Page 51 of The Irresistible Warrior
It was like watching a storm given flesh—Alweth, fierce with fury, shadows curling tighter, sharper, deadlier. Aura’s father, unyielding, his silver hair whipping in the force of his own light, his every step forward pushing Alweth back toward the heart of the stones.
The clash rose in a deafening roar of light and shadow, the stones trembling as if they might shatter apart. For a moment, Aura feared the two forces were equal—until her father’s hand cut sharply through the air.
The light surged, bright as lightning, fierce as fire. It swallowed Alweth’s shadows, stripping them bare, unraveling them thread by thread.
Alweth’s eyes went wide, panic breaking through his arrogance. “Nay, you are not strong enough to?—”
“That is where you made your mistake, not knowing that a father’s love is far more powerful than any warlock’s powers.”
Her father’s power struck him full in the chest, hurling him back against the stones. The ring flared, glowing as if to rejecthim, and in a blinding burst of brilliance, the warlock was consumed. His scream split the air, then died into silence.
The clearing fell still. The earth stopped shaking. The shadows evaporated into nothingness.
Aura clutched at Declan’s arm, her breath ragged. Her father lowered his hand, the light dimming, his chest rising steadily though his face bore the weight of battle. He turned his eyes—keen, silver-gray—to Alweth’s last fading trace.
“It is finished.” His voice cut through the quiet, deep and absolute.
Aura’s heart pounded, tears springing to her eyes. She whispered, almost in disbelief, “Da…”
For the first time, his stern expression softened as his gaze met hers.
Aura tore from Declan’s arms, racing across the clearing, her voice breaking with relief. “Da! My summons reached you!”
His arms swept her close, strong and steady. “Aye, lass,” he said, his tone carrying for all to hear. “It rang repeatedly, loud and clear, through the hag stone.”
She buried her face against his chest, tears of joy spilling, before pulling back, her hand clasping his as she tugged him toward Declan. “Da, this is my soon-to-be husband, Declan.”
Declan, still shaken by what he’d witnessed, could only stare between them, muttering in disbelief, “Witches. You’re all witches.”
Her father’s sharp eyes fixed on him, a glint of warning there. “You’ll get used to it. And see that you treat my daughter well—or you’ll answer to me.”
Aura gave an awkward laugh, nudging her father’s arm. “He’s jesting, Declan.”
Declan wasn’t so sure.
Her father’s gaze finally shifted, landing on Theodora. His voice turned hard, clipped with anger. “Theodora… you and I need to talk.”
CHAPTER 23
The Great Hall glowed with warmth and laughter, the scent of roasted meat, sweets, ale, and spiced cider filling the air. Abbott Bennet himself, a cross dangling from a leather tie around his neck and blessings aplenty, had joined Declan and Aura properly in marriage. He was happy to do so after hearing that two men posed as clerics and tried to abduct Aura and demand money for her return. He also praised Aura’s father for helping him thwart the plan and save Aura. It was the story Declan made sure spread near and far, though Hamish had his doubts but held his tongue. Now the clan celebrated. Tables overflowed with food, mugs clinked, and fiddlers struck lively tunes while villagers danced. So many attended from other clans that the celebration spilled out and through the village, music, food, and drink flowing generously.
Aura stood at Declan’s side, her hand caught in his, her heart soaring in a way she had never imagined possible.
“I am so pleased that your mum, da, and two sisters are here, and how easily and warmly they accepted me as your wife,” she said.
He squeezed her hand gently. “The news that I would wed, and my curse was gone thrilled them beyond belief, which wasobvious by how my mum cried copious tears when she arrived and was able to hug me. And after speaking with you, she told me I was blessed to have someone as wonderful as you for my wife and agreed with what I had told her. That you are the perfect woman for me. My sisters also agreed. And my da was relieved he didn’t have to worry about me anymore. While I am glad they are thrilled with you, the only thing that truly matters to me is that I love you and always will.”
He was about to kiss her when Irina’s voice rang out.
“Aura! Aura!” The young woman pushed through the crowd, her cheeks flushed pink with joy. “I’ve found him—the perfect man. You’ll see. I’ll be wed next!” She twirled in delight, her words drawing laughter and teasing cheers from those nearby since she had not been the first woman to let Aura know she had found a man to wed.
Clan leaders approached them, offering blessings for a fruitful marriage. They also praised Declan for the chance to make beneficial marriages for their daughters, while some were just pleased their daughters had found a man to wed.
Aura smiled as another woman thanked her and darted off, then turned at the sound of familiar voices. Her parents stood together, dressed in autumn colors, deep golds and russet reds, a striking pair that drew every eye. Her mother’s smile softened as Aura moved to her.
“Tell me true, Mum,” Aura said quietly. “Was it you who sent Declan to me?”
Theodora’s eyes glimmered. “I gave him a nudge when the time was right. But the rest, daughter, was his doing.”
