by Deirdra Eden
Lucas’s mouth opened wide, his pupils narrowed to a snake-like slit. I screamed and tried to jerk away as he coiled around me. Lucas’s devouring jaw unlocked from the rest of his skull. “No!” I fought to free myself from his suffocating grip.
My eyes sprang open. The light of the morning momentarily blinded me. I gripped the arms wrapped around me and tried to fight the feeling of the serpent’s coil.
“Easy,” Azrael whispered. His deep eyes stared down at me as he held me in his arms. I blinked, not breaking away from his eternally deep gaze. I put my hand to my forehead and brushed back my hair. “I fell asleep,” I realized out loud.
Azrael wrapped his arms victoriously around me. “I caught you before you hit the ground.”
This was a disaster. I wanted to run away in shame and hide. I was angry at myself and furious at Azrael. I never wanted to see him again. I just wanted to get home to Lucas where I belonged.
Korban still rode in front and Orion rode behind with my vacant horse walking beside him. Orion grinned wide as if to say, ‘I knew you would fall off your horse.’
I covered my face and shook my head. This was officially the most embarrassing moment of my life. I should have never pushed myself when I needed to rest.
I stared at the dewy Scottish hills and didn’t say anything to Azrael. I didn’t know what to say.
I sat stiff in his arms and tried not to jump every time his hot skin brushed across mine. I swallowed the awkward lump knotting in my throat. I had to say something. The silence only added to the tension of the moment. He probably had no idea how riding in his arms made me feel. The warmth of his body close to mine frightened me.
Was it dangerous for us to be this close to each other? Images of the fiery crater flashed through my mind. Azrael knew more about Starfire than I did, and yet his arms seemed relaxed wrapped around me. His strong hands calmly held the reins. He wouldn’t be holding me this way if he was afraid I would combust into flames and kill every living thing within a hundred leagues.
I tried to read his expression for a hint of what he was thinking. The mask hid too much for me to read his face at this angle.
“Why do you wear that mask?” I finally asked. I tried to sound casual. After all, I had no reason to feel nervous.
“This?” Azrael reached up and touched his mask. “‘Tis a curse of mine.”
“Curse?” My eyes widened at the intriguing mystery. I could tell there was a great story behind why he wore the mask.
“From a quest many years ago. I didn’t exactly fail, but I didn’t succeed either.” He laughed to himself.
“Can you tell me what happened?” I asked, and then looked down at my hands. “That is, if you want to talk about it.”
Azrael gave me a soft smile. “Anything you want to know about me I will tell you. I won’t ever keep secrets from you. I want you to know me, flaws and all.”
I didn’t deserve that kind of trust from him, especially since I intentionally gave him the cold shoulder more than once.
“A long time ago, I was sent on a series of druid missions,” Azrael started. “On one of these missions I captured a Shadow Lord named Molech. I should have killed him, but I didn’t. I kept him alive to try and get information about Erebus, the Shadow King. Unfortunately, Molech knew my weakness.”
“What is your weakness?” I asked. Usually I didn’t ask such personal questions, but it was hard to imagine Azrael having any weakness at all.
“Pride,” Azrael said. “I was too proud. That led to a temporary downfall . . . a very dark downfall,” he emphasized. “Molech fed my ego and one day I decided I didn’t need to follow the Druids of Neviah anymore, so I joined the Shadow Legion for a time.”
I gasped. “The Shadow Legion?” I couldn’t imagine why any Watcher would turn against their own king and fall.
“Even though I’m fighting for the Kingdom of Neviah again, I must wear this until the curse is broken.” He pointed to the mask. “I must wear it for a long time.” His intense gaze flashed to mine. “But I have faith that one day the curse will be broken.”
“What do you have to do to break the curse?” I asked. It sounded like an epic adventure in the making and I wanted in on the challenge.
Azrael paused as if choosing his words carefully. “The woman I love, must love me in return.”
The wind escaped my lungs, and I looked away from his powerful eyes. I couldn’t help but feel he thought I was the one to break his curse.
I shook off the feeling and pretended not to take his hint. “I’ve been prideful too,” I admitted. Azrael tilted his head like he didn’t understand. I explained, “Because of my pride I pushed myself too hard, fell asleep, and then fell off my horse.” I had no idea how Azrael was able to dismount his own horse so quickly and catch me, but I was grateful he had. The last thing I needed was to return to London injured. Everyone, including Lucas, would blame the Scottish, and my mission for peace would be devastated. I forced myself to look into his brilliant dark eyes. “Thank you for saving me—again.”
Azrael looked startled by my acceptance of his chivalry. His perfect mouth twitched into a soft smile. “‘Twas my pleasure.”
I looked away and pressed my lips tight. I could only imagine his pleasure at having me ride in his barbaric arms—his bare arms—his strong, battle-sculpted warrior arms. Perfect skin wrapped around his granite muscles. He must have fought in many battles. Tight veins of fiery blood lined his forearms. Heat rose to my face. I looked away to break the trance. “I don’t usually fall off my horse,” I assured. “I can take care of myself.”
“Of course,” Azrael quickly agreed. “But I will always be there to catch you.”
I had the feeling he was just trying to appease me while cleaving to his victory. “I don’t need saving.” I kept my voice hard.
“Your eyes are green,” he noted.
“No, they’re hazel,” I corrected. “Except when I’m using my powers—then they’re gold.”
Azrael laughed and shook his head. “No, they are definitely green. The brightest shade I’ve ever seen.” Azrael had no reason to lie to me.
“Green? Why would my eyes suddenly turn green?”
His arms involuntarily flexed around me when he shrugged.
I pulled my hair over my shoulder and picked at the stray ends to distract myself.
Azrael stiffened as if I slapped him when my hair brushed along his skin. His hands gripped the reins tighter. He stopped breathing, but I could feel his heart pounding like a Celtic war drum in his chest.
I leaned away. Had I done something wrong?
I counted the seconds I didn’t feel him breathe.
Korban called from up ahead. “There, ‘tis Edinburgh.”
Edinburgh Castle dominated the skyline on a volcanic mountain surrounded by a lush valley. Moss and vines garnished the dark rock like a pillar of pride. The construction wasn’t of delicate arches and spiraling towers as I had expected to see. The sturdy castle looked as immovable as the mountain itself. I felt sorry for any army who tried to lay siege on such a fortress.
My stomach fluttered with doubt and excitement as we rode through the gate into the inner castle wall. Everyone seemed to know the three Neviahan warriors and didn’t question that I was with them.
No squires rushed forward to help us dismount, but instead Azrael, Korban, and Orion led their own horses into the stable.
I allowed Azrael to take my waist and help me from the saddle. I didn’t need his help, but I allowed him to be a gentleman.
“I know this isn’t London,” Azrael said, “but we will try to make you feel at home.”
“I won’t be here long,” I reminded. “My people in London need me just as much as your people need you here in Edinburgh.”
“Remember who our real people are. Remember where our real kingdom is.” Azrael pointed at the sky.
I lost myself in his eyes. Azrael and I were the same. The Great Kingdom of Neviah was our kingdom, and t
his war wasn’t about north versus south or progress versus tradition. Our war was light against darkness. Somehow, I had to convince the humans to stop fighting each other and focus on defeating the Shadow Legion.
A deep voice came from behind. “My lords.” A middle-aged man wearing a tunic trimmed in sheepskin bowed. “The king and lords await your report. They expected you back days ago.” He looked around Orion’s bulky frame and eyed me.
Korban brushed past Azrael and whispered under his breath, “The king isn’t going to be happy about her.”
Orion and Korban glanced away from me. I met Azrael’s eyes. “What does he mean?” I didn’t hide my concern.
Azrael shook his head. “You’re right where you should be, so don’t worry.”
The castle hallways seemed to pass in a blur as Azrael, Korban, and Orion led me toward the king’s court. The knot in my stomach tightened. My hands grew slick with perspiration and I brushed them on my skirt. I thought I would have a little more time when we arrived to prepare my speech for the king. As it was, I didn’t even have time to make myself look presentable.
Azrael put his arm around my shoulders and pulled me close. “You’ll do fine. How could anyone not love everything about you?”
“I think you might be biased,” I murmured. My eyes darted around the hall as I memorized the layout just in case I needed to make a quick escape.
Azrael tilted his head back and let out a deep laugh. His voice echoed off the walls. “You are a Neviahan woman, and the Lady of Neviah at that. You have no idea how much power you have, even as a mortal.”
“I look awful, Azrael.” I motioned toward my travel clothes. One sleeve was torn where the wolf had bitten me. My scarlet brocade shoes didn’t match the earth-toned dress. My skirt was intentionally split in several places to make riding easier, and it was obvious that I wore tight doe-skin riding breaches underneath.
Azrael assessed me. His eyes filled with satisfaction. “You look stunning. I’ve never seen a woman like you before.”
I waved his compliment away. Of course he hadn’t ever seen a woman like me. I was a disaster.
“You will find that King Alexander of Scotland respects warriors not for their land, beauty, or clothing, but for their confidence, character, and courage.” Azrael leaned toward me and whispered in my ear, “Four Shadow Wolves.”
I laughed. My fears melted as I thought about my victory. “That’s a new record for me.”
“‘Tis impressive,” Azrael agreed. “Those weren’t pups, either. We thought you weren’t going to leave any Blood Hunters for us to kill.”
I met his gaze and didn’t hold back the smile pressing across my face. Azrael beamed back. His expression of joy shone clear and genuine as if he weren’t even wearing that ridiculous cursed mask.
We passed through the doorway into the great hall. For some reason, I had imagined a simple meeting with the king over a cup of tea. I wasn’t expecting this.
Lords and warriors of high station filled the room. Smoke lingered from the fire pits. The sunlight streamed weakly through the windows and shone off the smoke, making it look like solid white beams. I could feel a hundred pairs of eyes watching me.
The Celtic barbarian lords were dressed in kilts and battle tunics. Some of them were painted with a misty blue hue down their faces and across their bare chests. Everyone was armed, and not with fancy show weapons like the men of the English courts, but with crude axes and worn blades. Their weapons seemed to be part of who they were. I had the distinct feeling that the men of this court were all battle-seasoned veterans.
Four Shadow Wolves, I reminded myself to be brave.
Korban and Orion strode to the throne and knelt. Azrael knelt too. I swallowed hard and gracefully curtsied. The king seemed surprised by my gesture. I’m sure he noticed the leather breaches under my split skirt.
“Arise,” King Alexander said. He waited until all were on their feet before leaning forward and asking informally, “Did you find the assassin?”
My tongue tightened. I clenched my skirt in my fists. I knew he was talking about me.
“Yes,” Korban said. “We found the assassin.”
My blood ran cold. I could feel it in my trembling hands. I glanced at Azrael with pleading eyes. He kept his business-like gaze straight ahead of him.
Korban gestured to me. I froze in place. “There were nine of them. England’s Watcher destroyed four of them before we arrived. She saved the life of a Scotsman in Gretna as well.”
I unclenched my hands, relieved they weren’t calling me out.
King Alexander met my gaze. His expression wasn’t judgmental, but full of wonder. “This is England’s Watcher?”
Murmurs of disbelief echoed from the lords in the room.
“I’m surprised at you, Azrael,” King Alexander said, “You are the mightiest warrior in battle and fight like a dragon. I thought you would choose a warrior who is more your equal to be your war companion. I have a hard time believing this lass is the warrior who can take out a field of soldiers?”
Azrael’s jaw tightened. “With all due respect, you of all people know that strength is not measured by the number of armies we defeat. Strength is measured by how we survive and stand back up to keep fighting.”
King Alexander leaned back. His massive hands gripped the arms of his rugged throne of distressed wood. He finally spoke to me. “You must be very brave, for coming into enemy territory. You also must be very strong to be the only Watcher in England.” The king stroked his beard. “Tell me, why would an English woman want to travel a long, dangerous road, rescuing people who are not her responsibility to save?”
My first thought was, why wouldn’t I save humans? I’m a Watcher, and it’s my duty. I kept my shoulders square and my voice steady. “For peace. I hope our two countries can come to an understanding, Your Highness.”
Alexander’s eyes glistened with a mixture of fury and respect. “As noble as you are, my lady, I want your king and his armies out of my kingdom. That is the only way we will have peace.”
“We can help each other,” I said. “I’m sure King Edward would be willing to give you whatever you ask in exchange for your aid.”
King Alexander jumped off his throne and strode toward me with a furious stride. His chainmail clanked and his boots pounded against the stone floor.
I should have been terrified, but I was more awestruck at his powerful presence. King Alexander’s armour was worn and battle-beaten. I noted a few places where the armour had been repaired with leather and metal straps. This wasn’t anything like the fancy, polished armour Edward wore for display.
Alexander marched closer. Azrael stiffened. The tendons in his forearms strained across his flexed muscles.
Alexander froze in place, looked at Azrael, then back at me. “Tell your king that what I want is for his armies to leave my kingdom. We are not the invaders! Your soldiers have come onto my lands, killed my people, raped our women, and taken whatever they pleased.”
I swallowed hard. It couldn’t be true. Why would humans do such horrible things to each other? Rebels must be behind these horrendous acts.
The king continued, “It doesn’t matter how much that coward of a king pays us—we will not give him more military aid. If we did, he would still unlawfully tax us while our men do all the fighting and dying in Edward’s battles.” Alexander sucked in a deep breath and turned away from me.
“What about the Shadow Legion?” I asked. “They are the ones we should be fighting.”
The king spun toward me. “You’re right, my lady. But right now, the demons we must fight are the ones Edward—not Erebus—sends to destroy us. Perhaps one day we can join the Watchers in your effort to defeat the Shadow Legion. As of now, when human history is told, people will speak of the how the Scottish fought valiantly against the English for their independence.”
I pushed back my own disappointments. “Your Majesty,” I addressed him. “I know you will be victorious.” I not
ed his worn armour again and wished I could work for such a leader. “You have more strength of character than any king I’ve ever met. I will gladly take your message back to Edward and fight for your cause in London.”
Alexander blinked away a stunned expression. His lips momentarily turned up in a smile. “I misjudged you. Forgive me, my lady.” He stayed regal, though his voice was thoughtful. “I see a rare strength in you. You seem disconnected from this world in a way only a valiant warrior with an eternal perspective on life can be disconnected. Your cares are not of the world, but for the people in it.”
King Alexander brushed past Azrael and whispered something just loud enough for him to hear.
Azrael grinned and replied, “Yes, Your Majesty. ‘Tis a promise.”
Chapter Nine
Starfire Accident
Though it was morning, dark clouds covered the sky, making everything seem gloomy. Rain drizzled down and splashed off the stone frame of the glassless window. I wrapped my shawl tighter around my shoulders. I could taste the dampness in the breeze blowing down the hallway. Every bitter step on the stone floor chilled my feet.
I couldn’t help but feel discouraged about my mission, and curious about the last secret words the Scottish king had said to Azrael.
Footsteps softly pounded against the stone floor behind me. I didn’t turn around. I knew it was Azrael by the way my energy level spiked. He stood beside me and we just stared out the window together.
“I bet the peasants in their homes below look up at the castle and wish they could live in this majestic fortress,” Azrael said. “And yet, those in this cold, airy castle look down on the warm, cosy cottages with envy. ‘Tis a very human trait to want something you don’t have and not appreciate what you do have.”
“There have been many times I have felt so human,” I admitted.
Azrael nodded in understanding, “We all feel human at times, but we have to remember we are not them. We are their Watchers.”
It was true. I couldn’t get caught up in human problems and emotions. I had work to do. “Azrael, I have to return to London. Erebus will be there any day.”
