Goddess Rebellion: Gargoyle Night Guardians Prequel

by Rosalie Redd

  Gwawl tracked her movement. His gaze narrowed, and he slapped her hand away. “Where is my necklace?”

  She raised her chin and stared at him. “I threw it away.”

  His slow smile quickly morphed into an evil grin. “That doesn’t change anything. You are still betrothed to me.”

  Bile rose in her throat. Damn Cernunnos’s rules over tributes and arranged marriages.

  In the time she’d taken to harass Gwawl, Pwyll had descended from the rocky crag. He strode up beside her, grasped her arm, and drew her away from the horrible god. She leaned into him, soaking up his warmth. Although Gwawl stood several inches taller than Pwyll, her lover didn’t back down.

  The muscles in Gwawl’s shoulders stiffened, and his dark eyes flashed a putrid shade of yellow. “As challenger, you have the right to select the test. What game do you think you can win, human?”

  Pwyll palmed the handle of his sword sheathed at his waist. “A test of strength, will, and courage. Whoever can defeat the beast within the sacred mountain shall have the right to request Rhiannon’s hand in marriage.”

  She gasped. No one had ever defeated the beast. Rumors abounded about its legendary status as an indomitable killing machine.

  Gwawl crossed his arms. “Now that’s a challenge I can accept. I will meet with Cernunnos to arrange the details. You will hear from me, human.”

  Before Rhiannon could reply, Gwawl disappeared in a swirl of dirt and grass.

  She turned to Pwyll and placed her hands on his biceps. “Why?”

  “Why what?” He raised an eyebrow, a coy grin spreading across his features.

  “Why did you challenge him to that test? No one has ever defeated that beast.”

  He stroked his finger down the side of her face, the tender gesture easing some of the tension rippling along her nerves. “Rhi, I know what I’m doing. I didn’t become a legendary prince by making foolish mistakes. I will win, and we’ll be together forever, my love. For now, all I want is to be with you, to memorize every detail of your face and to make your body mine once again. Send me into battle tomorrow, knowing you love me.”

  He slipped his hand around her waist, drawing her close. “I want fresh memories of your hands on my skin and your lips against mine as I enter the battle against Gwawl. Seems to me we haven’t visited the sacred pool in—”

  She threaded her fingers through his hair and kissed him, tears sliding down her cheeks. When she broke the kiss, that gorgeous grin of his, the one that had turned her world upside down from the moment she met him, graced his features.

  Not willing to wait another moment, she grasped his hand and dematerialized them over the hill to the sacred pool. She wasn’t sure if this would be their last time or if it was the beginning of a long life together, but she’d put all thoughts of a future aside and enjoy Pwyll, every single inch of him.

  CHAPTER 6

  Rhiannon snuggled into Pwyll’s embrace, resting her head against his shoulder. The steady beat of his heart soothed her, and she stroked her fingers along his chest, enjoying how the fine hairs teased her fingertips. They lay nestled in a soft bed of flowers she’d created with her magic, the nearby waterfall’s steady stream reminded her of all they’d done in the sacred pool. A warm, gentle ache between her legs was another reminder, one that brought a smile to her face.

  Pwyll drew her closer and placed a tender kiss on the top of her head, lingering there for a long moment. “I’ve survived many battles, defeated many enemies. I will vanquish the great beast and win your hand.”

  “I wish it didn’t have to come to that.” Rhiannon pushed away and admired the silkiness of his hair, his beautiful hazel eyes, and his delectable lips. He was a gorgeous male, one she loved with all her heart. “Women should be allowed to decide who they marry.”

  His brow furrowed, creating a deep crease on his forehead. “Although I agree, it is the law, and what are we without respect for the ways of our people? I’m just glad there’s a way to challenge for the right to wed you, my love, and fighting for you is worth the risk. I cannot willingly send you into marriage with that vile creature.”

  Rhiannon sighed. “You are the only man for me, for now and eternity.”

  He slid his palm around the base of her neck, tugged her close, and pressed his lips to hers in a warm, gentle kiss. She leaned into him, relishing his confidence, his determination, and his passion with a need that never ceased to amaze her. She believed that a life with him might be possible.

  Pwyll broke the kiss, and he placed his forehead against hers. “The sun sinks low in the sky.”

  She drew away and glanced skyward. Sure enough, the sun’s setting rays painted a wash of red and orange against the scattered clouds. So focused on Pwyll, she hadn’t noted the shifting daylight.

  “I should return to the Otherworld to check on my father.” Rhiannon rose to her feet, snagged her dress she’d tossed onto the rocks at the base of the sacred pool, and slipped it over her shoulders. She latched the buttons and glanced at Pwyll. “Will you return to the castle?”

  He’d risen and donned his pants while she’d retrieved her dress. Confidence radiated in his wide smile. He nodded and tugged on his shirt as if he didn’t have a care in the world.

  “I must prepare for the encounter with Gwawl and the beast. Have no fear, Rhi, I will be victorious. He doesn’t—”

  A small dust devil rose at their feet. The swirl grew larger, picking up bits of grass and a few flower petals in its churn. A moment later, the storm subsided and Gwawl stood in its place.

  His dark gaze slid from Pwyll to Rhiannon and back again. His lip curled into a dangerous sneer. “The challenge will start as soon as Cernunnos arr—”

  A blinding light lit up the sky, followed by a swift and powerful gust of wind. The flowers Rhiannon had gathered into a soft bed trickled over the rocks and into the sacred pool.

  Cernunnos, dressed in a gold-tinted robe that covered him from head to foot, stood a few feet away. His red eyes gleamed from within the depths of his robe’s giant cowl.

  Rhiannon’s throat constricted. In all her life, she’d never encountered the God of the Otherworld before. All subordinate gods and goddesses bowed to his command.

  She lowered her head and curtsied. “Cernunnos.”

  “God of the gods.” Gwawl bent to one knee.

  Pwyll followed suit but remained silent.

  “Enough of this. Rise.” Cernunnos waved his hand in the air. “You interrupted me and my wife. Let’s gets this challenge over with before she tires of waiting for me and comes here.”

  Rhiannon blinked. Cernunnos feared his wife. Who knew?

  Cernunnos focused his red eyes on Pwyll. “Well, human. You must really love this goddess to challenge Gwawl to a competition to kill the beast in the mountain no less. Although I won’t permit any kind of magic or cheating, Gwawl is much larger than you. The odds are not in your favor.”

  Pwyll squared his shoulders and narrowed his gaze on the god, determination sparking in his eyes. “Odds just mean someone’s underestimated me.”

  Cernunnos laughed, a deep chuckle that tingled the skin on Rhiannon’s scalp. “I acknowledge your courage, and between you and me, I hope you win.”

  A deep growl erupted from Gwawl’s throat, and he spat on the ground. The spit bubbled on the dirt, disintegrating the soil and creating a small cavity.

  Cernunnos raised his arm and pointed a bony finger at Gwawl. “One more move like that, and I’ll make you fight this challenge with one hand tied behind your back.”

  Gwawl’s lip twitched, and silence filled the air.

  “This way, everyone.” Cernunnos swept his arms wide, the sleeves on his robe dangling almost to the ground.

  The waterfall parted, revealing a long corridor that led into the mountain. A firefly flew by, then another, and they joined up with several of their cousins at the cave’s entrance.

  Rhiannon’s heartbeat raced. Pwyll had proven himself a great warrior on the bat
tlefield many times, but what if he lost?

  Heart heavy, she followed Cernunnos, the leader of the Otherworld, Gwawl, her bitter enemy, and Pwyll, the human man she loved, into the belly of the mountain and toward the beast that awaited them all.

  CHAPTER 7

  Rhiannon stepped into the large cavern, keeping close to Pwyll. Rough, jagged walls led to a ceiling pocked with fragments of green crystals. The eerie glow from the gems settled through the room’s interior, casting a strange radiance over the faces of her companions. She peered into a grate cut into the center of the ground and grimaced. The remnants of a partially devoured animal carcass and several bones lay in a heap inside.

  “Are we here?” Gwawl’s deep voice reverberated off the stone.

  Cernunnos nodded, the hood of his robe bobbing once, twice, three times. “The battle will commence here.”

  A chill swept over Rhiannon, and she gripped Pwyll’s arm.

  “What are the rules?” Pwyll placed his hand on the hilt of his sword, and with chin raised, stared at Cernunnos.

  “I will summon the beast. Rhiannon and I will observe from there.” The god pointed to a ledge carved into the rock about twenty feet from the ground. He snapped his fingers, and a pair of elaborately chiseled chairs settled side by side on the rim. “Once the beast appears, the first one to pierce through the scar over the creature’s heart and kill him will become the victor.”

  “Is that all?” Gwawl slid a dagger from beneath his blood-red robe. The curved tip seemed as sharp as a claw.

  Cernunnos curled his hand into a fist, his shoulder stiffening beneath his hood. “This must be a fair fight. You are an underling god, after all, and Pwyll is human. Therefore, no magic, no cheating, no harming each other. Do I make myself clear?”

  The god’s voice rose to such an intense volume the mountain shook from the force. A few pebbles dislodged from the ceiling and pinged along the ground. Rhiannon placed her hand along the wall to steady herself.

  “Any further questions?” Cernunnos asked.

  When no one replied, he shook his head. “Good. Let’s get on with it, then. My wife awaits.”

  Before Rhiannon could react, he gripped her hand. A moment later, they appeared on the ledge. He settled into one of the chairs and motioned for her to sit in the adjoining one.

  Her heart pounded loud in her ears. “Thanks for the warning.”

  Normally, Rhiannon liked to dematerialize on her own. Forced to do it with the god of gods had taken her by surprise. She wiped the back of her hand across her mouth and sat.

  Cernunnos chuckled. “I think you’d get along well with my wife. Diandre would like your sarcasm.”

  “I’d love to meet her.” Anyone who could intimidate the god of gods was someone to admire.

  “Maybe I’ll arrange a meeting for you.” Cernunnos’s chuckle turned into a deep laugh then he clapped his hands. “I summon the beast!”

  A low, mournful howl echoed from somewhere deep within the mountain. Tiny hairs along Rhiannon’s arms rose.

  Pwyll withdrew his sword from its sheath. The ping of metal against metal rang loud in the enclosed space. He gazed at Rhiannon, and a smile tugged at his lips. “I will be your victor, Rhi, that I promise.”

  Gwawl smirked. “Doubtful, human.”

  The thunder of heavy feet and an angry roar reverberated off the walls. A great beast burst into the room. Twice the size of the competitors, the creature’s dark fur covered muscular shoulders and strong thighs. Beady eyes set underneath a large brow accentuated a bulbous snout and pointy teeth. Long droopy ears hung past its chin, and a set of horns protruded from its forehead.

  A sharp cry erupted from the animal’s lips, and it leapt at its closest adversary, Pwyll. As it descended on Pwyll, knifelike claws extended from its front paws.

  Rhiannon covered her mouth, holding back her scream.

  Pwyll dodged the creature and raised his sword, the tip nicking one of the beast’s ears.

  Rhiannon released the breath she hadn’t realized she’d held.

  “Now you die, beast.” Gwawl jumped on the monster’s back, wrapped one arm around its neck, and sunk his dagger into its shoulder.

  A painful howl rippled through the room, and the strange animal reared onto its hind legs. Gwawl held on, the muscles in his shoulders straining.

  A lump formed in Rhiannon’s throat, remorse for this beast swelling deep inside. She scooted to the edge of her chair.

  Pwyll slashed at the brute’s chest with the tip of his sword. The creature’s skin turned an odd shade of gray, and the blade skittered over the surface but left no mark.

  Rhiannon gasped. “What is this?”

  “Perhaps I forgot to mention, but the beast has a defense mechanism. It can turn its skin to stone in isolated areas for a brief time.” Cernunnos placed his elbows on his thighs and leaned forward, his attention riveted on the action below. “And just for grins, I’ll let you know he also has a secret weapon. He can spit acid.”

  A flush of adrenaline tingled through Rhiannon’s body fueled by her fear for Pwyll.

  The beast backhanded Pwyll, launching him into the air. Her lover slammed into the stone wall. His breath audibly whooshed from his lungs, and he collapsed onto the floor.

  “Pwyll!” Instinct to help him propelled Rhiannon from her seat.

  Cernunnos raised his hand. “Sit. You cannot become involved.”

  Frozen in place, she couldn’t move forward. She fought against his control for all of a brief second then sat. Her hands trembled in her lap. No way could she best the god of the gods.

  The beast bucked. Gwawl slipped to the ground and landed with a thud.

  A snarl burst from the monster, and it sliced powerful claws down Gwawl’s arm. His blade clattered to the stone floor. The animal bared its fangs.

  Pwyll rose to his feet and raised his sword. A war cry erupted from him, and he bolted toward his enemy.

  The creature turned toward him.

  Pwyll tackled the beast, taking him down. His sword sliced deep into the monster’s shoulder. Blood welled along the cut.

  Rhiannon’s breath bottled behind her tight throat, and the tiniest bit of hope flared from deep within. Pwyll had the advantage. Maybe, just maybe, things would work out and—

  A painful wail erupted from the creature, and the cry morphed into a savage snarl. The beast scraped its claws down Pwyll’s thigh. Her lover’s features morphed into a grimace.

  —then again, maybe not. Chills rippled down Rhiannon’s back, stopping at each vertebra for an extra pinch along the way.

  She turned to Cernunnos and gripped his hand. “You must stop this. Please.”

  The muscles in his shoulders tensed beneath his tunic. “I will not. A challenge issued must be honored.”

  She withdrew her hand as if her fingertips had been burned. Fear for her lover rippled through her on an endless current. Even as she understood it was against the rules, she searched the cavern for something that might help him.

  The beast had several bloodied cuts along its hide, but so did both Pwyll and Gwawl. What could she do?

  Pwyll struggled with the beast and gripped the creature’s back leg.

  Gwawl rose, grabbed his sword, and sliced his blade along the beast’s arm, but the tip scraped against its hardened skin. His momentum continued, and the tip struck Pwyll with a glancing blow.

  Her lover didn’t seem to notice, his attention focused on the beast.

  She met Gwawl’s gaze. A malicious smile crested over his features. Had he cut Pwyll on purpose?

  Rhiannon propelled herself from the chair and faced Cernunnos. “Gwawl struck Pwyll!”

  “I saw no such thing. Sit down!” Cernunnos waved his hand in a dismissive gesture.

  A rush of air drove her back into her seat.

  Rhiannon gripped the armrest of her chair, her nails digging into the soft wood.

  A loud, phlegmy sound erupted in the air.

  “Watch out for its spit!�
�� Rhiannon screamed.

  Pwyll dodged to the side, but the beast’s spittle landed on Pwyll’s sword close to the hilt. He dropped the weapon and it clattered against the floor. Acidic bubbles popped and fizzed along the blade.

  Pwyll yanked his dagger from his waist and tackled the beast once again. They rolled across the floor.

  Gwawl ran after them, his knife raised.

  A vision rose in her mind of the god plunging the blade into Pwyll. She jumped in her chair from the force of the image.

  The fighting duo slammed against the wall, and Pwyll was squished between the beast and the stone.

  “Pwyll!” Rhiannon cried out.

  Gwawl reached the pair and jerked the beast from Pwyll. His back to them, she couldn’t quite discern the events, but then Gwawl moved, raised his dagger, and plunged it into the creature’s chest. Its head tilted toward her, eyes dilated.

  The beast was dead.

  Rhiannon dematerialized to Pwyll’s side and knelt beside him. His glassy eyes stared vacantly at her, and she cradled his head in her lap. She couldn’t sense any life in him. As she stroked his hair, a mournful cry escaped her lips.

  Gwawl rose from one knee and raised his bloody dagger into the air. “I killed the beast!”

  The weight of a thousand boulders settled onto Rhiannon’s shoulders. Tears swelled in her vision, and she rocked Pwyll in her lap. He can’t be dead. That isn’t the way this is supposed to end.

  “Per the rules, I claim the right to wed Rhiannon,” Gwawl shouted the words, and a victorious smile drew across his features.

  Cernunnos drifted down from his perch and strode toward them, the edges of his robe billowing around his feet. He reached the beast and nudged its flank with the tip of his sandal. “The beast is indeed dead.”

  “No!” Rhiannon pounded her fist along the outside of her thigh, careful not to hit Pwyll.

  Gwawl grasped her hand and dragged her to her feet. Pwyll slid to the ground, and his head banged against the stone.

  Hatred for Gwawl burned through Rhiannon with the force of a thousand suns. She yanked her arm free and spit in his face. “I hate you and will never marry you.”