“Do you think the world is lost?” I asked.
“No, not lost. Eventually the dragons will move on. Or…they won’t. Nothing will ever be the same again. But maybe that’s not such a bad thing. Maybe this will bring people together and force them to form alliances rather than to fight each other.”
Herne paused, then added, “I’ve watched this world evolve and grow for a long, long time. Now you will, too. Thirty-one years…Ember, it’s a grain of sand on the beach of life. In a hundred years, we’ll see how things are going. In a thousand years, we won’t recognize the landscape from what it is today. Nothing stays the same forever. The gods have learned this, and you will too. Yes, there has been a drastic shift, but it will force the world to change with it. For good or ill. Let’s hope for good.”
I thought about the future. I was a goddess now, and I was beginning to notice that I sensed things deeper, that I found myself starting to think in terms of centuries rather than years. I was facing a future that extended beyond time, and I was learning to come to terms with it.
“Angel’s accepted Morgana’s offer to plead her case to the Triamvinate,” I said.
“She’ll make a wonderful goddess. Let me guess, a goddess of the hearth?” Herne asked.
I laughed. “What else? Oh, another thing that she hasn’t mentioned. She and Sejun have been spending a lot of time together. I think something might be happening between them.”
Sejun had been Raven’s and Rafé’s therapist, and Angel had started talking to him to come to terms with Rafé’s death, but I had the feeling there was a growing connection there.
“That would be nice, for both of them,” Herne said. “We’re here,” he added, parking in front of my house.
As we stepped out of the car, I stared at the home that Angel and I had shared. It felt so familiar, but now it also felt too small for my world. Everything was expanding. Everything was growing and evolving along with me. And now, this home, this lovely place, already felt like a memory.
“I think I’m done here,” I said. “I have dreamed of coming home for weeks, but now that I’m here, I realize that my story here is done. I’m on a new path. We’re planning our wedding. The Fae cities have moved on to Wildemoone. The Wild Hunt is—at least over here—dissolved. My mother and father are long gone, and Angel and her brother are living over in Annwn now. Raven and Raj and Kipa have moved on.” I let out a deep sigh. The noise and the pollution had startled me when we had arrived through the portal. Three months without it had left me coughing when we returned, and I had begun to appreciate the slower pace of Annwn.
As we approached the door, I saw that it was ajar. My heart sank. “Please, don’t let anybody have trashed the house,” I whispered.
Herne and I opened the door, cautiously entering. Everything was boxed up, and ready to go, and Ender—one of Herne’s huntsmen—was at the dining room table, waiting for us. He had a box with him that looked like an oversized hat box.
“What’s that?” I asked.
Ender shrugged. “Névé sent one of her messengers here with it. She said this belonged to you and she found it when they were preparing to leave for Wildemoone.”
I frowned, accepting the box. What could it be? As I began to slice open the strapping tape holding it closed, an energy reached out from the box to touch my own and I shivered. It felt like my mother. “What the hell…?”
“What is it?” Herne asked.
I opened the flaps of the box and gasped. Inside was a crown. I lifted it out, shaking my head. I knew exactly what it was. “This is the crown Morgana told me to find. The one that my maternal grandmother owned but disappeared when Raven and I went to visit her and found she had died. I know it in my bones.”
As I held up the headdress, I shook my head in wonder. The crown was a sculpture in bone and gems. Dyed bones carved into the shape of roses formed a diadem, and two spiraling horns rose from the center. Ropes of sparking aquamarine cabochons looped from side to side, scalloping around the sides and back. In the front, a gem was set in the center—a black opal the size of a silver dollar, hanging down to fit over the third eye.
“Oh my gods,” I whispered. “This is incredible.”
“Destiny,” Herne said. “This embodies your energy—the water mixed with the Hunt mixed with the Fae…this crown embodies your magic, and when we marry, you will wear it to mark the goddess you have become.”
I nodded, knowing he was right. “When we marry…” And then it hit me—full force, like it hadn’t before. I was a goddess, planning to marry the god of my dreams, the god who had won my heart and to whom I’d entrusted my life. And this crown was the final sign that every decision I had made had led me to this moment. “How on earth did my grandmother come by this? Who made it?”
“I don’t know. Some seer from the past, catching a glimpse that it would one day be needed? Some oracle who caught a glimpse of the future?” Herne turned to me as I gently replaced it in the box. “But it’s made for you—and only for you. So, my love, are you ready to take your place in Annwn and become my bride?”
I glanced around, then nodded. “I’m ready to leave the past behind and take my place in my future. When shall we marry?”
“You wanted to marry in the autumn originally. We no longer have to adjust the date back, given you have passed through the Gadawnoin. What say that we marry on the eve of the new year? Samhain Eve? October thirty-first?”
And, with the scent of bonfires rising in my memory, I agreed. I would marry the Lord of the Hunt, and take my place in the world of Annwn. I still loved my home world, but change had come—for ill or good, it was too soon to know the final outcome. And so I was moving on. My friends would still be with me—even though some were scattered. We would have new adventures, and new lives, and new worlds to explore. And maybe one day, we’d return to Seattle to visit. But the future beckoned and I had to answer.
As we made sure everything was ready to go, and then—carefully carrying the crown—made our way back to the portal, I turned back to look at the world I was leaving. Wondering when I’d see it again, I extended my hand out in a silent farewell to everything I had known here.
“Ready?” Herne asked, his hand on my back.
“I’m ready,” I said, reaching up to give him a kiss.
Then, thinking about Mr. Rumblebutt and how much I wanted to go cuddle him, I stepped through the portal. I was going home—to Annwn.
* * *
And so ends the second story arc of the Wild Hunt Series. If you enjoyed Veil of Stars, then you might want to read the rest of the series. Start with The Silver Stag, Oak & Thorns, and Iron Bones. Book 18: Antlered Crown—the wedding novella—is available for preorder now. The series will be finished with that novella, although I plan on writing a few more short adventures in the future.
If you enjoyed this series, preorder the first book in the new Hedge Dragon Series—The Poisoned Forest—which takes place in the Forgotten Kingdom and the world of Wildemoone realms that are mentioned in this book. Storm, a Hedge Dragon, leaves her home in the Forgotten Kingdom and journeys to the realm of Wildemoone where she goes in search of her sister, long ago sold off into slavery. You just might catch a cameo of your fave Wild Hunt characters from time to time!
If you like ooo-spooky fiction with an older female lead, check out my Moonshadow Bay Series. Begin with Starlight Web. January Jaxson returns to the quirky town of Moonshadow Bay after her husband dumps her and steals their business, and within days she’s working for Conjure Ink, a paranormal investigations agency, and exploring the potential of her hot new neighbor. Harvest Web and Shadow Web, books 4 and 5 in the series, are now available for preorder, so grab them before you forget!
If you like paranormal mysteries/paranormal women’s fiction, try my Chintz ‘n China Paranormal Mystery Series. Begin with Ghost of a Chance. There are five books and two novellas available. This series is finished.
Return with me to Whisper Hollow Series, where sp
irits walk among the living, and the lake never gives up her dead. I re-released Autumn Thorns and Shadow Silence, along with a new book—The Phantom Queen! Come join the darkly seductive world of Kerris Fellwater, spirit shaman for the small lakeside community of Whisper Hollow.
If you prefer a lighter-hearted paranormal romance with some steamy vampire-witch action, meet the wild and magical residents of Bedlam in my Bewitching Bedlam Series. Fun-loving witch Maddy Gallowglass, her smoking-hot vampire lover Aegis, and their crazed cjinn Bubba (part djinn, all cat) rock it out in Bedlam, a magical town on a magical island. Start with book one of the series: Bewitching Bedlam. There are six books and several novellas in the series.
I invite you to visit Fury’s world. Bound to Hecate, Fury is a minor goddess, taking care of the Abominations who come off the World Tree. Books one through five are available now in the Fury Unbound Series, so begin with Fury Rising. This series is finished.
For a dark, gritty, steamy series, try my world of The Indigo Court, where the long winter has come, and the Vampiric Fae are on the rise. Begin with the first book—Night Myst. There are five books and a novella available.
For all of my work, both published and upcoming releases, see the Bibliography at the end of this book, or check out my website at Galenorn.com and be sure and sign up for my newsletter to receive news about all my new releases.
QUALITY CONTROL: This work has been professionally edited and proofread. If you encounter any typos or formatting issues ONLY, please contact me through my website so they may be corrected. Otherwise, know that this book is in my style and voice and editorial suggestions will not be entertained. Thank you.
Cast of Characters
The Wild Hunt & Family:
Angel Jackson: Ember’s best friend, a human empath, Angel is a member of the Wild Hunt. A whiz in both the office and the kitchen, and loyal to the core, Angel is an integral part of Ember’s life, and a vital member of the team.
Charlie Darren: A vampire who was turned at 19. Math major, baker, and all-around gofer for the Wild Hunt.
Ember Kearney: Caught between the world of Light and Dark Fae, and pledged to Morgana, goddess of the Fae and the Sea, Ember Kearney was born with the mark of the Silver Stag. Rejected by both her bloodlines, she now works for the Wild Hunt as an investigator.
Herne the Hunter: Herne is the son of the Lord of the Hunt, Cernunnos, and Morgana, goddess of the Fae and the Sea. A demigod—given his mother’s mortal beginnings—he’s a lusty, protective god and one hell of a good boss. Owner of the Wild Hunt Agency, he helps keep the squabbles between the world of Light and Dark Fae from spilling over into the mortal realms.
Rafé Forrester: Brother to Ulstair, Raven’s late fiancé; Angel’s boyfriend. Was an actor/fast-food worker, now works as a clerk for the Wild Hunt. Dark Fae. Deceased.
Talia: A harpy who long ago lost her powers, Talia is a top-notch researcher for the agency, and a longtime friend of Herne’s.
Viktor: Viktor is half-ogre, half-human. Rejected by his father’s people (the ogres), he came to work for Herne some decades back.
Yutani: A coyote shifter who is dogged by the Great Coyote, Yutani was driven out of his village over two hundred years before. He walks in the shadow of the trickster, and is the IT specialist for the company.
Ember’s Friends, Family, & Enemies:
Aoife: A priestess of Morgana who guards the Seattle portal to the goddess’s realm.
Celia: Yutani’s aunt.
Danielle: Herne’s daughter, born to an Amazon named Myrna.
DJ Jackson: Angel’s younger half-brother, DJ is half Wulfine—wolf shifter. He now lives with a foster family for his own protection.
Erica: A Dark Fae police officer, friend of Viktor’s.
Elatha: Fomorian King; enemy of the Fae race.
George Shipman: Puma shifter. Member of the White Peak Puma Pride.
Ginty McClintlock: A dwarf. Owner of Ginty’s Waystation Bar & Grill
Louhia: Witch of Pohjola.
Marilee: A priestess of Morgana, Ember’s mentor. Possibly human—unknown.
Meadow O’Ceallaigh: Member of the magic-born; member of LOCK. Twin sister of Trefoil.
Myrna: An Amazon who had a fling with Herne many years back, which resulted in their daughter Danielle.
Sheila: Viktor’s girlfriend. A kitchen witch; one of the magic-born. Geology teacher who volunteers at the Chapel Hill Homeless Shelter.
Trefoil O’Ceallaigh: Member of the magic-born; member of LOCK. Twin brother of Meadow.
Unkai: Leader of the Orhanakai clan in the forest of Y’Bain. Dark Fae—Autumn’s Bane.
Raven & the Ante-Fae:
The Ante-Fae are creatures predating the Fae. They are the wellspring from which all Fae descended, unique beings who rule their own realms. All Ante-Fae are dangerous, but some are more deadly than others.
Apollo: The Golden Boy. Vixen’s boytoy. Weaver of Wings. Dancer.
Arachana: The Spider Queen. She has almost transformed into one of the Luo’henkah.
Blackthorn, the King of Thorns: Ruler of the blackthorn trees and all thorn-bearing plants. Cunning and wily, he feeds on pain and desire.
Curikan, the Black Dog of Hanging Hills: Raven’s father, one of the infamous Black Dogs. The first time someone meets him, they find good fortune. If they should ever see him again, they meet tragedy.
Phasmoria: Queen of the Bean Sidhe. Raven’s mother.
Raven, the Daughter of Bones: (also: Raven BoneTalker) A bone witch, Raven is young, as far as the Ante-Fae go, and she works with the dead. She’s also a fortune-teller, and a necromancer.
Straff: Blackthorn’s son, who suffers from a wasting disease requiring him to feed off others’ life energies and blood.
Trinity: The Keeper of Keys. The Lord of Persuasion. One of the Ante-Fae, and part incubus. Mysterious and unknown agent of chaos. His mother was Deeantha, the Rainbow Runner, and his soul father was Maximus, a minor lord of the incubi.
Vixen: The Mistress/Master of Mayhem. Gender-fluid Ante-Fae who owns the Burlesque A Go-Go nightclub.
The Vulture Sisters: Triplet sisters, predatory.
Raven’s Friends:
Elise, Gordon, and Templeton: Raven’s ferret-bound spirit friends she rescued years ago and now protects until she can find the secret to breaking the curse on them.
Gunnar: One of Kipa’s SuVahta Elitvartijat—elite guards.
Jordan Roberts: Tiger shifter. Llewellyn’s husband. Owns A Taste of Latte coffee shop.
Llewellyn Roberts: One of the magic-born, owns the Sun & Moon Apothecary.
Moira Ness: Human. One of Raven’s regular clients for readings.
Neil Johansson: One of the magic-born. A priest of Thor.
Raj: Gargoyle companion of Raven. Wing-clipped, he’s been with Raven for a number of years.
Wager Chance: Half-Dark Fae, half-human PI. Owns a PI firm found in the Catacombs. Has connections with the vampires.
Wendy Fierce-Womyn: An Amazon who works at Ginty’s Waystation Bar & Grill.
The Gods, the Luo’henkah, the Elemental Spirits, & Their Courts:
Arawn: Lord of the Dead. Lord of the Underworld.
Arianrhod: The Goddess of the Silver Wheel; Lady of Reincarnation and the Stars
Brighid: Goddess of Healing, Inspiration, and Smithery. The Lady of the Fiery Arrows, “Exalted One.”
The Cailleach: One of the Luo’henkah, the heart and spirit of winter.
Cerridwen: Goddess of the Cauldron of Rebirth. Dark harvest mother goddess.
Cernunnos: Lord of the Hunt, god of the Forest and King Stag of the Woods. Together with Morgana, Cernunnos originated the Wild Hunt and negotiated the covenant treaty with both the Light and the Dark Fae. Herne’s father.
Corra: Ancient Scottish serpent goddess. Oracle to the gods.
Coyote, also: Great Coyote: Native American trickster spirit/god.
Danu: Mother of the Pantheon. Leader of the Tuatha de Dannan.
Ferosyn: Chief healer in Cernunnos’s Court.
Herne: (see The Wild Hunt)
Isella: One of the Luo’henkah. The Daughter of Ice (daughter of the Cailleach).
Kuippana (also: Kipa): Lord of the Wolves. Elemental forest spirit; Herne’s distant cousin. Trickster. Leader of the SuVahta, a group of divine elemental wolf shifters.
Lugh the Long Handed: Celtic Lord of the Sun.
Mielikki: Lady of Tapiola. Finnish goddess of the Hunt and the Fae. Mother of the Bear, Mother of Bees, Queen of the Forest.
Morgana: Goddess of the Fae and the Sea, she was originally human but Cernunnos lifted her to deityhood. She agreed to watch over the Fae who did not return across the Great Sea. Torn by her loyalty to her people and her loyalty to Cernunnos, she at times finds herself conflicted about the Wild Hunt. Herne’s mother.
The Morrígan: Goddess of Death and Phantoms. Goddess of the battlefield.
Pandora: Daughter of Zeus, Emissary of Typhon, the Father of Dragons.
Sejun: A counselor in Cernunnos’s employ. Raven’s therapist. Elven.
Tapio: Lord of Tapiola. Mielikki’s Consort. Lord of the Woodlands. Master of Game.
The Fae Courts:
Navane: The court of the Light Fae, both across the Great Sea and on the east side of Seattle, the latter ruled by Névé.
TirNaNog: The court of the Dark Fae, both across the Great Sea and on the east side of Seattle, the latter ruled by Saílle.
The Force Majeure:
A group of legendary magicians, sorcerers, and witches. They are not human, but magic-born. There are twenty-one at any given time and the only way into the group is to be hand chosen, and the only exit from the group is death.
Merlin, The: Morgana’s father. Magician of ancient Celtic fame.
Taliesin: The first Celtic bard. Son of Cerridwen, originally a servant who underwent magical transformation and finally was reborn through Cerridwen as the first bard.
Ranna: Powerful sorceress. Elatha’s mistress.
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