A holographic image flares to life in the middle of the room. A stunning woman appears before us and she only has eyes for Daxell. For a moment, jealousy burns hot and heavy in my chest before she speaks, “You’re here!” She gushes and smiles a brilliant smile and then she is flanked by two identical males, where she is all pale shades and shimmering silver, even her eyes are a most unusual gray, the two males are extremely handsome, with skin tones of milk chocolate, both looking very mischievous. This threesome is Dax’s parents. It’s easy to see where his coloring comes from but he shares more of his finely chiseled features with his mother, never the less, he’s the perfect blend between the three of them. I’m drawn out of my ponderings to hear, “Before you arrived, I took the pleasure of depositing a few of your things in your chambers. I know that in the past we have not insisted on your attending certain functions, but things are changing for those that dwell in The Underworld and your presence is required tonight at Mammon’s insistence, that and your guest. Daxell, this is serious. Do you understand?”
“Yes. I will attend but I do not want Lillie or Poppy anywhere near this gathering tonight.”
His father with the green eyes, Envy, pins Daxell with a penetrating gaze and imparts in a deep velvety voice, “You are in his house now, son. There will be no declining his invitation. Besides, we as a family must appear as a united front. That includes your mate if that is what Ashlinn’s daughter is to you. We are very much looking forward to meeting your chosen one. Meet us in our suite within the hour, we will dine together as a family before setting off to Mammon’s soirée,” He nods and with that, their image winks out as they disconnect from the call.
Daxell glares over at me and growls, “I never should have brought you here.” He stalks from the room and I’m not sure what to make of his sudden change of affection for me.
Cara comes to stand beside me and whines softly, comforting me the best she can. I lean down and whisper, “It’s okay, girl. We’ve got this.”
The witch amongst us bows and says, “May I?”
The next thing I know she is bustling about, grabbing items off of the racks of gowns and dresses, and holding them up to both of us. Poppy looks at me and her smile is contagious. I’m not looking forward to meeting Mammon, but the rest of the evening could be really fun. More than likely, though, it could become a fact-finding mission. The witch holds up a cream gossamer gown with a beaded off the shoulder bodice for Poppy, it looks stunning on her against her fair complexion and midnight black hair. The back is completely open to the waist, for obvious reasons. I look to the witch and ask, “You know what she is?”
She smiles and nods, “My name is Willow, I’ve been assigned to the duke and to you. I have many special talents, one of which allows me to differentiate breed.” She nods to Poppy, and says, “Your friend here is very unique. I have never met a halfbreed between a sprite and satyr.”
I interrupt her, “Willow, no one must know what she is. Especially, Mammon. He’s a collector and he will want her. Give me your vow that you will not -”
I do not serve Mammon!” She denies vehemently.
“Then who do you serve?” Poppy demands, unexpectantly.
“Morgwais sent me to this place to be her eyes and ears. She is my mistress and I serve only her. Now that we have settled that. How may I serve you, Lady Lillie and Lady Poppy?” She smiles serenely back at us, her softly lined face belies her age, and there is a twinkle in her dark brown eyes.
“Do you know her as Neamhain as well?” I ask.
“She is Morgwais to the witches within her coven. She has and always will be Morgwais. Neamhain gifted this persona to us, she enlightens us, she strengthens us, she is our coven leader. She is many things to many others but to us, she is Morgwais.”
“Then why does she not show herself to us as Morgwais? Mama is always grumbling that she misses Morgwais, but Neamhain just laughs and says maybe one day when she is needed again. I have no memories of meeting her in that form.” I mutter.
Willow smiles, “Then you are fortunate. Morgwais only shows herself in times of grave change, grave danger. I fear that the time for Morgwais is upon us again. The Morríganites are gaining power. Here, time is running out. You both must be fitted for gowns for this evening's events. You must trust no one! Do you hear me?” She demands as she walks to the door to our suite to allow a swarm of sprites into our chambers that usher Poppy into her room with her gown. Willow picks up a pair of simple strappy heels and waves her wand. Suddenly, they are transformed to match the gown that Poppy will be wearing and hands them off to a pair of sprites as they hurry after the others.
Turning to me she says, “Come here young goddess, this should do nicely.” She pulls a slinky little black number from the rack and holds up to gauge my size, with a flick of her wand, it majically morphs to my size. Pulling a simple pair of heels from the rack she
