Chapter 16
A Storm is Coming
Leaving the tea shop and maneuvering through the crowd, Kyron slipped into the forest. Glancing over his shoulder, he scanned for any unwanted eyes. Satisfied that he wasn’t being followed, he pressed on until he reached a familiar clearing by the stream. The air was still and the soft murmur of water was the only sound. He inhaled deeply, centering himself before lifting his hands in a series of intricate gestures. Words slipped from his lips in hushed whispers, threading through the air like an unseen current.
Mist danced in, twirling through the trees and unfurling from the stream. It thickened, shifting and swirling faster. Growing taller and expanding outward until it consumed him entirely. The world around him blurred as the forest dissolved into shadow and light.
When he blinked, the Tuatha Court stood before him. The massive golden arches gleamed in the soft glow of the ever burning lanterns. Intricate designs woven into the towering gates that marked the entrance to his homeland. Exhaling as he steadied himself before stepping forward. The gates parted, allowing him passage, and the familiar faces of the Tuatha met his gaze.
Some greeted him with warm smiles while others with a mere nod or nothing at all. He had grown used to fact that he was one of them, yet never fully belonged. It no longer bothered him after all this time. Forcing a smile, he made his way toward the Tuatha Council. He had already begun to walk through what he would do as he approached. In his mind a checklist:
Hand over his report on Sorcha
Recount any developments
Be sent on his way
As Kyron was lost in thought, a thundering behind him echoed off the marble floor in full sprint. He barely had time to turn before he spotted a large white wolf with sapphire eyes mid jump. Bracing himself, he let out a shallow breath just as the wolf slammed into his chest, knocking him back against the wall. Kyron gritted his teeth, annoyance flashing across his face, but there was also a playful glint in his eyes. He shoved the wolf off shaking his head as a smile tugged at his lips.
“You know, Conall, this is getting old, don’t you think?”
The wolf snarled, flashing its teeth before its form twisted, muscles shifting beneath pale skin as it began to morph. In seconds Conall stood before him. His silver hair tousled as few strays fell over his cobalt-blue eyes. A long scar ran along his cheek. A stark contrast against his otherwise smooth features. He laughed as he grabbed Kyron by the neck locking him into a tight choke hold. Kyron let out a breathless chuckle, struggling to break free. With a sharp elbow to Conall’s ribs, he twisted, slipping ahand between Conall’s arm and his own throat, prying himself loose.
Still laughing, Conall nudged him hard. “Where the hell have you been? The council’s been talking.”
Kyron ran a hand through his hair, sighing. “When doesn’t the council have something to say, Conall?”
Conall studied Kyron for a moment before his expression shifted. His voice lowered slightly. “This about the woman you’re scouting?”
Kyron didn’t respond right away. He held his ground, but the air between them had changed.
Conall’s gaze narrowed. “By the Morrigan, I knew it. Damn it.” He let out a rough exhale, rolling his shoulders. “Everyone’s been so uptight about watching over the gods’ messes.”
Kyron nodded. “Yeah, it isn’t the first time we’ve had to clean up after them, and it sure as Tech Duinn won’t be the last.”
Conall’s eyes lit up with curiosity. “So what’s yours like? I’m watching some pompous ass in the middleof nowhere near Ironridge. He seems to fight with godlike strength, especially with mead. I catch him practicing in the early morning hours by the lake with a massive hammer.” He waited a moment before smirking. “So, what’s Lugh’s daughter like?”
Kyron began speaking when the Dagda entered.
He and Conall immediately stood at attention, their conversation forgotten. They nodded in silent acknowledgment as the Dagda passed his presence commanding yet fleeting.
As his footsteps faded, both let out a breath. Kyron turned to Conall. “Where’s everyone else?”
Conall glanced toward a towering domed building, its single spire piercing its center. He nodded toward it. “The council has been pushing the younger members hard in training, making sure we’re all battle ready.”
Kyron clasped Conall’s arm firmly. “Make sure the job gets done?”
