Curse of the Fae Prince

Curse of the Fae Prince CROWNS OF MAGIC, A STANDALONE NOVEL THE SPRING COURT ASHLEY MCLEO MERAKI PRESS Copyright © 2021 by Ashley McLeo Previously published in the Seduced by Magic anthology. Re-released in May 2023. Editing done by: Jen McDonnel of Bird’s Eye Books Proofing done by: Becky Murray of Lone Wolf Edits and Julie Kramer All rights reserved. No part of this book is based off of people living or deceased and any resemblances are entirely coincidental. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review. No part of this book may be used to teach any artificial intelligence system, unless permission is granted by the author and copyright holder, Ashley McLeo. To those who wish to walk through the stones, to fall down the rabbit hole, or slip through a portal and find their happily ever after. Contents Foreword 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 Chapter 24 Chapter 25 Chapter 26 Chapter 27 Epilogue A Court of Frost and Malice, The Winter Court Series Also by Ashley McLeo About the Author Foreword This book is part of the Crowns of Magic universe. In this universe, characters and storylines cross over, but the series and standalones can be read independently from one another. The reader just gets a fuller picture of the world by reading all of the books. Other series in this expanding universe include: Coven of Shadows and Secrets Series - start with Seeker of Secrets The Winter Court Series - start with A Court of Frost and Malice Chapter 1 Something magical hung in the air that night. Perhaps the moon, nearly full and peeking through the canopy ringing the forest clearing, had something to do with it. Or maybe it was the soft spring wind, carrying the scent of new grass. It might even be the bonfire, leaping and dancing, calling to my soulfire. “Kora?” Tobias offered his hand, and our fingers intertwined, vampire and witch in a ritual circle together. I used to think this odd, but now it was just a matter of course. Perhaps I was just sensing the coven itself? Before Mom and I moved to Connecticut two years ago, I never would have guessed other races of supernatural creatures would be allowed in witchy rituals. Now, I knew better. “Apologies for my cold hands,” Tobias whispered, his British accent thick with apprehension. “No problem.” I smiled to assure him I really didn’t mind. With everything else going on, I’d barely noticed the ice of his skin. Coven Master Luca Moretti cleared his throat for order and raised his hands, making him the only open link in the ring. “I thank everyone for joining us here this evening. We’re an unusual coven.” Luca’s gaze fell on Tobias first, and then Gunner, on the vampire’s other side. The wolf shifter gave a boyish grin. “We’re also the most inclusive coven I have ever known,” Luca continued. “The most like a family. For that, I’m grateful to share these moments with you.” Finally, the coven master took the hands of those next to him. “Let’s close the celebration with what you’ve all been waiting for, some good old magical fun. The calling of family long departed.” Gunner released a resounding whoop, pulling a smile out of our esteemed coven master. “I’ve been waiting all night for this.” Excitement brimmed in Tobias’s eyes. “I hope they show up quickly. I haven’t got forever.” “Wait a minute,” Gunner arched an eyebrow. “Did you just make a joke, Toby?” Tobias gave a mischievous shrug. “It’s been known to happen. Once or twice a century.” The coven shared a laugh. The vampire was usually stiff and old-fashioned, but in the time I’d been a part of Shadows and Secrets, I’d learned he loved watching magic. Most vampires didn’t get to view such proceedings. The witchy celebration of the spring equinox was putting him in a great mood. “All right, all right, calm down,” Luca quieted the mirth. “Let’s begin.” Around the circle, everyone fell silent. My heart began to race. I’d never seen a calling of the ancestors before. Ostara wasn’t the most ideal sabbat to try it on, but I was still excited. A stream of Latin poured from Luca’s lips. I didn’t know what he was saying—the mage was far more knowledgeable than me when it came to magic, and particularly rituals—but I felt the tug of my power as it drifted to the center of the circle to join that of the other magic workers. Then, almost immediately, the air shifted and the bonfire glowed an unnatural purple hue. My heart warmed as the flames leapt ever higher. Inside me, the soulfire that made me what I was, a fire witch, burned more brightly. I wanted to work with the magic-drenched flames but refrained—barely. I didn’t want to spoil my first Ostara with Shadows and Secrets. “With the power vested in me as the Coven Master of Shadows and Secrets,” Luca switched from Latin to English, “I call upon the ancestors of this ancient society to welcome us into spring. To protect us. To guide us to do what is right. As spring grows ever stronger, I call upon the ancestors to shed light on our world.” “So mote it be,” everyone chanted. The bonfire exploded upward, sparks and flames shooting for the stars glinting in the tapestry of night. My heart stuttered as, suddenly, a ghost appeared in the fire. “You called?” the ghost’s voice echoed, raising goosebumps on my skin. “I’ll be,” Gunner muttered. Next to me, Tobias stiffened.