Forever (An Unfortunate Fairy Tale 5)

Mina hadn’t known what she was missing, but when the Fae power came rushing back to her, it was as strong and as sharp as regaining the ability to see after being blind. She needed to grab a hold of Winona’s arm to steady herself. Her wrists weren’t rubbed raw like Jared’s, she could only assume that it didn’t hurt her as much because she was only half Fae.

Winona smirked and raised her eyebrow. “Now that is just a taste of our power. Shall I teach you the rest?”

Mina’s mouth was dry, and she had to swallow a few times before her verbal yes spilled out. “Teach me anything and everything I need, so I can save my friends.”

“Very good,” Ternan grunted, watching the exchange. “There’s the siren spirit. But you’ll have to delay your lessons until we are through the gate. Any outlash of power can collapse it around us, trapping us between the planes forever.” He gestured to the setting sun.

Mina ran to the front of the ship to watch the miracle that was about to happen.

She saw nothing on the horizon except for two giant stone monoliths that rose out of the sea. Heads popped out of the water to watch them.

Mina couldn’t help but be drawn in by the beautiful aquatic features of the sirens. The fleeting sun reflected off their tails and scales as they swam alongside the ship.

A few came up and called out, a loud piercing shriek, but it didn’t damage the boat. If it had been anything like her brother’s gift, it could very well tear them to pieces. These calls were more of a warning to the boat. The closer they came, the more violent the attacks became.

Until Ternan strode to the bow holding a giant gold trident. He raised it, and the sirens in the water jumped high into the air and flicked their tails in a salute before diving deep below the waves. This continued the last mile. When they reached the twin monoliths, the sirens that guarded the gate left them as the ship continued toward it.

“Almost,” Winona called out. “Starboard,” she yelled to the young siren with dreadlocks who currently stood at the helm. “We can’t breach the gate too early, or we’ll miss our chance completely. We won’t have time to turn around. We’ve got one chance tonight. We can’t afford to have to wait till tomorrow.”

Ever came and stood nervously next to Mina. “I’ve only ever passed through one of the smaller gates between our worlds or used the seam ripper. I’ve heard of the Sister Rocks and the rumor it was a gate, but I’ve never imagined actually seeing it or passing through.”

“Why are we not using the seam ripper to open a gate between the planes? It’s too small?”

“Do you see how many sirens are on this ship? The seam ripper would only let two or three max through before it closed, and it’s too dangerous to open in the same spot over and over. You’re bringing an army through, so you need one of the natural gates. Just like Teague would have used.”

Nix looked at the setting sun and the gate and voiced his concern, “We’re not going to make it!”

“Yes, we are!” Ternan bellowed. He ran toward the stern of the ship. He held his hands up in the air, and Winona did the same. Soon every siren on the boat raised their hands in unison, facing the sea behind them.

The ship stilled on the water, and they dropped down suddenly. Mina looked over her shoulder, and a giant wave surged up behind them. A wave that would surely break their boat apart.

“Hold on!” Ternan shouted. He controlled the wave, causing it to break and rush under the ship. It lifted the boat and propelled them toward the Sister Rocks.

Ever and Mina screamed. Nix pushed them against the middle mast and wrapped a rope around their waists, securing them to the large wooden post. Water rushed over the side, and the wave dropped again. People screamed—most in excitement—as they were airborne for a few seconds before slamming back into the water. The sun just touched the horizon.

The gate opened, a spiral of bright colors.

But they were off course, charging straight toward the right monolith.

“Turn! Port, port!” Winona hollered to the first mate on the helm. He spun the wheel, trying to keep the ship from crashing.

Everyone held their breath.

The boat cleared the monolith and sailed toward the open gate.

Another wave came up from behind and spilled over the railings, making the ship rock and reel. Nix lost his grip on the rope. Mina and Ever grabbed his hands as the ship tilted to the side, buffeted by another wave across the deck.

The wave partially swallowed them for a heartbeat, and when it passed, they looked around.

Nix was gone.

Ever fought against the ropes that tied her to the mast and screamed in despair. “Nix!” she howled as they left the Fae plane behind them.

Chapter 27

When they passed through the gate, a relative silence followed.

Ever’s loud wail of sorrow cut through the wind like a sword. “No, no, no!”