“Don’t—that is a leaping dragon. If you get close enough, the flower sprays you with a poison that will paralyze you for hours.”
“Shit.”
Twenty-four hours later, the Assembly guard stopped at the edge of the flat plateau that dropped hundreds of feet into a steaming gorge below. In front of them stood a powerful waterfall, which fed from an enormous lake. The only way over meant crossing a narrow ledge no more than a foot wide that bridged over the fast-moving water. Beyond, more vegetation and mountains on the horizon beckoned.
“We cross here and the city is several hours away.”
Marcus wiped his brow and removed his backpack, discarding several heavier items to make his load easier to carry for the sake of balance.
Jake stepped around him to view the scene, and scratched his head. “Fuck—you mean to tell me, you can hide your world with magic and slip through portals, but we have to trek across this tightrope to get to your city? Are you fucking kidding me?”
Huron laughed. “Are you a pussy or what?”
Jake slapped the guard on his shoulder. “Nope—I love the thrill of death-defying aerial assault courses. Bring. It. On!”
Lucius pushed his way to the front and used his inhuman speed to fly across to the other side, smiling at the others before anyone moved. After crossing and marching through fields of tall grass, bordered by snowcapped mountains, as multi-colored birds followed their journey screeching in the hazy sky, eventually the city dawned upon them. Little by little, an enormous sandstone wall rose higher and higher into view. At the entrance, mile-high wooden doors creaked open and beyond lay a bustling city and streets filled with noisy life. The guards at the entrance stood still, but nodded as Huron passed through.
As Marcus peered at the sky, the vivid blue reminded him of Ella’s stunning eyes. Not a single cloud appeared in the sky today, and as he traipsed on in his boots and combat gear, he longed for a cool shower to rid himself of the dust and grime. Huron marched ahead in his linen outfit, with his hair tied back into a ponytail, leading them to Lady of Tenille. They passed through the cobbled courtyard filled with people, animals, and an array of smells from food to other more earthly scents, which filled his nostrils and made his stomach rumble. He quickened his pace, with Jake next to him eyeing their surroundings as smiling young women in revealing dresses passed them by.
“Wow, I think I’ve died and gone to heaven.” Jake winked at the giggling women, who huddled together and stared at him, laughing.
Marcus smiled at his friend and wondered whether he thought about the witch at all. “You know, when Isabella returns, things will not be the same.”
Jake stopped and tugged on Marcus’s jacket collar, staring over at the vampires. “Sparkles will always be Sparkles, no matter what.”
It occurred to Marcus that Jake was in denial about the witch’s transformation and what that would entail, or what it would mean for their relationship.
“Maybe—but she’ll be a vampire, Jake. Her needs will be different and you have to consider the person you knew may no longer be the same.”
Jake strode away and Marcus charged after him, walking by his side and studying him. “Do you love her?”
Jake stopped and raked his hands through his short, messy hair. “I’ve never been in love, man, so how am I supposed to know?”
“You know, because the life before you met her doesn’t exist anymore. You cannot imagine being without her, and you’re willing to do anything to keep her, no matter what.”
Marcus strode away, his mind preoccupied with Ella and the colossal mess he made. The need to hold her right now was strong, and he reached out inside his head to talk to her. But nothing happened. Being in the Veil, the connection with his mate vanished.
He studied the palatial Gothic castle that claimed his entire view. As the sun sparkled on the sprawling building, it glinted like pale gold. He studied the impressive architecture, from the many sweeping windows to the multiple tall, pointed towers that sat above the city with a neat courtyard below. They all marched up the row of at least fifty steps that led to a flat stretch where a garden sat in front of the castle.
The main entry door stood at least ten feet tall and wide, made of burnished oak with heavy black iron handles and bolts. Guards stood on either side of the doors, with shiny swords secured at their hips. Above them stood torches that flickered continuously despite the light breeze. As they walked up the stairs, six tall columns rose high above them. Marcus stared back down over the crowded marketplace, observing the many stalls and men, women, and children as well as a variety of livestock milling around. The inhabitants of Arandell smiled, looked well fed, and their clothes were colorful and of a superior weathered material similar to Huron’s. Gazing back from the top of the steps, it afforded him an amazing panoramic view of the breathtaking land with a series of magnificent waterfalls to the west of the city. At another time, it would be a wonderful place to explore.
“Marcus, welcome.”
He spun around and standing there with an entourage of warriors and maids stood Lady Tenille. She wore a light-blue veil over her long tresses and she smiled, holding her hand out to him. He dropped a light kiss on her extended hand.
“You didn’t bring your wife, I see?” She studied the men who followed him.
“Not this time.”
She smiled. She will forgive you—in time.
He caught her words inside his head and before he could respond, she moved
