The air became thicker, moist. I looked down as the ground became mossy. Fresh footprints led around the smaller pond heading straight for the bogey.
Someone screamed ahead, and I picked up my pace, walking quicker.
Deirdre had a long branch in her hand, swatting at what I could only assume was Olivia.
The wooden club broke apart, becoming malleable. The human snatched it forward. Olivia yelped as the club became a cage, entrapping her.
I stared at the twisted wooden bars, half in awe, half in irritation. The human had fashioned a makeshift prison from a single thought. What else could she do?
“Kane!” Olivia squeaked, shaking the wooden prison.
Dismissing this new revelation, I decided our guest needed to cool off.
“That’s enough!” Calling my magic to my fingers, I sent a rolling wave of shadow forward and shoved the human right into the bog.
I kept my shadows on the human as she floundered in the pond.
Her defiance was a bit… intriguing. She had no way to escape, and yet she refused to yield. I’d brought her here, not because of my pixies, or some savory idea of saving the world, but because I refused to let the humans have any type of power over me.
Out of all the races in Saol, my prophesied bride had to be born a human. My father always said the All Father had a sense of humor.
“I will never go with you. Not after what you’ve done,” she shrieked. “You'll have to kill me!”
I folded my arms, waiting, as two golden eyes breached the surface right behind her.
“Now, what fun would there be in that?” I quirked an eyebrow. “I have far…better. . . plans for you than death.”
Of course, she might find my use of the word better to be subjective, but she would come around or quickly learn the consequences.
CHAPTER FIVE
Deirdre
A pieceof algae tangled around my leg as I clawed my way through the thick, murky water. The slimy strand tugged as I attempted to swim. Ducking back under the surface, I ripped the leafy restraint off me.
I have to get away from here.
Kane watched me in amusement. Did he think this was fun? That I was some toy to be played with?
My chest constricted with too many emotions to decipher. I didn't know where I was or which direction to run in and if I escaped, what then? How far would I make it before one of his fae minions dragged me back here?
Think, Deirdre.
There has to be a way out.
Don’t give up.
Crispin’s broken body flickered through my mind.
Our last moment before the world changed re-played, howhe smiled, how he yelled at Boots, who brayed at the fact he was not invited in for breakfast.
“Just this once,” I said, reaching over and rubbing Crispin’s arm. “It is my birthday.”
“I have a better idea.” He tugged my chair forward until my knees bumped against his. “Take that donkey to the river for a wash while I hide your presents.”
Leaning over, he kissed right below my ear. “I’ll come join you as soon as I’m done.”
I pushed the image as far away as it could go, not wanting to remember.
