Avalon looked at John before diverting to the woman next to me. “Vivian has done some more research using your father’s work.”
I swallowed a bite of toast. “And?”
Avalon licked his lips before his gaze forced Vivian to speak.
“I believe I have found something that changes this entire game, so to speak.” Vivian ran her hands through her hair. Her tone implied defeat, her actions making me uneasy. Normally, Vivian was a rock of confidence. Today, she seemed very much human and not the priestess I knew.
“Oh? What is that?” I didn’t know if I really wanted to know the answer. I glanced at Avalon whose facial expression did nothing to ease my mind. His brows were drawn together, and his mouth formed a taut line.
“I believe, if I am correct, your blood can open the gates of …” Vivian paused.
I leaned closer to her. “The gates of what?”
She turned and sighed. “The gates of hell.”
I felt the blood drain from my face, and my stomach roiled with the little bit of food I’d just ingested.
“My blood is a gateway to hell?” I dropped my toast back on my plate as my appetite vanished.
Avalon came to sit by my side. He took my hands in his, rubbing his thumbs over my knuckles. “Vivian looked into the paperwork with Diana, and she believes Mordred plans to open the gates of hell and heaven.”
“You mean start the end of the world?” I practically shrieked.
Avalon glanced at Vivian for help while I continued to ask questions. “Why would my blood open the gates to hell? Am I that bad of a person?” Panic crawled up my throat and spiraled into my chest, making it hard to breathe.
“No, no, you are not a bad person at all,” Vivian reassured me. The look of pity on her face told me the truth.
“It’s my soul, isn’t it? It’s because I’m bound to her.” My tongue seemed to stick as my mouth grew drier. “It’s Guinevere’s fault.”
Vivian nodded her head slowly. “Yes. I believe her soul is bound in a frozen state, which allows you to be reborn.” Her pale eyes traveled to my hands still held by Avalon. “The only difference is this time the match is perfect. You accepted Arthur and love him for who he is.”
“I’m the last chance …” I whispered.
“Essentially, you are.” Vivian stood and walked over to the sideboard to pour herself a glass of whiskey. “Your blood spilt could start a war.”
This made no sense.
How could I start a war between heaven and hell?
I was only human.
“How, though?” I pleaded with the priestess to tell me. “What’s so special about my blood?”
John stepped forward and occupied Vivian’s seat next to me. “Your blood is human, but it is also immortal.”
My brain was going to combust with this new development. “But I was born.”
“Yes, you were born, but Guinevere’s soul resides in you.” Amber eyes bore into mine. “You hold all the souls who came before you as well.” He placed a hand on my shoulder. “Alexandria, you are essentially a blueprint Mordred needed to create for this to happen.”
I searched John’s kind face for any sort of doubt. I saw none.
Swallowing hard, I looked down at the carpeted floor. “So … he planned to use Guinevere’s soul to create a map of women spanning the history of England? Just to open the gates of hell?” I shook my head. “I don’t understand.”
“It isn’t just your blood he needs to enter the gates of hell.” Vivian spoke from her position by a window. The ice in her whiskey tinkled against the crystal glass. “He needs Avalon’s to open the gates of heaven.”
I slowly turned to stare at Avalon.
His wan smile only made my heart thunder with anxiety.
“We’re in this together.” His words did little to help calm me down.
I had grown numb under this new knowledge. This sickening feeling like death hovered over me, cloying and prominent. I didn’t want this.
“You hold the sins of the past within your soul and blood.” M piped up. He leaned his palms against the back of the chair adjacent from where we sat. “I would wager if you were able to regain your memories and take in Guinevere just as Avalon took back that part of himself, you’d be worthless to Mordred.”
David and Isaac exchanged a look, and David spoke up. “Wouldn’t that just infuriate Mordred even more?”
M nodded. “It would, but Alexandria wouldn’t be a pawn in a fiend’s game.”
“Still,” Avalon spoke firmly, “I want not a trace of harm to come to Alexandria. Our duty is to protect her.”
Isaac, David, and John all nodded.
Vivian took a sip of her drink and squinted into the sunshine streaming in the window. “I believe you will have to acquire the keys to the kingdom, Avalon.”
Avalon’s face grew serious, all traces of confidence slipping.
We looked at one another, and then he stood, still holding my hand. “Alexandria needs some time to process this.” I rose to my feet, shaken and glad I had someone to lean on. “And frankly, so do I.”
Avalon led us out of the room, which became crowded by the flurry of information spat at us.
He pulled me into a small area—what appeared to be a sitting nook. A window seat greeted us, and I sat down, needing to breathe. Avalon lowered next to me with a heavy sigh.
“Things just keep getting more and more complicated,” I murmured. I leaned my head against his chest. My eyes closed, and I just inhaled the reassuring scent of mint, whiskey, and musk.
Avalon’s arms encircled me and held me tenderly, stroking fingers along my back. “Things worth fighting for are never easy, love.”
I nuzzled my nose into the crook of his neck. “I just want to be with you.”
“As do I, Alexandria.” He placed a kiss on top of my head. “That’s all I’ve ever wanted since I met you.”
We sat there for a few moments just basking in one another’s company.
Our lives, in a way, had just settled down only to heat once again. Just when we thought we were ahead, something new came up.
“Do you believe in fate?” I asked softly.
A finger slipped under my chin and raised my head to meet his gaze. “Of course, I do.”
Avalon was the most beautiful man I had ever seen. Sitting here with him while the afternoon sun shined across his blue-black hair, I thought he might disappear. The rays of light played with his gray-green eyes, sparking them to life.
“Do you believe we are fated to be together?”
His lips parted to answer, but then shut. Before my heart could sink, he captured me in a passionate kiss. He devoured me, pouring every ounce of his love down my throat.
“I knew before we even spoke at your art show that there was no other way for me to live,” Avalon whispered against my lips. “I had to have you.”
“You have me, Arthur.” My hands curled into his shirt, tugging him back into a kiss. “You will never lose me. No matter what, I will always find a way back to you.”
He groaned as our lips clashed once more. “And I will always come rescue you.”
“I believe you.” I nipped at his lower lip. “I trust in you, Arthur.”
“And I in you.” He sighed, resting his head against my shoulder.
I carded my fingers through his hair. We took the time to relish this moment with just the two of us. Avalon leaning into me and seeking solace in my arms made my chest glow with warmth.
The dragon, the Black Duke, the Duke of Avalon—all names and titles given to a man by people who didn’t know him. I held the once and future king in my arms. He loved me, protected me, cherished me. I knew who Avalon was.
Arthur.
His name was Arthur, and I loved him. No matter his titles, no matter his wealth—I would follow him anywhere in the world if it meant we could be together.
I glanced out the window as I played with the silky strands of his hair.
This mome
nt would be one I wouldn’t soon forget.
We were unafraid that someone at any moment would burst through the door and tear me away from Avalon.
Togetherness.
That was all I wanted to have with Avalon.
A life.
A human life with the chance of a future.
A future with no one to interrupt us but the hand of God itself.
No more lies, curses, or revenge crazed people.
Just he and I.
Just us.
TWENTY-FOUR
Avalon
From my view on the second level of Caliburn, I watched Alexandria canter across the fields on Cam. She had woken up this morning speaking of a ride. I allowed her to go so long as she stayed within view of the estate. She agreed.
The colors from the changing trees danced and waved hello at me. I longed to be out with Alexandria riding Phoenix, but I needed to plan the next step to stay ahead of Mordred. My job now was to keep her safe.
“Sir?” Merlin knocked at the door.
“Hmm? Oh, Merlin …” I nodded and waved him in.
“Vivian has gone over the research once again.” He looked out the window before continuing. “She is positive that you and Alexandria are a part of something bigger than just a revenge scheme.”
Pulling myself away from watching Alexandria and Cam floating over the hedges below, I turned to Merlin. “In what way?”
My constant companion dropped a pile of papers onto the century’s old stationery. “There is some kind of plan to use Alexandria to open the gates of hell.” He adjusted his glasses. “It appears we all have a part to play. You and Alexandria are the main players, though.”
I walked over to the paperwork and sifted through it. Page after page of science mingled with history. Names I recognized and mathematical equations I didn’t danced across the yellowing parchment. Maps, logistics, and formulas littered every space possible.
My eyes narrowed, wondering where Alexandria and I came into play.
How did I, Arthur Pendragon, become needed by my bastard son instead of unwanted?
Why did Alexandria’s blood need to be spilled?
Why was she the key to hell and me the gateway to heaven?
We should be reversed.
My sins outweighed any she or Guinevere carried.
“What could Mordred have that depends on all of us?” My brows furrowed. “How can I save her from this?”
Merlin crossed his arms over his chest, exhaling a long sigh. “I don’t think we can avoid this, Arthur.” His gaze met mine. “I believe we have to endure and beat it.”
My worst fear—confirmed.
This wasn’t just another battle between me and Mordred and Lancer. This would be the war to end all wars.
Fear closed in around my body like a giant fist. Ice coated my veins, slowing my pulse to barely there.
Do not give into this. The familiar voice circled in a mist around my brain. You are stronger.
Yes. I was stronger.
I hadn’t defeated my old self for nothing.
Yes. I was wiser.
All the years I lost only gave me insight into how to win.
Yes.
I loved her, and she loved me.
This was the moment.
As the song went—the greatest moment of them all.
The only question left to answer came down to me.
Would I deliver?
When faced with hell, could I kick down the gates?
When staring into the eyes of God, would I be worthy of forgiveness?
“I understand,” I said softly.
Merlin arched a critical brow. “Do you?”
I strode back toward the window. “Yes.” The sun had lowered a bit in the sky, and I searched the field for Alexandria and Cam.
Squinting, I looked harder.
In the distance, a gray comet shot from the forest.
Camelot galloped toward the stables with the stirrups flapping against his sides and without a rider.
Alexandria.
My palms plastered to the window pane and adrenaline sliced down my spine.
No.
“Arthur, what is the matter?” Merlin came to stand next to the window with me. He sucked in his breath. “Shit.”
Without answering, I spun on my heel and stormed out into the hall.
I didn’t hear Merlin calling after me.
I heard nothing.
A warm, tingling sensation crept over my skin. It was as though a million electrical pulses traveled through me. John, David, and Isaac stood at the base of the grand staircase glaring at the doors.
My boots echoed heavily down each step, and David turned. “There is someone just beyond the door.”
Sucking my teeth, I walked through the men and opened the door.
A tall woman with pale blond hair and emotionless eyes smiled at me. “Hello. I am to give you this invitation on behalf of Sir Thomas Mordred.” Her Russian accent wasn’t lost on me.
I snatched it from her hands and tore it open.
Dearest Dad,
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but if you are reading this—I have apprehended your precious lover. Come to the old Holston Manor at 9pm. Feel free to bring your band of merry men. I shall be waiting.
Your Only Son,
Mordred
PS. I’ve let Lancer babysit Alexandria—I cannot confirm he won’t do anything untoward to her. Cheers!
“Fuck!” I screamed and tore the note in two.
The Russian woman jumped at my outburst but continued to smile. “We will see you at nine p.m.” She just walked back to the black car parked outside.
John took the ripped piece of paper from me and put it back together to read for himself. “Oh, holy Jesus …” he muttered.
I rushed to the car, but it sped off, spitting gravel at me.
Rage.
Pure, unadulterated rage flooded each cell of my body.
That tingling sensation returned and heat radiated from my body.
The creeping, slow change to my body began in my fingertips. In a brilliant flash of light, my chest tightened, and then I could breathe again. I lifted my hands before my face and saw the silver body armor glinting in the sunset.
“You’ve done it …” Merlin whispered in awe. He came over and touched my shoulder.
What covered my body looked like an Exo-suit they used in science fiction movies. I had full range mobility, and it clung like a second skin. John made the sign of the cross over my chest and smiled. “Look down.”
The Welsh dragon in gold embellished the silver armor. My dragon. I touched the colored emblem in complete awe of what I had become. The armor reached down to my feet and over my boots, shrouding me in a supernatural barrier.
Vivian stood on the top step of the entrance; her chin lifted proudly. “Knight.”
I turned to face her. “Yes?”
She smiled. “And are you a king?”
My eyes narrowed. “Yes, I am.”
She walked to me, the wind catching her golden hair. “Then you will need a sword.”
I smirked and put my hands together. As I drew them apart, the sound of an Aria rang through the air. A sword manifested between my palms, and I grasped the hilt. “I have one.”
“And how shall you use it?” Her voice held a musical lilt, encouraging me to answer.
“I shall use it to kill those who come between me and mine.”
“Good. Now control your power,” she commanded. “Retract your armor and sword.”
I snarled. “No, I have to use this to save Alexandria.”
“Yes, but you cannot just show up giving away your ace.” Merlin rested his hand heavily on my shoulder. “Control it, Arthur. What is manifesting is that part of your soul that you conquered. Now it’s time to learn to use that power.”
For a moment, my mind struggled with the idea to just put a cap on this power. I only just managed to manifest it!
Still, Mer
lin and Vivian had a point. I could feel the power and strength of my soul coming together to meld for my use.
Closing my eyes, I concentrated as hard as I could.
I imagined pushing each of the small interlocked scales of the outer armor to retract. The heat in my skin vibrated, and in a gust of force, I staggered backward. It felt like a hand punched me straight in the chest, but as I looked down, I wore my normal clothes again.
David and Isaac stared at me in awe. Vivian nodded at Merlin, who had a look of determination on his face. “Shall I get the car?”
I turned to John, who nodded. “Yes, we have a war to fight.”
“We will all go,” Vivian said to David and Isaac. “But we will allow Avalon and Merlin to do the talking.”
The two men nodded.
We were all in agreement.
The first stage had been set, ready for act one to begin.
There would be a war and blood.
I just prayed that bloodshed wouldn’t be Alexandria’s.
Hold on, I thought, trying to push my thoughts telepathically to Alexandria. I’m coming for you.
TWENTY-FIVE
Alexandria
This couldn’t be happening.
I never saw my abductor coming, but good Lord, I felt him. Cam and I had stopped just on the forest line so he could take a breather and graze. In a matter of seconds, strong arms wrapped around my waist and yanked me down from my saddle.
Cam instantly spooked and took off. A hand clamped down over my mouth to stifle my cries for help.
Oh, my God! My heart thundered in my chest. I’m actually being kidnapped.
My thoughts raced to Avalon.
I have to fight.
And I did.
I kicked and flailed. I tried to bite my attacker, but heavy gloves made it impossible. Adrenaline pumped to every cell in my body, and I squirmed harder.
“Stop struggling.” The whispered command caused me to freeze.
Lancer.
We were approaching a clearing where a black vehicle sat with the engine running. The person climbing out from the rear passenger side made my skin crawl. His sinister smile shined condescendingly down at me trapped in Lancer’s arms.
“Hello, Alexandria.” Mordred’s voice feigned kindness. “So sorry we interrupted your hack.”
Resurrection: A Historical Adventure Romance Novel (Legend Book 3) Page 15
