“NO! This isn't where it ends,” she spat through her teeth as she pushed herself up. Pausing on her knees, Gabrielle could feel bits of gravel digging into her legs and she wildly swung the stick at the hounds as they advanced. She tried to pull herself up but another dog jumped over her head, his paws knocking her to the ground.
Feeling light headed from the impact, she raised the club in preparation for the next attack. As she stood, Gabrielle stared into their crimson eyes, waiting for the moment to come. She watched as slobber dripped from the alpha’s snarling mouth and formed a small puddle beneath his twisted jaw. A single tear formed in the corner of her eye as she prepared for one final swing.
The alpha crouched and lunged at Gabrielle. Sharp teeth buried themselves in her leg. Gabrielle arched her back and screamed out in pain. She found herself encircled by darkness as claws ripped into her arms, legs and back. All she could do was protect her head and chest and wait for her death. Time seemed to freeze, capturing her last moments in a still frame. Gabrielle thought about her journey and wondered what the point was. Is this hell? Gabrielle thought as reality rushed back around her.
A break in the darkness reminded her that she was still alive. A yelp echoed in the alley, as more light replaced her surrounding darkness. Someone was pulling the dogs off her. A man with a large blacksmithing hammer in each hand was pulling the beasts off her one by one. He brought the hammers down mercilessly upon the vicious hounds as she struggled to stand.
They lunged and ran from all angles, yet the man moved elegantly in the dark. Gabrielle stood and watched his dance of death as he evaded and struck. Her whole body ached and her dress was stained with blood from where she was bitten and clawed, but she couldn’t stop watching.
Her rescuer brought his attention to the alpha as a smaller hound appeared from his side and sank its fangs into his thigh. He let out a loud cry and the beast sank its fangs deeper, reveling in his pain. Gabrielle lunged and brought her weapon onto the hips of the animal. A loud crunch followed and it released its grip on the man. Her savior dropped his hammers, grabbed the alpha by the throat and the two fell to the floor.
Once more, Gabrielle brought her club down on the head of the monster. It fell motionless upon the stranger and he threw it aside as if it were a sack of potatoes.
“RUN!” he yelled as he pulled himself to his feet, motioning to a sliver of light from an open doorway. Gabrielle dropped the club and threw her arm around him. As they ran, Gabrielle could feel the heat from the hounds’ breath on her ankles and she pumped her legs harder to avoid being bitten.
Gabrielle threw the man into the open door before turning to close it behind them. As she pushed the door closed, one of the hounds managed to get his large head into the gap and brought his fangs down on her arms. She screamed in pain as she tried to keep the door from opening while fending off her attacker. The man smashed one fist into the hound’s face and pushed on the door with the other.
As Gabrielle brought her fist into the hound’s face, the monster began to scream in such pain that Gabrielle almost let go of door to cover her ears. She looked at the bangle and saw it was still glowing white, and the heat was burning the beast down to the bone. With a howl of defeat, it released Gabrielle and withdrew its head from the doorway.
Gabrielle slammed the door and fell backwards onto the wooden floor in exhaustion. The monsters cried and clawed at the door for a few moments before the sounds stopped and she heard the thumping of heavy paws walking away. Gabrielle closed her eyes and tried to slow her breathing. Every inch of her body burned. Her legs were covered in scratches and the bite marks on her back and neck pulsated with the beating of her heart.
Gabrielle opened her eyes and looked up at the ceiling and then around the room. She was lying in a long hallway. She reached out and ran her fingers over the side of her neck, but she pulled her hand away as the pain caused her vision to darken. Gabrielle looked at her hand in betrayal and the sight of dark red blood brought a dizzying sensation to her head.
The adrenalin was wearing off and, with every muscle in her body screaming, she felt the darkness start to take over. With all the strength she had left, Gabrielle turned her head to look at her male companion lying on the floor next to her. His chest rose and fell as he lay motionless on the floor next to her. From what she could tell, he was probably eighteen or nineteen. His light brown hair clung to his face drenched with sweat and his shirt had a large tear in it exposing the olive skin of his chest.
His eyes fluttered behind the lids as he fought to open them and he turned to face Gabrielle, revealing soft lavender eyes. Morrigan? Unable to keep her eyes open any longer she drifted away to darkness.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Within the darkness, there were only flashes and rumbles to guide Gabrielle. A young boy with lavender eyes sitting in a cell. She reached out her hand and was comforted when he intertwined their fingers. Everything is going to be fine Gabrielle…
A whisper crept into her consciousness: Speak not of the journey of which you travel, for the consequences will be dire…
Gabrielle jolted upright in a cold sweat, prepared for the fight of her life. Her hands clenched into fists, she sat alone on a bed she’d never seen before. A small sigh crept out of her mouth as she realized this was not the first time she had woken up in a strange house, in a strange bed.
The bed was soft, and Gabrielle sank into the mattress as she turned. She was in a bed chamber, not unlike her own in the Palace. It was modest, with an armoire next to the bed and a fireplace across from her.
A small silver cauldron on a short table next to the fire caught her attention. It was adorned with etchings like the ones on her bracelet, but with tiny colorful stones inlaid in the markings.
Gabrielle chewed on her bottom lip, brought a hand to the wrist she wore the bracelet on and found it bare. Panic consumed her as she realized she was no longer wearing the one thing that gave her power in this world she didn’t belong in.
Her eyes desperately searched every corner of the room and she let out a loud sigh of relief when she saw it on a small table between the bed and the door. Gabrielle ran to the table but she stopped before her fingers touched the familiar metal.
She thought back to the fight in the doorway and the seared flesh of the hound. The bracelet had turned white-hot and burned the animal to the bone. Would it do the same to her when she touched it?
Gabrielle looked at her wrist and found no sign of burns. Like a cat reaching for a fish in a pond, she reached out her hand and pawed at the bangle. Finding that it was cool to the touch, Gabrielle placed it back on its home around her wrist. The cold metal began to warm as she clutched it, a sensation that comforted her, as if everything was right in the world.
Gabrielle was forced out of her wandering thoughts when the door to the chamber flew open and a man came rushing in, a pile of clothing draped over his arms. Hidden behind the door, she watched as he dropped the clothes to the floor and walked over to the bed.
She observed the man in silence as he looked down at the vacant cot. He was taller than her and his broad shoulders and muscular physique reminded her of Fionn. She was suddenly very aware of why Heather enjoyed looking at Fionn so much and a blush reddened her cheeks. “I’m glad you’re doing better. I didn’t know how bad your injuries were.” Gabrielle emerged from behind the door, her face flushed from the embarrassment of trying to hide behind an open door. Her eyes immediately found the lavender glow of his eyes. It’s Morrigan. It has to be, how many people in this world have purple eyes?
Morrigan motioned his hand to the bed.
“Please sit,” he began. The broad man’s face reddened, “Um… I do apologize for not having a proper place for you to sit, this is all I have for the time being.” Morrigan glanced at the floor for a moment before regaining his composure and sitting on the edge of the bed.
Nothing indicated that she could trust him, but she saw no reason not to. Alexandra had mentioned there we
re others on similar journeys. The last—and only—time she’d met Morrigan, they only shared a few words locked in a prison cell, awaiting their fate. She was still so new to this journey, but she remembered his lavender eyes and how he’d comforted her.
Gabrielle was overcome with an urge to ask him what his life was like. She needed to know how he ended up on this journey, where he was from. She thought back to Alexandra's warning; she shouldn't talk to anyone about what she was doing—and she knew she could never break this rule.
She took a timid step towards the bed and remained silent, despite all the raging questions that tempted her.
“It’s OK Gabrielle, I won’t hurt you.” Morrigan’s soft lavender eyes brought warmth to her heart. She trusted him with every fiber of her being, but she knew she had to continue as if she didn't recognize him. As if she hadn’t felt that their stories—their souls—were linked.
With a gentle sigh, and her mind awhirl, Gabrielle made her way over to the cot and sat beside Morrigan. She ran her eyes up and down him in amazement. He’d changed quite a bit since their last encounter—he looked nothing like the small boy that had come to her in the dungeon all those years ago. Then again, she didn't quite look like the little girl that had gotten herself locked in that dungeon either.
Gabrielle let her eyes move over his smooth olive skin and defined facial features. As her eyes wandered, she saw a sliver of a chain escape his blouse in the flickering light. That must be his key.
She wasn't sure how she knew it, but the silver medallion was to him what her bracelet was to her; the key to entering the lives of others. She realized that she’d let her eyes linger too long on the man’s chest and brought her eyes back up to his face. She was amazed that despite all the changes, Morrigan maintained his beautiful eyes.
Gabrielle thought back to something her mother once told her, “A person’s eyes are the gateway to their soul.” This must be why his eyes hadn’t changed; though they were different people living different lives, their souls were still their own.
“Thank you for helping me. Are you alright?” she asked, looking down at the floor when she realized that their legs were touching.
“I’m glad I could help. Who knows what might’ve happened if I hadn't come along and saved you,” Morrigan said, as he reached out and began to inspect Gabrielle’s arm.
Gabrielle was hot with anger and she jerked her arm out of his grasp. “You’re lucky I was able to get those beasts off you before they did some damage,” Morrigan continued, unfazed by Gabrielle’s sudden change in temper. “I’m Morrigan, by the way. Pleased to meet you. Though I wish it was under more pleasant circumstances.”
She had so many questions that needed answering, but she had to contain herself so she didn’t ask the wrong ones for fear of the outcome.
“My name is Gabrielle. It’s nice to meet you. It’s not that I’m ungrateful but, if I recall correctly, I saved you just as much as you saved me.” She paused for a reply. When none came, Gabrielle continued. “Where exactly am I and how did you come to find me in that alley anyway?”
Morrigan sat in silence for a moment, as though she’d just asked him to explain a joke. For a moment, the two looked at one another, until finally he spoke as though reading from a script.
“Well, Gabrielle, you are in my home. I live above a tavern and tend to the comings and goings therein. I found you in the alleyway when dumping a bucket of water. It was fortunate that I had done so when I did or I would’ve been unable to save you. What is it, exactly, that you were do—”
“You keep saying you rescued me like you didn’t see me save your ass from that mangy dog.” Gabrielle stopped, cleared her throat and then continued playing the role of the helpless palace maid.
“I was traveling with two friends of mine, Hilde and Claudie, to a gala, when we were separated. I turned down the alley to find them. The next moment, I was being chased. Then there was a man in a robe, and then the dogs. While I am ever-so grateful for your help, I feel that you misunderstand me. It did seem that, had it not been for me, you would’ve suffered a similar fate. So, thank you, but in turn, you are welcome.”
Morrigan laughed, stood and walked over to the fire. “Well, it just so happens that there is a gala going on in the tavern as we speak. If I were to wager a guess, I would say your friends are below us at this very moment. If you would like to take a moment to prepare yourself, I would love nothing more than to accompany you to the event.”
Gabrielle was stunned. After being attacked by ravenous demon dogs and having a cute man rescue her, this was the last thing she thought would happen.
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea. My dress is mangled and I’m a mess. Perhaps it’s best that I make my way home,” Gabrielle suggested. She didn’t want to leave without getting some answers but she was in no condition to be in a crowd of strangers.
With a slight chuckle, Morrigan scooped up the pile of clothing he’d brought in.
“I think you may find these to your liking. It was all I could manage to find.”
Gabrielle’s eyes danced over the beautiful cream fabric and the emerald inlay of vines. Her eyes moved over the designs and she had the uncontrollable urge to smile. Her eyes met Morrigan’s and she wondered how old he was in his real life. Gabrielle knew from speaking with Alexandra that they would be here until the tales were all told, but that could be different for each of them. How long was his story?
“Well, I’ll give you a moment to dress. I think your friends must be wondering what has become of you.” With a final wink, Morrigan closed the door behind him, leaving Gabrielle alone with nothing but her gown, her thoughts, and the crackling of the fire.
She closed her eyes and thought of nothing. Gabrielle cracked one eye open and let the light trickle in. She still stood alone in Morrigan’s chamber, holding the beautiful dress that he’d given her.
“Nope, still not a dream,” and with that Gabrielle began to dress.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Gabrielle ran her fingers down the soft fabric of the new dress she was wearing. She closed her eyes and filled her lungs with the warm air of Morrigan’s room. Something about this dress breathed new life into her and, as strange as it sounded, she was excited to join the gala.
No sooner had she finished dressing, than there was a faint knocking on the door. Morrigan called through and requested to enter. Without giving her enough time to respond, he pushed the door open.
He froze, half in the doorway, looking at Gabrielle. His half open mouth curled into a grin and he shook his head, as if shaking water from his ears. His smile made her legs feel like gelatin and she awkwardly ginned back at him.
“You look beautiful, Gabrielle. I knew that dress would do you kindly. I hope it is to your liking.”
“It’s wonderful. Thank you for your kindness.” Gabrielle stared at the floor, the blush warming her face and making her feel like she had a fever. She brought her eyes up to the good-looking man in the doorway. She wasn’t the awkward introvert of her real life but the troublesome, fun woman she was living as and she was beautiful.
“Well, shall we be off then?” Morrigan said as he extended his arm. As ridiculous as it seemed to be off to a party after what happened, Gabrielle reached out and took his hand.
A familiar smell of earth and flowers found her nose and nostalgia clouded her thoughts. His scent reminded her of running through the woods with Fionn and Heather, where she first saw Morrigan.
The hallway was warm with the dancing light from candles and lanterns. The smell of cedar and oil tickled Gabrielle’s nose as Morrigan twisted his fingers around hers.
The old floor creaked and groaned as they stepped in unison. The strange feeling of safety took over her body. Gabrielle wasn’t alone in this journey; Morrigan was with her and, even though they couldn't talk about it, she knew he understood.
The two reached the end of the hallway and Morrigan led Gabrielle around to the top of a staircase. The rumble of la
ughter and dancing drifted up. It sounded like there were hundreds of people below them dancing and having a good time. Simultaneously, the smell of food and drink wafted into her nose.
As they approached the doorway at the bottom of the stairs, Gabrielle shuddered as she realized she wasn’t prepared for what they were about to do.
The rumbling of the voices became so loud that she could scarcely hear her own footsteps and she looked up at Morrigan for a moment.
“Just as a bit of a warning, there are quite a lot of people at this event. I’m a very popular guy.” Morrigan winked but Gabrielle’s nerves began to bubble. “So, I’ll have you sit at a table that I keep reserved off to the side while I locate your companions. This way you can avoid the crowds,” Morrigan said, as if reading her mind.
Gabrielle was taken aback at the sight of hundreds of people packed into the small tavern. There were people of every sort dancing and parading about. Beautiful women squeezed through the crowd with drinks as drunken villagers laughed and stumbled over each other.
A tightening took over Gabrielle’s chest, as if it were evicting the air in her lungs and replacing it with lead. A cool bead of sweat rolled down her forehead and onto the tip of her nose as she looked out at the massive crowd.
As if he sensed her concern, Morrigan pointed to a small table that sat opposite them, across the room. Before Gabrielle could protest, he was pulling her towards the table through the crowd.
The drunken sea of patrons parted for Morrigan as if he were a rock star coming into his own concert. Gabrielle screwed her eyes shut and let her curiosity run wild as she tried to gather excerpts from conversations as she passed.
The Gabrielle Series Boxed Set Page 19
