“More than anything.” She gives me a curious look. “I know you’ve been brainwashed by those roommates of yours to fight against this, but you have no idea what awaits on the other side.”
Heavy footsteps echo off the ground. I look toward the castle and see Casteel walking down the center path. He’s escorting the Morrigan personally. She glides across the stones toward the small platform in the middle of the field. The audience, I’m assuming the most loyal of her court, watches in silence as she takes her place. Her dress is black, made of a shiny, tight fabric that looks like wet paint. Her hair is back and she wears a headdress made of glossy feathers. A crown of glittering black jewels sits on top.
There’s no sense of betrayal on Casteel’s face. Nothing but stone-cold loyalty. The priest from earlier in the day steps on the platform and nods at the Morrigan.
It’s time.
My Guardians are not here.
The priest says something in a language I do not understand, but a wide smile appears on Anita’s lips. There’s a nudge at my back. The blonde woman next to me links her arm with mine and we leave our spot in the shadows and enter the ring of fire. At the edge of the platform Anita leans in and whispers, “I forgive you for what you did to me back home. Today we start new. As one. I’m thankful you’re my sister.”
The priest doesn’t smile when he sees us. Neither does the Morrigan. Her eyes are closed as if in prayer. With the help of assistants, we take our positions, each on the side of the Queen. I feel the Darkness ebbing off of her but it’s different. It’s like the energy bounces off. I have a shield of protection.
“We shall now begin the ceremony,” the priest says, now in English. Or maybe, I think, watching his lips, I can just understand what he’s saying? The shape of his mouth doesn’t match the words and they echo in my head.
“At the beginning of time, a child of the gods was born, blessed with three souls. Macha, Nemain, and Anand. These three cultivated and protected land and agriculture, fertility, and the art of war. Together they were equals. United, they held magnificent power. Betrayal and deceit split them apart and only one remained to protect and fortify these lands.” Every eye watches the priest as he spins his tale.
“Anand, the goddess of war, has ruled the Otherside since that time. But her true glory is to leave this realm and conquer others. And to do that she must unite again with her sisters.”
At the back of the circle is a flat stone table, or altar, and the priest turns toward it. “We start with a sacrifice of one of the gods’ chosen. His blood will act as a conduit to bring these three together.”
A sacrifice? Seriously, where is Dylan? Clinton? Right about now would be a good time to come in and shut this nightmare down. But there is no cavalry. No heroic entrance, just the sound of a man being dragged from the back of the gardens toward the altar.
It’s Anita’s gasp followed by a gleeful laugh that forces me to look up at the man gagged at the mouth and bound at the ankles. I stare into those deep copper eyes and choke back on my emotions.
The Queen plans to sacrifice Bunny.
31
Dylan
Light greets us at the end of the tunnel, along with the sharpened tips of blades. Nevis is at the front, and they wear mismatched clothes but clearly want to be seen as a united force.
“Why the blades?” I ask, stepping into the humid cavern. I have my hand on the handle of the coiled whip at my side.
Nevis looks over my shoulder, sees the men pushing out of the tunnel. Whatever she’s thinking, I hope it’s not some sort of attack. Her people look strong but not Legion of Immortals strong.
“We’ve decided to join your fight, but Morgan has changed the terms of our agreement. She no longer wants to kill the Morrigan.”
“What? Why?” Damien asks, moving next to me.
“The Commander made a deal with her. He bought her time. Allowed her to be with the last of her mates. She’s at full strength.”
“We’re aware,” Clinton says. “What are the terms of her agreement with Casteel?”
“Morgan spares the Queen and leaves, closing the gate forever.” Her eyes grow tight. “This leaves us with a problem. There’s no assurance we will not continue to be the Kingdom’s slaves.”
“Morgan won’t betray you,” I say, but I don’t know that. I don’t know how having so much power will change her. I don’t even understand why she’d give Casteel a chance.
Nevis nods. “I hope not, but we’re willing to reveal our numbers to the Kingdom. Risk our peaceful society for a chance at the future.” She grips the handle of her sword. “We’ll lead you to the battle and fight by your side, and if Morgan fails we will kill the Queen ourselves.”
It’s a bold move. Most likely suicide, but I understand. Being under the control of a sadist makes it worth taking the chance to end it when you have it. And this may be the only one they get.
“Casteel…he wants to save Morgan and see the gate closed?”
“Yes.”
We’re walking across the cavern to one of the pipes that leads to the castle above. I wave my soldiers through and they are followed by the people of the underground, some who will surely never see this place or their loved ones again.