Yelena pulled their chains off Midir, the touch of Gwyn's power making her recoil. Valentine's magic separated from hers and curled back inside of him.
"A favor I do for you, Lady of Annwn, so a favor I would ask in return," Gwyn said.
Arawan's voice was merciless as death. "Be careful with your tongue, Lord of the Hunt."
"Calm yourself. Her hand has clearly been won," Gwyn replied, an amused twitch to his lips. "I would ask only that she assist me with learning the courting rituals she mentioned at our previous meeting. I need to understand the people of this time so that I might win a consort for myself."
"You want dating advice?" Imogen asked with a bark of laughter. "Sure, Gwyn, I can help you with that."
"Excellent. We have an agreement. If that is all, we will be leaving," Gwyn said, with a nod of his head.
"Actually, I would like one more moment," Taranis interrupted, striding over to where Afon stood, a black rope around his neck.
"My king, I..."Afon began before Taranis's fist smashed into his face.
"That is for selling out Yelena and Avallach," Taranis snarled before hitting the lord again, smashing bones and teeth. "And that is for insulting my queen when you thought I didn't notice."
"Midir called you old and Quinn fat and common if you need an excuse to hit him, too," Valentine said with a slow smile.
Taranis whirled on the king, but Gwyn held up a hand.
"Enough. We will be here all day," he said before nodding to Taranis. "Don't worry, dragon. They will pay for their crimes. The Hunt will make sure of it."
Gwyn flicked the reins, and his horse turned toward the portal, dragging an unconscious Afon and three terrified prisoners back through it. The portal closed with a snap, and every soul left in the wreckage of the barrow kingdom finally exhaled in relief.
All except for Arawan, who was glaring at Imogen. "You are in so much trouble. The kind you won't enjoy."
Imogen pouted. "You sure?"
Yelena could only shake her head. Taranis came toward them, the look of anger gone from his face.
Valentine cleared his throat. "Before you yell at me..."
"Shut up, Valentine," Taranis snapped and pulled him into a hug. "Cosimo will do the yelling for me. As an uncle, I'm furious that you risked yourself on this gamble. As a king, I'm grateful."
Valentine hugged him back, relief on his face. "It was the only way."
"I know, but Cosimo is furious."
Valentine let him go. "He's back in Mag Argatnél with my brothers?"
"Safe and sound. This wasn't a fight I could risk the young in," Taranis replied, and raised a brow. "Why?"
Yelena took Valentine's hand again. "You can handle all of this without us?" She gestured at the shattered and bloody mess around them.
"Again, why?" Taranis asked, his hands going to his hips.
Valentine grinned. "I'm going to sneak out with Yelena through the portal back into Ireland. Keep Dad and the others busy for as long as you can. I want the Greatdrakes mansion free while I claim my mate."
"Unbelievable." Taranis rolled his eyes but gathered them both back into another hug. "Congratulations. I'm giving you a week, and then there will be a party."
"I don't want a party..." Valentine began.
"Yelena is my ward, and you are my chosen kin.There will be a party," Taranis growled, and they both nodded dutifully. "Now, get out of here before I change my mind. Tell Kenna and her hunters to stand down. We won't need them."
Valentine put an arm around Yelena and guided her back out of the way as Taranis started to give orders.
"Hold tight to me, Val," she said and drew up a glamor around them. She didn't want to be stopped by every celebrating warrior.
