“We represent the five elements of the earth. It’s our duty to maintain the balance of the heavens above and the earth below, which the Morrigan is threatening to destroy by her actions. Therefore, we’re here to take you to your destination,” said the celestial creatures in unison.
“Well, I’m game, ladies. The sooner we get there, the sooner we can leave this infernal place,” said King Zayn before grabbing the auburn beauty’s hand.
Without any more words, Lady Tenille accepted the outstretched hand of the fairest of the maidens, and everyone followed. Marcus approached the dark-haired beauty whose complexion was that of a dewy rose. Her eyes were the color of a clear blue sky. She was breathtaking. These women, for all their flawless beauty, were not built like Amazons and yet when the woman gripped his hand, the power she had lifted him clear off his feet and he ascended into the clouds. Feeling weightless, he floated alongside her with ease. Within moments, they reached the mountain on the other side. The women deposited them on the ground at the edge of the plateau.
“We will wait here for your return.” The five women spoke as one voice.
Marcus nodded and held the hand of the angel with both of his, staring at her and the others in wonder. “Thank you.” He knew they would have faced a perilous journey without their assistance.
“The Morrigan must be stopped,” they said.
“We will do our best.” He let go and marched toward the bushes, determined more than ever to bring his wife home. Bringing out his machete from his holster across his back, he slashed at the sharp nettle bushes that blocked his progress and scraped his cheeks.
“Aye, these blasted thorns are brutal,” King Zayn said.
“Well, if you dressed properly, not like some cave man, it wouldn’t be half as bad,” Alexander said.
The king of the Fae snarled and muttered under his breath, hacking away at the thick branches.
“Stop,” Zephra said. “This thicket is growing around us.” She pointed her hand toward the bushes in front of him. “Quis autem creverit siccabitur arescet hic nihil,” the witch muttered.
The thick nettle shrank, leaving a clear path. Beyond, a yellow field of daffodils burst into sight, surrounding a large stone altar. For a moment, all Marcus could do was stare at the sight before him. The scene reminded him of the fairy tale Sleeping Beauty, and he couldn’t move. Lying composed and still was Ella, her beauty immortalized and frozen. He listened, blocking out the sounds around him, for the familiar beat of her heart as he held his breath in absolute fear. A faint lub-dub reached him and he fell forward, resting his hands on his knees in relief.
“She’s alive.”
Marcus approached the altar, but an invisible force field blasted him back, leaving him stumbling to remain upright. No matter how many times he tried, he could not get any closer.
Come on, sweetheart. I’m here. Wake up.
Zephra stood in front of him as he was about to charge forward again. She was smaller than him and he looked down at the stubborn set of her face. “You won’t get past the barrier that’s been created. It’s magic, Drayton—the dark kind.”
Panting, he gritted his teeth, shaking his head, not accepting defeat. They hadn’t traveled all this way to find Ella, only to leave her behind. He glanced over at Lady Tenille and the others; he needed to do something because there was no way in hell he was giving up. Flicking his gaze back at the woman shrouded in a shimmering red dress with her long hair all white lying prone on the block of gray stone, he couldn’t stop himself charging forward again. This time, King Zayn and Alexander ran with him.
Zephra and Lady Tenille approached as the men were thrown flat on their backs. The leader of the Ancient Ones smiled and tapped her finger over her lip. Her behavior started to piss him off until she cast her hand out. A ball of bright pale-gold unfolded like a flower and she blew at it. Sparkles of dust sprayed out as she continued to blow, sending the tiny glittery lights across the impenetrable field.
“Try again,” she said.
Marcus collected himself from the ground and ran. This time nothing prevented him, and he fled to Ella’s side, lifting her ice-cold hand to feel for a pulse. Unable to sense one there, he felt her carotid. A faint beat pulsed.
“Ella, come on, baby.” He slipped his arm under her shoulders, leaned her forward, and kissed her cheek.
Zephra and Lady Tenille stood across from him, touching Ella’s arm. She was as cold as the granite she lay on. “Ella needs your energy, Marcus…your blood.” Zephra spoke.
He nodded. Removing a blade from his side, he slit his wrist slightly and blood rushed to the surface. Alexander helped to bring Ella upright and Marcus wrapped his arm around her waist as he dripped his blood on her pale lips. Nothing happened. He opened her mouth gently and continued to let his blood flow inside. He couldn’t help but shake her. Still nothing. The gurgling sounds of water nearby made him gather her up in his arms and on instinct, he rushed toward it. Staring at the wide expanse of water, he waded in the freezing water, carrying Ella in his arms. He held her tight until he was submerged chest-deep.
“What the hell are you doing?” Alexander shouted.
Marcus didn’t have time to explain his methods; he only prayed it worked. He ducked under the frigid water, bringing his wife with him. Water always called to Ella. It energized and invigorated her essence. Staring at her pallid features under the water, she
