against his pale skin. His hazel eyes are wide, as if he is in shock.

"Look at her Killian," the man whispers. "Crown of fire, eyes of iron..."

"It could be a façade…look at her clothes, the way she speaks. Something is-"

"She is Katherine Baird, sire of Prince Gustave Baird. Don't you dare disrespect her!" Aria glows red as she flies towards Killian's face, pointing her miniature finger towards his nose.

"Out of my face faerie!" Killian growls.

Chaos erupts as Killian and Aria begin to scream into each other's faces.

"Enough!" Tomas's voice revibrates throughout the Thallo.

Killian stiffens as Aria rushes towards me. She lands on my shoulder before hiding within my hair.

"I am not lying." I manage to say, surprised by the evenness of my voice, despite the fear and exhaustion that consumes me. "My name is Katherine Baird, that is the truth. Now please stop talking about me as if I am not right in front of you." Killian is staring at me, unblinking.

There is only silence for a few long seconds, all three towering men staring at me.

"Do not let Killian get under your skin, he has a tendency to piss everyone off around him." The man with the burgundy hair says as he walks towards me, and bows. "My name is Elijah, my lady."

I nod towards him, unable to form anymore words.

Elijah smiles and takes a step back towards Killian. Distrust fills Killian's eyes, yet he bows before me.

"We can discuss our matters privately, and in a much more civilized manner, Killian. For now, Katherine, I will offer you a place to bathe and eat." Tomas exclaims as he looks me up and down. "If that is something that interest you, of course."

I look down at my body, noticing for the first time that my clothes are nearly torn to shreds.

"Thank you." I cover my body subconsciously, suddenly aware of all of the eyes on me.

"Finley, please show Katherine and Aria the way to the manor." Tomas says firmly, yet his voice is calm. "I will send for the faeries to assist you, there will be clothes and food waiting."

"I can assist her." Aria says fiercely as she glares at Tomas from behind my curtain of hair.

"Aria, please." Tomas rubs his temples. "Please let me help you, just this once."

Aria huffs once, before deciding not to challenge Tomas further.

"Follow me, princess!" Finley chimes, excited to follow the order given by Tomas.

I follow Finley, though it feels as if I am walking through sand. I feel Tomas's sapphire gaze on my back as I make my way down the stone staircase into the magnificent city below.

Though I am terrified and exhausted, I cannot help but be fascinated. The Thallo is bursting with life. Humans, faeries, and other humanoid creatures go about their everyday life as Finley, Aria, and I make our way through the towns center.

Colorful shops and cottages line the paved stone roads. Some are made of simple wood, others made of shining stone with decorative architraves. People filter in and out from the shops, some bearing baskets of fresh fruits and vegetables while others bear books and rolled up parchment.

Vendors fill the street, some offering fresh cut roses and others offering small glass vials filled with luminescent liquids.

The stings of a violin flow throughout the streets of the Thallo, yet I cannot find the source of the beautiful music.

A hunched back man tends to the massive wildflower garden that surrounds the weeping willow in the middle of the Townsquare. My eyes catch the old man's attire, a grey tunic and brown trousers. I look around, noticing then how similar everyone else is dressed. Women in flowing cotton dresses, men in simple tunics and trousers. Some men are layered in leather armor and chainmail, reminding me of warriors.

We pass a stone bridge built over the flowing river below. The cottages begin to spread out, overflowing gardens taking their place.

Finley stops before a garden of rows and rows of blooming vibrant flowers. Beyond the garden sits a white marbled manor, with multiple thatched roofs and a circular stained-glass window above the arched doorway. The same ivy I had become so accustomed to covers the white marble, yet violet flowers bloom upon the green roots.

"Welcome to the Falconer Manor." Finley says playfully, his voice sounds younger than it had before.

The inside of the manor is simple, yet elegant. A grand staircase stands in the middle of the airy foyer. Multiple doors and arched hallways line one side of the wall, a large golden rimmed fireplace lines the other. Beautifully painted portraits of the forest are scattered throughout. There is an abundance of plush sofas and arms chairs, all facing each other.

"The guest room is up the stairs to the right." Finley says before jumping onto one of the armchairs and curling into himself.

"Thank you." My voice sounds far away.

I take one step towards the stairs before multiple glowing forms of light begin to descend from the top of the grand staircase.

Aria hisses.

"Aria, did you just hiss?" I ask, bewildered.

Dozens of faeries surround us, each as magnificent and brilliant as the next. Aria has latched onto my neck once again, her grip stronger than before.

"Aria!" The faeries say in harmony, their voices higher pitched and more whimsical than Aria's. "We are so happy that you are home!"

Aria hisses again, causing the swarm of beautiful faeries to laugh in sync.

"Welcome to the Falconer Manor, Katherine Baird." Says a faerie surrounded by a golden hue. "Lord Tomas says it is our duty to help get you bathed and fed, please follow me to your chambers."

"And you," the golden faerie says, glaring at Aria. "You will come willingly. We have much to discuss young Aria, starting with why you choose to constantly disobey me and disappear for such long stretches of time, again and again."

"I will do no such-" A swarm of faeries encircle Aria, latching onto her as she trashes against them.

"We will not harm her." The golden faerie says and I reach for Aria. "She will be bathed and changed, just as you will. It is always a fight with our disobedient Aria. Luna Plena is just a few short sun rises away, and we must all be ready."

"Luna plena?" I ask, my curiosity getting the best of me.

"Yes, lady Baird. We still uphold all of our traditions." She motions for me to follow her. "Regardless of the chaos our world is enduring. We must keep our people content and filled with hope."

The faerie spoke as if she believed I knew about their traditions. As if she thought I had been hiding away in Skye, waiting to make my appearance. Had no one known about the portal to my world? Did they even know that another world existed?

"Here is your room, my lady. The bath is warm and waiting, please do enjoy."

The room is massive, with sage walls and gold trim. Cream colored curtains flow softly against the wind that escapes through a pair of balcony doors. The canopy bed is large, with golden blankets and pillows upon it. Through an arched doorway is a marble clawfoot tub, steam wafts from the hot water within it.

"This is…thank you, um…"

"My name is Lennox." The golden faerie bows, her long black hair flows in waves. "Now please discard your filthy clothes and bathe. We must make you presentable, princess."

I watch Lennox as she flies out of the bathroom. Her words sounded distant, far away. My breathing becomes rapid again. My heart beats so fast that I fear it will escape from ribcage. I look between the tub and the bed, unsure of where to go from here.

"I am dreaming." I say aloud, shock threatening to crush me whole.

My words echo throughout the room, yet nothing changes.

With heavy feet, I begin to move. I reach for the map in my back pocket, shocked that it had not fallen out during my struggle with Alasdair. I place it on the counter near the sink. My sweater comes apart at the seams as I undress myself. An array of bruises and scratches lay scattered over my arms and legs, even my torso. I shiver at the memory of Alasdair, the demons.

I step into the large tub, ignoring the sting of soapy water against my torn skin. Every muscle in my aching body relaxes against the heat of the water. My eyelids become impossible to keep open, yet when I close them all I can see is a burned corpse.

My breathing becomes shallow and rapid, my lungs struggling to get enough air.

I had killed someone. I was stuck in this strange world filled with magic...and monsters. Monsters that wanted to harm me, kill me. There was a fire within me that I had no idea how to control.

I had known that digging into my father's past, trying to find the answer as to why he left, would cause me pain. I had no idea that my life would be changed so drastically, for forever. I had always felt like I did not belong in my world, I felt out of place and isolated. Had it been because I truly did not belong there? Had I always had this fire within me, biding its time?

"Breath." I whisper to myself, trying to calm my racing heart.

The steaming water suddenly feels overwhelming. I step out of the tub, unable to handle the heat. With soaking hair and nothing but a towel I crawl into the canopy bed. Sunlight still streams in through the windows as I close my eyes.

The flayed demon and white wolf welcome me as I drift, the shock of everything has finally consumed me.

I can hear everything. The door to the bedroom opening and closing. Fluttering wings hovering above me. Concerned voices, familiar voices. The sound of glass plates being placed on wood, the smell of food.

I do not move, I cannot move. My brain has locked me inside of myself, protecting me the only way it knows how. How long has it been since I arrived at the Thallo? Hours? Days? I know that I need to get up, to face the new world around me…yet I am unable to escape from the prison of my own mind.

"Katherine." A husky voice breaks through the fog within my head. I search for the familiar voice, reach for it…

A bright light hovers over my eyes lids, brilliant and burning. The light becomes brighter, lighting up the dark prison cell I am trapped within.

The light shines so bright that I am forced to open my eyes.

Aria sits before me, her normally wild lavender hair is pulled back into a tight bun. She wears a flowing white dress, so unlike the tight strappy cream cloth from before. I see a man standing in the doorway, his sapphire eyes as devastating as I remembered.

"You're awake." Aria says softly, relief coating every word.

"How long…"

"The sun has rose and set twice. That's two days in your world, maybe longer. Time moves differently in Skye." Aria whispers, as if she is trying not to frighten me.

I look towards the doorway, Tomas has disappeared.

"Tomas has been concerned, he hasn't left the manor since you…fell asleep."

I sit up, every muscle in my body aches. I feel the sudden urge to move, to eat.

"Are you okay, Katherine?"

"No, but…"

"You will be." Aria smiles, I so badly want to believe her. "Please forgive me, but it looks like there is a bird living within your hair."

I laugh, the sound foreign but welcome.

"The faeries have been dying to pamper their princess." Aria says, rolling her eyes.

"Princess?" The word makes my stomach turn.

"I will tell you everything, when you are ready. Now is not the time, apparently." Aria's tone is sarcastic, but I can see the concern behind her eyes. "Let us help you clean up, you can trust all of us."

With stiff legs I follow Aria to the bathroom.

Multiple faeries hover above the tub, some holding rags while others hold jars of what looks to be soap.

"May we assist you?" A blue haired faerie asks, the smile on her tiny face is eager, determined.

"I…" I look to Aria, she nods slowly. "I would appreciate that."

I soak in the steamy water as my scalp is scrubbed, my nails trimmed, all unwanted hair is plucked. Multiple faeries hover above the gashes and bruises all over my body, their tiny palms glowing as they attempt to heal each one.

Once the faeries are satisfied, I am brought a silk robe and a brush. I sit on the edge of my freshly made bed, brushing my hair.

"We need to get some food in her, she is far too skinny." One of them chimes.

"She needs rest!" Says another.

One by one, they each speak about me as if I cannot hear them. All of them extremely concerned about my wellbeing, how I look, even my hair...

"Enough!" Aria yells at her sisters. "Fetch the princess some food and stop your gossiping."

Each one smiles and bows, undeterred by Aria's sudden outburst.

"Told you she needed some food." I hear one say as they leave, disappearing through the doorway.

The faeries are gone for only a few moments before they reappear with an assortment of porcelain plates. Each is filled with a variety of food. I take the silver fork handed to me from a blonde haired faerie and begin to dig in, my hunger endless.

Aria stares at me as I eat, a smug smile on her face.

I had been so distracted by the faeries that I had not realized that the sun had set, the golden buttery light has faded into moonlight. I had lost another day.

I notice a massive wardrobe in the corner of the room, an array of flowers carved into the wood.

I search through it, in hopes to find something comfortable to sleep in. To my dismay, there are only silk and cotton gowns, the opposite of what I prefer to sleep in. I reach for the cream silk slip with the least amount of fabric, unsure if the gown is even appropriate to sleep in.

"Can I have some privacy to change?" I ask Aria, showing her the satin garment.

"Of course, but…" She fly's closer to me, hovering just before my face. "Do not scare me like that again, please."

"I won't, I'm awake now…I can handle it." My words are true, I had escaped my own mind.

I close the door behind Aria, relieved to be alone again. The slip dress fits comfortably, to my relief. I dim the gaslit burner on the bedside table, not turning it off completely, just in case…

I crawl under the feathered-down blanket, taking in the comfort of the pump pillows and mattress beneath me now that the fog has cleared. I know that I will not be able to sleep, my entire body restless. I toss and turn. I can still see the face of the demon I had killed; the sallow gray skin, flat nose, black debtless eyes. The thought of the creature's teeth, sharp and jagged, made to tear through flesh, threatens to send me into a wave of panic.

I sit up, unable to face the images that arise when I close my eyes. My mind was no longer keeping me numb.

The curtains flow in the wind, reminding me that the doors to the balcony remain open. I get up from the warm bed, far too restless to sleep. Outside on the terrasse, the moonlight filters in through the break in the leaves high above. The garden below is luminescent, even in the night.

I notice the figure of a man walking through the gardens. No, not walking, pacing. He walks back and forth, his substantial body tense. The moonlight catches his golden hair…Tomas. This is his home, his garden. Yet I am still taken aback by the sight of him.

There is a staircase attached to the balcony, leading to the magnificent man and garden below. The fear of closing my eyes, of sitting in bed alone and restless, has me steadily descending the staircase, careful not to disrupt Tomas.

I close the gap between us, a few steps at a time. Even in the darkness I can see that Tomas is distraught; his golden hair disheveled, the white tunic that he wears is unbuttoned, showing his bare chest.

He continues to pace, whispering softly to himself.

"Tomas?" I ask quietly, not wanting to startle him.

His entire body stiffens, he becomes still at stone. He slowly turns towards me, the flame in his eyes is alive and thriving. The rest of his features are covered in darkness, making his expression difficult to read.

"Hello, Katherine." He does not bow, I have caught him off guard.

The air between us becomes dense, electrified. The sensation is so sudden that I take a step back, astonished.

"I did not mean to frighten you." He puts his hands up, taking a step towards me. He sounds different from earlier, harsher.

"Frighten me? I am the one who has snuck up on you, Tomas."

His brilliant teeth flash in the darkness, though the smile does not reach his eyes.

"I wanted to apologize, I…why are you out here?" I ask, deciding to apologize in the day light.

"I could not sleep."

"Neither could I."

His voice is hard, eyes distant. I want to close the gap between us, see past the shadows that cover his face. He is so unlike the confident man that had introduced himself when I first arrived to the Thallo.

"You should not be outside in the dark, Katherine Baird."

"So you believe me to be the last Baird, then?" I push, attempting to brighten his eyes.

"I knew who you were the moment I laid my eyes on you."

The intensity in his eyes is daunting.

"Why are you out here, pacing through a garden?" I ask softly, eager to keep him talking.

"I fear that someday soon I will not be able to protect these people any longer. The thoughts haunt me…I am finding more and more bodies every day, each one closer to the Thallo. I'm not sure how much longer I can keep them hidden." He takes a step away from me, his stare is smoldering. "And now, the last Baird has finally returned. How will I protect you, if I cannot even protect my own people?"

"I can protect myself." My palms aches, I know my words to be true.

"You should not have to." He closes the distance between us in one short stride. "Now please, go back to your room, rest. I do not wish you to see me in this state."

"Okay." I say breathlessly, overwhelmed by the force of the tension that sparks in the air between us.

Reluctantly I turn from him, my feet feel like stone as I walk away. Once I reach the top of the balcony, I peer down to where he stands. He is staring at me, the light from the moon reflecting against his eyes. For just a moment, his normally sapphire eyes shine emerald against the moonlight.

I turn away from him and walk into my room, closing the balcony doors behind me.

I fall into the bed, curling into myself. Images of sharp teeth and sallow skin keeps me restless. I fight against the images, thinking of a pair of sapphire eyes, until darkness overcomes me.