Yeah, maybe he should just stay away from any kind of magical being in the foreseeable future before he decided he was going to turn into a killing machine.
It seemed much better just to rip off their heads.
Chapter Fourteen
It didn’t surprise Nanshe that many truly didn't understand time. For most people in the world, time was nothing more than a lineal occurrence they were unable to stop, speed up, or slow down, no matter what they believed.
Nanshe knew the truth.
The reason her magic worked the way it did was because they were all connected. In a span of three seconds, all continuums of time existed. It was like a person preparing for action. Thoughts of moving were in the future second that hadn't come yet. When they decided to move and their muscles twitched, preparing to go, that was the present. And when they'd already passed by, blood dripping from their strike, it was in the past.
For humans, that was a linear event of one step after the other. For the Norns, they understood what it truly was because they were the cycle.
Future was aligned and bridged with Present, who then was connected on the other edge by Past. But Past was also on the edge of Future. It was actually a circle that continuously moved. Hence why Past became Future, Future became Past, and Present was the overseer of it all.
This was why she could look at the past to understand what may occur in the future, or at least see the effects and guess what action had caused it. Of course, she could not explain it to the rest of them, and it made things harder. If she could, they would understand much better. But the stranglehold on her gift made it so she couldn't share it no matter how much she wished for it. Even now, she wanted to explain what the King of History truly meant for Carlo. But even the thought of exposing it sent pain rippling through her body and she had to slam the doors closed on the thoughts.
Soon, very soon; he would understand once he invited the Chaos in.
For now, she simply took the men through a portal to get back into Encantado and wished for the best.
Out of the frying pan and into the fire. That’s exactly what the fuck happened when they entered Encantado. Carlo just wanted a moment to breathe, to celebrate the fact they’d brought Asherah back safely. And at least they had some idea of what was next to be done.
Instead, they came back to a war zone.
Wolves and mages ran back and forth, Hollows racing between them.
Carlo blinked. “Is that a fucking golem? Did they bring in golems?”
Somehow, Skuld had attacked Encantado while they were inside the Chaos realm to get Asherah.
“Well, that explains why Skuld wasn't in her tower,” Lennox mused. “If she has been here, it must mean she is after more than just Asherah.”
“Well, we already know Ash was with Verdandi. Maybe Verdandi intercepted Asherah and Skuld didn't realize she was in the In Between and she's here still looking for her.” Carlo looked over his shoulder at the Fae Princess. “We need to get you to your Fate as quickly as possible so we know you're safe.”
“Should we travel by portal again?” Kallan shot a sidelong glance at Carlo.
Nanshe shook her head. “I could open a portal, but I can't do one directly to Heath because he’s at main headquarters. They have protections to stop that from happening. Think about it, if one could open a portal in there, the Ales would be in danger.”
“You're right, and that does make sense.” Kallan nodded.
“Yes, the mage headquarters is completely blocked from any portals within a three-mile radius. But we could port there, send Asherah in for safety, and send a call to Heath. After that, we can return here to battle.” Lennox looked at each member of the team as he spoke, ending with Carlo.
Carlo sighed. “Well, we need to do something. I need to get to my Alpha and make sure he is okay.”
Kallan edged closer to Ash. “Then we'll take Asherah to the Mage Council with Lennox and protect her. You travel to your Alpha.”
“Carlo should not be alone,” Nanshe argued. “He would be battling all the way to Moretti Pack lands without us because I need to make you a portal.”
Kallan laughed. “I know you were the big dog inside the In Between and your portals are pretty sick, but I can make them. I’ll get us from here to there, at least, and leave you here to fight with your mate.”
Carlo nodded. He would feel better having Nanshe by his side. “That's good. Kallan, get Asherah to safety. Nanshe, you come with me. We're going toward Moretti Pack lands and I don't want to leave this many people exposed. If we can help them, it would be good, but my top priority is my Alpha.”
“Understood. We've come out near Scorched Earth, right?”
Nanshe surveyed the battlefield. The sky was alight with color as magic swung back and forth at the Hollows. “Yes, this area is particularly protected by the Guardians, so it’s a safe bet they may need the most help. They don't understand magic does not work on these beasts and they must attack them with physical items. If we abandon them, they could die.”
Carlo groaned, his hands tied. He couldn’t leave this many mages without some support. But his wolf was fighting to get to Arturo. Unfortunately, he didn't have the earpieces that connected him with the other wolves, and he had no way of contacting his Alpha.
“I need to make sure Arturo is secure. This whole thing is a mess. Dammit!”
“Then we find our way through to someone who's carrying a spellphone. Mages always seem to be attached to them these days.”
Carlo smiled, but it was vicious and cool. “Yes, and it seems I need to work out some frustration. I’m going in.”
Before Nanshe could argue, Carlo raced forward, partially shifting his hands to claws and allowing his canines to stretch in his mouth.
It was time for battle. If nothing else, he knew how to do that.
Even as he moved, Carlo bellowed at the others around him. “You need sharp weapons, swords, claws, whatever you can get your hands on. Magic will not work against the Hollows. It will only work against the golems.”
“How do you know that?” a mage returned.
“I've been fighting them. Be prepared. If you need confirmation, contact Kalinda. Do you have an earpiece that can connect to the wolves of the Moretti Pack?”
“I do.”
“Make sure Arturo is safe, and I will battle with you here.”
Carlo waited precious moments, ripping the head off one Hollow and punching through the chest of another.
“He's fine He is surrounded by his walls and has directed you to help here.”
Carlo nodded. “No problem.”
They fought harder, raking through the Hollows. Some mages created magic-forged weapons out of thin air. Others raced and grabbed rakes, hoes, pickaxes–anything they could get their hands on—and tossed them to the other mages.
Nanshe floated over and landed next to Carlo. “What good are we against things that don't fall to our magic?”
“It doesn't matter. Encantado is in danger and we have to save it,” Carlo returned. “Fight like your lives depends on it because they do.”
Nanshe lifted into the air once more, her hair spanning around her. She created a force field around several mages. “All of you, come with me.” She turned to Carlo. “I'll protect them; you fight.”
“If the Guardians are here, Torin must be here as well.”
Carlo couldn't deny having the powerful Guardian on his side would be a great help. “Someone needs to call Torin. Tell him Carlo is near the portal gates and needs his help!”
Carlo couldn't stop long enough to make sure anyone had done what he said. All he had was hope. There were too many Hollows piling over each other as the massive white and black tiger-like apparitions poured through random portals opening in the sky.
“We need someone to turn off those goddamn portals. Do we have any mages that have experience working with the Chaos in that way?”
A couple of mages raised their hands.
“
Okay, when Nanshe comes back, I want you to stand within her sphere of influence. She can keep anything from attacking you. Your job is to close the portals. Do you understand me?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Good.” Carlo could direct war. He knew how to handle that.
Nanshe returned with her band of mages carrying more swords and other weapons. The ones he had ordered to work on the portals surrounded her.
“Nanshe, they're going to closed those damn holes in the sky. Do what you can to keep them safe and keep yourself out of harm's way. Do you understand me, mate?”
“Stubborn male. Of course, I do.”
Carlo’s heart rate sped at her saucy comment, and he tossed her a bright smile. She was a good woman. Now that he at least had someone working to close the portals, he could fight openly to remove the threat. A swath of the Hollows flew into the air, bursting apart.
Torin had finally joined the fray, his body glowing from his runes as they glittered bright gold and swirled over his skin. But he was smart and knew the magic itself wouldn't work. It seemed whatever power he pulled through his body made him hard and extra strong. He was literally picking up the Hollows and throwing them as if they were nothing but stray cats that annoyed him.
“Fuck me, but it's nice having one of them on our side.”
Carlo ran toward the Guardian, attacking Hollows as he went until he met Torin on the battlefield.
“How long have they been here?”
“They haven't left,” Torin gritted through clenched teeth as he threw another Hollow after twisting and ripping off its head in one smooth motion.
“Are you serious?”
“Yes. They steadily attacked and searched through Encantado the entire time you were gone. Did you get Asherah?”
“Yes, she's already on her way to Heath. She'll be secure, and Heath will be able to enter the battle with the rest of his men.”
“I don't think that'll be possible.”
“What's going on, Torin?”
“The Hollows tried to take Silva, but they weren't able to get to her.”
Carlo flinched at his words. “So the Hollows attacked Asherah and Silva. What the hell's Skuld playing at? Why does she want both of them?”
“We can't figure it out. But our duties have now turned to keeping the two Fae women safe from harm.”
A roar shattered over the battlefield, silencing everyone and bringing the battle to a standstill.
Carlo’s jaw dropped and his eyes widened. He damn near had to force himself to speak at the sight of the massive creature before him. It was larger than anything he’d ever seen. “Is that a fucking dragon? Whoa! A dragon just come through the portal, right? I’m not seeing things?”
“By the Goddess,” Torin mused. “This is going to be one hell of a battle.”
A glittering golden dragon glided through the air, its wings spanning at least the length of a football field. There was a damn dragon in Encantado. The last dragon that had come through Encantado had created Scorched Earth.
“I’m going for the flying monstrosity. I'll have to leave the Hollows to you, Carlo. We cannot have another catastrophe like we did before.”
Carlo didn't have time to argue with the Guardian. His heart stopped in his chest as he raced back to Nanshe’s side as she guarded the mages trying to close the portal. There were some portals that were smaller, only allowing one or two Hollows through at a time, but they hadn't closed entirely.
“What the fuck is going on, mate?”
Nanshe’s fearful eyes met his. “Skuld is trying to destroy this place. If we don't stop her, she will succeed. She’s more stubborn than you are.”
Carlo didn't know what to do. “She's going after Asherah and Silva. It seems she didn't know Asherah was already in the In Between. I was told she tried to target Silva in the headquarters as well. She wants them both, Nanshe. But why?”
Nanshe grimaced, and Carlo groaned in frustration. She couldn't answer the question. He was so fucking tired of not being able to get the information they needed or understand her cryptic riddles when she was able to provide a hint. It was worse than not knowing. Nanshe held all the secrets but could not say a word.
“What use is it for you to have come here if you can't help us?”
“I have tried to do as much as I can. Don't you growl at me, mate.”
Carlo took a deep, cleansing breath. He knew her words were not out of spite. He sensed the pain in her, how she’d tried to fight through it. “I'm sorry.”
“It's all right. We will do what we have to do. For now, I will keep these mages working on the portals and add my strength to help them close them. It may expose me to Skuld, but at this point, if I don't get these portals closed, Encantado will be ruined.”
“Do what you must,” Carlo agreed. “If Skuld wants to come after you, she'll have to go through me.”
Chapter Fifteen
War and dust. Pestilence and rage. Nanshe had been here so many times before, more times than she could count. So many times had she experienced the rage of the dragon as it had ruined many lands with its fearless fire and powerful claws. So many, many times had she witnessed countless people die and fall before it.
The dragon, the harbinger of time and power. Nanshe lifted her head, knowing what that golden dragon represented. Dragons were made of pure time and magic spatial control. They were bred to restore the balance, as the In Between was for the Fae realm and Human world.
Skuld had disturbed that tenuous balance when she wanted to gain more power than she was meant to have, or even deserved. And by doing so, her sister had made it so Nanshe—ever fated to be her rival—would have to step in.
Norns actively working within the human realm were subject to punishment. There were no exceptions.
This dragon, and the breadth of its powers, was the counterbalance.
Nanshe closed her eyes, trying as she might to block out the dragon’s screeches and bellows and remove herself from the heat pulsing over her skin as it blazed fire. She tried to stop listening to the screams of those dying, burned alive from the inside out.
She blocked everything she could, even her connection with her mate who was fighting to save those around him. For a moment, Nanshe gave herself over to the past, searching for the answer among the many layers of what had gone before. She would not leave these people alone to face this. She would do everything in her power to help save them.
When she found the thread, tears sprung to her eyes. “Hello, old friend. I know you're tired. So much has occurred. And even now, we need you. Come.”
Nanshe pulled on the glittering red of the past covered in spikey black. She yanked hard, bringing the essence of that power closer to her. It was not time yet for those to know exactly who the wolf was. They would not be able to handle it on top of everything else.
But she had to risk it to save Encantado for now.
A resounding howl reverberated inside Nanshe, and she lifted her face to the sky, dropping her hands palms up at her side.
“Welcome home.”
A scarred wolf with burnished red on the tips of her fur raced from Scorched Earth and into the open plane. Her teeth glistened white, her growl vicious and cruel. She was a masterful warrior, forged through pain and fire into a machine of absolute destruction. Her mind was fractured, and she could not remember the softness of her previous life, which made her the perfect killer.
Nanshe knew bringing something from a different timeline would get the dragon’s attention. Yes, the wolf deserved her retribution for all she’d suffered, but the dragon wouldn’t let it happen before it was fated to occur. Nanshe needed to restore balance and would try to stop the wolf from being seen by those who may recognize her.
Nanshe prayed this would be enough to bring the dragon close and allow everyone to attack. This wolf, who'd suffered so much unfairness during her existence, would be the harpoon with which to spear the dragon.
Those fighting moved out of the way a
s the wolf charged through Hollows, raking and biting with absolute certainty, targeting their soft underbellies or weak throats. Nanshe was breathless watching her. She was scarred and alone, coming to the aid of a city that had long forgotten her and tossed her away.
“That part of your heart is still true. Though you may be lost, you will be found. This, I promise you. It may not be time just yet, but this feat will make sure all will remember you. Trust me.”
The wolf howled in agreement, lunging through more Hollows and protecting mages as she cut a path directly to Nanshe’s side. The wolf was much larger than other shifted wolves, fused with magic many of them did not have. She shivered, her black and red fur quivering in the air. As she rested on her large paws next to Nanshe’s side, ears perked up and paying attention, her tail pointed straight out. She guarded Nanshe from anybody approaching.
Nanshe buried her hands in the thick fur. “He will come. Just wait.”
The wolf vibrated with energy as Nanshe bent forward and whispered words into the wolf’s coat. Words of power and words of strength. Words meant to unlock this wolf, just for a few moments, to its full potential.
“Go now, child of death. Tear and rend.”
The dragon’s answering call to the threat was music to Nanshe’s ears. “Yes. Come closer, beast.”
The dragon swirled around before tucking its wings to its body and diving toward Nanshe and the wolf. Nanshe didn’t look toward Carlo as he and Torin yelled for her to take cover. She would face this threat head-on with the friend she’d called to her side.
“When he comes down, attack the underbelly!” she called out to Torin and Carlo. “We will go for his eyes. Trust me!”
She couldn't wait long enough to make sure they had done as she said. The dragon was upon them, its shadow drenching the battlefield in darkness.
Just another moment, friend. Just another moment. He's almost here.
Golden red filled the dragon's mouth as he prepared to breathe fire, but he would get no chance to spew it at anyone else but her and the wolf. No chance to kill anybody else. Nanshe and the wolf leapt in unison. Meeting the dragon’s fire, Nanshe's protective shield guarded the wolf from being touched by the flame as it danced around her protective field, encasing them in a shower of fire. Carlo’s worried scream was only matched by his bellow of rage.
Mated to the Chaos (Portal City Protectors Book 5) Page 12
