Free Not All Who Wander are Lost by Shannon Cahill

Finn kissed her gently.
     
    “I know. I feel the same way. I never thought anyone could make me feel the way I feel about you. It hurts my head a little to think about it. But it’s almost like I’ve been waiting for you to find me.”
     
    Finn stood up and took off his jacket and his shirt. “This is harder than I thought. I’ve been holding it for so long it is almost like I’m stuck.” Finn closed his eyes and took a deep breath, then he released his glamour. As he did so, the sun came out from behind the clouds and seemed to light him up from the inside. His skin took on an iridescent sheen, and turned a pale sea green color. His eyes subtly changed shape, growing rounder and larger, the irises showing the depths of the raging sea inside him. His normally dark auburn hair took on an almost violet hue, the only thing he inherited from his mother.
     
    Crimson was speechless. In his Human form, he was a handsome man. In his true form, he was breathtaking. He embodied the sea. Storms raged in his eyes. She was captivated. She went to him and touched his cheek. His skin was warm and smooth. Every Marbendlar  she’d ever seen had scales like a fish covering at least part of their face, but not Finn, his skin had the color and the sheen, but a silky texture. “Who are you?” Crimson asked breathlessly.
     
    “My father was Prince Riordan of the Finn Folk. My mother, Dealen-dé, was a sylph. No one special, really, just another stray that Katie took in once upon a time. After he met my mother, Dad decided not to go home. He stayed here with her, and then with us. His family was not pleased to lose their prince. They came looking for him, and things went bad. Katie hid Mariah and me because we were different, we never should have been born, and Katie worried that something bad could happen if they knew about us. Other than Katie and Mariah, you are the only person alive who knows what I really am. It’s a lot to take in, I know. I’m sorry.”
     
    “Where’s Mariah?” Crimson asked.
     
    “Gone. She had a hard time of it. She got into trouble, so Katie sent her to Mom’s family, but that didn’t work out for her either. She ran away. She’s been gone for nearly 7 years. We hope she’s ok, but there’s just no way to know. It’s been so lonely without my twin. It’s almost as if a part of me is missing some times.”
     
    “I wish I could take away your pain and make it all go away, but I can’t. All I can do is tell you that I’m here, and I promise that I won’t leave you alone.” Crimson wrapped her arms around him. She could feel his heart beating against her cheek. Finn enveloped her in his arms and rested his chin on her head.
     
    “You are right, you can’t take away the pain, but you make me feel more whole. When I’m with you, I feel safe. I feel like I don’t have to hide anymore.” He kissed her softly, and for awhile, he forgot about his pain.

 
    Chapter 12
     
    Kate looked up from the silver she was sorting when she heard the bells on the door tinkle softly. She hadn’t had a customer all day. The off season was always slow, but it had been particularly quiet the last month or so.
     
    An ageless, doe eyed woman stood at the door. Her long black hair shone like silk in the fading light. Her strange magenta eyes seemed to smolder. The piercings in nose and ears glittered with gems. Kate felt herself stiffen with recognition. “It’s been a long time Kate. How have you been?” the woman asked menacingly.
     
    “Amiee.” Kate said dryly. “It has been a long time. I never thought I would see you here.”
     
    “I heard you have something of mine. Something I lost a very long time ago.” Amiee replied, dragging a long pointed fingernail along the glass counter.
     
    “I’m sure I don’t know what you mean.” Kate said cautiously.
     
    “A little bird told me that my little lost one was here.  Don’t pretend you don’t know who I’m talking about. You may be old,