Total pages in book: 162
Estimated words: 151630 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 758(@200wpm)___ 607(@250wpm)___ 505(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 151630 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 758(@200wpm)___ 607(@250wpm)___ 505(@300wpm)
“He will choose his wife every time,” Myrddin says as he stands there, energy flowing off him. His eyes are obsidian orbs, and black veins cover his body. This is the wizard in his purest form. In his magical power. “Choose her now, Devinshea, or I will kill her where she stands.”
The guards haul me back, their rough hands gripping me, and I hear a crack of thunder and rain start to pelt the tent above us.
Myrddin’s eyes narrow but he ignores it. He has an ornate knife in his hand and points it Zoey’s way. “I’ll carve the child out of her and force you to watch. I won’t wait for the Wild Hunt to do her in.”
The guards hold Zoey in place, too.
The only comfort I have is the Drowning Woman who stands near Myrddin now, and I feel her menace.
It is for him. It is not for me. What if there was never menace in this spirit for me? What if I created that because I was not ready to face her? Not ready to lose her again. What if I always knew when I truly saw her face, I would have to let her go?
“I’m going,” Devinshea says. “Or rather Bris is. I love you. Zoey, say my name. One last time.”
I’m sure she says it, but I don’t hear because my mind is stuck on that request.
Say my name.
His name.
Call his name when you need him. He will always come for you.
When you need him, call his name. He always meant to find you again.
I wondered whose name, but I know it deep inside now.
I feel the moment Devinshea Quinn dies. I can see Bris’s soul, see how anguished he is as the priest’s body fails him. His head slumps over and his spirit walks my way, his hand to his heart.
“Goddess, you are beautiful, Shahidi. This…you glow like the warmest hearth, like the promise of comfort in winter.” He stands in front of me even as his wife goes to her knees.
“Do you feel the pull?” I have to know if it’s more pronounced here.
“Who are you talking to?” Myrddin asks. “He should be in the mountain by now.”
“Tell him I’m gone. Tell him I couldn’t resist. But there is no pull. Not for me. Oh, it hums and beckons, but I know where the light is. It is inside you,” Dev says, the saddest look in his eyes. He’s whole now. The most beautiful spirit I have seen. As though death cannot change the attraction of a Green Man. He glances up at the canvas roof. “My son is here. He’s come for you, but you know what to do next. May I accompany you on this journey?”
“Shy, tell him I love him.” The queen barely manages to talk through her tears.
I have to be cruel to be kind. I cannot let Myrddin know they are both still here, Devinshea and Bris. “He’s gone, Your Grace. He’s with the sluagh now.” I nod briefly Dev’s way to let him know he is welcome before turning to Myrddin. “Bris is merely waiting. He has to make the choice, right?”
“I cannot trick a god, but I can force him,” Myrddin admits. “It’s time, Bris. Do my will or I will kill your goddess.”
Zoey screams, and I see Bris as he was in life. A giant of a man, muscular and broad. He wears a wreath of vines around his red hair. He has a straight jaw and lips meant for smiling and kissing. He reaches out to Zoey but cannot touch her.
I wish she could see him in all his glory.
“I’m sorry,” Bris tells me with a sorrow that is palpable. “I made a deal to spare her, but I fear nothing will if the wizard gets his way. My energy will allow him to close the door, and I can only stay for so long before he will know I am not complying. Call his name, Shy. It’s the only hope we have. I must fulfill my end of the bargain or the Wild Hunt will come for my family. I have to do this, but I believe you can offer us another way. If you break Myrddin’s spell before the last soul enters, we might be saved. If you break it before the door is closed, I might be able to lead them out again. Do you understand?”
I nod because I know what I have to do now. I know how to find my power.
“Whoa,” Dev says, staring at Bris with a smile of approval. “Dude, you are very attractive. And very Irish.”
Bris bows. “Devinshea, it was my honor.”
Dev’s spirit bows as well. “And mine, brother. Thank you for everything. See you on the other side.”
“We will abide in the Summerlands,” Bris promises. “And make a home there for our family. When you get the chance, tell the queen her daughter lives. I can feel it now that I am in this form fully again. Her daughter lives, and so do they all. Evangeline is safe.”