“Please, follow me. I will take you to the great hall. Food and drink has been set out before the meeting gets underway,” Huron announced.
Marcus nodded, walking across the gravel pathway toward the imposing building spread before them. They headed up several more steps and entered the cavernous castle. The warmth of the day fell away once inside, to a comfortable coolness. He stared around the incredible architecture of the building. To the left, a smooth table of white marble upon which stood a display of wildflowers in shades of pink. Above, the walls were decorated with ancient weapons and artifacts. The ceiling rose several stories high and light illuminated their path as they made their way through one door after another until they entered a huge room filled with the trickling sound of water. In the center of the room was a fountain; water spouted out from the stone statue of a child holding a bucket, which dropped into a rectangular basin below to run outside to a sprawling courtyard where hundreds gathered. Huron extended his hand and pointed in the direction of the other guests.
“Thank you, Huron. Will you be joining us?”
“No, I will return later to show you to your rooms.”
Jake caught up to him. “This is amazing.”
“It is, but the sooner we’re done here, the sooner we go home.”
“Right, let’s get this party started then, boss, so you get back to your woman. One of us should be happy at least.”
He smacked his hand down on Jake’s shoulder. “You will find the one. Did I ever tell you how Ella and I met?”
“Boss, I’ve heard the story, and the minute I met Ella, I knew you were smitten, head over fucking heels in love, because for once you didn’t listen to a goddamn thing I said. I understand why you made her forget her memories. Hell, if Ella belonged to me, I don’t know what I would’ve done, but I know, despite the name I call her, she isn’t a fucking princess, boss. She’s a fighter, like you. A survivor.”
Marcus nodded and stared at his brother-in-arms, knowing that all the team acknowledged her as part of the team. He was an A-class fool, always misjudging and undervaluing her abilities, despite knowing she equaled him in every way.
Walking outside, he introduced himself to the dignitaries from all the various races and clans of the supernatural world who surrounded him, dressed in their unique clothing.
Zayn, leader of the Fae, approached him and he shook his hand. “Drayton, what news of Steel?”
Marcus launched into an explanation of the situation back in Maine, and Zayn introduced him to the other flamboyant members gathered together. The afternoon passed uneventfully. He dined on the feast provided and drank the rich wine. As the sun dipped low in the sky and nighttime descended, big torches lit the dark alcoves that surrounded the patio. As he stared up at the rich terracotta tiles of the roof, a crow sat, watching. He blinked when he saw the bird, which flapped its wings and disappeared just as Lady Tenille edged her way to his side.
“Thank you for calming the situation with Zayn. He’s right to be anxious. Raids continue to plague his businesses and he has lost many of his people.”
“As we have, my lady. The Morrigan doesn’t adhere to any rules—she enjoys breaking them.”
Marcus looked up, as did Lady Tenille, as a flock of crows cawed and drew the attention of the crowd. Marcus touched his holstered gun as those around him drew their swords and weapons ready. Everyone knew the significance of the crow and the queen of war. The torches that illuminated the patio flickered and the lights blew out, plunging them into darkness. The women shrieked around him and he held steady, waiting and observing in the dimmed light as Lady Tenille stood at his side.
The Morrigan holds no power here.
Marcus peered at the lady in the darkness, but glanced away as a loud fluttering of wings captured his attention right in front. Adjusting to the darkness, the full moon highlighted the spectacle unfolding. Dozens of crows flew around in a circle at speed. Their black feathers dropped to the ground. The birds disappeared, and in their place stood a slim woman dressed in a skintight catsuit, with black boots that reached her knees. She smiled and stared around at the crowd of faces.
Instantly the torches lit and gasps from the audience sounded out. Marcus touched his gun, but knew it would be useless.
“Why are you here?” Lady Tenille stepped away from the crowd, and he marched to her side to demonstrate solidarity. Each tribe withdrew from the shadows, standing close to Lady Tenille in support. As far as he could see, this woman didn’t carry a weapon. A lone man from across the patio threw a dagger right at the queen of war’s heart, but the metal bounced off an invisible barrier.
“Such a warm welcome. Sorry to break up the party—I expect my invite got lost. Anyway, I won’t keep you long. I’m here to deliver a simple message, one that isn’t getting the attention it deserves. Join me, or you will all perish.”
Marcus knew no matter what the creature said, if they joined with her, their lives wouldn’t be worth living. He wondered about the extent of her power, because right now, she stood alone, and yet, she hadn’t retaliated when the man attempted to kill her.
She is shielded. We cannot harm her and she cannot harm us. Again the lady spoke in his mind. Focused back on the woman in front whose sharp features dimmed, he studied the hard planes of her stern face.
“I’m not here to negotiate with you. You have taken too much from us. We’re here to fight back and defeat you,” he said.
The Morrigan laughed
