Page 129 of Void of Endings
Tiernan sprinted alongside her every step of the way, with Lir, Merrick, and Ceridwen following closely behind.
Once on the other side, Maeve led the assault against the remaining dark fae, aiming straight for the hill where green smoke curled around Parisa like a sickly bonfire. Aran and Malachy stormed in from the northwest, clashing with the Puca who were quickly losing ground. The crimson and gold of Autumn rushed to the forefront, the navy and silver of Winter closing in right behind them.
Maeve held nothing back as she tackled the hill. She slaughtered. Demolished. Destroyed every revolting creature in her path. Fresh blood sizzled against the sunlight emanating from her sword, screeches of agony rang loudly in her ears.
Smoke from the fires set by the dragons caused her eyes to water, but still she pushed. Clawing and killing with each step, each thrust, each brutal swipe of her blade.
I show mercy to no one.
She repeated the mantra over and over. Her legs ached and her arms were heavy, but still she climbed, refusing to yield.
A loud boom vibrated throughout the heavens, as though the realms had been ripped open again, and her gaze swung to Tiernan.
He shook his head once. “It wasn’t me.”
She sought the darkening skies, where turbulent slate clouds seethed with retribution. The ground beneath her trembled, the trees shuddered, bowing over to the force upon them. Even the mountains seemed to quake with fear. The sound of thundering hooves, like that of a hundred wild stallions, rumbled across the battlefield.
From the turmoil of darkness, they emerged.
The Wild Hunt.
The eternal warriors rode into the fray, valiant and deadly. They careened across the skies, laying waste to those not worthy of life. At the front of their deadly siege was none other than Dubhan, the Lord of the Hunt.
His stallion of midnight galloped overhead, and his unworldly gaze met hers. “The tides of fate have turned, Dawnbringer.”
Empowered by his words, Maeve tore up the hill and came face-to-face with Parisa.
Her sneer stretched across her papery thin lips. The black velvet robes she wore were pristine, and thevirdis lepatitehung from her leathery neck, its hideous green glow pulsing with dark magic. “Well, well. I see you’ve finally decided to grace me with your presence.”
Maeve sensed Tiernan behind her, the strong beating of his heart giving her a sense of calm. “It’s over, Parisa.”
“Oh, my pet.” She spread her bony arms wide. “It’s only just beginning.”
Parisa reached for the throbbing gemstone, the source of her corrupted sorcery.
But a blur of white flew in front of Maeve, diving straight for Parisa’s throat.
“Cahira!” Maeve cried, clamping one hand over her mouth.
Thefaolan, however, was faster than she anticipated. Loosing a bestial growl, the wolfling ripped thevirdis lepatitefrom Parisa’s neck then circled back around, dropping it right into Tiernan’s outstretched hand.
“No!” Parisa shrieked, rushing forward.
“Siocahn.”
The corner of Maeve’s mouth curved as Cahira obeyed and fired a bolt of frost at Parisa’s feet. Shards of ice crawled up her robes, splintering out like fragments of glass. Her translucent skin frosted over, her lips turned blue, and icicles formed around her thin scraps of hair.
Maeve threw out both hands, fiery flames pouring from the tips of her fingers. Her magic seared the ground, enclosing Parisa in a circle of flames so high they nearly licked the sky. Offering just enough warmth to ensure the bitch’s heart continued to beat when Maeve carved it out of her.
“You think some fire and ice will stop me?” Parisa cackled, her dark eyes flickering with madness. “You’re pathetic, Maeve. A damaged, broken soul. Look at all who have died for you, whose lives were ended because you weren’t enough to save them.”
Tiernan’s deep baritone filtered into Maeve’s mind.“Do not listen to her, astora.”
Parisa’s body twitched, encased in ice. “You destroy everything you touch. You were never cursed with fae blood, you were cursed for merely existing.”
Maeve was vaguely aware that Merrick, Ceridwen, Lir, Aran, and even Malachy had gathered closer. Ready to jump in and protect her. Ready to save her.
But this…this was her fight.
