Arcane Rising: The Darkland Druids - Book One, R Nicole [suggested reading TXT] 📗

“He betrayed all of us, Elspeth,” Darby snapped. “Instead of facing trial and banishment, he stole you and ran like a coward.”

“That’s not true,” I said, shaking my head. “He’d never—”

“Like he’d admit it,” she spat. “He didn’t even tell you the truth of what you are.” Her gaze raked over me, her look of disgust made my skin crawl.

“You’re lying.”

“The longer you stay here, the more danger you put all of us in,” Darby continued, ignoring my pitiful attempts at defending my father. “One misstep and you’ll let the Chimera into the Warren and we’re all dead or enslaved.”

Anger welled in my heart, bringing a burst of unknown energy. She is baiting me.

“Evil is a choice and right now, you’re pushing me to make a really bad one,”’ I snarled. “Is that what you want?”

She sniggered. “It wouldn’t hurt to speed up the process of getting rid of you.”

“I can’t believe you.”

“Gordan Quarrie. That wasn’t his true name,” she said like it meant something more than it was supposed to.

“True name?”

“Oh, hasn’t Rory told you about that? Every Druid has a true name. Whoever knows it has power over your spirit. Only outside of the homeland, that is.”

I didn’t know if she was telling the truth or not, but I was going to buy into what she was trying to sell—which smelled like a whole lot of bull to me.

“Wouldn’t it be useful if there was a ritual we could do to find out yours?”

I stared at her, flabbergasted. “How could you be so cruel?”

“It’s nothing, really,” Darby told me, “especially compared to the destruction you’re destined to bring down on us.”

I was numb.

She stepped closer, her cool gaze stabbing deep. “Be warned, Elspeth Quarrie. One misstep and you won’t escape the consequences. We will make you pay.”

My heart twisted as she walked past, knocking her shoulder against mine. I stumbled but was too shocked to say or do anything to retaliate.

Suddenly, I wasn’t hungry anymore.

They didn’t know me. I didn’t want to be the centre of a prophecy of destruction. I didn’t want to cause trouble or hurt anyone. Darby might be telling the truth about my father, but I didn’t do those things. I wanted to help, but these people couldn’t see past their prejudice. I got that they were angry, and they had every reason to be, but they should be blaming the Chimera—they were the ones hunting us.

Rage rose within me and I turned. Striding towards Darby as she walked away, I launched myself at her with a cry.

We fell to the floor and pummelled one another, my fists slamming into her face. She struck me, snarling with her own unbridled fury, but I was too enraged to stop.

Colour welled around us as the Druids gathered, watching in stunned silence.

“Enough.”

A shockwave vibrated through the kitchen, knocking everyone back a step. My fist halted mid-air as Darby’s eyes widened.

Delilah loomed over us, her presence menacing to say the least. “Darby. Elspeth. Stand.”

We rose and at least I had the good grace to look embarrassed, Darby just jutted out her chin in defiance.

The Elder glared at Darby. “Report to Rowen.”

She scowled. “But—”

“Immediately.”

The Druid hissed at me and wiped at her bloodied nose, then strode out of the kitchen.

“Elspeth,” Delilah said, her expression unreadable.

I said nothing, waiting for the humiliation of her discipline to strike me down.

“Come with me.”

* * *

Delilah’s quarters were just as quirky as her fashion sense. It was also the last place I expected to find myself in the wake of my very first punch-up.

While I had a single bedroom, the Elder had a whole suite. The living room was adorned with art, shaggy rugs, a seventies-inspired beaded curtain, an enormous crystal geode in the corner, and a soft fabric couch with a multi-coloured, hand-crocheted, granny square blanket draped along the top.

While it was homely enough, I could still feel the hostile stares that had followed me out of the kitchen.

Closing the door behind her, she asked, “Is there an explanation for what happened in the kitchen?”

“I’ve been bullied my entire life,” I told her. “It felt good to finally fight back.”

“Brawling is not the way,” Delilah stated. “There are times when raising arms is appropriate, but we never turn on our own.”

“That’s the thing though, isn’t it? I’m not one of you. I’m not a Druid and I’m not Fae. I’m something in-between.” I shook my head. “I’ll forever be a symbol of what you lost. My father is dead and now I’m the only one left to blame.”

Delilah said nothing, she simply waited for me to unload my anger on her.

“I thought Druids were supposed to be in tune with nature,” I went on. “But all I see out there is a lot of poison.”

“This world has changed us, Elspeth. I fear…” She looked at me, her expression troubled.

“You fear you were meant to die in the Darklands,” I finished for her. “That this…poison is why you weren’t worthy of returning home.”

“We escaped, but perhaps we should have allowed the Old Ones to take us.”

I didn’t want to hear about her doubts. I wanted answers.

“Is it true?” I demanded. “Is my father to blame for the Chimera?”

Delilah frowned and gestured for me to sit. “Come,” she said. “I will tell you the whole tale, but you must promise me something.”

“I’m done making promises.”

“Humour an old Druidess.” She wiggled her fingers, her rings clacking together.

“Fine.” Sighing, I sat beside her on the couch. “What is it?”

“You must promise me to remain calm.”

“That’s the worst thing to tell someone right before you drop a truth bomb on them.”

Delilah smiled, her eyes crinkling around the outer edges. “Your fire reminds me of his,” she said quietly. “He was passionate, too.”

“I don’t feel passionate,” I muttered. “I’ve always been small…”

“Not anymore. You’ve awoken, Elspeth, and now your true self has come forth.” She grimaced. “And all at once, it seems.”

I’d been amongst the Druids for long enough to understand that there