Page 86 of Pints & Potions

The wind picked up and it sounded remarkably like her naughty laughter, but she didn’t answer.

“Moira’s ring.”

“Excuse me?” Piper had been lost in her own mind for a short while as she waited for the others to return. Aeden’s halting voice had jerked her from her morose thoughts. “Moira’s ring? What about it?”

“The Goddess wants you to know the ring is the key.”

Piper jumped to her feet and rushed to Aeden. Squatting in front of him, she gripped his hands. “She’s speaking through you now?”

He gave a hesitant nod.

“Is Cian with Anu?”

Aeden shook his head. “He’s in the Otherworld with the other goddess.Yourgoddess.”

“Isis?” Piper’s heart nearly stopped, before resuming double time. Isis watched over those in the Otherworld. If Cian was there, reviving him might be more difficult. “We can bring him back?”

“Yes, and use the ring for the an… the ant…” He gave her a helpless look.

“Antidote?” she suggested helpfully.

“Yeah. Mind the tip.”

The desire to hunt down Moira had been a strong one. Piper had ignored her instinct, but perhaps she shouldn’t have.

“Where is Moira now, Aeden? Do you know?”

“Alastair does.”

“Of course. he does. I should’ve known.” She smiled up into Aeden’s too-serious face. “You really are a hero, you know. I adore you.”

His fierce hug knocked her on her butt, and she allowed him the contact he needed to draw whatever strength he could.

“You’re going to be okay, Aeden. I’ll make sure of it.”

“I miss my mam,” he whispered brokenly.

“I’ll bet she’s with the Goddess, watching over you. I’ll bet she’s so proud of you and your part in helping Cian.”

“She’s not there,” he cried. “She’s not, or I could talk to her.”

Piper wasn’t sure how it would be possible for him to do that, but she wasn’t going to say it aloud. If his mother wasn’t in the Otherworld, there was only one other place she could be, and it didn’t bear thinking about.

“I have to go, Aeden. It’s important we save your uncle, but I don’t want to leave you like this.”

After he heaved an achingly sad sigh, Aeden drew back. “I’m okay.”

“You’re sure?” Guilt tore at her, but time was of the essence.

The seconds ticked without a response from him, then finally, he gave her a firm nod.

“Will you stay with Cian until Bridget returns, kiddo? It won’t be but a minute, but I have to go find Moira’s ring.”

“Yes.”

Giving in to the desire to hug him again, she pulled him close. “You’re so brave. Thank you.”

She touched her tanzanite stone.

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