I stood back. “You were going to move to Y’Bain, but I talked you into going to Dougal’s—Mother and I did. Now…how would you like to live in Kalevala?”
Curikan looked puzzled. “What do you mean? Why would I go there?”
I dried my eyes. “Come in, and I’ll tell you.”
He followed me into the living room. Phasmoria gave him a long look as he leaned down to place a kiss on her cheek. He whispered something to her I couldn’t catch, then said hello to everyone else.
He turned to Angel as I introduced them. “This will be the only time we can meet,” he said. “If we meet again, you’ll be in danger from my nature. So this evening will be the only time we will ever be able to say hello. Ember, you too—though my effect on the Ante-Fae is minimal.”
Angel nodded, eyes wide. “Well, it’s nice to be able to say hello to you this one time, then.”
He sighed. “I wish it were under better circumstances. I suppose you all know what happened with me and my daughter,” he said. “We’re working on resolving that, and I’ve… I’ll prove that I’m worth forgiving.”
“Since you’re all here, I have something I want to tell you,” I said, standing in the center of the room. Kipa moved over to my side and wrapped his arm around my waist.
“You’re getting married?” Angel let out an excited squeal that made me snort.
“No, we’re not getting married. But…we are moving.”
Everyone except Herne and my mother looked shocked.
Kipa whispered to me, “I told Herne that I’d be taking a year off except for when I’m needed because of the Dragonni. I don’t technically work for him, but I’ve been helping a lot.”
That explained why the Lord of the Hunt didn’t look surprised.
“What…where are you moving? Another state?” Ember asked.
I held her gaze for a moment, realizing that the moment I spoke, it would all be real. “No, actually. I’ll be training with Väinämöinen for a year.” That brought a tumble of questions and I finally held up my hand. “One at a time. But first, let me tell you how this happened.” I explained everything that had happened during the past couple weeks, from what went down the night of my last party, to what happened with the Banra-Sheagh, to the aztrophyllia and Vixen and Lenny, to Väinämöinen’s offer.
Ember and Angel looked dumbstruck. “But you can’t move. We’re in the middle of a war,” Ember said, then blushed. “I know that sounded ridiculous, but…I’ll miss you. We’ll miss you.”
I ducked my head. “I know, and I’ll miss you all, too. But I’ll be over here for special occasions and, like Kipa, if you need my help during something big going down with the Dragonni, let me know and I’ll come back. It’s only for a year for training and then the internship—after that…”
“After that, who knows?” Phasmoria stood. “Life moves on, everything changes. Change is life, stagnation is a form of death. We all grow and advance or we slide into obscurity with too many regrets. Ember, you’ll be stepping up to goddesshood soon, you’ll be changing. Angel, you took the life-extending elixir, you’ve chosen a different route. Everything moves as the cycles of the world turn on and on. My daughter’s making an informed choice. She’s choosing to brave the unknown because she knows this will lead to a new path, with new options, and it’s an opportunity most magical workers would kill for. I’m proud of you, Raven.”
I smiled at her, tears running down my face. “I’ll miss you all, I really will. But it’s not like you can’t come over to visit. And I’ll be back.” I turned to my father, who had remained silent all the time I was talking. “Do you see why I asked if you’d like to come with us to Kalevala?”
He nodded, looking grateful. “If you and Kipa will have me, I’ll come. I can help around the house and grow a garden and help with Raj and the ferrets. I might even write a book about my life.”
After that, everyone jumped into the conversation and we discussed the future, which was coming full throttle, and we discussed the changes we were all making. And the evening wore on, a kaleidoscope of friends, food, and fun, even as outside, the snow was falling, and the world was turning, and time would not stand still for anyone.
Chapter Twenty-One
On New Year’s Eve, Kipa and I stood at the edge of the portal. My father had gone ahead with the ferrets and was waiting for us on the other side, so he wouldn’t endanger Ember. I was holding Raj’s leash. We had moved all of the furniture and other goods we would need over during the past couple days and the cottage was set up and waiting for us. Now, all that remained was for us to take the final step.
Behind us, a few steps away, were Herne and Ember. They were holding hands, looking so much in love that my heart swelled for them. She was going to make an incredible goddess, I thought. And then another thought struck me—if Kipa and I ever broached the subject of marriage, I’d have to make the same choice Ember did—to embrace goddesshood, and a life forever changed till the end of time.
I took a deep breath. On the other side, the rolling fields of Kalevala awaited. Orla had programmed the portal directly for the Northland, rather than the portal in Finland.
“Are you ready, love?” Kipa asked.
Was I ready to give up everything I had ever known and dive into a future that was unsure, a future that I had no clue of where it was going? I took a deep breath.
“Yeah. I’m ready.” I turned back to Ember. “I’ll miss you, lady. You’ve become a friend of mine in ways I didn’t think possible.”
She had tears in her eyes when she hugged me. “And you, too. Herne and I will come visit, and we’ll bring Angel with us.”
I knew that the fight between Typhon and the gods was in the offing. “When you can, just let us know in advance so my father can be out of the house. And as I said, if you need me, call me. Kipa and I’ll be coming back next month, anyway, for Viktor and Sheila’s wedding.”
Viktor and Sheila had shifted their wedding date to mid-February to avoid a conflict with Imbolc celebrations and I was one of Sheila’s bridesmaids, along with Ember and Angel and Talia. Kipa had agreed to be one of the groomsmen.
I looked around. The snow had vanished, as per typical Seattle weather, but a silver rain sprinkled down and I could see my breath in front of my mouth. “I guess this is it.”
“We’d better go,” Kipa said gently.
I hugged Ember again, and then Herne. He slipped something into my hand. It looked like a silver dollar with a stag leaping on it. “What’s this?”
“If you need me and Kipa’s not there to help, hold this and send me a message. The coin will vanish but I’ll hear you and come as soon as I can.”
I stared up at him. So much had happened since I had first walked into his office to ask for help with my missing fiancé. So much water under the bridge. I turned back to Ember and held out my hand. She took it.
“This is it,” I said. “I’m scared.”
“I know,” she said. “So am I. But you can do this, and think about what you’ll be learning. So much about magic. I bet someday you’ll be invited to join the Force Majeure.”
“Oh, I doubt it, but…” But, I thought, you never know. I kissed her cheek. “Thank you, for everything. And I’ll see you next month, if not before.”
“Next month!” Ember knelt next to Raj. “Ember hopes Raj has fun.”
Raj snorted. “No TV,” he said sadly, but then he perked up. “But Kipa promised Raj many long walks.”
And so we turned back to the portal and, deciding I wasn’t going to look back because the future held so much promise I didn’t want to miss any of it by mourning the past, we crossed through the vortex into Kalevala, and into my new life.
* * *
If you enjoyed Witching Fire, then you might want to read the rest of The Wild Hunt Series. Begin with The Silver Stag, Oak & Thorns, and Iron Bones. Book 17: Veil of Stars, is available for preorder now. Heat level: steamy at times.
If you like ooo-spooky
fiction with an older female lead, check out Starlight Web, Midnight Web and Conjure 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. You can also preorder the next book in the series: Harvest Web. There will be more to come of January’s adventures after that. Heat level: mildly steamy.
If you like paranormal mysteries/paranormal women’s fiction, try my Chintz ‘n China paranormal mysteries. The series is complete with five books and two novellas. Begin with: Ghost of a Chance. Heat level: mild.
Return with me to Whisper Hollow, where spirits 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. Heat level: steamy.
If you prefer a lighter-hearted paranormal romance, 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 Bewitching Bedlam. There are six books and several novellas in the series. Hot vampire nookie!
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. Start with Fury Rising. Heat level: steamy at times.
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. There are five books and one novella in this series and it is complete. Begin with Night Myst. Heat level: dark steamy.
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
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.
The Banra-Sheagh: Queen of the Ante-Fae.
Blackthorn, the King of Thorns: Ruler of the blackthorn trees and all thorn-bearing plants. Cunning and wily, he feeds on pain and desire. Deceased.
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.
Dougal: Raven’s grandfather. Leader of the Black Dogs Highland Clan.
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. Deceased.
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:
Bear: One of Kipa’s friend—a god, in Kalevala—who owns an inn.
Dek: Another friend of Kipa’s, a bear shifter who, with his daughter, lives in Annwn.
Elise, Gordon, and Templeton: Raven’s ferret-bound spirit friends she rescued years ago and now protects until she can find out 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 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.
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 Wild Hunt Agency.
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 little 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.
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br /> Unkai: Leader of the Orhanakai clan in the forest of Y’Bain. Dark Fae—Autumn’s Bane.
The Gods, the Luo’henkah, the Elemental Spirits, & Their Courts:
Arawn: Lord of the Dead. Lord of the Underworld.
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 All Dragons.
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