“While I cannot outwardly be seen to intervene, you should know the Morrigan is not without limitations or enemies. You’ve witnessed the powers of the elementals and they’re willing to help to maintain the equilibrium of the universe. But I cannot predict in what way, and they’ll only intervene if there is no other option.”
Watching the smooth features of the lady who never seemed to age as she spoke, again Ella sensed there was a hidden message within her words.
“Are you Ariana?” Ella knew the goddess could take other forms. The serene lady smiled but did not answer, leaving her to believe it was a possibility.
Jake, Henry, and Alexander sat down in the dining room, discussing tactics.
“Is this it?” King Zayn stretched his hand out, waving it around. “We are falling way short if this is all we can muster. We may as well surrender and admit defeat right now. Where is everyone?” He growled.
There was no way to explain the absence of the witches or Roman without giving something away and Ella had agreed with Marcus to say nothing.
“You know the werewolves opted out after the death of Robert Marsh. The witches couldn’t attend, and Roman is busy managing internal squabbles. I’m taking a full squad of men with us, which will add another eighteen to these numbers. Henry here has a separate mission to undertake.”
“Yes, one I’m ready to execute, sir,” Henry said.
“Good.” Marcus inhaled a deep breath.
Ella knew her husband admired the kid, who had morphed into this resilient and determined soldier who spoke with the steadiness that belied the task the young man had, which was to assassinate the Padre. It wouldn’t end the spread of the Morrigan’s legions, but the man was a threat that needed to be extinguished. Marcus caught her observing him and she nodded at him.
“We are bringing the war to the Morrigan in New York, which is where we believe she is—close to the Padre. Ella wants to draw her out into the open. Which is where we come in to finish this and send the bitch right back to hell where she belongs.”
It wasn’t a detailed plan, but they couldn’t wait any longer. The terror the Morrigan created was increasing and they were the only ones who could effectively put an end to her reign. Marcus wanted time to gather more men but agreed they had the element of surprise, which they needed to give them the upper hand.
“You have to be kidding?” Alexander jumped up out of his seat.
“No, he isn’t. Marcus is giving me control on this mission, Alexander.” She faced the group, who all looked shocked. All except Lady Tenille.
Ella, come to me, and I won’t hurt your little one.
She couldn’t speak. Nate. The unmistakable shrill voice of the Morrigan blasted around her out of nowhere and Ella swirled around, half expecting to see the devious woman standing inside the room. But as she stared at the familiar faces, she knew she wasn’t.
“Are you all right, dear?” Lady Tenille said.
“Ella, what’s going on?” Marcus watched her.
Don’t say a word. It seems you witches have managed to keep me out at last, but I think you’ll want to hear what I have to say.
“Nothing… Marcus, would you mind explaining what’s going to happen?” She searched around the room, trying to think what she should do while listening to the Morrigan. Ella rubbed her temple, aware that her husband watched her, frowning.
Good. Now listen to me. Let yourself relax and walk in your spirit form, soul-shifter.
A force pulled right at her center and a moment later, she stood in a forest, facing a deer that shot away with her sudden appearance. As the deer darted away, a shadowy mirror image of herself, but with long hair, entered and faced her. Ella rushed at the Morrigan, calling for her sword, but it didn’t appear. Not questioning why, she charged at the woman, delivering a solid punch right to her jaw.
“That’s for Marcus.”
The Morrigan reeled from the blow and for a second, her form shimmered and transformed into a hunched old hag. Her face was littered with scars. But the goddess regained herself and flew at her, grabbing her throat and squeezing tight.
“I’m glad you could join me,” the Morrigan growled, “but I’m not in a good mood. I could kill you right here and end your pathetic existence.”
Ella grabbed the Morrigan’s hands, trying to remove them from around her neck as she struggled to breathe. Unable to dislodge them, she drew her energy, targeting it at the Morrigan’s hands, but the goddess released her. She gasped for air and stumbled away, almost dropping to the grass. Drawing the oxygen into her lungs, she wondered whether the Morrigan really could’ve killed her. Watching her opponent catch her breath, she appeared to have no more power than she held right now.
“I know you’re plotting my demise, but it won’t work. I’m stronger than you,” the Morrigan said.
“Really? I doubt that, or you wouldn’t be hiding out here in the woods. You couldn’t penetrate the shields, so you coaxed me here like this, where magic is limited. You’re pathetic. But I will find you and when I do, you’re dead.” Ella couldn’t hold back the fury she held for this woman.
The Morrigan strolled around the great oak trees, running her hand around the bark. The sky overhead darkened and a flock of crows landed on the branches of the trees, watching them.
“I don’t
