Midnight's End (The Raven Queen's Harem 6)

My brother looks over the room. It’s packed between the four of us, Hildi, and the six Immortals. “The Morrigan is making her move tomorrow. Her intention is to bring the Darkness from her world to this one, kicking off the apocalypse.”

“The sickness,” Miya says. “I’ve seen it before, during other times. It was made from her dark energy.”

“We’ve managed to stop that for now,” Sam says. Hildi scoffs bitterly under her breath and takes a big gulp of alcohol. Clinton refills her glass.

“That was the closest she’s come to getting through in a long time. But other forces have aligned. Both of her sisters are alive right now, Macha and Nemian. Although we tried to split them using our own dark magic, it didn’t work as anticipated. The Morrigan must be destroyed.”

“And you need our help,” says Rupert. He leans against the leather sofa as though the fight earlier didn’t happen and that his freedom doesn’t hang in the balance.

“Yes, we need your fighting power,” I say. “We must get to our mate before the binding ceremony starts, but the Morrigan will be armed to the teeth. Her soldiers are strong and deadly.”

“And after this battle is over?” Roland asks.

“You’re free to go,” Dylan says. He does not add that there will be conditions.

“And if we fail?” Armin asks. He’s huge, even more so in human clothes where his muscles bulge against the fabric of his shirt.

Clinton places his glass on the bar. “We won’t fail.”

We study one another—ten men and one Valkyrie, and that much is understood. Failure is not an option.

22

Morgan

The morning of the ceremony dawns gray like every other I’ve experienced on the Otherside. Nevis opens the curtains wide, blasting white light into the room, and I shield my eyes.

“Are we in a rush?”

“Preparations will last all day, starting with a dip in the royal springs and a blessing by the court priest.”

“This kingdom has a priest?”

“Yes, and you’re due to join the Morrigan and Anita soon. Eat your breakfast.” She points to the small plate of food next to the bed.

Less than a day before the ceremony happens. I wanted to bide my time until this day, until my guardians arrived, but I feel off kilter. Like I should have done more. The harsh frown tugging at Nevis’ mouth implies the same.

“What have I done wrong?” I ask her. “Where have I failed?”

“You’re here, Morgan, and you’re treading lightly. It’s the best we can hope for.”

But her disappointment is evident as she combs through my hair, working out the tangles from the night before. “Bunny and I have made up,” I say. “Or at least I think we have.”

“You’ve forgiven him?”

“As much as I can,” I say, but doubt lingers. I haven’t told him all of the plans. And I certainly haven’t let myself truly go with him. “We’re watched constantly. Even with the rune of protection he gave me, Casteel kept an eye on us both last night.”

Nevis twists my hair into a tight bun and wraps my naked body in a thick robe. “Uh, no clothes?”

“I told you, bathing in the springs.”

Gods, what have I gotten myself into. “And these springs? Are they the same as yours below?”

“Not exactly. They’re natural but not from the same well that has the healing properties, but to keep the queen calm some water is added daily to the pools. Her vanity knows no bounds, Morgan. She feeds on her beauty and control over others. Be careful when you’re with her today. You’ll need all your strength as she’ll be testing you, weakening you before the ceremony tonight. She can’t allow anything to interfere with her plans.”

“How do I fight back?” We’re at the door, about to leave my room. I’m in the robe and have on felt slippers.

She turns and takes my hands. “You’re powerful in your own right, Morgan. You have the tools and strength it takes to do this. Dig deep. The real challenge for you is pretending like you haven’t succumbed to her will.”