Within (Walk Through Shadows Book One)

Chapter Nine

The summons appeared at dusk the next day, in the form of a tall blond faerie striding out of the stand of trees in Isabelle's back yard.

"Alasdair!" Isabelle was in the kitchen putting a mug in the sink when she spotted him. She leaned closer to the window for another look, then turned to him. "There's a faerie outside."

He stood up quickly. "Are you certain?"

She nodded. "A big blond guy with wings." Alasdair was already at the back door by the time she finished. She followed slowly her heart sinking with every step.

By the time she got to the deck the two faerie were face to face. Alasdair threw his arms around the visitor. They didn't break apart for several minutes. She waited on the deck, reluctant to intrude on what was obviously a very happy reunion.

When they did finally separate Alasdair led the newcomer to where Isabelle was standing. She took him in with wide eyes. His features were similar to Alasdair, the same aristocratic angles, the same full lips, the familiar smile. But that's it otherwise they were completely different. The new comer had deep brown eyes, long dark blond hair and his wings were a kaleidoscope of browns with gold streaking through the large feathers.

"Isabelle, this is my brother Haelan."

She put her hand out but Haelan ignored it and pulled her into his arms.

"Thank you," he said softly.

"You're welcome." She looked over his shoulder at Alasdair who was grinning at the pair. "I had no idea faerie are so affectionate."

Haelan released her and stood back smiling at her. "The queen has asked that you return to our realm with me."

She looked at Alasdair. "This is goodbye then?"

Alasdair reached for her hand and pulled her against him.

"Lass—"

"Both of you," Haelan said with a wider smile. "You don't think she wants to thank you personally for freeing her son?"

"Really?" Isabelle looked up at Haelan in surprise.

"Lass." Alasdair leaned close to murmur in her ear. "It is a rare for a human to be invited to court."

"Well then, I'd be honored." She smiled at Haelan. "Would you like to come in for a minute? I'll need to let Bernie know I won't be in again tomorrow and lock up." Haelan waved them ahead of him and came inside. He waited in the living room while the two lovers disappeared in different directions. Alasdair upstairs to get something he wouldn't say anything about and Isabelle to the front entry to lock the doors and get her purse. She sent a text to Bernie to let him know where she was going.

Take all the time you need dear. He replied. Perhaps I'll see you there.

She texted her thanks then went to wait with Haelan. He was watching the stairs. Alasdair came down a minute later. He just smiled and patted the satchel he had thrown over his shoulder when Isabelle asked him what he went to get. Haelan led them back outside and waited while Isabelle locked the back doors as well. The three of them crossed the yard and made their way through the trees to the little stream. Alasdair held Isabelle back while Haelan murmured the incantation to open the portal to the faerie realm.

"Humans are not permitted to have this incantation," he explained quietly. She nodded with a little smile of understanding. It would hardly be a secret world if everyone could get in.