Darkness Falls: A Legacy of Blood, #3

By Salena Lee

Darkness Falls...

Fenrir, monster of the river van has risen, his armies with him. Darkness seeps across the land, the fate of the world hanging by a thread. Aided by the gods, he stirs and brings with him the promise of death, his goal, to enslave the world.

The prophecy fulfilled, Mara returns for the final battle. No longer the woman she once was, she must rediscover herself, and rise to the calling she was born to. With the small amount of time left, the threat of failure is never far from her mind...

She needs help, but does she dare ask it of those who love her? It could mean their death, the loss sure to weaken her. A captive to her legacy, she fears the days ahead...

Hers is a legacy of blood, how much will be spilled before the day is done, and whose?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Salena Lee
• Release date: Feb 20, 2019
• ISBN: 9781386591115

Salena Lee

I'm a married mother to four young children and live in beautiful Scotland, UK. I love the outdoors, the forests and wilderness, and draw a lot of inspiration from Scotland's rich and magical history.  If you love action packed romance, and suspense, check out all my book.  Follow me on Twitter or Facebook @salenavmlee

Book preview

Darkness Falls

Part three, A Legacy of Blood, the finale

Salena Lee

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organisations, businesses, or persons living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

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Warning: Intended for adult readers only: Contains scenes of death, sex, violence, and occasional bad language.

Front cover design, Darkness Falls, A Legacy of Blood, copyright2019

Darkness Falls, A Legacy of Blood, written by Salena Lee, copyright2019.

To Trindy...

For teaching me that in order to accumulate, you must first speculate.

You will never know just how much your words have encouraged me, thank you.

Love Salena

Contents

Darkness Falls

Whispers on the wind

Dusk

The pull of the past

Resistance

Secrets

Duty

The beginning of the end

The cull

The rise of the Mørke

Fate

One eye open

Shattered crowns

Bloodlines

A new prince

Rules

Unbreakable bonds

Beneath the night sky

Haze

Soulless

A web of lies

Hodr

Endless winter

Harsh truths

The fallen

Heartless

The witching hour

Little red

Inkeri

Dragons blood

A twist of fate

The first move

The finale

Escaping fate

Last chance

A legacy of blood

Promises

A rare gift

Awakening

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And the sons of Fenrir will rise in power, each raising an army that stems from the very pits of darkness from whence they were born.

Both will seek the sun and the moon, each with their own purpose. Should the sun and moon die by their hands, Fenrir will be released from his prison and the stars will disappear from the sky, for no light can withstand the darkness he will bring in his wake. The earth will shake violently, trees will be up-rooted, and mountains will fall, causing all binds to break. Fenrir will go forth with his mouth opened wide, his upper jaw touching the sky, his lower jaw the earth, and flames will burn from his eyes and nostrils, destroying the earth with his wrath. He will arrive with his armies, where the final battle will take place. The blood moon will wane, and all will be enslaved to the mighty wolf. No man, no longer, can call himself free.

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Vanirian Prophecy

3102bc

Darkness Falls

From afar I had seen, but the reality in no way compared. Everything was better, the magical flow of air, the taste of it upon my tongue, enthralling and peaceful. A multitude of fragrances, wildflowers and grasses, swam amid the wind, the vibrant swirls of diversity washing over my face and cleansing my soul.

The earth was stunning, a paradise of wondrous potential. Standing still, I relished in the gentle sway of the trees, the soft brush and patter of snowflakes as they fell upon me. It was quiet, the sun slowly climbing the hills.

Donna had said I loved Scotland, and as soon as I saw it, I understood why. Energy and magic flowed from every crevice, seeping from the hills, and pouring from the lochs and burns. It encompassed the land, fed and nourished it. Like delicate threads of gold and silver, weaves of ancient magic, the pure undiluted breath of Gaia, imbued every living thing. It seemed to retain the lands history to memory, so those who walked upon it could feel the pull of the past, the promise of the future.

The display of light was stunning, beams of morning sun splaying through the branches, illuminating the undergrowth before revealing hidden dens, carpets of fern dancing in the wind. I took a step back, instinctively drawn to the shadow, the in-between I now belonged to.

Odin had warned me about earth’s sun, the infant amid the universe. It would not harm me, but beneath it I would not tread. The aversion was worse than I had anticipated, the inner, primal need to avoid it, not the result of physical inability, but stemming from a deeper understanding. The shadows were a fortress for my soul, an integral part of me, like my heart and mind.

I lifted my eyes to the sky, rolling grey clouds speedily moving forward, doing as commanded and saturating the earth. Often unappreciated, they brought with them new life, preserved and honoured the old.

I couldn’t help but think my purpose was similar, my destiny infused into the land like the legacy of my ancestors before me. Taking to one knee, I scooped snow away from the decaying leaves and dirt below.

I placed my palm over the cold surface, focusing on the shifting of rock miles below, the ever-changing world fighting for survival, constantly turning, constantly providing. As though it had a heartbeat, I could detect its pulse, could sense every particle, mineral and creature, working hard to provide the beauty before us, the magnificent forests, meadows, and orchards above.

I sighed, the weight and fate of Earth, pressing heavily on my shoulders, imprisoning my heart. Everyone, whether they were aware of it or not, depended on me, the notion making me feel weary. I was tired, and I hadn’t even begun, the task before me seemingly final.

Finian had told me about Conlaóch, how he abandoned me, publicly shamed me, denounced me. I had returned knowing that, had already decided I would go about my business and avoid him wherever necessary. I grunted... It wasn’t so simple... Just one look from him was all it took for me to question everything I had been told about him...

I felt his soul calling for mine... mine, beckoning to his. Every fleeting gaze, kind word, smile, was destroying my resolve, relentlessly pounding against the shield I had erected around me. I couldn’t allow him such power over me, couldn’t submit myself to the possibility of pain, distraction, when I needed to prepare to fulfil my calling.

I licked my lips, the dusting of snowflakes upon them melting on my tongue, cooling my mouth.

Irritated with the conundrum, I felt the shadows around me growing, weaving between my legs like a cloak providing me with a safe place of refuge. Within their folds I could hide from the world, hide from them all... 

Rolling my jaw, annoyed with my own train of thought, I stood back up. I had been retaught, primed to battle Fenrir. I was confident, but when it came to battles of the heart, I was lost, unsure what to do. Frustrated, I kicked a pile of snow, my gaze lost amongst the trees.

What was I doing? ‘I couldn’t travel to places that would hinder me, could not afford to offer myself up like a lamb to the slaughter’. I had a job to do... nothing else mattered.

I turned to face my home... our home. I cursed, anger getting the better of me. ‘No, not our home’. Forcing resolve, I knew what I had to do. I needed to make him leave, remove him from the equation... But how, when he stubbornly refused to leave my side?

Whispers on the wind

Mara. Someone called me, my sons Aiden and Conan turning their heads to face the unfamiliar female.

Her appearance was immaculate, clothing well-made and clearly expensive. She had short brown hair, finishing just below her ear, higher at the back and longer at the front.

Yes. I replied, questioning why her eyes contained so much pain, why so many shadows surrounded her.

It’s true. She said sadly, tears building in her eyes.

I frowned, not understanding her meaning, or her emotional distress.

What’s true? Aiden asked, getting up from where he was sat and coming to stand behind my chair protectively.

You don’t remember me, have forgotten everything. The American woman sighed, her eyes drifting to the floor before she scowled dispirited.

It’s true, but I have a plan. Ansgar, Conlaóch’s man, once read my mind, I am going to see that he gives me back some of the memories I have lost. I explained, trying to judge who she was.

I looked closely, studying her energy, the layer of magic that mingled with and shaped her aura. It was like Menes’ aura, though not as dark or chaotic. A vampire. I had known only one female vampire previously.

Gabriella? I guessed, a weak smile curling her mouth.

Yes. You will not recall, but before you were taken you saved me, brought me back, not just from the demon realm, but from the dark recess of my mind my time there had placed me in. Thank you.

Donna has explained. No thanks are required, from what Finian has told me, you would have done the same for me.

All the same, the life debt I owe you still stands. Now I owe you two life debts. It is a sacred and unbreakable oath to a vampire, to break it is dishonourable, social suicide so to speak. I will need to stay with you. She said, her blue eyes drifting to meet my son’s. I have thought about it a lot. If there are issues of trust, being that you do not remember me, then I will, if that is what it takes, join your sentinel. She finished.

Everything about her voice, words, were to be believed. She really would pledge should I require it of her. I ran my gaze over her, the mass of shadows surrounding her reaching out towards me, their wiry appendages stroking and grasping at the air in a bid to reach me.

You are tainted by darkness, you have been branded whilst in the demon realm, you, like me, are no longer the same person. Trust... is an issue. I said, my words stinging her, a flash of anger weaving across her face, followed swiftly by grief.

Then I will pledge. She whispered, gently pulling in her bottom lip.

I scowled at her easy acceptance, a bolt of anger, not for the first time, flying up my back. It wasn’t that I was angry with the defeated air about her, but with the loss of knowledge, the inability to remember people who had at one point clearly been important to me, who loved me as I loved my sentinel, my children, and celestial family.

Mother, if I may, perhaps you should discuss this with father and your council, there may be another way. She is not as powerful as the other sentinel, Odin’s magic may make her stronger once the pledge has been taken, but not as strong as they are. She could be killed. Conan cautioned, Gabriella’s face flushing red with irritation.

Because I’m a woman? She snapped, Conan looking at her confused.

No, what does your sex have to do with anything? It’s because you are young, and not a warrior. To become part of the sentinel would mean leaving your circle. There can be allegiance only to the sentinel, all earthly ties and obligations would be severed, family included. He explained, Gabriella’s shoulders lowering, an awkward apology ferreting over her mouth.

I will talk to the council. I said, deliberately leaving out Conlóach, I needed to stay away from him.

But not father. Aiden chuckled, Conan grinning before adverting his gaze.

I grunted, a mixture of lust and vexation filling my chest with the thought of their father.

I do not need to discuss anything concerning the sentinel with him. They are my men, pledged to serve the keys, me, you, and your sister. His input is mute on such matters. I argued, both my sons shaking their heads lightly, trying their best not to smile.

He will disagree, you’re his anam cara. Aiden continued, a curse hovering on the tip of my tongue. The small parlour we were in, suddenly felt suffocating, was shrinking by the second. 

I’m his nothing, we are not bonded, and in case you have forgotten, I’m the anam cara he didn’t want, who he abandoned. Just because he’s decided he now wants me, it doesn’t change what he did. The man obviously changes his mind as often as his underwear, to remain unbonded prevents future let down. I huffed, wanting desperately to drop the topic, leave and get some fresh air.

I was glad that my sons were getting along with their father, connecting, but I couldn’t help feeling he was winning them over to his side, getting beneath their skin with all his noble reasoning, clever words, and precautions he wanted to take concerning my safety. I was already safe, I had the sentinel, and was more powerful than the lot of them... damn interfering man.

I got up from my chair somewhat testy, a burst of desire whipping through my chest as I conjured up an image of his face, those bloody green eyes of his. I growled, Aiden and Conan finding my response comical, my love for them the only reason I didn’t smack them over the back of their heads for bringing him up in the first place.

I need some fresh air, I will get back to you Gabriella. I muttered, stalking from the room, Aiden chuckling behind me.

Can I come, I could do with some fresh air before we leave. Gabriella said quickly, following me out of the room.

I won’t stop you. I sighed, turning around the corner to walk straight into Conlóach.

The contact made my head fuzzy, blasts of desire, so potent, electrified my nerves before gathering low in my stomach. I cursed, Conlaóch growled heatedly, his green eyes locking onto mine as though they had a thousand times before, seeing, owning. My heart exploded beneath my ribcage, need hammering my loins. My body wanted him fiercely, the pull to bond, staggering. I Forced myself back from him, the effort it took, whenever I dared to get to close, growing exponentially. It was getting harder, the seductive grin that rolled over his mouth making me lick my lips, my brow creasing with forced annoyance.

I made it quite clear you were not to touch me. I hissed, his tempting grin widening.

You walked into me darling. He pointed out, his Irish lilt only adding to my desire.

Don’t speak either. I added moodily.

I could tell he was trying not to laugh, my sons not bothering to hold back their laughter. I turned to scowl at them, Gabriella quickly hiding a grin.

You look frustrated anam cara, is there anything I can do for you? Conlaóch dared say, his intelligent eyes trailing my body while a low growl vibrated in his chest.

Yes. I smiled sweetly. You can keep away from me, no touching, no speaking, no looking. I ordered, grabbing Gabriella and side stepping him.

He flung his hand out lightning fast, dragging my body against his. Warmth instantly surrounded me, his soul calling to mine, mine calling to his.

All that I did, I did because I love you. The enemy was hiding, only by believing you abandoned would they reveal themselves and dare a huge attack. As I have told you repeatedly, with the gods aiding Fenrir, I had to be sure no one, not even them, believed I had any feelings for you, cared for your welfare. I have never stopped loving you Mara. He claimed, his statement laced in truth.

My heart was shouting and demanding I hear him, believe him. I shook myself mentally, locked it out, my purpose was not to bond but to save them all, him included.

So, you say. I replied, wanting it to be a sharp snap, but instead the words came out as heated and breathless.

You are the only one who questions it. He sighed, letting me go.

I am the only one who bears the weight of the world, the only one who can stop him. I grumbled, unable to keep the desolation from my voice, the despair such knowledge brought me.

He went to speak, his eyes softening before filling with pity. Not wanting to hear what he was about to say, I vanished from the hall, a nifty trick I could thank my father Vindar for.

Not for the first time since returning to castle stalker, I walked the woods in solitude, the night air fresh, alive, and humming with weaves of elemental magic. I closed my eyes, the soft glimmer of the moon warming my face and soothing my mind.

I loved being outside, the gentle swishing of trees, smell of woodland, the rich soil, damp bark, and fresh snow, truly magnificent. I drew it in, the crisp air into my lungs, the ambient sound to my ears. It was beautiful, the overload of all that I loved about the earth, giving me strength, massaging it seemed, every muscle I possessed.

I felt relaxed once more as I opened my eyes, the loch, only a few feet in front of me, shimmering brightly as soft laps of water breeched and kissed the land before returning to the loch, new water replacing it.

With the pleasant sound of the water, the trees swaying, air cold and eerie, I thought about the last two days since returning to earth, the reunion with people who loved me, but who I couldn’t remember.

It hurt, the wound deep and confusing. I could see within their eyes, their expressions, the love they held for me, even Conlóach. A part of me wanted to accept it, longed for it, but I knew I couldn’t have it. Unbeknown to them all, even my sons, the sentinel, Fenrir’s downfall should I succeed, would also be my end... Mara’s at least. How could I chance loving them back? What point would it have, if all it would do was rob Conlaóch of his life, cause the others preventable pain?

I sighed, feeling more alone than I had ever been, at least more alone than I could remember being.

You are troubled niece. A deep male voice called upon the wind, gentle twirls of air lifting my hair and whipping it across my face.

Odin. I smiled softly, my eyes drifting upwards to the sky, the millions of stars illuminating the darkness.

I will do what needs to be done, but I could not have prepared myself for the barrage for feelings that run chaotically through my mind. I said, sitting down on the snow, and crossing my legs.

You have a heavy burden to bear, let others help you bear it. He offered.

If I do, they will suffer the weight of it, it will crush them. I cannot, it’s my burden... I must harbour it alone. I sighed sadly, the shadows about me slivering towards me, enveloping me, and bringing me a sense of comfort and safety.

They preened and curled upon my lap, whispered their devotion, their promise to never leave me. For a moment it helped, soothed, a measure of peace dancing in my heart and mending my turmoil, but only for a moment.

Perhaps you underestimate their strength little one. Perhaps you do them a disservice, let them choose. He breathed softly, as though his voice was a song that had trailed off, swept away by the winter winds.

They are not gods, they are vulnerable. Is it not our job to protect them, is that not why we fight for their survival, for their world? I asked, laying back in the snow, the universe swimming above me, glorious and infinite.

Ignoring the cold sting of the snow biting my back and neck, all I could think about was the endless expanse above, the eternal war of good versus evil, light and dark, life and death. It posed as a beautiful backdrop, galaxies and stars twinkling like a dream I couldn’t help but embrace, but it was so much more, the image a trap meant to ensnare. If you really thought about it, the universe was mostly darkness, a black mass littered with specks of light, the light overpowered, sparse, and out of reach.

For your world Inkeri, you are bound to it, born to it, you will always belong here, guard over it. You have forgotten the hidden strength found in those who stem from her folds. Strength is not merely physical, it can be found within the heart, a font so powerful it could lift a mountain, stem the fury of the sea. You see with just one eye, look harder, closer. He instructed, love carrying in his voice, a lesson that he felt sure I would one day understand.

I frowned, not understanding.

What are you saying, that I should tell them I most likely won’t survive, let them fight Fenrir with me, so that they will die too, and hurt them un-needed by allowing relationships to be rebuilt, only for them to be shattered with Mara’s death? He will die if I re-bond him. I scowled, the feeling I was missing something important catapulting around my head and coating me with irritation.

I cannot tell you what to do, the fate of the world depends on your decisions alone, you must steer the course, I only offer you a question, one that perhaps you would benefit pondering. No one has said you must carry your fate alone, that is a choice you have made, it may be the right one, but with only one eye open, how can you be sure? He added, his words only adding to my anguish.

You’re not helping, if anything you have confused me further. I hissed sulkily, a shiver rolling down my neck.

He chuckled, his laughter brushing past my face, the warmth of his substitute breath embracing me with all the divinity and endorsement of a mighty god. The wind picked up with the thought, a delicate breeze, pure and filled with power, rustling the trees, gathering like a whirlwind and pulling the dead leaves and snow in every direction. I watched awed, a spectator to a dance of divine beauty.

She has faith in you. Odin said, his voice a smile that instantly brought one out in me.

Who has faith in me? I asked, another flutter of wind purring along my head and neck.

She who has always loved you, and you loved her, the earth. He explained, another soft laugh echoing about me.

She’s a person? I scowled, Odin’s glee growing more potent.

"No, she is the earth, but lives, has a consciousness. She is the heart beat, the soul of the magic found here.

Gaia’s magic is the same as earths magic, it forms her core. Why do you think good and evil fight to either destroy or give life to the worlds? The corruption or preservation of a world gives strength to either side. A tainted soul of a planet breeds power for the darkness, a pure soul of a planet breeds power to the light. We may plant the seeds of creation, but only when the seed has grown, does it bring nourishment. We create, our creations evolve and provide."

Like a fruit tree? The Gods create the seed, the soil, the water and sun it needs to grow, but only when its mature will it provide fruit. That fruit then sustains you, so that you can then create another? I tried to figure, deep lines creasing my brow.

He chuckled, his baritone deep and rich.

Yes, I suppose that’s a close enough analogy, even if minus eons of infinite detail. You really should look at getting your memories back, you were sharper before. He teased, a grin hitting the corner of my mouth.

I’m trying, Ansgar is avoiding me. He is of the opinion that my childhood, and the events up until the moment he read my mind, will not help me. I sighed, the stern warrior grating on my nerves.

Why are you giving him the choice?

Mara... Mara! Donna was calling, adjoining voices adding to hers, the night no longer the peaceful refuge I wanted it to be.

I grunted, getting up from the floor. My shadows whipped around violently, not liking, as I didn’t, being disturbed.

I will keep watch over you, think about what I have said. Odin whispered at my ear, a warm kiss of air landing on my forehead.

Mara. Another voice bellowed.

I growled, clicking my teeth.

I’m here. I shouted, rolling my eyes towards the sky.

Dusk

I rubbed my head, a headache forming. Everything had changed, the adjustment required to make sense of it all continuously catching me off guard, messing with my head.

Mara was alive, but to my anguish, no longer bonded to me, her avoidance cutting deep. I wore a mask of indifference, not wanting anyone to see my pain, but it was slipping. It had been two days since Fritjof, two days since my life flipped upside down. I felt like I was being dragged back and forth and was struggling to deal with the abrupt change, the new challenges and obstacle that came with it all.

It was only ten days ago I learned I was going to be a father, and now I had two grown up sons, it was only a few days ago I had a wife, a soul mate who I loved, now I had no wife, a soul mate who didn’t want me around her. I cursed, a growl of vexation climbing the back of my throat.

We had returned to Scotland and Castle Stalker to collect our things before travelling to Nevi, home of the fey, and during our stay, reunion, she had avoided me, refused to talk, or even acknowledge I was only a few rooms away.

I had hoped than when myself and Ansgar decided it was no longer necessary to pretend I didn’t love Mara, that when she learned the truth as to why we had done what we had, abandoned her as she called it, she would return to me with open arms, give in to the pull and enter the bond. I was wrong, my heart heavy, my mind struggling to digest the rejection.

She was a goddess now, no longer pregnant, and Fenrir was free, the prophecy fulfilled, that meant, in her mind, nothing else, not even a soul mate, was as important. She had a mission, and I, a stranger to her, wasn’t part of it.

I thought about the prophecy, the words instilled in me since a small child. I couldn’t believe it had come to fruition in my life time, couldn’t believe all our lives hung by a thread, the worlds survival in question.

The death of her mother was the destruction of the sun, killed by Skӧll... The stars falling from the sky, were the Morning stars enslaved to Fenrir... The destruction of the moon was Mara’s temporary death, again delivered by the sons of Fenrir, and in her death, all her bonds were broken, the prophecy fulfilled.

I sighed heavily, packing the last of my things away, the calm night gently infusing the air in the room. I pulled in a long breath, my head swimming with things that needed to be done, my concerns for my people, the world, and the task laid out before me. I cursed my father for dying, cursed fate for making me king of the Keltoi as the world prepared to battle Fenrir.

Why me? I muttered to myself, the question not limited to the fate of the world, but to Mara too, the missing out of my son’s childhood.

Because no one else is strong enough to endure the agony of it. Ansgar said, walking into the room.

The same height and build as me, Ansgar easily filled the doorway, his golden eyes daring me to challenge his words. I grinned, my friend for over a thousand years knowing me better than myself at times, always following my thoughts as easily as if they were his own.

My strength is waning. I confessed, glancing out of the window, the half-moon lighting up the sky as well as casting a haunting shadow over the land.

You have two healthy sons, quick of mind, steeped in honour. They are eager to know you, and much to Mara dismay, concur with you, and are on your side. Ansgar grinned. They, and everyone else agrees with what you did, understands it. Mara is stubborn, even the new version of her it seems, but she will come around. You have won her before, I do nae doubt you will win her again. He said, his expression sombre.

I rolled my jaw, thinking about his words. The last two days aside, and bad enough, every day since meeting Mara had been a headache, a constant worry, and it had only gotten worse.

The attempts on her life, the running away from me, Leif, Skӧll, Fenrir, Loki, Hamish, Finian, Ragnar... I grunted, a flash of anger rolling up my spine, brushing the hairs on my arm the wrong way.

What did I ever do to the gods? I hissed.

Ansgar grinned, the deep scar than ran from the top of his forehead, all the way down to his jaw, appearing tight and painful.

Weather the storm my friend and the sun will shine upon you in all its glory. Ansgar said amused, a deep frown falling over my face.

I’m not finding the humour. I huffed, clicking my jaw agitated.

If you were offered the choice to have never met her, would you take it? Or would you, even knowing how painful it has been, do it all over again? He half smiled, his mouth twitching slightly.

I would never have met her. I grunted, knowing straight away it wasn’t a truth.

I cursed in Gaelic, ancient and modern before switching to English when I ran out of crude words in my native tongue.

You see. Ansgar chuckled. You pout and complain for no reason. Nothing is better than her, you would nae change a thing.

It doesn’t make it any easier. I replied, some of the tension in my shoulder lessening.

No, but it makes it worth it. He quipped, his golden eyes brimming with intelligence.

Ansgar grinned self-assured, the flickering lamp behind him making the gesture appear evil.

I sincerely hope your anam cara is just as stubborn and danger attracting as Mara, then you will understand my anguish. I smiled, Ansgar rubbing his chin, humour flashing through his eyes.

What a thing to say to a friend. He teased, instantly reverting to the cold and lucid warrior everyone believed him to be, when Donna came pouring into my room uninvited.

Haven’t you heard of knocking. I hissed, Donna waving her hand, and my comment, aside.

Aye, but we’re family, kind off anyways, nae need for such niceties. Anyways, I found her, she says she was talking to Odin. I cannae read her mind anymore so I do nae know if she was being serious or has gone slightly insane. There was nae anyone there when we found her. Donna said quickly, Angsar frowning at the speed of her rattling.

Talking to Odin? I asked, my brow rising.

Aye, through the wind apparently. Donna scowled, pursing her mouth. I think she is broken, a bit scrambled up there. She continued just as fast, her fingers pointing at her head before circling at the temple. I do nae like how tense she is, how she’s keeping us all back as though we are nae to be trusted. Why dinnae Finian come back to earth? I’ve got questions?

Why nae ask Aengus, he is your anam cara, or Mara, she’s more inclined to speak to you than us. Ansgar suggested, nodding his head to the side slightly as if to say you can go to him now if you like, leave.

I’m not crazy. Mara huffed, teleporting into the room, all of us taking a surprised step back. I was talking to my uncle. She sighed, glaring at Donna, her piercing blue eyes, stern and wary. But that’s not why I’m here, I want my memories back Ansgar, I don’t care what you think, they’re mine, you have no right to keep them from me.

I growled, a fresh wave of lust hitting me with her closeness, my fangs poking through my gums wanting desperately to fill my mouth and brand her my mate.

Leave Conlaóch, I can’t concentrate with you in here. She had the nerve to say to me, Donna’s jade eyes going wide as amusement swept through them.

I will nae give them back to you, even as a goddess you cannae force me to. Ansgar said placidly, not flinching despite Mara’s form fracturing, bolts of power gliding over her body angry and deadly.

What if I told you I knew who your anam cara is? She grinned evilly, a calculating gleam entering her eyes, her aura shifting from reasonable to hostile.

Ansgar’s intellect instantly ripped her statement apart. Zoning in on her, he studied every line of her face, hitch and fall of her voice to determine whether there was any truth to her claim. He frowned as he came to a conclusion. Both Donna and I quickly looked at each other, the same question glittering in our eyes.

I would nae believe you. Ansgar finally said, unable to conceal the small flicker of doubt that skittered across his pupils.

If you know, you cannae keep that from him, she’s his soul mate. Donna said in Ansgar’s defence.

Mara’s eyes quickly flashed to mine, longing and need swirling within them, before returning to Ansgar’s.

I grinned feeling victorious, Mara scowling at me annoyed.

I said leave. She scolded me, her voice dripping with desire. She cursed her own voice and then turned to face Donna. He has no right keeping my memories, so long as he does, I will keep his anam cara from him. She snapped, a slow shiver of desire visibly darting down her back, heat filling her cheeks.

If you have the power to keep her from me then it does nae matter if you give me her name. Ansgar pointed out.

Mara bit her lower lip, her gaze once again finding mine. She looked tortured, confusion, anger and want, warring across her face. She wanted me, wanted me bad.

Leave. She tried telling me again.

Donna smirked, the air in the room growing thick and heavy. I couldn’t stop the low growl that flew from my lips, the desire she wore like a fine dress notching up my heart rate. The loud thrum danced over my skin before tingling in my bones. I took a step towards her, my fangs dropping further into my mouth, dark clouds of smoke filling my eyes.

Don’t. She warned me, her breathing laboured. What will it be Ansgar, my memories, or your anam cara? She said with a long exhale, her fingers combing the air anxiously while her focus continued to shift between myself and Ansgar.

Hesitant, she took another step back, slowly backing up to the door. I took another step forward, Ansgar looking at me, then her, before a wicked grin hit the side of his mouth.

Donna. Seal the room. Ansgar instructed, Donna staring at his head before giggling.

With a snap of her fingers, sparks of neon blue light swept the length of the floor, walls, and ceiling, a whip of panic fluttering across Mara’s face. She cursed, a desperate hiss whizzing past her clenched teeth.

Reverse it. Mara growled menacingly, a whirlpool of deadly storm clouds consuming her pupils.

Caught within the small black orb that centred her eyes, lightening had amassed, ominous clouds, destruction and mayhem, twirling with violence. Her Warg was showing itself for the first time in days, a promise of retribution encased in alluring ice blue. I should have aired caution, instead, trapped in the room, I patiently stalked towards her. My hunter-self had successfully pushed the man out, the Mac tίre cú within determined to make her ours.

Tell Ansgar who his anam cara is. Donna bit back, folding her arms across her chest defensively before unconsciously making her way to stand besides Ansgar for protection.

Give me back my memories. Mara countered, hitting the invisible barrier cornering off the doorway, and blocking her exit.

No, but with nowhere to go, at least you will be getting back your anam cara. Ansgar baited, Donna grinning widely.

Mara hissed, frustration, desire, panic, marring her features, her expression torn, lost.

Stay away from me. She snarled at me, my hunter pacing around my head, wild and untamed.

It begged me to see reason, to throw her over my shoulder and cart her away, chain her up if we had too. I agreed with my hunter, unable to stop going to her even if wanted to.

I will hurt you all if I must. She threatened, none of us believing it for a minute.

Her Warg was a part of her now, it didn’t rule her, or push the good out. She was in control, a huntress, neither darkness or light, but somewhere in between. She would not harm her allies, those she knew cared for her, not unless we meant her harm.

Mine. I heard myself growl darkly, my eyes locked onto hers as I took the last step towards her.

She held her hands out in front of her, both my hunter and I grinning at her weak attempt to keep us back. With nowhere to go, Donna’s magic, and her circle linked to our children, two demi gods and a goddess, Mara couldn’t possibly escape me, break through the barrier.

I’m warning you Conlóach, don’t push me. Mara whispered, whatever threat she hoped to relay lost on a needy and breathless gasp.

You want me, I can sense your need. I stated, running my eyes down her body leisurely.

I leaned in closer, barricading her within my arms, both of my hands resting on the invisible wall behind her, one on either side of her head. She was trapped, her tongue nervously darting out to caress her bottom lip. Holding onto her breath, her thighs clenched as a wave of desire tore through her body, a slow chill weaving down her arms.

You have nowhere to go Mara, any second now and your king will steal a kiss. Ansgar smirked, Donna chuckling. Her name, and I will make sure you get away.

My memories. Mara attempted again, urgently placing one of her hands over her mouth, the other crossing her chest protectively.

Donna laughed, borderline hysterical.

Covering your mouth will nae stop him, his hunter is in control. She giggled, Mara’s scent invading my lungs, coating my insides before locking me firmly into a hunt.

She smelled delicious, tasted better, the knowledge intensifying my hunger. I leaned down eager to sample her, my mouth mere millimetres from hers.

The storm in her eyes blew up, millions of fluorescent stars swimming within the dark expanse that formed her pupils. Unwillingly, they pulled me in, swept me up. I felt my hunter calming, my need for her dimming... I growled, forcing myself to take a step back before shaking my head to rid myself from the thrall she had tried to place me under. I snarled. Mara smirked before dashing to the side. She went to stand at the other end of the room.

My memories. She snapped at Ansgar, my hunter quickly returning to the hunt, the all-consuming goal of capturing her.

Ansgar grunted dangerously, rolling his jaw with annoyance. Her name. He hissed in reply.

I couldn’t care for their battle of wills, all that mattered was my victory. I headed straight towards Mara, a deep growl vibrating in my chest.

My desperate call summoned my Mac tίre cú. The hell hound within the hunter, within me, was daring to raise his head. The heat that coursed through my body doubled, fire erupting from my pores and seething angrily across my skin. I was losing control quickly, her closeness making me one minded. I wanted her bad, was close to feral when I reached her again.

Mine. I snarled, the sound guttural, more beast than man.

Mara’s eyes widened, the storm swirling within, filling with both arousal and panic. She bit her lip hard, her hands clenching into tight fists.

Stay away from me. She hissed, lifting herself to sit on my desk.

She went to swing herself over it, the hunter in me catching her before the man in me registered her attempt to flee. Grabbing her thighs, I dragged her towards me, Mara leaning back and turning her chin just as I went to kiss her.

Oh shit, he’s beginning to smoke. Donna cursed.

If he becomes Mac tίre cú, I will nae be able to stop him. Ansgar warned Mara, her panic increasing.

She twisted her body, attempting to turn away from me. My grip tightened, the unique and captivating scent of woodland under rain, lacing my every thought with ideas of seduction. I pulled her to me, my finger and thumb locking onto her jaw, holding it firmly in place, so she couldn’t escape again.

Don’t, I don’t want you... Stop. She cursed at me, her body, the look in her eyes, belying her claim.

Your arousal seeps from your body... I can taste it. Your lie is weak anam cara. I grinned, Mara wiggling to be free. Kiss me. I demanded, flames dancing across my lips, my eyes so thick with smoke they bred flame.

A moment worth of fear cut across her eyes before a vindictive curl warped the edges of her mouth. Something about the gesture was a warning but so desperate to taste her, possess her, my hunter let it slide.

You want to kiss me? She asked, menace and shadows creeping along her gaze.

I’m going to kiss you. I corrected, joining my mouth with hers before she could utter another word.

Immense heat exploded in my chest, filed out and consumed every organ, sinew, and bone. With the fire came desire, so strong, ensnaring, my senses were overloaded with ecstasy. I growled, nearly roared, raw dominance shifting and lacing every thought. ‘Ours’ my hunters snarled from within my head, the Mac tίre Cú howling triumphantly. Responding to my touch, powerless to the call of one’s soul mate, Mara melted against me, her hands no longer pushing me away but pulling me in. I grinned into her mouth, the gentle swirl of her tongue with mine, unpractised but sensational at the same time. It was as if she had never been kissed before...

The notion pushed through my hunter’s thrall, blared loudly in my head... She wasn’t a virgin, but mentally she was... in her mind, she had never been touched. I forced myself to end the kiss, the man in me rising up and locking the Mac tίre cú away. It was difficult, my muscles screaming with revolt, my eyes blazing with unsated lust.

Let her go. I managed to order, the command sounding like a savage snarl.

What? Both Ansgar and Donna said in unison, Mara looking dazed, as though she was floating on cloud, her reality warped with a dream.

I stepped away from her, my fists balled, knuckles white from the strain.

I said let her go, drop the wards. I snapped impatiently, Mara staring at me quizzically, her gaze every few seconds lowering to my mouth. She licked her lips enticingly, a low growl climbing my throat as a new wave of desire rolled through me.

My memories. Mara finally queried, Donna huffing before unsealing the room.

My Lord, she knows who my anam cara is. Ansgar tried.

Then give her back her memories. I told him, backing away from Mara.

My hunter fought me for control, for her. Ansgar growled unhappily, Donna folding her arms and tutting.

"I’m trying to protect you, your childhood haunted you, was hurtful, despairing. You will not bond your soul mate because you do not want to be distracted from your mission, be let down, or risk pain. The memories I hold of your life will give you just as