Forsaken Norse Wind

by Ciara Lake

  Axel handed Breanna his ruby dagger’s handle. Ice did the same to Fiona.

  “Now, my ladies, your grooms will hold out their hands for you to cut across their palms.”

  Breanna gasped.

  “Don’t hesitate. It’ll not harm them,” Loki assured her.

  Both women did as instructed. Breanna watched Axel closely as she drew the knife across his palm. He made no indication of discomfort.

  Loki held a goblet to both of the men. “Allow your blood to drop into the goblets.”

  Axel took the goblet and squeezed his hand, allowing blood to flow freely.

  “My lovely brides, hold your palms out, allow the men to cut your hands. You’ll feel no pain, I promise.”

  Axel sat his goblet on the altar. Breanna and Fiona did as requested. The cuts were clean and quick. Loki handed them the goblets again. Breanna and Fiona allowed the blood to flow into the goblet.

  “Sit the goblets on the altar.” In a language Breanna did not understand, Loki spoke over them, moving his hands in a circular fashion.

  From behind Loki a gray bearded man suddenly appeared. A staff was in his hand. He banged the marble floor with its end. A loud boom rang out, echoing in the ice dome and over the mountaintops.

  “Whirl the goblets, mixing the mated pairs’ blood.” The man’s voice sounded like thunder. Lightening lit the sky making it as day. Snow continued to fall, covering the dome in an odd ceiling of sorts. “I’m Odin of Asgard. Drink of the mixed blood, and your union will be sealed.” Smoke rose from the goblets in swirls. “I bestow upon you the blessings of Asgard.” Hitting his staff on the floor again, it vibrated the entire structure, even the earth moved. Once more, bright lightening filled the sky, followed by a loud rumble of thunder. “Be fruitful. Love one another until the end of time or your days.”

  Axel picked up the goblet as did Ice. He swirled the blood within it then handed it to Breanna. He nodded his head. “Partake, my love.”

  Breanna took the goblet from him, their hands touched. A tingling traveled up her spine. She watched him as she held it to her lips to take a sip. Handing it back to him, he drank as well, finishing the goblet’s contents. He winked at her as he sat it down on the altar.

  “It is done,” Odin proclaimed. “You are one.” He looked to both couples, nodding, his expression neutral, and then he smiled wide. He directed his command to Axel. “Take her hand.”

  Axel did as instructed.

  Odin approached them. “Hold your hands out to me.” He tapped their joined hands with his. “As a special gift on this joyous occasion, I grant you a gift.” He nodded to Axel. He stood watching them for several seconds of silence. The entire room seemed to inhale, now holding their breath. “I grant you entrance to my kingdom if you choose to visit.” The audience let out a collective gasp. “I grant this great gift to these immortals as typically only deities can journey to the kingdom of Asgard. But I find favor in you, Axel Venrick, and I extend my favor to your mate.” Odin smiled, his eyes gleaming as bright as the sun. “Now, I must go. I’ve spent too much time away from other affairs needing my attention. I leave you in the capable hands of my son, Loki, and others of my court.” He nodded, then disappeared. Lightening struck the spot where he had stood, and Breanna jumped back.

  Axel took her in his arms. “It’s fine, my love.” His hand ran through the back of her hair.

  “Now we celebrate,” Loki shouted.

  The next thing Breanna knew, they were standing in the ballroom of the castle. The fires at both ends of the ballroom roared as if welcoming them all. The candles in chandeliers above cast the room in a golden glow.

  At one end of the room, musicians began to play. A group of guests began to dance in a circle, holding hands. Leif and one of the other guests started to sing. They sang of a tale of suffering ending with true love overcoming their hardships. Their voices were lovely, echoing in the large room just right. Breanna found herself mesmerized by the song as the dancers moved about the floor.

  “Who is the one singing with Leif?”

  “Dervail Radella, he’s a fairy. A dangerous being when provoked.”

  “I won’t provoke him.”

  “No, you won’t. He likes pretty ladies too.” He grinned. “But he happens to be a good friend of mine. Fairies love to sing and dance, make merry. They can be joyous creatures too. Come, my love, let’s dance. See Ice and Fiona there.” He nodded in their direction. Her mother was laughing, moving gaily about the dance floor. Her face was bright, happy.

  “I love to see my mother so happy. It fills my heart with joy.”

  “They are having great fun. When we’ve tired of being here, I’m taking you to a wonderful place. Somewhere I’ve never been. Another friend has extended an invitation to us.”

  “Where?”

  “It’s a secret.” He kissed her cheek. “If I tell, you won’t be surprised. I love surprising you.” He rubbed her arm. “The look on your face is a priceless gift. Tell me when you’re ready to go, and I’ll take you there.”

  Taking her hand, he led her to the dancers. They opened their circle, allowing them in. The music was festive as they danced around the room. Loki appeared in the middle, he floated up above their heads as he kicked up his heels, dancing about joyously. His eyes were silver. The music got louder as more and more joined the circle.

  A thump shook the floor. Axel stopped, as did the others in the room, to turn to look for the origin of the annoying loud sound. A silver-haired woman stood by a fireplace. Dressed all in white, fitting her snuggly, she leaned against the icy stone. Her hair curled, flowing around her like a curtain of silk.

  “What a festive time you all are having.” She stood straighter and sauntered to the middle of the room. The crowd parted. “Hello, immortals, mortals.” She looked at Celeste and Charles and made a tsking sound. “Kind of out of your element, aren’t you?” She winked. “And my fellow deities, it seems I’ve missed much of the fun.” She pouted. The woman looked around then laughed loudly. “I do apologize for being late. For those who don’t know, I’m Amuliana, goddess of the immortals. Although, all should know who I am.” She glared at the group. “I have a message for you.” She suddenly relaxed.

  “What’s the message?” Axel stepped toward her. He grew in size as he approached her. His eyes fully blackened. Her eyes matched his. Axel seemed unfazed by her demeanor.

  “Cool down, mighty troll.” Her eyes blazed red.

  “Amuliana, you’ve interrupted our celebration. I’m not happy.” Loki appeared, his eyes were red too. His nails were long and black. He positioned himself right in front of her. “I step away for a moment, and you ruin our fun.”

  Amuliana backed up.

  “If you’re here to cause trouble, I’ll give you trouble of the lasting kind.” Loki glared at her, a red aura radiated from him.

  Amuliana rose up off the floor, backed into the corner of the ballroom. “Forsaken daughters of Hema.” Her voice boomed, and the chandeliers swayed. “The curse has ended for both of you.” She glared at Loki. “See, I bring good tidings. You become angry for naught.” She sighed. “Your children won’t be labeled Forsaken. The bonding with your mates has freed you from your ancestor’s crimes. Your children will be born free of any curse. But know this, don’t mingle with vampires or the curse shall be back upon you and yours.”

  In a puff of black smoke, she was gone. The room filled with a sulfuric odor, making Breanna want to gag. She coughed, and Axel gently patted her on the back.

  “Are you okay, my love?” he asked. She nodded.

  “Well, how unpleasant the bitch goddess is, she makes my daughter Hel look like a heavenly angel.” Loki laughed without mirth, shaking his head. “She outdoes me on my worse day. And let me tell you, my bad days are hell to those I share it with.” Loki appeared where she stood by the fireplace. “Enough of all of this. I’m sorry, my dear friend, for Amuliana’s interruption.” He walked toward Axel. “I do believe it’s time to bid
the newlyweds a good night.” A wine glass appeared in Loki’s hand. Holding it up, he said, “A toast to my dear friends.” Everyone in the room suddenly had a glass of wine in their hand. “To the sexual bliss this night will grant you.” Loki threw his head back, laughing hysterically. “Enjoy each other.” A bluish fog rose from the floor. “Close your eyes, my friends. I’ll take the liberty to send you off to the beginnings of your loving under the moon. On a honey’s moon, should I say.” He chuckled. “I think I’ve coined a phrase. Adieu, for now.”

  Breanna blinked at a flash of bright light. Her world shifted, and suddenly she was standing on a different surface. Her feet sunk into the ground.

  Chapter 11

  “Where are we?” Breanna stood next to Axel on the ocean’s shore. She squeezed his hand. “I’m scared. What has Loki done?”

  “No fear, my love.” His eyes gleamed in the moonlight.

  The ocean’s cold mist slapped against her face. The moon reflected on the water’s surface. There was a beautiful eeriness all around her. The sea mysteriously calmed, and the wind ceased.

  “Don’t fear,” Axel repeated. “We’re about to start our next adventure. It’s an adventure I’ve never experienced, which is rare in my lengthy existence.”

  Before her eyes, a dark-haired man walked out of the water. Tall, muscular, lean, his strides were confident as if he owned the world around him, or at least the sea he’d come from. Dressed in shimmering turquoise, he wore a tight fitting body suit that covered him from his ankles to his neck.

  Extending his hand to Axel, he nodded his head. It glistened in the moonlight, as did his face. “Your wedding was amazing, my friend. I’m sorry I couldn’t stay for the after party. But I extend you an invitation to my home.” He looked at Breanna. When he smiled, she noticed his upper canines were fanged. They looked very sharp.

  “Are you a vampire?” She stepped partially behind Axel. “Remember what the…goddess said.”

  “No, dear child, I’m Mer Collin Aquilla, a merman.” He bowed. “My home is beneath this extraordinary sea.” He turned, motioning to the water behind him. As he stood at the edge of the water, it lapped up against his ankles. “There are many creatures in our world. We all have some similarities. Mer have fangs as well. They’re sufficient weapons easily at my disposal.” He winked. “I’m pleased to meet you. I’m a friend to Axel. I’ve invited you both to vacation there, to experience our realm. Few immortal outsiders have had the occasion to experience our world. It is my and my brother Jax’s wedding gift to you both.”

  “How can we go under the sea?” She looked at the sea, which was now more blustery.

  “Give me your hands.” Collin moved to stand between them.

  Breanna placed her hand in his. It felt dry, not wet at all. Axel took his other hand.

  “Trust me, my dear child. My power will see you safely to my underwater home. Do I need to make you sleep first?”

  “No.” She shook her head. “I want to experience this.”

  “Very good, come with me.” He tugged them to follow him. “The sea’s magnificent, embrace it.”

  “What of our clothes?” She pulled back. “I love my wedding dress. I’ll not have it ruined.”

  “Not a worry.” They stepped into the water. Their clothing changed, became similar to what he was wearing. A short, tight skirt and a skintight shirt covered her. Her feet were bare. But the cold did not bother her.

  “Don’t you look nice.” Axel grinned.

  “As do you, my husband.”

  Collin rolled his eyes. “Let’s wait for the love words until after I get you to your room. Don’t fear, you’ll be able to breathe. Don’t struggle, it’ll only make you panic. It’ll be hard, but remember you’re an immortal now. So, regardless you’ll be fine.” He smiled. “Come with me to my world.”

  They entered the sea. When they were fully emerged, he swam, pulling them with him. He moved as an arrow, fast, accurate, taking them deeper. At first Breanna held her breath, but with some effort she trusted and inhaled. There was no pain, all was fine.

  “I can see as clear as day. I can talk too.”

  The Mer turned to look at her. His face glowed as he smiled. “I’ve shared my powers with you.”

  They were close to the sea’s floor. Iridescent fish and plant life glowed brightly in the dark waters. Surprisingly, the water was warm, comfortable.

  “The water should be cold, but it’s delightful. This is truly a different world. It’s amazing I can breath, speak, and live.” Joy pumped through her. “Thank you for this experience.” She tugged back on his hand to slow him so she could see all around her.

  “Thank your mate.” He nodded to Axel.

  It was obvious Axel was too caught up in the new experience to pay attention to what Collin was saying. Colorful fish, single and in schools, swam by, allowing them passage as they curiously watched the merman escort strangers through their environment. The sea life did not seem to fear them, yet they stayed a respectful distance. Ahead Breanna saw a great source of light. Collin pulled them on toward the light.

  “My home’s ahead.” He nodded toward the distant bright glowing globe. “Don’t worry, it’s dry inside. You’ll have a normal bed to enjoy making love.” He stopped swimming. Breanna suddenly felt warmer.

  Her feet touched dry, warm tile. She stood inside a large foyer. It was fully illuminated all around her, and she could see the sea outside their cocoon. “What keeps the water back?”

  Axel looked up. Walking closer, he examined the nearly invisible wall. The floors were dark blue glass. Beneath the tiles she could see the sand and stony bottom of the sea floor

  “A simple, supernatural barrier. We prefer to keep our possessions dry within our home. I’ll give you a full tour later, inside and outside. Now, I’m sure you wish to hold your bride close.” He grinned at Axel. “My wife’s waiting for me too. By the way, she loves her ring. You’re talented, my friend. She was very nice to me when I gave it to her.” He winked at Axel. “I like it when she’s so very nice.”

  “Thank you, Collin. I’m glad you’re pleased.” Axel smiled.

  “I’ll take you to your room, leaving you to enjoy each other as newlyweds should.”

  They followed him through the large home.

  “Good evening, brother.” A handsome man, resembling their escort, exited another room and strolled over to them. “Is this Troll Axel Venrick and his lovely bride?”

  “Yes. Axel and Breanna Venrick, this is my oldest brother, Jax Aquilla.”

  “Nice to meet you.” Axel extended his hand. Jax took it.

  “Welcome to our home beneath the sea. You’ve a charming bride.” He took Breanna’s hand and kissed the back of it.

  “Thank you.” Breanna curtsied.

  “Brother, when do you leave on your mission?” Collin asked. “It seems Jax has been enlisted to help Hema regarding their problem with Saltar.”

  “There’s a rumor he’s imprisoned beneath the sea.”

  “Is there? Where do trolls hear their rumors?” Jax grinned.

  Axel shrugged.

  Jax looked at Breanna. “The vampires have had a hard way of things as of late. It’s a long story.” She frowned at his words. “Don’t you worry over these things, you’re free of them. Enjoy yourselves.” He motioned to the space around them.

  “We will. Thank you.” Axel nodded.

  “I’ve been asked to leave tomorrow to go to a distant place, Vancouver in the year 2012. I am not wanting to make this journey.”

  “Really? It sounds interesting,” Breanna said.

  “Yes, perhaps under different circumstances. But I’m not happy to participate in this crisis management of the bloodsuckers. I do hate the bitch Amuliana, this is all her fault, or at least mostly, in my opinion.”

  “I met her this evening. She was unpleasant.” Breanna shook her head, causing her hair to bounce around her face. Completely dry now, it seemed to be arranged just as it’d been for her
wedding. Soft, full curls fell over her shoulder. She lifted a curl to examine it. “This is all fascinating.” She smiled at the three men.

  “It is indeed. Life’s fascinating.” Jax grinned. “You’re lovely for a vampire Forsaken.”

  “I am no longer a Forsaken or a vampire.”

  “Yes, yes, one can say.” He lifted his brow. “But you’ll forever be who you were born to be in one way or another. We can’t erase some things. I mean you no disrespect.” His gorgeous blue eyes glowed bright.

  “None taken.” Breanna smiled.

  “Poseidon has volunteered me to help with the vampire issue.” His voice indicated his displeasure. “It was nice meeting you both, but I must take care of my business before I leave. I have a meeting to attend.”

  “Very well, Jax. Thank you for your hospitality.” Axel nodded.

  “Let me show you to your room.” Collin led them down a corridor.

  “This is a beautiful place,” Axel remarked as they made their way past the large windows. The scenery of the ocean was beautifully displayed.

  “Yes, the ocean is incredible and filled with magnificent things,” Collin agreed. He opened their suites door. “Please make yourself at home.” He stepped back, allowing them to enter.

  Breanna looked around as she walked into the room. “We can see out into the sea. Can others see us?”

  “No, you can only see out from this room, unless you desire otherwise. As you can see, this is just as a room would be in Axel’s castle, equipped with a bed, table, chairs. We’ve all the conveniences and more. Enjoy your stay. Have a joyful night. My wife and I will be on the other side of this large home, and Jax will be leaving soon, so worry not, you’ve much privacy.” Collin bowed, closed the door behind him, and was gone. The fireplace roared to life.

  “Come here, my bride, I’ve missed you so much.” Axel pulled her to him, and their clothes disappeared.

  “You don’t waste time, my husband. I wanted to look around.”

  “Looking can wait. I grow impatient waiting to partake of my beautiful bride. I want to feel you close to me, be inside you. You’ve made me wait too long.” He rubbed her arms.