by Brenda Trim
Keira was determined to get answers from Cyril. This was her fight now, and she would do whatever necessary to keep her family out of the melee. His last attempt at coercion failed, and she was ready to turn the tables in her favor.
“Where is Cyril now?” Phineas asked, and Lorne looked Keira’s way. Her head gave a slight shake, and she prayed he didn’t tell them what he knew.
“We don’t know, but I’m positive he’ll appear,” Lorne continued. “Akilam is sure to have told him we reclaimed Heqet and the surrounding jungle. It is our first victory since the Buggane began taking our land. Every Máahes is on the lookout for Cyril. When he shows up, we’ll be ready.”
Keira exhaled her relief and smiled at Lorne. He trusted her, and it meant everything, knowing the dragon had her back, no matter the cost.
“Don’t get cocky, Lorne. Angus and I are the only two who can detect him. No one can let down their guards,” Cygnus professed.
“Yes, let’s not forget Cyril kept us hidden and moving,” Keira added, recalling her time with him on Earth and acknowledging the signs she ignored. “He sensed you and Angus on his tail and cast illusions to whisk us away before you got close.”
“He will stop at nothing, and doesn’t care who he harms in the process,” Phineas said, and it reminded her of another loss to her family.
“I need to tell you something. Cyril used Tanner to cast my sleep enchantment, and it cost him his life,” Keira told her father and brother. The grief and anger that tore through them shattered her heart and steeled her resolve.
“And, Cyril will pay for that with his life,” her father vowed. The deadly expression and tone of his voice tempted her to tell them about her plans to see Cyril so they could set a trap for the Unseelie King.
But when she opened her mouth, nothing came out. One, Cyril would sense her father, and his retaliation would be severe. And two, this was her battle. She wouldn’t feel whole unless she reclaimed her life on her own.
Angus had called her stubborn many times in the past week. Keira hoped her stubborn streak proved to be valuable, because if it backfired, more lives could be lost because of her.
Chapter Seventeen
“Och, where the hell are they?” Angus asked as he wore a circuit in the stone floor. His fingers tightened in his black hair and yanked. They should have been back by now. His instincts were screaming that something went terribly wrong, and Keira was in danger.
“They will be back soon, Sire. Lorne is one of our strongest Máahes. She isn’t going to be taken again,” Legette reassured as he glanced up from a surveillance screen. “And, Heqet is ready for replanting, as well. And, thanks to you, the Civappu will take place at the next full moon, after all.”
“Triple the guards around the area. Cyril must know he can deal us a huge blow if he acts now. Withoot the plants, I canna connect to Gaia and cast protection runes around the site. My absence is the reason the Buggane overpowered the site in the first place. I willna allow that to happen again,” he vowed as he crossed to follow Legette’s gaze.
Ground that was covered with rotting Buggane and blackened from their poison was glowing with health under the light of the purple moon. The sun was setting, but he could see the rich brown color of healthy soil; not to mention, the vigor he felt in every cell of his body.
Blaine suddenly appeared in the doorway with a smile on his face and bowed. He stood at attention, awaiting his invitation to enter the throne room. Legette did a remarkable job of holding the realm together in his long absence. Legette was the best second in command any ruler could ask for and Angus thanked the Gods for him every day. Not only were his Máahes ready for battle at a moment’s notice, but the council was in top shape, and they’d made massive technological advances.
He worried about the state of his realm after what Nate and the others reported. While the Buggane were a tremendous problem, he was pleased his knights continued his legacy.
“What is it? Do you have news?” Angus asked immediately.
Blaine’s smile widened, and Angus’s pounding heart subsided. Surely, Blaine wouldn’t smile if he was bringing bad news. His fear may be unreasonable, but Angus would never underestimate Cyril. The Unseelie bastard was capable of far more treachery than Angus could ever conjure.
“Yes. They are on their way. I saw them from my post,” Blaine replied.
“Are they okay? Was Keira hurt? What the fuck is taking them so long?” Angus knew he sounded possessed, but didn’t give a shit.
He’d failed her once and vowed it wouldn’t happen again. It was a delicate balance with protecting Keira and granting her freedom. The last thing he wanted to do was stifle her, but there was only so much space he would allow.
His dragon was going out of its mind with her outside the safety of the castle walls. They weren’t mated nor had Keira agreed to mate him. Being on shaky ground with her didn’t sit well, and his dragon bellowed its aggravation.
“They seemed fine, Sire. Keira looked the happiest I’ve seen since her return. She was smiling and laughing as she walked arm in arm with another male,” Blaine relayed with cheer.
Angus’s mind went blank, and he lost control of his shift. His clothes shredded as scales replaced skin and wings expanded. His knights looked on as he tipped his serpent head to the ceiling, and trumpeted his displeasure.
Keira was with another male? After the evening they shared, how could she be with another?
“Angus!” Keira shouted. His head snapped down as smoke unfurled from his nostrils. She looked up at him with concern and confusion. His desperation evaporated when he caught glimpse of the male beside her.
Angus immediately shifted back to his human form. He was relieved but embarrassed by his loss of control. He chastised himself for doubting her feelings for him. Keira wasn’t a promiscuous female, and would never flaunt another in front of him.
He glanced to the male standing beside her. Angus would never forget Cygnus, Keira’s father, and king of the Stoorworm.
His regal bearing looked worn and tired but at peace. He understood the helplessness that plagued Cygnus. Losing Keira had destroyed two realms. Cygnus stood to the side of his daughter with a frown on his face, and purple eyes pinched in concern.
“Aye, love,” Angus mumbled as he accepted a robe from Declan. He didn’t miss the admiration on Declan’s face as he eyed his form, although he tried to mask it. After Angus had belted the robe, he crossed to Cygnus and shook his hand.
“Angus. What’s wrong? Did the Buggane do something to Heqet again?” Keira asked. She had a big heart and generous soul. She was a natural queen, without trying.
“Och, there’s nothing wrong. I’m much better now that I see you are safe. And, I checked on the status of Heqet. We can regenerate plants at the site this evening. Everything will be set for the next full moon,” he replied before turning to her father.
“Cygnus, good to see you again,” Angus murmured and held out his hand.
“Angus, you’re a sight for sore eyes. I must thank you for bringing our Keira back,” Cygnus said and shook Angus’s hand.
“No need to thank me. I did what I had to do,” Angus stated. He meant every word he spoke. He had no choice but to search until he found her.
Angus glanced to Keira beside her father and understood Blaine’s comment. She radiated a happiness that had been missing.
“Did you get your memories back?” he blurted. His heart skipped a beat as he hoped and prayed that was the case.
Keira left the shelter of her father’s arm and walked over to Angus. “I got a glimpse of a memory, but nothing substantial.”
“Seems me calling her Kiki sparked an image. What are we going to do about Cyril? I would ask how you’ve allowed this to happen, but I am to blame, as well,” Cygnus snarled.
“Did you try to heal her?” Angus asked and sent a prayer to the Gods that perhaps Cygnus could succeed where he failed. There could still be hope.
“It was the first t
hing I did,” Cygnus replied as he started pacing.
The male was shirtless, wearing only black leather pants. Cygnus’s bulky frame was leaner than the last time Angus had seen him. His blue-black hair was longer, but held no gray, which was a good indication. When dragons showed significant signs of aging, they typically died within a few years.
“If your father was unable to heal you, then our only option is to find the talisman that holds the spell. Mack said she will come back on a moment’s notice if we find anything. We will get your memory back, Turquoise,” Angus promised as he ran his fingertips over her cheek.
Keira shocked him by leaning into the caress and reaching for his free hand. “I know you will. And, my dad and Phineas told me about…us. I may not know who I am, but I trust that what they’ve shared with me is true. I need you to understand I cannot give you my heart when it is lost,” Keira conveyed, holding his gaze.
“Doona apologize. I am a patient dragon, and when you have your heart to give, I hope to have earned it,” Angus admitted then bent to kiss the side of her mouth.
Her subtle gasp and the way her pupils dilated made him want more. With great effort, he pulled back and met Cygnus’s glare. The king was protective of his daughter. Always had been.
“I can see you are putting every available resource into finding the locus for the memory spell. Keira tells me you are keeping her here at Tatenen,” Cygnus began with a lift to his eyebrow.
The male’s pointed look would’ve made Angus squirm all those years ago, but he was a different dragon now. He’d lost her once, and there was nothing on this planet that would keep them apart again.
“Aye. I have allowed Keira oot with guards. As you can imagine, I am taking no chances with Cyril on the loose. Once we are mated, and our connection cemented, she will be safe from his subterfuge,” Angus replied without apology.
He should consider he was speaking to her father, who had more right than Angus to protect her, but he took that privilege, leaving no room for question. Until he established their mating bond, Angus’s dragon would not rest.
“You’re right. I hope you understand I will be staying at the castle with her. I imagine there isn’t a safer place on Khoth than here. What can my Stoorworm do to help in the search? Phineas is combing the sea for foreign magic,” Cygnus explained.
“Aye, of course. Stay as long as you wish,” Angus invited.
“While you’re inviting people to the castle, you may want to call the Rowan sisters,” Lorne cut in. “Maybe they can help find a way to expose Cyril.” Angus watched Lorne and Keira share a look that he couldn’t decipher and wondered if they knew something he didn’t.
“Who are the Rowan sisters?” Cygnus asked as he crossed his arms over his chest.
“The Rowan sisters are the most powerful witches in the Tehrex Realm. They are the reason we found Keira. Withoot their spells, Cyril would’ve known we were in Scotland and vanished again,” Angus explained. “And, that’s no’ a bad idea, Lorne. I will reach out to them. In the meantime, we have a ceremony site to finish.”
“Can I help?” Keira asked, surprising him.
Angus looked down at Keira, and his chest puffed with pride. He felt complete with her at his side. It was the most satisfying feeling, aside from her screaming his name in the throes of passion.
“I would love that. Should be safe at Heqet, given we reclaimed the land, and have guards at the site,” Angus relayed.
“Thank you. I feel responsible, and want to do everything I can to make this right for your people,” she admitted.
“Och, ‘tis no’ your fault. The blame lies with the Buggane. They destroyed the land,” Angus declared.
“Speaking of which,” Cygnus cut in, “we discovered pollution near the eastern coast. The Buggane will poison the oceans, as well, if we don’t stop it. Can you join me to heal that area, the same way you did at your ceremonial site?”
“Dammit,” Angus cursed. I should’ve known they wouldna stop with the land. Aye, I will help you as soon as I have finished with Heqet.”
Piece by piece, Angus would take back everything that belonged to him and his people. Every inch they reclaimed, and relationship they reestablished, was a point in their favor. Angus just prayed he won Keira’s heart in the process.
Keira watched in fascination as Angus and her father worked alongside one another. Her father remained shirtless, and she wasn’t surprised to see the females ogling his muscular physique, but it did make her wonder about her mother. No one had mentioned her, and Keira had a sinking feeling her mother was no longer alive.
That was the cruelest part of all. Enduring a loss all over again when there were few relationships in life that were supported by unconditional love.
Most of the Cuelebre that called Khoth home came out to plant saplings, groundcover, and seeds for flowers. When Angus mentioned regeneration, she imagined magic doing all the heavy lifting, but that wasn’t the case. Not that she was complaining.
She could watch Angus work all day and every night. His sweaty chest and the smooth glide of his muscles as he dug holes and lifted trees had her mouth thirsting to taste him again. So yummy!
“Och, stop staring at me like that, Turquoise, or I’m going to pick you up and carry you into the forest. And this time, I won’t be gentle,” Angus whispered in her ear.
Keira shivered and glanced into light green eyes. He looked at her in a way no one else did. He saw into her soul, every nook and cranny, and loved her anyway. He knew her better than she knew herself, and it was disconcerting.
She eyed the tree line in the distance and then swung her head back to Angus. “I can’t help it. I may not remember our past, but I know sexy when I see it,” she teased.
Before Angus could respond, a dozen Buggane rushed from the forest and attacked. They were even nastier alive, she thought. Their rotting flesh littered the newly rejuvenated ground. They should have expected these monsters would attack while their guards were down.
Pandemonium ensued, and everyone ran screaming. Keira was convinced they were all going to die, but when Angus bellowed for order, everyone stopped. His power washed through the clearing and nearly knocked her on her ass. Even the enemy stopped for a second. This viciousness was a side of Angus she hadn’t experienced, and it was impressive.
It was all the Máahes needed, and they kicked into gear, killing as many as they could. Powries rushed under the males’ legs and headed straight for the females.
Angus glanced at her, and his expression told her his dilemma. He didn’t want to leave her side. It was written all over his handsome face. “Go protect your people. I’ll gather the females and get them to safety,” she told him.
He placed a kiss to her lips. “Protect my heart, and yours,” he murmured then tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. And then he took off.
She watched him for a heartbeat before sharp teeth had her hustling. Keira shot into action and formulated a plan to protect the vulnerable. “Get to the middle of the clearing, now. And, keep your shovels in hand,” she ordered the terrified females.
Khoth had done a disservice to its females. She understood the male’s position of keeping the females from the fighting, but that wasn’t helping during an attack of this nature.
She vowed to set up a program for females to learn self-defense and advanced fighting skills ASAP. This would never happen again. The females should be assets to the realm, rather than liabilities.
One female screamed as a Redcap sank its teeth into her calf. Keira grabbed the hat and yanked, then partially shifted, and used sharp claws to cut off its head. Blood spurted, and the little creature screeched. “Hit them with your shovels, if you have to,” she instructed.
The female nodded her head, and Keira led the way to the middle, while others followed suit. The men surrounded them and did their best to keep the vicious little beasts away from the females. Blood spilled as the knights slaughtered the evil dwarves, and Keira noticed the blood sizzl
ed as it hit the ground, destroying the newly consecrated earth.
Oh, hell, no. They were not taking this land from Angus again. He had worked himself ragged to heal the soil and get it ready for the Civappu. “Angus, the land,” she shouted. “Cast a protection rune, now. My father and I will add a layer of frost to seal it.”
Angus glanced around and roared his fury. A blast of fire engulfed the Buggane he was fighting. He quickly knelt and laid a palm over the dirt. When he closed his eyes, she panicked. He needed to be vigilant, and she didn’t realize he had to let his guard down to cast the rune.
“Legette,” she called out. “Angus needs you!” The male looked up and followed her frantic fingers and was in motion before she blinked, standing at his side in the next second.
Rapidly, all the Máahes formed a circle around Angus and fought the Buggane so he could cast the rune. Angus emitted his dragon smoke and drew a symbol in the gray cloud. Bright green light flared brighter than the midday sun before it sank into the ground, and spread outward.
She noticed the blood pooled on top of the invisible shield, keeping it off the ground. “Father, let’s encase it in frost, for safe measure,” she told him.
Keira had no idea where the impetus originated. Pure instinct was guiding her hand. Calling upon her power over water, she gathered moisture from the air and forced it below the blood. When a white dusting covered the ground, she knew they were successful.
Satisfied that the ground was protected, Keira was relieved to see the Cuelebre eliminating the enemy faster than they were ambushed. The Unseelie underestimated their numbers and power.
Angus instructed his Máahes back and burned enemy after enemy while turning the frozen blood to inert ash with his blazing fire. The remaining Unseelie, sensing defeat, retreated to their side of the island. Keira ran to Angus’s side, and the two of them watched the enemy withdraw.
“You were amazing,” Angus praised. “You are a perfect queen.”
