Am I dreaming?
Flicking back the soft white sheet, she slipped from the enormous bed. But Marcus stepped out from a side door, dressed in brown leather pants and a white tunic, his dark hair messy, but his smile broad. He looked so deliciously handsome and real.
“You should be resting. It’s too soon for you to be out of bed. How do you feel?”
Ella stared in wonder. She had been certain she had died in the battle with the Morrigan. “Am I in heaven?”
Marcus laughed and reached for her hand, leading her back toward the bed, where he lifted her gently and placed her down on the soft mattress. It was then she noticed her rounded belly, which she automatically stroked. Her heart leapt with joy when a strong kick greeted her palm.
“What’s going on, Marcus? How is this possible? Where are we? Is this another trick of the Morrigan’s? I want to see Nate. I need to see him right now.” She jerked forward to get out of the bed. A million questions exploded in her brain.
Marcus grabbed her hand and she stopped. He cupped her face and rubbed his thumb along her cheek, back and forth, helping her to relax.
“You’re home. The Morrigan is dead, and Nate is sound asleep. The rest…well, that’s best coming from Lady Tenille. She left you a note.”
He handed over a piece of parchment, and she took it. She chewed on her lower lip. The memories of fighting the Morrigan flashed in her head. They had gone back to Tregowen in Wales, to the ruins of the Temple of the Gods, but glancing at the rustic stone walls, she knew she wasn’t there now. This place reeked of magic. The Morrigan had drawn them into a place from the past. Was she still there? Once she had stepped inside the stone circle, the present day slipped away. They were surrounded by strangers wearing masks, all dressed in flowing gowns; the men in cream robes danced around an enormous fire set before a throne. Somewhere during the fight, Lady Tenille appeared. She pictured the beautiful lady, trying hard to put the pieces of last night together.
A panic set in and her breathing increased. “Where’s Lady Tenille? And how long have I been asleep?”
Marcus clutched her hand, squeezing it and rubbing his thumb over her palm. “Read the letter. It explains everything. I will only be gone for a moment.”
Sensing her husband was leaving and this dream or vision would end, she grabbed his hand and cried, “Don’t leave. I couldn’t bear to be in a world without you.”
He shook his head and sat back down, leaning over to press a soft kiss upon her lips. “There’s nothing in this universe that would keep me from you, Ella. Read the letter and you’ll understand. I’ll be right back, I promise.”
Looking into his dark eyes that smiled at her, she had never witnessed him so relaxed and at ease. In response, she let her shoulders drop and glanced at the ancient paper. Waves of ink flowed across the paper. She started to read.
My dearest Ella,
I’ve watched from the sidelines for far too long, helping where I could, but hesitant to interfere. Today, I could not stand idly by and watch as the Morrigan sought to destroy all I loved and had created. As a result, my time in this form is over, but I am not sad to leave.
Not at all.
When you awake, you will find yourself and your family in my home, which is now yours. Some time may have passed to allow your injuries to heal, but you will forever carry those scars, and with it a weakness.
I know you and Marcus suspected I was Ariana. Your instincts were correct all along. Although I couldn’t walk in the human realm as the moon goddess, for centuries, I have acquired the form of Lady Tenille, leader of the Ancient Ones. It afforded me the chance to observe and help my descendants where I could. Those who remain, dwell in Arandell, living a peaceful and immortal life.
You need to know, the Morrigan is dead and that peace is restored for the humans…for now. But there are always dangers waiting in the darkness. The curse of the soul-shifters ended the moment the goddess passed into oblivion, carrying her evil with her. But you, my dear, were injured again in the battle. Although you are immortal, you know all creatures can die when certain metals are fashioned to harm them.
I could not let that happen.
You have been through so much…I decided the best course was to merge with you to kill the Morrigan. In doing so, my life ended along with hers.
I left specific instructions with Huron that you were to be brought to my home, where you must reside for the rest of your days. Your place is here among your kind, to raise your children. You are now the leader of the Ancient Ones, and together with Marcus at your side, I know you will lead your people well.
It became clear to me long ago, you were my rightful replacement. If you ask why, you have only to search deep inside for the truth. Know this: I do not pass on my legacy here lightly. I choose one who always doubted her abilities but never gave up, the one willing to show weakness and yet persevered through one ordeal after another. Determined to carry on, seeking the good in all. You have met every challenge thrown at you and continued to fight for good.
Taking my place is your destiny.
But Marcus will continue to lead Orion in the human realm alongside
