Dark Realm 62

“Babe, please sit down. You’re wearing out the rug.” Brax sat Joy in the chair.

“I can’t help it.” Joy stood up to resume her pacing. “I mean after everything that happened. I thought she was looking forward to her date with Jackson. How can they both disappear at the same time?”

“I’m sure she’s fine, Joy. Brinley’s a grown woman.”

“I know that.” Joy spat. “I’m sorry.” Joy exhaled. “This isn’t like her at all. To just vanish without saying a word. I’m worried. I called every single hospital in town, and no one had seen her. What if she’s lying out there cold, dark, and alone? I promised her I would never leave her. And I failed.” Joy covered her face and sobbed.

“It’s okay, babe. Let it out I’m here.” Brax held Joy as she cried.

Joy stared at Brax. “It’s not just about Brinley not being here, Herman is still sick. I’ve never seen him this way. I need Brinley here. Herman needs Brinley here.”

“I’ve noticed Herman’s health. I’ve sent Hugo to gather some herbs to help combat Herman’s sickness.”

“You did that?” Joy blinked her tears away.

Brax wiped her tears. “I will do anything to keep a smile on your beautiful face. I love you, Joy.” Brax planted a soft kiss on Joy’s lips.

“I love you too. I’m glad you’re here.”

“There’s nowhere else I’d want to be.”

“Awe ain’t you sweet.” Flint teased. “Can I get in there too?” Flint walked over the couple with his arms outstretched.

“Get outta here.” Brax laughed protecting Joy.

“I heard laughter.” Herman entered the kitchen. “Is Brinley home?”

“Uh…” Flint looked around.

“No, Herman. Not yet.” Joy jumped up to wrap her arm around his shoulder. “I’m sure she’ll be here any moment now.”

Herman coughed. “Yes, maybe you are correct. Any moment now.” Herman wiped the corner of his mouth with his handkerchief.

“Let me help you to your room.” Joy jumped to her feet.

“Don’t fuss I’m okay.” Herman shooed her away.

Joy turned to glance at Brax. “In my room, on the table is a small whistle. Find it and meet out under the dome.”

Brax nodded then headed toward Joy’s room.

Herman waited for Brax to leave before he spoke. “I’m fine.”

“Sure, you are.” Joy helped Herman back into bed. “What’s happening to you? Please don’t lie. How can I help you?”

“My sweet, Joy. I am getting better, it may not seem like it, but I trust in my body. When you two were away I kept the catacombs safe. It took a lot of energy.”

“We didn’t mean to be away so long.” Joy helped Herman back to bed.

Herman patted Joy’s hand. “I know. Allow me to rest for a while.” He closed his eyes.

“I won’t give up on you,” Joy mumbled leaving Herman’s room. She found Brax exactly where she told him to be. Under the dome.

“What is this?” Brax placed the whistle in her hand.

“It’s a banshee whistle.” Joy took a deep breath, whispered a prayer, and then blew the whistle.

Brax glanced around confused. “Did it work? I didn’t hear anything.”

“It works. Step aside.” Joy glanced up at the dome.

“What are we waiting for?”

“Just wait.”

Brax stepped to the side. The ground shook. “What the hell is that?” He reached out to the stone wall. Brax locked his knees glancing up at the dome as it parted halfway allowing a whirlwind to enter before sealing up once more. From the tornado two young women stepped forward. “Banshees,” Brax whispered in awe. In all his years he never once seen a living banshee. “No shit.”

“Oh no, not you, again. Let’s go.” Isabella pulled on her sister’s arm.

“Where’s your realm walker?” Gabriella asked Joy.

Joy slipped the whistle into her pocket. “I don’t know. I was hoping maybe you two could help me to find her.”

“Are you kidding me?” Isabella groaned. “Why the hell would we do that? We are not friends.”

“I’m sure you’ve heard the rumors. No one will be safe. It’s time to choose a side.”

“Like your side?” Isabella opened her hand with a quick breath the banshee shoved a twirling burst of air toward Joy.

With ease, Joy used her gold-tipped sword to slice the air into pieces. Joy stepped through the dissipated whirlwind. “I don’t want to bullshit you. Brinley is the key. You wanna live? Help me.”

“We don’t have to do anything. What do we care about humans?”

“If you think the coming storm will leave you alone you are mistaken.” Brax folded his arms against his chest.

“Is that dwarf your boyfriend?” Isabella laughed.

“I know you’re afraid, shit we’re all afraid. We need Brinley. You know it and I know it.” Joy stared at Gabriella. “Help us, please.”

Isabella laughed. “I’d hate to be you guys. Gabby, let’s go.”

Gabriella stared at her twin. “We should help them.”

Isabella’s eyes widened. “No. No way.”

“Joy is right about one thing. We will need the realm walker on our side if we intend to live.”

“Our side?” Isabella echoed. “What are you saying?” The wind blew Isabella’s locks wildly around her.

Gabriella held up her hands. “Calm down. I’m saying we bond over milk and cookies, but I want to live, don’t you?”

“How do you know we can’t outlive what is coming?”

“I love you, but you are wrong. We don’t matter in the darkness. We should find Brinley and bring her back here.”

“I’m not wrong. You’re wrong.” Isabella shook her head. “Screw these light fuckers, we don’t need them.”

“We do need them. Help me find Brinley. Please.” Gabriella pleaded.

Isabella glared at her sister. “I will never help the light. If you fight with them. We are no longer family.”

“Please don’t say that. All we have is one another. Stand with me, for once stand with me.”

“Make your choice.”

Gabriella took a step toward Joy.

“Suit yourself. The next time we met we are no longer siblings.”

“It’s gonna be kind of hard since we’re twins.” Gabriella scoffed.

“The next time we meet it won’t be so funny.” Isabella stepped back into the whirlwind her gaze locked on her sister.

Gabriella exhaled.

“I’m sorry, Gabriella.” Joy touched her shoulder, but the young banshee swatted her off.

“I’m only doing this because I know something is coming. You are right about choosing a side. I will find Brinley if I can, and I will bring her back here. But what if she doesn’t believe me and tries to kill me?”

“Tell her I am sorry for not being a good friend. Tell her Herman needs her.”

Gabriella frowned. “Is your watcher ill?”

Joy nodded. “Yes, he is. We need Brinley here.”

“I hope I’m not walking into a trap.” Gabriella scoffed.

“You’re not, but I thank you, Gabriella.” Joy held out her hand.

“Why are you thanking me?” Gabriella asked, confused.

“Because you’re helping me.”

“Don’t try to confuse me or bullshit me.” Gabriella stepped into her whirlwind and vanished.

“Do you think we can trust her?” Brax glanced at Joy.

“We have no choice. She’s the one shot we have of finding Brinley.”