Page 105 of Void of Endings
Merrick immediately lowered his gaze.
“I must apologize, my lady.” He shifted on his feet, unease pouring from him in tense waves. “I should not have jumped to conclusions about Rowan. I didn’t realize the High King had given him such explicit instructions.”
Maeve arched one brow. Then she leaned forward and planted a featherlight kiss upon his cheek. “Then perhaps I am not the one in need of an apology.”
Merrick’s cheeks colored to a vivid pink, much like the streak in his hair. He muttered a few choice words, then shuffled overto where Rowan appeared to be in a deep discussion with the Furies.
Tiernan debated speaking with Ceridwen, whose eyes had frosted over at the sight of Merrick crossing her path, when Maeve launched herself into Lir’s arms.
Tiernan blinked in surprise, and Lir didn’t move a muscle.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered as she wrapped her arms around his neck. Her eyes squeezed shut and pain lanced through her features.
Lir met Tiernan’s concerned gaze over the top of her head, cautiously returning her hug. “What for now, little bird?”
She pulled back, searching his face. “For stomping off into those woods. For putting both of us at risk. For your eye, and for?—”
Lir lifted a single finger to his lips and she quieted. “Fieahr craie.”
Confusion caused a line to crinkle across her forehead, but Tiernan knew the Old Laic phrase well.True heart.
Then Lir gave her something rare. One of his smiles.
“You’ll figure it out,” he murmured softly, before walking away.
Something cool and wet brushed along Tiernan’s hand. At his feet sat Cahira, with her fluffy tail wagging and wings fluttering, waiting patiently for him to pet her.
Begrudgingly, he obliged the wolfling, reaching down to scratch her just behind her ear.
“She seems quite taken with you.” A smirk tugged on the corner of Maeve’s mouth.
Tiernan flashed her his most charming grin. “Would you expect anything less?”
She rolled her eyes to the sunset skies and laughed.
His heart soared at the sound of it. How long had it been since he’d last heard her laugh? Too long, considering he’d almost forgotten the beautiful sound.
But as quickly as it came, it faded.
Her brows pulled together, and a sharp inhale slipped through her lips. She winced, grabbing her hand and clutching it to her chest.
“Maeve?” Tiernan pulled her to him, gathering her in his arms. “What’s wrong?”
Cahira crouched low, a feral growl erupting from her as she bared her fangs. White fur stood up on end, and her piercing blue eyes scanned the courtyard for any immediate threat.
“It’s…” Maeve opened her hand, and the thread of black wrapped around her thumb sparked like a constellation caught on fire. “Oh no.”
The Strand from the will ó wisp.
Tiernan cupped her face with both hands, forcing her to look up at him. Her sea-swept eyes clouded with panic. “Tell me. Tell me right now. What was your bargain? What do you owe her?”
She trembled in his hold. “I’m supposed to?—”
Orange blossom and cedarwood permeated the air as ancient magic swept through the courtyard. A dazzling bird of diamonds and sapphires soared over the top of palm trees, a tail of glittering gemstones shimmering in its wake. Faerie lights flickered all around the base of the tree, illuminating the glow of dusk. Every warrior in the vicinity took a step back. No one moved. No one breathed. The bird swept downward, landing upon the smooth ledge of a fountain. Magic exploded in a rush of stardust and when the glamour finally cleared, the tiny will ó wisp sat perched before them.
She stood, her dainty, translucent wings fluttering. Then she curtsied.
“Hello, High King. Such a pleasure to see you again.”
