Runes of Destiny

by S. C. Winters

  Runes of Destiny

  Dé Danann Series

  S.C. Winters

  Copyright © S.C. Winters

  All rights reserved.

  Cover image credit: Eve Graphic Designs LLC

  Formatter: The Nutty Formatter

  Disclaimer: The book, as well as the characters in the book, are entirely fictional. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is entirely coincidental.

  License: All rights reserved. This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form. Stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means - electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise - without prior written permission of the author, except as provided by the United States of America copyright law.

  Contents

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Epilogue

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author Page

  Other Books by SC Winters

  Prologue

  In the Pacific Northwest, there is a quaint little town, nestled at the base of the mountains deep in the middle of the woods and far from civilization, called Druid Grove. This beautiful town has been hidden away for centuries, and that is mostly because the citizens of the town had a secret. Well, it’s not so much of a deep dark secret nowadays. The town keeps our secret to keep us from being looked down upon by the rest of humanity who would treat us as second class citizens. We are what people today call supernaturals. Witches, shifters, vampires, fae and pretty much any other kind of supernatural being you can name has lived or currently lives here.

  In the world today, the supernatural community may have come out of hiding, but we are still different and there are some of us that still hide the fact they are a supe. There are towns, cities and communities like the one I grew up in where we all intermingle. I’m part of the witch sector of the supernaturals and there are many unique types of witches, both male and female. Witches are all descendants from many different cultures throughout history. I am a Druidic Witch. Druidic Witches are all descendants of the druids of Ireland and the Celtic culture and our powers come from the sparks of the dé dananns inside us.

  Dé dananns are what other types of witches call the elements: fire, earth, air, water and spirit. We are a mixture of the old Druidic religion mixed with the magic of witches. Each of us is bestowed with a dé danann or two, by our destined goddess when we reach our eighteenth birthday; this is confirmed by the mark of the goddess that appears along their spine. The marks that will appear at the end of the summoning ritual, are black or grey in color.

  The summoning ritual is a lot more mellow than it sounds. We are not summoning the Devil or anything like that. We are simply asking the Goddess to bless them with their fated dé danann’s. Don’t get me wrong, it can be a painful process. The marks don’t just magically appear, well I mean they do but it’s like getting a tattoo in a very painful spot. Sort of like a shifter transforming.

  Our goddesses are: Brighid the Fire Goddess, Danu the Earth Goddess, Dogoda the Air Goddess, Boann the Water Goddess, and Morrighan the Spirit Goddess and each is worshiped as a deity within the druidic culture. Each of the Goddesses are represented by a special rune, which is the mark that shows up along the spine during the summoning ritual.

  Representing and ruling them all is The Great Mother. Now being able to get all six runes is unheard of. The last person who did was the Queen of the Tuatha Dé Danann. Most of the witches in my sect get between one to five.

  Now druidic witches are not as common as say Salem Witches or the Witches of Voodoo. During the Christian and Roman Catholic Church expansion, the Druids of Ireland were almost wiped out. Most went into hiding and some moved across the ocean to what is now the United States. They started up new Groves, a group of Druids, which turned into covens of witches.

  As children, we were all tested to see which affinities we show more promise in. It makes it easier for the Coven Elders to put us into classes. The classes are to help us grow and develop our strongest affinities. Which will then hopefully manifest during the summoning ceremony. When I was tested I had a spark for all of the dé dananns.

  The Coven Elders, who are five prominent members of the different druidic witch covens, said that it was not uncommon and as I grew up I would focus and train my powers on fewer dé dananns. Then as preteens, we are tested again to see which dé dananns have grown in power. At eighteen winters, we druidic witches then perform the ritual to request the goddesses to bless us.

  I showed two full dé danann runes on the day of the ritual. After spending time at each statue and praying to the goddesses for their continued blessing, I stepped up to the altar of the Great Mother and the other Goddess’ when I felt the worst pain in my life explode from my back. However, I also had a few abnormalities to my marks, making me an oddity to members of my community. First, I had a half rune in addition to my two full runes. Second, all two-and-a-half runes were in full color instead of in black or grey. One full rune was for the fire goddess Brighid, another full rune was for the earth goddess Danu and then my half rune was for the spirit goddess Morrighan. Nobody knew why I received the half mark; there were those who suspected it stemmed from my mother’s strong spirit witch line, others believed the mark signifies that I had offended the goddess. Due to the latter theory, some in the coven think I should be shunned or cast out. However, due to my mother’s ancestry, the prominent families and the Brotherhood of Elders put a stop to talks of casting me out, in favor of keeping me under a watchful eye so I could not offend any other goddesses.

  As part of our training, the young girls of my coven - The Oak Grove Coven - are all told the legend of the queen who will once again rule all the druidic witches. We are all told this story for a specific reason; the Queen of the Tuatha dé dananns has always come from The Oak Grove Coven. So by ensuring that all the young girls know the legend they are able to prepare for the possibility of being the next Queen of the Tuatha dé dananns.

  As the legend goes, a druidic witch will be born in a time of corruption and need of her people. She will be born with the potential of every one of the dé dananns and as she connects with each member of her circle, she will gain blessings from the goddesses to gain another mark of each dé dananns. With the help of her circle, she will develop the strength and control needed to defeat the corruption and evil that is destined to ensue. To ensure she is not overcome by the power she gains from each member of her circle, she will be bestowed with an emerald necklace that shall be her anchor. Once the evil is defeated she will rule with her circle and the druidic covens will finally be at peace, not only with each other, but with the other covens of witches as well. She will rule as a true Queen of the Tuatha Dé Dananns.

  1

  As all excellent stories start, it was a bright and sunny morning. Birds were chirping, the animals were frolicking, and there was not a cloud in sight. NOT! Ha ha, you really think th
e Pacific Northwest is going to be bright and sunny? Nope, not in your life, buddy. If it’s not raining and overcast most of the time, then something is wrong.

  I grew up in a tiny town called Druid Grove, where it’s only sunny once or twice a year. Okay, that’s an exaggeration, but you get my meaning. It really is a beautiful place to live, though. The town itself is insignificant on the larger scale of supernatural and human communities, but don’t count us out. We can pack a punch if we need to.

  We have forests surrounding us where we can connect with nature, a variety of supernaturals to learn from, and we have a translucent barrier around our town. It doesn’t keep anyone out or in, it just protects us from those that would do us harm. So growing up here was beyond amazing, if I do say so myself.

  On this particularly dreary day, I’m heading to my dad’s gym, Magee Boxing. My father actually owns several gyms in the area, but this one is by far his favorite. This gym also holds a special place in his heart. It’s the building mom bought for him. He had always wanted to own a boxing gym. My dad was a young boxer on the lesser circuit, but did well for himself. That’s actually how he met mom. She was a nurse in one of the towns he was boxing at. When he fell unconscious she treated him. She always said it was love at first knockout.

  Ever since her death, he spends more time here, in the boxing club, than anywhere else. I understand why, but sometimes I feel it's a little unhealthy. He needs some fresh air every now and then, right?

  Walking into the gym, I’m hit with the revolting sounds of giggles and valley girl screams. I roll my eyes as I spot them in their matching PINK work-out outfits, it’s the Elle Squad: Sara Belle, Noelle, Janelle and Danielle. Not related, thank the Goddess, but still as annoying as ever. As you can tell, I can’t stand them and they can’t stand me. Which is just fine by me. Why dad puts up with them, I will never understand. They’ve been coming in for the past week, ever since they noticed he was coming here - Gabriel Michael Woods, the devil in disguise, he should be dead to the world, my ex.

  Gabriel has changed a little in the two years since he left. I mean he’s still as hot as the last day I saw him. He’s five foot nine, has more muscles than is needed for a boxer, but boy is he hecka drool-worthy. To top it all off, he is only human. Which is surprising, especially with the strength and speed he displays. His body is tan, blond hair trimmed into a military cut and has the most beautiful golden eyes. It looks like he has added a few more tattoos since he left town - good for him.

  My eyes can’t help but follow the Celtic bands that wrap themselves around his bicep, which are lean and ready to crush anyone, to the new tattoo on his right upper arm. A devil wearing blue boxing gloves - fitting since his boxing name is ‘Devil’s Fury’ and he is the devil incarnate.

  Gabriel is a professional boxer and a local hero - lucky for us. A couple of years ago he made it big when he fought against Canelo Alvarez. Gabriel went a total of five rounds before Canelo knocked him out. To say I was cheering for Canelo is an understatement. Gabriel has been famous in our little town ever since.

  Seeing him again makes me remember the heartache from the last time I saw him…

  I follow Gabriel out the front door of my dad’s gym and grab his arm. How dare he turn his back to me.

  “What do you mean you’re leaving without me? It’s supposed to be you and me. What happened to us against the world?” I ask angrily. My heart throbs with pain and anguish. I can’t have him leave me, not this soon after losing Mom.

  “I’m leaving to go train for this circuit and you’re not coming with me. That is that, Viola.” Gabriel replies harshly.

  “I don’t understand. Why wouldn’t I go with you? It’s supposed to be us against the world, remember?”

  “Well, not anymore. We are done. I don’t love you, I never have and I never will. We were just a fling. I’m leaving.” Gabriel gets into his truck and speeds out of my life, all without looking back in my direction.

  “Fine then. No one needs you asshole.” I say picking up some pieces of gravel and tossing them at the tail lights of his truck. I fall to my knees and cry, rocking back and forth. That is until two powerful arms pick me up bridal style and carry me back into the gym, where I am laid on the couch in my father’s office.

  “Vi? Hello?” a distant voice calls out to me. I shake my head and try to clear it from the hurtful memories.

  Snapping back to the present, I blink rapidly as the tears that are threatening to emerge clear some. As I continue striding towards my dad’s office, all the while willing myself not to glance at Gabe or the Elle Squad. This is no minor feat with all the mirrors that line the gym walls. I opt to walk with my head held high.

  Unfortunately, with the surrounding mirrors, I can’t avoid seeing them. Damn Great Mother’s fucking mirrors. A pain rises in my chest as I catch the reflection in the mirror next to me. Look away, just look away. I chastise myself, but it’s hopeless. The mirror shows the Elle Squad surrounding Gabe; Sara Belle hanging all over him, touching and squeezing his bicep. To think, not two years ago, that was me - barf. Those girls are so pathetic and fake. I hold in what is undoubtedly the worst gagging sound ever.

  I shake my head again and focus on where I’m walking before I run into the floor-to-ceiling glass doors leading into dad’s office. When I look up, I swear I can see my dad laughing at me. He quickly straightens up like he’s been caught with his hand in the cookie jar. I open the door and push my way inside. With the fakest smile on my face as to let him know, I caught him too.

  “Find something interesting to look at Vi?” Dad smirks, coming over to give me a hug.

  “Yes, Dad, I did.” I say bubbly while rolling my eyes before getting serious with him, “Why are the Elles here again? Can’t you kick them out or something? They aren’t even ‘real’ members.” They are just here to fawn over Gabe, and boost his already gigantic ego.

  “Because Squirt, those girls are the daughters of some of the most prominent families in our community. Well, your community really, since I am only human. If I let them in maybe, just maybe they will tell their families and friends, who would be paying customers. We could get so much business through them. That is the only reason I, as you put it, put up with them.”

  I roll my eyes, knowing full well he doesn’t mean friends. He means the men that are currently the floozies’ bodyguards, who are outside the gym waiting on the girls, and the other heavily muscled men in the employ of their families. I give Dad a weak smile and slightly nod my head. I don’t one hundred percent approve, but it’s his business.

  “Well okay then,” I huff out with an eye roll for effect. “I will start the leftover laundry and then go warm up before Aleric gets here. Do you need anything before I go?” I ask before turning to leave, smiling at him so he knows I’m not intentionally grumpy with him. He knows those girls and I do not mesh.

  He just shakes his head and waves me out of his office. He heads towards the desk and goes back to his ever-increasing pile of paperwork. It has become a lot lately. He won’t share the paperwork with me. I’ve asked him several times to let me help, but he refuses; the paperwork is something he and my mother used to do together.

  Leaving dad’s office, I put on my headphones. I have no intention of hearing Elle's flirtatious giggles, it’s like nails on a chalkboard. I make my way down the hallway next to Dad’s office and go into the door marked ‘Employee’s Only’. Back here is our laundry/stockroom. I’m throwing the last load of the towels into the washer and jamming out to Journey when I feel the presence of someone behind me. Before I get a chance to think I feel a hand on my shoulder and I turn and swing my fist. Spinning, I spot its none other than my best friend, Aleric. Shame, it was a perfectly executed punch, but with his super-fast reflexes, he jumped back, out of harm’s way. As he does, his shoulder-length chocolate-colored hair slaps against his face, and his fierce ocean blue eyes narrow in my direction. My fist barely misses his chest. Taking off my headphones I begin to chastise
him.

  “Dude, why would you do that? I could have knocked your block off!”

  He chuckles, “I would like to see you try that one, Vi.”

  “What are you doing back here, Aleric? Sneaking up on me? You know I’ve been super jumpy since he got back into town.”

  “Well,” he says innocently, “I’m looking for my best friend. Have you seen her around? She’s about 5’7” with an hourglass figure, built like an Amazonian of old. Deep auburn, long curly hair with shining emerald green eyes. Now that girl, she can pack a punch and land it.” He laughs at me.

  I roll my eyes at his description of me. As he’s talking, I look my best friend up and down, all six feet and two inches of him, as he’s leaning against the door frame, ready for our workout. He’s got the body of a boxer, but he only does it for fun. Wearing an old cut-off shirt that shows off the Celtic knot and wolf tattoos on his arms and part of his chest. Below the shirt, he’s wearing black shorts and those ugly mauve running shoes of his. I swear he bought every pair when they came out. I have to admit that my best friend is serious eye candy but fashion sense is clearly not his forte - not with those shoes.

  We have been best friends for a long time now - ever since we were in diapers. Growing up we were part of a group of four, but life got in the way, and now it’s just me and him, for the most part. I’m lucky to have him in my life. He is my rock and he proves that daily, especially after my mom passed.