Facets of Power, page 1
part #3 of The Dragon Portal Series
Facets of Power © 2020 by Jamie A. Waters
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All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author.
The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, or events, is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
Cover Art: Deranged Doctor Design
Editor: Novel Nurse Editing
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ISBN: 978-1-949524-23-9 (Hardback Edition)
ISBN: 978-1-949524-22-2 (Paperback Edition)
ISBN: 978-1-949524-20-8 (eBook Edition)
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Library of Congress Control Number: 2020903204
First Edition *October 2020
Contents
Acknowledgments
The Dragon Portal Series
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Special Offer
About the Author
Acknowledgments
I want to say thank you to the people who helped make this book possible.
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To Jenn, Adrienne, Meg, and all the other wonderful and inspiring writers who are part of Writer’s Retreat, I’d like to say a huge thank you for all the countless hours of writing sprints, Zoom and Discord chats, and kick-in-the-butt motivation pep talks. Let’s face it; 2020 has sucked some major donkey nuts but you guys have helped keep me sane. You rock!
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Jenn, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you reading the earliest versions of this book and giving me so much encouragement. You’ve been my cheerleader and confidant for the past year, and I can’t tell you how much I value your friendship. You’ve got one of the best hearts of anyone I’ve ever met. Don’t ever lose that special spark.
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I’d also like to say a HUGE thank you to my wonderful and amazing sister, Tracy, who not only reads several versions of my books and tells me who to kill off (*snicker*), but also acts as my compass in life. Without you, I never would have found my way to the person I am today. I feel blessed to not only have you as a sister but also as my best friend. I love you to pieces, Tracy. Thank you for supporting me on this journey and for everything you do.
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Mom, I don’t even have words to express my gratitude for everything you’ve done. Not only do you attend every single one of my signing events, but you also read countless versions of my books and help make them so much better. Your feedback is invaluable, and you’re so amazingly supportive. I mean, how many moms call you up and critique your latest sex scene? LOL One day soon, we’re going on another trip together for more writing “inspiration”… and maybe more of that Italian wine. ;)
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I also have to thank my amazing editors, Angie and Janna. You guys have taught me so much. I’d also like to say a huge thank you to the incredibly talented artists at Deranged Doctor Design. I’ve been working with you for several years now, and I’m constantly blown away by how you can capture the essence of my characters the way you do. You’re true wizards.
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But the biggest amount of gratitude goes to YOU, my readers. You’re the reason why I write. Several months ago, I started having carpal tunnel pain in my wrists and had to push back the release date of this book by a month. I was worried about making people angry, but the outpouring of love, support, and understanding I received was overwhelming. Thank you so much for your emails and Facebook messages. I can’t tell you how touched I was by all your comments. I read every single one (and tried to respond to as many as possible), and even went through a box of tissues in the process. You guys are truly amazing, and I feel so fortunate to have such incredible people reading my stories.
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Thank you from the bottom of my heart! This story is for you.
The Dragon Portal Series
Facets of Power
To Kill a Fae
By Blood and Magic
Facets of Power
Shadows and Twilight
Dance of Wings
Forest of Secrets
“Land ho!”
The lookout’s shout reverberated throughout the ship. Sabine’s hands tightened on the railing, and she turned to stare out across the poisoned sea. The wind whipped her hair away from her face, carrying a hint of the burnt metallic scent of corrupted magic. It had been growing stronger the farther south they traveled. She tried to ignore it, just as she’d been doing for the past two weeks.
She’d wanted to visit the home of the dwarves ever since she’d been a child, but not in these conditions. The merfolk’s warning to avoid the southern lands still weighed heavily in her mind. No one knew what was killing those who traveled south, but the lack of sea creatures and birds was troubling. If their mission to seal the Dragon Portal wasn’t critical, Sabine would have agreed to heed the merfolk’s warning.
The ship changed headings, moving through the water toward their destination. Malek, the charismatic dragon who masqueraded as a ship captain, called instructions to his crew in preparation for making landfall. She instinctively turned to watch him, captivated by the way sunlight danced upon his golden skin and how it contrasted with his dark hair. She paused, aware she was staring but not willing to look away just yet. Gods. He was beautiful.
Malek moved across the deck with a quiet strength and grace, every gesture reinforcing his competency and command. Even now, she had to stop herself from going to his side. She’d been drawn to him and the power contained within him since almost the first moment they met, but this incessant need seemed to grow with every moment they spent together.
Sabine’s heart thudded in her chest, and she forced herself to turn back toward the sea. Even through their shared bond, she could sense Malek intimately. It was rather unnerving and more than a little distracting. Pushing aside her unease, she decided it would be better to focus on their imminent arrival to the dwarven city. At least that should be safer than fantasizing about a dragon shapeshifter. They were the sworn enemy of her people, no matter how much she’d already grown to care about him.
In the distance and rapidly approaching, she caught sight of the mountainous landscape that was their intended destination. The tips of the mountains’ peaks disappeared into the cloud cover, but the true heart of the dwarven city was nestled within the mountain. She’d heard there were ways into Razadon other than this remote peninsula, but no one except the dwarves had hope of finding the hidden entrances.
“Well, little one, it looks like we’ll be in Razadon before nightfall,” Bane said and leaned against the railing beside her.
Sabine smiled up at her demon protector before turning back toward the sea. “It’s been a long time coming.”
“That it has,” Bane said in agreement, placing his clawed hand over hers and squeezing it gently. He siphoned off a trace of her magic, infusing her power with his own. It was enough to cement his ties to the surface for the time being. Without her acting as an anchor to keep him above ground, Bane would be forced back into the demonic underworld.
“You must be cautious, little one,” Bane warned in a low voice. “The moment you step foot on land, any sign of weakness will be used against you. To survive whatever your family has planned, you need allies. The dwarves may help tip the balance in your favor, but you must force them to treat you as the power you intend to be.”
“We’re here to ensure the Dragon Portal remains sealed, not to play political games,” she reminded him with a frown. “My family will have to wait. We have other priorities.”
“My priority happens to be keeping you alive. It should be yours as well.”
She arched her brow, somewhat surprised he was so dismissive of the warnings they’d received about problems in the southern lands. “Has the stench of corrupted magic blinded more than your nose?”
Bane snorted. “No more than the dragon has blinded you to the precariousness of your situation. You’ve been spending your days making eyes at him, instead of making plans to solidify your throne. Your family still wants you dead.” He paused, his expression turning to one of cold calculation. “You claimed you weren’t interested in whoring yourself for the dragon’s alliance, but it’s proven an effective tactic. Do you intend to have him burn the Silver Forest around your homeland to the ground? I’m sure he would, especially if you take him to your bed again.”
Her back went ramrod straight at the insult, and her magic flared to the surface. She glared at Bane, barely resisting the urge to wipe away his smug expression. “How dare you—”
She paused when Bane’s lips twitched in amusement. He looked rather pleased with himself. She narrowed her eyes at him and scowled. Demons could be incredibly infuriating. Sometimes Bane tried to rile her up just to get a reaction. He’d taught her a great deal of self-co
“I hate it when you do that,” she muttered and turned back toward the sea. She focused on her breathing, using a mental exercise to calm her magic. “I know what’s at stake, and I’ll deal with my family soon enough. We have more critical matters to focus on right now.”
Bane chuckled. “Indeed, but you need to get used to hearing such things. Others will make the same comments or worse, and you need to be prepared. The queen of the Unseelie does not apologize for her actions nor explain her choice in bedmates. Do not allow your doubts or affection for the dragon deter you from your true purpose. You must embrace your birthright, Sabine. The time for hiding is in the past.”
Sabine swallowed her misgivings, knowing her demon protector was right. She straightened her shoulders and gave Bane a curt nod. The dwarves, like the demons, were one of the original races and most closely allied with the Unseelie Fae. If she had any hope in formalizing an agreement with them, she needed to give the impression she was approaching them from a position of power and not of desperation.
Rika, the human seer Sabine had agreed to look after, ran across the ship toward them. Her dark braided hair flew behind her, the style a testament to Blossom’s influence. The pixie was leading the girl’s charge, a near constant companion to the teenager since they’d left Karga. Sabine had caught the two of them laughing and conspiring among themselves on more than one occasion.
Bane frowned in disapproval. “That flying bug is teaching the girl some bad habits. I caught Rika distracting the crew earlier, while Blossom hid worms in the sailors’ bunks. You should consider separating them before the pixie gets your seer into trouble.”
Sabine’s mouth quirked in a smile, not terribly surprised by the news. “Don’t let Blossom hear you calling her a bug again, or you’ll be the target of their next prank. Besides, don’t think I haven’t noticed you’ve grown rather fond of both of them. You’ll keep them out of the worst trouble.”
Bane harrumphed but didn’t dispute her words. Although Rika had initially been wary of the demon, she’d quickly taken to him and begun seeking him out at every opportunity. Bane might not ever admit it, but he seemed to enjoy her company too. It hadn’t taken long for Rika to become a welcome addition to their makeshift family.
“We’re almost there!” Blossom shouted and landed on Sabine’s shoulder. “Rika’s going to help me look for plants, and Esme’s gonna build a drying rack for us. Then we can bring even more plants with us when we leave!”
Rika grinned and nodded. “Esme’s helping Levin organize crates in the hold right now so we can take them ashore to trade with the dwarves. She was teaching me about some of the dried herbs she has and what they’re used for. She promised to show me how to make some of her teas.”
Bane grimaced. “I would suggest you have someone else show you how to craft teas, little seer. Or just gargle some seawater instead. It might taste better.”
Sabine jabbed her elbow into Bane’s side. He narrowed his eyes at her, but she simply smiled up at him. Esmelle was a talented part-dryad witch, but her creations were hit or miss. The witch might be well versed in an herb’s medicinal effects, but she failed to grasp the subtle nuances of complementary flavors.
Unfortunately, Bane hadn’t forgotten the last time he’d tried one of her experiments. He’d spat it out and accused Esmelle of trying to poison him, which had resulted in the witch throwing the entire teapot at his horned head before storming off. Not for the first time, Sabine had needed to wade in and smooth things over between them. Although, she secretly agreed with Bane; that particular brew had been one of Esmelle’s worst.
“Oh, look! The dwarves made those, didn’t they?” Rika leaned over the railing to point out what appeared to be large monuments far in the distance.
Sabine smiled at the seer’s enthusiasm, pleased Rika was adjusting to leaving her home behind. She was still melancholy at times, but Rika’s natural optimism usually won out. Being around the cheerful pixie had helped, and Blossom relished having a new friend who embraced her brand of mischief.
Looking in the direction Rika indicated, Sabine could make out the shape of tall stone obelisks, which served as markers for traveling ships. They were still too far away to make out any details, but it was clear they weren’t natural.
“I believe so,” Sabine said. “Malek mentioned they help identify the location of the docks for any approaching ships. I’ve heard the dwarves infuse magic into the stone, similar to the way the Fae use their forests to enhance their power.”
Bane leaned against the railing again. “The dwarves prefer using crystals. The stone won’t hold a magical charge nearly as long. If we were approaching at night, you’d see each of those stones topped with a crystal that can glow as brightly as the sun. That mountain would also be lit up like a beacon. They have crystal windows embedded in the stone that reflects the light from their lanterns inside their homes.”
Rika’s eyes widened. “Have you been to Razadon before, Bane?”
“A few times, little seer,” he admitted, scanning the beach with a frown. “Never by this entrance though. My brethren use the underground tunnels.”
Something in Bane’s voice caught Sabine’s attention, and she studied her demon protector carefully. His shoulders had tensed, and the corded muscles of his arms were rigid. His amber eyes hadn’t shifted to silver, but his midnight-toned skin pulsed with a bluish glow, a sign he was performing magic. She looked in the direction he was staring, but she couldn’t tell what had caught his attention.
Placing her hand on Bane’s arm to supplement his power, Sabine asked, “What is it?”
He absently covered her hand with his and accepted her magical offering, but he didn’t tear his gaze away from the mountain peninsula. “I expected more of a dwarven presence at the docks. I don’t sense any living creatures in that direction.”
Sabine’s smile faded. She leaned forward and scanned the coastline, but they were too far away to make out any details. She trusted Bane’s abilities, but she desperately hoped he was wrong. The dwarves wouldn’t have retreated into their mountain home unless things were dire.
The sky over the mountain range had changed from the deep blue of daytime to an eerie greenish color. Lightning flashed in the distance, almost directly over the mountain range.
Sabine frowned, her heart pounding in her chest. Something wasn’t right. The goddess’s symbol on her wrist warmed, almost in warning. Sabine glanced down, and her eyes widened. The chalice mark was alternating between flashing silver and gold, the magical glow breaking through her strongest glamour. She touched it, and lightning streaked across the sky again. It was resonating with the approaching storm.
Bane looked at her wrist. “What in the underworld? You’re not doing that, are you?”
“Bad magic,” Blossom shrieked, fluttering her wings in agitation. “It’s bad magic, Sabine! The goddess said her gift’s been corrupted. She’s really angry.”
Bane frowned at Blossom. “Speak, bug. What did the goddess say? Her exact words. Now.”
Blossom crossed her arms over her chest and glared at Bane. “You’re not the boss of me, and I’m not a bug. Take it back or I’ll dust you!”
Sabine muttered a curse under her breath. Great. The gauntlet had been thrown. The demon would have worms in his bunk before nightfall, or even worse. But he was right about needing to know exactly what Lachlina had said. Blossom was the only one who could communicate directly with the renegade goddess in her makeshift prison.
