Total pages in book: 141
Estimated words: 132138 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 661(@200wpm)___ 529(@250wpm)___ 440(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 132138 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 661(@200wpm)___ 529(@250wpm)___ 440(@300wpm)
“It’s not going to happen.” I don’t believe it. I never felt it before.
“We can handle it.” Lach’s words trip over mine.
Julian curses. “Then you’ve felt it?”
I turn to my brother. “What are you talking about?”
“It doesn’t matter,” Lach insists. “It’s not real. It’s just every now and then I feel a bit out of control. But I’m fine. I haven’t run out raping women.”
Julian shakes his head. “It will be different when you stand in front of her, and I’ll be shocked if it doesn’t transfer to Shim. When she’s so close you can smell her and hear the blood in her veins, it will be different. I will pray to Danu for you, cos, and I will hope that Gillian’s around. She might be the only one who can explain to your wife what’s happening.”
Julian stalks away, his anger evident in his every step.
William Roan clears his throat as he walks up. “Your Highnesses?”
“Please, it’s Shim and Lach. No titles.” I try to give Lach a minute to compose himself.
“That would be for the best,” the vampire says. “We have only a few moments left. I want to explain exactly what is going to happen. We’re working with the fact that Torin can’t keep the Planeswalkers out.”
Planeswalker demons are a type of being who come from a plane they call Hell. I heard there are many demons, but only the Planeswalkers are commonly seen. If lore is right, the other demons prefer their own plane and have a special affinity for the Earth plane. Planeswalker demons gather energy from walking the various planes of existence. They know where each door is and how to access it. They tend to keep very exact regimens, entering and leaving doors at the same times of the week or month. A smart man, and William Roan proved himself to be very smart, can use the fact that no amount of magic can close the door to a Planeswalker, and for that brief moment when the door is open, there are cracks in the veil that keep the worlds apart. It’s almost as though the walls of the planes, or dimensions, as some call them, are separated by sheets, and when the sheet is opened in one place, it pulls taut or loose in others, leaving cracks.
Cracks a Fae can slip through.
“How long will we have?” I ask, looking around at the small team assembled. It consists of William Roan, his first in command—a vampire named Harry, two other soldiers named Gabriel and John, Dante, Kaja, and Duffy. Nine in all when I count myself and Lach. We will have to move fast.
“A minute, perhaps a minute and a half.” William grimaces. “I don’t suppose I need to tell you what can happen if the veil closes on a person. It’s not too late to back out. I’ve retrieved bondmates before. I have a system set up.”
My whole being rebels at the idea. She’s right there on the other side of some invisible veil. I can’t leave it to anyone else. I can actually feel my brother’s will. Now that we’re standing on the other side, the door between us right there, the bond we formed with Bronwyn all those years ago is stronger than ever.
“No. We can’t wait. If you choose to leave us behind, we’ll find another way.”
Lach leans in. “And then we’ll find you.”
William Roan actually smiles at the threat. “There it is then.” He sobers, his voice going low. “And I respect the hell out of you for the choices you’ve made regarding the princess.”
I can’t help the bitter laugh that rumbles from my throat. “That’s a change. Most people look at us like we’re insane when they find out we’ve never taken a woman.”
Roan shakes his head, some unnamed emotion choking his speech. “Don’t let them tell you that. A man’s worth isn’t in how many women he’s had. It’s in how he loves the right one. You couldn’t take another woman. You love this one. I respect you both for that, and I vow with my whole being to see you to your mate. I can only pray one day I find someone to love the way you love her.”
I feel a deep connection to the vampire. It must be hard on him. He was promised so much as a royal. He was promised wealth and power and a long, long life with his consort, and all had been taken from him.
“We will follow you, Roan,” Lach says, respect back in his tone. “Just tell us what to do. We’ve never been to Tír na nÓg.”
Roan walks to the spot where he set his pack and tablet. “We’ll enter here. We’re going to line up as quickly as possible when the time comes. As soon as you’re through, reach back and pull in the person behind you. We’re going to be met by some allies on the other side. This part of the veil leads directly onto a ranch of sorts. It’s run by two brothers who raise and train horses. They keep my packs and tools and vehicles hidden. I’ve already sent word, and they have everything ready for us. We’ll need to stay with them until darkness falls, and we can travel at night.”