Three-quarters of the way down the mountain, it was still cold, yet compared to what she’d traversed already, the temperature was livable. Pins and needles pricked her toes and fingers. Clear signs her circulation had renewed. Traces of magic fired up her synapses, and she took stock of her condition. She’d lost her shoes somewhere; her gown was in tatters and whatever remained of the garment was bloodied. She didn’t need a mirror to know her sorry state.
If only she could summon a portal. Try again…perhaps some of her magic had returned. She attempted to raise an arm. Her heart threatened to burst with the effort. Lifting one of the huge boulders surrounding her might have been easier. Exhausted, she dropped her arm to her side, fell to her knees, and sobbed in despair. She was dehydrated, needed sustenance, clothing, and most of all her full magic restored. Without it, travel to Scotland on foot was nearly impossible. It would take months, across a continent and an ocean, as she was in the southern hemisphere, and he…essentially could be in another dimension.
Footsteps shuffled through the snow near her. Startled, she straightened, wiping her tears. A light finger touched her shoulder. “¿Señora. Me escucha?” A man’s voice, gentle, tentative. “¿Me permite ayudarla?”
Geographical awareness of her surroundings came to her. Of course, she’d been dropped in Tierra del Fuego, the tip of southern Chile.
Pity her Spanish was minimal. She turned to face a young couple. Somewhere in their twenties, she guessed. Their faces, prematurely weathered from living in this inhumane environment, expressed kindness and concern.
“No…no…Español.” Stammering a basic response, she tapped her chest.
The woman reached for her backpack, unfolded a woolen shawl, and draped it over her shoulders. The thickness felt delicious.
“Venga. Por favor,” the woman murmured, making encouraging gestures for Brysys to come.
“Sí, venga,” the man insisted, holding out his hand.
Brysys accepted the help of his surprisingly firm grip and stood, although a little wobbly on her feet. She was half a foot taller than her saving angels and yet she felt tiny, so incredibly puny and humbled by this gesture of unwarranted human kindness. As she followed their lead to safety, she smiled and wept. The gods had sent her a lifeline, and with it, a promise of renewed magic. Yes, she had paid Dubtach a stiff price for her release. In time, she’d cleanse her soul of poison and death magic. Meanwhile, she was overjoyed by the realization that she wasn’t going to meet her end in this barren wilderness. A second chance had been given to make things right with Eachann.
A lovely vision of the Highlands’ splendor in July flashed through her mind, erasing the bleakness of her surroundings. Centuries later, she was going to make it.
I’m coming, Eachann. I’m coming, my love.
CHAPTER ONE
Soren’s elegant dining room had been converted into a conference hall. Talaith stood at the threshold, amazed at the speed with which the werefoxes, under Kailen’s direction, had made the changes. The Titanian’s beautiful sixteen-seat cherrywood table and chairs had been moved out; she had no idea where. Comfortable club chairs from the strategy room upstairs had been carried here, and arranged in a semicircular fashion where everyone could see each other’s expression.
The subdued buzz of voices greeted her. Despite the softness of the sound, an underlying current of anticipation added an edge to the conversations. If she stretched out her hand, she could touch the tension. After checking her bearings, she moved around the seated participants with a light step, avoiding unnecessary and unwanted attention. She reached her assigned position at Kailen’s side and prepared to wait for Brant’s appearance. He was the last member of the successful Alaska raiding party to join the debriefing session.
In a rare departure from protocol, which required formal meetings to be held in Europe rather than in America, Lords Gustaf and Fritiof had teleported to New York without delay. Fritiof, obviously, was anxious to reunite with his rescued mate as soon as possible. Gustaf couldn’t wait to learn the latest intel and full details on the attempt on Soren’s life, the attack on Stø, Adalheidis’s kidnapping, her recovery, and all the creatures involved in the conspiracy.
Much to her surprise, Talaith had been invited. She’d never expected to be included in this meeting. After all, she had come at Soren’s last-minute request to render a service. She wasn’t a relative, a trusted member of their circle, or a lifelong ally like Kailen, Eachann, and her mentor, Khnurn.
Since Soren had honored her, she wouldn’t miss the debrief for the world. Her time in America was ending. Her mission and duty to the Westerbergs had come to a somewhat happy conclusion, and her presence would no longer be necessary. In fact, this could be the last time she saw or spoke to Kailen…
A tiny mewl escaped her throat. She swallowed, strangling it to full silence. A mental admonition followed: no outward displays of emotion.
To distract her thoughts, she returned her attention to the converted room. Kailen had been on top of every last detail, including making enough space for Soren’s wheelchair to roll in.
Everyone in the mansion knew that being dependent on a wheelchair, even for a short while, pissed Soren off no end.
The Titanian’s irritation made sense to her. Soren had been designated lead Enforcer in the island of Manhattan and the northeastern United States. He’d been declared by all magical creatures the most powerful Titanian warrior in centuries. Every ability the universe had granted the Titanian race, Soren had in spades. He’d been charged with maintaining established treaties between the races and order and peace in his territory. However, the mission in Alaska had brought his self-esteem down a notch when it hadn’t worked out so well. His mother had been rescued, but he’d been ambushed, pumped full of deadly chemicals, and nearly died. A frustrating and highly embarrassing outcome for a male used to overcoming his enemies.
Everyone involved in the operation was grateful for his phoenix mate, Maya, and her still-undisclosed extraordinary powers, as she was able to bring him home. But twenty-four hours had passed since his return, and his body hadn’t fully recovered, and neither had his spirits.
Another big problem for the alliance had been the loss of crucial information. In her hurried efforts to defend and rescue her mate, Maya had executed Sterling, the principal human conspirator, and Midrin, his elf ally. Presented with the challenging prospect of maneuvering an unconscious, almost-seven-foot-tall, deadweight Titanian through an escape portal, Maya hadn’t bothered to search the lab for notes and records of experiment. As a result, the chemical cocktail’s secret formula, which Sterling had transfused into Soren, was lost.
Kailen had worked in the dark, so to speak, healing Soren. As he fought to counteract the chemical’s paralyzing and weakening effects without a proven antidote, Talaith had stood at the Danann’s side, ready to assist with her unique healing magic. His progress had been slow. Even more exasperating was the chemical’s bewildering ability to intoxicate and kill without leaving the faintest trace.
The crowd fell silent when Maya rolled Soren to the center of the room, where he could be seen and heard by all. Talaith smiled. The couple’s mental communication had strengthened after their mating. At the moment, it was obvious they were holding a private conversation. Talaith’s powers didn’t allow her to listen in; nevertheless, whatever the Titanian was saying amused his mate. In a discreet gesture, Maya listened and covered her smiling lips.
Ah, the patience true love affords.
Talaith stiffened. The wistful thought flashed much too quickly for her to contain. Out of the corner of her eye, she stole a glance at the source of her angst and futile desires. Dressed in his usual black robe, silver brooch pinned on his collar, Kailen listened to the proceedings, his expression shuttered and impassive. The constant facade he gave to the world.
Although, he wasn’t always so detached. Gods, she remembered… Her chest rose as her breathing picked up speed.
On two occasio
ns, she was certain Kailen would confess his true emotions. Once, before he teleported to Juneau chasing after Hagen. And the second time, when he gave her his final instructions to defend Soren’s home. His fathomless, water-colored eyes had flickered. An intense light had emerged from their depths, and her heart had skipped a beat in anticipation of emotions she knew he’d declare.
He did not. The raiding party took off. She was left behind to guard the mansion’s protective rings, and the moment passed.
Her short-lived hope had scattered on that gentle summer breeze. Forgotten. Lost to her as it should be. She was a utilitarian creation. Indulging in such tender feelings was not included in her raison d’être.
Lord Fritiof’s deep voice rumbled, and Talaith snapped to the present. He’d been speaking to Kailen and Maya. She caught the end of his comments.
“My deepest gratitude, Maya and Kailen, for saving my son’s life.” Fritiof was visibly moved.
“No thanks are necessary, Lord.” Kailen bowed to his old friend.
All eyes turned to Kailen, and consequently to her. Talaith made an extra effort to control her facial muscles. She had only a few hours to continue this I-don’t-give-a-damn charade, and continue she must. If anyone guessed her feelings for the warrior—Maya being the most intuitive—Talaith would be mortified.
She tried to close herself off to the conversation, but Gustaf’s continued pressure on the phoenix mate kept her mind in the room.
“So, you killed them both… How? Your hands were bound…”
The Titanian was behaving like a bloodhound after picking up the scent of its quarry. Something crucial was being kept from him. His fighter senses didn’t want to let up.
Would Maya buckle under his scrutiny? Reveal her amazing ability?
“A new creation bears investigating.” Gustaf’s tone dripped with condescension.
Furious for Maya, Talaith seethed. She glanced at the phoenix mate. Her friend was a mountain of patience. Her expression didn’t move.
“We will.” Maya’s answer was calm, controlled. She waved the notebook discovered after the ambush at the Manhattan bar. “I’ve leafed through these pages. There’s actionable information, material we can use. With Talaith’s help, we can get a clearer picture.”
Oh, no.
Now, they wanted to bring her into the conversation and discuss the female drone. They couldn’t pull her in like this. No one had shown her the items found in the bar or had asked her to study them. She shrank a little, making herself small, hoping they’d think her unimportant.
Her natural shyness and fear of attention squeezed her lungs. The air became dense, and she struggled to breathe.
She leaned close to Kailen. “Forgive me, I must step out. Need air.”
He answered with a soft grunt. She slipped around him, left the room, and sped down the hallway before Maya turned the discussion her way.
The door she chose to exit the mansion led her to a forgotten section of the rear yard. Here, grass flourished. Only the lightest mowing kept it under control. Summer flowers, their petals untouched, bloomed at will. Residents and guests usually passed through Soren’s lovely conservatory on their way to the front garden, where they could stroll at their leisure.
She glanced at the horizon, where low dark clouds blocked the distant peaks of the Catskills with a promise of powerful thunderstorms. At the moment, a thin yet insistent drizzle fell. The precursor of what would soon drench the land. She donned her hood and continued strolling with no specific direction. The silence and absence of creatures soothed her. Even better, the atmosphere was cool and invigorating. Her lungs relaxed.
A sudden wave of power enfolded her. The intensity of his presence at her side was impossible to miss. His magic had a physical quality, almost solid, close to a protective layer around him. She glanced over her shoulder. Khnurn’s ethereal form hovered inches above the ground.
“From miles away, I sensed your distress, child. I warned you, keep your emotions safely tucked away.”
“You did, Master. The heart knows no command or forbiddance. It feels, that’s all.”
“Indeed, the heart is a rebellious entity. One can spend an eternity trying to subjugate it to one’s will and fail in the attempt.”
“Speaking from experience?”
“Don’t be flip. I’m here to congratulate you.”
The radiant aura holding the mage aloft changed from a shimmering white to a burnt gold, similar to his leonine gaze.
“I’m pleased with you, Talaith. You’ve demonstrated patience, wisdom beyond your level, and talent. You’re ready to tackle bigger game.”
“Do you have a new assignment for me, Master?”
“It’s possible. I must confirm the magical signature first.”
She stopped walking. “A new creature?”
“No. Quite the opposite. It’s ancient and took me by surprise when it surfaced.”
“Surprised, you? Unthinkable.”
“This presence disappeared centuries ago. Most of us believed the creature had passed to the afterlife. But…the universe enjoys throwing its mysteries on the proud and unaware, and I’ve committed both sins. If my reading is accurate, the signature’s return is an event of high importance. So monumental, it will alter courses and change many of us. I can’t wait to find out where it’s been.”
“Can you tell me more?”
“I hate to say too much before I’ve confirmed… It’s kind of an old superstition of mine. I don’t want to jinx my suspicions. Suffice to say, the energy is female. That’s all you get.” He jutted his chin toward the mansion. “How is Gustaf handling the briefing? Has he gone after Maya? Did he get a whiff of a cover-up?”
“I left when he started grilling her. Maya is no one’s fool, and with Soren’s mind-to-mind guidance, she won’t be tricked into revealing the Simurgh lightning.”
“Wise decision on their part. I’m glad I didn’t have to intervene in this matter. Maya’s unique power should remain hidden for a while longer. We can’t reveal our advantages to the enemy.” Khnurn’s ethereal presence hopped twice forward, then pivoted. His gaze narrowed. “Astarot is seething. His screams shattered the serenity of my abode. The defeat in Alaska has driven him insane, and he wants revenge. A new conflict will explode before long. The Simurgh lightning will be crucial at that time.”
“How may I help you?”
“You’re good and getting better, but some areas need further development. If you’re going to assist me in this battle, your magic needs sharpening. Especially if I’m defeated and perish. Because if that happens, you’ll have to take over the reins.”
Stunned, Talaith allowed her horror to show. “No, Master! Don’t say that.”
His image rolled so close to her, she forgot it was only a mirage and reached to touch him. He smiled when her hand slipped through his form.
“Easy, child. I’m not ready to give up the fight yet. But we’ll be facing Dubtach.”
“Who is he?”
“He’s Astarot’s high mage, although he’s a bit weakened because he’s in hiding from his lord. It’s an interesting development I never expected to see. Nevertheless, he’ll be a formidable foe when encountered. One must always be prepared for the worst, especially with Dubtach. He practices death magic. You must come with me and resume your training.”
But Kailen…
Her stomach clenched. “Now? So soon?”
Khnurn frowned. “Hmm, you need to work on that too.” He waved at her distressed expression. “Keep your facial expressions locked. Never show your hand. It could save your life. Why linger here? The job’s done. He’s not ready to give you what you want. The longer you stay, the harder the separation will feel.”
“May I have a few more hours? I have this sense he’ll need me again.”
“All right, child. I’ll give you until Venus appears in the evening sky, no more. I’ll return then. And…”
“Yes, Master?”
“Should
you wish to leave sooner, send for me.”
“I will. Tha…”
She stopped midword. Khnurn’s image had whirled and disappeared.
Talaith tightened her cloak and pulled down her hood, covering every loose tendril of hair. Rain was falling harder. She couldn’t bring herself to go inside because actions and seconds went hand in hand. In her illusion, the more she did, the faster the hours passed. Her precious time with Kailen would tick to its inevitable end.
“Get on with it.” Seeking courage, she murmured to herself and walked back inside the mansion.
Taking her spot at Kailen’s side, she rejoined the ongoing debriefing just as Maya was explaining her final actions at the lab in Alaska. Gustaf continued his aggressive questioning. Unruffled, the phoenix mate stood her ground.
“After the explosion, no one bothered to search my pockets.” Maya glanced at her jeans. “While the males argued whether or not to use venom on Soren, I cut my bindings with the switchblade Kailen had given me.”
“Remarkable.” Gustaf spoke to Kailen. “What prompted you to give Maya a blade?”
“I gave switchblades to both mates.” Kailen cocked an eyebrow as if that was the most logical action. “Ginny had one as well. A humble weapon of last resort with many uses. Effective, as you heard. Deadly in personal combat.”
“Yes, well…” Gustaf blinked at Kailen’s sarcasm. “You’ve always had your methods, Kailen.”
Fritiof laughed.
Kailen bowed his head and didn’t elaborate. He moved a little closer to her. His warmth surrounded her, and Talaith soared with wild elation. Her heart thumped hard against her chest. When she thought Kailen’s gesture would thrill and overwhelm her with joy, Khnurn’s advice rolled over her. She reined in her foolish happiness. Distant Talaith returned.
To the world, she now was a tower of concentration, glued to every word in the fast-moving, head-hopping discussion between Gustaf and the Titanian cousins. Especially when they covered the last bits of information about Alaska.
The Last Danann (Titanian Chronicles, #2) Page 6
