by Nesa Miller
She ran a hand through her hair. “I-I saw you and Midir as boys standing by a river, fighting.”
“And?”
“Midir was drowning me,” her voice quivered, “a-and you watched as he did it, ignoring my screams.”
“It was not you. You were not born yet.” He turned, facing her. “The truth is she was already dead. Midir was covering up something that should not have happened.” He returned to the bed and took her hand in his. “I need you to do something before I can carry on with the story.”
“What is it?”
“I’m not strong enough right now or I would do it. Take us to the river and I will make everything clear.”
She shook her head. “If I’ve never been there, I can’t shimmer to it.”
“The only way to understand is to see it as it was.”
“Give me a minute to get dressed.”
Once Etain was dressed, Dar reached into one of her boots, coming up with her dagger. He carved a holy charm in the palm of his hand, then poked six tiny holes in the tender skin of hers - five forming a perfect circle with the last in the very center. Clasping her hand in his, he closed his eyes, showing her the spot in his mind’s eye. “Shimmer now.”
Side by side, they appeared at the river in her vision. Dar pointed to a tree on the other side. “Watch.”
Beneath the tree sat two boys and a young woman. A peaceful scene, it appeared she was teaching them something. In the blink of an eye, the dark-haired boy emitted an agonizing scream, writhing on the ground as if in great pain. “Make her stop! It hurts!”
The other boy lunged at the woman, demanding she leave his brother alone, but she pushed him off. He yelled for his father to help.
“Dar,” she said. “I have done nothing. He’s playing one of his tricks.”
The younger one looked back at his screaming brother. Something inside the boy snapped. His eyes turned an evil shade of red and razor-sharp claws formed from his knuckles. “You lie.” The demon charged the woman, ripping into her flesh. Her screams drowned out those of his brother. In time, the demon loomed over the body, blood dripping from his claws. He turned his face to the sky and released an unearthly howl.
Midir quieted, shocked by what he saw. He went to his brother, speaking soft words, soothing the demon’s fury. Gradually, the beast returned to the form of the boy.
Dar, the man, turned away. All this time, he thought he had killed the woman with a knife in a fit of rage. Etain watched, unaware of his shame.
Midir retrieved a dagger hidden within the folds of his clothes, covered it in the blood of the woman, and placed it in his brother’s hand. With a violent shake, he roused him. “Dar! Wake up.”
The man looked back, watching the blood-drenched boy acknowledge the gruesome sight.
Midir played his part well.
“We must hide the body before someone finds it. Father will never hear about this. I promise.”
It was the first in a long life of false promises.
The boys grabbed the arms of the dead woman, dragging the body to the river. Using a large branch, Midir prodded the body deep into the water until there was no sign of it.
“Carry us back,” the older Dar whispered to Etain.
Once in the room, she pulled away. “That poor woman. You tore her to pieces.”
The distaste in her voice crushed his hopes of her understanding. “I was not aware of the game Midir played.”
“It was you who turned demon, and…and…”
He recognized the accusation in her eyes. “I did not know, Etain.”
“What didn’t you know? That you killed her, or that you’ve been a demon all your life?”
“I have never harmed an innocent since that day.”
“Oh, Dar.” Hands over her face, she turned her back.
He thought it best to leave, give her time to absorb this horrid part of his past. Maybe he could come to understand the events, as well. Until tonight, he was not aware of his transformation so early in life. Knowing Midir was involved pushed him closer to his brother’s end. At the door, he stopped long enough to look over his shoulder at Etain. Seeing her back still turned, he walked out.
Etain tried to make sense of what she had seen. Dar had transformed. And he was just a boy. She ran a hand through her hair. But…anything involving his bastard of a brother never boded well for anyone. Her gut told her Midir had manipulated the whole affair, a ploy to get his brother to commit murder. “Dar…,” she said, ready to talk. Turning, she found herself alone.
She made her way down the stairs, walking into the kitchen.
“He’s in the garden,” a voice said from behind her.
She turned to see Spirit sitting in the shadows. “What are you doing up so late?”
“I couldn’t sleep. Something wasn’t right. I checked on Faux. She was fine, but as I left her room, I saw Dar.” She nodded toward the back garden. “He’s been out there, talking to himself. What happened?”
“I would tell you…” She looked at the door. “I can’t let him leave. You understand, right?”
“He doesn’t want to lose you, lass.” Spirit reached for her hand. “I’m going to give you a simple piece of advice. Love him for who he is now. Leave the past where it belongs. He loves you more than life itself. Even Inferno can see that.”
Sitting on the ground, Etain pressed her back to his. “Let’s talk.”
His intake of breath pushed against her. “Talking only gets me in trouble.”
“A lot has happened in the past few weeks. So many changes, everything moving so fast. I haven’t had time to make sense of it. Midir…you and Faux…the demon blood.” She paused. “The rush of that blood flowing through me, the power...”
“I-”
“Then to find out it was your sword…” Her voice quivered. “Now to see that poor woman torn apart by your own hands. Oh, Dar...”
Hopelessness crept into his heart. How could he ever make amends with his past, with this precious woman? At last, he had found one equal to him, a woman who would stand up to him, stand with him. He was sure he had lost her due to his ignorant mistakes. Could he walk away? Could he go on without her? He had lived alone for so long, never daring to consider a life with someone new.
Life always found a way to throw her into his path. Wherever he turned, there she would be. Not by his license, but by life's twisted sense of amusement. Constantly drawn to her incessant need of rescue, or perhaps he merely interpreted the circumstances that way due to his attraction to her. He realized none of it mattered now.
I've lost her. Without a sound, he stood. He had to leave before his nerve faded completely.
Etain looked up into his anguished face. His deep blue eyes transformed into the red orbs of the demon, his wings ready for flight. “What?” He drank in every nuance of her beautiful features. “What're you doing?” She jumped up. “No! It was him! Midir set you up. I don’t know how, I don’t know why, but I do know you would never hurt an innocent. Not like that. Not on purpose. He tricked you. I saw it.” She reached out to him, tears of frustration spilling down her cheeks. “You cannot leave. I will not allow it.”
“My love…,” he began.
“Have you no faith in me?” She moved close, placing a hand on his chest.
His gaze softened. “I have caused you too much pain already.”
“Just give me a little time to sort it out in my head.” She wrapped her arms around his waist, pressing her body into his. “If you leave me, I will die.”
A melancholy smile crossed his lips. “You will be fine.”
She pushed him away. “You obviously don't know my heart, although I have willingly opened it to your abuses.” He saw violet streaks of light transform her pupils into slits of black fire. Dar stepped back to avoid the electrical charges arcing around her form. She advanced as he retreated. “I confess my fears and desires, and your answer is to run away? Perhaps Midir was right. Maybe you're not the man I thought you
to be. Perhaps you're not a man at all.” A flash of electric fire whizzed past his head.
Astonished by her fury, his anger flashed, meeting the challenge. “Do not threaten me.” His black wings fanned out, talons flashing in the dim light.
“Or what? Will you cut me to shreds and throw my body in the sea? Your twisted brother can’t help you this time. The dirty work will be left for you to do all by yourself.”
Stricken by her reaction, his wings flapped, lifting him into the darkness, muttering words she was not meant to hear.
Etain raised her arms. “I heard what you said! If you believe I should die, then make it so.”
He dove past, grazing her side with outstretched talons. She accepted the retaliation with a grunt and sank to her knees, her head hanging. “The thought of you leaving scares the hell out of me. I would rather be dead than live without you.”
Ever proud, Dar dove back down, pulling up at the last moment, landing lightly in front of her. “What do you want from me?”
One minute, she was sweet and gentle; the next angry and full of fire. Now she was on her knees, her face stained with tears…for him. His blood cooled and his wings retracted. He fell to his knees, taking her into his arms.
She buried her head in his shoulder. “Please forgive me for doubting you.”
Dar relished in the rapid beat of her heart against his chest. He knew the time had come to remove the façade and allow his body to heal. He was of no use to her in this state. Spirit was right about the deception. Either Etain loved him for who he was, or she did not. She deserved better than what he had offered. She deserved the same honesty from him that he demanded from her.
“I have done so many things.” He kissed the top of her head. “It is me who asks for forgiveness.”
“What are we doing, Dar?” She looked up into his eyes. “You are my heart, not my enemy.”
His fingers trailed along the silver strands of her hair. “I heard a human once say that love is a battlefield. As long as we work together, mo chuisle, I will gladly suffer the wounds of love.”
“Bless your heart,” she said, patting his cheek. “How about we start with a healing spell?”
11
The Demon you know
Breakfast trays in hand, Spirit tapped on Dar’s bedroom door. Inferno opened it without waiting for a response. Chastising him with a look, she stepped inside, surprised at finding an empty bed. One looked at the other, both shrugging. “Etain’s room?” Spirit suggested.
“After last night’s row, maybe she’s sent him packing,” Inferno said, a hopeful smirk on his face. “Don’t give me the evil eye. It could happen.”
Stepping across the hall, she was relieved to find them fully clothed and sound asleep on top of the covers. Spirit and Inferno deposited their trays on the bedside tables.
Inferno clapped his hands. “Bore da, ya dirty stop ins. The day’s not gettin’ any longer by ya lazing in bed.” Dar popped up, dirk in hand. Inferno jumped back. “Whoa, big man. It's only me and me lovely wife with brekkies.”
Spirit laughed. “I’d say you’re feeling better this morning.”
“A person could lose an important body part.” Dar’s voice scratched in his throat, but the breakfast aromas made his mouth water. “What time is it?”
“Well past eight,” Inferno said. “The clan’s here, already working on the repairs. Surprised the noise didn’t wake ya.”
Spirit tried waking Etain, who was apparently unaffected by Inferno's announcement. “Wake up, lass. We have breakfast.” One blue eye opened, rolled, and closed again. “No, you don't, lovey. It’s your job to watch over this strapping patient and keep him entertained.” Spirit looked at Dar. “Between the noise and the dust, you won’t get any proper rest. It’s fresh air for the two of you today.”
Dar slapped Etain on the rump, laughing at her indignant grunt. “Excellent entertainment she will be, too.” He chuckled and delved into the hot food.
Inferno gave the man a skeptical eye. “Just be sure to keep it clean, laddie.”
He responded with a boyish grin, mouth full of food. “As you wish, milord.”
“Get your lazy bones up.” Dar placed his tray on the nightstand and leaned over her inert form. “If you're not gonna partake of this outstanding fare, I guess it's up to me to make sure it doesn't go to waste.”
A shapely arm blocked his play for her plate. “Not so fast, buster.” She opened an eye. “You'll not be taking what's not rightfully yours.”
Laughing, he surrounded her with his body, his hair cascading around her face. “You are rightfully mine.”
“We shall see, ya wee devil.” She smiled, doing her best to ignore the desire burning in her belly. “Now, remove yourself from my personage so I may taste this outstanding fare you've so valiantly endorsed.” Dar sat back, indulging in his tray of treats as Etain reached for hers, facing him as they ate. “Are they not the most wonderful people in the world?” She gobbled down a forkful of egg. “What would you like to do today, my good sir?” He eyed her with wicked intent but she ignored his gaze, biting into a piece of toast. “Spirit’s right. You need some fresh air and a change of scenery. Let's go into town. The walk will do you good, work the stiffness from your muscles.” This elicited a lecherous lift of a brow. “You know what I mean.”
“A walk into town. The great outdoors. I think I shall enjoy such a venture.”
“Good. I’ll check on our other patient and take the trays down while you change. Back in a sec.”
Finding Faux’s door open, she placed the trays on the floor and walked in. The girl still slept, despite Spirit having applied a fresh poultice.
“Do you need some help, Spirit? I thought she would've been awake by now.”
“I’m all right, but thanks. Sometimes they wake up quick. Sometimes it takes days. She's been through a fair bit and lost a lot of blood.” Etain's face brightened, certain she had the answer to their problem. “No. The girl needs time to heal on her own. She and the babe'll be stronger for it.”
Shot down, Etain changed the subject. “I need a new shirt. Do you have anything I can borrow? We’re going into town and I don’t want to go looking like a homeless person.”
“Let’s have a nosey in me wardrobe.” Done with administering the poultice, they headed to Spirit's room. “Have a seat while I have a dig round.” She rifled through her wardrobe, shifting one hanger, then another. Pulling out a blouse, she held it up toward Etain and shook her head. “No, that won’t do.” The shifting of clothes continued. “Ah, I know what will. Where is it? I only tried it on the once.”
“All I need is a shirt, Spirit.”
She emerged with a blouse in one hand and skirt in the other. “I think this will look stunnin’ on you. Try it on.”
Etain stared in silent consternation. “Spirit, I don’t need an entire outfit. My leathers-”
“Pffft,” she scolded, bustling over to the tall blonde. “You’re a beautiful young woman and it’s high time you dressed like one.” She pulled her up by the arm. “You can’t tell me he won’t appreciate seeing you in a skirt for a change.”
Etain relinquished her well-worn clothes and let Spirit slip the top over her head. The fine texture of the silk elicited an appreciative sigh. The smooth deep violet material set off her fair skin, and made her feel like a pampered princess. Long sleeves were gathered just above the elbow and cascaded into a full slant cut at the cuff. An elasticized hem came in just below her breasts, accentuating their fullness. The skirt, in the same vibrant violet fabric, had layer upon layer of sheer chiffon with a short overskirt in matching silk. It sat perfectly on her hips, leaving her firm midriff exposed. She stared at the unrecognizable image in the full-length mirror.
Spirit laughed in appreciation. “I knew it'd be perfect. The skirt was too long for me, and the top a wee bit too big.” Etain’s bare feet posed a problem. “We can't have that.” Going back to the wardrobe, she reappeared with a pair of strappy sand
als. “Good thing your feet aren’t the same size as the rest of you. These should do fine.” She grabbed the girl’s hand and pulled her to the dressing table. “Let’s see if I can tame that mane.” After some considerable effort, and several expletives, she put down the brush. “Look there, lass. An honest-to-goodness young lady. No more pagan…at least on the outside.”
Etain stared at her reflection. She had never been concerned with her looks, but this vision looking back at her was hard to believe. She caught Spirit’s eye in the mirror. “Thank you,” she whispered.
“Go have a grand day with your beau.” She laughed, seeing the pink flush on the girl’s cheeks. “If you can avoid Inferno before you go…” She winked, leaving the rest unsaid.
At the door, Etain turned. “Just so you know, nothing has happened.”
“Lass, there’s plenty happening. You remember what we talked about.”
Hand in hand, Dar and Etain walked out of Laugharne without running into Inferno, his hounds, or any of the clan which was a feat in itself. The sun bright and the temperature mild, they opted for a leisurely walk.
“Please stop looking at me like that.”
Dar smiled, the admiration clear on his face. “Like you’re the most beautiful woman in all the kingdoms?”
“Like I’m naked.”
He caught her around the waist and pulled her close. “That, milady, can be arranged.” He placed a suggestive kiss on her lips. Distracted for the moment, she surrendered to his affections, savoring the sweet taste of his lips.
Well into the kiss, curiosity got the best of her, wanting to steal a glimpse of this man who had turned her world upside down. She opened her eyes into an intense blue gaze. Taken aback, she pushed away. “What’re you doing?”
Was that a smirk on his face?
“I could ask the same.”
“I…well… You were already… Your eyes…were open and…”
He reached for her hand. “I am merely in awe you are here with me. I was afraid it might be a dream.”