Chapter 27- Fallen and Found

Home, Sweet Home​

Liam’s POV

I carried Kate back to the cave, her warm body nestled against my chest, her breath tickling my neck with each exhale. The scent of wildflowers and honey clung to her skin, mixed with the earthy aroma of the forest around us. Her chestnut hair, tousled from our earlier… activities, cascaded over my arm like a silky waterfall. 

The events of the day replayed in my mind like a fever dream as I walked. Kate had transformed into a whirlwind of unbridled desire and reckless abandon since the tree ceremony. It was as if someone had cranked her personality up to eleven and snapped off the dial. I’m all for a bit of chaos, but even I was struggling to keep up with her newfound zeal for life—and for me. 

Throughout the evening, I’d found myself playing the unlikely role of the responsible one. I lost count of the times I had to pry her off me, her fingers tangled in my hair, her lips seeking mine with an almost desperate hunger. Under normal circumstances, I’d be more than happy to indulge her every whim. But this wasn’t Kate—not entirely. The woman I’d come to know would be mortified at the thought of such public displays. So, I did what any self-respecting Fae would do in this situation: I cockblocked myself. Repeatedly.  

At least till I finally gave in and snuck off to a more secluded place with her for privacy — I wasn’t a savage after all. If that’s not true love, I don’t know what is. But even I have my limits, and Kate’s newfound enthusiasm was pushing them. By the time she finally succumbed to exhaustion, I was equal parts relieved and spent. 

As we entered the cave, the Iele shot me a knowing smirk. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes as I gently laid Kate down on a pile of pillows near the fire. The dancing flames cast a warm glow on her skin, making her look even more ethereal than usual. 

I turned to the leader, switching to the lilting language of the Iele. “Okay, what’s the deal with this personality transplant? Is this normal for the Iele transition, or did you slip her some aphrodisiac when I wasn’t looking?” 

The leader’s chuckle was both amused and slightly wicked, like a cat who’d just knocked over a very expensive vase and was thoroughly pleased with itself. “It has been known to happen,” she replied with a seemingly innocent smile. “Her essence is overcompensating after a lifetime of being shackled by human limitations. It should settle… eventually.” 

I raised an eyebrow, already dreading the answer to my next question. “And how long is ‘eventually’?” 

“Oh, one or two,” she said airily. 

I sighed, bracing myself for the worst. “Days? Weeks? Years?” 

Her reply landed in my gut like a rogue meteor. “Eons.” 

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I muttered under my breath as the Iele around us erupted into not-so-subtle giggles. Fifteen or more human years of Kate in full party mode? I wasn’t sure if I should be thrilled or terrified. 

Kate stirred in her sleep, mumbling something that sounded suspiciously like my name followed by a string of very creative suggestions. I settled beside her, planting a gentle kiss on her forehead and wrapping my arm around her protectively. As I gazed around the cave, watching the Iele in various states of repose and quiet conversation, I tried to imagine Kate fully transformed into one of them. 

The image wouldn’t quite form in my mind. I could picture her with the ethereal glow, the graceful movements, maybe even the penchant for sheer clothing (not that I was complaining about that last part). But there was something intrinsically Kate that I couldn’t reconcile with the Iele nature. Her sarcasm, her passion for archaeology, her ability to make me laugh with a single raised eyebrow—would all that be lost in the transition? 

Regret washed over me once again as I contemplated the accidental binding ritual. Part of me feared she would come to resent me for this unintended transformation. I could already imagine her reaction when she truly, fully comprehended what it meant to go from being mortal to nearly immortal. Yet, selfishly, I couldn’t help but feel a thrill at the prospect of more time with her. I had always avoided getting too attached to humans, their brief lifespans a painful reminder of the fleeting nature of mortal existence. Now, with Kate’s life extended beyond human measure, the possibilities stretched out before us like an endless road. 

As my eyes grew heavy, I found myself struggling with conflicting emotions. Guilt warred with anticipation, concern with excitement. The cave around us faded into a blur of soft shadows and muted conversations. The last thing I remembered before drifting off was the warmth of Kate’s body against mine, the soft rise and fall of her chest, and the fervent hope that, whatever changes lay ahead, the essence of who she was—the Kate who had somehow wormed her way past my carefully constructed defenses—would remain. 

The next morning, I woke with a throbbing headache that pulsed behind my eyes like a vengeful spirit. The sweet, floral scent of the Iele realm, usually so pleasant, now seemed cloying and overwhelming. Kate, on the other hand, was frustratingly energetic, flitting around the cave with a spring in her step that made me want to bury my head under a pillow. 

As I massaged my temples, trying to alleviate the pain, Kate’s voice, laced with a hint of unease, cut through my misery. “Liam, doesn’t something feel… odd to you? We’ve only been here a few days, but it somehow feels… like… much longer.” 

I felt a sinking sensation in my stomach as I realized my oversight. The smooth stone of the cave floor felt cool against my bare feet as I stood, stretching muscles that ached in ways I hadn’t experienced in a century. “Ah, about that…” I began, running a hand through my tousled hair. “Time here isn’t exactly… linear…” 

Kate’s eyes narrowed, the blue darkening like gathering storm clouds. “What do you mean?” 

I inhaled deeply, the earthy scent of the cave mingling with the lingering aroma of last night’s feast. “Well,” I hedged, “when your life expectancy is measured in eons, you tend to lose track of mortal time… If I had to guess, maybe two weeks… or a month? …have passed in your world?” 

Her eyes widened, a mix of shock and anger flashing across her face. “A month?! Liam, how can you not know?” 

I ran a hand through my hair, feeling the silky strands catch on my fingers. “It’s not an exact science, love. Time here can flow differently depending on various factors. The alignment of the celestial bodies, the strength of the magical currents, even the emotional state of the realm’s inhabitants can affect it.” 

Kate furrowed her brow, her lips pressing into a thin line. “So you’re telling me that because everyone’s been in a good mood, time might have slowed down compared to the human world?” 

I nodded, relieved she was catching on. “Exactly. The celebration of a new Iele joining the fold could have decelerated time here.Or it could have accelerated in the human realm? It’s all interconnected in ways even I don’t fully understand.” 

The look on Kate’s face could have frozen hellfire. “And you didn’t think to mention this earlier? Liam, my dad will be worried sick! He hasn’t heard from me in who knows how long!” 

A pang of guilt shot through me, sharp and uncomfortable. “I’m sorry, Kate. I should have told you sooner. But you know, even if you had known, you couldn’t have contacted him from here anyway.” 

The moment the words left my mouth, I knew I’d made a mistake. Kate’s eyes flashed dangerously, and I could practically feel the temperature in the cave drop. 

“That’s not the point, Liam,” she said, her voice low and controlled, but trembling with suppressed anger. “It’s about you keeping information from me. Information that directly affects my life and the people I care about.” 

I reached out to her, hoping to offer some comfort, but she stepped back, shaking her head. “Kate, I’m truly sorry. I didn’t mean to—” 

“Save it,” she cut me off, her voice sharp. The hurt in her eyes made me want to crawl into a hole and disappear. 

As Kate turned away, arms wrapped tightly around herself, a memory flashed through my mind. I remembered promising to retrieve her belongings when we first arrived, a task I’d shamefully neglected in the whirlwind of recent events. Perhaps this was my chance to make amends, even if just a little. 

I cleared my throat softly. “You know, I just remembered something that might cheer you up a bit.” 

Kate glanced at me, skepticism written across her face. “Oh?” 

I offered a tentative smile. “Remember when we first got here, and you asked me to go back for your things? I know I’m embarrassingly late, but what do you say I make good on that promise right now?” 

A flicker of surprise crossed her features, followed by a hint of relief. “You mean it?” 

I nodded eagerly, grateful for this small opening. “Absolutely. Just say the word, and I’ll pop back to the safehouse and gather everything you need. It’s the least I can do after… well, everything.” 

As I was getting ready to leave, a sugary sweet voice dripping with venom stopped me in my tracks. “Surely you haven’t forgotten your other promise?” the leader of the Ieles called out to me in their language while regally lounging on a nearby pile of pillows. 

I suppressed a groan, tasting the bitter tang of frustration on my tongue. The Iele’s eyes, deep and fathomless as forest pools, glinted with barely concealed amusement. She was enjoying this, I realized with a mix of irritation and grudging respect. 

“And what promise might that be?” I asked, though I already knew the answer. 

The Iele’s lips curved into a smile that was equal parts beautiful and unsettling. “The Temporal Tether, of course. You swore to search for it, did you not?” 

I bit back a sigh, feeling the weight of yet another obligation settle on my shoulders. “And where, pray tell, am I supposed to start this wild goose chase?” 

Her expression remained serene, but I detected a hint of mischief in the slight tilt of her head. “The library of the Seelie Court holds information about it,” she replied, her voice as smooth and sweet as honey, yet laced with an undercurrent of challenge. 

“Slight problem with that plan,” I retorted, feeling the old ache of banishment throb in my chest. The scent of the Seelie Court—a mix of magic, moonlight, and memories—ghosted through my mind. “I’m still banned from the Seelie Court for another… 27 eons. I can’t exactly waltz in there asking for library privileges.” 

The Iele’s smile widened imperceptibly, her eyes glittering like stars in twilight. The air around her shimmered with barely contained power. “If you truly wanted to,” she said, each word deliberate and weighted with meaning, “you’d find a way.” 

I felt a chill run down my spine, despite the warmth of the cave. The Iele’s words carried a hint of prophecy, a promise, and a warning wrapped in one. I knew better than to dismiss them, even if the task seemed impossible. I huffed, muttering under my breath about cryptic fairies and their riddles. The cave air felt thick with tension and the lingering sweetness of the Iele’s magic. 

Kate, her brow furrowed in thought, asked, “Can’t you just vortex directly to wherever this artifact is?” 

“If only it were that simple,” I sighed, the weariness of centuries creeping into my voice. “The vortex only works for places you have a strong connection to—usually places you’ve visited before.” 

Kate’s eyes lit up with understanding. “So that’s why you think I should be able to travel between realms once we find the Tether?” 

I nodded, a small smile tugging at my lips. “Exactly. If it works, you’ll have that connection to both realms.” 

“Then how did you get to the demon hunter cabin when I asked you to investigate?” Kate pressed, her curiosity piqued. 

I couldn’t help the smirk that spread across my face. “Sarmizegetusa is an old Iele party ground. Let’s just say I’ve attended a few memorable gatherings there. The kind that leave an… impression.” 

With a dramatic flourish that sent a small gust of wind through the cave, rustling leaves and stirring up the scent of earth, I summoned the vortex. The air crackled with energy, making the hairs on my arms stand on end. The swirling portal pulsed with an otherworldly light, casting dancing shadows on the cave walls. 

“Care to test your travel privileges, my dear?” I asked, gesturing towards the vortex with a theatrical bow. 

Kate stepped forward, hope and trepidation warring in her eyes. Her hand outstretched, fingers trembling slightly as they neared the shimmering surface. But as she made contact, an invisible barrier stopped her progress. The devastation that washed over her face was heart-wrenching, her shoulders slumping in defeat. 

“It’s fine,” she said, her voice small and fragile in the suddenly oppressive silence of the cave. “Just… hurry back with my things.” 

I cupped her face gently, my thumb tracing the soft curve of her cheek. Her skin was warm beneath my touch, a reminder of her lingering humanity. I pressed a soft kiss to her lips, tasting the sweetness of the morning’s fruit and the salt of unshed tears. 

“I’ll be back before you know it,” I promised, my voice low and fervent. With one last look at Kate, I stepped into the swirling vortex and out of the realm of the Iele. 

The familiar sensation of reality bending around me filled my senses as I hurtled through the multiverse. Colors and shapes blurred past, a kaleidoscope of realities I dared not linger on. Finally, I felt the pull of my destination and emerged at the demon hunter safe house. 

The wards around the building were still in shreds, remnants of Kate’s permission for me to enter. The house stood silent and abandoned, battle scars evident in every broken piece of furniture and shattered window. I prowled through the rooms, my senses on high alert for any sign of lingering hunters. Part of me was disappointed by their absence—I wouldn’t have minded a good fight—but another part was relieved. It made my job easier. 

In the living room, my eyes were drawn to a dark stain on the floor. A trail of dried blood led towards the exit, and I couldn’t help the wicked grin that spread across my face. This must be where Kate had stabbed Cyrus’s brother. The memory of the dagger embedding itself in his flesh and her fist connecting with his jaw filled me with a perverse sense of pride. 

“I do hope you survived, you sadistic bastard,” I muttered to the empty room, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “It would be such a shame if I didn’t get the chance to finish the job myself.” 

Shaking off the bloodthirsty thoughts, I made my way to Kate’s room. Her scent still lingered here, a comforting mix of old books and wildflowers. I began packing her belongings into the backpack she’d described, carefully wrapping the more delicate items. 

My curiosity flared as I spotted some odd things on the table. A large, smooth gray box of some sort pulsed with an odd energy but wouldn’t reveal its secrets no matter what I tried. The lid was connected with a hinge and on the inside it was also flat, with a smooth black surface and little black boxes that shifted under the pressure as I ran my fingers over them. Beside it lay a smaller, similarly curious object. It instantly responded to my touch, its surface glowing with letters of varying colors. But the message itself was a puzzle. 

It showed rows and rows of text, each ending with the same word: “Dad.” The first bit I saw mentioned a missed “call,” three weeks ago. The others, by their sheer number, spoke of growing panic. It was a parent’s voice, etched in frantic lines across the smooth, glowing surface. 

The contraption remained tied to a strange rope to the wall. Perhaps that was how it held whatever power it needed to function. Determined to get them back to Kate, I wrestled with the ropes. The larger object stubbornly refused to budge—the rope held it fast like a stubborn vine. With a grunt, I finally yanked it free, shoving both objects and the strange, tangled ropes into her backpack. 

In a moment of mischievous impulse, I pocketed a pair of Kate’s underwear. “A souvenir,” I justified to myself with a grin. “It’s not like she’ll be needing these in the Iele realm anyway.” 

As I finished packing, I contemplated setting the whole place ablaze. It would send quite the message to the demon hunters, but given their apparent abandonment of the safe house, it hardly seemed worth the effort. Besides, I had more pressing matters to attend to. 

With Kate’s backpack slung over my shoulder, I prepared to open the vortex back to the Iele realm. As the portal swirled into existence, something felt… off. The usual smooth transition felt more like a sickening lurch, and the scenes flashing past my eyes were unfamiliar and disorienting. 

I heard what sounded like laughter echoing through the vortex—had the Iele decided to play some sort of trick? Before I could ponder further, I was unceremoniously dumped onto solid ground. The world spun around me as I tried to regain my bearings, my knees and palms scraping against rough ground. 

As the dizziness subsided and I finally looked up, my heart nearly stopped. Looming before me were the gleaming spires of the Seelie Court, a sight both achingly familiar and terrifyingly forbidden. The sound of music and laughter drifted from the castle, a siren song that pulled at something deep within me. 

“Damn it,” I muttered, my voice a mix of awe and dread. “Of all the places to end up…” 

I tried to summon the vortex again, but the magical barriers surrounding the court blocked my attempts. The realization struck me like lightning—the Iele had used their ancient alliance with the Seelie to send me here, but I couldn’t leave the same way unless a member of the Seelie Court opened the vortex for me. 

My heart raced as I considered my options. I needed to reach one of the gates to the human world, and fast. If I was caught here before my banishment was lifted… well, let’s just say demon hunters would seem like a welcoming committee in comparison. 

As I crouched in the shadows, plotting my escape, a traitorous part of my heart ached with longing. For over 3 eons, I’d told myself I didn’t miss this place, that I was better off without the politics and backstabbing of court life. But being here, so close to home yet so far from welcome, felt like a knife twisting in my gut. 

“Focus, you sentimental fool,” I chided myself. “Find a way out first, have your existential crisis later.” 

With a deep breath, I steeled myself for the challenge ahead. Somehow, I had to make it to one of the gates leading to the human world without being detected. And I’d have to do it without the aid of glamour—no Fae worth their salt would fall for that trick. 

As I slunk deeper into the shadows, a wry smile crossed my face. “Sorry, Kate,” I muttered, “I might be late for dinner.”