She was falling.

  Not her body, but her mind.

  It felt like tumbling through endless space, but there was no panic. No pain.

  No impact.

  And when she landed, it was not on solid ground inside a mindscape. Allara was also there, waiting for her.

  Kai instinctively landed in a crouch, her body reacting before her mind caught up. Slowly, she straightened, exhaling a sharp breath.

  “Huh…” she murmured, glancing around. They stood in an open field of knee-high grass—or was it wheat? The horizon stretched far and wide, bathed in the dim hues of twilight. In the distance to her left, jagged mountains loomed like silent sentinels.

  She stepped toward Allara, stopping just before her. The sorceress met her gaze, calm yet unreadable.“What now?” Kai asked. Allara extended her hand, palm facing up. “I guide you to the memory.” Kai blinked. “I thought you couldn’t do that?” Allara sighed, as if preparing herself for a conversation she had already played out in her mind. “I can.” Her voice was steady, but there was a weight to it. “It isn’t the initial meld that concerns me. When we leave this space, our joining will leave us both open to each other’s minds. It won’t happen all at once, but it will happen. And it’s irreversible.” Kai nodded in understanding. “Alright.”Allara huffed a quiet breath, shaking her head at the taller woman’s unwavering acceptance.

  Kai, without hesitation, placed her palm down over Allara’s waiting hand.“I will be taking you back nearly five hundred years, give or take a few.” Kai’s eyebrows lifted slightly, but she said nothing.

  Allara stepped closer, placing her left hand on Kai’s shoulder. Slowly, her fingers traced up, gliding over her collarbone, then her neck, until they settled at the back of her nape. Gently, she pulled Kai’s head down until their foreheads touched.

  Kai’s heart stuttered. She barely had time to process the warmth of Allara’s touch before the world shifted. When the space around them solidified once more, Allara stepped back but did not release her hand. Kai blinked. They now stood in the middle of a village. People bustled about, dressed in clothing that was centuries old. Their conversations, their laughter, the sounds of carts rolling over cobblestone—all of it was alive, but distant, as if she were watching through a pane of glass. A memory.

  Kai glanced around feeling a bit confused. She looked back down at the sorceress. “This isn’t North America, is it?” Allara shook her head. “No. It was England, just outside Cornwall. I can’t remember the name of the town though. It’s been soo long.” She said with a shrug. Turning she led Kai down the center of the town, towards a crowd that had gathered in a square.

  The air was thick with angry voices, jeering and shouting. Kai’s gaze snapped to the middle of the commotion where armed men stood in a line, holding captives between them. A Satyr and what looked like a Wood Nymph were bound in heavy iron shackles. She scowled at that. But what sent Kai’s pulse spiking was the sight of a young girl tied to a post. Before she could even think, Kai moved—a deep growl of anger rising in her throat. Allara’s hand grasped her arm, holding her back. “It is a memory, Kai,” she said softly. “You cannot stop what has already happened.” Kai stilled, her breath coming in sharp bursts. Her hands clenched into fists, nails digging into her palms. Allara saw it all—the horror, the helplessness, the sheer anguish on Kai’s face. She has a kind heart, she thought. “It is alright, my friend,” she whispered. Kai could only watch, her body thrumming with restrained fury and frustration as the men dragged the two Fae forward. Their swords gleamed in the fading light.The Satyr and the Wood Nymph knelt, their shackles rattling. Kai felt tears prick at her eyes. Then—One of the men grabbed the young girl’s hair, forcing her head up. She was shaking, her small frame taut with fear. But her eyes—her eyes—Kai recognized them. Green. Vivid. Allara’s. The man made her watch as the executioners prepared to strike. With their blades falling, a scream tore from the girl’s lips as a concussive blast erupted from her body, shattering the air. The armed men were hurled backwards, thrown like rag dolls into the jeering crowd. The people screaming and scrambling away in terror. When the dust settled, the two Fae were untouched. Their shackles had crumbled to dust.

  Kai’s breath caught. The girl—Allara—collapsed to her knees.The Satyr and the Wood Nymph rushed to her side, lifting her gently before darting away, carrying her towards the surrounding woods.The memory began to fade, dissolving like mist. Kai turned to Allara, with an understanding expression. “That was you,” she murmured. “Even then, you were powerful. ”Allara exhaled, eyes fixed on the spot where her younger self had stood.

  “That was the day I left the human world for the Fae.” She whispered.

  “I was born out of wedlock in that town,” Allara said, her gaze distant as if watching a fading memory play out before her. “During that time, it was the norm for fathers to marry their daughters off—to better their own lives and line their pockets with coin. My mother was no different. Her father married her to a violent man, a man whose temper was as unpredictable as the weather. You never knew what would set him off.” Kai remained silent, listening intently as Allara continued. “My mother was young and idealistic. One day, while gathering herbs in the forest, she came across my father. She swore to me he was just a traveling merchant, but I knew she was lying. She fell in lust with him—though I’m sure at the time, she must have thought it love.”

  “After I was born, strange incidents began to happen and I always seemed to be the cause. At first, they were small, easy to dismiss. But eventually, my mother’s husband began to suspect I was different. And back then, different was not something to be celebrated. It was something feared and to be hidden—shunned. My mother realized I took after my biological father mor than her, and she tried to suppress my strange abilities. But children are ruled by their emotions, and I was no different.

  The problem was… my emotions brought my magic to light.”Allara let out a humorless chuckle, shaking her head.“He found me one day playing in the forest. He had been returning from a hunt and caught me unawares. I was near the base of a great oak, bending its branches to lift me up like a swing.” Her voice darkened. “Suffice to say, he was livid. I received the worst beating of my life that day. It was so bad that he had to call for a healer. He lied of course, claiming I had run in front of a horse-drawn carriage.”

  She exhaled sharply. “And then he swore to me that whatever devilry I had done would never happen again—or he would kill me himself.”

  Kai felt her fingers tighten over Allara’s hand as she listened.“I was laid up in bed for days,” Allara continued. “During that time, I noticed something. When my mother came to tend to my wounds, she bore bruises of her own. He suspected I wasn’t his and had decided to force my mother—every night—until she gave him a son. One night, I couldn’t sleep. I left my pallet and heard muffled screams coming from behind their sleeping curtain.”

  She paused, drawing in a deep breath before looking at Kai. There was no pity in Kai’s expression, no judgment—only quiet understanding. Allara hadn’t expected that.“I killed him that night,” she said, voice steady. “He was hurting my mother. I don’t remember exactly what I did. I blacked out. But when I came to, my mother had already taken his body far into the woods and set his horse loose—bridled and saddled, with his quiver of arrows. She made it look like a hunting accident.”

  Allara scoffed bitterly. “After that, my mother never spoke to me again. I think she blamed me for everything, as if all her troubles started with me. Ironic, isn’t it? If she had just kept her bloody legs closed, she probably would have had a son instead of a daughter.”Kai leaned closer and ran her thumb gently over the back of Allara’s hand.

  “But then,” Kai murmured, “the world would have been deprived of a beautiful soul.” Allara gave a wan smile before reaching for Kai, pulling her close until their foreheads touched. A familiar shift occurred, and when it settled, Kai found herself standing somewhere new.

  The realm of the Fae was quite different. Strange trees and glowing flowers surrounded them, and a river cut through the scene, fed by a small waterfall. A stone bridge stood at the base of the falls, and on it paced a teenage version of Allara, her hands weaving through the air in a practiced motion. She spoke in an ancient tongue, her focus absolute. On the riverbank stood a tall, dark-haired man in flowing silver robes, leaning on a long staff. Beside him, a bridge troll watched anxiously.

  Kai’s eyes flicked toward the bridge. A sizeable chunk was missing.Just as she noticed, the broken stones began to rise from the water. Young Allara directed them like a conductor, positioning them carefully before chanting louder, faster. Green magic enveloped the bridge, pulsing in time with her words. Then, with a final flick of her wrists, the stones settled. The bridge was whole. Teenage Allara whooped in triumph and ran across the bridge toward the two observers. “Did you see?!” she cried excitedly. “Master, did you see that? I finally got it right!”

  Kai had to admit—teen Allara was adorable. She glanced at the woman beside her and smirked. Allara rolled her eyes. “Oh, shut up! I was thirteen! For crying out loud, pay attention.” She poked Kai’s side, making the taller woman chuckle.

  The man—Allara’s master—smiled. He was tall, with long black hair tied at the base of his neck, and an unmistakable aura of power.“Well done, my apprentice!” he said, his accent confirming Kai’s suspicion—he was a Spaniard. “That was a job very well done.” Young Allara beamed with pride. The troll hesitantly stepped forward. “Umm, Master Selios… is it fixed?”Selios patted the troll’s massive arm. “Yes, my friend, all is well. I thank you for allowing my apprentice to practice. It will hold for a very long time.”The troll sighed in relief, nodding in gratitude before lumbering into the water and disappearing beneath the bridge.Young Allara giggled. “Trolls are always so funny.” Selios smiled indulgently and led her toward a pair of horses Kai hadn’t noticed before.

  “This was my master’s exam of sorts,” Allara explained. “To prove I was ready to begin my journeyman training in sorcery. Kai listened, noting the wistfulness in Allara’s voice.“I showed you this,” Allara continued, “to give you perspective on my master. I always knew him to be kind and caring. He taught me everything I know. He was what I had always hoped my father would have been.” There was more to this memory than Allara was letting on. Kai didn’t push. She simply listened.

  The next memory would bring to light the beginning of the end, and Allara was nervous. She knew she was only showing bits and pieces, but there wasn’t enough time to explain everything. She would give the highlights, and the rest would have to wait until after the Conclave. She knew she was being a bit of a coward—certain truths would come to light regardless of her actions—but she truly hoped she would get the chance to explain in full later.

  “We’re jumping to my younger adult years now. I’ll combine them all together—it will save time.” Kai merely nodded, then surprised Allara by grasping her waist and pulling her in. The touch was firm and gentle as she effortlessly pulled her close. Even in a mindscape Kai exuded power. Allara’s breath hitched. She felt her chest constrict at the innocent act, her mind hyper-aware of the strength in that simple move. She tried not read too much into it but was failing spectacularly. It also did not help that Kai’s body was remarkable—her muscles coiled beneath her skin like taut springs waiting to release. Yet she was all woman too. A contradiction within a conundrum.

  Allara leaned in, resting her forehead against Kai’s.Their world spun, shifting once more.The memory began with a younger Allara walking down cobbled streets in what Kai assumed was old New York City. The streets bustled with people, elegant horse-drawn carriages weaving between them. Allara moved with purpose, making her way toward an alleyway. Kai noticed a hidden Fae mark etched into the right wall. The moment Allara stepped past it, she vanished—only to reappear on the other side in an equally busy, yet wholly different, street. A Fae marketplace. The air was thick with magic and voices bartering. Allara meandered through, stopping at various booths to purchase items and ingredients. “A lot of the Fae, both Seelie and Unseelie left the British Isles during the Great purge. When the Catholic Church came after our hamlets. We gravitated to the places where the ley lines were at their strongest. New York, which at the time was called New Amsterdam or New Netherland, depending on who you asked, has one of the most accessible ley lines in the continent. ” Allara explained

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  Kai nodded in interest as she observed everything, her senses heightened. It was then she noticed the woman. A tall blonde, dressed in a flowing blue gown.Kai saw her a second before memory-Allara did. The two women collided, and Allara fell—straight into the stranger’s lap. Kai blinked in surprise as she watched the blonde catch her, keeping her from hitting the ground. What followed was a comical exchange of apologies and laughter, ending with an unexpected invitation to dinner.

  Kai hadn’t seen that coming.But what caught her off guard even more so, was the strange and sharp twinge she felt in her chest.

  Allara, standing beside her as she too watched the memory, whispered the woman’s name like a ghost from her past.“Elleian.” Heartbreak laced in her voice, raw and unguarded.

  Kai immediately knew this woman no longer walked the earth. Her heart clenched for her friend. She knew what that kind of loss felt like. Without a word, she gently squeezed Allara’s hand. Allara squeezed back. The memory continued, jumping between different moments—snapshots of Allara’s life. Her interactions with her Master, Selios. Her growing relationship with Elleian—or Lean, as she affectionately called her. And always, Agatha was there. The old Crone had remained a constant, a guardian in Allara’s life, and Kai silently thanked her for it.

  Kai watched as Allara and Lean grew closer, their bond deepening. But what worried her was the gradual shift in Selios. The man who had once been open and caring became secretive. Manipulative.Being an outsider, Kai saw it with stark clarity—Selios had begun to crave power. And he sought it in darker and darker places. But what truly stunned Kai… was Lean. A particular memory played out before her. Memory-Allara discovered, quite by accident, that Lean was immensely powerful. That she was a neutral protector of all Fae. A balancing force. And, at times, it seemed like she was the only reason peace was maintained. Selios noticed too.

  Kai saw it then—his true goal. He wanted Lean’s power. And he used Allara’s loyalty to him, as his apprentice, to manipulate her. He did the same to others, befriending them only to gain knowledge and power.

  Kai also saw something else. Allara, too, had grown powerful. Incredibly so. But unlike her Master, she never sought more than what she had.

  The final memory began and Allara trembled beside her as Kai watched the truth unravel. She saw bits and prices of the betrayal, the horrific murder of Lean at the hands of the other sorcerers. The moment Selios revealed himself for what he truly was.

  Kai’s chest tightened as she witnessed Allara’s two greatest sins: the unwitting betrayal of her dearest friend… and the aftermath of the bloody massacre of the sorcerers at the last Conclave.

  Allara didn’t realise she was holding her breath until she felt Kai’s arms wrap around her, pulling her into an all-consuming embrace. Her breath left in a rush.Tears slipped down her cheeks, her body trembling as she gasped against Kai’s shoulder. Soft words were whispered against her ear. “I’m so sorry. So, so sorry. You shouldn’t have had to live through that.”

  A hand rubbed slow, soothing circles against her back.“You’re okay. It’s over. I’ve got you.”

  Allara broke.She sobbed quietly into Kai’s shoulder, feeling warmth, feeling safety—feeling kindness.So kind.

  After a long moment, she pulled back, gathering herself. Though they were still within the mindscape, it all felt real.

  Kai met her gaze. “I know that was hard,” she said, voice full of earnest understanding. “And I know you probably didn’t even show me half of it. But I’m here. I’m not going anywhere. After the Conclave, we’ll talk more.”

  She took a breath, searching Allara’s face.“I think I understand some of what you’ve been trying to tell me.” Kai hesitated, then asked, “You think I’m like Lean… don’t you?” Allara’s breath caught.

  Kai raised both hands in a slow, calming motion before she could speak. “I know there’s probably a whole lot more to it,” she said. “But that’s the gist of it, isn’t it?”Allara exhaled. Then nodded. Kai nodded back. “Okay. Okay… then let’s head back and finish this.” She gave Allara a serious look. “I’ll follow your lead.” A weight lifted from Allara’s chest. “Alright,” she whispered, relief washing through her. She gave Kai a real smile—one full of gratitude. Kai smiled back, her expression warm and unguarded. And just like that, Allara melted a little more for the woman standing before her. “Okay,” Allara said, bracing herself. “Grab my hand and hold on. Leaving is more disorienting than entering.”

  Kai nodded and took her hand. Then, in that bold way of hers, she slid an arm around Allara’s waist, pulling her close. Their foreheads touched once more.

  Allara’s mind stuttered. Oh my… I can barely concentrate with her like this.

  Taking a steadying breath, she wrapped her magic around them both and willed them out of the mindscape. Kai felt the magic engulf her, sinking into her like a warm current. Inside, she purred at the sensation. What this woman does to me.

  Meanwhile, Back in the Physical Plane

  Rina had been keeping an eye on Allara and Kai ever since the sorceress pulled their friend aside for a private conversation. She was sure there was something more between them than either would admit, but she was a patient Moon Elf. She could wait. For now. But as she stood with her mate, Selene, Shae, and Marta, she casually glanced back toward Kai—only to do a double take.

  Her stomach dropped. “Oh no. What is she doing?” she gasped aloud, her voice sharp with alarm. Shae’s head snapped up. She followed her sister’s gaze—and then gasped as well. They watched, stunned, as Lady Allara placed her hands on either side of Kai’s face, a familiar glow illuminating the space between them.

  “She’s performing a mind meld.” Shae’s voice was barely above a whisper, but the panic was clear. “Is she mad?!” Rina exclaimed. Without thinking, she stormed across the lot, intent on stopping them before it was too late. Just as she reached out to pull them apart, a pair of gnarled hands shot out of the shadows and yanked her back. Rina whirled around, ready to fight—only to freeze as Agatha, the Crone, materialised before her.“Ye best be not tochen me Mistress, Moonling,” the Crone rasped. “Lest ye be loosen dem limbs, ye hear?”Rina gaped at her, momentarily unsure if she was being threatened or warned.

  “Rina!” She barely had time to register her sister’s panicked voice before she was engulfed in Shae’s arms. “Umm… Shae? What in the world?” Rina tried to pull back, bewildered by her sister’s reaction. Shae didn’t let go, instead pulling back just enough to glare at her. She wagged a finger in Rina’s face.“You know better than to interrupt someone in the middle of a spell! You could have died! Especially since it’s her!” Shae pointed at the silent form of the Dark Sorceress as she scolded her sister, her voice filled with rare fear and agitation. Agatha nodded emphatically in agreement, her wrinkled face as stern as ever.

  Rina’s eyes widened as the realisation sank in. “Oh, stars,” she breathed. “I—I didn’t even think—” She turned to the Crone, horror dawning on her face. “I’m so sorry! And… thank you. I think you just saved me a world of hurt.” Agatha gave a satisfied nod. “So’s long es ye be headen.” Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Rina stepped back, putting some distance between herself and the two mind-bound women.

  She turned to Agatha once more. “Why would she do this?” she asked, her voice tight with concern. “One does not simply meld minds with anyone.” Her hands twisted together anxiously. The Crone merely tilted her head. “Me Mistress be knowen moche,” she murmured cryptically. “I’s be trosten her.” And so they waited.A couple of minutes passed in heavy silence. Then—They felt it before they saw it.

  A shift in the air and then—their eyes widened as Kai’s arms encircled Lady Allara, drawing her close. The sorceress trembled, her body pressed against Kai’s, her fingers digging into the taller woman’s back. And then, to their astonishment, the mighty Lady Allara broke. Silent tears slid down her pale cheeks, dampening Kai’s shoulder. No one spoke. No one dared to interrupt. A minute later, both women stirred, and simultaneously, their eyes fluttered open—before their knees buckled, sending them collapsing to the ground.

  Kai definitely agreed with Allara’s earlier statement. The leaving was most definitely rougher than entering. The moment they returned to the physical plane, the world tilted violently on its axis.Her stomach churned.Her knees gave out.

  Oh, Hell No!

  With a groan, she barely managed to turn her face toward the ground, swallowing hard against the overwhelming nausea. But I did not seem to be working.

  Beside her, Allara pressed a trembling hand to her mouth, willing herself not to retch. A cool sensation suddenly touched her forehead, and she exhaled as soothing magic swept through her body. A gnarled hand withdrew, and she sighed in relief, recognising Agatha’s touch. Gathering herself, Allara pushed herself up onto her knees, her gaze immediately falling on Kai—who was currently still bent forward, forehead pressed against the pavement retching. Acting quickly, Allara reached forward, pressing her palm against Kai’s forehead, channeling the same healing magic into her.

  Kai let out a low, grateful moan as the nausea lifted, the magic spreading warmth throughout her limbs. She took a deep breath, straightened her back, and turned to see who had helped her.Her eyes landed on Allara. “Thanks,” she croaked. The sorceress gave her a tired but amused smile. Kai then turned, spotting Agatha just as the Crone gave a satisfied nod and disappeared into the shadows once more.

  Rina had been trying her best to hold her tongue. But she was struggling. Really badly.

  Finally, she couldn’t take it anymore. “What were you thinking?!” she snapped, rounding on Allara. “A mind meld?! Do you even realize what happens now?! Do you?!” She was just about to unleash the full force of her fury when Kai—bless her absolutely ridiculous timing—casually pressed two fingers against Rina’s lips. Rina glared. Kai looked down at her, completely unfazed. Rina growled in frustration.“Grrrrr.” Kai blinked innocently at her.

  Rina threw her hands up. “I hate how cute you are sometimes,” she grumbled, crossing her arms.

  Allara chuckled, shaking her head. Once Rina was calm enough to listen, Kai and Allara explained everything as best they could. Rina, in the end, admitted that it did make things easier. That didn’t mean she had to like it. She cast an exasperated look at Kai—who, to no one’s surprise, was completely unfazed about the whole mind-melding situation.

  Lady Allara chuckled again. Rina sighed. “Fine. Fine. But if anything goes sideways because of this, I’m blaming both of you.” Allara smirked. “Dully Noted.” Kai just patted Rina’s shoulder and grinned. With that settled, Kai stood, dusting herself off.

  “Alright,” she called, raising her voice. “Fae, gather up!” The remaining warriors assembled in the parking lot, forming a loose circle.This was it. The moment they had all been waiting for. Kai exhaled, her sharp eyes scanning each and every face before her. Then she spoke.“Let’s finish this.”

  With the last moments ticking away, the team made their final preparations. Kai turned to Allara with a questioning look. Allara smiled softly, then leaned in and grasped Kai’s strong hand. “I’ll meet you all there,” she assured her. “Be careful. All of you.”She turned to the rest of the group, offering them a warm smile. The others felt truly honored to have such a powerful sorceress on their side. Kai nodded, giving Allara’s hand a gentle squeeze. She didn’t want to let go. But she knew she had to. Allara stepped back just as Agatha materialised beside her. With a simple nod, the sorceress and the Crone vanished into the shadows.

  “I’m never going to get used to that,” Rina grumbled, crossing her arms.Kai smirked. Rina stuck out her tongue. Kai chuckled.

  “Alright! Who’s ready to crash a stuffy meeting?” Marta called out excitedly. Shae smacked herself in the forehead. Rina grinned and pointed at the excitable Gorgon. “That’s your mate.” Shae sighed dramatically before wrapping an arm around Marta’s waist and tossing her over her shoulder like a sack of potatoes. “Hey! Shae, put me down! I will bite you!” Marta shrieked, kicking her legs. Shae smirked and gave her a playful smack on the bottom, and squeezed for good measure, eliciting a delighted squeak.“Promise?” Shae purred.Kai blinked, shook her head, and laughed. She loved her new family.