“Shh…do you want to scare the others? I’m here to help as much as I can. But entering the Morrigan’s lair is not exactly permitted—even for me. And if I told you the truth, do you think the others would be happy to join you in this quest?”
Staring back, the group marched together, with Zephra in the middle like one of the lads, laughing as they pushed the thick branches away, walking a good foot behind them. Thankfully none the wiser of their heated conversation. Focusing back on the leader of the Ancient Ones, he admitted her decision was probably a wise one.
“Maybe you’re right. But is there anything else I should know? Because this motley crew is risking their lives for me, and that means something. It means I’m responsible for bringing them back in one goddamn piece.”
“I cannot say any more. Every time I intervene, there’s a consequence. I am altering the possible outcome even being here. The universe and the gods do not like it when we meddle in such affairs. Now, let us proceed. As innocuous as this place may appear, do not underestimate the magic that dwells here.”
Marcus removed his hand and marched on, following the multitude of fireflies that led them through the now dark forest, where tall trees filled in the landscape. The sound of running water pulled him ahead and a whisper of a light singing voice called to him and him alone.
Come to me, my love. Come this way. Marcus, free me. I’m here.
Stomping through the tall grass, he pulled his long blade out and cut the thick weeds and bushes that hindered his progress. The yellow light changed to milky white, beckoning to him, and he charged through the forest, twisting and turning to follow the bewitching and enchanting voice that sounded like Ella. Her voice grew more insistent.
Over here. Not much farther.
The trickling of water grew louder, and he pushed through the leafy bushes, stopping at the sight of a pool of water that glimmered under the twin moons. Mist skirted the water rolling around him, covering the vegetation. Out from the center of the water rose a beautiful woman with long blonde hair dressed in white. Ella? She beckoned to him and he stepped closer and closer.
That’s it, my love. Come to me, and we can be together at last. One more step.
The slosh of water greeted each footstep he took, and he sunk into the swamp. But when the woman started to sing, the need to hold and catch her intensified. As he waded through the water, the mist thickened, hiding her from view. Twisting and turning, he didn’t know which way to go.
“Ella…where are you?”
When he tried to retreat, hands gripped his ankles from under the surface and tugged him with great force. The sound of singing increased in pitch to a howling screech, and he had to cover his ears as the noise hurt his ears. He struggled to pull away, but more hands gripped his legs, coiling around him like ivy pulling at him until he landed flat on his back, submerged under the water. He held his breath, and pushed his head up, gasping for air, but more hands latched on to him, dragging him down. Under the water, Marcus faced three pretty mermaids, each very different in looks. Their tails, a light gold, flicked behind them as they clung to him, pulling him deeper into the pool of water. A light from above shone and he ripped the nearest creature’s hands off him and kicked out at the other one. Their sweet looks transformed into monsters with jagged, pointed teeth; their long hair flowed behind them as they gripped him, refusing to release him.
Marcus punched one of the mermaids and she squealed. The others darted to her side. Realizing it was his chance for freedom, he shot away and swam upward. When he surfaced and inhaled a deep breath, yet again one of the creatures grabbed his leg. But at the edge of the water stood Zephra, singing. Her voice was light and sweet, the soft melody unbelievable. The mermaid released him and when he glanced into the water, the creatures were swimming away. He made the short distance to the shore and heaved himself out, flopping on the grass as Zayn and the others ran over to help.
“This place…we need to find Ella and get out of here,” Marcus said, letting the others lift him to stand.
Zephra dried his clothes with a quick flick of her wrist and a few short words he didn’t catch.
“Here, drink this.” She handed him a canteen, which he eyed with curiosity.
“What’s in it?”
“Water…now, come along. We’ve a way to go yet.” She walked away.
He knocked the container back and took his fill of the cool water, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand before passing it around to the others.
Zayn slapped him on the shoulder and grunted. “While you were fighting the mermaids, Lady Tenille stopped me from leaping off the cliff nearby. I saw spiders as big as my hand crawling all over me. This place messes with your head.”
The king of the Fae was right, which meant they had to keep an eye on each other. The Morrigan wouldn’t stop them. Together, they would get through this hellhole and bring Ella back—or die trying.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
They had been traveling on foot for hours, forging their way through the rough terrain, climbing the steep, unforgiving mountains that no horse could possibly navigate. As the altitude increased, the harder it was to breathe and the more arduous it was.
“How…much…farther?” Alexander asked.
The man until now had been quiet, taking his time as they marched
