Eternal Sacrifice (Mortal Enchantment Book 4)

by Stacey O'Neale

  His eyes flipped open, and he gasped for air.

  I put some space between us in case he decided to attack. He sat up, rubbing the back of his neck. His eyes roamed the room. Was he trying to figure out where he was? His stare settled on me, and I gripped the handle of my sword. “You’re in a tower in the water court.”

  He managed to get on his knees, but his arms wobbled. I guessed he was experiencing some kind of muscle atrophy. I couldn’t imagine being frozen for eighteen years was good for the body. A normal mortal wouldn’t have survived. But elementals were built differently. Our bodies were much more durable. “Will you take me to the eternal flame?”

  Of course. The flame was likely the only way he could recharge his power. Actually it wasn’t a bad idea. I was also in need of some rejuvenation. “Can you walk?” I asked, pointing over my shoulder. “The portal is about half a mile from here.”

  He squinted. I wondered if his vision hadn’t fully returned. “I will manage,” he replied, as he steadied on his feet.

  I clutched his bicep to keep him sturdy as we headed down the steps. He patted my hand like he was showing gratitude. I was surprised he hadn’t asked me any questions. If I’d been locked up as long as he had, I imagined I would have thousands of things I’d want to ask. “My name is Rowan, in case you’re wondering. I’m the king of the fire court.”

  He turned his head to face me. “I know who you are, Rowan. I know everything about you.”

  My eyebrows drew together. “How is that possible? I mean, no offense, but you’ve been a popsicle for eighteen years.”

  He chuckled, then coughed. “That’s a very long conversation for another time.”

  I wasn’t sure I liked the sound of that. After a while, we reached the bottom of the stairwell and made our way outside. “It’s not much farther.” I said, as we strode over the sandy beach.

  “I remember the way.”

  I wasn’t sure whether or not I should trust him. Although he was in a weakened state, his power would be fully revived by the eternal flame. Was that the best move? I needed to know more before I took him there. “Do you remember why you were imprisoned?”

  The corner of his lip curled. “Are you asking because you fear I might harm you?”

  I almost laughed at his response. He might know who I was, but he had no idea what I was capable of. “If you’re planning to attack me, you’ll be the one with a sword to the throat.”

  “I don’t have any desire to hurt you, Rowan,” he tried to assure me.

  Really? That seemed like an odd statement to make considering what he’d tried to do the last time we were together. “If all that’s true, why did you try to kill me?”

  We were a few yards away from the portal. The pathway swirled with orbs of fire. It seemed to spark as we got closer as if it had seen us coming. “I feared there was no other way,” he replied. “Britta told me you would fall in love with the akasha. That you would protect her instead of our kin. I didn’t want you to have to make that choice. Killing you seemed like a mercy at the time.”

  Did he still feel that way? Was I setting myself up for a trap? I stopped, and shifted in front of him. “And now?”

  “Now you are the king of the fire court.” His eyes bored into mine so intently that I shuddered. “I believe you will make the right choice.”

  “Isn’t there any other option?” I asked, with desperation in my tone. “There has to be another way to seal the mist.”

  “There is not.” He lowered his head. “The blood of the akasha was the fail-safe in case the mist was ever weakened or torn. At the time of its creation, I never imagined any elemental would be able to collect all of the four sacred artifacts necessary to cut the mist.”

  All my hopes disintegrated. “I can’t believe this is happening.”

  “I’m sorry, son.” His hands fell to his sides.

  The words he spoke triggered something in me. Something I’d wondered all my life. A story mother had told me that never added up. My eyes narrowed. “Son?”

  “Didn’t anyone tell you?” He asked, as a line etched between his brows. When I didn’t answer, he let out an exaggerated breath. “Rowan, I am your father.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Kalin

  I’d gotten in way over my head.

  Trying to plan a wedding in twenty-four hours was crazyballs. Idiotic. But I had to do it. Ariel was wild with excitement. We had every elemental in the castle involved. Everywhere I went, workers raced around me in every direction. The wedding ceremony would take place outside on the side of the mountain where Dad used to meditate. It had the best view of Avalon, and just happened to sit on a fairly flat surface. Ariel loved the idea. As an air elemental, she wanted to be among the clouds.

  I headed outside to check out the preparations.

  Wooden chairs with white silk pillows had been brought out and arranged into two rows. They had nearly finished a stage they built for the bride and groom to stand on. On either side, two white pillars had been installed. Garlands of fresh flowers in a riot of colors would be hung from the columns forming a floral curtain archway. Several females sat in a circle as they sewed the blossoms into long strands. Once all the work was completed, the area would be transformed into the perfect romantic backdrop. I had no doubt Ariel would love it.

  Pleased by the progress, I made my way toward the ballroom where the elementals version of a reception would take place. It made sense. There would be a lot of space for dancing as well tables for eating and conversation. I stepped inside. Preparations had already begun. White round tables lined every corner of the room. Each had lavender silk draped over the surface. Purple was Ariel’s favorite color, and I wanted to make sure it was everywhere. Each table had white ceramic dinnerware, champagne flutes, and silk napkins. The centerpiece was a bouquet of lavender roses that had been shaped into a large round ball and set inside a glass vase. Above my head, tiny balls of light illuminated the room like stars. The ceiling was breathtaking, and I couldn’t stop the girlish shriek that escaped my throat.

  Before I checked on Ariel, I needed to peek in on the kitchen staff. I let my nose lead the way as I sauntered across the ballroom floor. I approached the entrance to the kitchen. Cinnamon and sugar wafted into my nostrils. I pushed against the swinging doors, and stepped inside. At least twenty elementals were moving around the area. A few stood in front of the ovens as they appeared to be waiting for food to come out. Others worked feverishly mixing ingredients in bowls. In the far corner of the room, I saw the beginning of a wedding cake. So far, they’d made the cake layers and stacked them on top of one another. It looked like vanilla but I wasn’t sure. I didn’t want to ask because everyone was so busy.

  I left without saying a word to anyone. Upstairs, Ariel was in her room. She had dressmakers running in and out of her quarters for the last few hours. It had been a while since I’d seen her. I headed up several flights of stairs. As I made my way down the hallway, I thought about Marcus and Ariel. They’d fought so hard for their relationship. From the start, it was troubled. Marcus was still learning to control his new hound form when they met. He was in constant pain as his body got used to the shifting required during the transformation. It wasn’t an easy process.

  But his time with Ariel seemed to ease the hurt. She’d told me she quickly fell in love with him, but he pushed her away. He’d known that we air elementals typically mated with others of our kind. Not to mention, she was already promised to a high-ranking elemental. The last thing her parents wanted was to see her with a hound—the one-time servants of the fire court. He’d thought he was doing the best thing for her. Of course, he was wrong. Ariel deserved to be with someone she loved. Eventually she convinced him. And now, two of my favorite elementals were going to get to spend the rest of their lives together.

  They were worth the sacrifice I had to make.

  I knocked on her door, then turned the knob. I put my hand over my mouth as it fell open. Ariel looked like somet
hing out of a fairy tale. Her long, wheat-blond hair hung loosely down her back. Small white flowers had been sewn into the curls. Her makeup had been applied using natural tones and glossy pink lipstick. She wore a satin one-shoulder wedding gown with a pleated wrap bodice, multi-tiered skirt, and ruffled six-foot train. The bottom of the white dress was dyed in a purple ombre style. Seamstresses worked all around her, sewing all the final touches.

  Ariel noticed that I stood at the door and her smile lit the room. “What do you think?” she asked, grinning from ear to ear.

  “You’re gorgeous,” I replied, on the verge of tears. “Like something out of a dream.”

  “It feels like a dream,” she gushed. “I can’t believe it’s finally happening.”

  “Oh, it’s definitely happening.” I thought about the workers and all that everyone had accomplished thus far. “You should see what they’ve done downstairs. It’s amazing.”

  Her eyes rounded with excitement. “I think I’m going to wait until the wedding. I want to see it for the first time when I walk down the aisle.”

  That made sense. If it were me, I’d probably want to wait too. “I promise, you’ll love it.”

  Placing her hand over her heart, she said, “I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done.”

  “Are you kidding? I should be the one thanking you.” I made my way over to her. She stood on a block of wood that made her a foot taller than me. “I would’ve never survived without you. You’ve been my protector and best friend through all of this.”

  “I could say the same to you. Without you, I’d be married to someone I’d never love.” She motioned her hand around the room. “You made all this possible.”

  I’d told her that she shouldn’t let her parents make such an important decision for her. I even offered to give a royal order which commanded that she marry Marcus. Her parents couldn’t intervene in that case. But she took care of the matter on her own. “I convinced you to fight for what you wanted. The rest was all you.”

  “I love you so much.” She bent down and hugged me around the shoulders. “You know that, right?”

  Tears welled in my eyes. “Okay, we'd better stop before you get your makeup messed up.”

  Sniffling, she released me and dabbed the bottom of her eyes with the tip of her fingers. “Yeah, I am looking pretty hot.”

  I laughed. “The hottest.”

  She nudged me. “Speaking of hotness, it’s about time we get you ready.”

  I glanced down at my black tank top and cutoff jean shorts. “I’m going to have to agree with you. This definitely isn’t screaming 'formal wear.'”

  Ariel bit her lip. “Actually, I have a surprise for you.”

  “What kind of surprise?” I grinned.

  “Turn around.” She pointed toward the left corner of the room.

  I did as she asked. That’s when I saw it. Two seamstresses held up a floor-length lavender gown. “Insanely gorgeous” didn’t begin to describe this dress. It was a strapless mermaid-style with a heart-shaped neckline and tiny lace short sleeves that draped over the shoulders. When they flipped the dress over, the entire back was made out of the same lace. Looked like I’d be going braless in this garment. That wouldn’t be a problem since I didn’t require much support in that department.

  “It’s perfect,” I gushed.

  “Why don’t you try it on?” she asked, waving the seamstresses over. “I gave them your measurements, but you never know.”

  They handed me the dress, and I went inside her bathroom. It wasn’t as large as mine. The design was pretty simple. The sink and toilet were made of white porcelain, and tiles of the same color lined the walls and flooring. I removed my clothes, neatly folded them, set the pile in the corner, and slipped on the gown. Once it was pulled up, I clasped the back together and rejoined the group. I was only a few steps into the room when someone came behind me and zipped the back.

  “You look gorgeous, Kalin,” she called out. “How does it fit?”

  I rubbed my hand over the silky skirt. “Feels good to me.”

  “Good.” She pointed to her silver vanity mirror and chair. “Why don’t you sit down and I’ll get started on your hair and makeup.”

  “No way.” I put my hands on my hips. “This is your day. I can do my own.”

  “I’ve seen you do your own,” she replied, raising an eyebrow. “But I want you styled in something other than a ponytail and lip gloss.”

  I smiled. “I resent that.”

  “Only because it’s true.” She grinned.

  “I swear I can,” I said, laughing. “I used to do more with myself when I was in the mortal world. I even dressed up when I went to school.”

  She playfully rolled her eyes. “Which makes tons of sense since your boyfriend lives here.”

  I dismissively waved my hand as I sat down in the chair. “Rowan couldn’t care less about my clothes. He’d be happy if I wore—”

  “Nothing?” she suggested.

  I chuckled. “You’re probably right.”

  She removed the ponytail band, and my long fiery-red hair fell over my shoulders. I watched her in the mirror as she brushed through the wavy mess. “How are things going between you two?”

  I wasn’t sure. “Good, I guess?”

  “You guess?” She repeated, eyebrows furrowed. “You say that like you don’t know.”

  We haven’t had much time together since I’d become the akasha. He had his duties in the fire court, and I was here doing the same. The moments we had were usually short and rushed. It made me wish that we were a normal mortal couple, even if it was for just one day. “It just seems like we’re always getting pulled in different directions.”

  “I wish I could tell you it gets better, but it doesn’t.” As she twisted my hair in an up-do, a look of sadness fell over her face. “I’ve had to fight for every minute with Marcus. Our responsibilities always seem to get in the way.”

  I let out an exaggerated sigh. “That’s exactly how I feel.”

  “Then you have to make an extra effort to make time for one another.” I gazed into the mirror, and her eyes met mine. “I know it may seem difficult considering everything that’s going on, but it can be done. I promise you.”

  Ariel had no idea just how limited my time really was. If I told her what I’d planned, she’d never let me do it. She’d try to convince me there was another way. But I knew the reality of our situation. And the outcome. An ache formed in the pit of my chest. I wished I had more time with Rowan. I wished I had more time with all of them. Unfortunately, that wasn’t meant to be. “Do you have any suggestions?”

  She smiled like she’d come up with an idea. “My wedding.”

  I shook my head. “Do you really think I’d miss your wedding?”

  “No, of course not.” She chuckled, as she added pins into my hair to hold the strands in place. “But you could skip out early during the reception. Maybe you could take Rowan somewhere quiet. Somewhere clothing optional.”

  It didn’t take a genius to figure out what she was implying. “We haven’t reached the clothing optional portion of our relationship.”

  Bending down, she put her arms around my neck. “Is that something you want?”

  Under different circumstances we would’ve dated for years before I was ready. But I didn’t have much time left. And I wanted to experience that intimacy with him. I wanted him to be the one that took my virginity. I wanted him to know me in that way. Even if it only happened once. “I do.”

  “Okay, then.” She spun my chair around. “Why don’t you let me help you plan something? Tomorrow night can be a special night for both of us.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Rowan

  “You can’t be my father.”

  I shook my head in total disbelief. It was impossible. Merlin was a famous elemental. He was known throughout the mortal world in books and mythology. No one had ever mentioned he had children. Not once. A baby doesn’t go unnoticed in Avalon
, especially if a queen was involved. News like that would’ve been announced and celebrated. Everyone would’ve known. I was sure I would’ve been told of it at some point.

  Secrets never stayed hidden for long.

  He crossed his arms. “Aren’t you wondering why Prisma never killed me? It would’ve been a lot easier than keeping me locked away.”

  Before I took in what he’d said, he strode inside the portal. My mouth hung open. He couldn’t walk away. Not after that life-altering reveal. As I let out an aggravated growl, I rushed in after him. When I reached the other end of the pathway, he waited for me with a smug expression on his face.

  It was time I put an end to this.

  “She said my father raped her.” I paused to scrutinize his reaction. The corner of his lip curled into a half smile. Not expecting an amused response, I continued. “She said she killed him.”

  “Is that what she said?” He chuckled. “Think about it, Rowan. Prisma was one of the first elementals. More powerful than any other I’d ever known. Do you really think she was overpowered and forced into sex against her will? Come on.”

  His words were like a slap in the face.

  I don’t know why I’d never questioned it before. He made sense. I’d never seen mother challenged, much less overpowered. My shoulders slumped, dropping my hands to my sides. I’d always known mother had a talent for lying, but I’d never imagined she’d make up a story like that. I thought even she had limitations. Once again, I was proven wrong. “Are you saying you two had a secret relationship?”

  Merlin stared at the volcano about a half mile away. The ash-covered land all around us was flat and lifeless. Not a shred of greenery for miles. Only burnt trees with no leaves and broken branches. He stood in one place, breathing deeply. This close to the eternal flame, he’d begun to recharge his power. The energy moved through my body as well. Sore muscles regained their strength. And power surged from my core once more. I stretched out my wings, letting the warm breeze flow through my black feathers.