Ch.36 Tyveer

Chapter 36

After a thorough run through of their plan, Heyder left Maya alone in the study. He avoided eye contact with her at all cost and when she tried to speak to him, he made an excuse about needing to talk to Ali and walked away. A deep frown formed on Maya's face as she watched him disappear through the doors. With a great sigh, she made her way out of the study and headed upstairs. Maya was lost in her thoughts when the laughter of a little child caught her attention down the hall.

"Ian," Eden frowned. "You will fall and crack your head open."

"I won't!" The little boy said as he ran up the stairs with all his strength.

"Go find Clare or Owen," Eden called after her son as the boy disappeared on the second floor landing. She turned her head and spotted Maya approaching her. With a bright smile, she greeted the girl.

"Hey! I haven't seen you in so long," Eden said.

"Hello," Maya reached across and kissed Eden's cheeks. "How have you been?"

"Busy," Eden sighed. "Just trying to get as much done as I possibly can before Christmas."

"Oh shoot," Maya smacked her forehead. "Tomorrow is Christmas eve."

"How did you forget?" Eden laughed. "It's the best time of the year. Ian has been killing me to bring him here."

"I swear Owen and Piggy should just adopt the boy."

"Yes, please. Take him. He's a little monster."

"How's Arden?" Maya leaned against the banister.

"He's good," Eden smiled. "He's with his dad in the office. Oh! Which reminds me. Alec said you wanted to speak to me about something."

"Yeah, I've been meaning to call," Maya nodded. "I need to get in touch with Tobias."

"Everything okay?"

"I need to ask him about Apollo," Maya chewed on her bottom lip. "I don't know if Alec told you but I found my......mate."

A sweet smile spread across Eden's lips, "He told me a little. But not to the full extent."

"We need Tobias to help us talk to Apollo," Maya said slowly.

"I'll see what I can do," Eden said. "They're supposed to be coming over for dinner on Christmas. I'll let him know you want to speak to him."

"Thank you, Eden," Maya let go of the breath she was holding. "I really apprec-"

"Maya," Heyder's voice suddenly spoke from the top of the stairs. The two blondes looked up as the jinn climbed down and approached them. His dark hair was a mess and his brown eyes were narrowed. The silver necklace around his neck swung from side to side as his long legs made their way to them. Eden raised a brow and turned to Maya after looking Heyder up and down.

"This is him?" She asked.

Maya's eyes flickered to Heyder, "Yeah."

"Oh, Hi!" Eden turned to Heyder with the brightest smile on her lips. Heyder frowned as he looked at Maya. "It's so nice to meet you, Heyder! I've heard so much about you."

"Yes, yes, I know," Heyder rolled his eyes. "I fucked up. Mavi and Owen hate me. Exton wants to kill me. Rye is plotting my murder and Gemma wants me six feet under for Christmas."

"Ah," Eden looked at the couple in front of her. "No."

"I can't imagine you heard anything good about me," Heyder took in a deep breath.

"I heard you make Maya.....happy," Eden said, with extreme caution.

Heyder snorted, "Lies."

"Heyder," Maya turned to the jinn.

"We need to go," Heyder said. He turned to Eden and gave her a nod, "See you around."

"Nice meeting you," Eden waved. "Bye, Maya."

"I'll see you in a few," Maya reached out and squeezed the girl's arm. "Tell Arden I said hi."

"Will do," Eden said before rushing up the stairs. Maya waited until she was completely up the stairs to turn to turn to Heyder.

"You were so rude to her," she frowned.

"How?" Heyder was baffled.

"My family do not want you dead," Maya said. "Maybe Mavi and Owen don't like you, but they have their reasons. I think my parents might like you a little."

"Oh joy," Heyder rolled his eyes. "Now let's go. We have to get the whip. I'm assuming you want to be home for Christmas."

"Okay," Maya sighed, frowning. "Let's go. Where's the gauntlet?"

"I have it," Heyder drew a circle in the air with his finger. A few feet ahead, the air shimmered before opening up a portal. "Stick close by me."

"Will do," Maya said as she followed the jinn through the portal. The snow on the other side of the portal was raising havoc. The strong wind tossed around Maya's hair as she shielded her eyes from the snow. With one hand, she held onto the back of Heyder's sweater as they took a few steps out of the dead forest.

"Maya," a woman's voice suddenly spoke. "My dear you are so cold. Come have some tea."

Maya squinted in the harsh light to look at the gatekeeper. The woman stood in the middle of her rug holding a nice warm cup of tea. The steam rose from the little cup and danced in the air.

"No, thank you," Maya said.

"Heyder, you'll be the death of the poor girl," the gatekeeper frowned. "Bring her in here for some tea. Warm her up."

Heyder didn't respond. He grabbed Maya's hand and tugged her along the edge of the woods. Maya stumbled behind him as she tried to keep her footing steady in the storm. Her teeth knocked against each other as her body began to shake. Heyder looked over his shoulder before speeding up and pushing against the wind. When they finally reached the ends of the woods and out of sight of the gatekeeper, he opened another portal and pulled Maya through.

The drastic change in the air made Maya gasp aloud. She felt the warm air hit her like a brick wall as she materialized on the other side of the portal. Heyder let go of her hand immediately and took a step back.

"You okay?" He asked.

Maya leaned forward and put her hands on her knees. She took several long deep breaths before straightening up and sniffling.

"I'm fine," she nodded.

Heyder's eyes lingered on her for a few seconds. The tips of her cheeks were flushed and her nose was beginning to run. Without thinking Heyder reached out and placed his palm against the side of her face. Maya immediately leaned into his warm touch as her body began to heat up.

"Better?" Heyder asked.

Maya sighed, closing her eyes, "Better."

After a few minutes, Maya's eyes fluttered open. Instantly her gaze landed on Heyder's eyes and she felt her heart shiver. He peered at her with a look she had never seen before. It was a look she recognized all too well from her own reflection.

Heyder was heartbroken. Bits and pieces of his heart folate around his brown eyes like debris after a plane crash. It was like watching the aftermath of an atomic bomb going off. Maya's heart began to pound faster. She wanted to throw her arms around his neck and pull herself closer to him. She couldn't stand to see the look in his eyes. It made her restless.

"Are you warm enough?" Heyder asked as he watched Maya.

Incapable of speaking, Maya nodded her head. She almost whined as the jinn pulled his hand away and took the heat along with him. For the first time since they had portaled, Maya looked around at where they had appeared.

They stood in a private study, much like the ones in the palace. The curtains were drawn over the windows and the walls were lined with shelves of books and little trinkets. Maya observed her surroundings as Heyder moved to one of those shelves and began to pull books out.

"Where are we?" Maya asked.

"The Tyveer Court," Heyder said. "This used to be my mother's private library."

"Oh," Maya took a few steps closer to the jinn. "What are we looking for?"

"Fey books," Heyder handed her a few of the books he had pulled out.

"Is the whip here?" Maya asked.

"No, it's in another part of the palace," Heyder slowly turned around. "Every evening the whole court gathers for prayers and shit like that. It'll be the perfect time to grab the whip without too much trouble."

"What do we do until then?"

"Read," Heyder pointed to the books. "No one really comes here other than me. We have a few hours to kill."

"Heyder," Maya couldn't stop the words that were bubbling out of her. "About what I said earlier."

"We don't have to talk about that."

"I want to," Maya frowned.

"What is there to say?" Heyder leaned back against one of the shelves.

"What.......what are we going to do about.....us?"

"I don't know," Heyder answered honestly. "I want you. Maya, I want you so bad, but I know I fucked everything up. And now I fear I lost all my chances."

"You didn't," Maya said quickly. "You didn't lose all your chances. I know you can change. The past two days.....you showed me you can change."

"But it wasn't enough," Heyder pointed out.

"No," Maya said. "It wasn't enough but that doesn't mean it'll never be enough."

"What do you want, Maya?"

"I want you to change my mind," Maya said in frustration. "I'm scared to trust you again. Show me I can."

"I can't do that," Heyder shook his head.

"Why not?"

"I can't promise you I'll never fuck up again," Heyder frowned. "We're jinns. We're impulsive. Selfish by nature. We're creatures of chaos. It follows us wherever we go. I can't promise you I'll never be stupid again."

"What does that mean?" Maya frowned.

"I'm a fail cause, Birdie," Heyder shrugged. "You want love like your parents. I know you do. I can see it in your eyes. You've grown up with all these couples around you and that is your idea of love. I can't be that for you."

Maya's heart began to beat a little faster. She felt her knees grow weak as she held the chair beside her. Heyder looked away and down the little slither of light coming in through the window.

"If you ever love me," he said quietly. "I'll have to be for who I am. I can't be your dad or Owen or Maksim. Even if I try with all my might, I can't."

Maya felt her throat begin to close up with emotions that were rushing up to her eyes. She parted her lips but no words came out.

"I will never stop loving you," Heyder said, turning his eyes back to her. "And I will never stop trying to get you to trust me again. But just know that I will never succeed at being like the men in your family. I wish I could. But what I am will never let that happen."

Maya took a step forward just as a voice spoke up from the entrance of the room.

"Well, isn't that just sad," Mirza sighed.

Heyder immediately jumped to his feet. Maya felt her skin start to buzz as he stepped close to her.

"Good to see you both," Mirza said.

"What are you doing here?" Heyder asked, calmly.

"I come every week to pay my respect to the Tyveer. It's you who has turned his back on them."

"I don't need to bow to them in public to show them my respect, Mirza."

Mirza ignored his brother's comment. His eyes flickered to Maya as a sly smile crossed his lips. His curly black hair hung over his forehead and the rings we wore around his fingers shimmered in the dim light of the room.

"You know outsiders are not allowed at court," he said, looking back at Heyder. "It's against the rules."

"So is drinking before the age of 21," Heyder snorted.

Mirza looked as if he wanted to say something, but decided against it. His calm demeanor made Maya think of the tigers she had once seen him with. His dark eyes watched them as he leaned against the door frame, playing with his rings.

"Zubair wants to see you," Mirza said after a while.

"How does Zubair know I'm here?" Heyder narrowed his eyes at his brother.

"He wouldn't stop talking about you and when I let it slip that you would be visiting, the old man couldn't contain his excitement."

"How did you know I would be coming by?"

"Heyder," Mirza sighed. "I am older, smarter, wiser. It's about time you learned that."

"I'm afraid we can't stay today," Heyder reached back and took Maya's hand. He felt the tension on his skin like fire. Every inch of Heyder's body was high alert. Maya's pulse quickened as he squeezed her hand.

"I'll visit Zubair some other day."

"He will be upset," Mirza examined his nails.

"He will be fine," Heyder pulled Maya beside himself. He was about to open a portal when the door behind Mirza suddenly opened once more.

"Heyder!" A man cheered.

Heyder froze. His tight grip on Maya's hand started to heat up. Maya stepped behind him as the books in her hand disappeared into thin air. She looked down at them and them back up at Heyder's face.

Heyder, Maya tried to open her link to him. But just as soon as she reached out to him, Heyder shut off his link and closed her's as well. Maya's spine began to chill.

"Oh it's so good to see you. Mirza said you would be coming by," The tall man, with his neatly tripped full white beard walked into the room. His green eyes were wrinkled around the edges and his beard connected to this matching hairline. Even for an elderly gentleman, he was handsome and well groomed.

"Zubair," Heyder said quietly.

"Don't just stand there," the man, Zubair, smiled. "Come and show me a proper greeting."

Maya felt Heyder hesitate. His hand slipped out of her slowly as he took a step forward. Without his figure to hide behind, Maya suddenly felt exposed to every pair of eyes in the room. She held her breath as she watched Heyder embrace Zubair. Every part of her body shivered and complained about the atmosphere around her. When the pit of her stomach began to timidly heat up, Maya dug her nails into her palms and bit down on her bottom lip.

"It's so good to have you back," Zubair said as he pulled back and held Heyder's shoulders. "I thought the Dorins had taken you forever."

Maya shifted uncomfortably as Mirza and Zubair laughed.

"I was beginning to fear you would burn them to the ground when I first got news that you were out," Zubair said.

"No," Heyder said. "I have no ill will against them."

Zubair's eyes narrowed slightly as if he was surprised by Heyder's answer. He peered at the jinn in front of him for a few seconds before patting his shoulder.

"Come, Hafsa has been asking about you," the older jinn said. He was about to turn away when from the corner of his eyes, he spotted Maya. Heyder followed Zubair's eyes to where she stood silently.

"Heyder," Zubair sighed. He shook his head as he looked at Heyder with disapproval. "You know the rules. No outsiders allowed inside the court."

"I was about to leave," Heyder said.

"Who is she?" Zubair raised a brow. "Why did you bring her here?"

Heyder looked up at Maya for the first time since Zubair entered the room. His empty eyes watched her stand in the middle of the room like a fish out of water. Beside him, Mirza waited for his brother to answer.

"This is Maya," Heyder said after a pause.

"Who is she the daughter of?" Mirza pushed.

Heyder's hands balled into fists by his side. He shot Mirza a glare before turning to look at Maya.

"Maya Dorin," he said with a sigh. "Daughter of Exton and Gemma."

"Oh?" Zubair raised a brow. He looked back at Maya with more interest and smiled. "Nice to meet you."

"Hello," Maya said. She took in a deep breath and held her head up.

"What are you doing with a Dorin, Heyder?" Zubair turned back to the jinn.

"I have some business to take care of," Heyder said. "She's helping me."

"Hmm," Zubair turned back to look at Maya. "Well, let's not waste any more time. Come, Hafsa is waiting."

"I really can't stay," Heyder took a step back. "I have to take Maya home."

"You are not going anywhere," Zubair shook his head. "You've been gone twenty three years. Tonight, we celebrate your return. What do you say, your highness?"

Maya didn't know how to answer him. She looked at Heyder, but his eyes were on anyone else but her. The steady heat in her belly was starting to turn. She had the urge to get as far away from Zubair as she possibly could. Something told her being the center of his attention was a very terrible place to be. And the stillness of Heyder's eyes only confirmed Maya's assumptions.

"I would like to go home," Maya spoke slowly and clearly. "Heyder, please take me home."

"We're not in the business of taking commands in our own home, Ms. Dorin," Zubair said. "You are our guest tonight. You will stay for the celebrations."

Maya felt her heart stop for the briefest seconds. She had no other choice but to unwillingly follow as Zubair placed his hand on Heyder's shoulder and guided them out of the room. Mirza smiled and offered his hand to Maya. She shot him a death glare before stepping around him and following Heyder out of the room.

Outside the library, the Tyveer court was a dazzling affair. The gold walls and archways seemed endless as they walked across mirrored floors. Large chandeliers hung from the high ceilings with thick white candles and oil lamps. If Maya's heart wasn't beating in her ears, she would have found the place spectacularly beautiful. But as Heyder and Zubair walked on ahead, she kept her eyes on the back of Heyder's head and followed. The two jinns spoke in hushed voices as Mirza walked up to stand beside Maya.

"Do you still think he is the better option?" he asked, his voice low.

"He is the only option," Maya said. She thought she saw Heyder start to turn his head towards them, but Zubair directed him away.

"You are in the lion's mouth now," Mirza lowered his head closer to Maya. She stilled before she leaned away from the man. "What do you think the Tyveer will do when they find out what you really are?"

Maya's heart froze over. The fear had been running around her mind ever since Zubair had entered the room, but having Mirza say the words aloud made it even more frightening. Maya's feet stopped moving as her chest tightened and she felt her belly grow warmer. Breathing became difficult as the gold walls seemed to be closing in on her.

"Leave with me," Mirza whispered. "I can get you out of here. Heyder can't protect you."

Maya turned her eyes to the jinn. In slow motion, she watched Mirza reach out for her hand. But before he could touch her, Heyder smacked his hand away.

"Don't touch her," he snapped. Zubair froze. He looked back at Heyder with alarm before turning bored.

"Are you two still fighting over girls?" he asked. "When will you learn?"

"I mean it, Mirza," Heyder took a step in front of Maya. he ignored the old man and focused all his attention on his brother. "Leave her alone."

"Let the girl pick," Zubair said with irritation. "Maya, which brother do you want?"

Maya's eyes snapped up to the old man. She realized they were all waiting for her to answer as her mind swam with fear that froze her. She quickly moved closer to Heyder to get Zubair's attention away from her.

"Okay, it's decided then," Zubair said. "The girl belongs to Heyder."

"Of course," Mirza snorted.

"Mirza," Zubair's voice warned him not to start.

"He's always been your favorite, right?" Mirza laughed bitterly.

"The girl chose Heyder," Zubair pointed out. "Enough of this."

"Heyder could never do any wrong!" Mirza shook his head. "You all always turn a blind eye to everything he does. Every time he messes up, he gets off with a slap on the wrist."

"Jealousy does not suit you, Mirza," Zubair sighed. "Your mother would have wanted you two to put aside your differences."

"And do what?" Mirza spit out. "Drink with the man that killed my brothers?"

"Enough," Zubair's voice boomed.

Maya moved closer to Heyder and grabbed onto his arm. He reached back and placed his hand over hers.

Suddenly, Mirza froze. His dark eyes narrowed and the air in the halls chilled. Maya felt her stomach turn as the glares in the jinn's eyes made the fey in her restless. She used all her might to push it down. Sensing the way her skin buzzed, Heyder flickered his eyes towards her with concern.

"Zubair," Heyder turned to the old man. "I would like to take my leave now. I would hate to ruin your evening."

Zubair looked at Mirza and then at Heyder. His shoulders dropped as he let go of the breath he was holding. Maya watched from behind Heyder as the old man shook his head and then cleared his throat.

"I apologize for your brother's behavior," he said to Heyder. "I promised your mother I would look after you both but you two make it impossible."

Heyder remained silent.

"Hafsa was really looking forward to seeing you," Zubair shook his head once more.

"I will come by and meet with her soon," Heyder said quickly. "I really must go now."

"Alright," Zubair nodded. "It was good seeing you again."

Heyder hooked his arm around Maya's waist. He pulled her up beside him as he flickered his hand and opened a portal. Maya felt her body wash over with relief as her feet began to move towards the opening with Heyder. But right before they could step through, the portal shut off.

"You can't leave," Mirza said from where he stood.

"Mirza," Zubair shook his head once more. "That is enough."

"Heyder has broken the rules," Mirza said calmly. "He has put the court in danger."

"People bring in outsiders all the time," Heyder said with irritation. "The court is not in any danger."

"Aren't we?" Mirza turned his eyes to Maya. "For the first time ever, A fey has gotten into our land."

Maya felt the flames in her belly ignite like a gasoline fire. Her nails dug into Heyder's arm as she held her breath and panicked.

Zubair took a curious step forward, "What did you say?"

Heyder slowly began to back up. He walked Maya back against the wall and shield her with his body. Mirza smirked as he watched his little brother's eyes bounce around for a way out.

"Heyder," he said slowly. "Tell Zubair what Maya is."

Zubair turned to Heyder and the girl behind him. His eyes narrowed as he took a step forward.

"Heyder?" He asked. "Is this true?"

"Maya's mother is the witch supreme," Heyder said, as calmly as he could. "Because of her mother, her powers are stronger than the average witch."

"What is not what I asked," Zubair took another step forward. "Is she a Fey, Heyder?"

Heyder didn't answer. Maya knew he couldn't lie but his silence wasn't helping either.

"Why don't we see a demonstration?" Mirza asked.

"Zubair, it's not wh-" Heyder tried to speak, but the old man snapped his fingers and the whole group was transported through the air.

Heyder pulled Maya into his arms just as they materialized in the center of a grand hall. All around them jinns of all ages stood around talking and mingling. The hold ways shimmered from the candle lights and the glass floors reflected each spark like the light of the night skies.

As they stood in the middle, Heyder held Maya tightly as all the eyes in the room turned to them. Zubair looked over his shoulder and a group of elderly jinns, all dressed in silk beige robs walked up beside him. He turned and informed them of what Mirza accused Maya of being. Their wide eyes flickered to the girl in the jinn's arm as they listened to Zubair.

"Heyder," one of the men gasped. "How could you?"

The crowd had all turned their attention to the center of the room. Everyone leaned in to listen to what was being said.

"Hold on just a minute," another man, with salt and pepper hair and broad shoulders, spoke up with his deep voice. "We have not seen a fey in over thousands of years. How do we even know if this girl is carrying their magic?"

"I'll show you," Mirza leaped forward.

"Mirza, don't!" Heyder tried to blast his brother back but Zubair snapped his fingers and Heyder flew up into the hair. Maya was torn from his arms and left standing in the middle of the room all alone. She looked up as Heyder's body was slowly lowered to the ground a few feet away from her. He tried to reach her, but Zubair held him back with his magic.

"Maya, look at me," Heyder said. "Just keep looking at me, Birdie."

"Mirza," Zubair spoke with authority. "Show us what you claim is true."

Maya's head turned in the direction of where Mirza cracked his neck. The wicked smile on his lips made the fire in Maya's belly leap up.

"Maya!" Heyder shouted. "Look at me, Birdie. Just keep looking at me. You're fine. I won't let them hurt you."

Maya couldn't take her eyes off of Mirza. She watched in horror as his eyes flickered to silver and his arm vanished and replaced with blue flames. In his true form, he took a long stride toward the girl.

"Heyder," Maya's voice shook.

"Maya, do what Gemma taught you," Heyder said, praying she understood his message. "The magic you trained to use."

"Heyder!" Maya took a step back as Mirza charged at her. She raised her hands and tried to push her mother's magic out through her palms. But with Mirza charging at her like a crazy bull, she felt the fey magic roar up.

Maya's eyes closed as the heat of the fey burned through her. She heard the whole room erupt in a collective gasp as Mirza screamed. Maya's eyes snapped open.

"By the gods," the man with the deep voice whispered.

Heyder's face paled as Mirza held his smoking shoulder. Maya's bottom lip trembled as she looked from Mirza to Heyder. She tried to take a step closer to him, but just then she felt the wind slam into her back and knock her down to her floor.

"Zubair, don't!" Heyder yelled. "Don't hurt her!"

"Heyder!" Zubair creamed. "What have you done?"

"Heyder!" Maya called out for help as she felt the fey magic in her begin to swirl like a tornado. It wanted a release but something, the same force that was holding her to the ground, was also forcing the magic to stay trapped inside of her.

"Let her go, Zubair," Heyder said.

"Impossible," the old man shook his head. "I took an oath to wipe them off the face of the earth and I will not rest until they are alive."

Maya tried to push off the ground but the group of jinns in beige robs moved forward and all used their magic to hold her down.

"Tonight!" Zubair suddenly began to announce to the whole hall. "We exterminate the fey."

Oh boy, oh boy, what now? I am very excited for the next chapter and for all that I have planned :)