“What is a hakhil?” Sorcha asked.
“It's a Demon ward,” Tiernan explained. “Which leads me to our visit. I was going to ask you to lay your Silverlight over us tonight.”
“The Silverlight? I know it's protective, but I didn't know it could be made into a ward.” I glanced at the silver scar on Tiernan's temple—the result of that very magic. No, it wasn't his mother who attacked him. That would be the late Queen Iseabal. Tiernan's mother defended him against her queen with the Silverlight. It could change anything harmful into a benign silver light. But against the Queen's magic, it barely managed tosave Tiernan's life. The deadly attack seared the Silverlight into his skin, leaving a silver scar.
“It can.” Sorcha's expression went pensive, looking much like Tiernan had earlier. “But it doesn't work well as a personal ward. I'd have to lay a ward over you while you were abed and then release it in the morning. You wouldn't be able to leave the bed throughout the night.”
“That's fine, but after hearing about the hakhil, I don't think it will work.” Tiernan sighed and looked at me. “I was hoping to protect you, love.”
“Tiernan.” I took his hand. “I'm so sorry.”
“It's not your fault, Seren. The more you tell me about this, the more I see that. You tried to keep him away. Yes, you should have told us, but I understand why you didn't. You knew what it would do to us, and all for nothing, evidently.”
“I was going to tell you after he gave me that ultimatum. But it just happened. And then I came here to deal with the blight. It's just—”
“It's all right.”
“I feel as if I'm going to lose everything because of him.”
“You will never lose us. The others will forgive you. It will be all right.”
“The others?” Sorcha asked. “Your other husbands have turned their backs on you because of this?”
“I didn't have the chance to explain to them as I have with Tiernan. Raza wouldn't—” my voice broke.
“Oh, sweetheart.” Sorcha took my hand. “Heaven and Hell have been tormenting you. I respect our Goddess' brother, but he asked too much. One woman should not be responsible for uniting all the worlds. It's something that should be a god's duty.”
I took a shaky breath. “Thank you for saying that. No one has said that to me. It hasn't even occurred to me to think it. But you're right. It's too much for one person. It took me a long time to accept Danu's Call and understand that it was the only way to bring the Fey together. I could accept that. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to keep Fairy united. But then Anu came to me and added more weight to my shoulders. It's as if I've hit a replay button. It's the same story, just another world. Another three worlds. I became the World-Strider. Sounds cool. But walking the worlds is exhausting. I'm so tired. It feels as if the harmony of the universe depends on my sex life.” Then I realized what I'd said and who I'd said it too. Eyes wide, I added, “I'm sorry. That was inappropriate.”
But Sorcha only laughed. “I'm a fairy; talk of sex doesn't bother me.” She squeezed my hand. “I would be exhausted too—keeping five husbands satisfied. Makes it more of a job than a pleasure. And now even your dreams are not your own.”
“Yes, thank you!” I waved at her. “I never thought I'd get tired of having sex. I love them, and I do enjoy being with them. How could I not? But I want a break now and then. Some time to myself.” I looked at Tiernan. “I'm sorry, T. Today was lovely. The best we've been for a while.”
“Yes, it was. And I understand. It's one of the reasons we didn't want you to take Severriel as a husband. You're already stretched thin, as the humans say. We have time to ourselves, without you, but you're never alone. I can't imaginehow frustrating that can get. I know I need time to work and concentrate on other things.”
“Thank you,” I whispered. “I feel horrible saying it aloud.”
“Don't. As I said, we knew it was hard on you before Severriel came into our lives. When Astaroth became an issue, we felt that we needed to draw a line in the sand. Now, that sand is shifting. I don't know how to help you, and that crushes me. I'm your husband. I should be able to protect you. But here I am, asking my mother to lay a ward over us.”
“Why don't you try calling your shadows, Tiernan?” Sorcha suggested.
“Shadows as a ward?”
“Why not? And I don't think you should discount the efficacy of a fey ward. They have tried magic stemming from Anu to protect themselves, but they are children of Anu. Maybe what Seren needs to protect her from the Demon King is a bit of fairy magic.”
“Like how my Light can drive back the blight,” I said in epiphany. “Yes, that makes sense! Tiernan, do you think your shadows could hide me from him?”
Tiernan blinked and then grinned. “I think maybe they could. And if not, we can try again with the Silverlight.” He turned back to Sorcha. “Thank you, Mother.”
“Sometimes all you need is another perspective.” She lifted her cup and motioned toward Tiernan's. “Now drink your tea. I think I deserve a visit after imparting such wisdom.”
Tiernan chuckled. “Yes, Mother.”
Chapter Twelve
I slept under a dome of shadows that night and woke refreshed in the morning. Opening my eyes to utter darkness should have been scary, but it was the most beautiful thing I'd seen in months. I breathed in deeply, stretched my whole body, and sighed in delight. It's amazing what a good night's sleep can do for you.
The shadows drifted away like smoke, replaced by soft morning light that seeped through the cracks between the curtains. Using telekinesis, I flung open the drapes and sat up to bask in the sunshine. A warm hand rubbed my back, and I looked over my shoulder to smile at my gorgeous husband.
