by ML Guida
He looked up to see Zuto standing over him. He had to blink twice. Instead of the arrogant demon, he stared into the red eyes of a broken man. His skin was ripped and torn as if someone had taken a blade and slowly peeled off his flesh. His face was bruised and swollen. Ewan couldn’t imagine the agony he must have endured.
Zuto seemed to struggle to breathe. “You will not steal my freedom.”
Ewan still gripped the sword in his hand and decided to distract the demon. “What happened to ye?”
“That is none of your concern.” He flung the sword out of Ewan’s hand and caught it. “Do not under estimate my power, fool.” He raised the sword over his head.
Ewan moved, but once again, he was paralyzed. He struggled, but only his beating heart had the power to move. Death reflected in the demon’s eyes. Ewan looked over at Penelope. She was in a warrior stance with her palms facing the spider. She had become so brave and fierce, and he wanted her to be the last person he saw before he passed onto the next world.
A white aura glowed around Penelope, reminding him of the one that surrounded Raphael, then a stream of white sprayed out of her palms and hit Palmer’s arm. It froze solid.
“Catriona,” she called. “Lie down.”
His daughter obeyed.
The spider raced toward her, and this time, she straightened her arms toward it. White rays descended onto the spider like an ice storm. Frost and ice covered its hard shell, which broke into jagged cracks. It shrieked as if in pain.
Zuto lowered Ewan’s sword and put it under his chin. “Let the spider bite you, or I’ll decapitate him. The choice is yours.”
“Kill it,” Ewan growled, not caring if Zuto cut off his head. His heart couldn’t take it if he lost both Penelope and Catriona. They were his family. Penelope had kept her promise and had saved his daughter.
Zuto pressed the sword deeper into Ewan’s gullet. He could fell wetness trickle down his neck.
Penelope looked between Ewan and Catriona, he could see the warring emotions flicker over her determined face. She looked at Zuto, and instead of turning her power onto him, she said, “I forgive you. Until today, you didn’t harm Catriona”
Ewan blinked in surprise and looked over at Catriona, who was on her stomach at Palmer’s frozen feet. Penelope was right. True, Catriona was terrified now, but unlike Zuto, there were no marks on her. Had he protected her?
He looked up at the demon, trying to decide if this was a trick.
“I understand,” Penelope said. “No one deserves to be tortured every night.” She then smiled at Ewan; tears brewed in her eyes. “Ewan, I love you.”
She lowered her arms, and the spider lunged at her.
Ewan hissed, “No!”
The spider sank its frozen fangs into Penelope’s shoulder. She screamed and fell onto her knees. But unlike him, the fangs didn’t pierce through her body as they had his.
Palmer broke free of the ice, and instead of attacking Catriona or anyone else, he changed into a vampire bat and flew toward his ship to save his own skin.
Zuto opened his mouth to reveal long incisors. He cast the sword away and limped over to Penelope. In his haste, he must have forgotten about Ewan. The spell paralyzing him vanished. Ewan ran to his sword that lay a short distance away. He turned to see the demon sucking on Penelope’s neck. His loud slurps stirred an anger deep in his gut. He raised the sword to cleave off the demon’s head.
Zuto’s wounds started to heal, and Ewan could feel him growing stronger. He tried to swing the sword but ’twas as if an invisible force stopped him and he was frozen in time.
“I’m free. I’m free.” The demon gasped. He leaned his head back, and his voice broke with intense emotion of shock and elation. “I can feel the spell losing its power. I can finally leave this wretched island.”
Zuto’s anguish and hurt sparked pity inside him. He’d never considered what it must have been like to be imprisoned on this island and only look forward to torture and pain each night. But Zuto hadn’t taken his misery out on Catriona. He owed him this. Torture would have driven Ewan mad with hate, and like Zuto, he’d have done anything to escape.
A soft breeze brushed over him, and the hate in his heart dimmed. Tingles swept through him, and he realized he could move. The desire to kill Zuto vanished, but he couldn’t let him kill the ones he loved.
Ewan took his sword and sliced his palm. He ran over to the demon, who lowered his head to take more blood from Penelope. Praying the archangel was right, Ewan slashed his sword across the demon’s scarred flesh.
Zuto arched his back and dropped Penelope onto the sand. Before the demon could retaliate, Ewan slapped his hand onto Zuto’s back, mixing his blood with the demon’s. Zuto cursed as he staggered to his feet. He turned. Blood dripped down his chin.
“Kill him!” he yelled.
The spider rushed over to him, but it seemed slower with the ice dangling from its body. Ewan had one more task. Instead of fleeing, he faced the spider and clutched his sword.
He lunged at the beastie, and just as he’d hoped, it spewed a sticky strand that wrapped around his sword. Ewan took his bleeding hand and pressed it on the strand. Blood raced up the silver strand like a rushing river and back into the spider. It screamed as if in pain and ran in circles.
“What have you done?” Zuto demanded. Anger flashed in his red eyes.
“Ruining yer plans,” Ewan answered. “And showing ye mercy.”
“I do not need your pity.”
Suddenly, the time spider rose up on its legs. Gold rays flung out of its mouth and struck Ewan with such force that he was lifted off his feet. He dropped his sword and hung in the air shaking, his teeth chattering, as images poured into his mind of Lark, Gwen, and Cé.
The light vanished. He dropped onto his hands and knees. He panted. “My God, I know where Lark, Gwen, and Cé are.”
The demon snagged his hair. “Knowing where they are doesn’t mean you can find them. Prepare to die.” He picked up Ewan’s fallen sword that was covered in his own blood. “How dare you try to keep me from leaving this cursed island.”
“Zuto, please dona kill my pa!” Catriona was only a few feet from the demon.
Ewan froze, terrified of what the demon would do
The demon looked t Catriona. His voice softened, “I’m sorry it has to end this way. I didn’t mean for you to get hurt.”
William growled and broke free of the white spider’s strands. He hissed. Flames and sparks burst onto the beach, burning the white spider. It screamed, then retreated to where it had emerged.
“Zuto,” a feminine voice called, as the demon Natasa stepped out of the jungle. She wore a long white gown that was strangely unblemished from the sand, smoke, and ash. “The sun has set.”
Ewan hadn’t even realized it, but the sun had indeed dipped into the ocean, and the Fiery Damsel sailed toward her as if to escape Zuto’s upcoming wrath.
Zuto glared at Natasa. “No, I’m no longer your slave.” His voice shook with disbelief.
The demon loosened his grip on Ewan’s hair as he faced his tormentor. Ewan took advantage and brought his arm down hard on Zuto’s wrist, and the demon released him. Ewan darted over to Penelope and cradled her in his arms.
“No,” Natasa said, as she strolled over to him and patted his tense cheek. “You may be able to leave the island during the day, but you will always return to me at night.”
Zuto arched his back and howled in rage. Ewan hugged Penelope’s unconscious body closer, afraid the demon would take his vengeance out on them.
He glared at Ewan. “There’s no place in the daylight that I can’t find you. Tell Kane O’Brien, tomorrow I’m coming for Hannah.”
Ewan was too stunned to yell. Zuto followed Natasa into the jungle. An earthquake shook the beach, and a crack split open. The wounded black time spider slid inside and disappeared.
Their enemies gone, Ewan turned to Mariah. “Get me daughter.”
Mariah ran to the fr
ightened child and led her back to William.
Ewan lifted Penelope and raced into the ocean, hoping she wasn’t dead. The water washed over her, taking away the blood, but she didn’t stir.
His chest tightened, and he held her close. “Penelope, dona leave me. I need ye.” His throat closed, and he couldn’t breathe. After all they’d been through, he couldn’t lose her now.
He brushed her tangled hair away from her beautiful face. “Penelope, I love you.”
Mariah waded out to the ocean where he stood. She touched Ewan’s arm. “Ewan, kiss her.”
Through his grief, he stared at Mariah in disbelief. “What?”
She smiled. “Trust me.”
He lowered his head and brushed his lips over Penelope’s frozen mouth. He kissed her harder, willing her to respond, desperate for her to move. He crushed her to him, not willing to let her soul escape.
A small gasp jerked his attention, and he released her.
Penelope looked at him with tears in her eyes. “You said you loved me?” She raised a shaking hand and twirled it in his hair.
He took her hand and put it over his chest. “With all my heart.”
Chapter 26
Ewan lifted Penelope and put her on William’s back. He sat behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist pressing her against his broad chest. His words of love still echoed in her ears, and happiness flowed through her. No matter what happened next, she could endure it, knowing that he loved her.
William soared into the air, leaving their enemies behind. The Soaring Phoenix’s sails bloomed, and water sprayed in its wake.
The dragon landed where Kane, Hannah, Ronan, and the rest of the crew cheered and waited for them. She clasped Ewan’s strong hand, dreading telling Kane that tomorrow Zuto was coming for Hannah.
Ewan helped Catriona, Penelope, and Mariah off. William changed back into a man.
Kane greeted them with a smile. “I see you all made it out alive.” His face was sleek with sweat, and his hair was tied back into a tight queue. “This is your Catriona.”
“Aye,” Ewan said. He took his daughter’s shaking hand. “Catriona, this is Captain Kane O’Brien. Yer on board the Soaring Phoenix and safe.”
Catriona bent her head. “Are ye going to send me away again?”
“No,” he said as he knelt next to her.
“Zuto said ye didna love me.” Tears slid down her face.
Ewan pushed back her hair. “He was lying. I was the one that was ashamed, Catriona. Did the demon tell ye what I am?”
“No, grand mammy did.”
“I told her not to.”
“We didna have any secrets.”
“Then did she tell ye about the roses?”
Her eyes flew open wide. “Ye left those?”
“I visited ye whenever I could when ye were asleep. I wanted to protect ye from this life. From me.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck. “Dona ever leave me.”
He hugged her tight.
Penelope smiled through her tears. She’d helped bring them together, and hopefully, Ewan had forgiven her.
As if reading her mind, he turned his head. “Catriona, there is someone I want ye to meet.” He took Penelope’s shaking hand, and Penelope knelt next to him.
“This is Penelope. She saved yer life.”
“She’s who Zuto was talking about, isn’t she?”
“Aye,” Ewan said.
Penelope held her breath, afraid of what the girl would say. If she rejected her, Ewan would side with his daughter.
To her surprise, Catriona put her hands-on Penelope’s face and slowly moved them around. “I can feel the goodness in ye. Thank ye.”
Kane cleared his throat. “We best be leaving this place.”
Penelope faced Kane with a heavy heart. “Captain?”
Kane’s smile slowly vanished into a scowl. “Something went wrong.”
Penelope and Ewan stood, each holding Catriona’s hands.
The crew’s cheers died. A heavy tension hung over the Phoenix as they awaited Ewan’s answer.
Ewan nodded. “Aye.”
“Zuto drank my blood,” Penelope blurted.
Hannah’s face turned pale. “What does that mean?”
“Bloody hell, it means he can leave the island,” Kane said, as he held Hannah close.
“I’m sorry, Kane.” Ewan lowered his head. “I was only able to stop him from leaving at night.”
Penelope clasped Ewan’s arm. “We won’t let him take Hannah.”
“How are you going to stop him?” Kane demanded.
His anger made Penelope step in front of Catriona, shielding her from his outburst.
“What little faith you have, Captain.”
Amidst the crew, Raphael walked out as the crew parted in awe.
“Raphael!” Penelope cried out. Hope swelled inside her.
“I am always amazed of what little faith humans have.” He lifted Penelope’s hand and kissed her. “Unlike mermaids.”
Penelope smiled as tingles rushed up her arm. “You mean there’s a way to save Hannah?” She nearly burst out laughing at Ewan’s hearty scowl.
“You have accomplished your task, and that deserves a reward.” His eyes twinkled, and his mouth curved up into a smile.
“Then tell us bloody well how,” Kane grumbled.
“Always the impatient one when it comes to your Hannah.” Raphael moved his arms into a circle. “But first things first captain. I have a promise to fulfill. Bring your daughter to me, Ewan.”
Penelope released Catriona’s hand. She held Ewan’s hand and walked hesitantly over to the archangel.
“Catriona,” Raphael said. “I am an archangel, and your father and his mate risked their lives to protect you and to show mercy.”
“Pa told me.”
He touched her forehead. “Awake, dear child.”
Catriona blinked and gasped. “Pa, I can…can…see.” Still holding Ewan’s hand, she looked up at Ewan. “Yer me Pa? I have always wanted to see ye.”
Tears streamed down Ewan’s cheeks, and he scooped Catriona into his arms. “Thank ye, Raphael, thank ye.”
Penelope wiped her cheeks. She didn’t think there was a dry eye on board the ship. Even the captain’s eyes glistened.
Raphael smiled. “Now, Captain, I have a gift for you since you fought bravely and let Penelope and Ewan discover their own destiny.”
A white cloud lowered from the sky and covered the Phoenix. Mist coated Penelope’s face, and she could feel the tension leave her. She, Mariah, and Hannah all laughed and spread out their arms.
Ewan frowned. “What’s happening?”
“The Soaring Phoenix is now protected with my blessing,” Raphael said. “As long as you remain on the ship, the demon cannot find you.”
“But there are other ways he can find us, aren’t there?” Kane grabbed Hannah’s hand and pulled her toward him.
“I’m afraid so. You have a new task, Captain. A most urgent one. You must find your loved ones before they are gone forever. Time is running out.”
Mariah gasped. “How? Tell us how, s’il vous plaît.”
He pulled an amulet out of his pocket. “This contains the blood of Christ. You must return to each spot where they were taken and place a drop there. A portal will open where you can find them.”
“Shite,” Ewan growled. “They were all taken from Zuto’s island.”
The angel shrugged. “True. But I must warn you, not all may want to return. You will need the demon’s help to find them.”
Kane’s eyes widened. “What?”
Raphael turned from him and looked at Penelope and Ewan. “You have done well, my children.”
Penelope clasped Ewan’s hand. “May I make a request?”
A knowing look flashed onto Raphael’s face. “Ask.”
“Can Ewan and I return to our little island just for one day?”
“What about me?” Catriona asked.
Pe
nelope knelt in front of her. “How would you like to play with dragons and meet the king of the sea?”
“Ye won’t leave me?”
“Never,” both Penelope and Ewan both said at once.
“One day, Captain.” Raphael smiled. “Your Hannah will be safe as well as the Phoenix. I think you can spare these two one day of happiness.”
“But the demon will find them,” Kane said.
“No, I will protect the island. Can you spare them their bliss? I believe they have earned it.”
Kane nodded, his face grim. “One day.”
“If you’ll excuse me, Captain, I’d like to introduce Catriona to my father.”
“Be my guest. We need to plan our next step.” He grabbed Hannah’s hand and walked toward the stern with William, Mariah, and Ronan following.
Ewan reminded behind.
Penelope walked over to the rail and sang her mother’s favorite song. Below, the water churned and foamed. Eldric rose out of the water and slid onto the ship.
“Penelope!”
He hugged her and she returned his affection. “Father, I want you to meet someone.”
Catriona hid behind Ewan’s long legs.
“This is Catriona.” Penelope knelt down. “This is my father, Catriona. He will not hurt you. I promise.”
Catriona peeked out behind her father’s legs and smiled.
Eldric bowed slightly. “Greetings, little one.”
Catriona smiled.
“He will show you my kingdom.”
“I will?”
“Yes, you will. You owe me.”
Confusion flickered in her father’s eyes.
“Ewan, if you’ll excuse us, I need to talk to my father.”
“Aye,” he said. “Come, Catriona. Let’s go find Cook. I am sure he has some sweetings for ye.”
The little girl laughed and skipped next to her father.
“What do you mean I owe you, daughter?” Eldric’s voice was uneasy.
Penelope narrowed her eyes. “Why did you lie to me?”
“I have never––”
She held up her hand. “Father, your fib almost got me killed.”
He winced.
“I became stronger when I mated not weaker. Why would you say such a thing?”
