by Vanessa Skye
She shakes her head. “There is no power on this world or any other that can save me now. Not even the Bailitheoir. You must destroy it when you destroy me. It is too dangerous to remain.” Tears streak her cheeks as well. “I’m sorry to ask this of you, beloved daughter. The veil must be repaired and this world protected from those who would use it. It is my last act as mother to these peoples.”
“N-n-no!” I rip my hand from Nuadha’s and step forward. “No, we will guard it and turn back any humans who stumble across it.”
“Yes. This can be done,” Nuadha says, nodding. “I will personally guard it, day and night. Do not ask this of your daughter. She will never forgive herself.”
Danu shakes her head. “You know this is not sufficient. Too many greedy humans know about this world now and hunger for its beauty and resources. They will send more troops, and in greater numbers. There will be devastating, unnatural weapons. They will not rest until they have seized control of Tír na nÓg. We cannot let them through.”
“I can’t end your life!” I scream and clench my hands into fists so tight that my fingernails cut into my palms.
“This isn’t living, my child. You are not ending my life. That happened the moment Bres stole my magic, my children, and my body. You are simply ending my suffering. Sweet Alys, this has gone on long enough. This pain is more than even a goddess can endure…”
I search Nuadha’s face desperately as if he can somehow save me.
He blanches then looks away. “You must…” he whispers. “I am truly sorry, my love.”
“No…please.” I shake my head. “Please!”
“You are my greatest creation, and I will live on in you. Now, my child.”
My hands shake uncontrollably, but I manage to form a blue fireball.
“You are saving me, Alys,” Danu says with a small nod and a slight smile. “I will forever be grateful.”
I look at the ball of heat in my palm and wish fervently for the fire to consume me instead of Danu. I murdered my brother, and now, I must take what’s left of my family. How can a single person survive such pain? I touch Bres’ leather pouch, feeling the power of Bailitheoir within, and whisper, “Despite what she says, I will never forgive myself for this.”
“I will forgive you enough for the both of us,” Nuadha replies.
With a howling scream, I drop my shield, throw the cup with all my strength into the void, and then launch a fireball. Two more follow in quick succession. One incinerates the Bailitheoir, and the other two fly toward my mother as if drawn to her.
She looks at me and mouths three words—I love you—a second before the flames strike her chest.
Nuadha shoves my face to his breastplate, enveloping me so tightly in his powerful arms I can barely breathe.
I squeeze my eyes shut and sob, clawing his back and waiting for the agonizing screams, but I hear nothing but disconcerted murmuring of fae as the vortex sucks their power away.
Slowly, carefully, Nuadha releases me and places his hands on either side of my face, looking deep into my eyes. “It is done.”
I turn to see both the tear and my mother are gone. Just like that.
“Tír na nÓg is safe, thanks to you, Alys.” He touches my chin softly with his finger before tilting my head and bringing his face to mine.
Then, his lips are on mine…and I am lost. His kiss is warm and soft, passionate and forgiving. His mouth opens, and his tongue slides along mine. We both tighten our arms around each other. He feels like home, and only in his embrace do I have the slightest chance of recovering.
“Enough! You are taking liberties with what is mine, Land Walker.”
Nuadha and I break apart, both of us breathing heavily.
“She has lost her family. Have some pity!” Nuadha says.
“She has no need of family! She is mine. I am her family now.”
“You may have tricked her into becoming your wife, but she will always be mine.” Nuadha tilts my face to his. “The agreement can be broken. You were deceived. Say the word and I will kill him.”
I shake my head. “There has been enough war and death. My mother sacrificed her life to save your people. I wouldn’t be her daughter if I couldn’t do the same.” I move away and stand beside Lir. He smells of salt and fish, and I want to retch.
Nuadha takes one step toward the merman and practically snarls in his face. “I will find a way to wrest her from your scaly grasp, Lir.”
“I look forward to the confrontation, for then you will truly lose this world. Until such time!”
“Look after my people. And my beast,” I whisper to Nuadha, who nods.
Let him feed you.
Mandrake stomps his hoof. Only until you return. It will not be long.
Lir summons another waterspout, smaller than the one used to drown the dragon but no less horrifying.
My eyes stare into the pain of Nuadha’s face as the water engulfs me in sadness and obligation and drags me to the bottom of the lough to meet a fate I so richly deserve.
To be continued in Hunter…